text: China ' s push to reform its maligned court system met with skepticism 2013/08/16 21:17:19 / NO 77217 In the wake of a series of court scandals, an influential Communist Party legal commission issued new guidelines this week asking for fairer due process in China's much maligned court system. The guidelines, released by the Commission for Politics and Laws, call for interrogations to be recorded to prevent torture, defendants to have access to their attorneys, and judges, prosecutors and police to have a "lifetime responsibility" for their roles on each case. "China has been full of scandals about wrongful convictions of innocent people," says Nicholas Bequelin, a senior researcher at Human Rights Watch. "I think this is a response by the government and party that knows its citizens hold its judiciary in pretty low regard." On Tuesday, a man who served 17 years of a life sentence for murdering his wife was freed after a Higher People's Court in Anhui ruled that the "facts about the alleged homicide were unclear and the evidence inadequate," state news agency Xinhua reported. This and many similar cases have draw outrage on social media in China. "Court cases in the past often deviate from regulations and were influenced by external causes, even though there has been clear regulations to guarantee defendants' right," says Professor Zhang Qianfan of Peking University. Zhang, a noted champion of legal reform, says courts don't always follow regulations and the key test of reform will be implementation. Many of the guidelines are not new. China's legislative body unveiled a new Criminal Procedure Act in 2012 that aimed to give defendants more rights, but was criticized for increasing police power. Rights groups regularly accuse Chinese security organs of torture and forced confessions in criminal cases. A landmark study (Criminal Justice in China: An Empirical Inquiry) completed in 2011 found that 95% of those accused in China confess to their crimes. The announcement of legal reforms appears to be part of a broader effort by President Xi Jinping's government. During a decade in power, China's previous president Hu Jintao put the brakes on legal reform seen in the years after the chaos of the Cultural Revolution and in the wake of the Tiananmen Square massacre in 1989. Several prominent legal minds in China were ostracized or sidelined. But for a ruling party whose chief aim is holding onto power, popular anger at the legal system may have reached a threshold. Many Chinese, who see a legal system beset with corruption and frequently influenced by the powerful, will often turn to petitioning and protest. "There is clearly hope at the moment for momentum in legal reform," says Bequelin. "The leadership should understand that it's in everyone's best interest that the judiciary not only has a functional role, but is trusted by the people." But for the ruling party, there are lines in the sand. "If you recognize the rule of law as the fundamental guiding principle and the constitution as the abiding rule in China, then what does that mean for party control?" says Carl Minzer, a China expert at Fordham Law School. Minzer believes there is little chance the party will loosen its grip over the courts through fundamental reforms. "It would be a slippery slope towards greater and greater change that they may not be comfortable with," he says. Party members, numbering more than 80 million, are essentially above the law. If suspected of crimes, they are dealt with the party disciplinary committees first before going through criminal procedures, if at all, experts say. "There is a big discrepancy between the way China works on paper and how it works in practice," says Minzer. Left out of the new guidelines altogether are the way the party deals with perceived political threats. Bequelin says that in sensitive cases where the party feels threatened, torture, ill treatment and extracted confessions are the norm. He doesn't expect that to change. "China has the toolbox to deal with people properly, but every single political case that I have worked on in a decade has been marked by extensive violations of procedure."


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Rocking to Nowhere is a hard hitting track perfect for an action or sports adventure piece that calls for that big punchy guitars. This track features some flashy leads and well executed rhythm guitar. Fun with a live feel lively accented drums, this big guitar riff will leave your clients feeling the energy and wanting an encore.
Thanks for your purchase and rating!

subset: commoncrawl


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In with the new, welcome 2010
A new decade. I just saw a Home Depot commercial that said "out with the old, in with the new." I know its cheesy and over done, but there is a reason it's still said. Time to get things done and stop procrastinating so much. Here is a list of things I want to do or accomplish in 2010, some of them boring, some of them not as boring, some are resolutions and some are just events or things that have been needing to be completed. I tried to include plans or thoughts on how to actually accomplish these goals. I think that writing down goals and sharing them helps motivate to finish, or at least attempt to complete (even if no one is reading this old blog anymore). I also plan to revisit the list the beginning of each month and update where I am and what I've done. Maybe I'll actually do it more often, but at least once a month is my goal right now.
- call my Grannie more. Like once a week. Sundays and Fridays are looking good...
- set and stick to a budget, getting our finances back on track. Calvin is already working on this, setting us up budget software and syncing to our phones..
- This is one everyone seems to say, but I do need to do it- exercise, starting off once or twice a week and building up to 30 minutes everyday: time to break out the Wii Fit again! Taking the dogs on actual walks instead of just letting them into the backyard would also work. Yes, I know how lazy that is...
- cook better meals at home: This may actually happen because we are trying much harder to feed Roman better than we typically feed ourselves. I already signed us up for organic produce delivery every other week from Nature's Garden Delivered. I am really excited to see how it works out and there will be no excuse for not eating fresh fruit and veggies. I also have a some menu sheets for my work planner to help stay on top of this.
- Take my lunch to work everyday. At least 4 times a week. This kind of goes hand in hand with #5 & #2.
- write in one of my blogs everyday: I don't have a good plan yet on this but I need the creative outlet. A good start is making typepad my homepage.
- crochet everyone on our xmas list a stocking: the past two years have been really lean and I would like to do something more personal to make up for it.
- continue with the girls poker night: this one should be easy. :)
- date night for me and Calvin at least once a month: Ok, this is harder, believe it or not. We do have someone ready to babysit although we really hate to ask. We need to do this though.
- We need get our front yard in better shape including the falling down fence and clear out the brush. Plant a tree in honor of my Princess kitty we lost this past November, thinking dogwood. I miss my old lady kitty. The backyard is in dire need of attention as well, but first things first.
- finish the cleaning Calvin & Goon started in our garage, including pegboard to organize our tools and poster frames to decorate with my many MINI posters:
- Also finish the organizing Goon started for us in our basement.
- SuperBowlPartyIII- already getting my menu planned- homemade chili with all the fixins, sausage balls, those little bbq wieners, punch, beer, brownies, hmmmmm
- visit Calvin's family in March.
- finish decorating our bedroom after living here for 2 years.
- completely empty and organize our closet
- paint and furnish Roman's playroom and bath
- decorate guest room including curtains
- paint Roman's bathroom
- set up and USE our fireplace: I really, really want to do this.
- take more photos and videos. I've already started working on this, just need to keep it up.
- watch less tv and read more books.
- stick to Weight Watchers and lose 25-30 lbs: I have moved the mobile app on my phone to where it is very visible and started using it again before I eat anything. A good start to finish up 2009.
- hang the chandelier I bought for the loft and never used. I think it would be nice to hang over the tub. Its a candle chandelier and I really like it.
- install the blik graphics I bought for the upstairs hall.
- Pass the finance training for work. Only 3 more classes.
- Keep some goodies on hand, the guest room ready, and the downstairs clean enough for visitor. We have really enjoyed entertaining and would like to not have to say "I'm sorry but no, you can't come over/in" because we aren't prepared. We are off to a decent start- the guest room is always closed off from critters and clean.
- Get into better housecleaning habits. Pretty simple.. but no plan yet.
- Plan some playdates for Roman with friends that have childen close in age. Haven't done this yet, but I think it would be a good idea and plan to in 2010.
- Go to the park more often, use our passes to the zoo and aquarium, find more inexpensive family trips/events that we can all enjoy.
The list may grow, or get altered, but I am glad to have 30 items to get me started for 2010. I've never written down any resolutions before, so we'll see if this actually works or not.
January 1, 2010 at 11:45 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Great list! A lot of these tips would help me to my blog/site. Thanks. :-)
Deirdre G
Posted by: Philippines property | Feb 9, 2010 1:22:38 AM


text: Hi, here is one cool sci-fi song with strings and woodwinds, guitar, drums, etc. You can use it for your movie, video, cartoon, game, or anything you like. Song comes in mp3 and wav file format. Hope that you gonna love this song. I would like to hear your comment about it and please don't forget to rate. Thank you!


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Items where Department is "Faculty of Arts & Social Sciences > Applied Social Science" and Year is 1984
Group by: Creators | Item Type | No Grouping
Jump to: Monograph
Number of items: 1.
Thomas, Carol (1984) Women waiting : ante-natal services in West Birmingham. Working Paper. , Birmingham Community Health Council.


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Mathematical Sciences
The mathematical sciences department includes instruction in mathematics, computer science, and engineering. A.A. and A.S. degrees and certificate programs are available.
Bldg. M, Rm. 309
1-805-922-6966 ext. 3201
Santa Maria Campus, Bldg. M, Rm. 309
Fall & Spring terms:
Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Summer: closed the months of June and July
Department Chair: Dom Dal Bello
Department Secretary: Lori Coulter
Logan Brown
Mechanical Engineering Student
"Pursuing a mechanical engineering degree at a four-year university is only possible for me because of the STEM Center. From counseling to tutoring to friendships, I can navigate through the course load with a solid grade point average and confidence I can pursue my dream."


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January 28, 1926 - June 26, 2013
Warwick, NY
Josephine R. Vitanza, a twenty-nine year resident of the area, passed away Wednesday, June 26, 2013 at St. Anthony Community Hospital, Warwick, NY. She was 87 years old. Daughter of the late Damiano and Emmanuella Durante Maddalena, she was born January 28, 1926 in Bronx, NY. Josephine was the widow of Daniel Vitanza. She was a member of the Warwick Senior Citizens.
Survivors include her two daughters: Vera DiMeglio and her husband, Gerry of Monroe, NY, Barbara Vitanza Stober and her husband, Philip of New York, NY; three sons: Joseph Vitanza and his wife, Noelle of Hartford, CT, Daniel Vitanza and his wife, Liz of Salinas, CA, Michael Vitanza and his wife, Jackie of New York, NY; sisters: Millie Grosso of Northport, FL, Vera Bianco of Milford, PA, Emma Fico of Elmsford, NY and her brother, Bano Maddalena of Somers, NY; ten grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her sister, Tina DeCristofaro.
Visitation will be held Saturday, June 29th from 4 to 7 p.m. and Sunday, June 30th from 2 to 5 p.m. at Smith, Seaman & Quackenbush, Inc. Funeral Home, 117 Maple Avenue, Monroe, NY. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Monday, July 1st at St. Anastasia Parish Church, Route 17M, Harriman, NY. Interment will follow in St. Raymond's Cemetery, Bronx, NY.
Memorials donations may be made to Good Samaritan Home Health Agency, 1 Crossfield Ave, Suite 202, West Nyack, NY 10994 or MS Society - Southern NY Chapter, 2 Gannett Drive, Suite LC, White Plains, NY 10602.
Funeral arrangements were made by Smith, Seaman & Quackenbush, Inc. Funeral Home, 845-782-8185 or www.ssqfuneralhome.com


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Actors, animators, directors, screenwriters, costume designers and producers from the Lehigh Valley region will shine brightly this year on the big screen.
Filmmakers will leave their marks on projects ranging from the new Melissa McCarthy comedy "The Boss" to the latest George Clooney/ Julia Roberts drama "Money Monster."
Performers receiving major showcases include established stars like Allentown natives Amanda Seyfried and Dane DeHaan and Freedom High School grad Dwayne Johnson, who headline multiple movies, and relative newcomer Oakes Fegley of Allentown, who stars in Disney's big-budget remake of "Pete's Dragon."
Read on for a look...


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Central Kentucky Transmission Company
Original Volume No. 1
Contents / Previous / Next / Main Tariff Index
Effective Date: 05/01/2006, Docket: CP05- 48-003, Status: Effective
First Revised Sheet No. 70 First Revised Sheet No. 70 : Effective
Superseding: Original Sheet No. 70
(e) Signatures. Transporter shall adopt as its signature an
electronic identification, and Transporter shall furnish to Subscriber one
or more unique electronic identifications (User Identification and
Password), consisting of symbol(s) or code(s), which are to be
electronically affixed to or placed in each Document transmitted by such
party (Signatures). The employee(s) or officer(s) designated by Subscriber
in Appendix A of the Electronic Contracting Agreement shall perform the
contracting function for Subscriber and thereby legally bind Subscriber to
any Contract with Transporter by use of that person's assigned User
Identification and Password. By entering into the Electronic Contracting
Agreement, Subscriber represents and warrants that (i) the employee(s) or
officer(s) identified in Appendix A thereof have been duly and legally
authorized to enter into and execute Contracts electronically on behalf of
Subscriber, and (ii) all other persons designated by Subscriber to receive
a User Identification and Password have been duly authorized to send and
receive Documents other than Contracts. The Signature of a party affixed
to or contained in any transmitted Document shall be irrebuttable proof
that such party originated such Document. Neither party shall disclose to
any unauthorized person the Signatures of the other party.
(f) Security Procedures. Each party shall be responsible for
ensuring that all electronic executions with Signatures and all
transmissions of Documents are authorized, and for protecting its business
records and data from improper access. Parties shall be responsible for
securing physical access to each of its computers utilizing Navigator
software and for keeping confidential its User Identification(s) and
Password(s). Transporter reserves the right to invalidate any User
Identification or Password if it suspects a security breach.
(g) Transmissions.
(1) Proper Receipt. Documents shall not be deemed to have been
properly received, and no Document shall give rise to any obligation,
until it has been received as determined in accordance with Section
2.11 of the General Terms and Conditions.


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"Happy" my new corporate track, featuring fingerpicked guitar in a ragtime style, french gypsy jazz style acoustic lead guitar parts, upright bass, and drums, and real human whistling, by yours truly.
The mood and style of the track is happy, jolly, bouncy, and slightly quirky and eccentric, but at the same time, quite simple and unobtrusive. The track is very much in tune with the latest trends in music for advertising, having that organic, uncomplicated acoustic sound which is so popular, and it will be the perfect background for your advertising feature, game, website, or film.
"Happy" full track is a seamless loop, and sub loops and an ident/ending version are supplied so you can make your own custom arrangements of the track, and either loop it, or use the ident/ending to bring the track to a neat end.
The zip contains, in wav format:
Happy- Full, seamlessly looping track: 1:05 (0:00-1:05)
Happy- Intro loop: 0:21 (0:00-0:21)
Happy- Verse 1 loop: 0:21 (0:22-0:43)
Happy- Verse 2 (with human whistle) loop:0:21(0:44-1:05
Happy- Ending section (can also be used as an Ident): 0:24 (heard from 1:07 on the preview)
If you need custom edits, please contact me, I'll be happy to give a quote.
Buyers: Please take the time to rate this track, this will help me greatly! If you would be willing to let me know how you have used the track, I'm always interested, just use the contact form to let me know!


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Orders placed with U.S. factories increased less than forecast in December, reflecting a drop in non-durable goods that partly countered gains in construction equipment and computers.
Bookings climbed 1.8% after a revised 0.3% drop in November that was initially reported as unchanged, figures from the Commerce Department showed today in Washington. The Bloomberg survey median called for a 2.3% gain. Demand for durable goods increased 4.3%, little changed from a 4.6% gain estimated last week, while non-durables dropped 0.3% on declines in petroleum and tobacco.
A fourth-quarter pickup in consumer spending is spurring companies including automakers such as Chrysler Group LLC and Ford Motor Co., reviving a manufacturing industry that cooled in the second half of 2012. The acceleration extended into January, according to a gauge last week that showed factories expanded at the strongest pace in nine months.
"Manufacturing's fine," said Brian Jones, senior U.S. economist at Societe Generale in New York, who projected a 1.9% gain in orders. "The economy continues to improve."
Estimates in the Bloomberg survey of 63 economists ranged from a drop of 0.3% to a 3% gain.
Job Prospects
A measure of job prospects fell in January for the first time in four months as more Americans said jobs were harder to get, another report showed. The Conference Board's Employment Trends Index decreased 0.1% to 109.38 from the prior month's revised reading of 109.47, the New York-based private research group said. The measure increased 2.7% from January 2012.
Stocks fell, after the Standard & Poor's 500 Index jumped to a five-year high, on concern over increasing political tension in Europe. The S&P 500 dropped 0.6% to 1,503.63 at 10:25 a.m. in New York.
Factory orders excluding the volatile transportation category increased 0.2% in December after falling 0.2% the previous month. Demand minus military hardware advanced 0.3%.
The jump in bookings for durable goods was paced by a 12.2% increase in construction equipment and a 6.4% gain for computers.
Copyright 2014 Bloomberg. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Copyright 2014 Bloomberg. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.


text:
Twitter, Facebook and YouTube are free services, and as such are susceptible to the interruptions and outages inherent in using any Internet based program. Broward County's participation in these services is offered as a public convenience to share information about Broward County Board of County Commissioners' (Broward County) programs, services, events and activities. Broward County cannot guarantee these services will be available or functional at all times. When participants register for these services they are subject to the terms of use as provided by the service providers as well as the Broward County terms of use stated herein.
Subject to Text Messaging Rates
Participants are encouraged to research details of their cell phone contract with regard to the cost of text messaging. Standard text messaging rates may apply if you choose to receive tweets through text messaging on your cell phone. Broward County is not responsible for any such charges.
Subject to Florida Public Records Laws
Most of Broward County's communications on Twitter, Facebook and YouTube are one-way posts and for informational purposes only. All information posted to a social media site by Broward County is considered a public record under the State of Florida's Public Records Law and as such will be archived for the required retention period and available to any person upon request.
Subject to Florida's Sunshine Law, County Ordinances and Procurement Code
Broward County's communications on Twitter, Facebook and YouTube that allow public posts are subject to the Florida Sunshine Laws, Broward County's Procurement Code and the Broward County Code of Ordinances. Therefore, the following public posts are prohibited:
Last modified: July 9, 2013.


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Why do memories always feel like we're looking at them through a pair of rose-colored glasses? They always glow more strongly, sparkle more brightly, and look as if they were produced by Oprah's Emmy-winning lighting director — especially when you're comparing them with the digital camera pics of the event.
Thank the lord for Instagram, then, because the app documents the moments we want to remember with the same kind of artistry as our nostalgic brains whip up. This past weekend's Bonnaroo festival was the perfect venue for an Instagram blitz, and we dug through our feeds to bring you the very best camera-phone snaps. Click through to see for yourself, if the shots measure up to your memories.


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2012 Predictions for CAD Managers11 Jan, 2012 By: Robert Green
Identifying important technology trends now will help you prepare for the year ahead.
The New Year is upon us, and we're all back to work with renewed focus. I've always used this time to consider the demands of the coming year's workload, and make a plan to meet those demands.
As a CAD/technology manager, I've found that preparing for the work ahead requires me to make some predictions about what might happen in the computer industry. I'll share some of these predictions in this issue of the CAD Manager's Newsletter, in hopes that you can use them as a starting point for building your own 2012 plan. Here goes.
Trends to Watch For
Identifying technology trends requires predicting the future — an activity I'm admittedly not perfect at! Regardless, I've taken my best (educated) guess, and I believe the following trends will have a big impact on 2012:
- BIM (building information modeling) demystification
- The cult of cloud hype
- Great hardware values
- Increasing CAD software upgrade momentum
- The fusion of IT and CAD departments.
So how did I arrive at this list, you might ask? I used the following sources:
- Interviews conducted with software industry personnel
- Experience with my clients
- Conversations with IT and CAD managers around the country
- Conversations with hundreds of users at Autodesk University 2011
- Good old gut feelings.
Next, let's dig into the predictions one by one.
BIM Comes Down to Earth
Unless you've been hiding under a rock, you've heard lots of hype about BIM over the last couple of years — even if you're not an architect. The hype has been so omnipresent that BIM is now a household word (well, in CAD households anyway), yet many senior management teams still have no clue about the real-world benefits of BIM.
This will be the year that companies start to demand that BIM tools perform in a manner that makes financial sense. Simply saying, "let's do this project on BIM" or "we really need to have a BIM strategy" isn't going to work anymore. BIM will now have to pay its own way or be subject to the same cost scrutiny that any other software tool would. This is great news for CAD managers, because when BIM becomes a tool rather than a magical future technology, we'll be free to manage it without the hype and artificially inflated expectations of the past few years.
So let the marketing speak and BIM hype cease, and let the actual implementation of cost-effective BIM begin — finally!
Cloud Mystification Ramps Up
CAD software company marketing departments always need something to trumpet as "the next big thing." Since BIM will no longer fill that role, the cloud will take BIM's place.
Expect to hear lots of senior management and user interest in "CAD on the cloud," even though nobody exactly knows what that means. (It's just like BIM was a few years ago!) As a CAD manager, you'll need to be out in front of these new cloud CAD tools and be able to explain them. And know that if you can't explain how the cloud might benefit your company, everyone will start to form their own ideas and go off on all sorts of tangents about what cloud CAD really means. (Again, this is just like recent BIM history.)
The good news is, cloud-based utilities and tools should reach the market at a faster pace and become more fully integrated into our CAD environments. I expect that many of these utilities will be offered as free add-ins, giving CAD managers a great way to investigate cloud technologies without spending a fortune to do so.
So get ready for the wave of cloud hype: learn all you can about it so you can surf the wave, rather than drown in it.
Cheap Hardware Kicks In
One way that companies have saved money in recent years is by putting off new hardware purchases. But the reality is that computers can only last so long before they have to be replaced, and many companies are arriving at the point where they can no longer put off hardware purchases.
A happy coincidence is that good workstations are now available for less than $1,000 per seat (minus the monitor), making it a great time to buy. By "good workstations" I mean models equipped with i7 QuadCore processors, 8GB of RAM, integrated graphics, and fast hard drives. If you're willing to spend more you can boost the number of cores and RAM to build a great machine for not much more.
Many IT departments I've seen that are struggling to keep old XP machines on life support are now spending more money propping up old machines and slowing down their CAD users than they would if they just bought new machines! So go shopping, find the great values on new hardware, and make the case for updating your hardware and speeding up your users! There's no reason to put it off any longer.
Time for CAD Software Upgrades
Much like postponing hardware purchases, many companies have put off implementing CAD software upgrades over the past few years. In fact, sometimes keeping old machines around too long makes it difficult to run the latest software upgrades anyway.
With BIM becoming more commonplace, hardware growing ever cheaper, and more companies getting new projects, I believe 2012 will be a good year to implement new software. After all, many companies get their software upgrades via subscription, and they'll already have the software available — so there's no real cost barrier to upgrading.
At a minimum, CAD managers should investigate new software releases as they become available and determine whether the new features are worth implementing. If you decide that they are, then make 2012 the year of the upgrade for your company.
IT and CAD Intertwine
Because CAD has become more and more synonymous with big 3D applications (including BIM, mechanical modeling, simulation, and rendering) and technology infrastructure components (such as clouds), CAD can no longer be managed separately from IT. The days when companies had "an IT guy" and "a CAD guy" are going to have to give way to an integrated CAD/IT approach.
This trend means CAD managers should learn everything they can about IT in order to position themselves to lead the combined CAD/IT department of the future. So make 2012 the year you dive into some intense reading on information technologies, or take a course or two. After all, there's no downside to knowing more about IT. It will certainly be to your benefit to help specify the hardware, networks, and cloud infrastructures you'll need to run CAD properly.
Summing Up
I hope I've given you a few things to think about for the coming year, and that you'll start thinking about how you would deal with these trends should you start to see them at your company.
As the New Year unfurls, I plan to cover some of these trends in more detail, so I'd love to hear your perspectives. Please e-mail me your thoughts at firstname.lastname@example.com if you'd like to share.
As always, I thank you for reading the CAD Manager's Newsletter and for all the great feedback you've given me in 2011. I wish you a happy and prosperous 2012. Until next time.
About the Author: Robert Green
AutoCAD Tips!
In her easy-to-follow, friendly style, long-time Cadalyst contributing editor Lynn Allen guides you through a new feature or time-saving trick in every episode of her popular AutoCAD Video Tips. Subscribe to the free Cadalyst Video Picks newsletter, and we'll notify you every time a new video tip is published. All exclusively from Cadalyst!


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Oregon Hazelnut Bagels
Sliced hazelnuts add nice crunch and a bit of sweet nuttiness to this bagel. Toast and serve with flavored cream cheese.
10 lb. high-gluten wheat flour
13 oz. water
8 oz. Oregon Hazelnuts (thinly sliced)
3 oz. salt
4 3⁄4 oz. malt syrup (non-diastic)
4 3⁄4 oz. honey
3 1⁄2 oz. yeast (compressed)
1. Add all ingredients and mix to full development. Final dough temperature should remain within 77° F. and 80° F.
2. Allow about 10 min. proof time prior to make-up.
1. Scale at the desired weight (i.e. 2 oz.) and shape by hand or automated forming equipment. Allow about 30 min. proof time.
2. Boil for about one min.; drain.*
3. Bake at 390° F. for 16-19 min. or until light golden brown.
*NOTE: The boiling step may be omitted, with the use of low-pressure steam baking. Bagels may be flipped over in oven after several min. for a rounded surface on both sides.


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09.24.13Allnex officially opened its new Technical Services & Development (TS&D) laboratory in Shanghai. This facility is planned to bring together Allnex's key technologies under one roof for synergies and resource sharing in technical developments. The laboratory will commence operation in September 2013 following its official opening.
"China is the focal point of our coating resins business growth strategy," said Allnex's vice president, Asia Pacific, Siva Iyer. "The new center will integrate the capabilities of our existing two laboratories in China; it will meet global safety and environmental standards and provide modern state-of-the-art lab facilities for our employees to further help our customers by faster product and applications development. Our aim is also to speed technology transfer from Europe and America to the emerging growth regions."
Frank Aranzana, CEO, Allnex added, "The opening of our new TS&D laboratory is part of Allnex's strategy to accelerate growth in Asia and further globalize our business. It also reinforces our position as a preferred resin supplier."
Allnex's TS&D laboratory is located within an easily accessible modern technology park at Yin Du Road, Shanghai to support its entire coating resins and additives portfolio. This laboratory facilitates paint formulation, technical service, raw material research, resins modification and new resins development.


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Salvete Omnes!
We'll I've been plugging away and it looks like my work is paying.
I can get through Nuntii Latini and Ephemeris pretty easily.
I can handle the Vulgate and a lot of medieval stuff.
I recently read some of Columbus' letters in Latin.
However, when I try to get to Tacitus, it's BRUTAL!!!!
Who's a good classical author to start with?
Any suggestions?
Valete amici!


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Posted by Editoress on 01/23/13
Canadian Cyclist was the only Canadian publication invited to attend a factory tour last fall in Taiwan, hosted by TAITRA, the Taiwan External Trade Development Council. TAITRA administers the Taipei Cycle show, the third largest bike industry show in the world (after Eurobike and Interbike), and the largest for manufacturers (Eurobike and Interbike are mainly for retailers). Here is one of our factory visits - to read the overview to our visit and access all the articles, go to the main page Here
VP Components
We concluded our 2012 tour of the Taiwanese bike industry at VP Components. I can guarantee that at some point in your cycling life (and quite possibly currently), you have had VP products on your bike. We were told that as much of 70% of all the pedals in Europe come from VP - that is a seriously impressive figure...
VP had bike park users paint murals around the park
While primarily known for pedals, VP also makes headsets and bottom brackets. The company truly manufactures from scratch, starting with solid ingots of aluminum and steel, then forging, casting and CNCing into bike parts. They also do plastic moud injection for pedal bodies, and have been working with both carbon and other long fibre materials for injection moulding.
The company's own brands are VP (pedals, headsets and bottom brackets) and Modus (hubs and wheelsets), but the largest part of their business is OEM, for practically everyone in the bike industry - Giant, Merida, KHS, KTM, Trek, Specialized, Mavic ... the list goes on and on.
The main Taiwanese factory is true heavy industry (they also have factories in China and Vietnam). Overall, VP has a staggering 600-plus CNC machines that run pretty much constantly, turning out parts for the bike industry. They also do forging and casting for such things as bottom bracket and pedal axles.
The company recently invested in a $250,000 5-axis CNC machine to do prototyping. The only one in Taiwan, it allows VP to produce actual working prototypes for design and testing. The company used the machine to produce one-off, custom engraved pedals for all of the visiting media - mine are on a shelf rather than a bike!
Personalized, custom CNC'd pedals
However, beyond all of the impressive manufacturing capabilities, it is important to note that VP was at least as interested in showing us the Bike Park they have created (in conjunction with industry partners) next to the factories. With BMX jumps and trails, VP showed us videos of staff riding days, where they are encouraging employees to ride bikes as well as produce them. This is a marked difference for Taiwan, and company President Victor Lin spoke strongly about the social responsibility Taiwanese companies are becoming increasingly aware of.
Photo Gallery
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The 17th-ranked Grand Valley State baseball team saw its six-game winning streak snapped in game one, but still earned a split against Tiffin, falling in the opener 7-4 before taking the nightcap, 9-8.
In the second game, Adam Poel (1-0) earned his first victory as a Laker in his start, allowing four hits in four innings with three strikeouts.
Kevin Zak homered in both games and was 3-for-6 on the day for the Lakers (16-6, 7-1 GLIAC).
GVSU player earns GLIAC honor
Grand Valley State senior outfielder Ariel Aracena-Sanchez has been named the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Player of the Week.
Aracena-Sanchez had a huge two-game set against Hillsdale, tying a GVSU single-game record with seven RBI in a game during the LakersÆ 13-8 victory. Aracena-Sanchez went 3-for-4 with three runs, a triple and a grand slam in the contest, finishing his week with a 2.000 slugging percentage and a .750 on-base percentage. He was 3-for-3 with runners on base in the game and his one opportunity with the bases loaded was a grand slam down the left field line.
Men's golf
GVSU takes fourth
For the second time in as many days, senior Chris Cunningham led the Grand Valley State men's golf team with an even-par 72 at the Wisconsin-Parkside Spring Invitational. As a team, the Lakers finished Monday's final round with a score of 302 (+14), which left them in a tie for fourth place.
Women's lacrosse
GVSU snaps skid
A two-week break turned out to be exactly what the Grand Valley State women's lacrosse team needed to end its three-game losing streak. The well-rested Lakers scored 10 goals in the first 18 minutes of play and coasted to a 17-4 victory over Roberts Wesleyan on Monday.
Ryan Skomial and Kira Dosenberry led the offensive charge for GVSU (3-5). The duo scored three goals apiece, while Skomial added an assist to finish with four points.
GVSU pitching dominates in sweep
The Grand Valley State softball team picked up a doubleheader sweep of Lake Erie on Monday. The Lakers tallied a 4-0 win in the opener before the offense erupted in game two for an 11-0 victory.
In the last four games, the Laker pitchers have allowed just three runs. Against Lake Erie on Monday, sophomore Sara Andrasik and junior Lauren Gevaart combined to give up just six hits, two walks, and the duo fanned 12 batters.
Grand Valley State improves to 14-5 on the season and 3-1 in league play.
GVSU rewind: Baseball splits, softball sweeps, lacrosse wins
The 17th-ranked Grand Valley State baseball team saw its six-game winning streak snapped in game one, but still earned a split against Tiffin, falling in the opener 7-4 before taking the nightcap, 9-8.


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The Walrus Says
B.J. has worked all of them but one. That's about 360 acts since 1989, all performed at the recreation center – except one show in the early 1990s that was presented at the Melrose School. The talent show started off with some help from island politicians as the Town Council served as ushers at the first show in 1989.
There have been many singers over the years, but B.J. recalls only one magician, Dr. Bob Kinder; one storyteller, Jay Primiano; one Austrian, Ellen Belconis, who yodeled and explained Austrian customs; a slide show set to music – no PowerPoint, but with real slides; and a number of garage bands.
"The show has offered a stage to beauty pageant contestants from around the area, as well as a place for locals to strut their stuff. I enjoyed Matt Bolles singing 'The Night Rider's Lament' and Dot Dexter playing the piano. One of the great things about the show one year was that Dot followed an eight-year-old who also played the piano. We haven't seen the senior association in some time, but their act always drew great applause. Peter Carnevale won the yodeling contest a few years back, and Kathy Brownell and her band of merry loons have entertained at every talent show since 1989. The men's chorus was founded at the show and the community band has kicked off the night's entertainment for many years now.
"My favorite performer was John Biddle. John produced three of the shows and he would often perform, too. John decided that he wanted to be a clown, so he put together an act, complete with balloons and a bulb horn and brought the house down. He performed in any number of the shows as a singer, pianist, satirist and allaround good sport. John sang to a life-sized, cardboard cut-out photo of his wife, Amy, because she couldn't be at the show that night. Finally, he got to see his granddaughter dance in the talent show just before he left us a few years back."
Auditions for this year's show, to be staged at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 19, are Monday and Tuesday, Aug. 16 and 17, at 6:30 p.m. at the recreation center. Questions? Call 423-1574 or visit www. jamestownri.com/chorus.
All proceeds from the talent show, the chorus' biggest annual fundraiser, benefit the group's programs, including two seasonal concerts, donations of music-related materials to the Jamestown Philomenian Library and a music scholarship.
The foot-stomping sounds of an accordion will be featured in a rousing rendition of the "Beer Barrel Polka" as the Jamestown Community Band entertains at East Ferry this Sunday, Aug. 15, at 6:30 p.m.
Ralph Aresti, normally found in the tuba section of the band, will strap on his accordion and lead the band in the polka. Although Ralph has played the accordian all his life, including many years with small bands, his appearance with the instrument on Sunday will be the first time after a hiatus of about 15 years. His tuba experience extends back to his high school years.
Band Director Bethany Clarke will lead the band in other standards, including "76 Trombones," "Moonlight Serenade," "Tuxedo Junction" and John Phillip Sousa's "Liberty Bell" and "Thunderer." The band will also present a Mexican waltz, "Golondrina." The evening will conclude with the exciting Sousa march "Stars and Stripes Forever."
Does anyone know the whereabouts of Richard Donelly? A gentleman by the name of Kenneth Erickson was in the Town Hall looking for information about Donelly. Erickson and Donelly knew each other at yeoman's school at Ft. Getty boot camp from November 1942, to April 1943, but lost contact after that. Karen Montoya at the Town Hall found that Donelly was born on the island in 1922. Anyone with information about him, please call Karen at 423-9801 or 423-9804.
A summer poser from B.J. – "There are no gloomy skies when seen through the eyes of those who are blessed with love."
Charles DiLuglio reports that there are white radio antennas appearing on power poles in the Shores. He said that the installers are "tight lipped."
"There is one on the southern end of East Shore Road on a new pole, one at Beacon and Garboard, one at the west end of Stern, and one where the power lines emerge on to North Road from the old generator site. I don't think they are done yet. Could be an islandwide 'wifi' or some sort of cell phone set-up, but that seems unrealistic. Perhaps the building inspector knows if they got permits for all of this."
Anyone know what's going on?
Peter Pemantell writes that the correct answer to the poser in the July 29 column is "Summer Nights" from the movie "Grease." "It is not from the song 'I Remember it Well.' Better luck next time, Skip!"
We don't know what's in the soil at the Hotchkiss Farm on North Main Road, but it produces the best-tasting corn we've ever had.
Ed Silvia says last week's poser is "Summertime Blues" sung by Blue Cheer.
Cheryl Fernstrom says the lyric is from "Summertime Blues," Eddie Cochran's 1958 hit song. "It was also sung by other rock and rollers in the 1960s and country singer Buck Owens."
Peter Pemantell writes that the song is by Alan Jackson." That was a good one!"
Tom Bembenek gives us the whole skinny: "'Summertime Blues' by Eddie Cochran was the B-side of 'Love Again,' released on June 11, 1958. 'Love Again' didn't fare well on the charts, but 'Summertime Blues' climbed to number eight on the Top 100. It went on to become a classic. Cochran toured with Buddy Holly on that fateful bus 'with a broken heater,' which resulted in Holly, the Big Bopper and Richie Valens opting to charter a small plane, 'American Pie,' to their next show gig.
"Eddie Cochran was an outstanding lead guitar man and vocalist. He had a promising future in music, but he died on Easter Sunday, 1960, from injuries sustained in an automobile accident in England, where he had been appearing with Gene Vincent. Gene Vincent survived the crash, along with the driver and two other passengers."
Thanks, guys.
And, that fort that off-islanders mispronounce? John A. Murphy says it's Ft. Wetherill, pronounced Wetherall by newcomers.
The Cat Days of Summer is going on at the Potter League for Animals through Saturday. There are more than 50 cats available for adoption. Cats six years and older can be adopted for $75, and there is a two-for-one deal for any two cats six months and older at $125. Cats and kittens are spayed/neutered, up-to-date on appropriate vaccinations and have been examined by a veterinarian. Adopters will also receive a certificate for a future veterinarian visit and a bag of Hill's Science Diet cat/kitten food. Stop by 87 Oliphant Ln. in Middletown from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
*** Be true!
Call in your stuff to 829-2760 or 423-0383, or email us at jtnwalrus@ hotmail.com.


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FOXBORO — Patriots owner Robert Kraft made Christmas very merry for the Worcester Tech high school football team. A package from Kraft arrived at the school last Friday. In it were tickets for the players and the coaching staff for the Patriots' regular-season finale Sunday against the Buffalo Bills at Gillette Stadium.
FOXBORO — Patriots owner Robert Kraft made Christmas very merry for the Worcester Tech high school football team.
A package from Kraft arrived at the school last Friday. In it were tickets for the players and the coaching staff for the Patriots' regular-season finale Sunday against the Buffalo Bills at Gillette Stadium.
Kraft visited Worcester Tech in early November because its students, including several members of the football team, and students from WPI are working on replacing the wooden footbridge in Elm Park. The new footbridge will be named in memory of Kraft's late wife, Myra Hiatt Kraft, who grew up in Worcester.
Kraft met the Worcester Tech players that day and promised them tickets to a Patriots home game if they won their next game against Oakmont Regional. The Eagles went out that Friday and downed the Spartans, 52-20.
"He made a deal with us and he lived up to it and he always does," Worcester Tech coach Jeff Lane said. "This is a great opportunity for our kids. For many of them, it will be the first and last time they get to be inside Gillette Stadium. They are really excited. We really appreciate Mr. Kraft and the Patriots doing this."
Sixty players along with Lane and his staff and several people from the school will have seats in the lower-level end zone section.
Worcester Tech players will be on the field for pregame warm-ups.
"We always tell our kids high school is a time to make memories," Lane said. "This is one of those making-memory times."
Bills undecided on QB
The Bills have not named their starting quarterback for Sunday's game.
Rookie E.J. Manuel sat out last week's game against the Dolphins with a swollen left knee. He was a limited participant in Thursday's practice, but Bills coach Doug Marrone told the Buffalo media both Manuel and Thad Lewis took reps with the first team in the session.
"E.J. looked improved today," Marrone said, "and we're still in the process of making a decision on how we're going to move forward."
Manuel made the first start of his career in the season opener against the Patriots and completed 18 of 27 passes for 150 yards and two touchdowns.
Manuel missed four games in the middle of the season due to a right knee injury.
In all, he has made 10 starts, and is 180 for 306 for 1,972 yards, 11 TDs and nine interceptions.
"I think there has been some adversity," Marrone said in regards to Manuel's development during a conference call with the New England media. "There have been ups and downs. I think when you look at it and you take a quarterback in the amount of games that he's played and the amount of preparation that he's had, it's probably limited from that standpoint. There have been times where he's won games for us, he's put us in position to win games for us, and there have been times where he hasn't played as well as our expectation is or his own expectation is. It's a process with him and we're getting better and better each week."
This season, Lewis has made four starts, including last week against the Dolphins.
"They have some similarities," Patriots cornerback Kyle Arrington said. "They're both mobile quarterbacks. We're preparing for both, watching film on both. It's never simple, but our job right now is just getting ready for both."
Ninkovich limited in drills
Defensive end Rob Ninkovich was added to the Patriots injury report. He was a limited participant in Thursday's practice due to an ankle injury.
Safety Devin McCourty (concussion) and wide receiver Josh Boyce (ankle) did not practice.
Cole released a 4th time
The Patriots released cornerback Marquice Cole.
It marked the fourth time this season the Patriots have released Cole, a core special-teams player.
In 13 games this year, Cole has 17 tackles, an interception, two passes defensed and eight special-teams tackles.
Contact Jennifer Toland at firstname.lastname@example.com.


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I never met my maternal grandfather. He died before I was born, an ocean away. I have seen pictures of him, though, like the one above. Apparently Grandpa wasn't camera shy. More on Grandpa later; first, some backstory.
My dad was stationed at Clark Air Base outside Manila during World War II. After the war ended, he returned as a member of the Civil Service, to help with the cleanup efffort at Clark Field. He met and married Mom there and brought her to White Salmon in 1950.
She has been a citizen of the U.S. for more than six decades, but when her native Philippines was under attack last year from deadly Typhoon Haiyan, she couldn't help but take notice. She watched the coverage on CNN intently, as figures came out estimating thousands of casualties, millions of people affected, and nearly a billion dollars in losses to homes and property.
This account is from Wikipedia:
Fritz Schenker is a doctoral candidate in ethnomusicology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. His extensive research included eight months in Manila last year, and the images provided here are from his collection.
Schenker's online research led him to Google 'Borromeo Lou' shortly after my mother had written a letter to the editor which ran in the Nov. 20 issue of the Hood River News. He then used 'whitepages.com' to find an address and wrote her a letter. After communicating back and forth by phone and letter, Schenker decided it would be worth a trip to White Salmon to personally interview the daughter of the renowned Borromeo Lou.
Schenker lives in Madison, Wis., with his wife, Grace.
Typhoon Haiyan was a powerful tropical cyclone that devastated portions of Southeast Asia, particularly the Philippines, on November 8, 2013. It is the deadliest Philippine typhoon on record, killing at least 6,201 people in that country alone. Haiyan is also the strongest storm recorded at landfall, and unofficially the strongest typhoon ever recorded in terms of wind speed. As of January 2014, bodies were still being found. Typhoon Haiyan has impacted the lives of over 25 million people. The Category 5 super storm harbored winds exceeding 200 mph along with torrential rain, causing massive destruction (over a million homes were destroyed) and loss of life.
The U.S. military conducted Operation Damayan from Nov. 10-Dec. 1, 2013, in response to the request for assistance from the government of the Philippines at a cost of $86.7 million. They delivered and/or transported humanitarian supplies, international military forces and international non-governmental organizations. They transported more than 4 million pounds of relief supplies to affected areas, including remote sites, evacuated over 21,000 people, including citizens of the Philippines, the United States, and many other foreign nationals. Over 1,300 flights were completed in support of the relief efforts for Operation Damayan, delivering aid to approximately 450 sites.
When Mom saw this outpouring of compassion and support, she was compelled to speak out on behalf of her home land. She wrote a letter to the editor, and it was published in the Nov. 20 issue of the Hood River News. Here is the text of that missive:
Safe and sound
"Thank you America," for all your help with the typhoon that hit Tacloban, Leyte, in the Philippine Islands. You have always been there, to help with disaster relief anywhere in the world! You liberated the Philippines during World War II, Manila and Leyte.
My father, Louis Borromeo, a music composer (Borromeo Lou was his stage name), studied music in the United States for several years and brought back to the Philippines jaz and vaudeville in the 1920s.
In 1941, when I was 10 years old, I shook hands with Gen. Douglas McArthur when he visited our home (he knew my father).
On a personal note, thank you friends who called or stopped me on the street, concerned about the typhoon. I checked with my cousin in Florida, Dr. Azael Borromeo, who said our relatives would be in Cebu, out of harm's way. Love you guys.
Alice Marvin
White Salmon, Wash.
When Fritz Schenker, researching my grandad, came across a mention of Borromeo Lou on our website, he sent mom a letter introducing himself and asked if she would be willing to talk to him about her dad. She of course said yes.
Thus began a series of back-and-forth correspondence between the two. Mom brought the letter to my work and insisted that I show it to Kirby, the editor. She was understandably excited.
Her eyes lit up when another letter led to a phone conversation, and that led to Schenker asking to come meet with her in person. That meeting took place on Feb. 26, when the three of us sat down in the conference room here at the newspaper.
I find it interesting that people in this century are still looking into the life's work of my grandpa, including a man named Peter Keppy in the Netherlands and Fritz Schenker in Madison, Wis. Schenker told us his research shows that Borromeo Lou came through Madison while touring with the famed Orpheum Theatre circuit. His travels in the U.S. would include cities like Chicago, New York, San Francisco, Seattle and even Portland ... all Orpheum cities.
My own research turned up this nugget:
Luis Borromeo began his musical training at an early age in the central Philippine region of Leyte. He caught the performing bug and traveled to San Francisco to see the 1915 Pan-Pacific International Exposition. Recognized by fellow Filipinos, he was asked to perform at the Dutch Pavilion, where he was discovered. He signed a three-year contract to perform on the Orpheum Circuit, a large chain of vaudeville and motion-picture theaters. Borromeo saw the United States from the inside of those venues, while scores of other musical acts entertained at the Circuit Chautauqua. Fans urged Borromeo to write about his home; he gave them "My Beautiful Philippines." After Borromeo returned from a large overseas tour, his revue became legendary at ballrooms, cabarets and dance halls. Luis Borromeo called these performances vod-a-vil, while his audiences re-dubbed it bodabil.
— Excerpted from "The Day the Dancers Stayed," a book by Theodore S. Gonsalves, Temple University Press. Buy the ebook online at the Google Play store, or check it out at your local library.
Mom and Fritz each shared from the wealth of their knowledge in regards to Borromeo Lou, information gathered through research for Schenker, or pulled from memory, in the case of my mom. As I watched the two of them talk back-and-forth, I saw Mom come alive, her eyes sparkling in a way I hadn't seen in years. She spoke of how much her father had loved the U.S., and I have heard from her own mouth dozens of times how she loves her adopted country. "America, love it or leave it!" she would say, often rebuking the people on the TV screen that had besmirched her beloved U.S.A.
She recalled a memory of her dad and his American friend, a Mr. Henricksen. "My dad would play 'God Bless America' on the piano and the two of them would sing the words as loud as they could. They had to be careful, though. [In those days of World War II, the early '40s, the Philippines was occupied by Imperial Japan.] They made sure there was a lookout posted to warn them of Japanese soldiers in the area."
I asked Schenker why he had been researching my grandad, and he replied, "My focus has been on 1920s Southeast Asian music, and he was an important figure in the music of the day. Besides, he was possibly the easiest one to find information about."
He showed us dozens of scans from his own research, and I made copies for him of the few things Mom and I had found that he did not already have. It was an exchange that definitely benefitted Mom, as she now has much more to connect her with her dad, such as the images that are found on this page.
As I said earlier, I had never met my grandpa, but I have seen his photograph, and heard 45 rpm records of his music, and heard stories of his travels in the U.S., but I had no idea he was so important to the Manila music scene.
A little online research came up with this bio:
Louis F. Borromeo of Cebu, came back after hitting it big in the American entertainment circuit, and introduced jazz music to the Philippines by way of his song-dance-circus-magic revues that livened up the Carnivals circa 1922.
Luis Borromeo, originally from Cebu, was one of the first Filipino entertainers who made it big in the jazz music halls of America and Canada in the first decade of the 20th century. In 1920, Luis Borromeo returned to the Philippines, renamed himself Borromeo Lou, and put up a band that popularized classical-jazz music. This music genre found favor in the local entertainment circuit, which integrated such performances in the variety shows, which Borromeo later dubbed as "vod-a-vil" or "bodabil," Filipinized from the French "vaudeville."
The enterprising pianist-impresario went beyond spreading his jazz music by establishing his own repertory of artists known as the "Borromeo Lou & Co. Ltd.," which had magicians, dancers, acrobats, comedians, singers and musicians in its roster of performers. Soon, Borromeo Lou was being invited to grace important events and high society functions.
In 1922, Borromeo and his group was tapped by the Manila Carnival Association to provide entertainment for the 1922 Manila Carnival. He was thus introduced to the Carnival audience as "the originator and recognized King of Orientalized and 'classic' jazz, a pianist of rare skill and ability, and champion of all round mirth provoker of the Far East."
Borromeo Lou and his group's appearance as the star feature of the 1922 Carnival was made possible through a "royal appointment by her Gracious Majesty, the Queen of the 1922 Manila Carnival," as hyped up in ads promoting the show. The cast was headed by Borromeo Lou himself ("The Human Dynamo, Director and Classic-Jazz Pianist").
— Alex R. Castro, www.manilacarnivals.blogspot.com; used by permission
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Easy Chicken Salad
Makes 4 generous servings
¼ cup mayonnaise
¼ cup Creole mustard
1 teaspoon Chef Paul Prudhomme's Poultry Magic®
1 pound cooked chicken thighs, cut into ½-inch pieces
1 cup chopped apples (skin on or off, whichever you prefer)
¾ cup loosely packed chopped fresh cilantro
½ cup grated carrots (grated through the large holes of a hand grater)
¼ cup dried currants
1 cup pecan halves
2 chopped hard boiled eggs
how to prepare
Combine the mayonnaise, mustard and Poultry Magic and set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the remaining ingredients. Add the dressing and stir gently just until all the ingredients are coated. Serve immediately.


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Dajuma Weddings
Authenticity, serenity, harmony and spirituality: beyond all doubt, Puri Dajuma is the place for weddings.
Far from the crowd, every place in Dajuma enjoys the magnificent view of the Medewi cape and the ocean, enhanced at sunset.
Its nice cottages and suites, its romantic restaurants with a subtle lightening, its garden with endless flowers, its invigorating SPA, the gazebos where you can stay for a while apart from everything, the virgin beaches, the small temples… every place seems just made for your couple.
Owned and operated by Indonesians and Westerners, Puri Dajuma ensures a thorough understanding of the guests needs and provides assistance and all facilities for your unforgettable celebration.
In this part of Bali most of religions live together so that we can prepare this unique time according to your own wishes and beliefs.
Whatever you choose, a simple wedding ceremony with few people or a big party, you will live a fabulous cultural experience, as Balinese people around you are used to elevate their mind, make everything beautiful, and surprise you by any means.


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U.S.-Panama Trade Promotion Agreement (TPA)
Rules of Origin
Step 2: Determine whether there is an advantage to claiming preferential treatment under the U.S.-Panama TPA
Sometimes a country's tariff on an imported product from all countries (MFN rate) can be as low as or lower than the currently applicable FTA-negotiated preferential tariff rate (FTA rate). Since there are time and record-keeping costs associated with claiming eligibility of your product for the FTA rate, it is always a good idea to double check the current MFN tariff rate and compare it to the FTA rate.
There are two resources that will have pieces of the information you need: the FTA Tariff Tool shows you the FTA rate, including for future years, while the Customs Info Database show you the current MFN tariff rates.
Compare the FTA rate to the MFN rate to determine whether there is an advantage to claiming FTA tariff treatment. As long as the MFN rate is equal to or lower than the FTA rate, there may be no advantage to spending the time and effort to determine if your product qualifies for the FTA rate. However, if the FTA rate is lower, then you should determine if your product may qualify for the FTA rate. To do so, you will need to determine if your product is originating under the U.S.-Panama TPA.
Tip: Although most tariffs for qualifying US goods were eliminated under U.S.-Panama TPA on October 31, 2012, the tariffs on some products will phase-out over time. Where applicable, the new tariff rates will take effect on January 1st of each year. The FTA Tariff Tool provides you the ability to see when the tariffs on your product phase-out.
Tip: For U.S. origininating products to enter Panama under the preferential tariff rate, the importer must submit a claim for the FTA rate. This may be done by submitting a certification of origin or an importer attestation.
Tip: On some occasions, even if there is no difference between the FTA and MFN tariff rates, your importer may ask you to provide information that documents the origin of your product.
Step 3: Identify the Rule of Origin under U.S.-Panama TPA
The information presented on this website is meant to serve as a general guide. Only the agreement text and the customs regulations issued to implement the agreement are definitive. For complex issues or where interpretation is required, U.S. exporters should seek legal assistance.
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If the page does not appear in 5 seconds, please click this: outside web site
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Style # 204932
Perfect for career-wear, this versatile silk blouse makes looking polished and pretty easy! Features button closure and elegant transparent fabric for a modern flare.
- 100% silk
- Center back to hem: 24" (61 cm)
- Sleeve length: 24" (61 cm)
- Dry clean
- Imported
- Model is 5'9" and is wearing a US size S
Textured Silk Jacquard Button Up Blouse is rated out of 5 by 4.
Rated 3 out of 5 by NYanonymous from Pretty, basic blouse I purchased the blouse in the "egret" color and have no complaints about it. The top was more sheer that the picture appeared, but I was planning to wear a cami under it so that didn't bother me. The material is delicate as another reviewer mentioned. While wearing it, I didn't get the impression that the material would tear, but since it is a delicate, sheer fabric with a slight texture to it, I do think that it is prone to pulling or snagging from jewelry or purse chains o I was very careful about what I paired with it. The shirt had a normal cut and matched the same sizing that I wear in all other Bebe button down blouses.
Date published: 2013-04-20
Rated 5 out of 5 by Lisseth2502 from Love the color The texture and color of this blouse is beautiful. I ordered the Pink color and I must say I love it, I'm planning on wearing the blouse with the Pink suede vest that is now on sale. I ordered one size up because silk never stretches so I want to be able to move my arms,
Date published: 2013-02-03
Rated 3 out of 5 by Party88 from Couldn't tell that there was gold from pic Thought I was getting more of a white shirt, but it was gold n off white
Date published: 2013-01-30
Rated 1 out of 5 by BebeM from Returned I bought this to go with my honeydew tye dye pants from bebe, and it paired together real well. The best I could pair the pants even with, but I had to return because the material just feels like its going to tear or get nicked so easily.
Date published: 2013-01-26


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WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. envoy to the United Nations says Syrian President Bashar Assad "has barely put a dent in his enormous stockpile" of chemical weapons that American officials believe killed more than 1,400 people outside Damascus last month.
Ambassador Samantha Power says the world has done very little to curb Assad's willingness to use the deadly nerve agents again.
Power also said Friday the United States has exhausted all alternatives short using of military force to deter Assad from using chemical weapons on his own people in the future.
Power was speaking at the liberal-leaning Center for American Progress think-tank in Washington.
She again accused Russia of blocking a U.N. Security Council vote to take action in Syria.


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School schedules grief counseling after fatalityBy HUNTER McGEE
Union Leader Correspondent
January 03. 2014 9:12PM
DERRY — Pinkerton Academy will hold grief counseling today for students affected by the death of a fellow student from injuries suffered in a New Year's Eve crash.
The Pinkerton community went into mourning after junior Kyle Ross, 17, of Derry, died Wednesday afternoon.
Another Pinkerton student who was a passenger in the car, Johanna Morse, 16, of Derry, remained in critical condition at Tuft's Medical Center in Boston Friday, a hospital spokesman said.
To help students cope with the tragedy, grief counselors will be available today on the high school's campus, Headmaster Mary Anderson said.
Administrators said the services are customarily offered following tragic incidents.
Students have been away from school since Christmas break began last month as a snowstorm forced the cancellation of classes on Thursday and Friday. Classes are scheduled to resume on Monday.
Ross was driving at high rate of speed and went out of control and slammed into a tree at Gulf Road and Hampshire Drive late Tuesday night, according to police.
A third Pinkerton student, Thompson Upham-Davis, 16, of Chester, suffered injuries that were not life-threatening, according to police.
Ross's death provoked an emotional response from his fellow students and others at the high school.
"The Pinkerton community is heartbroken," Anderson said Thursday. "We extend our deepest condolences to the family of Kyle Ross, and we offer our heartfelt prayers and thoughts for Johanna's recovery."
Students who knew the popular junior posted numerous responses on Facebook and Twitter, with many also offering support for Morse.
Information on funeral services for Ross wasn't available Friday at Peabody Funeral Home in Derry. The family was still in the process of arranging services, a funeral home representative said.
The crash is under investigation by the Derry police crash team, police Capt. Vern Thomas said.


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DENVER Money has returned but bipartisan cooperation has departed from the state Legislature.
After a contentious two months spent on guns, immigration, gas and oil drilling and gay rights, senators started work on their main duty Wednesday: passing the states $20.5 billion budget.
Its the first time in about five years that legislators have had extra money to spend, thanks to an improving economy and a flood of tax revenues, partly from investors cashing in on the stock market.
Sen. Pat Steadman, D-Denver, is chairman of the Joint Budget Committee. He touted the budgets investment of $30 million in mental-health care and increased spending for the states troubled child-welfare system.
We can do better by Colorados children by passing Senate Bill 230 (the budget bill), Steadman said.
However, unlike last year when the budget passed by a wide bipartisan majority, this years spending plan looks likely to pass with few or no Republican votes.
Sen. Kent Lambert, R-Colorado Springs, said he would vote against the budget he helped write as a member of the Joint Budget Committee. He cited several other bills, including gun bills, that the Legislature has passed this year.
I think weve gone too far in some of our actions this year, and this budget enables those actions to proceed, Lambert said.
Wednesday was the only day that most rank-and-file senators will get a chance to amend the budget, and lawmakers took the chance to push their personal priorities, from natural-gas and oil regulation to aerial firefighting tankers.
Sen. Ellen Roberts, R-Durango, tried to cut spending by about $9 million the amount, she reckons, that Colorado is picking up after cuts in federal funding. Further cuts by Congress will leave Colorado on the hook for more spending, something Roberts wants to avoid.
I would seriously ask us to think about this as a strong self-discipline exercise, Roberts said.
Steadman said he agrees that federal aid to Colorado will fall as Congress tries to cut spending. But the Legislature needs to be able to take action and not simply cut spending every time Congress does, he said.
Democrats defeated Roberts amendment.
Republicans proposed amendments to greatly increase state spending and to cut it.
They began the afternoon by trying to add nearly $100 million to public schools by taking it out of the school savings account. Democrats defeated it but said they were likely to boost school funding later this year in the school finance bill.
Republicans ended the afternoon by proposing an across-the-board 5 percent cut to all state departments. That amendment, too, failed.
The state is predicted to have about $1.8 billion more for the 2013-14 budget compared to this year. Gov. John Hickenlooper has prodded legislators to be careful with the windfall, because if they spend too much, they might have to make cuts next year.
Still, the budget as proposed would increase the general fund the portion of the budget that legislators control to $8.2 billion, a $600 million increase. Thats the largest yearly increase since the recession began.
The budget starts to restore cuts from the past several years, including a $1 billion cut to education, Steadman said.
We have turned the corner. We are beginning to restore some of that funding, Steadman said.
Republicans also unsuccessfully tried to cut various parts of the budget to pay for aerial firefighting tankers.
Democratic Sen. Matt Jones of Louisville, meanwhile, tried but failed to use the budget to add inspectors to the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission. Hes sponsoring a bill that would add 65 employees to the commission.


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Style # 215802
With printed sheer floral chiffon and a flirty high-low hemline, this bebe skirt is sure to amp up your summer wardrobe. Try yours with a neutral top and a pair of sandals.
- 100% polyester
- Center back to hem: 29" (74 cm)
- Jersey lining
- Dry clean
- Imported
- Model is 5'9" and is wearing a US size S
High Low Chiffon Skirt is rated out of 5 by 1.
Rated 4 out of 5 by BebeDiva from Fit good but color is different This skirt is very sweet and elegant looking however it looks pink online but it is actually coral. I did not mind but if you are looking to get a hot pink shirt it is not.
Date published: 2013-05-28


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Corrections, annotations, enhancements and improvements to Aghadown and all Tithe Applotment transcriptions remain ongoing.
Submit a correction here pretty please:
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Transcription of Aghadown Tithe Applotment is now online
Posted by sb10 at 6:28 AM 0 comments
Labels: Aghadown, Tithe Applotment
Sunday, March 6, 2011
The drowning of Noria Driscoll, and some huge brick walls
If you have read prior posts, you may recall that my family knows absolutely nothing about our ancestor named Ellen Driscoll, who married Michael Collins of Lissane 28-Feb-1854 in Caheragh RC parish. I wrote about a major lead to her identity in Miss Marple's Guide to Genealogy.
Even though I think I know where the niece Noria Driscoll was from, I ran into rather formidable dead ends trying to find out more about Noria's family. Noria's birth record lists the parents as Johannah Collins and Michael Driscoll. They live in Currabeg (the one at the north end of Castlehaven parish). In the 1901 census record for the Currabeg household, Michael was a widower. To the best that I can tell, the youngest child was born in 1895. Therefore Johannah Collins died between 1895 and the 1901 census. So I should be able to find her death record.
There's a problem. It isn't in the online index. At least so far, I haven't been able to find it.
Is there any way of estimating when Johannah and Michael married? The eldest daughter in the 1901 Currabeg record was Helena, age 19. So maybe the marriage took place in the early 1880's.
Nothing matched in the online civil registration index.
I went to the online church records. Noting that the Castlehaven & Myross records end in 1881 I wasn't sure I would find anything, but I did: a son. Jeremiah was baptized September 1880.
I went back to the online civil registration index to look for Jeremiah Driscoll. He wasn't there in the index either!
At this point I let some time elapse because this problem was starting to drive me a little mad. In mid-October 2010, I got access to all the civil registration data films in Salt Lake City. I went directly to the third quarter of 1880 film and I went directly to the pages for the Union Hall local office. No Jeremiah Driscoll. But - there was a Jeremiah Cadogan, born to a Michael Cadogan and Johanna Collins Cadogan !
I searched the church records for any indication of a child born before Jeremiah and couldn't find anything. Further searches of birth films before 1880 so far have not uncovered any earlier children.
I went back and searched marriages in civil registration again, expanding the search back to 1870, considering Cadogan, and using all the Johanna permutations I could think of: Ann, Hannah, Nora, Hanora, Honora, Joan, Joanna, Jane, etc.
I even considered the idea that Johannah Collins was a widow prior to marrying Michael Driscoll and that Collins was her prior married name. So I took "Collins" off the search and tried again. Still no luck.
It's obvious that there is something really strange about this family that I just don't understand!
I examined the 1901 Russagh census record of the household where Noria's sister Juliann was living. James and Catherine Collins listed her as a niece. Another person in the Russagh household was son Michael.
Somehow, in the Irish births and baptisms (special collections), I found a Michael Collins born to James Collins and Catherine Driscoll in 1871. Further searching of the church records turned up more siblings, and importantly, that they were in Russagh.
Now, was Juliann a niece through Collins or through Driscoll?!? Or even both?!?
There is more to the story. In the online index, a death record kept popping up in 1903 for a 13 year old girl named Hanora Driscoll. Sure enough, it was the girl in Lissane in the 1901 census. Death by suffocation. Coroner R. Neville held an inquest 24-Feb-1903.
I searched the local news archives in the hopes there was was a story, but the drowning of Noria Driscoll was too insignificant an event to attract attention from the local paper, even though there were other drownings with inquests held by the same coroner about the same time. I emailed a few Ireland record places about old Cork inquest records, but nobody who knows anything has emailed me back.
How's that for a nice big brick wall?
In looking at the original 1901 Lissane household record that has Ellen Driscoll Collins and lists Noria as a niece, I can't help but wonder if perhaps her uncle Michael or aunt Noria, also in the household, were the ones who stated she was a niece and so 10 year old Noria should actually have been listed as a granddaughter rather than niece to Ellen Driscoll's husband Michael Collins, the head of the household. The perfect person, agewise, to have been 10 year old Noria's mother would have been the oldest daughter out of Lissane, Johanna, born 1856. Johanna could have married a Driscoll who may or may not have been a distant relative. Even if I knew all this to be fact, however, does not help me get over the problem of not being able to find critical records.
Fortunately, I have one other lead to discovering the identity of Ellen Driscoll Collins. Along with Driscoll baptismal sponsors to the children of Michael and Ellen were an Andrew Maguire and a Johanna Maguire. Those two names stand out like a beacon in Griffiths Valuation for Caheragh. Maguires are practically non-existent in the area but these people were in Gurrane (the west side of Caheragh). Fortunately, according to the same valuation, there are some Driscolls in next-door Cooranuller whose first names match those of the baptismal sponsors. I know when Ellen died, so I can guess when she was born (about 1830).
Skibbereen Heritage is working on it now.


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Rosh Hashanah Menu: Foods for the New Year
Of course it's possible to have food nostalgia, and that includes candy — one of the best things about being a kid! Do you remember these? Now you do.
These sugary little bumps affixed to wax paper bring back fond childhood memories for many. They still come in three original flavors: cherry, lemon, and lime. ($1.19, oldtimecandy.com)
Grooms Gone Wild! 23 Astounding Groom's Cakes


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GRIM SEARCH: Rescuers searched for survivors after an office building blast killed 32 people and injured 121 at the headquarters of Mexico's state-owned oil company, Petroleos Mexicanos, Pemex.
WHY? The cause of the basement explosion in an administrative building next to the 51-story Pemex tower in Mexico City remained a mystery. Early signs pointed to an area that housed electrical and air-conditioning equipment.
WORST TIME: The explosion occurred just as the administrative shift was about to end. It hit the basement and three floors, where as many as 250 people work. The floors collapsed in the 14-story building.


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Chandler Whitmer
Desmond Conner looks at five aspects of the UConn-South Florida game (Saturday, 7 p.m., ESPNU). No turnovers: The Huskies are going against a defense that gives up a lot of points and hasn't recorded an interception in 32 quarters this year, 480 minutes, all eight games. It¿s an embarrassing stat for the Bulls, but it wouldn't be a surprise if the Huskies helped South Florida snap the skid. There are only three quarterbacks in the country who have more interceptions that quarterback Chandler Whitmer (11), and there are very few teams that have a minus 1.13 turnover ratio such as the Huskies.
Patrick firstname.lastname@example.com
Copyright © 2018, Orlando Sentinel


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Inspiration can be found all around us, and many times in places we don't even expect it. But once you have gathered new amazing ideas, what happens next? How do these inspirations turn into stunning masterpieces?
The beginning of the design process is timely and tedious. After discovering a new inspiration – often in several forms – Ilaria begins to produce an inspiration board with a particular theme in mind. The board is filled with snapshots, magazine tear-outs and more – all elements that help visualize the sentiment she has chosen.
Once this step is completed and Ilaria feels confident that the concept truly portrays her inspiration, she begins to sketch. This part of the process involves many weeks of sketching, editing and debating images of jewelry designs.
However, only the most impeccable pieces will be transformed into beautiful collections. Ilaria herself admits that she can be her toughest critic, and more often than not, sketches and inspiration boards in the end don't meet her strict standards of perfection.
For Ilaria, and Hearts On Fire, the resulting jewelry pieces that are ultimately produced are fashion forward and unique, all while maintaining a classic and timeless appeal.
See Ilaria at work in this short video with her and CEO Glenn Rothman. Watch now.


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Quitting Smoking
Top of the pageLearning Center
Learn about quitting smoking
Quitting smoking isn't easy. But if you smoke, quitting is the best thing you can do for your health. Smoking increases your risk for cancer, diabetes, heart failure, and other serious medical problems. Still, if you've been smoking for a long time, it can be very hard to quit. You might worry about withdrawal symptoms or that your craving for a cigarette might be too strong to ignore. But with some support, you can do it. Our topics can give you the help you need to finally quit smoking and start leading a healthier life today.
Visit our topics to get information and support to quit smoking:
Health Topics
- Comparing Nicotine Replacement Methods
- Comparing Stop-Smoking Medicines
- Interactive Tool: Are You Ready to Quit Smoking?
- Interactive Tool: How Does Smoking Affect Your Lifespan?
- Interactive Tool: How Does Smoking Increase Your Risk of Heart Attack?
- Interactive Tool: How Much Is Smoking Costing You?
- John's Story: Crossing the Smoke-Free Finish Line
- Linda's Story: Quitting Smoking Improves Cholesterol
- Making a Change That Matters
- Making Your Change Happen
- Nancy's Story: Quitting Smoking Takes More Than Willpower
- Nate's Story: Sick of Smoking
- Ned's Story: Quitting Smoking
- Nicotine Gum
- Nicotine Inhaler
- Nicotine Patches
- Not Ready for Change?
- Oral Cancer
- Planning for a Change That Matters
- Quick Tips: What to Do When You Crave Nicotine
- Quit-Smoking Programs
- Quitting Smokeless Tobacco
- Quitting Smoking
- Quitting Smoking and Avoiding Smoke During Pregnancy
- Quitting Smoking: How Family and Friends Can Help
- Quitting Smoking: How Support Groups Can Help
- Quitting Smoking: Temptations and Cravings
- Quitting Smoking: Your Social Life
- Risks of Smoking Cigars and Pipes
- Smoking and Coronary Artery Disease
- Smoking and Stroke Risk
- Smoking Fewer Cigarettes
- Smoking Triggers
- Smoking: Choosing a Good Time to Quit
- Smoking: Health Risk for Family Members
- Smoking: Heart Attack and Stroke Risks
- Smoking: Problems With Pregnancy
- Smoking: Sexual and Reproductive Problems
- Teenage Smokers: Reasons to Quit
- Teenage Tobacco Use
- Thinking About a Change?
- Track Your Smoking
- Your New Normal
Current as of: October 9, 2017
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review: Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine & Martin J. Gabica, MD - Family Medicine
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Learn how we develop our content.
To learn more about Healthwise, visit Healthwise.org.
© 1995-2018 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.


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Posted: Jan 24 2016, 3:11pm CST | by Luigi Lugmayr, in Deals
|List Price
|$274.88 + Free shipping
|You Save
|$155.11 (37%)
Amazon has the Samsung UN40H5003 40in 1080p LED LCD HDTV for a low $297.88 Free Shipping. Tax in many states.
This Samsung 1080p HDTV sells for about $330 elsewhere and is one of the lowest prices we have seen.
Black Friday is the best time to find TV Deals. There are many factors to consider when buying a Black Friday TV deal. The biggest savings this year are on 60-inch and 50-inch TVs. 4K Ultra HD TV deals need extra attention as lots of 4K Ultra HD Black Friday TVs do not support HDMI 2.0 and HEVEC codec for Netflix 4K Ultra HD streaming. The lowest priced 32-inch Black Friday 2015 Deal is stuck at $98. Still a good deal, but savings on big screen TV are in the hundreds.
Disclaimer: The Black Friday deal information given above is without warranties on accuracy and availability. Black Friday deals tend to sell out very quickly and as retailer only keep low inventories for doorbuster deals.
Samsung UN40H5003 40in 1080p LED LCD HDTV $274.88
Get In Stock Alerts on Twitter
Published: 11:52:19 pm, 10/18/2018


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A goal of many webmasters is to have their website achieve the status of an authority site for their most important keywords. An authority, or sometimes referred to as an expert site, requires strong content, a large number of pages, and a large number of incoming and outgoing links that are themed to website content.
It's widely considered by many observers that the Google algorithm places great importance on authority site status. It is a goal well worth striving for with your site.
An authority site also requires a healthy dose of PageRank. Most authority sites have at least a PR7, with many being much higher. It should be noted that the size, in terms of number of indexed pages and the content of a site, is also very important in recognizing authority sites. PageRank is only one of several authority site attributes, but is the one we are examining more closely right now.
Developing an authority site (as we'll call it throughout this article) is a worthwhile goal, for website owners attempting to rise to the top of the search engine results pages (SERPs) for their most important keyword phrases. In fact, authorities are usually positioned on the first two pages of the SERPs. The object of authority site building is to become one of the most important sites in the opinion of the Google algorithm for those keywords and phrases.
The keys to becoming an authority site are highly interrelated. They include number of indexed pages, content, links, and strong Google PageRank. All of those factors work in harmony as your site rises in the search engine rankings to achieve that highly desirable authority site status. Lacking any of those qualities, your site may not reach the authority goal.
One common thread that joins all authority sites is their relatively high levels of Google PageRank. While perhaps not the most important factor in the authority rank status, it is a good indicator of that possible position. That PageRank level requires an abundance of powerful inbound links from related themed sites.
Also important for potential authority sites are links from the most important internet directories, including the Open Directory Project (DMOZ), the Yahoo! Directory, and the Google Directory. In fact, any good quality human edited directory will help enhance a possible authority site.
To get to the authority site realm, your site needs incoming links. Let's examine that PageRank issue for authority sites.
{mospagebreak title=Going for Google PageRank}
Many observers discount the importance of Google PageRank as a relic of Google algorithms past. They say its importance has diminished to being little more than green shaded eye candy for website owners. That may be true in many cases.
While PageRank may have possibly had its value lessened, it still is seen in abundance on Google designated authority sites. As PageRank rises, it does indicate that linking programs are successful. As we shall see, there is more to linking,than simply their absolute number. PageRank shows you are making solid progress toward achieving authority status with your linking activities.
An authority site needs solid on and off page content, themed incoming links, and strong PageRank. Each of these factors is needed for becoming an authority. Because each is dependent on the others, they are all intertwined and important. Google PageRank is one of those necessary elements.
{mospagebreak title=Building up the Content}
All authority sites are content rich with often well over 1000 pages in total. Authority sites tend to be large sites; hence their importance. Authorities simply have an abundance of content. That heavy emphasis on content is reflected in off page factors as well. Because so many links are coming into the authority site's high volume of content, there is usually strong link anchor text working towards themeing the site.
Links to the home page strengthen the PageRank of that main entry page. That PageRank is filtered through to the internal pages as well. Various internal pages also receive a PageRank boost from their own incoming links. Not everyone links to a site's home page. That fact is especially true for authority sites. A well designed site map and internal linking system are essential to redistribute the incoming flow of PageRank to the pages requiring it most.
Other sites link to interesting and useful content for the benefit of their own visitor traffic. Each incoming link helps a web page's link popularity and Google PageRank. It is thought that the most recent incarnation of the Google algorithm is placing much heavier weighting on incoming links. On page content factors are possibly being treated as less important. While that may hold true for the algorithm directly, it doesn't account for additional links attracted by strong and informative content.
Many authority sites include a forum, a blog, and often a theme link directory as part of their content. All of those options enable a site to increase its amount of fresh themed content very quickly. All of them attract additional PageRank through their incoming links.
Good content draws natural links from other sites. Those links bring with them an influx of PageRank.
{mospagebreak title=Adding to the Link Power}
Authority sites require links for both PageRank and as link popularity for high search engine rankings. Links are the reason for PageRank, which depends on links for its value. Perhaps more than anything else, authority sites require themed incoming links, although all inbound links are helpful.
Like the related hub sites, which are identified from their heavy use of outgoing links to theme-related sites, authority sites must link out to other important sites as well. Authority site owners must be careful to maintain a high ratio of inbound to outbound links, favoring the former, of course.
Some additional incoming links from high PageRank sources might be purchased. While I don't usually advocate the buying of links, sometimes it has a place for some websites. Each case should be examined individually for the usefulness of purchased links.
Authority sites should be submitted to all of the major and secondary internet directories. The most important directory links, especially the human selected ones, carry tremendous weight with Google. Along with submitting to DMOZ, website owners on their way to authority status should also consider submissions to the important secondary human edited directories. These include JoeAnt, Gimpsy, Skaffe, Zeal/Looksmart, and GoGuides.
Being included in DMOZ is a very important step towards becoming an authority. The recognition, by that most important directory, may even be part of the calculation as to which sites achieve authority status. Paying the $299.00 inclusion fee for the Yahoo! Directory might also be worthwhile strictly for the PageRank enhancement alone.
Added incoming links from charity sites and even from government agencies are especially powerful in terms of the Google algorithm. Displaying high PageRanks and often being authorities in their own right charities provide very desirable links. You may have to trade some volunteer work or a service for the link, but it's well worth it for the authority site enhancement.
Potential authority site owners should never be afraid to link out to important and theme related government and charity sites either. As an authority linking out to other authority sites can also add the attributes of a hub site to your website. As you are probably aware, the main quality of a hub site is its high number of outgoing links to related theme websites. A site can be both a hub and an authority, or it can be either one. They are not mutually exclusive.
Authority site aspirants should seriously consider link exchanges with competitor sites. While that concept appears on the surface, to be counterintuitive, it's not. A site that has links to and from, all of the major sites in the theme topic, will be seen as important for that reason alone. If a site were not important, it would not have inbound links from the leading sites in its industry. This is one area where linking to a direct competitor might provide some real value.
{mospagebreak title=Conclusion}
Along with having large numbers of indexed pages and high numbers of inbound anchor text rich links, an authority site usually features very high Google PageRank. It's well worth your while to start a linking campaign that adds the necessary PageRank for authority site status. In the SERPs for your most important keyword phrases, the top two and often three returns pages contain numerous authority sites. Because of the importance attached to those sites by the Google algorithm, they are unlikely to see any kind of a major drop, even if the current algorithm is changed.
In order to develop a well themed high PageRank authority site, you must be certain to have the on page and off page content that will attract numerous incoming links.
Since many of the links will be natural one-way inbound links, you might not always be able to control the link anchor text. That is not always a bad thing, as mixed link text works in your favor. The sheer volume of incoming links, many from authority and hub sites, will provide ample link popularity and PageRank for your potential authority site.
Make certain that you have a good internal linking structure and a site map to properly distribute the inflow of PageRank to the pages most needing it.
It's certainly worthwhile to develop an authority site for your most important keyword phrases.
Getting the required inbound links, and the necessary PageRank, will start you on your way to achieving that exalted authority site status.


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