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Tableau Public Surpasses 100 Million Pageviews
Data storytelling platform has helped 33,000+ journalists, bloggers, researchers and others bring life to online content
Tableau Software today announced that Tableau Public, its free platform for online storytelling with data, has surpassed 100 million pageviews since it was first made available in February, 2010. Tableau Public was launched to help people share data on the web, and more than 33,000 people have published dashboards or visualizations using the free product.
Media outlets around the world including The Wall Street Journal, Argentina's La Nacion and the UK's The Guardian have used Tableau Public to visualize data in creative ways, enhancing conversations around data. Journalists, bloggers, researchers and students drive more page views and longer dwell time by using interactive visualizations without the help of programmers or IT. Industry experts estimate that interactive content drives web page reading times up as much as six times longer than that of a static page.
"Tableau rapidly turns our data driven stories into interactive stories allowing us to work with tight deadlines" says La Nacion Data Project Manager Angelica Peralta Ramos. "It helps us bring data to life, and our users extract their own stories. It's a dynamic, fast and beautiful tool for online journalism."
An impressive and growing gallery of author-created visualizations is viewable on the Tableau Public website. Tableau selects a "Viz of the Day" from the library of thousands that have been published, which people can follow at http://twitter.com/vizoftheday.
"The creativity Tableau Public authors demonstrate when they tell stories with data is inspiring," said Christian Chabot, CEO and co-founder of Tableau Software. "They share our vision for a web where data is shared in useful, fun and beautiful ways."
To commemorate the 100 million views milestone, Tableau is providing the top Tableau Public authors with free extra storage space to encourage their continued success.
About Tableau Software
Tableau Software helps people see and understand data. Tableau helps anyone quickly analyze, visualize and share information. More than 10,000 organizations get rapid results with Tableau in the office and on-the-go. And tens of thousands of people use Tableau Public to share data in their blogs and websites. See how Tableau can help you by downloading the free trial at www.tableau.com/trial.
Tableau and Tableau Software are trademarks of Tableau Software, Inc. All other company and product names may be trademarks of the respective companies with which they are associated.


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Commercial buildings are the source of 40% of energy usage in US. Integrated HVAC works with facility and property managers and owners to make your buildings more energy efficient, lower your operating costs, and help your tenants breathe easier, literally. We go beyond how products are supposed to perform and work with you to ensure your building energy systems actually do perform. We think of it as comfort engineering. You have found the right partner.
How can we help you? Just complete the form on the right to learn more about how you can benefit from our many Commerical services.
© 2012 Integrated HVAC Systems and Services Inc.

subset: commoncrawl


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I have been a 30 year plus user of Mysoline. I have had no seizures. About 20 years ago, I used a generic for about 5 days, and had a seizure. I went back on to the Mysoline, and have been seizure free. I am having trouble ordering the 250mg dosage, and with Medicare, the co-pay is expensive. I am considering moving to a generic equivalent, hoping that I will find one that will be as good for me as the brand Mysoline. Your thoughts?
Responses (2)
My neurologist said never to take generic anti seizure drugs. That was 31 years ago. I've always taken Mysoline. About 4 or 5 years ago I decided to save some money and take the generic Mysoline and I had a seizure. I have always been seizure free on Mysoline. I don't know if the absorption is different, but they are not the same. I pray Medicare pays for your Mysoline… I completely understand.
Wow - Thanks for sharing. I came to the same conclusion after speaking to two doctors. It is expensive, but thank goodness, I can afford it. Greg
Your neurologist is CORRECT. The generic companies and even our own government will tell you that the bio-equivalence is the same for the generic as it is for the generic~~NOT TRUE. If you must take a generic drug for a seizure disorder, make sure that you are regulated on the generic drug when you are first diagnosed with your condition. I was placed on Mysoline YEARS AGO and the few times that I had "break through" seizures was when I was laid off and had no insurance and a high school friend that had become a pharmacist, recommended that I go on the generic, Primidone. Sure the cost savings was GREAT, but at what cost; I had a break through seizure. Right back on the name brand and no issues. I think that you need to be regulated on the drug you will be taking, generic or name brand. All of the generic drugs for seizures are not the same either so, if you pick one, stay with the generic brand.
That is why so many people that were prescribed Mysoline have stayed with it. NO ISSUES as it is manufactured the same day in and out. Who knows what different manufacturers do when they make the many generic Primidone tablets. I am 59 years old and got my seizure condition when I was seventeen at the hands of a friend speeding in his parents car. We crashed and I sustained a head injury. I've been taking meds for a L-O-N-G time. Pick one, get regulated to it (no seizures) and stay with it. If you pick the name brand Mysoline, you know what you're going to get be it a 250 mg tablet or smaller. If you opt for X generic brand and Z generic brand next time you refill, you're playing games with yourself and anyone else that may be with you, in a car, boat, climbing in the mountains. Hey, it's your seizure.
Further Information
- Mysoline Information for Consumers
- Mysoline Information for Healthcare Professionals (includes dosage details)
- Side Effects of Mysoline (detailed)
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Penn + Pooch The Babe Boho Craze
Penn + Pooch The Babe Boho Craze
The babe is an all-around favorite tee with its soft touch and relaxed fit. Like all penn + pooch garments, the babe features our signature center back flap for functional leash and harness accessibility. Made in America.
Content & Care: This garment is made from 50% cotton and 50% polyester. To care for this garment, machine wash on cold and tumble dry on low. Do not bleach; only iron on low heat.
See images for sizing information.


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We expanded our chicken coop, but the new coop has no top on it like our old one did, so we had to clip our chickens wings so they couldn't get out.
We had never done this before, so we did some quick research online and found it was really quit simple.
You just have to make sure you only clip the feathers on ONE side. The point is to make bird uneven for flying, like a plane with only one wing.
Now the ladies can enjoy their new enlarged coop.
We didn't clip Hank and Bonnies wings, they are happy as long as they have their pond.


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On the program for the Chesapeake Cup, played at the Caves Valley Golf Club, the name Dan Quayle was followed by his home address, Carmel, Ind., and a mere reference to the fact he was once the DePauw University team captain.
This was as it should be. He came for recreation, not to be identified as a voice of government or involved in political pursuits.
There was no need for embellishing his accomplishments, be it as senator or vice president of the United States. If you, the reader, have an in-bred prejudice against Quayle or for other reasons don't like him, then look for another column of type.


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CBS, IBEW ink 3-year contract for new media
EmptyThe International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers has announced a new three-year agreement with CBS Broadcasting that makes special provisions for work on new-media projects.
The CBS-IBEW contract covers camerapersons, soundpersons, editors and maintenance technicians in several CBS divisions, including news, sports, entertainment, TV stations, radio and operations.
The IBEW's current pact with the network was scheduled to expire July 31. The new agreement, which was ratified Friday, is through July 31, 2010.
The deal includes "a unique cooperative pledge under which CBS has given IBEW its commitment to actively look for opportunities to assign IBEW technicians to perform work for the Internet and emerging media," officials said.
The provisions will cover an initial project involving IBEW employees at an eye facility in Los Angeles, where CBS will distribute programming via the MediaFlo mobile-entertainment service.
"This is a forward-thinking agreement with one of the key unions in our industry," CBS Corp. CEO Leslie Moonves said. "We applaud the IBEW leadership for their ongoing dialogue and for helping us to chart a course for the future that benefits everyone."
IBEW international president Edwin Hill lauded a "solid working relationship with CBS management."
The new agreement provides for salary increases of 3% in each of the first two years and 3.5% in the final year. The agreement also includes increases in contributions to benefits funds for freelance and per-diem employees as well as for certain travel and per-diem allowances for both staff and freelancers.


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Frequently Asked Questions
What time do I need to Arrive?
– We Suggest arriving 60-90 minutes before your heat
What if I don't like my heat time?
– Well we could tell you to suck it up like other races….but feel free to drop us a line and we will do our best to make sure you are running with your pals / co workers / or against your ex spouse.
Is the race timed?
– Yes. Timing system will be in place and race results will be posted in real time.
What does my registration Fee Include?
– Race Entry, Finisher Medal, Finisher T Shirt, Finisher Wristband, Race Photos, Timing Chip, Official Post Party Entrance (When applicable), & Offers from X Warrior Partners
Is there a minimum age to run the event?
– If you are under 18 you will beed a waiver signed by your parent/ legal guardian
– Must be 14 or over to run any course 5km & Over
– Little Warrior Age Category: 4 – 8 yrs old
– Junior Warrior Age Category : 9-13 yrs old
What do I need to bring to race?
– In no particular order… Your RACE TICKET, ID, Signed Waiver (We will be issuing waivers closer to the race), Shoes, Costume (if thats your thing), Cash/Debit / Credit card for all the cool stuff that will be for sale and maybe a change of clothes…it's going to get sweaty.
Where do I park?
– Parking will be available on site. Fees are associated. Please check Race Weekend page for specific parking details.
What does Parking cost?
– Prices can range from $10 – $15
Can I bring friends to watch and hopefully buy me things for being so awesome?
– YES! Spectators are always FREE.
Are you looking for volunteers for the race?
– YES! Always. Please email email@example.com
What is in it for Volunteers?
– Other than being part of an amazing day/weekend, Volunteers will receive a free X Warrior T Shirt, Lunch, & Snacks. Any volunteers working a 4 hour shift will be able to run the race before/after their shift at a discounted rate. Any volunteers working a full 8 hour shift will receive a FREE entry to a Future X Warrior Challenge Race
How can I Transfer to another Heat or Ticket Type?
How can I edit update my ticket/registration information?
How can I join/create a Team after I already registered?
Are refunds?
– Short answer is no, however if you do get injured or can't make the event please get in touch with us as we do have options. These options cam include deferrals to future similar events.
Are transfers allowed?
– This is a hot topic. If an event is sold out we will allow transfers at no cost. If the event is not sold out there will be a $20 transfer fee.
– We do not allow transfers less than 14 days before event dates. In all honesty, there are so many things happening at that time and as a race company we hope to capture last minute interest in remaining tickets, it's just something we have decided not to allow. If you look at the refund policy above you will see no one is ever out any money of they cannot make an event for injuries, etc. 🙂
– Suck it up princess. The event is going forward. Just imagine how awesome the photos will be.
What is the Charity Challenge?
– By offering amazing incentives, we encourage our XWarrior Challengers to raise money for specific charities in the city they are racing in, helping to raise the entire community. From there, we are able to show where the raised money goes…and it's right back to your community!
Who is the 2017 Charitable Partners?
– Kidsport
– The Boneyard OCR Youth Group
How do I choose a charity & start raising money?
– Once you register for the race you will be brought to the CROWDRISE fundraising platform automatically. Click a few more buttons, and BOOM. Fundraiser extraordinaire.
Do I have to raise money for a charity to run an X Warrior Challenge?
– No you don't. But the question is, why wouldn't you want to? 🙂
Host Hotels will be announced for each City / Location!
- Coming Soon
Have more questions? No problem.
– Fire us an email to firstname.lastname@example.com We will get back to you with the answers.


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Romney Mocked Kerry In 2004 For Having A Large Home
But Kerry didn't appear to have an elevator for his cars. (via Political Wire)
Said Romney: "There's a Senator from my state who wants to get elected President. I don't know why he would want to do that, because he would have to move into a smaller house."Click here for reuse options!
Copyright 2012 Liberaland
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TOR for Consultancy for the next OECD-DCD report on Illicit Financial Flows
Share this
The OECD's Development Cooperation Directorate (DCD) is issuing a competitive procurement process in order to identify a consultant to produce a highly regarded, evidence-based report on Illicit Financial Flows in West Africa.
Attached you will find a comprehensive document describing the project as well as a concept note. The deadline date for receipt of responses is October 23, 2014 at 5:00 pm (Paris time). Proposals received after that time and date will not be accepted. If you have any questions regarding the project, please contact me at firstname.lastname@example.com.
The objective of the consultancy is to produce a highly regarded, evidence-based report. This report should:
- Provide an analysis of the operations related to illicit trade activities in West Africa, including the financing processes and the disposing of revenues generated;
- Shed light on the roles of stakeholders beyond those immediate linked to these activities (i.e. small drug dealers or smugglers and fishing vessels personnel);
- Delineate the political economy of these processes, which may indicate a phenomenon whose drivers lie both outside and within the affected countries and / or jurisdictions.
- Explore the constraints and possibilities of international donors' engagement in this area, providing suggestions on how they can contribute to attenuating the problem beyond involvement in security sector and law enforcement reform.
These suggestions will be considered by the development community, particularly by the Anti-Corruption Task Team of the OECD-DAC.
The ultimate product will be a report on illicit trade in West Africa. The deliverables are the following:
- An inception report
- Participation in at least one workshop (as detailed in Stage 2 below)
- Case studies (as detailed in Stage 3 below)
- A final synthesis report, binding together the inception report and the case studies
- One policy brief


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Although the worldwide formation of OMD has been anticipated, the launch of the global PhD media unit comes as a surprise.
PhD rolls up Omnicom's independent media shops, including Creative Media and Advanswers in the U.S.; Canada's HYPN; and the U.K.'s New PhD. The unit takes its name from New PhD, which is already well-established in Europe. Advanswers and Creative Media will now work together in the areas of media buying and research.
OMD -- which combines the media buying operations of Omnicom's BBDO Worldwide, DDB Worldwide and TBWA Worldwide agencies -- formally completes its global expansion this week by opening shop in the U.S. OMD was formed in Europe in 1996 and currently operates in 30 countries. On a global basis, OMD has about $15 billion in buying clout, while PhD has an estimated $2 billion in billings.
Daryl Simm, CEO of Omnicom Media Group, said Omnicom formed the two units in order to better take advantage of the holding company's existing capabilities -- the size and media clout of its Big 3 agencies, and the entrepreneurial nature of its disparate media specialists. The formation of two units also enables the Omnicom units to vie for competing clients.
"It's the prospect of two distinct selling propositions in the marketplace," said Mr. Simm. "The two units have distinct personalities."
Mr. Simm said Omnicom management did briefly consider uniting all its media capabilities in a single cohesive unit, but opted for a duo to "avoid the risk of creating a homogeneous media service."
Omnicom is the latest holding company to join in on the industry's media combination frenzy. Recently formed agency holding company BDM is poised to combine its Leo Group's Starcom Worldwide operations with MacManus Group's MediaVest, forming a $16.5 billion buying behemoth (AA, Feb. 21).
The BDM media unit would lead in U.S. clout, boasting billings of $5.4 billion.
WPP Group is also in the midst of completing its global media entity -- MindShare -- through the combination of Ogilvy & Mather Worldwide's media units with J. Walter Thompson Co.'s media entities. That unit would have $10.1 billion in global media billings.
David Pattison, co-founder and CEO of the New PhD, becomes CEO of the PhD media network. Steve Grubbs, previously exec VP-national TV buying for BBDO, New York, becomes CEO of OMD USA.
His top two lieutenants are Dan Rank, formerly director of TV and radio for DDB's OMD Media, New York, and Annette Cerbone, previously director of corporate broadcast and research at TBWA/Chiat/Day, New York. Mr. Rank will oversee OMD's national broadcast group, while Ms. Cerbone will be responsible for its local broadcast operations; both will be managing partners. Mr. Grubbs is also expected to name a top executive to head Optimum's U.S. research operations. OMD will have $4.1 billion in U.S. billings.
The national TV buyers of the three agencies will now become employees of OMD, as will the local buyers of DDB and TBWA/
Chiat/Day. BBDO's local media network, which mainly services DaimlerChrysler, will remain a separate entity. Mr. Grubbs said they never considered folding in DaimlerChrysler's media. One reason to separate the local buying is that OMD handles Nissan North America.
All media planning staffers of the agencies will continue as employees of their current shops. All told, an estimated 250 U.S. staffers will change their reporting structure. The bulk of OMD's media buying employees will remain housed in their respective agencies. However, a new office will be set up in New York for top OMD management and select research personnel.
The plan to expand OMD has been in the works for 18 months, according to Mr. Grubbs. Many kinks had to be worked out in the process, including getting feedback from 90 clients. For the last several months, the OMD USA top management trio has traveled across the U.S. to meet with existing clients and get their feedback.
"For the first six months, it was like the Hillary Clinton listening tour," joked Mr. Rank, adding, "We didn't want to cram anything down our clients' throats."
Interestingly, the newly formed OMD U.S. structure currently services some conflicting clients, such as McDonald's Corp. and Taco Bell, as well as Apple Computer and Compaq Computer Corp.
"We resolved conflicts and set up fire walls," said Mr. Grubbs.
Omnicom's smaller-billing agencies, such as Goodby, Silverstein & Partners, San Francisco; GSD&M, Austin, Texas; and Martin/Williams, Minneapolis, will keep their media planning and buying contained for now.
However, Mr. Simm noted that Omnicom's media structure will "continue to evolve," adding, "our aim is to build our businesses."


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Queen's Cup, Samui Golf Tournament, 16th-19th June, 2011
Later this week, for the second conseuctive year in a row, the Queen's Cup Golf tournament will visit Koh Samui between 16th and 19th June at the Santiburi Samui Country Club, part of the Santiburi hotel.
Due to Bangkok Airways' success in organizing Bangkok Airways Open – Asian Tour for 4 years consecutively, The Sports Authority of Thailand decided to cooperate with Bangkok Airways to organize Queen's Cup Samui Golf Tournament- Asian Tour for the first time on Koh Samui in August 2009.
Continuing from last year's successful debut, Queen's Cup Samui Golf Tournament – Asian Tour makes it return for a second consecutive year in June 16-19 , 2011 at the Santiburi Samui Country Club. The total prize is valued at $300,000 USD.
The Asian Tour offers 30 tournaments with total prize money worth over $37 million USD. As the official sanctioning body for professional golf in Asia, the Asian Tour leads the development of golf across the region, enhancing the careers of its members while maintaining a commitment to the integrity of the game. The Asian Tour, through its membership of the International Federation of PGA Tours, is the only recognized pan-Asian professional golf tour in Asia. This unique feature positions the Asian Tour at the pinnacle of professional golf in Asia; providing its events with Official World Ranking status.
Bangkok Airways in cooperation with the Sport Authority to Thailand invites you to witness your favourite golf pros swing out on Samui at the;
QUEEN'S CUP BANGKOK AIRWAYS-SAT SAMUI GOLF TOURNAMENT 2011 for a prize of US$300,000.
If golf is your thing, you might to make your way over to the Maenam hills this week.


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Hello! Please, pull up a chair, grab your favorite hot drink, and let's talk about how you became a writer: what triggered that important moment inside you soul that said "I shall place words on paper that will tell of stories and tales to regale the masses!"? Did you grow up loving to create stories? Did you have an epiphany moment over your coffee/tea/beer/wine/whiskey and decided that life wouldn't be complete if you couldn't complete a novel? Or were you just an awesome liar and decided to use your gift for good instead of evil?
For me, writing is a very new urge. I've been reading non-stop for my entire life, except for this Black Hole period known as 'college', and was perfectly content to remain an avid reader.
Until that one day.
You all know what I'm talking about, that day where everything changed: you developed an itch that antibiotics couldn't fix, Netflix became a stale, boring pastime, you wanted to experience life just so you could write about it later. And then, you started to WRITE. So it was the summer of 2013, and I had just reread the Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern (don't know what I'm talking about? Get the eff off this page and find that book NOW. Don't worry, I'll wait.), and it suddenly dawned on me that I really wished she had created more Tents. The idea I had in my mind for a new tent was awesome (at least to me), that I started inadvertently writing Night Circus fan fiction, and I didn't even know what the hell fan fic was at the time.
One thing led to another, and I started writing in a journal, using pics found around the Internets as prompts. I usually take one look at an intriguing pic and my mind is off to the races. One day, I was trying to find fun pics to practice writing with, and I came across The One.
My Muse.
The picture that spawned the ideas for my first novel…which I'm still working on to this day. And that book has been cooking away, mutating and morphing into something waaaay more crazy and fun than I could imagine.
So all this is fun and good right? Slogging away day to day on a novel, but like any insane beginner, I want lots of practice followed by lots of instant gratification (or mortification depending how bad my posts are) so I recently started posting Flash Fiction to Instagram. The stories continued to get bigger so I thought I'd bite the bullet and get this oddly named personal Internet space called a "blog". Such a gross sounding name don't you think? I'm trying to come up with better names, but all I've come up with is Dump Site and MyRants, and both make blog sound better. Ugh.
Anyways, I digress. I grabbed up some Net real estate so I could practice my writing and have instant confirmation on being able to write a story (flash or short), and being able to "publish" immediately and sometimes get feedback since I'm currently too embarrassed to tell people I see face to face that I'm a self-diagnosed storyteller. You see, I work in the Space Industry (no, nothing cool like NASA), and I work with a bunch of super smart, rock science nerds. So, we tend to not always agree upon the same types of fiction all the time, making it hard to find folks to give me constructive criticism when they hate my stories already.
So that's where this blog and you come in. I am hoping that we can learn from each other, and be wide open with our posts and info, and give good feedback to each other!
So how did you kick off your epic journey into writing? What's your favorite form of writing (flash, short, novel, etc)? Let me know what you think! And thanks for stopping by .


text: While I've been away having fun at Maker Faire, the robot stories have been piling up in the robots.net inbox. Let's see, first off, I finally got the rest of my Austin Maker Faire photos uploaded and many even have captions, so you'll know what you're looking at. David Wiley let us know about the 2008 Halloween Robot Terror event, a robot costume contest which happened last weekend. Sorry that I didn't get the news out in time! It sounds like fun, here are some photos. Sylvain Calinon wrote to tell us about Salvador DaBot, a portraitist robot from EPFL who can draw your picture. There's also a YouTube video of Salvador DaBot in action. The CMU Robotics Institute has published an interesting study (PDF format) on introducing robots in the classroom as an educational tool. Jennifer Skene of PBS affiliate KQED in San Francisco let us know about two videos on robots and AI they've made available online: Artificial Intelligence: Think Big and A Dose of AI. Roland Piquepaille has been busy posting stories on a robot that destroys breast cancer cells, robot flowers, an improvising musical robot named Jambot, and one on Marvin the mobile autonomous Australian robot (you thought I was going to say Marvin, the Paranoid Android, didn't you?). Our own Swirling Brain has been busy too, digging up stories on a floating Mars robot, a robot planter with legs that keeps your plants in the sunlight, a coffee serving robot, an article on the vision system of the robot that won the UK Grand Challenge, more Mars robots, even more Mars robots, an autonomous Toyota Prius, and a US Navy robot designed to deliver "auto-snort podules" that will sniff out illegal drug traffickers and terrorists. Know any other robot news, gossip, or amazing facts we should report? Send 'em our way please.


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This is a romance story about a total ONE DIRECTION...
How many more lies?
- by Anika Styles
- Rating:
- Published: 6 Jan 2013
- Updated: 7 Jan 2013
- Status: In Progress
Anika is a major fan of a British boy band called One Direction. When she goes to a concert does her favourite member of the boy band fall for her? If so, will there be many lies to keep them together but in all reality, they didn't need to lie in the first place? What happens when he makes a mistake and she finds out? Will it be the end of Anika's cinderella story? Read to find out
Join MovellasFind out what all the buzz is about. Join now to start sharing your creativity and passion
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Wow! What a pleasure it is to make one of these. Attention to detail and top class finishes. Gorgeous!British made, military inspired kit bag with a modern edge and unisex appeal is stylish, durable and functional. Minimalist-chic T-bar and solid brass trigger hook closure and zip access, it works as a daytime tote or overnighter. An inside sleeve is designed to safely hold a LAPTOP.Versatile and practical, your Tombag can be worn over one shoulder, across the chest like a messenger, hands free like a backpack or hand held like a duffel. The Medium Tombag is ideal for the gym, beach, sailing, cycling or as a sports kit bag.
A word from a proud owner:
Capacity - 22 LitresBag Casing (fully lined): Top grade Italian Cow Hide : Aniline full grain cow hideBag Colour: Cognac brownBag Dimensions: Height when closed 45cm - diameter 28cm (18 Inches high, 11 Inches diameter)Adjustable/removable cotton webbing shoulder strapStrap Size: 120cm x 4cmStrap Colour - Oxford TanFeaturing two D-rings and a heavy duty YKK zipperSolid brass finishT-bar and trigger hook closureZip access and internal pocketExternal document pouchPadded handleSome leather info:Leather typesLeathers are made from the skins of many animals but mainly cattle, goat, sheep and pigskins. Although there is a great variety of leather types, a leather can usually be put into one of three categories :-AnilineSemi-anilinePigmented (protected)The type you choose depends on the appearance you want, the product and the usage which the product receives :-Aniline leather is the most natural looking, with natural surface visible, but is less resistant to soilingSemi-aniline leather is somewhere in-between on both counts, having a light surface coatingPigmented (protected) leather is the most durable but is less natural in appearance, having a polymer coating


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Well, let's get this series of posts started with some nice up-tempo jazz from the Bobby Hammack Quartet, a quarter-hour of live, in-studio music originally heard on the ABC radio network. Here's program 213 of the series as it was heard on the Armed Forces Radio and Television Service. The first tune is "Mountain Greenery".
As I mentioned in a previous post of this series, Hammack played in several bands over the years and worked for ABC-Parmount Records from 1958 to 1963 as a musical director. Fans of lounge music will likely enjoy his original composition in the show, "Wind on the Dune".
The transfer of this previously lost show is from an original microgroove AFRTS transcription. There's no date on the matrix, but I'm guessing it's from somewhere around 1958-1960, based on the contents of the other shows on the same disc.


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Skip to Content
Technology News for People Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired
Morgan Blubaugh and Bradley Hodges
Electing to use screen access technology—either a screen reader or magnifier—is a very personal matter. If you have considered the options and made your choice already, you are no doubt using your preferred method to read this article. Others may be in the process of choosing what, if any, assistive technology to use for their computer work, and still others may not be familiar with these technologies at all.
Most of us in the vision loss field are familiar with the leading screen access technology providers, AI Squared, Freedom Scientific, GW Micro and, most recently, Apple. The products sold by these companies provide comprehensive access to the operating system of either a Windows or Mac OS-based computer. For employment-oriented tasks, such as using Microsoft Office, these products are a requirement. For other tasks, learning either Windows or the Mac OS using keyboard navigation and/or screen magnification can be overwhelming.
Guide, from UK-based Dolphin Computer Access, attempts to provide an alternative strategy for performing many of the tasks for which a Windows OS computer is equipped. Here is how we described Guide in the March 2009 issue of AccessWorld
"[Guide is] a comprehensive set of applications that replaces the customary programs that are commonly used with Windows, such as Internet Explorer and Microsoft Word. Its objective is to provide a consistent interface across more than 20 functions, rather than requiring you to learn the different interfaces of a separate web browser, e-mail program, personal calendar application, address book, and so on. Visually, Guide provides a simple, high-contrast proprietary interface. Numbers for each choice or option are associated with the function and can be entered directly from the keyboard. For example, if you want to send an e-mail message, you press 1. If you want to write a letter, you press 2. To navigate, you use the alphanumeric keys or the arrow keys. A voice-input option is also available at an additional price."
More than two years have passed since that article's publication, and the computing landscape has changed remarkably during that time. The desktop PC, once the dominant computer hardware product, has been surpassed by handheld devices such as iPads and powerful laptop and netbook computers. System Access To Go, a free Windows screen reader/magnifier, the NVDA screen reader, and Apple's VoiceOver and Zoom have made gains in popularity and have matured substantially in functionality and features.
Against this newly redrawn backdrop we revisit Guide and consider it for the newcomer to screen reading and/or magnification.
The entire Guide manual is available on the Dolphin website in Word format. Dolphin Computer Access and the authors of this article recommend you either receive training or read the manual carefully before using the program as it can be a bit difficult to get started on. The manual is very clearly organized, is printed in 16-point font, and describes each of the menus and functions in detail.
After installation, you can set the Guide software to startup automatically when Windows starts. In testing, however, we found that the Guide program came on after the login screen, meaning if you have a computer on which you have to provide a login and password, the Guide software will not start until after you have logged in. This can present a significant hurdle for many who use the login screen, since they will have to perform this action without speech or magnification.
The Guide interface is designed to allow you to accomplish nearly all of the common computer tasks within a single application. When you start up Guide, you will be presented with a simple and consistent text list of items, each of which takes you to a different application or another menu. Each of the items is presented in large high-contrast print and spoken aloud. In the Main menu, you are presented with the following options: E-mails, Letters and Documents, Access a Website, Scan and Read, Address Book, Play Audio CD or Mp3, Calendar, Voice Memos, and More Options. You can scroll among items by navigating with the arrow keys on the keyboard, using the mouse, or entering the number for the desired option.
Navigating the user interface with the keyboard is very easy, and, once you get used to the shortcuts, quick and efficient. Selecting F1 at any point will bring up a help menu that shows you the keyboard shortcuts for that menu. Using the mouse to navigate is not as smooth, since Guide does not allow you to adjust the cursor settings to make it easier to see.
Guide offers 20 color choices for the interface, allowing for a high degree of customization of text and background color. There is also an option to change the typeface for the text, though doing so can be a bit confusing. Choosing the option to change typeface brings up an extensive menu with all of the typefaces installed on your computer—which can easily number in the hundreds—without providing a preview option. The only way to see what each typeface looks like is to open the menu, make a selection, and then close the menu. Though this may be a nice feature for more advanced users who already know specifically what typefaces and colors work best for them, it would increase the program's usability to offer some preset options.
Guide does not provide the ability to increase the size of the type for all menus. You can press the F12 key at any time in the menus to increase the font size, but this setting does not carryover to other menu screens. If you prefer larger type, which many users of assistive technology do, you must manually increase the type size for each page of text. This is an unnecessary annoyance that could easily be fixed by creating a setting for a universal type size.
The synthetic speech that Guide uses is clear and easy to hear. A male voice, with a pronounced British accent, reads all text. We installed Guide on two computers and encountered a noticeable lag between each press of the arrow key on an HP desktop machine running Windows 7 with 2 GB of RAM and a 2.4GHz processor. This sluggishness made navigation slow and cumbersome. This sluggishness was not observed on a Windows 7 Dell desktop with 3 GB of RAM and a 2.9 GHz processor.
Before using the e-mail option, you will have to set up an e-mail account. There are three ways to set up an e-mail account: You can import an e-mail account from Outlook Express (but not Outlook), you can manually input your e-mail settings, or you can use Guide's E-mail Wizard. The Wizard worked well when setting up accounts with online e-mail services such as Gmail, Yahoo Mail, and Hotmail, but did not work as well for professional e-mail accounts, which usually required manual input.
Guide features a basic word processor, which allows you to create and print text documents and open a limited number of PDF files. The word processor operates similarly to Notepad: it's very simple to use and easily allows the entering and moving of text. Basic formatting is possible using keyboard shortcuts, such as Ctrl+B for bold, and you can press F1 at any time to bring up a list of all available formatting shortcuts. Though you can insert images into your documents, overall the functionality is still very limited in comparison to a full-fledged word processing program like Microsoft Word.
Documents produced with Guide software are saved as proprietary GDoc files, which can't be opened by any program other than Guide. There is no method to import Microsoft Word files, making it difficult to use Guide with existing documents. Although it's possible to open Adobe PDF documents, this functionality is limited to those PDFs already organized in an accessible format, which is often not the case.
There is a zoom feature built into Guide's Web browser, which can be activated either with the mouse or with keyboard shortcuts. When compared to most screen magnifiers, Guide's zoom feature is extremely limited. While it does increase the size of images and the text, the zoom feature has trouble presenting pages that contain advanced tables or frames. For example, the AFB home page has two sidebars, one on the left and one on the right, with a main body area between. When you use Guide zoom on the AFB page, it increases the size of the two sidebars, and shrinks the size of the middle area until it disappears. If you use a high level of magnification, you would never even know there was a central section on the page.
There isn't a way to change the color of the text or background in the default web browser. It's possible to convert the page to text-only, which removes all images and tables, and then you can edit the size and color of the text, but this does not work well on all pages. It would be nice if there were an easy way to change the color and size of the text for the main page.
Address Book
Play audio CD or Mp3
Scan and Read
Scan and Magnify
Internet Radio
Skype (you need to have Skype installed)
This list indicates the depth of the applications included with Guide. The calendar is noteworthy. Because Dolphin is a UK company, some terms and day/date formatting follow British conventions. This is also noticeable when using the spell checker and in some other functions.
Despite some peculiarities, all applications were stable; given the large number of features this is an impressive accomplishment.
Because Guide requires the use of only the alphanumeric keys and arrows, beginner keyboard skill will allow someone to get up and running with the program, which is a definite advantage. However, the significant shortcomings of the program outlined in this review do not recommend Guide for most people with vision loss as even a first step toward full use of a computer.
We also would expect that any word processing program offered for sale in 2011 will be capable of opening documents and saving documents in the Microsoft Word format.
Finally there is the price, which will be prohibitively high for some people. Guide is available in the United States for $795; there is a "hands free" version available for $1,295.
Product Name: Guide and Guide Hands Free.
Manufacturer: Dolphin Computer Access.
U.S. Distributer:
39 Canal Street
Post Office Box 371
Westerly, RI 02891.
Toll Free: (800) 872-3827.
As mentioned earlier, several free access products have gained popularity and matured significantly in the past two years. Availability of training on the Apple interface with VoiceOver and Zoom is on the rise in many communities. System Access To Go continues to offer a downloadable, free, and comprehensive access tool for both nonvisual and low vision use of Windows-based computers. The System Access Mobile Network (SAMNET) offers a suite of applications that resemble many of those contained in Guide for the annual subscription cost of $129. SAMNET can be used with any Windows screen reader including System Access To Go.
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Learn how AFB designs its family of websites for accessibility!
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Did you read Peter Lynch and his advice on what people should do even before they start investing. He is a pretty sharp guy of course people with less assets may talk down about him he sure does give some good advice over there at his website on setting up a base of protecting assets so that when you begin building an account and something goes haywire you still have money to live on and invest. Go check it out
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While making this list, I realized it was nearly impossible to pick just five films. I have an immense love for music, and when a filmmaker seems to share that love, magical things can happen. I knew I wanted to avoid musicals (such as The Muppet Movie) because that just seemed like cheating. I wanted to avoid documentaries (such as It Might Get Loud) because, again, it's easy for music to take center stage when the filmmakers are talking directly about it. I wanted to avoid biopics (such as Walk the Line or Beyond The Sea) because, frankly, I can't stand biopics, and finally, I wanted to avoid movies that simply had amazing soundtracks (such as Garden State) because that's just a brilliant music supervisor doing his/her job.
This list is solely comprised of fictional movies that are about music. Sometimes funny, sometimes heartbreaking, all the time awesome, here are my desert island, all-time top five favorite movies about music. (Feel free to disagree with me in the comments! I would love to watch your favorite movies!)
#5 That Thing You Do (1996)
I'm kicking off the list with an easy pick. Following the exploits of The Wonders — a young, naive, flash-in-the-pan music group — That Thing You Do is a great movie showing how rapidly a band can rise and fall from glory. Following the band from its infancy, through shady record deals, radio play, and collapse, That Thing You Do is about musicians being absolutely awful at navigating the music industry (and their own relationships).
Despite being made in the '90s, and set in the '60s, most of the crap The Wonders go through is still relevant because money will always be a major motivator in any industry, music included. The best part about this movie, though, is its awesome faux-'60s soundtrack. The Wonders' single is, of course, the most catchy song ever written, and the rest of the soundtrack matches the tone of the movie perfectly. For a film about a fake band, the soundtrack is surprisingly legit. I'm not saying That Thing You Do is the best movie of all time, but it is certainly one of my favorites about music.
#4 This Is Spinal Tap (1984)
The ultimate "mockumentary," fake filmmaker Marty DiBergi's investigation into the lifestyle of pretend band Spinal Tap is absolutely flawless. Even if you have never seen it, you've certainly heard quotes. Amps being louder because they "go to 11." D minor being "the saddest of all chords." Sound familiar? The movie is rife with these kinds of hysterical moments, and it's a perfect send-up of both the genre of rock documentaries and the bands at the centers of such films.
Everything about this movie is fake, including the British accents (all but one of the band members are played by Americans), but despite this, the music is actually pretty great. Simultaneously rocking and hilarious, notable tunes include "Tonight I'm Gonna Rock You Tonight" and "Big Bottoms."
#3 Blues Brothers (1980)
For a movie based on an SNL skit, Blues Brothers has an amazing character of its own that far surpasses any other film like it. It follows the exploits of two brothers (played by Dan Akroyd and John Belushi) who set out to save the Catholic orphanage they grew up in by getting their blues band back together. Despite claiming they are on a "mission from God," the brothers land themselves in hot water with the police, as well as a group of "Illinois Nazis."
As a zany 1980s caper, Blues Brothers works; the script is sharp, the characters memorable, and the car chases unforgettable. But, once again, the music takes center stage by enlisting the help of Cab Calloway, Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, and so many others. The movie is filled to the brim with musical genius, and it became a classic for good reason. If you havent seen this film, and you have any interest in blues, soul, or, you know, laughing, you owe it to yourself to make a viewing happen.
#2 Almost Famous (2000)
The first movie on my list not directly about musicians, this film follows a music writer instead. Almost Famous centers on an almost-unbelievable premise (a 15-year-old becomes a writer for Rolling Stone?) that becomes all the more amazing when you find out the movie is semi-autobiographical. The director, Cameron Crowe, really did land that gig as a teenager and was able to recreate some of his experiences for the audience now that he's a filmmaker.
The movie is phenomonal. It won an Academy Award for best screenplay, and just from watching the clip above, you can easily see why. It is a perfect coming-of-age tale, using the lurid rock tour scene as a backdrop. As young William explores sex, drugs, and rock and roll, we see everything as real as we can. Nothing is glamorized, as everyone's choices have real consequences. It took me WAY too long to see this movie (I saw it for the first time last summer). Don't make the same mistake I did.
#1 High Fidelity (2000)
This is not my favorite music movie. This is my favorite movie of all time, period. I watch High Fidelity at least once a year, and it always (strangely) makes me feel better about my own love life. Following an underachieving record store owner, the movie breaks the fourth wall by allowing Rob to share with the audience his "desert island, all-time, top 5 worst break ups" directly.
Although this movie is not about the music industry at all, it does feature wall-to wall music references, and it explores the relationship between heartbreak and songs about heartbreak. That opening monologue hit me in the gut the first time I heard it, and I have never forgotten the feeling.
High Fidelity definitely takes a serious tone at times (it is entirely about a break-up), but ultimately it is a comedy. Jack Black appears in what is easily his funniest role, and the rest of the cast is perfect as well (Catherine Zeta Jones' brief turn as Charlie absolutely kills me every time). I cannot give this movie enough love. It has a brilliant soundtrack and a beautiful story, and it will be a movie I return to for the rest of my life.


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Leeds United owner Massimo Cellino categorically ruled out the sale of Lewis Cook last night amid rumours that Bournemouth had reached a deal for the midfielder.
Cellino insisted he was "not selling Cook" and said the England youth international was happy to stay in Leeds after Bournemouth were strongly linked with a multi-million pound bid for him.
Head coach Steve Evans reiterated his owner's stance this morning, revealing that United had received two offers for Cook but insisting he was "not going to be sold in this window"
Cook is a major target of Bournemouth's - promoted to the Premier League last season - and Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe has spoken to Evans about the midfielder on a number of occasions in the past month.
The York-born 18-year-old is six months into a new two-year contract at Elland Road having committed his short-term future to the club in May but his performances in the Championship this season have attracted interest from several sides, including Stoke City and Manchester United.
Evans confirmed Bournemouth's interest in an interview with Sky on Wednesday, saying: "It doesn't surprise me that Eddie Howe is interested. He (Cook) has got absolutely everything.
'We want to keep him but when it gets to the realms of that money we're talking there is only one man who will decide and that's the president."
Asked if a deal to sell Cook was in place, Cellino told the YEP: "Not true. I'm not selling Cook. He is happy in Leeds and I'm proud of him."
Speaking today, Evans said: "There's no doubt that there's very solid interest in him but I had a strategy meeting with the president yesterday and Lewis Cook is simply not going anywhere. There are no more conversations to have about Lewis Cook.
"The president's in receipt of some offers and he's said to me that we only get into real discussion if he's maybe of thinking of accepting it. It was very clear that he had no interest in accepting either of them.
"I think every player in the world's for sale but this isn't about putting up any player as an option. He's not going to be sold in this window."
Cook, an England Under-19 international, is part of a crop of academy produced youngsters who have underpinned United's football in the past 18 months.
Another of them, Sam Byram, is widely expected to move on from Elland Road in the January transfer window having turned down an offer to extend a contract which ends in the summer. United are yet to accept a bid for him, however, despite interest from Everton and West Ham United.
Everton - an option which Byram is believed favour - appear to be in the market for a right-back after losing Seamus Coleman for to a calf strain this week.
Evans said: "Again, there's a lot of interest in Sam. One or two clubs have had conversations with our president but that's a long way off from being concrete enough for anything to happen."


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If Dannel P. Malloy's gubernatorial campaign had the authority to set Connecticut's court calendar, it probably would have scheduled the state's most sensational murder trial for some other time. Like after Election Day.
As it is, the trial of Steven J. Hayes , one of two men accused of rape and murder in a Cheshire home invasion, has been riveting the state all fall, increasing the majority of voters who tell pollsters they support the death penalty.
Mr. Malloy is one of two Democrats in this fall's two marquee races in Connecticut — for governor and United States Senate — who have called for the abolition of the death penalty. The other is Richard Blumenthal, the Democratic candidate for the Senate seat being vacated by Christopher J. Dodd.
The two candidates have ended up in different places and have taken different approaches this campaign season, as the Hayes trial kicked up questions about the death penalty and its enforcement.
In the 1980s, Mr. Blumenthal testified in the State Legislature in favor of abolishing Connecticut's death penalty statute. He did so after representing a Florida death row inmate named Joseph Green Brown, who was wrongly convicted. Mr. Blumenthal succeeded in staving off the man's execution just 15 hours before it was scheduled to take place.Continue reading the main story
That was then. At a news conference following a Senate campaign debate on Oct. 4. Mr. Blumenthal was asked about that position. He acknowledged it, then noted that as far back as 1990 his changed view had been on public record. "When I started running for attorney general, I supported the death penalty," he said. "I'm a strong supporter now."
Mr. Blumenthal argues that DNA advances since the 1980s have reduced the chances of false convictions.
Case closed. He and his Republican opponent, Linda McMahon, went back to trashing each other — she portrayed by Mr. Blumenthal as a heartless, outsourcing private employer hostile to the minimum wage, and he labeled by Ms. McMahon as a mendacious, clueless, job-killing career politician. No more talk about the death penalty.
In the governor's race, on the other hand, Mr. Malloy never stops hearing about his opposition to the death penalty in light of the shocking murder of Jennifer Hawke-Petit, 48, and her daughters Hayley, 17, and Michaela, 11, and the beating of their father, Dr. William A. Petit. When he held a news conference on expanding Connecticut's ports, Mr. Malloy was asked about it. In debates and on the campaign trail, his Republican opponent, Thomas C. Foley, who supports the death penalty, makes sure to mention it and try to force him to reiterate his position.
Mr. Malloy has stuck by his opposition. He has promised to sign a bill to abolish the death penalty if elected. (One of his early supporters, State Representative Gary A. Holder-Winfield of New Haven, succeeded in getting such a bill passed in 2009, only to have Gov. M. Jodi Rell veto it.
According to a Quinnipiac University poll released last week, 65 percent of voters expressed support for the death penalty, up from 60 percent a year earlier. A mere 23 percent were opposed. More than three-quarters supported giving the Cheshire defendants the death penalty.
"It's uncomfortable," Mr. Malloy acknowledged in an interview Monday. "In this environment, that does cause consternation."
As he is asked and reasked his position almost daily on the trail, Mr. Malloy always responds the same way.
He begins by practically begging reporters to allow him to speak in more than a sound bite, to explain how he came to his position from both moral and practical perspectives.
Then he notes that he is a former prosecutor who tried four homicide cases.
He expresses his support for life imprisonment for certain crimes.
He speaks about how Connecticut's death penalty law "doesn't work," how taxpayers spend decades and millions of dollars on death row cases that rarely end in execution.
He notes that it does not appear to be a deterrent. "There is no data that indicates that it has anything to do with the homicide rate," he says. "If it did, Texas would have one of the lowest homicide rates as opposed to one of the highest homicide rates."
He brings up the string of cases of innocent people on death row exonerated by DNA evidence. "You can't unring a bell," he says. "You can't bring back somebody to life that you have mistakenly put to death."
He says the death sentences disproportionately fall on African-Americans.
But he also says that if elected governor, he will not interfere should a jury decide that the death penalty is an appropriate sentence for the two Cheshire murder defendants.
Moral and practical arguments aside, Mr. Malloy takes solace in another result of the new Quinnipiac poll: Only 6 percent of respondents said a candidate's position on the death penalty would be a deciding factor in their vote.
There's no way to fact-check that finding — at least not before Nov. 2.
Embracing Bush: Democrats haven't tired of demonizing George W. Bush, but the way they're doing so shows how successfully the former president redefined the tax debate in this country. Witness a pitch Mr. Blumenthal made in rallying his labor base earlier this month. "We can't go back to the Bush administration's trickle-down economics," the candidate told union activists at a New Haven rally. Then he offered one example of what's at stake: "We need a middle-class tax cut now." He was referring to Democrats' efforts to renew all the soon-to-expire Bush cuts except those on the wealthiest 2 percent of Americans. Like their counterparts in Washington, Mr. Blumenthal and Ms. McMahon basically agree on 98 percent of the Bush cuts.
No News Here: After their third and final televised debate last week, Ms. McMahon broke with tradition and immediately left the premises without first answering questions from reporters. She had good reason: Her encounters with pack reporting have ended badly. In one case, she stumbled on her position on the minimum wage, as well as her knowledge of the law; at another, her campaign's intention to stay on message about positive poll results devolved into an effort to pin her down on the details of her positions on health care and taxes. With no more debates or formal news conferences scheduled, look for Ms. McMahon to avoid packs of reporters and exert better control of her news media encounters. She can also rely on paid media, including the continued broadcasting of a powerful commercial produced by Scott Howell & Company showing Mr. Blumenthal stumbling in a debate when asked, "How do you create a job?"
Continue reading the main story


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"It's like you've died and gone to vintage heaven"
Snoopers Attic is vintage heaven and a creative haven. A unique Brighton collective featuring over twenty designers, makers and hoarders, the Attic is a boutique market, art space and workshop all at once, residing upstairs in Snoopers Paradise, in the heart of The North Laine.
With everything from vintage clothing to hand-crafted jewellery, the Attic is home to the most curious array of homewares and accessories you could imagine, with a strong eco aesthetic and even stronger character.
Future Folklore
Future Folklore creates extraordinary jewellery and clothing with a touch of the curious.
Hearts and Guns
One of a kind hand sewn garments created from vintage fabrics.
The Emperor's Old Clothes
The Emperor's Old Clothes is an independent clothing label based in Brighton.
Rag & Bone
A collection of vintage and antique textiles, haberdashery, found objects and decorative homewares.
Lucia J. Elliston
Handcrafted goods such as note/sketch books, jewellery including enamelled penny pendants and maybe the odd sewn waistcoat or bag.
Trinkets & Treasure
A curious mixture of flora, fauna, teeth and bones, beetles in a matchbox and bees trapped in a jar.
Fancier Feather
Exquisite bespoke millinery inspired by the roaring 20's and the glamorous 40's with a contemporary twist.
Jewellery inspired by all the colours and bounty of eccentric nature. Using real beetle shells, porcupine quills, parrot feathers, snake vertebrae, semiprecious stones and more!
EIW Makeup
Makeup and hair skills, such as Bridal, Fashion, Theatre, TV, Special effects, Wig and Facial hair application, hair styling and Barbering.
Cuckoo Cherry Tree
Cuckoo cherry trees vintage dressed hat display is a must see or miss out selection of beauties.
Rainy Day Vintage
A fabulous collection of ladies vintage and retro styles.
Beautiful cardigans, camisole sets and ballerina wraps with a lovely feminine wide-lace trim and a fitted shape.
Blue Moon Vintage
Beautiful and original antique clothes. Victorian, Edwardian and 1920s.
Mantra Mens Shirts
All our designs and patterns have been specifically chosen and tailored for men who aren't looking to blend in with the crowd.


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integrate design with oscommerce
Budget $100-300 USD
Need to add a design with a oscommerce template. Full project description is attached.
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Hours and Admission Info
Summer Camps
Spring Break Camps!
Science Innovation Hall of Fame Awards
Black Wings: American Dreams of Flight
Become a Member
Biplane Rides (June-September)
Homeschool Discovery Days!
Support the Air Zoo!
Become a Volunteer
Register Group Tours
Book Air Zoo Facilities
The Air Zoo Science Inspiration Scholarship Fund - Individual & Group Education
AIR ZOO SCIENCE INSPIRATION SCHOLARSHIP FUND FOR GROUP VISITS, FIELD TRIPS, EDUCATIONAL OUTREACH, AND INDIVIDUAL FINANCIAL AID FOR CAMPS & CLASSESThe Air Zoo is dedicated to connecting students with science and technology through positive, engaging, and immersive experiences that align with educational standards and inspire exciting career choices and pathways. Made possible in part by the Irving S. Gilmore Foundation, The Dorothy U. Dalton Foundation, the Battle Creek Community Foundation, and individual donors, the Science Inspiration Fund was developed to break down the economic barriers that greatly inhibit many schools, community organizations, and youth groups from taking an active part in Air Zoo's exceptional educational programming. Additional grant funding for field trip transportation is offered by Michigan Youth Arts.
GROUP VISITS, FIELD TRIPS, AND EDUCATIONAL OUTREACHScholarships are intended strictly for the support of need-based schools and youth-serving organizations. At least 50% of students or members must qualify for the USDA Free & Reduced Lunch Program. Scholarship applications may request funding to support the cost of Air Zoo admission fees, exhibit attendance, tours, and classroom experiences. To apply, download our application by clicking HERE. For more information or to book your group Air Zoo experience, contact the Air Zoo's Event Sales team at 269.350.2848 or firstname.lastname@example.com. Grants towards field trip transportation costs are available via the Michigan Youth Arts Arts & Culture Trek grant. For more information, click HERE.
*Group educational experiences supported by the Science Inspiration Scholarship Fund are limited and are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.
The Air Zoo provides scholarships to camps and other programs for low-income families and those suffering temporary financial hardship. To apply, download an application by clicking HERE.
The Air Zoo Science Inspiration Fund is made possible in part by the Irving S. Gilmore Foundation, Dorothy U. Dalton Foundation, and the Battle Creek Community Foundation, the Perrigo Company Charitable Foundation, and generous support from corporations and individuals.


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Linked by Thom Holwerda on Tue 24th Jul 2007 15:08 UTC, submitted by Uncle Fester
The head of PC maker Acer, Gianfranco Lanci, has hit out at Microsoft's Windows Vista operating system, saying that the 'entire industry' was disappointed by it. Few buyers have purchased new PCs specifically for Vista, Acer's chief says "The entire industry is disappointed by Windows Vista," the head of the world's fourth-biggest PC maker told the Financial Times Deutschland in its online edition on Monday. Never before had a new version of Windows done so little to boost PC sales, he said. "And that's not going to change in the second half of this year," Mr Lanci said. "I really don't think that someone has bought a new PC specifically for Vista."
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RE: The REAL Problem with Vista
by embleau on Wed 25th Jul 2007 18:47 UTC in reply to "The REAL Problem with Vista"
ALL Windows NT systems (NT, 2000, XP, Vista) are still pretty much like the Old Win9x only with the DOS kernel and command line recompiled to 32 bits.
Ignorance is Bliss as George Orwell so beautifully put it in the book "1984". If that is true, you must floating on Cloud seven with that quote above. LOL.
NT Kernel is NOT a recompiled DOS kernel, not in a LONG shot.
The NT Kernel came from the base that IBM and Microsoft started together back in the late 1980s - early 1990s. They were working together a project called OS/2. That's right, OS/2. They had a split and both companies agreed to share the work done together. IBM took the shared kernel and made OS/2. MS took the shard kernel and made, you guess it, the first NT based kernel.
Who cares if the CLI uses the same commands as DOS. IT'S JUST A SHELL!!!!! With same logic one can say that the modern linux kernel is just a recompiled AT&T Bell Labs Unix kernel just because it uses the same SHELLS.
C'mon if you are gonna bash a product, do it after you have educated yourself on it. If you don't , you'll make yourself look ignorant.


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Former Australia fast bowler Jeff Thomson believes swing bowling could help England in their quest to regain the Ashes.
Four years ago in England the ability of Andrew Flintoff and Simon Jones to move the ball late at sharp pace played a key role in Australia's 2-1 Ashes series loss.
Although the injury-plagued Jones is now out for the season and Flintoff has only recently returned from a knee problem, England's James Anderson is one of the world's leading swing bowlers.
And 58-year-old Thomson, a ferocious fast bowler who made his name during Australia's triumphant Ashes campaign of 1974-75, believes swing bowling could yet be the undoing of his compatriots once again.
"Our guys are not any good at the ball that moves," Thomson, said on Wednesday.
"Nobody really moves them back home.
"(Ben) Hilfenhaus does, but they don't get enough of it and nobody develops it," added Thomson, whose distinctive slingshot action helped him take 200 wickets at an average of 28 in his 51 Tests.
Swing the thing to test Aussies: Thomson
Former Australia fast bowler Jeff Thomson believes swing bowling could help England in their quest to regain the Ashes.
"England's swing bowlers have always cashed in and they don't promote it back home - it's the most ridiculous thing ever," added Thomson, who formed a celebrated pace partnership with Dennis Lillee.
"Our batsmen against balls that move? Not very good."
Turning to Australia's attack, he added: "Hilfenhaus should be really handy over if he bowls properly. He moves the ball about a bit like (Andy) Bichel used to."
As for 32-year-old fast bowler Brett Lee's prospects of a successful return to the Test side following ankle surgery, Thomson said: "Brett's been out for ages. What is he, 33, 34? It's pretty hard to come back then.
"He is a fit guy, which makes a hell of a difference, but only time will tell. He's a bit of a gamble."
Off-break bowler Nathan Hauritz is the only specialist spinner in Australia's squad and Thomson said: "But I don't think the pace bowling's a problem. It's just spinners - we've got no spinners."
The first Ashes Test starts in Cardiff on July 8.


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I am sorry to hear about your frustration, especially being married for such a short period of time. I hope that you can try and understand that he is ill and does need help. You cannot fight his depression yourself, so remember that. All you can do is be there for him and if you notice any major changes in behavior try and get him to see a Dr. Just make sure that you stay true to yourself and still enjoy the things you like. My husband has not had a really easy time dealing with my depression, but he is there for me whenever I need him, we just celebrated out 1-year anniversary. I was not depressed when we first met, but I had a back injury over a year ago and have been quite depressed dealing with the chronic pain. I would just recommend that you stay supportive, but if you get extremely concerned or scared you might want to talk to him about going to a dr. Also he doesn't have to go to a psychiatrist, he can go to your regular family dr. and they will help with anti-depressants. That might be a hidden fear of his, many people are scared of the word psychiatrist alone. Love yourself and try to stay positive, in sickness and health we find out who we really are. He probably needs your support more now than ever. Take care of yourself, and keep us posted. Hang in there:)
Hi ladybuggs,
I am so sorry that you are still having such a rough time. The situation regarding your marriage is very unsetteling. I do not know the answers to you questions, I wish that I did. You may be right it may not be a depression issue it may be just who he is. I am sorry you are finding this all out now, but I know that it is better to know sooner than later. Keep your head up, my thoughts are with you.
Take care~hugs~


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I'm sure this is obvious to some people, but this issue threw me for a loop.
When building applications in Angular 2, it's best practice to divide up your application into feature modules. This keeps your code simple and easy to work with. You can lazy load these child modules to improve initial load times and keep people from downloading code for areas they don't have access to.
The Angular 2 website has excellent tutorials on how to set this up, but if you're using Webpack, those instructions (link) don't quite work.
Here's the code from the Angular 2 website.
export const routes: Routes = [
{ path: '', redirectTo: 'contact', pathMatch: 'full'},
{ path: 'crisis', loadChildren: 'app/crisis/crisis.module#CrisisModule' },
{ path: 'heroes', loadChildren: 'app/hero/hero.module#HeroModule' }
You could assume that this code isn't specific to using system.js as your module loader, but you'd be wrong. Webpack, by default, chokes on these lazy loaded modules. I spent more time than I'm willing to admit trying to figure out the arcane errors before I realized that the Webpack was the problem. Fortunately, this problem is easy to fix.
Like everything else in Webpack, there's a loader for that. In this case, you want the Angular 2 Router Loader (more info here). Be attentive to the instructions, because the module strings work different than they do with system.js. For example, the Webpack loader supports relative paths. (The Angular 2 docs say otherwise) Once you setup the loader, lazy loading in Webpack works like a champ.
TypeScript is a first class citizen in the Visual Studio universe. By default, Visual Studio will compile your typescript files whenever you save them. This is great for many types of TypeScript projects, unless you're using a tool like Webpack or Gulp. These tools handle TypeScript compilation by themselves. You don't want Visual Studio to waste your time generating spurious files. Fortunately, it's easy to disable automatic TypeScript compilation. Just add a "TypeScriptCompileBlocked" element to your project's xproj file and give it a value of "True". This will prevent Visual Studio from making those pesky extra files.


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The American Chamber of Commerce in Taipei (AmCham Taipei) has just released its defense industry special report. Written by Don Shapiro, senior director, editor-in-chief, Taiwan Business TOPICS, the report, Industry Focus – A Special Report on Taiwan Defense: Building a Credible Deterrent, provides plenty of insights into Taiwan's defense budget, arms procurement, research and development, and policy issues. I highly recommend it.
Latest posts by wminnick (see all)
- Taiwan Seeking F-35, Despite F-16C/D Failure - December 10, 2013
- Chinese UCAV Takes Maiden Flight - November 22, 2013
- Chinese UAV Contest Practices Simulated Carrier Landings - September 26, 2013


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The last time we saw F.E.A.R, the upcoming first-person shooter from Monolith, it was in a congested booth at E3 2004. At the time, Vivendi showed off the game through a brief demo. And while anyone could see the game held potential, not being able to play it severely limited our impressions of the game. Fortunately, a fully playable version of F.E.A.R seeped its way into Microsoft's booth during the Consumer Electronics' Show in Las Vegas. We shoved all the businessmen aside, strapped in and took the game for a spin.
First off, the game still looked very early. The frame rate jumped all over the place, certain textures looked a little wonky and character animation appeared rigid. We have yet to see F.E.A.R run the way it needs to, and while CES has all the mainline hardware out for play, there still wasn't a chipset (or optimization in the engine code, if that's the case ... and for the sake of our wallets, we hope that it is) powerful enough to run the game at full framerate. These technical issues aside, F.E.A.R definitely impressed. The visuals, while still early, boasted cool effects such as radial explosions and particle effects. Sound in F.E.A.R made the game feel immersive and creepy, something that few titles in the genre can claim. Best of all, the game employed snazzy mechanics rarely seen in a first-person shooter.
The CES demo started the same way as the demo shown at E3. You, the player, is traveling by helicopter to an office building, which has been overrun by unknown enemy forces. The chopper flies over a darkened cityscape before landing on the roof of the building. Almost immediately, hostiles from within the building burst through a nearby door fully intent on killing you and your teammates. For some reason, your roommates either ditch you or simply vanish, because you're left to your own devices as you fend off the initial onslaught.
You start the demo with a shotgun, which boasts incredible stopping power. After clearing the first group of enemies, we made our way down a nearby flight of steps to explore the rooftop. Again, a group of hostiles exploded out of a nearby door and blasted us with machine gun fire. Apparently, these guys lean toward the suicidal, since they obviously have no qualms about running out into the open. Later on in the demo, enemies started to exhibit their defensive capabilities, such as turning over furniture to use as makeshift shielding. But for now, they seemed content with dying very painful deaths. Once inside the building, things became more interesting.
We encountered some wicked-cool enemies that used optic camouflage as seen in the Predator movies and in anime such as Ghost in the Shell. These enemies behaved differently from the commandos we polished off on the roof. They were far more agile, for starters, and taking them down was far harder. As of yet, we have no idea who they are or where they come from, but chances are we'll face platoons of these suckers in the finished game.
One of the cooler aspects of F.E.A.R is the ability to assault enemies with melee attacks. In addition to shooting enemies, you can use a jump kicks to send them flying. All you need to do is time your jump correctly to deliver the rather powerful maneuver. What's more, you can also use your weapons to deliver a flurry of attacks and effectively beat an enemy to death. Unfortunately, we couldn't experiment very much, but the moves looked cool and seemed effective.
Players can use a bullet-time effect as seen in the Matrix and countless movies and games since. While that may not sound innovate, or even entertaining by today's standards, the effect worked well. Slowing time effects everything, including the environment and the player, so you can't slow time and run around killing everyone like in Jedi Knight: Outcast. Instead, it works much like the effect in Max Payne, in that it grants you that heroic edge. You'll accurately aim your shots and time your attacks. What's more, the effect looks great.
Sparks lazily float across the screen and smoke from explosions billow across the screen. You can also see bullets and shells ejected from your weapons, and debris from the walls glide across the room. And whenever you're shot in "bullet-time," blood slowly sprays into your field of view. Kick an enemy to watch him sail back and smash against a wall or fall over a guard railing. Combine these elements with the rest of the F.E.A.R's visual appeal, and you get one sexy game.
So far, F.E.A.R is shaping up to be an atmospheric and thoroughly engrossing shooter. While still in need of fine-tuning, the game shows tremendous potential through its flashy visuals and unique take on first-person shooters. The overall feel is very cinematic and a little creepy, although it's far too early to tell exactly why it's creepy, since much of the story remains a guarded secret. Still, the action is fast and viscerally satisfying. And since that's the most important thing about any FPS, chances are we'll be looking at a fine gaming experience once Monolith puts on the finishing touches.


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Every Saturday we publish a link to the Lunch Out Loud podcast, a weekly show produced by Nick Bachusky and co-hosted by Andrew Miller. In this week's episode, special guest is Lon Ladell, brewmaster at Big Rig Brewery, and music is from Silkken Laumann.
See also: Ottawa Food Guide
If you liked this post, you should subscribe to etcetera, our free email newsletter. Featuring cool Ottawa events, interesting local news and contests and giveaways. Thanks!


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Designed to complement the visual angles of the Franklin Mountains and blend its landscaping with the surrounding desert, the Transmountain Campus provides educational programs and services for northeast El Paso.
Transmountain is located at 9570 Gateway Blvd. North at the Patriot Freeway and Diana Drive. The facility serves more than 4,000 credit students each semester. All college services are available, including admissions, registration, financial aid and counseling, as well as a full-service library, bookstore and child care. It houses the college's only performance/lecture facility for concerts, films, large meetings community events. The Transmountain Early College High School opened in 2008. TMECHS allows accepted students to earn an Associate's Degree and high school diploma concurrently.


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The definition of customer retention is simple: a customer continues to transact with your brand. But achieving customer retention? Not so simple. In fact, as Scott Neslin, Albert Wesley Frey Professor of Marketing at the Tuck School of Business, Dartmouth College, explained at a Harte Hanks Marketing Advisory Board meeting, customer retention is downright difficult to achieve in practice and can be expensive to boot (case in point: T-Mobile's "Un-carrier" initiatives that allows loyal customers to keep the same rate plan for the life of their relationship with the brand).
So, what's a brand to do?
Fortunately, Scott has worked with a group of fellow marketing experts to develop a framework for customer retention efforts and outlined the challenges brands can encounter along the way. Read on!
Much of Scott's talk at the Advisory Board meeting and much of the content in this post was drawn from a 2018 paper he and his colleagues published in the journal 'Customer Needs and Solutions': In Pursuit of Enhanced Customer Retention Management: Review, Key Issues and Future Directions.
The Customer Retention Framework
The graphic above illustrates that any single retention campaign should fit within a larger multi-campaign integration, which must align with overall marketing strategy (retention isn't everything!). While it sits at the bottom of the illustration, all retention efforts should start with data, methods and measurement.
This framework appears to be fairly straightforward. However, there are a variety of challenges along the way that marketers must address to achieve success with customer retention efforts.
Measurement and Survivor Bias
One of the challenges in retention is simply knowing how we are going to measure our retention from the outset. This is no trivial feat, and Scott explains that marketers must be wary of "survivor bias" (Fader and Hardie 2010).
Put simply, those that find and purchase from your brand organically may have a higher retention rate than those that you acquire with promotional efforts. As a marketer, you would look at the numbers below and assume that your retention rates are going up over time due to your own marketing efforts. In reality, your retention rates are going up because those that are loyal to the company make up disproportionately more of your customer base over time, thereby inflating your retention rate.
Listen to Scott explain survivor bias and the graph above in his own words:
Scott says: "It's really difficult to disentangle whether you're really improving retention, or if some of the customers you acquire have a high built-in retention rate, and over time these are the "survivors" that make up a larger proportion of your customer base. It makes one think twice about looking at aggregate retention rate and using that as a KPI."
His advice? At a minimum, you want to examine cohort groups and acquisition channels when measuring your retention rates.
Single Retention Campaigns
Let's dive deeper into the components of single retention campaigns. What do we know about each box? How do they fit together? Where are the challenges in this piece of the Customer Retention Framework?
Who is at risk?
The first step of a single retention effort is to use a predictive model—usually a churn prediction model—to determine who is most likely to churn. Retention efforts should focus on retaining these individuals. But, the predictive accuracy of churn models isn't perfect.
For example, take a look at the data from the studies below that examined various wireless carriers:
The left hand column is the lift they're able to get from the predictive model. The "2.29" means that, in their top decile, those people are about twice as likely to churn than average. This sounds like success, right? We've identified people that are much more likely to churn than others. But, what's the average churn rate? It may only be two percent. In the top decile, then, four percent would churn. On the surface, it makes sense to aim a retention program at this top decile, but ultimately, 96% of them would have stayed with you anyway – potentially a large waste of incentives you might use in your churn management campaign.
Listen to Scott explain:
The takeaway? When the model builders say they've found X% lift, ask: "What percent of those people would stay anyway, without a retention initiative? Can I justify a campaign financially against this number?"
Who to Target
We've used our churn prediction models that explain who is at risk. The next step is to determine who, specifically, to target—and it's not always obvious.
The traditional view is to target those most likely to churn. But Scott explains that marketers should also be integrating other important information about these individuals. Specifically, how much can you increase the likelihood they will stay with you; how will they respond incrementally to your retention efforts.
Look at it this way: Maybe you can predict a particular customers a high likelihood of churning, but what matters is if you can reduce that likelihood. That high-churn likelihood customer may be a lost cause. You might be better off letting that customer churn and focusing on the customers for whom your retention campaign can make a difference. We want to find the people for whom we actually have a good shot at influencing whether or not they will churn. This is called targeting based on uplift or incremental response.
Uplift modeling and uplift targeting is not easy, methodologically. But it is critical to be measuring incremental response to your efforts versus overall response. The best way to do this is to run tests with control groups to tease out who you are most likely to have an incremental response with.
Who NOT to Target—the Sleeping Dog Phenomenon
When determining whom to target, you want to watch out for the "sleeping dog phenomenon." Scott explains that retention campaign can increase likelihood of churn among those who would not have churned (Berson et al 2000). Customers may be jolted from a mindless habit to active consideration of pros and cons of staying with the company (Wood and Neal 2009).
In one field experiment (Ascarza et al 2016), telecom customers were given an offer for a better telecom rate plan. Even though they were receiving an offer than would save them money every month, the group that received the offer was much more likely to churn.
For best retention results, we would want to identify sleeping dogs in advance to avoid waking them. But there's no clear way to do this yet! For now, marketers should take this phenomenon into consideration when planning a retention campaign.
Multiple Campaign Management—the Recency Trap
Scott explains that the key with integrating single retention initiatives into multiple campaigns is to be forward looking to maximize the return we got now plus what we'll get in the future because of what we do now.
Some marketers fall prey to the recency trap (Neslin, Taylor, Grantham, McNeil 2013). The longer it has been since the customer last purchased, the less likely they are to purchase now. It can therefore be tempting to give up people down the curve in order to concentrate on the most recent buyers that are more likely to come back. But this becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy.
Scott explains how marketing can still have an impact on customers that have not bought as recently, which improves longer term incrementality.
The recommendation here? Adopt of policy of reaching out to customers around four weeks post purchase to avoid the recency trap. It may cost marketing dollars in the short term, but it provides return in the long term.
Strategy Integration
Finally, we come to integrating our retention efforts into our larger marketing strategy. Scott's advice here is that we need to market in a way that builds retention AND builds the brand.
Marketers can lose sight of the bigger picture of the value proposition and how we're communicating when we're focused on retention. For example, doing a lot of promotions and discounts to improve retention can undermine the brand.
Brand equity and retention efforts need to be co-managed. In the diagram below, all connecting arrows need to have positive impact [Sources: Stahl, Heitmann, Lehmann, and Neslin (2012); Luo, Lehmann, and Neslin (2014].
It is possible! But the warning is: don't get caught up in detailed retention efforts at the expense of underlying brand equity.
Bringing It All Together
In sum, our key lessons on retention are:
- Simple measures of your retention rate may not be as straightforward as you think. Be careful for distortions like survivor bias.
- There are a lot of people doing predictive models to find out who is most at risk of churning—but these may or may not be the people you actually want to target with retention efforts. Consider uplift and incremental response, and be careful of the sleeping dog phenomenon.
- To avoid the recency trap, marketers need to be forward looking. Work to get not-so-recent customers back into the purchase cycle even if it does not pay off in the short term.
- Retention efforts must integrate with the overall brand strategy. Brand equity and retention must be co-managed.
About the Author


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Transgenic banana could feed millions. Validated RNRRS Output.
This is one of 280 summaries describing key outputs from the projects run by DFID's 10-year Renewable Natural Resources Research Strategy (RNRRS) programmes.
Summary for Project titles: R6743: The Development and Testing of Transgenic Cultivars of Banana Resistant to Nematodes and R8031: Genetic transformation of rice, potato and cooking bananas for nematode resistance.
A safe transgenic banana could prevent nematodes (worms) destroying around 6 million tonnes of bananas a year. This is enough to feed the 60 million people in Uganda, Rwanda, Ghana, Nigeria and Cameroon for whom banana is a staple food. Because bananas are sterile, it's very hard to breed resistance to nematodes by conventional plant breeding methods. And the chemicals that are used to control nematodes are harmful both to humans and the environment. The gene introduced into East Highland African Bananas stops the nematodes growing and laying eggs, but does not affect humans at all. This technology is already being used in the UK, and also in Uganda on local cooking bananas. The transgenic method is also being applied to develop nematode-resistant potatoes and rice.
The CD has the following information for this output: Description, Validation, Current Situation, Current Promotion, Impacts On Poverty, Environmental Impact. Attached PDF (13 pp.) taken from the CD.
PSP20, New technologies, new processes, new policies: tried-and-tested and ready-to-use results from DFID-funded research, Research Into Use Programme, Aylesford, Kent, UK, ISBN 978-0-9552595-6-2, p 23.


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Part-time wife / Susan Mallery.
Electronic resources
Record details
- ISBN: 9781460336076 (electronic bk)
- Physical Description: 1 online resource
- Publisher: [Place of publication not identified] : [publisher not identified], 2014.
Content descriptions
|Summary, etc.:
Rugged Craig Haynes came from a long line of lady-killers. Lately, though, the single dad was targeting only Jill Bradford, his sons' new nanny. Two parts sweetness, one part sin, the pint-size redhead proved a wizard with his three rambunctious boys. So what made this miracle-worker insist she was strictly hired help? Could a houseful of Haynes males ambush her wary heart...and maker her a mother and wife?
|Reproduction Note:
Electronic reproduction. Toronto, Ontario : Harlequin HQN, 2014. Requires OverDrive Read (file size: N/A KB) or Adobe Digital Editions (file size: 1186 KB) or Amazon Kindle (file size: N/A KB).
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|Electronic books.


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(AP) Near the memorial to Jews killed by the Nazis during the Holocaust, a new memorial pays tribute to homosexuals persecuted during the Third Reich.
This video is from The Associated Press, broadcast May 27, 2008.
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