text:
A couple years ago, I was in the middle of a horrible down time when I was desperately wanting and wishing for my life and some of the people in it to be different, to line up more with my ideals. I was working hard to make things better for myself and for everyone around me and my desires seemed righteous. But nothing seemed to be working out and I was miserable.
Anyway, as I struggled with one particularly hard situation and poured out my heart in prayer, the words came into my mind - "Let Go and Be Grateful." I realized I needed to let go of some of my ideas of how things needed to be. I needed to trade control for contentment, to trade wishing for what could be for gratitude for what is. As my mom always says, "you can always change your mind - that's the one thing you can and should control." I needed to change my attitude and adopt this new mantra - let go and be grateful.
So I knew the answer. But just like it works with my kids, knowing what you're supposed to do and actually doing it are two separate things.
Since adopting this "mantra," I've sometimes been really good about letting go and being grateful. Other times, I've struggled with letting go of things that seem so important but just aren't working and I've let frustrations, tiredness, and dumb little annoying things get in the way of seeking out and celebrating the good.
But as I look at my life today, I do think I've progressed. I have learned to accept and appreciate a lot more readily. I've let go of some ideas and practices that used to seem important but now seem pretty silly in the grand scheme of things. I've learned to be a lot more grateful as I've processed my thoughts and actions more through this blog and other means. I've become somewhat better at looking at the big picture and while I'm still a "recovering control freak," I am learning to mellow out more, to enjoy more, to relax, and to find the peace that comes from accepting and being grateful.
Caring so much about so many things just isn't good for me. I'm learning to do a much better job with picking my battles. Here are a few examples of things I've let go of - and as I've let go, I've found new freedom.
- Making sack lunches for all the kids. I'm pretty into nutrition and the school lunches were pretty woeful in St George (stuff like 5 limp french fries and a floppy fried chicken patty on a roll with the option of a "salad bar" that only had canned fruit cocktail and a some limp iceburg lettuce plus some chocolate milk and a cupcake just didn't seem like a nutritious lunch for my kids). When we moved here and I was feeling TOTALLY overwhelmed, I decided to let go of the bag lunch packing project for a while and maybe just send some supplementary fruits and veggies. The mornings became SO much less stressful without packing 5 lunches! Plus we were all pleasantly surprised to find that the school lunches here are much better - much fresher and more healthy food with more variety and fresh fruits and veggies at each meal.
- Cutting hair. I've cut Jared's hair and all the kids hair always. Thanks to some clippers and a how-to video we got for our wedding, I've been the sole barber for Jared and the kids. And I've actually become a pretty decent hair cutter over the years (my first attempt right after our wedding left Jared with shaved off sideburns - oops...). I've saved our family a lot of money over the years with my hair cutting and with 5 preschoolers, the logistics of actually taking the kids somewhere for haircuts was way more daunting than just doing it myself. But with 6 heads of hair to take care of and the mess of hair everywhere in the kitchen and the crying of kids who can't stand having all those itchy bits of hair all over them, I needed to let go. After the move, the kids were very very shaggy and I couldn't face a whole evening of hair cutting and weeping and wailing. I saw a newly opened "Great Clips" advertising $6.00 haircuts and we headed on in. One hour later, everyone had nicely cut hair and life was good. We'll be heading to Great Clips every couple months now. (But I'm still doing my own hair color - the time and expense - and trust - involved in having someone else do it just doesn't work for me.)
- Perfect house. My house in St George was beautiful. It was clutter-free. It was clean. It was designed and decorated with great care. Each paint color, each piece of furnishing was chosen with great deliberation and care (and stress) by me. Our house there started off as a show-house for the design company I hoped to launch and for the contractors who wanted to showcase their work in the Parade of Homes. But even after I did a couple design jobs and decided to put all that on hold, I kept that place pretty immaculate. What was I thinking trying to raise 5 preschoolers in an immaculate house? It was really all about control. I felt like maybe I couldn't control the diaper explosions or the bickering of my kids and I couldn't control the flailing economy or my husband's worrisome work prospects, but I could control that house. I could make it be clean and beautiful. And I'm sure that little element of control did help me sometimes. But overall, keeping a house beautiful when kids live in it is an exercise in futility. My new housecleaning goal in this new house is one I got from my partner April: "clean enough to be sanitary, messy enough to be sane." And thanks in large part to the fact that everything we already had went quite nicely with the paint colors and finishes someone else took care of on this house, I'm able to very happily live with all the art work and furnishings we already had without spending time and stressing out over developing the ideal decor. This house looks just fine and it's pretty clean and we all feel quite attached to it. There's some clutter here and there. We could probably vacuum more. There are still lots of pieces of baseboard to be finished and places needing paint plus the tons of exterior work to be done. But you know what? It'll happen sometime and right now, this place is just perfectly fine and dandy for us. We live here and living isn't all that neat and tidy.
- Power of Moms Perfection. I used to be concerned about making sure every detail of every project on Power of Moms was done just right. Each web page involved carefully crafting and editing. I spend tons of time learning more about the psychology of color as we designed the look of the website. I spent hours putting together "perfect" newsletters to email to all of our people. But I realized that the difference between 1 hour of work fleshing out an idea on the webiste and 100 hours of work making that idea "perfect" didn't really make that much difference in the end. If the idea's good and it's written up decently, it'll fly - even if it isn't wordsmithed and presented in an ideal way. Plus I've learned that when I step back, there are other people who can do things - and do them beautifully. During several tough times for me and for April, we've seen just the right people step up at just the right times to take over various projects. As we've passed off projects to capable and wonderful women and trusted them to run with the projects, we've really reduced our stress levels while the end results are generally better than they would have been if we'd continued to be involved in all the little details.
- No TV. We haven't had cable TV for years and it's been a great thing. When we used to have cable, the kids would always be begging for TV and when we got rid of it they found so many more creative and fun things to do during their down time. Jared and I watched shows via Hulu once in a while and we got a Netflix movie every Friday night for family movie night. But after we moved and started getting a regular paycheck again, Jared politely suggested that we get cable so he could watch some Jazz games. He'd been going to sports bars or following scores on the internet when there was a game he cared about and mostly we were working on Power of Moms stuff in the evenings. It hadn't occurred to me how much he was giving up by not being able to watch football and basketball. I mean I don't care about those things so why would anyone else, huh? Anyway, we got cable and Jared has so enjoyed watching games and it's been a great bonding thing for Ashton and Isaac to watch games with their dad - especially since they're playing basketball this season and Jared is coaching Isaac's team. TV is a totally fine thing. Watching sports is great entertainment. I've even taught myself to enjoy watching basketball - a brand new thing for me. Relaxing and doing something just for fun in the evening is OK - it really is. This is new for me.
I'm not saying we should throw up our hands and just let things ride. I think it's so important to figure out and stick with the things that do matter. But figuring out what those things really are- that's the issue.


text:
The Eminence Independent School Library sponsored the Eminence Middle School Battle of the Books from April 18-29. The Battle of the Books was a huge success with more than 50 students in the battle. This is the 6th year that Eminence Middle School has participated in the Battle of the Books!
If you currently subscribe or have subscribed in the past to the Henry County Local, then simply find your account number on your mailing label and enter it below.
Click the question mark below to see where your account ID appears on your mailing label.
|ZIP Code:

subset: commoncrawl


text:
The Ocala City Council agreed in concept Tuesday that it would welcome having the New York Yankees move a Class A Advanced minor league team to Ocala.
The Ocala City Council agreed in concept Tuesday that it would welcome having the New York Yankees move a Class A Advanced minor league team to Ocala from Tampa and will ask the County Commission to put a referendum before voters in March for a five-year half-cent sales tax to pay for a new stadium.
"We believe in this market," Anthony Bruno, senior vice president and chief financial officer of Yankees Global Enterprises LLC, told City Council members during the workshop meeting. "We believe bringing the brand to this market will be an excellent partnership with the city and county."
The deal largely hinges on county leaders agreeing to place the proposed sales tax on the ballot and the voters blessing the tax, which would generate about $17 million annually or $82 million in today's dollars over the five years.
The county also would have to agree to own the stadium. The reason for that is that no property taxes would have to be paid on the stadium. The Yankees would be responsible for intangible tax on machines and equipment in the stadium. The city also would request that the county pay half the cost of the special election to put forth the referendum.
"This is a referendum on us more than it is the Yankees," Councilman Daniel Owen said. "Are we willing to dream, to understand what those costs are? The referendum will allow the opportunity for these conversations to take place. Once you say 'No,' you are done."
Under an agreement presented to the City Council, the proposed stadium, located between Interstate 75 and State Road 200 behind the Market Street at Heath Brook shopping center, would be leased to the Yankees for 25 years, with three 10-year renewal options.
The stadium is estimated to cost $60 million, which includes land purchase, infrastructure and constructing a 4,000-seat stadium. The stadium would have a maximum capacity of 6,000 attendees, with the additional seating provided by grass berms.
The roughly $22 million difference between the $60 million cost of the stadium and the amount raised by the sales tax would be overseen by a citizen board that would decide what economic development or promotional projects they deem fit.
The city would collect $0.75 per ticket sold. The city, based on Yankees' approval, might possibly be able to place up to an additional $2 surcharge per ticket.
The Yankees would have responsibility for paying the stadium's complete operation and maintenance expenses.
The city's revenue raised on ticket sales would be placed in an account. If the Yankees had a major capital expense for the stadium, it could request from the City Council that the franchise be allowed to use the money in that account toward that major capital improvement. For example, if $300,000 was needed for a major repair and there was $50,000 in the city's account, the Yankees could request the $50,000 from the council. Assuming the council approved giving the Yankees the $50,000, the Yankees would then be responsible for the $250,000 balance for the repair.
The Yankees also would like to have ability to lease an additional 10 acres by the stadium that they could use for other commercial development to enhance the venue. The city would buy the land but the Yankees would be responsible for the property and other taxes on that additional land.
"They will pay the city fair market lease rates," said Marc Mondell, the city's executive director of community development.
Mondell said the return on investment would be 5.8 years.
Because Tuesday's meeting was a workshop, the proposed lease agreement with the Yankees will go to the council Nov. 5 for a vote, as well as an agreement on the acquisition of Ocala Trophy's 52 acres and the transmittal of an agreement including the referendum question to the County Commission for approval.
City Manager Matthew Brower said there likely will be a meeting before Thanksgiving to present the project to the County Commission and to answer any questions. The county's first reading of the referendum question would be Dec. 17 and the second reading would be Jan. 7. Assuming county approval, the referendum would go on a ballot in March 2014.
If the tax proposal is accepted by voters in March, design of the stadium would begin April 1 and construction would start in August 2014. The sales tax would begin Jan. 1, 2015. Construction is expected to take 18 months and end winter 2015-16, with the ballpark opening in April 2016.
The money to buy the land — which would have to be bought before sales tax dollars would begin flowing — would be paid for through a short-term bond and repaid with sales tax dollars.
Asked if the Yankees were negotiating with any other cities as a possible home for its minor league team, Bruno said the club had protracted negotiations with Orlando a year ago that ended without an agreement.
"We have not discussed with any other city or municipality the prospect of building a stadium or relocating the team," Bruno said. "This is clearly on ownership's radar."
Ownership, of course, is the Steinbrenner family, which owns the Yankees and have long-held ties to Ocala through their hotel business and the Kinsman Farm they own in Marion County.
During the workshop, residents spoke both pro and con about the proposed project.
Charlie Johnson of C.H. Johnson Consulting Inc. out of Chicago, who completed the project's feasibility study, said the project would generate 700 construction jobs, 332 full-time permanent jobs, $18.4 million in annual visitor spending, $14.1 million spent locally on construction materials, 19,450 annual hotel room nights and $34,000 bed tax proceeds annually.
The community benefits include allowing the city to conduct 20 events at the stadium, the Yankees will promote the city, the Yankees will provide four charity events a year and four Yankee players will be available for annual public appearances.
The agreement between the city and Yankees could be terminated if the voters fail to approve the sales tax for the stadium and if Major League and Minor League baseball do not approve the Yankees' request to move its minor league team from Tampa to Ocala. Bruno said applications for the move have been sent to the Florida State League and Minor League baseball seeking approval.
Allison Campbell said she grew up a 45-minute drive from Chattanooga, Tenn., where there was a minor league team for which her family held season tickets.
"This isn't just about Ocala. This is about surrounding areas," said Campbell about traveling to games.
When her family, which includes three sons, goes to Daytona, they go to the minor league games there.
"I want to be able to have this right here in my hometown," she said.
"This is the most asinine idea I have ever heard," said Dr. R. Asokan, who has been a doctor in Ocala for 33 years. "The New York Yankees don't make money."
He said New York City gives the Yankees the money, and that city sold bonds.
Asokan suggested the council read "Field of Schemes" by Neil deMause and "Free Lunch" by David Kay Johnson.
"If the Steinbrenner family feels so charitable, maybe they should come and build the stadium for us," Asokan said. "I don't think this is a good idea to build a stadium here, and what it's going to do is cost money forever."
Contact Susan Latham Carr at 352-867-4156 or firstname.lastname@example.com.


text:
Carpet Cleaning Bulimba
We at Sundry Carpet Cleaning Bulimba pride ourselves as leaders in the home services industry servicing Bulimba in Queensland.
You can also check what our customers think about Carpet Cleaners in Bulimba? You can now read the reviews by our satisfied Carpet Cleaning Bulimba customers.
We were established in 1987 and have developed thorough carpet cleaning work practices so that each cleaning job gets done right the first time every time.We ensure that Quality is our top priority and our cleaners use the best carpet cleaning methods to ensure that there is no stains or damage on your carpet.
We do it all! "We make carpet cleaning in Bulimba so easy. You just have to call us and from start to end we will ensure that your carpet gets the best attention. our cleaners always provide the best carpet cleaning in Bulimba".
Need a Carpet Cleaning Bulimba Quote? Just fill in the form below your requirements, one of our customer service representatives will call you at the earliest and provide you with a free quote.
Our carpet cleaning services in Bulimba are:
Get a FREE Quote for Professional Carper Cleaning Services in Bulimba Now
Call us on (07) 3889 0300, just fill out the form to book a Sun Dry Carpet Cleaning Specialist.


text:
By Michele Langlo Dec 20, 2013 0
A Bittersweet Christmas
While holiday stress is a common phenomenon among many people, the closest we typically get to that around our house is the anticipation of Christmas Eve. It is a night we all look forward to each year. But the suspense we feel is honestly a building of sentiment and fondness brought on by memories of many of Christmases past. However, this year has been very different due to a round of rather somber events.
Cody's great-grandmother—who he calls Grammy—is now in her early 90s and her health is deteriorating quite quickly. Due to hospitalizations, doctor appointments and her fragile state, Cody hasn't been able to visit her for quite some time. We thought it was important to take him see her at the first opportunity. When we did it was written all over his face that he knew something was very wrong. Attempts by everyone to put up a good front were useless. Cody knew Grammy was not well. All the way home his demeanor was quiet and solemn. Then as he sat in the back seat staring out the window, in what amounted to little more than a whisper he said, "I'm running out of time with Grammy." I had to look away so he would not see the tears rolling down my cheeks.
I also recently wrote about the possibility that my sister Connie may have cancer. After eight weeks of tests, biopsies and brain surgery, we were painfully made aware that the possibility is now a reality. Doctors removed one tumor from her brain but she has at least four more lesions and a large mass on her lung. Sadly, her prognosis is grim. The doctors predict that she has less than a year to live. It has left me with a sense of urgency to make the best of my time left with her and an strong desire to develop a closer relationship with my remaining sister and my brother.
Cody has been through the loss of many loved ones throughout the years. When Cody was 10, we had to tell him his Grandma Jackson—my mother—went to heaven. She was followed by my sister, Becky, who died from bone cancer a year and half later. Not long thereafter, my father suffered a massive heart attack and died instantly. Then Cody's great-grandfather (Grammy's husband) passed after battling a long illness. A few years later we suffered the loss of my brother's oldest son. His passing was especially difficult because, first and foremost, he had a heart of gold, but also because he was so young. And now, unless God performs a miracle, Connie will be my second sibling cancer will have claimed. To add to it all Cody's Nana—Bill's mother—who lives with us is in frail health as well.
While Cody's resilient nature has brought him through loss of loved ones in the past, I worry how he will handle so much all at once at what is supposed to be the most joyful time of the year. While Bill and I have tried to keep our emotions in check, Cody still senses our unrest. When he realizes something isn't right with one or both of us he becomes nervous, which leads to pacing back and forth, rounds of rapid-fire echolalia, throwing up and hitting his head with his fist. Then it all ends with a total meltdown.
With all that is happening right now the last thing I want is to see my child go through that kind of turmoil because he is internalizing our emotions along with his own. And the only way I know to avert a tragic breakdown for Cody amid such sadness is to set aside my own distress and to focus on the meaning of Christmas for our family and the traditions we keep.
To start our celebration on Christmas Eve, we make a smorgasbord of goodies for everyone to graze on throughout the day. In the evening we light lots of candles in our family room and sit in front of the fire having a cup of hot chocolate while I read from Scriptures which tell of the birth of Jesus. Cody listens with undivided attention. We all love the story and the warm feelings of love, peace and joy which fill our spirits. It is on this night when the lights that adorn our trees and the Christmas decorations throughout the house seem to be even more beautiful than on any other night of the season.
We then attend midnight mass. Pastor never fails to render a most poignant sermon which seems to reveal new and more thought-provoking aspects of the birth of Christ each year. At the end of the service everyone in the congregation is given a candle. The lights overhead are dimmed to low and the pianist plays a soft introduction to "Silent Night." and everyone begins to sing. Interestingly, I never seem to notice anyone singing off-key. It's just so perfectly lovely.
An usher lights a candle and the light is passed from one congregation member to the next. Finally the entire sanctuary is filled with candlelight. It is like a sweet contentment just permeates the very air we breathe and sometimes I swear I can see sparkling beams of light which radiate from the cross which hangs high above the alter, out across the parish touching and soothing each precious soul. Just thinking about it brings warmth to my heart and a smile to my face.
When we finally get home Cody is all giggles and anxious to get to bed so Christmas morning will come. Bill and I set to work on putting the presents under the tree and filling the stockings. We might enjoy a glass of wine and some time together, but before long dreamland beckons us.
When we wake the next morning I love to sit and watch the smiles on the faces of my family as they open their gifts. That's followed by a wonderful dinner, togetherness and a sense of satisfaction that defies description.
It is my prayer that God will help me make this tradition more special than ever this year for all of us, but for Cody in particular. Sometimes it is in the face of loss that we are most able to embrace the real gifts we've been given.


text:
If you have a large 401 (k) plan but aren't quite near retiring age, you may be considering using part of it to pay off your mortgage.
Seems like a good idea, but is it?
There is no "right" answer. Factors like how much you owe on your mortgage and your ability to pay back the amount you "borrowed" can affect your outcome. Just like any other financial decision, your best option is to find out the facts and weigh your options.
Read on to learn the facts about paying off your mortgage with your retirement fund.
Looking for ways to pay off your mortgage before retiring? Skip ahead to the "Refinancing" section below to find out how!
What is a 401 (k)?
401 (k) retirement plans offered by your employer. They're meant to help you save for retirement on a tax-deferred basis. Your employer will also contribute to your savings. Although the money in there belongs to you, penalties will apply if you use your 401 (k) to pay off your mortgage.
To access the money in your 401 (k), you'll need to move, or roll over, the funds from your employers plan into an Individual Retirement Account (IRA).
401(k) Rollover Penalties
You won't have any penalties if you roll over your 401(k) into another authorized retirement account. However, if you're younger than 59 1/2 and use the money to pay down your mortgage, these funds are now considered income and will have penalties.
In addition to the tax implications of extra income, you'll also have a 10% penalty for withdrawing early from your 401(k).
Reduced Return on Investment
When you withdraw money from your 401 (K), you also reduce the amount it earns in interest. Taking out a few thousand may not affect the earning potential much, but withdrawing tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars can mean a significant reduction in your interest gains.
Some think that the home's appreciation will make up for the loss, but this may not be true. Although home values are on an upward trend, investing your retirement in your home may be too risky.
Equity For Retirement
Buying property is still one of the best investments you can make, but when considering your retirement, your 401 (k) is more fluid. Remember, the purpose of your 401 (k) is to help you pay for everyday needs during retirement. That's why makes more sense to use your 401 (k) savings rather than your equity savings for retirement.
Here's another thing to consider: The cost of paying off a mortgage with favorable terms is relatively cheap when compared to the paying the penalties from an early 401 (k) withdrawal.
The Refinancing Solution
Although the final decision is yours, we often advise against using your retirement for paying down your mortgage --especially since there are alternatives!
You can lower your monthly payments by refinancing your mortgage to a better term. Or maybe you want to pay off your loan faster by getting a 15-year loan --either way, you win! You'll lock in a great rate plus keep all of your retirement money.
Here's another bonus: the money you save through refinancing can be applied toward growing your 401(k).


text:
Few people — except editors at our client publications — know that Catholic News Service has a fairly robust columns package. You may even have read some of our columnists in your local Catholic newspaper and not known where they came from.
With the change in administrations here in Washington, several of the columnists have been writing about the need for Catholics to remind President Obama that they don't agree with his position on abortion.
For instance, one columnist, Tony Magliano, who writes on social justice issues, reported on this year's March for Life in Washington but also recalled how Obama noted the anniversary:
On Jan. 22, President Barack Obama issued a very disheartening pro-abortion statement which read in part that government "should not intrude on our most private family matters."
However, government does intervene in private family matters when it detects child abuse. Yet, it illogically and immorally refuses to protect unborn children against the most brutal form of child abuse: abortion.
Adding insult to injury, on Jan. 23 Obama reversed the ban on federal funds to organizations that promote abortion in developing countries. Now millions of tax dollars will be available to groups like the International Planned Parenthood Federation to help them perform their deadly deeds.
But worst of all, Obama has made it clear that he hopes to sign the Freedom of Choice Act. If it becomes law, FOCA would overturn virtually every federal and state limitation on abortion.
He went on to say that participating in the U.S. bishops' current postcard campaign to oppose FOCA would be a good place for Catholics to start.
Another of our columnists, Stephen Kent, also devotes his column this week to abortion and the new administration:
It is more important than ever that the case for the culture of life be based on the firm belief in the dignity of the human person.
Politicians can count. Postelection polls said 54 percent of the Catholic electorate voted for Obama.
"Many Catholics voted for Obama despite his position on abortion, and they have an obligation to say 'this is not why I voted for you,' said Richard Doerflinger of the bishops' pro-life office. One way to tell him is through a postcard.
Kent too points to the postcard campaign as a way to remind politicians that the first priority of Catholic teaching is the dignity of the human person.
Magliano also wrote a column for early December saying that many of the president-elect's positions "reflect Catholic social doctrine and deserve our support." But he also called Obama's abortion position "very troubling" and urged readers to let him know their opposition to the Freedom of Choice Act. He concluded:
Now is the best time to help President-elect Obama understand the moral concerns of America's Catholic community!


text:
Harper¹s Non-Profit Foundation Partners with USMC Toys for Tots for Annual Charity Event
HOLLYWOOD Actors Hill Harper (CSI: NY) and Nate Parker (Arbitrage) have partnered to host the 5th Annual Manifest Your Destiny Toy Drive. Originally created by Harper¹s non-profit foundation of the same name, the annual charity event will be held in conjunction with the USMC Toys For Tots Program on the evening of Tuesday, December 11 at Playhouse Nightclub in Hollywood.
Last year, the Manifest Your Destiny Toy Drive yielded the most donations of any event of its kind in Southern California. Over one thousand toys were collected; a record the foundation is determined to break this holiday season. This year¹s event will feature a celebrity host committee including Gabrielle Union, Isaiah Washington and Nicole Scherzinger, along with food, beverages, entertainment, toys and guest gift bags made possible by CBS, Ogo Sport, Miss Jessie¹s, popchips, Chambord Black Raspberry Flavored Vodka, 1iota, Cupcake Cuties Cupcakery, Diabolo Beverages, DJ B. Hen and GoodWoodNYC.
Despite the glitz and glam of a Hollywood backdrop, Harper and Parker¹s intentions are to utilize the toy drive as a vehicle to raise awareness for less fortunate youth in Los Angeles. Statistics show that the number of homeless individuals in the city of Los Angeles is higher than any other urban area in the country. While roughly 140,000 Angelenos are said to be without shelter at some point over the course of the year, a shocking 50,000 of those are children. In response to these facts, Harper and Parker have hand picked this year¹s toy drive beneficiaries in order to best provide for the underprivileged youth population in Los Angeles.
While a portion of the event¹s proceeds will go towards the USMC Toys For Tots Program, the remaining items will be donated to the children of resident families at the The Salvation Army, Westwood Transitional Village along with the students enrolled in the Los Angeles Chapter of Arnold Schwarzenegger¹s After-School All Stars (ASAS) organization, a leading after-school program. Both facilities strive to provide a safe haven for at risk youth while offering them the resources they need to succeed academically and socially. Humbled by the efforts of the Westwood Transitional Village and ASAS, Manifest Your Destiny is honored to provide them with toys and other necessities this holiday season. Items will be hand-delivered to each facility by Harper, Parker and the celebrity host committee members the following Saturday.
For the public interested in attending the 5th Annual Manifest Your Destiny Toy Drive a new, unwrapped toy and/or monetary donation is required for admittance. For more information and to RSVP, visit http://www.mydtoydrive2012.eventbrite.com or email [email protected].
Confirmed Celebrities
Hill Harper
Nate Parker (Arbitrage, Red Tails)
Gabrielle Union
Nicole Scherzinger
Isaiah Washington (Grey¹s Anatomy)
Draya Michele (Basketball Wives)
Jackie Christie (Basketball Wives)
Kevin McCall
Omar Miller (CSI: Miami)
Derek Luke (Captain America)
Adam Rodriguez (CSI: Miami)
Wayne Brady
LisaRaye McCoy
Kym Whitley
Wesley Jonathan Vanessa Bell Calloway (Shameless)
Kevin Frazier (CBS The Insider)
Erica Hubbard (CSI: Miami)
Camille Winbush (The Bernie Mac Show)
Cindy Margolis
Kyla Pratt
Naturi Naughton
Brooke Valentine
Manifest Your Destiny Foundation
USMC Toys For Tots Program
The Salvation Army¹s Westwood Transitional Village
Arnold Schwarzenegger¹s After-School All Stars (ASAS) Program
CBS Television Network
Chambord Vodka
Diabolo Beverages
Miss Jessie¹s
Cupcake Cuties Cupcakery
DJ B. Hen
Hill Harper and Nate Parker will host a star-studded toy drive to collect toys for the underserved youth of Los Angeles. A portion of the toys collected at the event will be donated to the United States Marine Corps (USMC) Toys For Tots and the remaining toys are scheduled to be hand delivered to the children and families at the Salvation Army¹s Westwood Transitional Village as well as the LA Chapter of the After School All-Stars Program.
2011 Manifest Your Destiny Toy Drive
Tuesday, December 11th
Media Check-In: 7 pm
Red Carpet: 7:30 8:30 pm
Invite Only VIP Reception: 7:30 pm 9 pm
Public Toy Drive: 9 pm 12 am
Playhouse Nightclub
6506 Hollywood Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90028


text:
MIDDLEBURY — Town officials exploring the prospect of a new municipal building at the intersection of College and South Main streets will seek a consultant to help them flesh out plans.
And while a new municipal building proposal is likely a few years off, the selectboard wants to quickly make some energy improvements to the adjacent, porous town gym in anticipation of heating fuel prices that could top $4 per gallon next winter.
The full text of this article is only available to online subscribers.
Are you an online subscriber? Click to login.
Click here to learn more about our subscription options.
If you have a print subscription, you can now add an online subscription at no additional charge! Just email us with your name and mailing address to set it up.
Subscribe to Online Edition
Online PDF Print Edition
Copyright 2011 Addison Independent | 58 Maple Street, Middlebury, Vt. 05753 | All Rights Reserved
Site Development by Surf New Media


text:
Major Media Bias Towards NSA Defenders
from the and-they-attack-others? dept
Take, for example, the episode of Face the Nation, which aired on Sunday, November 3rd. A major point of discussion? The Snowden NSA revelations. The guests to discuss it? Senator Dianne Feinstein, Rep. Mike Rogers, and former NSA boss Michael Hayden. Basically, those three are the biggest defenders of the NSA outside of current NSA employees. To argue that this isn't a clear "bias" is ridiculous. But at least Greenwald is clear where he stands. CBS and Face the Nation still pretend that they're objective.
That may be just one example, but a new study by the Columbia Journalism Review showed that major media sources were uniformly biased in favor of the government. They scoured the four largest newspapers in the US: the NY Times, USA Today, the LA Times and the Washington Post. They had a list of pro- and anti-surveillance words that they used to determine whether or not the general tone of coverage in these newspapers was to support the NSA or to be critical of it. It won't surprise many around here to find that it was overwhelmingly supportive of the government. The major newspapers apparently aren't that big on speaking truth to power.
USA Today led the pack, using pro-surveillance terms 36 percent more frequently than anti-surveillance terms. The LA Times followed at 24 percent, while The New York Times was at 14.1 percent. Even the Washington Post, where Barton Gellman was the first US journalist to break the news of the NSA's surveillance, exhibited a net pro-surveillance bias in its coverage of 11.1 percent. Although keyword frequency analysis on its own is not always conclusive, large, consistent discrepancies of the kind observed here strongly suggest a net media bias in favor of the US and UK governments' pro-surveillance position.As CJR points out, this finding also suggests that the claim from NSA defenders that all of the hubbub over spying is merely a "media creation" may not be true either. The major media is leaning towards the NSA's side of the debate.


text:
Sorry, this page does not exist
This might be because you typed the web address incorrectly. Please check the address and spelling to ensure it does not contain any capital letters or spaces.
It may also be possible that the page has been moved or deleted.
Please click the back button or try performing a search.


text: Suffolk Law's Day Program enables students to study the law full time over the course of three years. The four-year Evening Program offers working professionals and non-traditional students the flexible alternative of part-time legal study. Many evening students have backgrounds in health care, high technology, financial services, and government fields. They bring experience, as well as cultural and generational diversity to the Suffolk Law community.


text:
THE SQL Server Blog Spot on the Web
Several months back, I encouraged all my friends and followers on Twitter to vote for the IT job
for Barbie in Mattel's recent public job selection for the eponymous
doll. That encouragement was founded in an experience I'd had years
earlier - becoming a dad to a very beautiful baby girl. When I was
growing up as a kid, I clearly recall how odd it was for a woman to
have a career outside of a handful of "traditional feminine jobs" like
teacher, nurse, telephone operator or secretary. It wasn't until years
later, as a new dad, that I realized how asinine this preconceived
notion really was (and, in fact, still is in many cultures around the
world). I even wrote about this a few years ago in my personal blog, where I mentioned how I'd love to see my daughters grow up and take on an IT career.
many IT professional societies report dramatic imbalances in gender
demographics. For example, the IEEE Computer Society reports that their membership is only 7% female. Similarly, universities in the USA shows about a 10% representation of female faculty and 14% of their students in computer-related majors.
One of the things I'd always found to be rather amazing about PASS was
it's strong emphasis on Women in Technology (WIT). In fact, as far as
database professional societies go, PASS was the first to work hard to
make WIT prominent within its culture (although I believe that the
International Sybase User Group had a WIT group before PASS). I'd like
to also give credit to the women within PASS who made this happen. I
can't even begin to list them all here, but without them, WIT at PASS
would not have been possible. A few women who immediately come to mind
include Rebecca Laszlo, Kalen Delaney, Denise McInerny, Kathi Kellenberger, Stefanie
Higgins, Lynda Rabb, Kimberly Tripp, and many many more.
All of
these outstanding women deserve accolades for making PASS a welcoming
place for women. Don't think that it's a big deal? You should attend
an IT conference without a strong WIT community - you'll see the
difference in 30 seconds flat. (I'm not going to name any names here.
But attend the top conferences for certain IT companies headquartered
in Redwood City, California or Armonk, NY and you'll see what I mean).
So, thank you ladies, for making PASS in particular and the overall Microsoft SQL Server community much better for everyone
by making it better for women. I hope to see this trend continue and
for your contributions to continue to improve our community.
-Twitter @kekline
-More content at http://KevinEKline.com
If you would like to receive an email when updates are made to this post, please register here
Subscribe to this post's comments using
Oh, and I'm shocked that there are people who are critical of Barbie because she's too fashion conscious. What?!? This is BARBIE after all.
Read more about that discussion here: http://mashable.com/2010/03/09/computer-engineer-barbie/.
If anyone else is curious, the binary on Barbie's laptop spells "Barbie" in ASCII:
01100001 = 97 = a
01110010 = 114 = r
01100010 = 98 = b
01101001 = 105 = i
01100101 = 101 = e
I feel very left out that I didn't make it onto your list. :-( I was on the original organizing committee for PASS and have been to every single one of the conferences. I was also one of those small fraction of females on the faculty of a major university. (UC Berkeley)
I wonder why Mattel felt like a Tech Barbie had to have glasses?
I saw a Tech Barbie years ago. One of the BOL writers at Microsoft had a Barbie on a shelf... the doll was sitting at a desk with a small computer. And next to the computer, was one of those tiny little post-it note pads, with the front page colored to look like book, and it clearly said: "Inside SQL Server" :-) It was Barbie Tech Writer!
Sorry about that, Kalen. Mia culpa. In my 1st draft, I didn't call anyone out because I knew I'd miss folks AND I didn't have their twitter and blog addresses handy for those I did remember right off the cuff.
Love the Barbie Tech Writer story! That's great. =^)
Is there anyone else I'm not remembering? Was Jacqui Borges active in helping you start the WIT group?
An essay question to make your brain hurt: compare/contrast the feminist cultural implications of Seattle's own Librarian Action Figure ( http://www.mcphee.com/laf/ ) and Computer Engineer Barbie ( http://shop.mattel.com/product/index.jsp?productId=4032107 ). Which has super-human man-pleasing proportions? Why? Are they necessary? What about amazing push-button shushing action? And as Kalen said, what's the significance of their glasses - it can't be an accident that they both have them.
I'm just sayin'
I don't remember if Jacqui was still there when the WIT group started, but she was the original Microsoft liaison to PASS. On my way to my first board meeting, I sat next to her on the plane, and it took almost 15 minutes of chatting to figure out we were both going to the same place!
Well now I have something to ask Santa to bring me :).
Wow, Merrill, that's a pretty neat! She's a real person made into an action figure. =^)
Hi All:
This is a very interest subject, and it is funny, at least I have not been lucky enough to get that opportunity within PASS. DO not know because a woman or because a Miami girl.
I think we need to start from inside, from our SQL Community.
I am a woman in IT for more than 21 years, dealing with databases and working with SQL since 1987, and at my job I am very recognized, and supported professional.
However can not say the same from PASS, this last year I left the conference stringly hurt, I joined PASS since 2005, had offered my help as volunteer since then, tried to create a SQL Server Group in Miami sponsored by PASS, but did not get the support I needed.
Meanwhile I am doing my on piece, I started speeching (not in the Real Academy yet, but a spanglish word) at Universities and started SQL Internship Team at Coity Of Miami, which provided job opportunities to the interns, specially at this hard economy time, and will be here always ready to provide my assistance to the community.
i love barbie! <3


text: On Thu, 31 Mar 2005, Greg Lindahl wrote: > On Wed, Mar 30, 2005 at 04:37:24PM -0500, Mike Davis wrote: > > > I'm looking at opterons for our next cluster, but I'm not sure about > > what OS to run. Thus far we've been with RH and or RHAS. But, the next > > cluster will be big and I'm just not sure what we should run. > > In order to get the best performance out of your Opterons, you're > going to want to run a recent 64-bit distro with a 2.6 kernel, such as > FC 3 or RHEL 4. We're running FC2 with e.g. rgb at s00|B:1001>uname -a Linux s00 2.6.7-1.494.2.2smp #1 SMP Tue Aug 3 09:34:09 EDT 2004 x86_64 x86_64 x86_64 GNU/Linux It's been pretty stable and gives good decent numerical performance. Are there particular advantages to FC3 and the more recent 2.6 kernels? I'm running only one experimental AMD 64 box with FC3 on it (since Duke has decided to use only every other FC release in production to stretch the cycle a bit) and don't have an opteron per se set up that way for comparison. rgb > > -- greg > > > _______________________________________________ > Beowulf mailing list, Beowulf at beowulf.org > To change your subscription (digest mode or unsubscribe) visit http://www.beowulf.org/mailman/listinfo/beowulf > -- Robert G. Brown http://www.phy.duke.edu/~rgb/ Duke University Dept. of Physics, Box 90305 Durham, N.C. 27708-0305 Phone: 1-919-660-2567 Fax: 919-660-2525 email:rgb at phy.duke.edu


text:
Burney Hayes has offered an apology to Michael Thompson, the 16-year-old student he is accused of battering three weeks ago. Hayes, 52, is charged with misdemeanor battery for how he removed Thompson from the Lake Wales High School gymnasium Jan. 7.
LAKE WALES | Burney Hayes has offered an apology to Michael Thompson, the 16-year-old student he is accused of battering three weeks ago.
Hayes, 52, is charged with misdemeanor battery for how he removed Thompson from the Lake Wales High School gymnasium Jan. 7.
Hayes was fired from being a substitute teacher and citizen coach after the incident.
Hayes said in an email sent Friday to local media as well as NAACP and school officials that he regrets any division that has occurred in Lake Wales after some community members asked for his reinstatement.
"The actions in this matter I took because of who I am as a man and what God has me stand for," Hayes wrote. "I do, however, extend a hearty, heartfelt, and humble apology to the young man in this incident, Michael Thompson, and his family, if my actions hurt, harmed, or offended them in any way that was not originally intended."
Hayes said he is still broken and needs forgiveness, and he vowed to work with faith-based organizations to bring healing to the community. He is a youth pastor at Allen Temple AME Church in Lake Wales.
Hayes also said he plans to have a press conference at First Baptist Church in Lake Wales, although he did not say when.
Thompson — described by Principal Donna Dunson as an honor student who has never been in trouble at Lake Wales High — was in an argument that escalated into a fight during junior varsity basketball practice.
Dunson has said in interviews that Thompson didn't start the fight and was trying to back away from it.
According to police reports, the fight ended on its own, and Thompson then asked Hayes why he didn't stop it.
Reports state that Hayes said, "You're not going to talk to me that way," grabbed Thompson's left wrist, twisted his arm behind his back, grabbed the back of his head and forced him against the wall.
A student used his cellphone to record Hayes using a restraining hold around the boy's arms and yelling at him to be respectful while Thompson yelled to be released.
On-site surveillance cameras recorded Hayes pushing the boy through the doors and out of the gym.
Thompson was not injured. His mother sought charges, which the State Attorney's Office filed Wednesday.
An arraignment is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. Thurs- day.
Dunson said in an email to community leaders that Thompson has endured jeers and bullying from other students and threats from members of the community since the incident.
"I am simply stunned that people do not seem to give a flip about what this young man is going through," she wrote late Thursday night.
She said Friday she is "deeply grateful for community leaders who stepped forward and helped navigate this situation."
She and Hayes met Friday, and she said she respected his apology and willingness to move forward.
Hayes' concern for his own son also appears to be a factor. He said that he wanted to end the "ordeal" because his son's grade point average is suffering.
Hayes said Monday he had filed a discrimination complaint with the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People against Lake Wales Charter Schools.
However, Hayes said in his letter Friday that he no longer wants to be viewed as "a procurer, instigator nor object of race, racism or anything else that detracts" from doing good in the community.
Superintendent Jesse Jackson — who also is black — wrote Wednesday in a letter to media that the commotion claiming Hayes was fired for racial reasons made no sense, especially since Smith and other minority leaders supported Dunson for changes she wanted to make to help minority students improve their grades.
Calvin Marion, a spokesman for concerned Lake Wales residents, said they still hope to meet with Jackson at 6 p.m. Feb. 11 at Allen Temple AME Church, 241 C. St. in Lake Wales.


text:
The Spires Collection
The Spires Serviced Apartments Glasgow
Glasgow…a city with energy and sophistication and The Spires is right in the centre of where it's all happening. Unwind at the end of a busy day in a delightful environment that's been specially designed to offer you flexible personal space, in an atmosphere of comfort and freedom. Yet so convenient to all Glasgow city centre attractions, restaurants and nightlife, shops and to main Glasgow railway stations.
Enjoy much more than a hotel bedroom. Spacious, stylishly designed, our uniquely crafted serviced apartments in Glasgow provide a real 'home from home' living feel, seamlessly blending upscale tranquillity with affordable luxury. We call them 'suite sensations'. The perfect alternative to Glasgow city centre hotels for business and leisure travellers, whether for short or longer trips, just great for families too.
Not 'budget accommodation' in Glasgow, but quality 4 star value for the discerning traveller at prices comparable with many budget hotels and which will beat most 3,4 and certainly 5 star hotels. Quality, space and comfort you'll love, at prices you'll love too. Stay for a night, or several …there's no minimum stay. With daily maid service and continental breakfast available on request you may want to stay forever.
Whether travelling on business or leisure, The Spires in Glasgow is the ideal choice – which of our suite styles is perfect for you? Call us and we'll help you decide.
The Spires, 77 Glassford Street, Glasgow G1 1BQ


text:
Style # 206261
Go rocker-chic in this bebe stripe top, featuring slash back detail and casual lightweight stretch of tee. Try it with a knit pencil skirt and a pair of embellished heels for an after-dark-worthy look.
- 92% nylon, 8% spandex
- Center back to hem: 22" (56 cm)
- Hand wash
- Imported
- Model is 5'9" and is wearing a US size S


text:
ROCCAT Into Street-Proof Messenger Bag Review
ROCCAT Into Street-Proof Messenger Bag Introduction:
Founded in 2007 in Hamburg, Germany, ROCCAT has established itself as a ferocious player in the gaming peripherals world. Any enthusiast knows the feline-looking logo and the ROCCAT products are up there with the big boys on the shelves of most computer-parts stores. The review section here at OCC has a plethora of articles featuring ROCCAT products; some impressed us, but some also left us with mixed feelings and wanting more. Overall, a fairly young company like ROCCAT is doing a good job collaborating with the gaming community and investing in innovation. Concepts like ROCCAT TALK, POWER GRID, or SDMS are very original and will probably mature into something great. Visiting the company's website shows that since the introduction of the Kone gaming mouse a few years back, the arsenal of peripherals available now will get you fully geared to wage the fiercest battles in the cyber-battlefields.
When I received the fairly large brown cardboard box holding the review unit, my first reaction was to ask my wife if BluePanda & Waco moved in without me knowing. The shipping label showed my name but the description of the item was "Gaming Mouse" and "ROCCAT"! Whoever reads OCC reviews regularly can do the math. After making sure that we are clear and there is no OCC staff invasion, I decided to open the package anyway just to satisfy my curiosity. The box was too big for a single mouse and it felt very light for its size. Instead of a cyber-rodent, inside I found the ROCCAT Into Street-Proof Messenger Bag that I will be reviewing today. Will this heavily branded laptop bag be the next cool thing to get? Let's check it out!
ROCCAT Into Street-Proof Messenger Bag Closer Look & Features:
The ROCCAT Into Street-Proof Messenger Bag is geared towards laptops that are 15.4-inch to 17.3-inch in size and it measures 320mm x 475mm. Made of a combination of 70% Cordura nylon and 30% Polyester, this bag should let you carry your gear in style for a long while.
I already described the ROCCAT Into Street-Proof Messenger Bag as heavily branded; in the below pictures you will see just why. Compared to the discreet ECBC POSEIDON Messenger Bag K7202 that I reviewed a while back, wearing the black and blue themed Into is pretty much free advertising for ROCCAT. Don't take me wrong here; I personally like the looks of this bag. The cat-like logo on the front is actually embroidered and roars quality; it will not fade or peel and is cool enough to make you oblivious of it covering 50% of the front. The color theme adopted by ROCCAT is a winner; the blue accents and the colored sections positioning make the Into a great looking bag. On the left side of the front are located a small pocket and an earphone cable slot. The back is very sober with no action going on; all black, tough nylon, with no color accents or special features.
Going back to the front, the first feature that attracted my attention is the easily accessible front pocket. Some great workmanship was put into this product and it's shown in the implementation of this type of feature. The pocket is recessed, which will hide the zipper away and gives a great clean look. I used an iPad Mini to test the size of the pocket and how it felt to carry a cellphone or tablet in it. It turns out that the pocket is about the same dimensions as an iPad Mini. As a matter of fact, the zipper will not go anywhere if you have anything other than the very slim cases covering the tablet. I had a Mini with a Survivor case installed and as you can see on the picture below there was no room to maneuver the zipper. With the slim case, all worked well and I was able to fasten the zipper all the way.
Right next to the pocket opening, we find an earphone cable slot. Made of soft plastic with a cross shaped cut-out in the middle, this slot will let you keep your precious phone/tablet safe inside the front pocket while listening to your favorite tunes. The opening will accommodate thicker cables ususally featured in high end gaming headphones, as well as the increasingly popular earphone flat cables.
Carrying a laptop and a few peripherals around will put a certain strain on the bag and might cause damage if the shoulder strap loosens by accident. ROCCAT will have none of that happening under its watch. The Into comes equipped with a permanently connected shoulder strap that's firmly sewn to the bag at a 45 degrees angle on each side for better carrying position. The loose side is secured by an oversized snap-clip sporting the ROCCAT logo, while the extra length is tucked away to the side thanks to a little fixed strap. The clip does have enough bite to it to get the job done even under heavier loads. Unfortunatly the shoulder strap is a real pain to conceal if not needed. Due to the angle at which it's connected to the bag, hiding it inside is not an option and the stiff material doesn't play well with any folding attempt.
To provide better comfort for the wearer, the ROCCAT Into Street-Proof Messenger Bag comes equipped with a long adjustable shoulder pad measuring roughly 36cm in length. The inside bottom part is blue to match the color theme. The top part is made of two pieces that attach together with Velcro. Here is also located a nice ROCCAT logo made of the same plastic that's used for the earphones slot. I found the padding to be lacking. After using the bag for a few days, it was obvious that the stiff sides of the pad and the thin padding are the culprits. If the whole thing doesn't soften up with use, it will be a major issue with comfort.
Towards the top of the bag, ROCCAT opted for a pretty unique design to implement a carrying handle. It's actually part of the front piece of Cordura nylon fabric that's left open and stitched around to create a handle. It feels sturdy enough but only time will tell if the concept is durable. I will make sure to update in the forums if anything happens. The top also sports a large zipper that gives access to a huge pocket. ROCCAT calls it a "Quick-Stash" back pocket for a reason; it makes the whole back side of the bag available for storing large magazines or documents. It was even able to fit in the AVATAR Mercury Ultrabook that I reviewed previously without any issues. It's not the intended purpose, but if you can carry two laptops in one bag, why not!
Upon opening the bag, we notice the two large Velcro strips on each side. Paired with the two small Velcro strips on the flap part, they make a fairly flexible closing system where a larger than usual item can be carried with the top secured. A large, adjustable-length clip is also available for those that do not believe in Velcro power!
The main feature inside the bag is the padded laptop chamber that can accommodate devices up to 17.3-inch. It also has a large Velcro strip for a secure fit. Since there is no way to adjust the width, laptops smaller than 15-inch will move around in the compartment. The inside of the bag per say looks like a half cylinder lined up with small pockets. There are three large pockets towards the front; two of them can be partially closed with Velcro. Towards the back there are two Velcro-equipped pockets and three pen holder slots. The bulk of the space available is a free-for-all kind of concept with no segmentation whatsoever. If you just start dumping stuff inside it may get chaotic in no time. The picture to the right shows the shape of the bag when it starts to fill up.
Overall, the ROCCAT Into Street-Proof Messenger Bag is a nicely made product, but certain aspects of it might be a game breaker for some.


text:
As expected, Samsung kicked off Mobile World Congress by announcing the new Samsung Galaxy S II. Like any true successor, the Galaxy S II delivers on all the expectations set by the original and raises the bar to a whole new level. The Samsung Galaxy S II comes equipped with a 4.27-inch 800 x 480 Super AMOLED Plus display, a 1GHz Dual Core application processor (most likely the Samsung made Exynos processor), 8 megapixel camera with LED flash and capable of 1080p video recording, 2 megapixel front-facing-camera, and NFC capabilities all bundled into a package that's only 8.49mm thick. Last we checked, that makes the Samsung Galaxy S II the thinnest smartphone on the planet.
On the software side, the Samsung Galaxy S II is powered by Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) coated with the new TouchWiz 4.0 UI. Samsung is also including a new Game Hub which they hope will give SONY's Playstation Suite a run for its money.
Overall, it looks like Samsung has delivered exactly what was expected of them. The Samsung Galaxy S II will be one of the top players in 2011 and may turn out to be the best selling Android handset of the year. If you want the full list of specs, we suggest you take a peek at the press release below.
Show Press Release
Samsung announces the GALAXY S II, World's thinnest Smartphone that Will Let You Experience More with Less
Global launch of Samsung's most powerful smartphone delivers unmatched performance with a Dual-Core application processor and best-in-class viewing experience by Super AMOLED Plus display in sleek and lightweight design
BARCELONA, February 13, 2011 — Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd., a leading mobile phone provider, today announced the Samsung GALAXY S II (Model: GT-I9100), a beautifully thin (8.49mm) and lightweight, dual-core smartphone that combines an unmatched viewing experience with incredible performance.
The Samsung GALAXY S II uses Androidâ"¢ 2.3 Gingerbread, the latest version of the world's fastest-growing mobile operating system. The next generation smartphone includes access to Samsung's four new content and entertainment hubs, seamlessly integrated to provide instant access to music, games, e-reading and social networking services.
"In 2011, we will take Samsung's leadership in Speed, Screen and Content to a whole new level," said JK Shin, President and Head of Samsung's Mobile Communications Business. "With the GALAXY S II, Samsung wants to set the new standard of quality viewing on mobile, powerful performance, and slim and modern design."
"GALAXY S II is a natural and powerful evolution of GALAXY S. Building on the phenomenal success of the original Samsung GALAXY S, we are proud to unveil the ultimate smartphone. Consumers no longer have to contain themselves — the Samsung GALAXY S II allows them to design their own smart lives."
"We're pleased to see Samsung bring another Android-powered device to market to help grow the Android ecosystem," said Andy Rubin, Vice President of Engineering at Google.
Powerful Performance
Incorporating a dual-core application processor and advanced wireless network (HSPA+ 21) connectivity, the Samsung GALAXY S II has the speed and power to provide an unrivalled mobile performance. Dual-core application processor delivers compelling features such as fast web browsing, multi-tasking comparable to a PC-like environment, supreme graphics quality and instantly responsive 3D user interface on the large screen. The GALAXY S II also delivers seamless multitasking, switching between applications instantly. Superior 3D hardware performance makes games and video incredibly fast and smooth.
With super-fast HSPA+ connectivity, the GALAXY S II offers rapid mobile download speeds while BlueTooth® 3.0+HS considerably reduces data transfer times.
The Samsung GALAXY S II has been equipped with an 8MP, high-profile camera and camcorder with 1080p full HD recording and playback. With Samsung's patented AllShare technology, customers can capture, create and then share their experiences hassle-free.
A Next Level of Viewing Experience
The Samsung GALAXY S II has been equipped with Samsung's new crystal-clear Super AMOLED Plus screen, the most advanced mobile visual display ever created. Setting the standard of quality viewing on mobile, Super AMOLED Plus introduces the best in quality in color gamut, contrast ratio and edge sharpness. Using RealStripe screen technology and a greatly increased sub-pixel count, Super AMOLED Plus complements the mechanics of the human eye to recognize images look clearer and more detailed than ever before. With a wider viewing angle and increased visibility in outdoor, the Samsung GALAXY S II provides a more vibrant viewing experience than any other mobile devices.
Even with its unrivaled performance, the innovative Super AMOLED Plus display does not compromise battery performance. A significant reduction in power consumption from Super AMOLED display means it is also more energy-efficient than other comparably-sized devices, allowing Samsung to minimize device weight.
Samsung GALAXY S II Goes to Work
Samsung has introduced a new range of enterprise mobility solutions, expanding the business capabilities of the Samsung GALAXY S II and helping enterprise customers empower a flexible and connected mobile workforce. Samsung has partnered with IT industry leaders to offer the most relevant enterprise solutions to the Samsung GALAXY S II, working seamlessly on the Android Gingerbread platform and paying special attention to securing data and network. These solutions include enhanced conferencing and connectivity services from Cisco, the most comprehensive mobile implementation of Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync and secure remote device management from Sybase.
A New World of Entertainment and Smarter Interaction
Samsung has selected the Samsung GALAXY S II as its premium mobile product with which to launch Samsung Hubs — integrated mobile applications designed to fit every element of your life. With Samsung Hubs, the Samsung GALAXY S II delivers rich catalogues of books and magazines, music, advanced mobile games and control of your online social life, all from a single device.
- Social Hub Premium: The future of communication — talk to whoever you want, however you want, all from one place — your contact's list. Communication history, IM status, and updates from social networking sites are all readily available. From here, users can access all types of messages (push e-mail, text, VM and SNS) and respond directly without resorting to individual applications. It truly acts as a hub for entire social life.
- Readers Hub: Carry an enormous library of books, magazines and newspapers on-the-go. Through strategic partnerships, Samsung Readers Hub provides over 2.2 million books and novels, 2,000 global and local newspapers in 49 languages and 2,300 popular magazines in 22 languages.
- Game Hub: The easiest way to download and play best-in-class mobile games. Featuring a 3-axis gyroscopic sensor, the Samsung GALAXY S II unleashes a world of gaming possibilities. Try for free and download premium titles from partners like Gameloft, or 'enjoy Social Network Games (SNG) powered by mobage including ngmoco's We Rule and We City'.
- Music Hub: Make Samsung GALAXY S II a personal music manager and access over 12 million tracks from 7digital. Discover what's hot from top charts, search for favorite music, get recommendations on albums, enjoy previews and download them directly to Samsung GALAXY S II.
The Samsung GALAXY S II gives customers more choice in personalizing their smartphone experience. New for the Samsung GALAXY S II, Samsung has introduced Live Panel, a service that aggregates live web and application contents to a single customizable home-screen. Customers can design the lay-out of their own Live Panel, online services and mobile apps to appear on-screen. SNS feeds, information and many more applications can all be embedded and accessed instantly through the magazine-like layout.
With the enhanced voice technology on the Samsung GALAXY S II, customers will be able to do more with less. From opening the app to controlling the messaging, social media, email and calling, Samsung Voice Solution will recognizes voice and convert it to text and vice versa. Customized Voice Translation application makes the Samsung GALAXY S II the perfect travel companion, translating voice or text into – and from – a range of languages: simply speak a word or phrase into the handset and it will instantly translate it, with audio and text output.
For swift and simple device management, Samsung has introduced Kies Air. With Kies air, consumers can manage their smartphone contents from their PC, via local WiFi connections. download photos taken on the built-in camera, listen to music, check missed calls and send messages in the web browser on their PC. For added connectivity, WiFi Direct allows consumers to connect to wireless-enabled PCs and printers without the need for wireless access points. According to market requirement, the GALAXY S II is able to incorporate Near Field Communication (NFC) technology to support emerging mobile payment service and other services with mobile operators.
The GALAXY S II is exhibited at Hall #8, Mobile World Congress 2011.
For multimedia content and more detailed information, please visit www.samsungunpacked.com/press.
Note to Editors:
Samsung GALAXY S II Product Specifications
- Network: GSM 850/900/1800/1900, HSPA+ 21 850/900/1900/2100
- OS: Android 2.3 Gingerbread
- Display: 4.27" WVGA (480×800) Super AMOLED Plus
- Processor: 1 GHz Dual Core Application Processor
- Camera: Main(Rear): 8.0-Mega Pixel Camera AF with LED Flash
Front: 2.0-Mega Pixel Camera
Single Shot, Beauty Shot, , Panorama Shot, Smile Shot, Action Shot, Cartoon Shot
- Video: Codec : MPEG4/ H.264/ H.263/ DivX VC-1
Playback : FULL HD(1080p)@30fps
Recording : FULL HD(1080p)@30fps
- Audio: MP3, AAC, AAC+, eACC+
3.5mm Ear Jack & Speaker, Stereo FM Radio with RDS, Voice Recorder
Value-added Features
- Android Marketâ"¢
- Adobe Flash 10.1 support
- Samsung TouchWiz
- QuickType by SWYPE
- Document Viewer / Editor
- Android Brower, RSS Reader
- Exchange ActiveSync
- Google MapsTM with Latitude, Places, Navigation (beta)
- Google Voice SearchTM
- Lost Phone Management
- Connectivity: Bluetooth® technology v 3.0 + HS, USB 2.0, Wi-Fi 802.11 (a/b/g/n), WiFi Direct, NFC Connectivity (Optional), MHL, DLNA (AllShare)
- Sensor: Accelerometer, Light, Digital Compass, Proximity, Gyroscope sensor,
- Memory: 16/32GB + microSD (up to 32GB)
- Size: 125.3 x 66.1 x 8.49mm, 116g
- Battery: 1650mAh
Enterprise Solutions
Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync — The comprehensive mobile implementation of Exchange ActiveSync, which provides the most policies and restrictions support among Android ActiveSync clients, along with e-mail, calendar, contacts and tasks synchronization with a Microsoft Exchange Server
On Device Encryption — A security solution that enables the protection of mobile data without the need to sacrifice speed and functionality. Superior performance can also be achieved when incorporated with Sybase Afaria Mobile Device Management and Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync, both of which complement the encryption support with their own mechanisms.
Cisco AnyConnect Virtual Private Network — provide reliable and easy-to-deploy encrypted network connectivity for mobile workers everywhere for business email, virtual desktop, and other Android apps, AnyConnect enables business-critical application connectivity
Sybase Afaria Mobile Device Management — provides the comprehensive capabilities that IT requires to allow mobile workers access to enterprise assets using the device of their choice. IT can now confidently extend corporate security policies to the Android platform, allowing for the adoption of both personally-owned or corporate owned Galaxy S II.
Cisco WebEx — the workforce will be able to stay connected to important meetings wherever they are while using Samsung Galaxy devices; users can view shared desktops, browsers, applications and documents with live annotations.
Cisco Mobile — a VoIP solutions allowing the workforce to make and receive calls over Wi-Fi using an Android interface, providing significant cost-efficiencies for an international workforce
* All functionality, features, specifications and other product information provided in this document including, but not limited to, the benefits, design, pricing, components, performance, availability, and capabilities of the product are subject to change without notice or obligation.
About Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. is a global leader in semiconductor, telecommunication, digital media and digital convergence technologies with 2009 consolidated sales of US$116.8 billion. Employing approximately 174,000 people in 193 offices across 66 countries, the company consists of eight independently operated business units: Visual Display, Mobile Communications, Telecommunication Systems, Digital Appliances, IT Solutions, Digital Imaging, Semiconductor and LCD. Recognized as one of the fastest growing global brands, Samsung Electronics is a leading producer of digital TVs, memory chips, mobile phones and TFT-LCDs. For more information, please visit www.samsung.com.


text:
Two of the largest bank lobbying groups each wants to be the voice of community banks in Washington, but when it comes to the reinvigorated debate over "too big to fail" — they are taking decidedly different positions.
The Independent Community Bankers of America has come out swinging against Wall Street giants and last week endorsed a bill by Sens. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) and David Vitter (R-La.) that many in the industry say would force the biggest banks to shrink or break up.
Meanwhile, the American Bankers Association — which counts banks of all sizes among its members — has urged caution, arguing that efforts to crack down on the largest banks could hurt the entire industry.
The split underscores the simmering tension between the two groups following enactment of the 2010 Dodd-Frank law as each seeks to be the go-to lobbying organization for community bankers.
At a mid-April ABA meeting in Washington, bankers were still grumbling about the ICBA's efforts to secure exemptions for community banks when Congress was considering Dodd-Frank — a move they say paved the way for the bill's passage. If the industry had stuck together, they argue, the bill could have been defeated.
Those hard feelings aren't stopping the ICBA from keeping up pressure on big banks, but ICBA President Cam Fine said it has nothing to do with a beef with ABA or any of the other big bank trade groups.
"I look at it as I'm doing the best I can to advance and protect the interests of my thousands of member banks," Fine said. "And if that upsets other people, I totally get that, but that's not my problem."
ICBA has wholeheartedly thrown its support behind the Brown-Vitter bill, which would boost capital levels for the biggest banks and scrap a Basel III proposal that requires new capital standards for community banks. The group argues big banks have a competitive advantage over smaller lenders, in part, because customers and investors believe they will be bailed out by the government if they run into trouble.
The Brown-Vitter proposal also includes provisions that would ease regulations for small banks — a section that industry lobbyists have dubbed an "ICBA wish list."
Earlier this month, the group ran full-page ads for two days in POLITICO, The Hill, Roll Call, The Washington Times and The Financial Times' Washington circulation, calling for an end to too big to fail. The ad noted that the 17 biggest banks control 63 percent of assets.
Even if the Brown-Vitter measure flops, Fine said, the ultimate goal is to keep the "too big to fail" conversation going. The bill's chances of moving anywhere legislatively this Congress are long.
"We will in the end win this debate because more will have happened on this subject than would have otherwise," he said. "It pushes this ball down the field."
The ABA is forced to walk a fine line between fighting for small bank interests and protecting its bigger members — a point ICBA is eager to make. ICBA describes itself as being "dedicated exclusively to representing the interests of the community banking industry."
But the ABA dismisses the idea there is any tension over how it represents its members and argues it is shortsighted to view the debate over Brown-Vitter as being good for small banks simply because it cracks down on Wall Street giants, warning about "unintended consequences."
Read the rest of the article: http://www.politico.com/story/2013/05/dodd-frank-too-big-to-fail-banks-90795.html#ixzz2S9F5Zv96


text:
Fuji Heavy Industries introduced the Subaru Impreza in spring 1993. It replaced the Loyale that had an aging EA series engine. When it was launched, the Impreza was available as a five-door wagon, two-door coupe, or a sedan. The Impreza was priced lower, it was lighter in weight, and smaller in size than several other cars in its class.
It was powered using a finely engineered four-cylinder 1.8-liter EJ series engine that produced 110 hp. Both the wagon and sedan variants of the car were available in the more upscale LS trim version, as well as the lower line L version and stripped out Brighton. A five-speed manual transmission system was part of standard equipment, while the four-speed automatic version was optional.
As the years went by, the Impreza incorporated several components from the Legacy to reduce manufacturing and development costs of the vehicle. In 1998, the car was offered as a four-door sedan, a coupe, a five-door wagon, and a more sporty 2.5 RS coupe version. The 2.5 RS coupe version boasted of a 2.5-liter double-overhead cam engine in 1998 and a single-overhead cam engine from 1999 until the generation's end in 2001. It offered a sportier ride, better acceleration due to its increased 165 horsepower (up from 140 horsepower in most models), and rally car styling inspired by the overseas Impreza WRX.
The most notable feature of the Subaru Impreza is its distinctive powertrain. The vehicle has always been available as an all-wheel drive, becoming a standard feature in 1995. This feature lends extra traction in slippery conditions. In higher horsepower versions, it works in unison with the well-sorted chassis of the car to provide superior handling.
A four-cylinder horizontally opposed engine always powered the Subaru Impreza. The engine emits a characteristic and distinctive growl at the time of acceleration. The car is competitive in almost all sections. It is an excellent choice for those intending to buy a used or new small sedan, hatchback, or a wagon.
The 2012 Subaru Impreza is a full redesign of the company's four-door hatchback and its sedan. It comes with new interior and exterior styling. This redesigned version boasts of an increased interior space, and much-improved fuel economy, powered by its first all-new engine design, now called FB.
The new Impreza is available in five trim levels. These are the 2.0i, 2.0i Premium, 2.0i Limited, 2.0i Sport Premium, and the 2.0i Sport Limited. The basic 2.0i has a new 2.0-liter engine that replaces 2011's 2.5-liter engine.
The styling of 2012 version is quite mature. The car offers a new hexagonal grille. The wheelbase was increased by an inch; however, the overall exterior dimensions of the car are almost same as the older version. The A-pillars are anchored almost eight inches farther forward. This gives the windshield a faster angle. The side-mirrors are relocated to the doors.
The new four-cylinder 2.0-liter boxer engine has dual overhead camshafts that improve upon the earlier engine's single cam used in the 2000s. Output of the engine is 148 horsepower with 145 lb.-ft. of torque. This is a decrease from the earlier engine's 170 horsepower and 170 lb.-ft. of torque. In addition, the 2012 version of the Subaru Impreza is lighter by 150 pounds. The company claims that the new and continuous variable automatic transmission can deliver efficiency and performance with equal momentum. The five-speed manual transmission is a standard feature in all versions. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) pegged the mileage estimates at 27/36 mpg city/highway. The assortment of available wheels range from the standard 15-inch steel rim to 16- and 17-inch alloy rims.
The 2009 version of the Impreza was available in two versions: the compact sedan and the five-door hatchback. Five major trim levels were available: 2.5i, Outback Sport, 2.5 GT, WRX, and WRX STI. The basic model was available with air-conditioning, 16-inch steel wheels, cruise control, tilt steering, full power accessories, and an MP3/CD player. The Outback Sport version was of the hatchback style and came with 17-inch alloy wheels, two-tone exterior color, a chrome grille, heated seats, and outside mirrors. The 224 hp-turbocharged engines provided brute power necessary for high-performance driving.
The 2010 version of the car came with minor changes. There was a new and improved grille design, and a Special Edition variant was introduced for some models. The WRX version also went through an upgrade. The 2.5i variant came with the standard 16-inch steel wheels and full power accessories. Other updates included a tilted steering column, a 60/40 split-folding rear seat, keyless entry, and a four-speaker audio system with a CD player. In the government crash tests, the 2010 version notched a perfect five-star rating in frontal crash protection. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety awarded the highest possible "good" rating in its tests. The rating was the same for side-impact crash tests. Safety was always a scoring point for all Subaru vehicles. The Impreza underwent a full redesign for the 2012 model year.
2019 Subaru Impreza
Compact, Sedan, Wagon
2017 Subaru Impreza
Compact, Hatchback, Sedan
2016 Subaru Impreza
2015 Subaru Impreza
2014 Subaru Impreza
2013 Subaru Impreza
Compact, Hatchback, Sedan, Wagon
Subaru is well-known for making high-quality products people tend to hold onto, which is also the case with the 2013 Impreza.
2012 Subaru Impreza
Everything about the 2012 Impreza is new: 2.0-liter flat-4 cylinder engine, suspension, smaller fuel tank, but 30-percent increase in fuel mileage, electric power steering, CVT, driver's knee airbag, and tons of interior infotainment features.
2011 Subaru Impreza
The Subaru Impreza is a compact sedan introduced by Fuji Heavy Industries in 1993.
2010 Subaru Impreza
2009 Subaru Impreza
2008 Subaru Impreza
The 2008 Subaru Impreza is not the old rally-racing car its forefather was.
2007 Subaru Impreza
The 2007 Subaru Impreza certainly made quite an impression on the automotive world and car buyers.
2006 Subaru Impreza
When it comes to finding a good, well-priced, small car for everyday driving, there's a wealth of worthy options on the market today.
2005 Subaru Impreza
The Subaru Impreza debuted in 1993 as five-door, five-passenger sedans and wagons with L and LS trims.
2004 Subaru Impreza
The 2004 Subaru Impreza serves as the smallest model in Subaru's line of all-wheel-drive sedans and wagons.
2003 Subaru Impreza
The Subaru Impreza replaced the Loyale in 1993, and this all-weather sedan or wagon can be found at an affordable price.
2002 Subaru Impreza
The 2002 Subaru Impreza demonstrates the company's decision to march to the beat of its own drum, rather than try to compete directly with other carmakers and their small sedans.
2001 Subaru Impreza
Compact, Coupe, Sedan, Wagon
A compact, all-wheel-drive (AWD) vehicle, the 2001 Subaru Impreza is available in a variety of body styles.
2000 Subaru Impreza
The 2000 Subaru Impreza might be an economy vehicle, but it's not a traditional one.
1999 Subaru Impreza
The 1999 Subaru Impreza classifies as a compact car that the Japanese car company released in 1992 as a replacement for the Leone.
1998 Subaru Impreza
The 1998 Subaru Impreza is a fun car with a wide range of trim levels available.
1997 Subaru Impreza
The Subaru Impreza was originally designed to appeal to younger drivers and compete against old favorites like the Ford Escort and Toyota Corolla.
1996 Subaru Impreza
The 1996 Subaru Impreza is a compact car manufactured by a division of Fuji Heavy Industries.
1995 Subaru Impreza
The 1995 Subaru Impreza is a compact car manufactured by Fuji Heavy Industries.


text:
Namaah is a graphic artist, Arsenal fan, and Oxford comma enthusiast. They call her the Mother Superior on account of the length of her habit.
Related Content
Humour The Desolation of Smog: The Delhi Edition
The pollution uptick has rendered lungs useless with Dilliwalas sporting Bane-like masks. Do they remember what breathing without coughing feels like?Add to list
Humour India's Mughals: Totally a Real Thing
What is a Jahanpanah? Are Jodha Akbar even real? Maharashtra's children may never know the answers, but the sensational upcoming show, India's Mughals: Totally A Real Thing, uncovers these mysteries.Add to list
Humour Why I Never Answer Your Call
I'm a millennial and phone calls are all but a relic of the past for me. It's well-nigh impossible to fight the pressure of the phone conversation, one misplaced emotion at a time.Add to list
Humour A Decade of Dating Advice from Splitsvilla
On Splitsvilla connections are made and broken based on the couple's physical appearance – biggest biceps, smallest brain, etc.Add to list
Humour Tax De India
The deadline is here and there are no more extensions. It's the last day to pay your taxes. 24 ghante hai tumhare pass... shayad tumhare zindagi ke sabse khaas 24 ghante. #taxdeIndiaAdd to list


text:
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Resurrecting Ourselves: Telling Our Story
Part of it, I believe, comes from telling our story. As any trauma specialist with tell you, most people who've experienced trauma feel the need to go over the details again and again and again. It seems counterintuitive. That reliving it would cause more pain. Yet in fact, it's the opposite. By telling our story, it loses its power over us. It becomes part of our history, simply another part, like the story of our first day of school, or getting our driver's licence. Well, maybe not exactly like that. Of course, the story of our betrayal tends to be a bit...ummm...emotionally loaded.
I was reminded of the healing power of telling our story recently. My husband, who has his own therapist to work on finding better ways of dealing with negative feelings than having sex with people who aren't his wife, was discussing this blog with said therapist. He told me she suggested that it might be unhealthy for me to continually be talking about the betrayal, thinking about it, writing about it, yada yada yada. I was stunned. How, I wondered, could he not see the change in me since I started this blog?
Sure, I still have dark days...but they're fewer and further between. I've gone off anti-depressants. I'm feeling stronger, more focussed, just...better.
I credit much of this to being able to tell my story. I felt fraudulent before. Like I was pretending to be someone I wasn't: A happily married wife to a man who would never cheat. This blog offered up a place to be the me who had survived betrayal. Who could speak (write?) candidly. Share stories. Commiserate with others. Have a giggle or two about stupid lines cheating men offer their beleaguered wives. To allow other betrayed wives the chance to blog about their own experiences. It felt wonderful. Liberating. Healing. Dare I say, I felt resurrected.
It's a familiar refrain from men who've cheated who, frankly, don't want to be reminded of what they did and would love nothing more than to sweep the whole affair (pun intended) under the rug. You're dwelling on it, they say. You need to move on, they urge. It's not good for us; we need to focus on the future.
Well, the past has a way of biting us in the ass if we don't process it firmly enough. So tell your story. Share with anyone you can trust. Tell it over and over and over until it loses its power over you and you can add the ending. And then she lived happily ever after. Or more accurately, she lived wisely ever after.
1 comment:
- AnonymousMay 30, 2010 at 7:53 PM
I have hear exactly the same lines!!! Are we by any chance married to the same man ;-) ? "Let's not dwell in the past, the future is what matters - bla bla bla". Maybe the thing is men and women experience this completely differently. It's like men have all kinds of boxes to store their experiences and can open and close them as they wish. Whereas we only have one big box where all experiences mingle. So here's how I feel it: my husband's 'confession' spilled his 'smelly box of bad choices' into my pretty neat 'My Life as a woman and mother'-box messing up pretty much everything so far.ReplyDelete
Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)


text:
November 02, 2008 by Eugene Gorbunoff
++ From the VOICE OS/2-eCS News Service http://www.os2voice.org ++eCo Software is the largest developer of software and drivers on eComStation market today, we are obligated to share our experience with other developersWelcome to Warpstock Europe 2008 - > DEV03 -- Developer Connection:http://www.warpstock.eu/en/agenda/presentations.htmlPlease use new Message box, Progress bar to improve the usability of modern eComStation applications. (Inform us if you are planning to use this controls)http://ecomstation.ru/projects/developer/?action=new-control-elementsDevCon site is updated -- http://ecomstation.ru/developereCo Software engineers have collected new notes:* new: (OS architecture) // help us to collect old docs* new: Point of sale (Special groups of applications) // help us to createa toolkit* add: Compilers: GCC 4.x.x, FreePascal 2.2.2, WDSibyl 3.11 (Compilers)* add: Font anti-aliasing, useful links to articles (Fonts)* add: Read/write ports from Ring3 (Device drivers)* add: How to create dll for other developers (Creation of DLL)* add: More Internet libraries (Internet libraries)* add: Video libraries: info about libkva library* add: Sound libraries: info about libdart library* add: Guidelines: popup menu, radio button, listbox* add: Mission of developer (Mission of developer)* add: How to develop good widget for eCenter? (eCenter)* add: Additional information about KEE (Device drivers development)* add: How to design PM applications (Guidelines: Application)* add: SYSLEVEL (System information)* add: How to adjust colors of bitmaps to current color scheme? (Colors)Your participation: (your notes/articles are integrated to the site, we write your name below the add-on):* Help us to collect information how to design POS (Point of Sale, how to draw color buttons, recommendations, etc.)* What do you recommend, how to use standard control elements? (section: Guidelines: Base control elements)Advices:You can sell your program only if:* if you publish the announcement (announcement of new versions). Remember the experience of JUne.* if you publish the reviews of your program. (successful experience of General Network Utilities).* Why a developer can't execute a contract? "harddisk is small or not enough memory". please calculate: it's better to invest 100 dollars into the hardware, to get the reward for your project 1000 dollars.


text:
eon wrote:
I ran out of bananas which Don tried to sell me $50 for his. what a rip off..
supply and demand is what its called i think Ehly.
When you have 10 energy hungry dudes and 1 banana you can "bump" the price up a little
Unfortunately no-one took up the offer but i ate it and it was the best banana i have ever tasted


text:
CHAMPAIGN – Tommy Tuberville says his Cincinnati Bearcats and the Illinois team they'll play Saturday are in what he calls a youth movement.
The similarities might end there.
Cincinnati (1-0) is on the outskirts of the Top 25 after rolling over Purdue, 42-7. The going was easy enough that the Bearcats had to take only a shallow dive into their playbook in week one.
"We got into a situation where we found some things that worked and we didn't expand," Tuberville said.
Illinois also opened with a win, but the Illini (1-0) eked out a 42-34 squeaker over a Football Championship Subdivision school, Southern Illinois.
"It might not have been the prettiest thing," coach Tim Beckman said, "but it's a W, in the long run."
The Illini also dealt with turmoil during the week when Beckman kicked one of his top signings, sophomore backup running back Dami Ayoola, off the team for violating unspecified team rules. Four things to keep your eye on Saturday when two teams meet:
Which QB will it be? Tuberville has extended his quarterback competition into the opening weeks of the season. Incumbent Brendon Kay was in line to start until he developed a sore passing shoulder in camp, sidelining him for a lot of practices. Munchie Legaux, who lost the job to Kay last season, started against Purdue and accounted for a pair of touchdowns. Kay's shoulder is better this week, and Tuberville decided to wait until late in the week to pick a starter, who won't be announced until game time. Legaux is more of a running threat, but Kay is a more consistent passer. Both are likely to play.
Defensive liabilities: Cincinnati leaned heavily on the run against Purdue, piling up 221 yards. But Illinois' struggles last week against the pass probably aren't lost on the Bearcats. The Illini gave up 341 yards and three passing touchdowns. And Illinois barely got a hand on Salukis quarterback Kory Faulkner, who wasn't sacked once.
Run MIA: As Illinois looks for a ground game – SIU held the Illini to 49 rushing yards – it won't be looking much to senior quarterback Nathan Scheelhaase. He ran for 868 yards in 2010, his first season as a starter. But running often left him banged up the past two seasons, and last week none of his seven runs (for minus-27 yards) were planned.
If last week was tough: Illinois will put its running fortunes in the hands of Donovonn Young, the starting tailback, and Josh Ferguson. The latter had 49 yards on nine carries against a smallish SIU defense, but Young, running behind an ineffective offensive line, had just 6 yards on nine carries. And Cincinnati will be bigger, and likely more physical.
Young has his eye on one Bearcat in particular, 6-1, 251-pound linebacker Jeff Luc. Young, joking, said he's long hoped he'd never face Luc.
"I remember watching him on ESPN, and I'm talking about a monster," Young said. "I'm like, I would never want to play that guy."
AAC pride: Cincinnati opens the season with games against struggling Big Ten teams, a chance to get a little attention for their new conference. The Bearcats weren't able to flee the Big East for a bigger conference, and are bristling at the way their new American Athletic Conference is getting downgraded. The Bearcats moved up to the 30th-most votes in the latest AP poll after drubbing Purdue. This week there's another chance to beat a Big Ten team and get a little more notice.
"That holds weight," Legaux said. "Around the country, we are looked down on as the AAC. People don't take us real serious."


text:
The lobster was great in Maine, but I was hungry for fish. Surely with all those boats out in Booth Bay Harbor, where we were staying for a few days, there had to be someone with fish that had never seen the inside of a freezer, fish fried in hot grease, fish that went from the sea to the pan to the plate.
And, I wanted some.
"Bet's," said my local information guru.
"Best?" I queried.
"No, Bet's," she patiently repeated.
I only understand southern, so I said, "Spell it."
And, she did.
It is really Bet's Famous Fish Fry and it's a few miles out of town on Highway 27.
Selina, from Stan's Taxi Service, dropped me off in front of the food wagon that looks like refugee from a traveling carnival and constitutes the entire take-out only eatery.
Selina warned, "Only get the half bowl. It's going to be more than you can eat," and started to drive away.
"Don't forget to come back and get me," I hollered.
At the window, I was second in line and had time to read the signs advising customers not to dare order a lobster roll and that there would be 'free beer' tomorrow.
The entire staff consisted of a young lady who took the orders and Bet, who stands next to her and fries the fish caught from her own fishing boat. Bet has haddock and only haddock. Her servings are indeed, more than generous.
My order came out of the grease in front of my eyes. She dumped it into a cardboard bowl that looked like a first cousin to an egg carton, topped it with a square of foil and passed it to her colleague.
Selina arrived and drove me back to the Tug Boat Inn with my four haddock fillets, a pile of home cut french fries and Bet's special dill sauce.
An ice cold Samuel Adams from the motel bar and I was a happy camper.
Life was sweet.
If I thought that Bet's was a well-kept secret, an establishment known only to local fried fish aficionados, I could forget it. Last time I looked, Facebook had 966 likes.
Same with Skipper's Fish Camp in Darien, Ga. It has it's own website, complete with menus, history and even a video.
Stopped by there for lunch the other Sunday on my way to St. Augustine to celebrate Jackie and Everett Perrin's 60th wedding anniversary.
It's easy to find.
Exit 49 off of Interstate 95 to U.S. 17, turn right and follow South a mile or so to the first bridge that crosses the Altamaha River.
Skipper's is down under the bridge.
I was seated by a window overlooking the dock.
"What do you have for fresh fish today?" I asked the young server.
"Everything," she said.
"Flounder?" I asked.
"Yes, ma'am." And, in short order, she brought me a whole flounder, well, everything but the head. It filled the entire plate and flopped over the sides. They had scored the top like a Christmas ham and dropped it skin, bones and all into hot grease.
You talk about good food.
Now, I know they have fried fish closer to home, and that's a blessing. But, if you are out and about, I can heartily recommend Bet's if you happen to be up that way and Skipper's that's only an hour or so down the road.
At both places, it's guaranteed you'll find fish, fresh, fried and friendly.
Annelore Harrell lives in Bluffton and can be reached at email@example.com.


text:
Firefighters unable to extinguish flames before building collapses
At approximately 8 p.m. Friday night, firefighters from Orange County Emergency Services District No. 1 responded to a commercial structure fire next door to A-1 Smoke Shop, located at 585 N. Main St. in Vidor. The building was formally known as Tower Medical Center and was abandoned. The department fought the fire from an attempted offensive position for about 30 to 45 minutes, according to Bryant Champagne, fire chief of Orange County Services District No. 1, before having to call in support from Little Cypress, Bridge City, McLewis, Deweyville fire departments and ESD No. 4.
"The flames were too extensive and we ended up calling in mutual aid organizations," Champagne said.
With help from neighboring fire departments, ESD No. 1 was able to fight the fire from a defensive position.
"Probably about an hour in, we made the decision to go defensive. We were able to set up master streams with Little Cypress's ladder as well as deploy some other ground monitors," he said. "We basically went into a defensive posture and protected the exposures around the building."
Firefighters were finally able to extinguish the fire, but not before the building collapsed. There were no reported injuries, Champagne said.
According to Vidor Police Chief Dave Shows, the State Fire Marshal's Office began investigating the site Tuesday, Feb. 26.
Champagne said in an interview with the Examiner Wednesday, Feb. 27 that Orange County ESD No. 1 has completed its investigation as of Tuesday, Feb. 26.
"The findings are inconclusive or undetermined at this time," he said.


text:
Hello there, glad to have made it this far and on to the next forum!
My dd used to take a bottle of EB no problem. But it's been awhile since we needed to bottle feed her. The last time we tried, she refused to have anything to do with a bottle. This is a problem as there are times I need to be away. Any suggestions? Sorry I should mention she will be 4 months in 9 days. Thank you!