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New Car Review
2015 Lexus GS: New Car Review
The 2015 Lexus GS represents a new page for Lexus, and it's time for driving enthusiasts to give Toyota's luxury brand a second chance. Yes, we know that might be hard to believe. Lexus has built an almost peerless reputation for reliability over the years, but performance has never been its strong suit. We're as surprised as everyone else that the new GS is a genuine driver's car.
All it takes is a few miles in the saddle to recognize that the GS is built for people who love to drive. The suspension feels like something straight out of Germany, conveying substance and control in equal measure. Steering response is just as impressive, particularly with the F Sport model's active rear steering system. Even the interior suggests a Germanic influence, reminding us of BMW's best with its top-quality materials and restrained design.
We do have reservations about the GS, however. For one thing, its edgy styling evokes the Japanese tuner scene a bit too vividly for our tastes, and we wonder if luxury-car shoppers will feel the same way. Also, there are definitely faster sedans available at this price, in part because the GS no longer offers a V8 engine. But overall, the GS model's extreme performance makeover strikes us as a resounding success. If this is where Lexus products are headed, color us intrigued.
What's New for 2015?
The GS lineup gets standard 18-inch wheels and a revised infotainment display with 3-way split-screen functionality. Also, the hybrid-powered GS 450h is now eligible for an F Sport package.
What We Like
Exceptionally nice interior; genuinely sporty handling; technology galore; choice of regular and hybrid models; executive-class back seat
What We Don't
Lacks the acceleration of other high-end sport sedans
How Much?
Fuel Economy
The 2015 GS 350 comes with rear- or all-wheel drive and a 3.5-liter V6 rated at 306 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. The rear-wheel-drive version gets an 8-speed automatic transmission, while the all-wheel-drive GS gets a 6-speed automatic. Fuel economy for the rear-wheel-drive model should be slightly better than last year's already decent 19 miles per gallon in the city and 29 mpg on the highway, while the all-wheel-drive model checks in at 19 mpg city/26 mpg hwy.
If you want a little more power, the rear-wheel-drive-only GS 450h hybrid provides it. Rated at a combined 338 hp, the GS hybrid employs an Atkinson-cycle V6, an electric motor and a nickel-metal hydride battery pack. It comes with a continuously variable transmission, and fuel economy is an outstanding 29 mpg city/34 mpg hwy.
Standard Features & Options
The 2015 Lexus GS sedan is offered in GS 350, GS 350 AWD and GS 450h trim levels.
The GS 350 ($48,610) comes standard with 18-inch alloy wheels, xenon headlights, a sunroof, keyless entry with push-button ignition, a power tilt-telescopic steering wheel, 10-way power front seats with manual fore/aft headrest adjustability, leather upholstery, driver memory functions, electroluminescent gauges, a trip computer with a color TFT display, an 8-in infotainment screen with the Remote Touch mouselike controller, dual-zone automatic climate control, Bluetooth and a 12-speaker surround-sound audio system with DVD audio capability, satellite radio, an auxiliary input and iPod/USB connectivity.
The GS 350 AWD ($51,775) adds all-wheel drive but loses a couple of speeds in its transmission, while the GS 450h ($60,510) gets the fancy hybrid powertrain, unique hybrid-themed gauges and readouts, exclusive bamboo trim, heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel and a power rear sunshade.
Aside from the bamboo trim and hybrid gear, the GS 450h's extra features are available on other GS models as options. Additional options include adaptive suspension dampers, a sunroof, a blind spot warning system with rear cross-traffic alert, a head-up display (with full color for 2015), 18-way Multi-contour power front seats (BMW and Mercedes, perhaps not coincidentally, also use this term), semi-aniline perforated leather upholstery, a 17-speaker, 835-watt Mark Levinson audio system and a hard-drive-based navigation system with a 12.3-in widescreen display, a text-to-speech SMS function and the Lexus Enform Safety Connect telematics suite.
There's also an enthusiast-oriented F Sport package that adds 19-in wheels, rear-wheel steering (rear-wheel drive only) assorted exterior styling cues, bigger front brakes, sport-tuned adaptive dampers, a 16-way power sport driver's seat with adjustable side bolsters and unique interior materials.
Trunk space measures an average 14.3 cu ft. in the GS and 13.2 cu ft. in the hybrid.
The 2015 Lexus GS comes with standard stability control, 4-wheel anti-lock disc brakes and 10 airbags (front, front-side, front-knee, rear-side and full-length side-curtain). All models include Safety Connect, which uses the same 24-hour response center as the Enform system to get you the help you need if the unexpected occurs. Options include a blind spot warning system, rear cross-traffic alert and lane-keeping assist.
The government has not crash-tested the GS, but the independent Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gave the GS its highest rating of Good in every testing category.
Behind the Wheel
The GS model's interior is a huge leap forward for the Lexus brand. Lexus has veered toward merely Toyota-plus quality in recent years, but the GS is unmistakably upscale, as shown by its supple dashboard materials with contrast stitching, its exquisite perforated leather trim and more. The hybrid-powered GS 450h even offers bright bamboo trim that wouldn't be out of place on a luxury yacht. The back seat is another win for Lexus; with its ample legroom, excellent support all around and a sleek, business-class feel, the rear quarters make the GS as satisfying to ride in as it is to drive.
Under the hood, the standard V6 is still a gem, delivering its direct-injected thrust with vigor and refinement. The 8-speed automatic (rear-wheel drive only) improves fuel economy and helps the engine stay in its sweet spot during acceleration. Our only complaint is that Lexus doesn't offer a ridiculously powerful optional engine such as the German twin-turbo V8s or the Infiniti Q70's V8.
Although the hybrid system's added weight keeps the more powerful GS 450h from being notably faster than its conventional counterpart, there's no doubt that this is one hot hybrid, particularly with its novel transmission software that simulates the shifts of a regular automatic. Like all Toyota/Lexus hybrids, the GS 450h is of the dual-mode variety, so it can operate solely on electric power at low speeds and under light throttle applications.
On the road, the GS has that confident, controlled attitude at speed that sets great luxury sport sedans apart. The steering feels artificial, but it's very responsive to driver inputs, and there's no slack to speak of. The GS is a rather long car, so it feels bulky in tight corners, but body roll is kept nicely in check, especially with the F Sport's sport-tuned adaptive dampers and unusual rear-steering feature. Nonetheless, even the F Sport retains a pleasantly supple ride on imperfect pavement, though the base GS is more compliant, and the optional non-sport-tuned adaptive dampers make it smoother still. Road and wind noise are appropriately low.
Other Cars to Consider
2015 Audi A6 3.0T -- Feature for feature, you'll pay more for the supercharged Audi, but you'll get superior acceleration in return, as well as more restrained styling. This is a close race, though.
2015 BMW 5 Series -- Any 5 Series model is a strong GS rival, and there's even a hybrid version. Although the BMW has lost its old athletic edge, it's still capable, and it boasts fantastic engines and a beautiful interior.
2015 Infiniti Q70 -- The base V6-powered Q70 is less refined than the GS 350, but there's also a hybrid version, and then there's the optional 5.6-liter V8 with 420 hp. Moreover, the Infiniti has one of the nicest cabins around.
Used Lexus LS -- The beauty of certified pre-owned vehicles is that you can go one size up and still get a factory warranty. The top-dog LS can be had as a pre-owned model for GS prices.
AutoTrader's Advice
We're not sold on the F Sport's ambitious styling tweaks, but we love the 16-way sport driver's seat, and you can't get it unless you check the F Sport box. Still, even the base GS is well equipped.


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All News Releases By Date
Guam, American Samoa facilities settle risk management plan deficiencies
Release Date: 06/07/2006
Contact Information: Dean Higuchi, 808-541-2711, email@example.com
(06/07/06) Agency will also sponsor free workshops in Guam and CNMI
HONOLULU -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has recently settled with two facilities in Guam and one in American Samoa that requires them to pay a collective $3,200 for failing to review and update risk management plans for storage of hazardous chemicals by June 2004.
Shell Guam, Inc. and Island Equipment in Guam, and Chicken of the Sea Samoa in American Samoa settled under the agency's expedited settlement agreement policy with reduced penalties. All three companies are taking steps to update their risk management plans. Chicken of the Sea Samoa will pay $1,200 in penalties, while Shell Guam and Island Equipment will pay $1,200 and $800.
"It is important for companies to update their risk management plans to protect workers, the community and the environment from exposure to accidental chemical releases," said Mary Wesling, enforcement coordinator for the EPA Pacific Southwest region's Emergency Prevention and Preparedness Team.
The Clean Air Act requires a registered facility to include any new information in its risk management plan and do an update five years after submitting the plan. Due to changes in the law which were effective in April 2004, all registered facilities were required to update and resubmit their plans by June 21, 2004.
Free Hazardous Materials Handling Workshops, July 27 in CNMI and Aug. 2 in Guam
The EPA will hold workshops in Guam and CNMI covering hazardous materials handling and management, transport, storage, and release reporting in Saipan on July 27 at the Hyatt, and on Aug. 2 at the Guam Hilton. The workshops will be presented from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The free workshops will contain information of interest to all business owners who handle chemicals, local and state agency personnel, and community members. Pre-registration is required due to limited space. This workshop is essential for all facilities that use or store hazardous substances in quantities subject to federal regulations.
The EPA's Emergency Prevention and Preparedness Program will provide information on the requirements for reporting chemical inventories and accidental release prevention, as well as requirements for managing risk posed by chemicals used or stored at facilities. EPA guidance documents and information will be provided to workshop attendees.
To pre-register, please email: email@example.com or call/fax your registration to either Shanron Mittleman at 510-466-7173, 510-466-7919 (fax); Mike Gawel at Guam EPA for the Guam workshop at 671-475-1646, 671-477-9402 (fax) or firstname.lastname@example.com; or Dave Chargualaf, at the CNMI DEQ, for the CNMI workshop at (670)664-8500/1, (670)664-8540 fax or firstname.lastname@example.com.
Search this collection of releases | or search all news releases
View selected historical press releases from 1970 to 1998 in the EPA History website.

subset: commoncrawl


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Tahiry Speaks On How She Punched Consequence At The Love & Hip Hop Reunion! "I Expected That From A Woman" [Audio]
Tahiry calls into Power 105.1's The Breakfast Club to speak on
Consequence vs Joe Budden at the Love & Hip Hop Reunion show
Posted by @Worldstarvids
Please click the "Report" button below if the video on this page is not working properly.
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Rupert Sanders to direct Napoleon
- Bang Showbiz
- 13 November 2013
Rupert Sanders has signed up to direct biographical drama 'Napoleon' for Warner Bros., telling the story of the French emperor
Rupert Sanders is set to direct 'Napoleon'.
The 'Snow White and the Huntsman' director - who infamously had an affair with the film's leading actress Kristen Stewart - has been hired to helm Warner Bros.' new biopic about the French emperor, according to Deadline.
The film has been described as a 'Scarface-like' take on the biographical drama, which should promise plenty of grittiness and bloodshed.
'Napoleon' will be produced by Gianni Nunari and scripted by Jeremy Doner.
Sanders made his movie directing debut with last year's 'Snow White' blockbuster starring Stewart, Charlize Theron and Chris Hemsworth.
His next projects include mafia drama '90 Church' for Universal, 'The Kill List', and 'The Juliet' for Sony Pictures and New Regency.
It was previously reported that Sanders will not be asked back to direct the next 'Snow White and the Huntsman' film following the backlash over his affair with the film's leading lady while he was married to model Liberty Ross and she was dating Robert Pattinson.
Stewart is expected to be in the film along with Hemsworth.


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Feds caught promoting welfare to foreigners
Judicial Watch report: Obama cannot be trusted to protect borders
The U.S. government has been caught promoting the delivery of taxpayer-funded welfare benefits to foreigners, and Judicial Watch's conclusion is that the Obama administration "cannot be trusted to protect our borders."
Judicial Watch, the Washington watchdog which is known for tracking down and trying to stamp out government corruption, has issued a report revealing that the U.S. Department of Agriculture is working with the Mexican government to promote the U.S. food stamp program to illegal aliens.
The report said the program, called Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, features a Spanish-language flyer supplied to the Mexican Embassy by the USDA "with a statement advising Mexicans in the U.S. that they do not need to declare their immigration status in order to receive financial assistance."
Just so they don't miss the idea, the message is in bold and underlined on the brochure: "You need not divulge information regarding your immigration status in seeking this benefit for your children."
"The revelation that the USDA is actively working with the Mexican government to promote food stamps for illegal aliens should have a direct impact on the fact of the immigration bill now being debated in Congress," said Tom Fitton, the president of the organization.
"These disclosures further confirm the fact that the Obama administration cannot be trusted to protect our borders or enforce our immigration laws. And the coordination with a foreign government to attack the policies of an American state is contemptible," he said.
Last year, Judicial Watch reported that Sen. Jeff Sessions, R-Ala., wrote to USDA chief Tom Vilsack asking questions about the Obama's administration partnership with Mexican officials to hand out taxpayer-paid benefits to those illegally in the U.S.
At the time, Sessions wrote, "It defies rational thinking for the United States – now dangerously $16 trillion in debt – to partner with foreign governments to help us place more foreign nationals on American welfare and it is contrary to good immigration policy."
Now Judicial Watch has released documents it obtained in response to a Freedom of Information Act request made to USDA on July 20, 2012. The FOIA request sought: "Any and all records of communication relating to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to Mexican Americans, Mexican nationals, and migrant communities, including but not limited to, communications with the Mexican government."
The results revealed USDA is trying to give away tax benefits "with no effort to restrict aid to, identify, or apprehend illegal immigrants who may be on the food stamp rolls."
One document was an email to Jose Vincente and Borjon Lopez-Coterilla, in the Mexican Embassy, from January 2012.
Yibo Wood of the Food and Nutrition Service in the U.S. sympathized with illegals, saying, "FNS understands that mixed status households may be particularly vulnerable. Many of these households contain a non-citizen parent and a citizen child."
It followed a request from the Mexican Embassy that the Obama administration prevent Kansas from making a proposed change in a food stamp procedure that would limit financial help to illegals.
Judicial Watch also showed the USDA asked Mexico for permission to draft a letter to consulates to encourage Mexican employees to participate in training intended to promote enrollment in the tax benefits program.
An earlier document reveals the USDA made contact with Mexican officials in New York regarding benefits programs over "maximizing participation among Mexican citizens."
Also, according to the report, "The USDA and the Mexican Consulate exchange ideas about getting the First Ladies of Mexico and United States to visit a school for purposes of creating a photo opportunity that would promote free school lunches for low-income students in a predominantly Hispanic school. Though a notation in the margin of the email claims that the photo op never took place, UPI reported that it actually did."
The report continues that taxpayer money was used to run Spanish-language television ads "encouraging illegal immigrants to apply for government-financed food stamps. The Mexican Consul in Santa Ana, Calif., at the time even starred in some of the U.S. government-financed television commercials, which explained the program and provided a phone number to apply. In the widely viewed commercial the consul assured that receiving food stamps 'won't affect your immigration status.'"


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Miami Project, one of the biggest fairs in the Wynwood district this year, celebrates some of the most sought after artists this year. Most importantly though, as Jillian Steinhauer brings to light in her article 'The Women of Miami Project', most of the impressive works here were created by women. Consequently, most of my favorite works in this fair were created by women too!
Here are some of the highlights at the Miami Project art fair:
Brooklyn based artist Kate Clark creates sculptures that are a lifelike fusion of a human and an animal. The surreal object, almost human-sized, investigates which characteristics separate us within the animal kingdom, and more importantly, which ones unite us.
The unexpectedness of the human face on these animals also evokes curiosity. They are obviously reconstructed yet they are not monstrous, they are approachable, natural, calm, innocent, dignified. The facial features are believable and the skin, which is the animal's skin, has been shaved to reveal porous and oily features that we recognize as our own. The viewer has an intimate relationship with the face and then identifies with the animal, acknowledging the animalistic inheritance within the human condition.
Vanessa German, a multidisciplinary artist [sculptor, photographer, painter, actress, poet] and advocate for the black female experience, creates these female figures that are made out of plaster, wood, glue, tar and found objects: hair, shells, old jewelry. They each represent aspects of female experience, power, and her cultural heritage.


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If you've read my blog post on "Why Social Media Won't Save Your Business", it shouldn't come as a complete surprise that I think some companies shouldn't have a social media presence.
So here's what triggered this blog post. Recently, I tried to contact a live human being at a well-known national grocery chain via their Twitter account. But I didn't get very far as the Corporate Twit (no pun intended) kept referring me back to the website, which has the contact information of one person in "Public Affairs". Apparently, there's only one live person at that huge national chain or the only one who dares to put his name out there.
What's even more amusing is the disclaimer on this company's Twitter page which says,
So this company won't tell you who is posting this information but whatever this unknown person is posting is not their responsibility. Anyone else see anything wrong with this? I wonder if their lawyers are patting themselves on the back for coming up with this.
It was almost a year back when Robert Scoble wrote his blog post on how one large retailer's website doesn't have any people on there. What Scoble said then and I agree:
"Here it is in simple terms: add people to your web sites."
Scoble's not talking just about pretty stock pictures. He's talking about real people – your employees, your customers, people your business needs in order to thrive. The same logic applies to blogs and every other type of your company's online social media presence. Even a year later, it's clear that there are plenty of businesses who still don't get it or just plain don't care.
Here are 5 signs that your company is not ready for an external social media presence:
#1 If your company policy prevents you from adding a name or picture of a live human being on your corporate social media account (whether it's on Facebook, Twitter or other), change that policy first and then launch your social media presence.
#2 If your company culture is all about one-way propaganda rather than two-way communication, train your employees in "social" skills before letting them loose on the social media sites.
#3 If you're only using social media for pitching products and/or shameless self-promotion, then you need to STOP. You're no better than the spammers abusing the email system. Use social media for good – engage don't annoy your customers.
#4 If your customers didn't like your cold and impersonal website and if try to replicate that same uninspiring experience on an external social media site, you will fail. We get that you're a big company but don't overdo the branding.
#5 If you don't have a plan for managing and engaging your customers, STOP and create one before you go crazy on the social media sites.Your external social media presence should be treated as an extension of your existing community/customer programs and not as someone's pet project.
Use of social media by itself is not good enough any more. The only choice you have is to do it right or don't do it. Doing it just because some "expert" says so, is far worse than waiting until you're truly ready and can handle social media.
As far as my saga with the grocery chain goes, it had a positive outcome. I got a tweet from someone offering to introduce me to an executive he knows at that company. So we have proof that social media works but many companies still need to learn how to make it work for them and their customers.


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Monster Madness: Monster Energy Drink's Hired Trademark Trolls Go After Movie Monster
from the this-is-getting-insane dept
Apparently, the monster madness doesn't stop there. Andrew points us to the news that that Continental Enterprises, on behalf of Hansen's and Monster Energy Drink has also threatened a working actor who was in a monster movie a few years ago, and had a photo taken of himself in costume holding a Monster Energy Drink. This amusing joke photo is apparently too much for the fine folks at Continental Enterprises, who insist it's "advertising and/or selling products that are confusingly similar to Monster Energy Drink" and demand that he cease and desist.
At what point does Hansens and Monster Energy Drink realize that in this deal to outsource trademark bullying to Continental Enterprises, they've done significantly more harm to their own brands?


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A BlankTV Premiere Presentation:
Silent Rose - "Cycle of Madness"
Band Bio:
After spending the most part of 2012 writing and recording the debut album, "Eradicate-Reinstate" set for release later this year, the spine-shaking sounds of Silent Rose cannot be silenced much longer. The band is gearing up to bring a blend of heavy rock, metal, hardcore and unforgettable melodies to new audiences around the world.
Inspired by the addition of 7string guitars, endorsed by ESP, the band has now taken a new heavier direction with their music. Multiple tunings, more screaming vocals and a new face on bass have all added to the shift in genre.
A new chapter has now begun, but the mission statement remains the same. Work hard, push boundaries and expose as many people as possible to the shattering sound that is Silent Rose.
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I have a problem, I had to copy files from 1 directory to another if both the directories have files with the same name. The first dir will have files with .ext1 and the second one will files with .ext2. But the file names would be the same. So, when I copy files from the first dir to the second dir I dont want the files to be be replaced, rather I want both files with the same name but with different .ext to be present in the dest dir.
I have written the script, but I have used the shutil module. This copies the file to the dest dir but it replaces the file if it has the same name. It doesn't take the .ext into consideration. Both these files have different .ext.
Is there a way, to copy the file from source to dest, wherein the dest dir will contain both files with different extensions.
Would appreciate any help. Thank you!


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Low back stripey top
Added May 23, 2013
by katya
London, United K...
This month I bought my first version of Burdastyle magazine. I can't believe you get so many patterns, amazing! I decided to try this low back top first, and was keen to use stripes and make a Breton top. I added a band to the neckline, which i didn't put in perfectly, and the sleeves are a little baggy, but actually despite this I really like it. My husband came home and told me he liked it, so that means it's ok ;)
I can't wait to give the rest of the patterns a go :)
More info on my blog Sleek Silhouette
Material Notes
Very Silky Jersey
3 Comments Sign in to add a post
May 30, 2013, 10.59 PMby purplegoat
Fantastic fabric. Did you hem the sleeve's/bottom? Or leave it raw. I always have difficulty with the hems on knit fabrics – but your top looks great.
1 Reply
May 31, 2013, 09.12 AMby katya
I hemmed the sleeves with a twin needle, but I don't really like the effect so I left the bottom unhemmed. I think it looks ok :) Glad you like the top!
May 23, 2013, 10.45 PMby julib
This is SO cute!!! I love it! It's really flattering on you. You definitely have me wanting to see if I can hunt down a copy of the most recent issue of Burdastyle magazine now! :-)
1 Reply
May 30, 2013, 12.06 PMby katya
I hope you have a go, I really like my version :)
May 23, 2013, 01.33 PMby lauramcwethy
Nice job! I didn't look twice at that pattern in the magazine, but after seeing your version, I might give it a go. I love the stripes and you lined them all up perfectly.
1 Reply
May 23, 2013, 02.47 PMby katya
I'm glad you like it, I'd love to see your version!
Add to Favorites 17 people added it


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Report: Next Xbox set for April reveal
Microsoft will reveal the next Xbox at a special press event in early April, according to a report.
Speaking to CVG, a "growing number of developers and other industry professionals" such as Sony staff said that Microsoft would unveil its next-gen plans in early April.
A senior Sony official also remarked that the console giant had "caught Microsoft off-guard" with its reveal, and that it had "ruffled some feathers".
An April reveal for the next Xbox could be seen as a surprise given that Sony has already fired the first shot in the next-gen race and revealed the PS4, with GDC also taking place during the interim in March.
Microsoft has yet to officially announce when it will unveil its next-gen console, refusing to recognised it has even been working on a new Xbox.
A number of rumours have been circulating however regarding the technical specifications and features of the next Xbox, with some suggesting it will be less powerful than the PS4, and will also require a constant internet connection to function.


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Clinical Trials
Rapid HIV Tests for Women Late in Pregnancy and During Labor
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD)
Information provided by (Responsible Party)
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
First received: September 30, 2002
Last updated: May 31, 2013
Last Verified: May 2013
History of Changes
This study will look at how well the OraQuick HIV 1/2 Antibody rapid test works and how women accept being tested for HIV late in pregnancy and during labor. For women with positive test results, the study will look at whether or not these women accept anti-HIV drugs and which drugs they receive.
HIV Infections
|Study Type:
|Study Design:
Time Perspective: Prospective
|Official Title:
|Mother-Infant Rapid Intervention at Delivery (MIRIAD)
Further study details as provided by National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID):
|Estimated Enrollment:
|Study Completion Date:
|March 2004
Detailed Description:
A simple HIV test design and easily interpretable, fast results are logistical advantages in
clinical settings such as the labor and delivery unit. A fast test result means that a woman
can make important choices about her and her baby's medical care before she delivers her
baby. If a woman finds out she has HIV, she can decide to take antiretroviral drugs before
delivery to decrease the risk of passing HIV to her baby. These advantages are also important
for women with little or no prenatal care who present for care late in pregnancy, but may not
be inclined to return for a standard test result or adhere to subsequent prenatal visits.
Eligible women who elect to participate in this study will be enrolled in either the Late Presenter Group (women who are not in active labor, and for whom delivery is not imminent) or the Peripartum Group (women who are in active labor with anticipation of delivery within 24 hours). Step I for all women will include rapid HIV testing with OraQuick HIV 1/2 and standard testing with enzyme-linked immunosorbant assay (EIA) or Western blot. Women with a positive HIV test and their infants will be offered preventative antiretroviral therapy and enrollment into Step II. Step II will include clinical evaluations, laboratory evaluations, and an adherence assessment for the women and their infants. Women in the Late Presenter Group who participate in Step II will have one prenatal visit, a visit at labor and delivery, and three postpartum visits. Women in the Peripartum Group who participate in Step II will have three postpartum visits. All infants in Step II will have five study visits through 24 weeks of age.
All antiretroviral drugs will be obtained by prescription and will not be provided through this study.
|Ages Eligible for Study:
|13 Years and older
|Sexes Eligible for Study:
|Accepts Healthy Volunteers:
Late Presenter Group:
- Unknown HIV serostatus
- >= 34 weeks gestation
- Unknown HIV serostatus
- >= 24 weeks gestation
- In active labor or delivery expected within 24 hours
- Maternal Step I enrollment
- Positive maternal OraQuick and/or EIA/Western blot result
- Previous or current antiretroviral therapy for treatment of HIV infection
- In active labor
- Evidence of ruptured membranes
- Previous or current antiretroviral therapy for treatment of HIV infection
Peripartum Group:
Late Presenter Group:
Peripartum Group:
Contacts and LocationsChoosing to participate in a study is an important personal decision.Talk with your doctor and family members or friends about deciding to join a study. To learn more about this study, you or your doctor may contact the study research staff using the Contacts provided below.For general information, see Learn About Clinical Studies.
Please refer to this study by its ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00046436
Locations Show More
|United States, Pennsylvania
|Univ. of Pennsylvania Health System, Hosp. of the Univ. of Pennsylvania
|Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States, 19104
Sponsors and CollaboratorsNational Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD)
|Study Chair:
|Robert Maupin, Jr., MD
|Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center in New Orleans
More Information
|Responsible Party:
|National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
|ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier:
|NCT00046436 History of Changes
|Other Study ID Numbers:
|Study First Received:
|September 30, 2002
|Last Updated:
|May 31, 2013
Keywords provided by National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID):AIDS Serodiagnosis
Pregnancy Complications, Infectious
Anti-HIV Agents
Disease Transmission, Vertical
Additional relevant MeSH terms:
HIV Infections
ClinicalTrials.gov processed this data on December 14, 2018
This information is provided by ClinicalTrials.gov.


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Brian Sims Message Aimed at Straight Audiencesby Gabe Watson '13 • November 5, 2010 Share:
Brian Sims, Staff Counsel for Policy and Planning at the Philadelphia Bar Association, and more widely known as an openly gay All-American football player from Bloomsburg University, spoke at Wabash Thursday night. His talk was a part of Wabash's Multicultural Festival and was sponsored by the 'shOUT club, the College's gay, lesbian, and straight student alliance.
Sims began by distinguishing his own experiences from the image through which he is sometimes introduced. "I didn't come out to my football team," he said. "They came out to me."
He recalled the various experiences he shared with his teammates and coaches as they came to terms with his sexual orientation during his record-setting senior season. The interactions were surprisingly positive and supportive, which turned out to be one of Sims's primary points. "81 percent of people support gay rights, yet they think that only one-third of their peers do."
Sims said the problem is the few people who oppose gay rights are far more vocal. "Statistically, our generation is the most progressive in history for rights," he said. "We simply do not know it."
He blamed the "guilty by association" mentality. One's friendship or even association with an openly gay person often draws questions about his own orientation. Luckily, Sims says, that is all changing.
Comfort with oneself has always been considered cool, so when straight people support gay rights openly, they show their own security while helping the gay cause. "I would rather have one straight ally than five gay activists," Sims said.
Further than that, he had a message for those against gay rights: "if you think I'm an abomination, please go tell everyone you meet. It will benefit me."
When a group so strongly advocates against something like gay rights he said, it causes the people who neither support nor oppose gay rights to move away from that group. Rather than associate with extremists, the people in between tend to move towards more accepting people. The only problem remaining for Sims's cause is the silence of supporters.
Sims said many people think the recent string of young gay suicides was a result of those children having no gay friends. But Sims disagrees, "they didn't need gay friends; they needed straight allies."
He continually stressed the importance of being openly accepting, and he cited the fact his straight college football friends, now mostly teachers and coaches, have far more people come out to them than he ever has. This happens because his friends talk about their experiences with Sims. They make it clear to the world that they are accepting of who a person is no matter what.
With messages like that, Sims is a better messenger to a straight audience than to a gay one. His message was overall entirely inclusive and supportive.
shOUT President Leon Back '11 agreed. "Sims's means of communication is perfect for reaching beyond the LGBT community. His promotion of straight advocacy is a message important to everyone."


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Human Centipede: First Sequence (US - BD)
Gabe is less than impressed by Tom Six's recent slick and sick horror film...
Once a celebrated doctor specializing in conjoined twins, Dr. Heiter (Dieter Laser) grows obsessed with conjoining the unconjoined. Following a semi-successful experiment with dogs, Heiter moves onto human subjects. Just his luck, that a pair of ditzy American tourists wind up on his doorstep, and after a quick trip out the next day he has his three test subjects. Human Centipede came out of the obscurity blocks running, building itself up to full blown cult status without anyone actually seeing the bloody film. Toted as so revolting you simply had to see it, those of us that tend to dabble in the darker, more debaucherous realms of cinema knew it couldn't have anything on the August Underground, or Guinea Pig series, but anything that catches on with the mainstream that pushes the boundaries of good taste this far deserves a special place in our hearts. That said, there really isn't a lot of gore on display, rather a really gross idea, so don't plan any double features with Nekromantik expecting some kind of German grue fest.
Things start slow. Very slow. I felt like I was watching one of those films Lionsgate puts out in a collection since no one would bother buying any of them alone. A car breaks down, two pretty American girls do everything wrong following the break down, and act badly for a pretty long period. I'm thinking writer/director Tom Six is trying to ape the slow-burns of more successful recent films like Hostel II and Wolf Creek, but his characters and their problems are just too familiar. Then the horror starts, and things continue to creep at a somewhat painful pace.
The problem is that the climax is in the title and description. We know the victims won't escape their nasty fate because then we'd never have The Human Centipede. The film builds some suspense on the idea, and the idea is revolting, but once we get to brass tacks we're just waiting for the gross stuff, and once that's over with, well, where do we go? The chase through the house is utter time filler, but should be a series of edge of your seat close calls. If this were a traditional slasher the audience could assume that this was the girl that was going to survive the ordeal and kill the mad man, but as an audience we aren't given that luxury. A later, post operation chase is much more harrowing, as there's a chance in Hell the centipede can get away, since the title has already been satisfied
I had no idea what to expect video-wise from this disc. IFC's track record is pretty good so far, but the film itself isn't the kind of thing that usually instills confidence. I'd compare it to their semi-recent Dead Snow transfer – super sharp, clean, and more colorful than expected. The sharpness sometimes rolls into the realms of over-sharpness creating minor, thin layers of edge enhancement, and some speckling. Colors are solid, with no blocking or bleeding, though truth be told there isn't a lot of color in the film. Large sections are simply blue hues with relatively deep blacks and soft white highlights. I could imagine details disappearing on a standard definition disc in these areas. Blood red highlights do stand out nicely in he sickly fluorescent blue sets, and the brown and lush green outdoors are a fine contrast.
Here we come to the disappointing part of the disc – the audio is only 2.0 Dolby. The lack of surround, LFE and a discreet center channel depletes the production values more than you'd think. The mood music is pushed to a whisper, and almost all the aural emphasis is placed on dialogue. I had to turn my system up pretty loud to even hear the music for much of the film. The missing LFE creates a slim atmosphere. There's a storm scene that picks the stereo channels a bit, and a couple directional bits of movement, but overall this is a huge disappointment in sound design. At the very least every thing is clear, from vocal performances to the most basic sound effects.
The extras begin with a commentary track featuring director Tom Six, who sounds nervous right off the bat, and his style is of describing what's on screen, while offering some technical specs. There's some interesting behind the scenes stories, but they're few and far between. Next up is a rather generic collection of behind the scenes (HD, 9:00) footage, just random bug on the wall stuff mixed together with no rhyme or reason. This is followed with a director interview (HD, 5:20), the talking head answering on screen text questions type of interview. You're going to get most of the same info from the commentary track. A series of casting tapes (SD, 2:00) follows, along with a look at the foley session (SD, 5:00), a deleted scene (HD, 1:30), a trailer, and poster art.
So The Human Centipede doesn't live up to the hype, but it's not because it's a badly made movie, it's because the concept doesn't fill a feature length runtime. It would make a great short, much like Nacho Cereda's Aftermath (which blows this film away in perverse grotesquery), or maybe even a series of paintings. It's still worth seeing for genre fans, but with tempered hope. The HD video looks great, with only minor blemishes, but the 2.0 surround is a disappointment.
Review by Gabriel Powers
This product has not been rated
Disc Details
Release Date: 5th October 2010
Discs: 1
Disc Type: Blu-ray Disc
RCE: No
Video: 1080p
Aspect: 1.85:1
Anamorphic: No
Colour: Yes
Audio: Dolby Surround 2.0 English/German/Korean
Subtitles: English
Extras: Director's Commentary, Behind the Scenes, Director's Interview, casting tapes, foley session, deleted scene, trailer, poster gallery
Easter Egg: No
Feature Details
Director: Tom Six
Cast: Ashley C. Williams, Dieter Laser
Genre: Horror
Length: 92 minutes
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Hollywood Blockbuster Pack
A collection of pieces ideal for that trailer, movie project, big blockbuster event, TV soundtrack and much more!
Contains the following pieces:
Victory and Success Theme
Link on Audiojungle: http://audiojungle.net/item/victory-and-success-theme/7591789 – Full track length: 1:54 – Start time on preview: 0:00
Mysterious Crime Theme
Link on Audiojungle: http://audiojungle.net/item/mysterious-crime-theme/8532194 – Full track length: 2:08 – Start time on preview: 1:49
Anthem For a Hero
Link on Audiojungle: http://audiojungle.net/item/anthem-for-a-hero/6191028 – Full track length: 1:19 – Start time on preview: 3:52
Full descriptions:
Victory and Success Theme
A victorious fanfare piece with full orchestra, cinematic flavour, and big bravado in the brass!
This piece would be ideal for movies, TV series, presentations or award ceremonies (perhaps a medal ceremony), giving a feeling of uplifting pomp and mood-enlightenment to any event or production.
The piece is composed in 6/8 time for a galloping, rollocking feel. I orchestrated the piece using a full orchestra, in the classical orchestral section positions, utilising the latest Vienna MIR PRO technology.
Orchestra comprises: Choir section for background harmonies Violins, Viola, Cello, Double Bass Flute, Clarinet, Oboe, Bassoon Trumpets, French Horns, Trombones, Tuba; Percussion section including gong, bass drum, cymbal, piano, celeste, triangle and tubular bells
The instruments are both live legato and multi-articulation instruments utilising Vienna Symphonic Library, Cinesamples, Spitfire Audio and Hendrik Schwarzer's technologies to make a harmonious orchestral sound.
Mysterious Crime Theme
In the style of Nino Rota, The Godfather, The Sopranos and David Arnold with Sherlock.
This piece utilises the famous Cimbalom sound (from Spitfire Audio, recorded at Air Studios, London) to bring an air of mystery and danger to your film themes. The orchestra and celeste provides a haunting underlay with strings, brass, woodwind and light percussion bubbling under the mafioso main theme, before the choir doubles up the main theme towards the end of the piece.
Written with Cubase 7.5, the VSL range of instruments with Vienna MIR-x, Sonokinetic Grosso, Spitfire Cimbalom and Randy's Celeste from Cinesamples.
Ideal for Film, TV, underlay, computer games and radio works.
Anthem For a Hero
This piece is a heroic, stirring, powerful and emotional intro style composition. Ideal for sporting heroes, space related footage, epic movies and inspirational presentations/podcasts/TV and movie work.
A hybrid orchestra setup was utilised here including legato trumpet and horn instrumentation, flute, clarinet, spiccato strings, timpani, choir and bell tree alongside harp, piano and a low brass section.
Formats: MP3 and WAV Original Master: DDD 192k using Vienna MIR Pro reverb for orchestral placement Initial inspiration: A Roman General commands his army on the battlefield. A Spacecraft readies itself to take off into the heavens. Riding a horse wild and free in the desert plains of Western America. An intro to a Dallas style American TV series.


text:
Five Hottest U.S. Housing Markets of 2013
After a long downturn in the housing market, home prices in many parts of the U.S. are showing signs of recovery. MarketWatch' Christopher Noble discusses the hottest housing markets of 2013. (Photo: AP)
This transcript has been automatically generated and may not be 100% accurate.
I ... I ... I am crystal with MarketWatch I'm here to talk about housing market ... guess what ... housing crisis is over ... that leaves us with data compiled by solo a website ... and showcase by our colleagues over at Wall Street twenty four seven to say ... um doesn't us are up five percent over last year ... the love found in some markets are doing a lot better than that ... here's a list of the top five best performing housing markets in the country ... Sacramento ... the number five market ... after falling fifty one percent from two thousand and five to two thousand and twelve prices are up twenty percent from February two thousand and twelve to February two thousand thirteen ... they're expected to rise a further sixteen percent this year ... right now the average home in the area it's worth two hundred and forty one thousand dollars ... number four ... San Francisco ... I'm fine in the area is down and prices are up by twenty one percent in the last year ... and headed for another eleven percent jump in the coming year ... median home value in sentences go is over five hundred sixty thousand now ... number three sounds and the heart of Silicon Valley ... home prices and sounds they rose twenty two percent last year are set to rise by a further ten percent in the coming year ... the median home value their six hundred and seventy six thousand dollars ... number to Las Vegas ... in two thousandsix two the third quarter of last year home prices fell by almost sixty percent or ... a crushing blow for homeowners ... that things are looking up with prices rising twenty two percent last year ... and separate them from eight percent in the year ahead ... the median home in Las Vegas cost a hundred and thirty eight thousand dollars ... and the number one hottest housing market the United States ... Phoenix Arizona ... home prices rose twenty four percent last year and are set for an eleven percent gain this year ... unemployment is down in construction jobs are plentiful this market ... the median house cost just one hundred and sixty five thousand dollars ...


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- Accepts Etsy gift cards
This is a pretty and very feminine brides drawstring bag. Beautifully created with silk embroidered flowers and embellished with crystals and ribbon, it is the perfect bag for carrying the bride's flats, makeup or tiara bag. Use it for carrying your cards, as your dollar a dance bag, or even for your ballet shoes. You will find a variety of useful ways to use this lovely bag.
Also great for sweet sixteen, debutante ball and quinceaneras too. Great for carrying a little girls ballet shoes too!
Item Details
Size- 9 x 7 tall wide x 3 inches at the narrowest point of the gusset
Color- cream or white.
Material-satin, sheer organza, crystals and embroidery
Bag details- gusset on the bottom allows for sitting on a table or flat surface when not in use
Limited quantity available
Was $16.99 now 13.49
Please make your color selection from the drop-down menu the color beige is actually cream as in the photo.
• I invite you to use coupon code FREESHIP2018 for US orders of $100 or more. If you live outside of the United States please use coupon code GET5OFF to receive $5 off any order of $100 USD or more.
• Find more wonderful "must haves" at https://KatherinesCornerShop.com add them to the same cart!
CUSTOMIZATION and QUANTITY
• I welcome your custom order, please contact me
• If you need more than the quantity available with this listing please contact me.
SHIPPING DETAILS for the UNITED STATES
• All of my packages are mailed with postal tracking to the address provided on etsy ( please verify your address is correct).
SHIPPING DETAILS for INTERNATIONAL BUYERS
• I cannot track your first class package once it leaves the USA. Tracking and insurance is provided with the priority shipping option. This is recommended; please consider your shipping options carefully.
Please review my policies section to assure a pleasant shopping experience. https://www.etsy.com/shop/KeepsakesByKatherine/policy?ref=shopinfo_policies
I accept
• All major credit cards accepted through Direct Checkout.
• Paypal
• Etsy Gift cards.
By purchasing from Keepsakes By Katherine or Katherines Corner Shop the buyer has agreed to all listed terms and policies. PayPal is a secure site and a trusted name for buyers and sellers for many years. You do not need to be a member of paypal to use it. I will not ship until verification of payment has been received.
Keepsakes By Katherine and Katherines Corner Shops reserves the right to decline purchases by anyone with a history of negative feedback and/or malicious behavior towards members of Etsy or other selling sites.
THE READY TO SHIP DATE ( 3-5 business days) Is not the shipping time. It is the estimated time needed from the date you place your order to my completion and ship out date.
SHIPPING DAY- all US shipments include tracking numbers. International first class mail orders only track's your package while it is in the US unless it is shipped via 2-3 expedited rate. I use the United States Postal Service for my shipping. But I may on occasion use UPS or FedEx. Shipping delays due to unforeseen circumstances can happen on occasion. There is no way to know if this will occur.
RUSH/PRIORITY/EXPRESS-I am happy to provide rush mailing options for most of the items in my shops. A handling fee is included in the shipping cost. When you need an order shipped quickly. You are not only paying for the shipping but you are also paying to be moved to the front of the creation line.
SHIPPING ADDRESS-All items are shipped to the address on file when you place your order unless otherwise specified. Please check to make sure the correct shipping address is on your order. If your item is returned as undelivered I will happily ship it again. I ask that you please pay the cost of reshipping. I will create a shipping listing in my shop for purchase to re-ship. If you would like your order sent as a gift or to another address in your country please contact me prior to making your purchase. Or make a note at checkout with the request and address.
PLEASE UNDERSTAND once I ship your package it is out of my control- I am sorry, but I cannot be held responsible for lost or misdirected mail. Please consider your shipping options carefully and verify your shipping address is correct when you order. Expedited shipments must be placed a minimum of 48 hours prior to expected due date. Priority and Expedited shipping incur a small rush fee. You are paying for your order to be moved ahead and shipped before others.
DAMAGED PACKAGE- If you receive a damaged package, PLEASE DO NOT OPEN IT. Instead, refuse delivery, and have the package returned un-opened.
Shipping costs are based on the United States Postal Service calculations for weight and package size. All items are packed well and shipped promptly upon receipt of payment (this excludes holidays and weekends). If your country is not listed in the shipping section please contact me.
CUSTOMS FEES- International Customers please be aware ALL TAXES, DUTIES AND CUSTOMS FEES ASSOCIATED WITH INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING ARE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE BUYER.
These fees cannot be included in the price of the item. First class packages shipped internationally can take anywhere from 2 weeks to 90 days. Please note that unforeseen circumstances and your countries customs department may also delay delivery. I have no control over how your international package is processed. All international packages are marked merchandise and handmade.
Just contact me within: 7 days of delivery
Ship items back to me within: 14 days of delivery
Request a cancellation within: 6 hours of purchase
But please contact me if you have any problems with your order.
Because of the nature of these items, unless they arrive damaged or defective, I can't accept returns for:
Please contact me if you have any problems with your order.
RETURNS/EXCHANGE POLICY-All returns, refunds, exchanges, and cancellations are evaluated individually. Refunds are given minus the shipping fee. US returns are accepted within 14 days of your purchase date, not your return request contact date, a 50% refund will be given after the 15th day. No returns are accepted after the 30th day of purchase. International returns are accepted within 21 days of your purchase date, a 50% refund will be given after the 22nd day. No returns are accepted after the 30th day of purchase. CUSTOMERS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR all shipping and handling cost of their purchases & exchanges; (this does not apply to orders received damaged.)
Returned items MUST be returned packaged securely without wear or damage, in the same packaging as received. Insurance is recommended for all returns. Returns for orders fulfilled but customer changed their mind, or you don't want to pay your country's customs fee, will be charged a 50% restocking fee, this is not negotiable. SHIPPINGCOSTS are not refundable. BULK ORDERS are not refundable. VEILS, HAIR PINS, HAIR CLIPS, HAIR COMBS, ETC. are not refundable. GARTERS are not refundable. CUSTOM ORDERS are not refundable. HOLIDAY AND SEASONAL items are not refundable. SALE AND CLEARANCE items are not refundable.
WHY DO YOU HAVE TWO WEDDING SHOPS? At my Keepsakes by Katherine shop I only sell things I create. At my Katherines Corner Shop, I also sell things I don't make.
I WANT TO BUY SOMETHING FROM EACH SHOP WHAT DO I DO? Please place everything in the shopping cart. You will checkout from the same cart.
I BOUGHT SOMETHING FROM YOUR KATHERINES CORNER SHOP BUT I RECEIVED AN EMAIL FROM KEEPSAKES BY KATHERINE, WHY? Yes, I have to use one email for both stores. I hope that will change in the future but that is what's available to me right now. I hope it's not too much of an inconvenience. Please make sure my email@example.com is in your approved list or contacts.
Happy customers are my best advertisement. I hope you will take a moment after receiving your order to leave a positive review of your purchase. I strive for a five-star rating every time. PLEASE remember this is my livelihood and anything negative hurts not only my business but my opportunities to grow. Reviews are so important. Kindly refrain from posting a negative review. Please contact me and allow me the opportunity to correct whatever you don't like. I will always rectify the situation to provide a positive outcome. Customer satisfaction, five-star service is always my goal. I am very easy to work with, so please, be kind and know that any issue is certainly not intentional, and I will do everything I can to make it a five-star experience from order to delivery.
HOW BIG IS THE BOUQUET IN THE PHOTO AND DO YOU SELL THEM? I don't sell them, but there are some lovely shops on Etsy that do. The bouquet in my display photo is approximately 8 inches long (from top of flowers to bottom of handle) and the flowers are approximately 6 inches in diameter. The handle is 4.5 inches long and 1 inch in diameter. The bouquet is not included.
WHY CAN'T YOU INCLUDE INTERNATIONAL CUSTOM FEES IN THE PRICE? I'm sorry, customs fees are different for each country and are the responsibility of the customer. Please don't give me a poor review because you had to pay customs fees. I'm sorry it is completely out of my hands.
I NEED THREE LOCKETS, BUT YOU ONLY HAVE TWO AVAILABLE, CAN I GET MORE? Yes, I can usually make more for you. Please contact me I also welcome your custom orders.
DO YOU SHIP TO EVERY COUNTRY? I can't ship to every country but I do ship to many of them. If you don't see your country on the list please contact me and I'll see if I can do it for you.
CANCELLATIONS- will be accepted if the item has not shipped yet and it is not a custom order. Once your return is received and inspected, I will send you an email to notify you that I have received your returned item. I will also notify you of the approval or rejection of your refund. If you are approved, then your refund will be processed, and a credit will be applied to your credit card or original method of payment. Some banking institutions can take up to 30 days for your credit to appear. However, this is rare and most process in 7-14 business days. Late or missing refunds (if applicable)-If you haven't received an approved refund yet, first check your bank account again. Then contact your credit card company, it may take some time before your refund is officially posted. Next contact your bank. There is often some processing time before a refund is posted as noted above. If you've done all of this and you still have not received your refund yet please contact me.
MISC. GOOD TO KNOW- When the description reads "silver plated" in most cases it is silver plated over brass. Sterling silver is .925 sterling silver. Vintage- vintage lockets are often silver plated over brass and heavily rubbed with blackening (a vintage compound) inside and out and may appear aged/worn/raggedy to complete the vintage effect. Some computer monitors may not show color accurately. What you see may vary slightly from the item's actual color. Please keep in mind that any slight difference or variation in a beads color, stain, or a designs creation only adds to the charm of owning a handmade piece. As with any handmade piece, no two can be made exactly alike, but each one is like the photograph. Thank You for your support and for your purchase
Keepsakes By Katherine and Katherines Corner Shop registers its copyrights with the United States Library Of Congress-all rights reserved.
LOCKETS-All lockets are lightweight, so they will not pull on the bouquet when attached. A template is included with every locket- the template is meant as a guide and does not fit exactly, you will need to trim and size accordingly. There is a lip inside every locket where the photo is held in. The photo frame charms have a clear plastic sleeve that you insert in a slit at the top of the frame with the photo/photos inside. All bouquet charms and lockets come with a pearl ended pin, a lobster clasp attached and 30 inches or sheer organza ribbon. Providing plenty of options for attaching to your bouquet, if you would like a print out of ways to attach your bouquet locket please let me know I am happy to email it to you. In addition, I have a printout for placing the photo inside your locket too. Just one more reminder-Buyer is responsible for customs, duties or other shipping fees.
SILVER and GOLD PRICES FLUCTUATE and may affect prices in the shop.
THE PHOTOS- Most of the photographs in my shop belong to Keepsakes By Katherine and Katherines Corner Shop were taken by me. A few of the photos are being used with written permission from my lovely customers and may, or may not, have the talented photographer's watermark. PLEASE send me your photo I may use it in the shop! All photographs regardless of the origination (mine or a customers) may not be used, reproduced or claimed. But, you can pin it on Pinterest! ♥
PHOTO ALTERATIONS, PHOTO SIZING- this option is available for locket purchases from my shops. I will shrink a copy of the photo you send me to work with the locket you are purchasing. I may alter the photo to remove marks, creases, photo flaws, background distractions, etc. if needed. I will crop the photo to show only the person you request. I may use the background in the photo may replace the background with a white background or background color that matches the existing background. I will send you a proof sheet. After proof approval, you will receive an emailed locket template containing your altered photo in a document format. Please send the photo to the email account I use to acknowledge your order. Please, note-Some distortion may occur when the image is minimized to fit the locket template. But I will do my best to avoid this. I am sorry, but I do not provide a makeover service for the photos. I do simple retouching, cropping and sizing where it is possible. Older photos may appear grainy (pixelated). I'm sorry I do not place the photos in the locket for you.
CUSTOM ORDERS- are always encouraged. When you request a custom or reserved listing we will either discuss via phone or email exactly what you would like created. A Custom order listing will be placed in my shop with your name on it. Acknowledging the details discussed. Price quoted for a custom order is good for 7 days. Price is subject to change to reflect supplies, need, etc. Please make your custom order purchase within 48 hours of the listing added for you in my shop. Unless other arrangements have been made the listing will be withdrawn. A deposit may be required for a custom order. Please be respectful of my shops and my time, as well as the cost I incur for placing a custom listing and honoring your request by making your purchase promptly.
ORDER CONFIRMATION-You will receive a confirmation email from Etsy and Keepsakes By Katherine (reminder, same email is used for both shops) If I have any questions I will include them with your order confirmation email. Please take a moment to add firstname.lastname@example.com to your contacts address list. To keep confirmations, questions etc. from going into your bulk mail.
TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS-In the event that an item in my shop is mistakenly listed at an incorrect price or description, I reserve the right to refuse or cancel any order placed for the product listed incorrectly. I reserve the right to refuse or cancel any such orders whether or not the order has been confirmed and payment has been received. I will issue a refund or in the case of an incorrect price listing I will request an additional payment for the difference before shipping.
CARING FOR YOUR SILVER PURCHASE-Help prevent tarnishing by storing your silver lockets and jewelry in a cool, dry place. Moisture in the air causes silver to tarnish. If necessary you may want to invest in a silver polishing cloth.


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More about Nike Air Jordan Trainers
If you are a fan of classic Nike trainers then no doubt you have proudly worn a set of Nike Air Jordan trainers before now. Our selection here at Footasylum is expansive and we have all of the very latest designs and styles. From the first Nike Air Jordan in 1985, Michael Jordan worked with Tinker Hatfield to produce a full range of Nike Air Jordan reissues. The modern day Jordan comes in a vast array of bold colour ways, although Michael 'Magic' Jordan insisted that the original Nike Air Jordan came in only plain white.
The current Air Jordan is a far cry from the trainers worn by Michael Jordan himself as a rookie back in 1984 but they still represent the same standards of comfort, style and durability. Footasylum really is the place to get your Nike Air Jordan trainers with a variety of colour ways to cater for your style, our collection consists of, and designs.


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Showing Suppliers 1 - 19 of 19
AA Electric
Address: 1665 Lakes Pkwy Ste 108, Lawrenceville, GA
Business Type: Distributor
Description: A company is only as good as the people who stand behind its products. For over 40 years AA Electric has been providing controls and technical expertise to original equipment manufacturers and industrial customers. AA offers customized engineering support services, knowledgeable... (more)
Cable Depot Inc.
Address: 4487-B Park Dr., Norcross, GA
Business Type: Manufacturer, Distributor, Service
Electro Rent Corporation
Address: 1770 Corporate Drive Suite 550, Norcross, GA
Business Type: Distributor, Service
Description: Choosing the Best Supplier Today, Electro Rent is recognized as one of the industry's largest rent, lease and sales company of new and used electronic test and measurement equipment in the world. With an impressive $400,000,000 inventory which contains thousands of items from hundreds of... (more)
Address: 156 Bluffs Ct., Canton, GA
Business Type: Distributor
Grainger Industrial Supply
Business Type: Distributor
Description: Grainger helps customers save time and money by providing them the right products to keep their facilities up and running. Grainger's customers are 2.0 million businesses and institutions in 157 countries. While each customer has a unique facility to operate and a different problem to solve, our... (more)
Address: 6655 Crescent Dr Branch 038, Norcross, GA
Address: 1721 Marietta Blvd. NW Branch 052, Atlanta, GA
Address: 708 S. Spencer St. Branch 205, Dalton, GA
Address: 1200 10TH Ave. Branch 047, Columbus, GA
Address: 631 S. Marietta Pkwy SE Branch 036, Marietta, GA
Address: 1516 Gordon Hwy. Branch 060, Augusta, GA
Address: 1205 Commerce Rd. Branch 046, Athens, GA
Address: 2048 Paul Walsh Dr. Branch 051, Macon, GA
Address: 1710 E. Oglethorpe Blvd. Branch 044, Albany, GA
Address: 5300 Frontage Rd. Branch 041, Forest Park, GA
Address: 130 N. Salem Rd. NE Branch 037, Conyers, GA
Address: 1200 W. Bay St. Branch 745, Savannah, GA
Address: 1455 Hembree Rd. Branch 055, Roswell, GA
Address: 270 Riverside Pkwy Ste G Branch 039, Austell, GA
RS Electronics
Address: 3100 Breckinridge Blvd Suite 730, Duluth, GA
Business Type: Distributor
Description: RS Electronics is Now Part of Carlton-Bates Company The new, combined company, known as Carlton-Bates Company, is part of the Wesco Distribution, Inc. family of companies. Learn more about Carlton-Bates Company or get answers to frequently asked questions. Carlton-Bates Company is a trusted... (more)


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FrequentlyAskedQuestions — wiki
Frequently asked questions regarding pygame and development with pygame. If you do not find your development question answered here, you might want to take a look at the CookBook or read the documentation and tutorials once more.
The Pygame documentation is also installed with Pygame itself. They are located in site-packages/pygame/docs and can be accessed with:
python -m pygame.docs
or, for python 2.6
python -m pygame.docs.__main__
Beginning Programmers¶
Where can I find simple Pygame examples?¶
The book Making Games with Python & Pygame has the source code for several simple games (Tetris, Bejeweled, Nibbles, etc.) with detailed explanation.
The Pygame documents folder in the download contains several examples. These examples include the chimp program from the tutorials as well as two versions of aliens.
The Pygame Cookbook has some drop in code for doing various tasks in Pygame.
Another set of cookbook style example code is available harga tv tcl from Simpson College here, this code also links to an on-line text that explains the answers and beginning coding concepts.
The Pygame Projects pages contain programs with a wide harga sepeda united range of sophistication, starting with beginning programmers first attempt. Have a look at the arcade and 2d tags. There are many versions of pong and snake. The source code for the book GAME PROGRAMMING by Andy Harris [ISBN-13: 978-0-470-06822-9] is here. The first Pygame example is in chapter four, "Building a Game Example
In IDLE why does the Pygame window not close correctly?¶
This is caused by the IDLE python interpreter, which seems to keep the references around somehow. Make sure, you invoke pygame.quit() on exiting your application or game.
# ... running = True
while running:
event = pygame.event.wait ()
if event.type == pygame.QUIT:
running = False # Be IDLE friendly
pygame.quit ()
and if you also want to close the window on exceptions you might solve it like this:
except Exception, e:
tb = sys.exc_info()[2]
traceback.print_exception(e.__class__, e, tb)
On Windows if you open a python file with a ">right-click: Edit with Idle" the editor and interactive prompt both run from the same Python process. To make sure the game runs in a separate process first start IDLE from the Start Menu (it is under Python X.X in the programs section) then open the edit window for the game.
SDL, on which Pygame is based, uses the environment variable SDL_VIDEO_CENTERED to indicate the windows should be centered. Note the environment variable is set before Pygame is initialized by the call to init().
import pygame
import os
os.environ['SDL_VIDEO_CENTERED'] = '1'
screen = pygame.display.set_mode((200, 200))
# This should show a blank 200 by 200 window centered on the screen
while True:
event = pygame.event.wait()
if event.type == pygame.QUIT:
pygame.quit() # Keep this IDLE friendly
So why is this undocumented? While SDL recognizes several environment variable that set up initial conditions, their use is unofficial. But they have been around long enough that they are unlikely to change now. A list of environment variable recognized by SDL 1.2 is provided. Other configurable parameters include which video and audio drivers to use as well as the id of existing window to draw within.
How do I set the video driver Pygame uses?¶
SDL, on which Pygame is based, checks the environment variable SDL_VIDEODRIVER for a video driver to use. If not found it uses a default for the operating system. This code snippet sets the driver to "windib" for Windows. Note the environment variable must be set before Pygame is initialized by the call to pygame.init().
import os
import platform
if platform.system() == 'Windows':
os.environ['SDL_VIDEODRIVER'] = 'windib'
# rest or program goes here.
A list of supported video drivers is provided here. See the "How do I centering the pygame window on the screen?" above for more information.
The initial position of the Pygame window can be set with the SDL_VIDEO_WINDOW_POS environment variable. It takes a string, two comma separated integer values. The position is the upper left corner of the window in screen coordinates.
import os
position = 100, 50
os.environ['SDL_VIDEO_WINDOW_POS'] = str(position[0]) + "," + str(position[1])
See "How do I centering the pygame window on the screen?" above for more information.
What environment variables does Pygame/SDL recognize?¶
See "How do I center the pygame window on the screen?" above.
Does Pygame work with Python 3?¶
Yes. Pygame 1.9.2 supports Python 3.2 and up. Only the orphaned _movie module (not built by default) does not.
Why do the draw functions leave unfilled pixels (holes) in thick circles or arcs?¶
Why does drawing thick circles or arcs give "moire patterns"?¶
The Pygame draw package uses a crude, aliasing, algorithm to draw single pixel width circles. Thicker circles are composed of multiple single pixel width circles. There is not much overlapping of circles so, regrettably, it leaves holes.
Pygame 1.9.0 now includes the SDL_gfx package. This includes a filled-ellipse draw function so a thick circle can be built up from two concentric filled circles.


text:
Resources and topics from numerous sources that address substance abuse, child welfare and courts.
Includes collaborative practices and tools for linking substance abuse, child welfare, and family courts.
Free tutorials that focus on the subjects of substance abuse and child welfare. They support and facilitate collaboration between the child welfare system, the substance abuse treatment system and the courts. A training toolkit contains information about educating child welfare professionals about substance abuse and mental health disorders among families involved in the child welfare system.
NCSACW provides technical assistance (TA) on substance abuse issues in the child welfare population. TA is available to national, state, tribal, and local agencies and individuals.
The table lists presentations and publications on Joint Accountability and Shared Outcomes found throughout the NCSACW website. These materials support substance abuse treatment, child welfare and family court professionals in working together more effectively for the benefit of families. You can increase the number of items shown in the table at one time and filter one column at a time by selecting the arrow for ascending or descending order. Entering text in the search box immediately starts adjusting the table contents that match the text as it is entered; you can search any column from this search box.


text:
Before I switched to a new method of keeping and filing coupons, I asked fellow savvy shoppers for their thoughts on organizing coupons and confessed I was frustrated with the binder method. Here are their terrific responses:
Carolina Metroz Hutchinson: I, also do the binder method. But, lately I'm finding it tedious. Maybe I'll keep my Internet coupons and other random ones in my binder and keep the insert as a whole in a file and cut what I need.
Glenda Smith-Wall: OMG cant believe you said that, I have a whole binder full of expired coupons, and a little photo album in my purse of current ones. I just can't take the binder all the time and it seems overwhelming, not sure why, I start out with great intentions, but somewhere along the way lose the momentum. It seems like so much to go through. If you find a better way, please share. I only try to clip for things I know I actually buy. Maybe you are trying to cover too much - just a thought. P.S. Sometimes, I think it is easier to keep the whole sheets, and flip through them, therefore omitting the time involved clipping and filing. Of course one would be cutting in store as you go along, but you never really know when the item is going on sale, so clipping it early might be for naught.
These ladies shared some great tips on how they organize their coupons. Maybe one of their methods will work for you. If you have other suggestions please feel free to write to me at firstname.lastname@example.com or post them on the Savannah Savvy Shopper Facebook page.
Mandy Greer-Sperrey: I have a hybrid method now because I found the cutting and filing in the binder took too much time. Now I keep a spreadsheet of the inserts and then file the insert (whole) in file folders. Then I can check the spreadsheet for specific coupons. The coupons that I get from stores and printables I still keep in my binder. I usually print my spreadsheet before hitting the store in case I come across an unexpected deal. I would be interested in any other methods you or others are using.
Kathy Ludwin Welte: I was clipping almost everything I came across and using the binder method exclusively. I read somewhere to clip the ones you are most likely to use and keep the insert in your binder in a page protector sheet. I think this will work better for me.
Cindy Hobbs: The ones I know for sure I will use go in my binder. The rest I file by date and SS/RP. Then when there's a sale that tells when the coupon was issued all I have to do is pull it out. I keep my binder with me and the other coupons in my car so if I come across something while I'm out and about and need a coupon, I can go to my car and get it.
Frances Montero: I have a binder and used to clip all of them but then started having large quantities of inserts. With a toddler, that takes TIME! Too much time! Sooooo what I do is just put the inserts together inside the binder but separate the week's inserts and their source - Red Plum, SS, etc.
Carol E. Bennett: I originally had a binder with the baseball card pages in them. Every Sunday (when we had the paper subscription), we'd be cutting and filing like crazy. Now, I have a small, hard plastic filing box on wheels (even has a retractable handle so I can wheel it around like luggage). I have three sections in it: P&G, Smartsource, and Red Plum. I file the inserts according to dates in their respective sections. When I'm looking at the Wizard or another ad matchup and see a deal I want to get, I just look at the date and insert the coupon came in, pull it out of the box, and clip it at that time. Saves me a LOT of time! Now, I do have a wallet-size, accordion-style coupon organizer I keep loose coupons in when going to the store (might get coupons in the mail, from blinkies, etc., that I put in there, too). I purchased my little filing box on wheels at a secondhand store for $2, used some extra filers from our filing cabinet here at the house, and use large index cards (also had stashed here at the house) turned vertical to write the date on - these separate the inserts from week to week in their respective sections. I love my coupon box on wheels.
Janet Antonelli: I've been flipping back and forth. Pros and cons with both methods. If I only clip and file the coupons I would normally use, too often, there's a great sale on something I would try and I don't have the original insert. Flipping through the inserts can get time-consuming, also, I have to write the date on front since the date printed on the edge of the insert is too hard to read.
My friend Nijah Bryant shared the method that she is currently using with me and I love it.
Nijah Bryant: "I'm using the envelopes by category system (allergy, frozen vegetables, etc.). As I cut the coupons, I group them by category and stuff them in the envelope. No fuss, no muss. The size 11 envelopes work the best. It gives you more room for the wider coupons and to flip through them as your shopping. I split the envelopes up into two expanding file holders (A-F, G-Z) with tabs that separate each sections (A-Z).
I also cut the expanding file down to just above the envelopes' height so I don't feel like I'm digging into a deep well. I love it. They stack in my bag too this way.
It's faster and since I'm only carrying the two file holders I never feel like I'm overloaded when I walk in the store. They also fit nicely in the front of the cart with additional room for my bread, fruits and other stuff I don't want to drop into the main cart.
The first time I got really serious about this technique, it took me less than an hour to organize two one-gallon plastic bags full of coupons. I also create new envelopes as I buy more or more of specific items. For example, I started with a snacks envelope. Later I realized that I was buying more popcorn and chips so I took them out of the general snack and made separate envelopes.


text:
|2011-01-29, 13:08
|Link #61
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2006
Look at it this way:
In the dream, the only magical girl alive (at least in the city), Homura, is fighting witch!Sayaka. Something interesting about the way this scene plays out is that Madoka is getting out of the maze, and Homura and the witch are fighting in the real world. Anyway, in the worst possible moment, when Homura is in danger and Madoka is in despair, Kyubey appears, to do what he does best, try to contract a girl in despair. Now if you pay attention, you'll realize that Homura is shouting to Madoka, trying to prevent what she knows it's going to happen. The way it's animated and the fact that her voice is muted might make it hard to discern, but it's there.
So what I'm thinking about is that this "dream" is more like a precog. vision, and more specifically, a warning. The way it plays out and the clues now available point that way.
You could think of it as fated to happen or something. The only question would be, can it be avoided? Sayaka becoming a witch probably can't, but the most important thing: Madoka contracting with Kyubey... can that be avoided?
Last edited by Kazu-kun; 2011-01-29 at 13:29.
|2011-01-29, 13:41
|Link #62
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Iwakawa Base
Age: 26
One thing. I don't think it's the real world. In the fights with the other witches, they also always had to go through some kind of maze, the main stage being an alternate dimension, but technically still at the starting point. Because each time the witch was defeated, the alternate dimension reverted back and the real world came back to surface, Madoka etc. basically standing at the same point they entered the dimension. So I would guess that only within the dimension, the spectrum of the area changes and they need to go a certain way to reach the main stage / core area where the witch is. But in reality they don't actually move away from their location despite all the maze running.
Of course, I might as well be wrong and it's really the real world. That'd be severely shocking to me... lol
|2011-01-29, 14:02
|Link #63
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2006
The fact that there's at least a known building (Kamijo's hospital) is also a hint of this being the real world.
|2011-01-29, 14:31
|Link #64
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Hamburg
Age: 49
Hmmmmh... still trying to wrap my head around this...
What is the significance of all this though? You expect Sayaka to become an uberpowered witch (that is constantly flying upside down) that's gonna wreck the real world? One that even Homura can't deal with? While Kyubey lingers around in the hopes to contract Madoka?
What's the meaning of this?
|2011-01-29, 14:54
|Link #65
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2006
Anyway, let's wait and see.
|2011-01-29, 17:23
|Link #66
User of the "Fast Draw"
In terms of the overall meaning does there need to be one? Could just be a sequence of events that leads to Madoka making her contract.
But anyways I don't think Sayaka is going to become unglued to the point that she's going to turn into a witch. Sure the guy may turn out to not be worth it, but still think she can recover from that. The real problem is surviving another girl coming after her in combination with that probable disappointment. Think the cast would be too weak right now if she goes down, so hopefully another reality behind the hints we've seen.
|2011-01-31, 12:03
|Link #67
Join Date: Dec 2009
Sayaka got presence of mind, she thinks ahead.
When Charlotte was about to hatch she (and Kyubey) stayed with it so Mami would know where to go (unfortunately to her death).
In episode 4, she asked Kyubey what's going to happen with the city. If not for Kamijo's arm she might have waited until a new Puella Magi appears and turns out to do a lousy job before making a contract.
But i think she would have made one sooner or later. She's not the type to sit around and watch someone else go into danger, not the type to live or die at someone else mercy. And as Madoka has shown, even if there are strings attached, the contract offers at least a way to fight back. She entrusts the job to someone she knows will do it to the best of her ability, herself.
And of course she will regret it but do it anyway. But i don't think she will turn into a witch.
EDIT: Forgot last sentence.
Last edited by Spinell; 2011-01-31 at 14:11.
|2011-01-31, 13:16
|Link #68
Despite knowing the risks and what awaited her, she went ahead and made the choice. Good thing she did, too, or Madoka would be dead and we wouldn't have a series, heh.
|2011-01-31, 16:20
|Link #69
has a custom user title
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: In a Mitten
Age: 24
Nah, I don't mind Madoka as a main character. She just needs more time to develop.
|2011-02-04, 02:15
|Link #70
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2006
Too many people suspected him to be ungrateful but I think the a nice Kamijou will have a much bigger impact on Sayaka than a negative Kamijou. Especially if he gets in danger
|2011-02-04, 02:45
|Link #71
y prime
Realistically speaking, the behavior of Kamijou was normal. As someone who has seen such things numerous times, you get kinda spiteful to absurd degrees at times when you lose a major life activity. Its a stage of grief.
Though it looks like Sayaka having Madoka around saved her. Still, the train carryinng her doom is on the way, though it took a detour fpr awhile. You just dont get that many flags in one episode and turn up fine after the series.
Though next episode I expect Akemi to bitch at Sayaka, for having madoka around and putting her on the spot and such. I mean, she isnt thinking ahead very much. What did she think wuld happen to madoka if things went south?
|2011-02-07, 20:57
|Link #72
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2007
So, after reading the wiki with the speculation on Sayaka, do I dare step into this thread, and see much of the same speculation.
...For this show, I can definitely see them going that route.
Prior to reading about witch!Sayaka, I had already theorized that witches were produced from the death of magical girls (or the soul, or the device that fuels their power, or something similar).
...but becoming one directly? Creepy as hell, though we know that there are a lot more witches than MGs, so there has to be something more to it.
|2011-02-08, 13:26
|Link #73
Me at work
Posting this over here,it's from the general thread,an interview of sayaka's seiyuu translated by cat_monster
This interview makes me wonder if some havn't written Sayaka off too early,she might end up surviving the show,even if she'll suffer quite a lot.
What really intrigues me is that last bit,Sayaka a key character?Most people view Homura and QB as the key characters so for Homura's voice actress to say it might mean that Sayaka will be quite important to the plot
|2011-02-08, 13:42
|Link #74
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Join Date: Apr 2006
|2011-02-08, 18:41
|Link #75
has a custom user title
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: In a Mitten
Age: 24
I guessed at the beginning of this anime that Sayaka would be a character pushed to the background and written off by both canon characters and fans as unimportant. Seems I was right, to some extent.
|2011-02-08, 21:28
|Link #76
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2007
Age: 32
No one here (as fare as I can tell) is calling her unimportant after all she is one of the main cast members and without a doubt will serve a purpose for the story. However lets face the facts there have been more then a few hints that something bad is going to happen to Sayaka. So much that it's not even funny. Like with what she said a couple of episodes ago about " If I only knew the cost of miracles." that is her speaking in past tents which means the future just isn't looking so bright.
|2011-02-08, 22:48
|Link #77
In another anime/manga I've been following, Fairy Tail, there were quite a few flags that someone else was gonna die. He's still alive thus far, and seemingly not in as much danger of dying now.
Flags are signs that you find only if you go looking for them. Anything you go looking for, you will find, even if it doesn't exist, or is there to mislead you.
|2011-02-09, 09:46
|Link #78
Senior Member
I'm actually a bit surprised that people are so convinced by that sort of stuff.
I mean, most folks here are very familiar with TV Tropes, and are aware of the concept of trope subversion. What if Shinbo and Urobuchi are aiming to really subvert tropes related to "death flags"? I'd honestly find that rather brilliant on their part.
If we take this seiyu interview at face value, I think it means that Sayaka gets badly maimed in combat but doesn't die. Perhaps she's hospitalized, and on the verge of death.
|2011-02-09, 11:14
|Link #79
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2006
That being said, I don't think what has been foreshadowed regarding Sayaka is her death. A lot of bad things are going to happen to her, that's for sure, but we still can not be sure she's going to die.
|2011-02-09, 12:13
|Link #80
I've said it before, and I'll say it again, especially when I'm saying it coming from the position of someone who has used it.
"Killing" one person early is a great way to raise the Anyone Can Die specter. Regardless if you don't plan to kill anyone else, you've made your audience think that you can, so that raises he dramatic tension. The fact that quite a few people here are thinking that she will, is proof of that. When I wrote Future Tense, I always got a chuckle out of people who expected someone to die, and I even mocked fun of it by making it look like Sein had died, but she actually survived.
Killing Sayaka now would be overdoing it, and not needed. We already fear for life, so the main goal has been accomplished. Given the type of series this is, I'm gonna go with the "he plans to subvert tropes and conventions" line of thought. "Flags" are merely our own preconceived biases based on experience, which would be foolhardy to rely upon in this case.
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|2011-07-05, 00:14
|Link #1101
We're Back
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Discord
Age: 30
But I suppose there are ways to develop a character without changing his personality; we can opt to reveal more about his past, which I call the Hayate method- where we learn that he had a childhood lover... There's a big gap being going to Academy City, and meeting Mikoto.
Then there's the Nanoha method- the closest thing that felt like a character development is when she got Vivio. Now Touma doesn't have to do the same, but by throwing in a disturbance into his daily life (more disturbing than usual), he might have to change tactics.
And yes, anything rather than the cliche gone to the dark side route.
Last edited by Chaos2Frozen; 2011-07-05 at 00:29.
|2011-07-05, 03:18
|Link #1102
Join Date: May 2009
|2011-07-05, 03:20
|Link #1103
We're Back
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Location: Discord
Age: 30
Nay, I'm pretty sure it's the same with Hamazura- For a girl, he's willing to commit atrocity if he has to.
|2011-07-05, 08:22
|Link #1104
Join Date: Jan 2009
Age: 28
As I said before, if Index can gets away from Touma, that practically will destroy Touma's reasons to return to his normal world and maybe can start a change for him be it for good or bad (just like Izzard did).
|2011-07-05, 08:49
|Link #1105
We're Back
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Location: Discord
Age: 30
|2011-07-05, 09:27
|Link #1106
Disabled By Request
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: The 305
Age: 24
|2011-07-05, 09:42
|Link #1107
We're Back
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Location: Discord
Age: 30
I don't know... Everything that you guys said about going down the dark side feels like a deterioration of his character rather than an improvement. If changing him makes him a worse character than when he first started out, why would you want to do that?
See, the main reason why we want to see a character change is because there's something about him or her that we don't like, and we want them to overcome it, that's the kind of positive change that we want to see.
But Touma doesn't come with the natural weakness that Male protagonists are born with. He's isn't indecisive and whiny about what must be done, he isn't bogged down by some internal angst or guilt, and he certainly isn't getting carried away with his power. So you have to ask yourself; what more can you add to a character like that?
So the way I see it there are two routes; one is to keep his character the same, but you can expand on his past. But if you're adamant about forcing a change in his personality for the better, I say Touma should stop trying to protect others so much and let them help him more.
|2011-07-05, 10:02
|Link #1108
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2011
In my opinion, a fully developed character like that would be rather difficult to carry on a storyline with. He isn't indecisive, he doesn't whine about what must be done when he gets down to it and he doesn't get drunk on his power. These are the points you highlighted. In this case, it gives him very little bubbles of space of fill in the cracks, also as you've pointed out.
However, that is also a detriment to his character as a whole. Why? When we read a character, we don't expect them to be a perfect 'hero' character, he's supposed to be a 'everyday man' like you and me, just simply drawn into situations beyond his control. The fact that he has the guts to face them is a point in his favour... and a point against him.
Again, why? Simply - His memory loss. I found it remarkably that he did not show any signs of fear, hostility, panic or even hysteria at waking up with a blank slate. No, instead, he gets explained the situation by a bunch of people he doesn't remember, throwing strange terms at him that he should not possibly understand even though entire brain cells got damaged and entire years of knowledge and reasoning were wiped clean. From a psychology standpoint, he should have suffered a nervous breakdown.
But he didn't.
Some people can live with that... some people can't. I for one, actually facepalmed at the way the author handled it. In giving him that reaction and that so-called fortitude, unrealistic though it may be, it basically will stunt his growth as a character. And even then, it's highly dumb that he could remember how to even do his homework or even what the word Esper means.
For some people, it was a touching scene and a badass one... but to me, it was very poorly executed. It would have been a perfect chance to actually explore the naked insecurities of Kamijou Touma - How would he have reacted to having people know him but all he can come up with is a blank? His fears would have been laid bare, he would have needed support and encouragement from people. Yes, forging straight ahead is good and all, but what about the past? Isn't it the past that drives you forward and actually defines your present character?
Or maybe I'm too much into debating lately.
The reason why people love/hate the 'he was in the dark side' cliche is because it gives him a plausible character growth whereby we discover that he too has once sunk into the darkness and it changed him from a wimp to a helpful, overzealous hero who's still wimpy at heart but does the right thing.
We don't want perfect heroes, after all. We want heroes that we can empathize and connect with. Or at least, I want it.
Sorry for wall of text. If it's a rant, hope I didn't offend anyone. ^^
|2011-07-05, 10:13
|Link #1109
We're Back
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Discord
Age: 30
Just one thing to correct; different memories are stored in different parts of the Brain. Just because he can't remember anything that happened before waking up in that hospital bed doesn't mean he suddenly can't do math or forgotten what Espers are because the informations are in separate locations.
|2011-07-05, 10:21
|Link #1110
I crack you up
Join Date: Dec 2010
Age: 25
|2011-07-05, 10:36
|Link #1111
Disabled By Request
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: The 305
Age: 24
Haven't you felt Toumas best moments are when he loses his arm and scares the big baddies?
|2011-07-05, 12:51
|Link #1113
Join Date: Jan 2009
Age: 28
Ah, guilt, you should read what Touma feels after July 30th.
@Mr. Kyon: I agree that Touma going crazy and scaring the hell out of his enemies is very cool but that doesn't make him evil just a bit mad/crazy. Fiamma wanted to save the world and Touma just a single girl.
|2011-07-05, 16:16
|Link #1114
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Location: Discord
Age: 30
...I'm pretty sure both of them already went very far.
Now lets say he kills someone, how does that change his character for the better? I certainly don't want to see Touma turning into just a catalyst for the other characters' development.
Lets say you make him angsty for a longer period of time, how is that not a deterioration?
Lets say Touma does have this fall, and when he gets back up- what part of his character would change for the better?
|2011-07-05, 17:12
|Link #1120
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2009
Age: 28
Which is deeper, someone choosing to kill in order to protect, or one who refuses to kill, instead forging a path that will save the one they want to protect without taking the lives of others?
In some ways, the latter is deeper than the former.
Sure, Accel is an all round deeper character than Touma, and I can understand your frustration with his Static status, but please don't call Touma shallow because he is at peace with his Demons.
There are other indications of depth than inner conflict.
I'm sorry if I misunderstood, but from some of the comments I get the feeling you want Touma to be darker, which is fine, but darker does not mean deeper, which is what you are actually arguing for.
Take Yuno - dark character, and for 55 chapters as deep as a puddle.
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