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Reporting from San Francisco and Washington — Running the world's most popular search engine has brought Google Inc. wealth, market share and now antitrust scrutiny.
After a chorus of complaints from rivals, federal regulators, state attorneys general and foreign governments are looking at whether its dominance of the Internet is harming consumers and shutting out competitors, much the way they scrutinized Microsoft Corp. a decade ago.
Google acknowledged in a regulatory filing Friday that the Federal Trade Commission had launched a formal investigation into its business practices, including search and advertising. The FTC confirmed that an investigation was underway but declined to comment further.
While Google has faced antitrust probes into its acquisitions of companies in recent years, it has never faced broad U.S. scrutiny of its search and advertising businesses, which generate nearly all of its revenue of about $29 billion a year. Google handles about two-thirds of Web searches in the U.S. and more than 80% in much of Europe.


text: "Stay away from my garden—or else!" Her crunchiest carrots, his sweetest sweet peas.... Neighbors Rabbit and Squirrel blame each other for pillaging their respective, carefully kept gardens. Actually, as Magoon makes clear in his digitally created, deceptively gooney cartoons, the culprit is a human gardener who comes back later to chase the still-quarreling animals out of what she regards as her garden and off into the dark woods. "One of these days," readers are assured, "they'll grow tired of fighting. And then, hopefully, they'll learn to grow something new." Along with the idea that wars can be touched off by jumping to conclusions or other mistakes, the lack of a pat resolution to the hostilities makes this a good discussion-starter—and also sets it apart from the general run of simplistic peace-mongering titles. (Picture book. 6-8)

subset: commoncrawl


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Tootin' Car Man Online Slot
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text: It's almost Valentine's Day and this year I am prepared. Well, kind of. I'm the mom frantically walking through the open-all-night store looking for Valentine cards for my son's class. Who knew you could buy them three weeks early. Obviously I didn't until this year. Thank you local grocer for slapping me in the face … Continue reading


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Just a little news
So I have the ULTIMATE project going on - Baby #4 in the oven - just in time for Valentine's Day! And you all know how much I love V-Day - perfect timing! {gasp!}
So not only will winter be long, hard, miserable, and cold, I'm going to have an extra 50 pounds on my bladder and have the appearance of a wounded, beached walrus! Sweet - bring it on. Now I have an awesome excuse to make all kinds of cute baby things all for myself!! haha.
{FYI - I got this picture from this Etsy site - totally perfect}
52 comments:
- Jessica said...
CONGRATS ABBY!! When you are such a cool Mom why not have more! So happy for you! :)
- June 18, 2009 at 10:50 AM
- Ashlee said...
Congratulations! Love the picture!
- June 18, 2009 at 10:52 AM
- Ashlee said...
Congratulations! Love the picture!
- June 18, 2009 at 10:52 AM
- The Garden of Egan said...
Wow! You are crafty! Hope you enjoyed the project!
Congratulations! You'll be a fun Valentine won't you?
Keep us posted on the ongoing craft.
- June 18, 2009 at 10:59 AM
- Harley Dee said...
Yay, congratulations!! I think that pic is awesome :)
- June 18, 2009 at 11:02 AM
- Kim B said...
Congrats!! Our 2nd was born Feb 10th of this year and they make super cute v-day baby clothes :)
- June 18, 2009 at 11:09 AM
- Tif said...
CONGRATULATIONS GIRL!!!! I'm so stinkin' excited for you!!!! :)
- June 18, 2009 at 11:10 AM
- taylors said...
That is a GREAT picture! I might have to use it because I am due on the 8th of febuary.....but I am usually late so.....we will see! (baby 3 for me)
- June 18, 2009 at 11:16 AM
- Your cool friend Cheryl said...
Congrats! I used that pic as an avatar when I was pg last time.
- June 18, 2009 at 11:19 AM
- Lipstick and Laundry ~Jen said...
AWESOME! Congrats!
- June 18, 2009 at 11:39 AM
- SoBella Creations said...
- June 18, 2009 at 12:05 PM
- onegirliegirl said...
Congratulations!! 4 is a mgaic number :)
xoxo ~Lisa
- June 18, 2009 at 12:06 PM
- Tisha said...
Congrats! That is SO exciting!
- June 18, 2009 at 1:28 PM
- Lindsey said...
Congratulations! "The best days are when babies are born." (Melanie, Gone With the Wind) I hope you have a great pregnancy. :)
- June 18, 2009 at 1:38 PM
- Wila (aka Ali) said...
Congratulations! How very exciting! That picture is too cute...I want to share it with all my preggers friends! Yeah!!!
- June 18, 2009 at 1:50 PM
- Corey and Kim Nasfell said...
YEA!! That's so exciting! My birthday is Feb 15 so I have a very special place in my heart for February babies! :) I love your blog!!
- June 18, 2009 at 2:14 PM
- Melissa at perryjayne.etsy.com said...
Congratulations!!! It will make Valentine's so much more special, huh? Can't wait to see all your new crafts for your newest bundle of joy!
- June 18, 2009 at 3:16 PM
- Brooke and Mike said...
Congratulations! That's a lucky little one to get you as a mama.
- June 18, 2009 at 3:27 PM
- Sheri Howard said...
That is the cutest picture I have ever seen! I am happy for you...Valentine's Day is my FAVORITE holiday...I have a Valentine baby...he is 30!
- June 18, 2009 at 4:54 PM
- sharla@mylittlegems said...
congrats Abby- being that I was suppose to have baby #3 tomorrow and it just got delayed 6 days... I'm going to post this little picture on my blog- as I had a very good laugh over it! thanks for sharing and best wishes!!
- June 18, 2009 at 5:05 PM
- Rebecca said...
Wow!! Congratulations!!!!! I can't wait to see all the baby stuff you make!!
- June 18, 2009 at 6:02 PM
- Brayton Homestead Interiors said...
Congrats -that's fantastic- enjoy your blog -thanks
- June 18, 2009 at 6:22 PM
- Lynaya said...
WOW! Congratulations, that is sooooo exciting. At least you will be a little warmer over the long, cold winter.
- June 18, 2009 at 7:21 PM
- michelle said...
I adore that picture! Congrats! Hope you are feeling good!
- June 18, 2009 at 8:01 PM
- Sarah Lunt said...
Hi, I found your blog as a link on some other crafty blog months ago. I love your ideas and had to tell you congrats! BTW, my husband's cousins are from Thatcher. Do you know Glade and Carolyn Smith? It's such a small town, I'm sure you do.
Best of luck with number 4!
- June 18, 2009 at 9:47 PM
Well no wonder you couldn't lose any weight during the weight loss challenge! Congratulations. That's the cutest pic ever!
- June 18, 2009 at 9:56 PM
- Pattie said...
Congrats on #4!! I have a Feb. baby...it was nice cause I was able to cover myself up during winter with big comfy maternity clothes!
- June 18, 2009 at 11:12 PM
- Abby said...
Aww - thanks, girls! I totally feel the love!!!
And Sarah Lunt - how funny - I know the Smith family very well! What an awesome family! I went to school with the older three - the smartest people I knew.
- June 19, 2009 at 6:39 AM
- Joanna said...
- June 19, 2009 at 7:13 AM
- Deb said...
aaaawwwww! congrats! that's a really good project!
- June 19, 2009 at 7:36 AM
- bomobob said...
Congrats on the future quartet:)
I LOVE that picture!
- June 19, 2009 at 7:41 AM
- Terri said...
That is the best news! Congratulations!!!!! :)
- June 19, 2009 at 3:40 PM
- Alena Jo said...
Yay! Yay! Congrats. I have 4. It's not much different than three. Actually a bit easier because the older ones are older and more helpful. I like the picture you posted here.
I also adore your blog! :-)
- June 19, 2009 at 3:43 PM
- kristi lee said...
congrats. that picture ROCKS! totally made me smile.
- June 19, 2009 at 6:10 PM
- Corinne Baird said...
'Bout time woman. (REALLY BIG GRIN!)
- June 19, 2009 at 8:17 PM
- BarefootTams said...
- June 21, 2009 at 7:26 AM
- Chanda said...
Congrats!!! Love the pic.
- June 21, 2009 at 2:05 PM
- kristib said...
Congratulations! I can attest to the bladder issue (5 weeks and 1 day until the c-section!)...I hope it goes well for you. My favorite thing about being pregnant in the winter (2 January babies)is no cold feet! Those little heat packs are the best! P.S. I love the pregnant Rosie!
- June 22, 2009 at 7:05 PM
- Yarni Gras! said...
congratulations! both my babies are winter babies....they are the best....you don't burn up :-)
- June 23, 2009 at 10:25 AM
- mariah said...
OK, now I need to post a comment!
Hi Abby! I'm a HUGE fan of your blog- but have never left you a comment to compliment you on um, well- EVERYTHING you do! Seriously....
I'm from California, and well, can you just move your little crafty behind out here and be my neighbor? I love all of your projects and all your recipes! And I love how often you mention the church in your posts. So great! Congrats on your new little baby bean! So exciting.. get baby crafting and motivate me- I only have 10 weeks left until my 2nd little girl is here! AHH! Thanks again for your inspiration!!
- June 23, 2009 at 4:50 PM
- Cole's Corner said...
I just gave you a blog award.
- June 24, 2009 at 2:26 PM
- Abby said...
Aw - thanks, everyone! You're all so sweet!
- June 25, 2009 at 11:36 AM
- Gail :) said...
Congratulations!!! Being pregnant through winter is perfect because you can stay cool easier ;)
- June 26, 2009 at 7:24 AM
- Kerrie said...
Yeah Abby! Happy for you! I'll be looking to see if there are some crafts of yours that I could muster up the courage to try! With a baby girl coming in September, I've been wanting to get crafty and make some cute onsies or something for her. I love your ideas! :) Thanks!
- June 29, 2009 at 1:04 PM
- Kerrie said...
Yeah Abby! Happy for you! I'll be looking to see if there are some crafts of yours that I could muster up the courage to try! With a baby girl coming in September, I've been wanting to get crafty and make some cute onsies or something for her. I love your ideas! :) Thanks!
- June 29, 2009 at 1:04 PM
- Our Complete Family said...
Now that is some exciting news! Congrats to you and your sweet family hun!
Hugs, Les
- July 4, 2009 at 12:55 PM
- DeGooyer Family said...
- July 5, 2009 at 7:49 PM
- roseylittlethings said...
Congrats! I am having baby number 4 in 5 weeks, can't wait! LOVE the image, super cute!
- July 7, 2009 at 8:07 PM
- Sarah said...
Woo Hoo! Congrats! My little #2 is due 2/20/10, so they will be close in age! I used your picture to announce the big news on my site too. Thanks!
-Sarah from Create Studio
- July 17, 2009 at 12:55 PM
- PaisleyJade said...
Congratulations! I've got 4 darlings - makes life heaps of fun!
- July 19, 2009 at 2:51 AM
- Kristin said...
I love the button!
- August 27, 2009 at 3:26 AM
- Steph said...
Two weeks (or so) away from delivery and this totally made my day! So happy I stumbled across your blog. Good luck and congratulations! Thanks for sharing this ray of sunshine.
- September 1, 2009 at 9:42 AM


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Dr. Azar is pleased to offer an advanced choice in silicone breast implants by Sientra®. These FDA-approved breast implants are made from a solid, cohesive silicone gel that closely mimics the feel of natural breast tissue. Sold exclusively to board-certified plastic surgeons, Sientra breast implants cannot leak and are available in round and shaped, smooth and textured, to provide a more customized outcome than previous types of silicone breast implants.
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
Thousand Oaks | (805) 250-0077Thousand Oaks | (805) 250-0077
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For more information about the procedure and recovery, visit our Breast Augmentation FAQs page.
Dr. Kouros Azar
A board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Azar develops innovative surgical techniques and is dedicated to providing exceptional outcomes.
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- Incision: Typically, Dr. Azar places the incision along the breast crease or around the areola where the resulting scar will be naturally disguised.
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Your Recovery & Beyond
Dr. Azar performs breast augmentation in major area hospitals and surgery centers, accompanied by a board-certified M.D. anesthesiologist for the highest level of safety, comfort, and privacy. This outpatient procedure usually takes an hour to complete and is performed while the patient is under general anesthesia or IV sedation.
During the breast augmentation procedure, incisions are made on the breast and a pocket is formed either under or above the pectoral muscle. Next the breast implants are inserted and carefully positioned, and the incisions are closed. While experiences vary, most women can return to work and everyday activities within a week, and resume their exercise routine after about 3 weeks.
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Dog stress and anxiety – how to turn bad stress to good; learn how to enable 'good stress' response for the mental and physical well-being of your dog and yourself. First let's talk about good stress vs. bad stress, and then we will talk about the major building blocks for enabling good stress response… Good Stress – Is There Such …Read More »
Home / Tag Archives: dealing with anxiety in dogs
Dealing with Anxiety in Dogs – What Works, What Doesn't
In this article… Loving Dog Owners – the Vulnerable Consumer Trained to Trust not to Question… A question that I am often asked – 'Are you familiar with the Thundershirt? Understanding Limitations Setting Expectations Commercially Available Products – Can They, Do They Really Help Remedying Root Cause v.s the Band Aid Approach Dogs acquire chronic anxiety for many reasons and …Read More »


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Thursday, 23 December 2010
Gentle summer breezes.
In contrast to last months post I thought with the severe winter weather we are experiencing in Scotland I would warm the keyboard of my computer recalling the unusual days at sea when the surface of the ocean was flat clam shimmering like glass on a wind free sunny summers day.
The summer days are long in Scotland with the sun rising between three and four in the morning and setting around eleven at night with hardly any darkness in-between.
We would leave port at midnight on the Sunday night when darkness had just fallen, but if the moon was at a point in its cycle where it shone large and bright in the sky, it appeared as if it was still daylight and you could see for miles over the silvery sea.
When I was on watch on mornings like these I used to soak up in amazement the beauty and variations of colour mother nature could conjure up to create the fantastic sea scape that lay before me as we sliced our pathway across the sea of glass to the fishing grounds west of Pladda lighthouse at the southern tip of Arran.
It was the fishing grounds there, that Hake were caught in the warm summer months when they came into the shallower waters to spawn, providing us with rich pickings as they were one of the most expensive fish we landed, being savoured by the Spaniards who travelled all the way to Scotland to buy them in bulk and ship them back home.
The crew were rallied when we reached the fishing grounds just before daylight appeared in the eastern sky and the dhan would be thrown over the side where two miles of rope were shot out, then the net, as we turned and shot out two more miles of rope on our return to pick up the dhan and begin our first haul of the day.
It took two hours to complete the tow and once the net approached the stern of the boat we would stop the winch, tow it along the surface to assist the cod end that held the fish to float on top of the water before we started hauling it aboard.
It was when we came astern to haul the net aboard that the cod end would reveal its contents by floating a silvery blanket of bloated hake bellies along the bag and as we pulled it towards us they would rumble down into the cod end, then be lifted aboard by the derrick, spilling into the pound where we would quickly box them ready to gut.
In the case of the large Hake we would gut them straight from the pound once the gear was shot again as the majority of them were usually longer than the boxes and with their girth it did not take many to fill a box.
We would still be working with the fish as the next haul was in progress, and the mud from the ropes coming in would splash all over us and the deck, covering all in its vicinity with a thick layer of brown clay as it dried in the now rising sun which became warmer with every passing hour.
As early as 9am it would get so warm that I used to cut down an old oilskin and make an apron out of it, tie it around my waist to keep the lower half of my body as dry as possible while I stripped to the waist and let the sun beat down on my pale skin, hidden from the elements all winter beneath layers of clothes during the cold stormy days that was more normal to us than the balmy weather arising from the few hot summers days we might be blessed with.
All day I would work like that only donning my full oilskins whilst hauling the net to protect myself from the scaulders that fell on our heads from the net as it was drawn through the power block (scaulders are red jellyfish that appeared during the hot weather and had a sting like vinegar or salt hitting an open cut)the term scaulders coming from the burning feeling they gave you when they landed on sensitive pieces of skin around the eyes or open cuts.
(SCAULD meaning to burn in Scots lingo)
By the end of the day when the sun set below the horizon my back was as red as the scaulders, and also would sting in a similar way, having had too much sun at one go, and even though this happened every year I still never learned from it, always desperate to grab some sun while the chance was there and willing to suffer for it, as after a couple of hours sleep at night it seemed to cool down enough to start the process all over again if we were lucky enough to have sunshine two days on the trot.
The job was so much easier and less tiring on calm seas, no rolling and pitching about or holding on to boxes of fish as the boat was thrown violently in all directions, and calm seas also allowed us to stand without having to think about where to place our feet or correct our balance as we did in storms during every lurch our vessel took.
As the sun rose in the east it would paint a different picture of colour every morning depending on the atmospheric conditions or slight cloud formations that might feather the pale blue sky. At night when it sank like a giant red ball of flame beneath the west horizon into a flat calm sea you almost expected it to sizzle and steam when it appeared to touch the surface as it flickered shades of pinks and lilacs that danced among the few ripples stirred up by the tide and evening breezes, cooling the night air slightly, giving us a short respite from the heat that would soon burst upon us again come morning.
As the day wore on I would drench myself with the cold salt water pumped from the sea through the hose that led to the deck just to cool down a bit, and come the end of a trip my hair was like wire when I went to wash it,having to use handfuls of shampoo before I could work up enough lather to cleanse the salt from it.
Wonderful sights of mother nature to behold during the long days of summer in Scotland, but as the calm days dragged on with steam rising from the decks and the fish too as they lay in wait to be gutted, by the heat of the sun beating down, mingled with the build up of heat on the deck from the engine room, meant we had to be quick attending to them and get them in ice before the heat affected the freshness of them, losing us money come landing time.
We had a good crew in those days so the problem of rotting fish never arose and we always got top money for our fish no matter what the weather threw at us, but once the calm days turned into weeks the novelty began to wear off and we would wish for a stiff breeze at least to liven things up again.
When the calm days became tedious I used to think that it must have been the same for sailors of old who, when lying becalmed would have been bored as they waited to move forward having had to rely on wind and sail power to drive them onward to their destination. Whereas they would be willing the wind to blow for that reason, we began to wish for wind to relieve the boredom the calm seas and the heat caused us as we toiled under the burning sun all day.
Then one morning you would sense a change working in the weather, as the sun rose with an angry looking sky, and the gentle cool summer breeze getting colder instead of warmer with each foot the sun rose above the now grey horizon, whipping up the once calm sea into the turmoil we were more used to.
The boredom had passed, the long oilskins were donned for the day and the now tanned skin on my back was once again hidden from the elements leaving only my hands and weather beaten face uncovered, where the spray from the rising waves would leave its mark as it hammered across the deck with each dive we took into the deepening troughs.
The long summer days were over, the fishing had its good points, and the beautiful visions of mother nature I witnessed during these special sunsets and rises will never leave my mind, a wonder to behold indeed.
The days would get shorter as the sun rose later and set earlier, displaying a different kind of beauty through cold angry winter skies, but as our vision was impaired by lumps of sea crashing around us and our concentration focused on the dangerous task in hand of casting our nets, clearing the decks and keeping our balance, making sure we were not thrown overboard, we could not take the time to appreciate them so much, but then again that was what we expected and looked forward to when we signed up, a bit of excitement and adventure that helped to keep our wits about us,preserving our lives as we unwittingly collected stories along the way that might come in handy to tell our grandchildren some cold snowy December night gathered around the glow of a warm log fire before we watch them snuggle down to sleep to dream of the gifts Santa might be bringing them through the storm.
I have retired now as my regular readers will know and although I have no grandchildren of my own to relay my stories to, I do have my followers, and I am sure some of them might just be reading this before they fall asleep to dream of the gifts Santa will be bringing them regardless of their age, so I hope when you awake your dreams have come true.
If they don't you must have been naughty ha ha.
I wish to thank all my readers and followers for their loyalty, and for their fantastic comments during the past year.
I wish you all great time on Christmas day and all the very best for the year ahead.
Posted by Donald Swarbrick at 03:44 10 comments
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Nokia today announced plans to license version 2.0 of its WAP Browser as source code, paving the way for mobile phone handset and other device manufacturers to customise the user interface and other features of the software.
The browser software is available under several different licensing arrangements, including a royalty-free option, Nokia said in a statement. Further pricing details were not announced.
By making the software available as source code, Nokia offers manufacturers more control over both the features and software development costs in an effort to broaden acceptance of the WAP (Wireless Application Protocol) technology, the Espoo, Finland-based company said.
WAP is a technology that allows wireless devices to access specifically designed data and services over the Internet.
The Nokia WAP Browser 2.0 complies with the 1.2 specification of WAP, including support for WML (Wireless Markup Language) version 1.2, WML Script and push functionality, Nokia said.


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Being the second Wednesday of the month means a brand NEW Colour Challenge @ ScrapMatters.. WOOP!
Come play along with us and grab this Posting Gift as well as your MOS points too! The girls have already put up some "freebies" and it's always so much fun seeing what they create and how everyone "interprets" the given swatch. Don't miss out ;-)
*includes Alpha Templates + FREE SUGAR SCULL*
12 "Fiesta/Party/Celebration" paper design patterns.
20 Layered Elements Templates:
1 Piñata
2 paper cut Banners
2 Chillies
4 Moustache shapes
1 guitar
1 maracas
1 sombrero
1 tequila bottle
1 tequila worm
1 shot glass
1 Margarita
1 Beer bottle
2 limes
1 Cactus 1 Alpha Template
Upper/Lower/Numerals + common exclamations.
BONUS: Layered Sugar Skull:
ALL in PSD, PNG and TIFF @ 300ppi
You can GRAB IT HERE: So Sorry this link has EXPIRED
I hope you all have a fantastic weekend.. be it resting or living it up- lol.


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Whole Body:
- Widespread twitches since July 2013. Sometimes they died down to almost nothing, but sometimes got really bad. They die down to almost nothing (if not totally) when I take Flexeril. They have died down a tiny bit before with electrolytes, but not much.
No real cramps, but pains like as if something were about to cramp, random spots.
Myoclonic jerks, a few a day
A feeling of being fully charged, whole body, like as if I am plugged in.
Right hand, changed/clumsy/awkward grip, pulse/energy stream feeling through Thenar
Left leg, feeling of hot water running down my leg. Right now, at least once a week.
Explained that no one can tell me what happened to my arm. The neuros have different opinions (one said Plexus Brachial Neuritis, the other two did not agree with that, but had no idea what happened). That I was diagnosed with BFS in 2013. MRI of brain was normal, but I do have 2 herniations in my neck. That my ANAs have always been positive, but not "enough" positive to determine anything. Also one time I had abnormal immune lab results.
He wanted to see the ANAs, the immune labs, the other neuro reports, lyme disease test (which was negative), but did not want to see my brain MRI or neck herniation reports.
He asked if my twitches worsen with exercise. I told him I am not really sure, but lean towards no. They do increase with stress for sure.
Work up/tests:
EEGs (brain waves) of each arm (median nerve) were normal. Though, I saw the report and my right side values were way lower than the left side.
Strength test was normal.
Reflexes were normal.
Gait, eye movement test, other clinical exam stuff, normal except he saw my twitches.
EMG of right shin muscle, normal except one positive sharp wave. No twitches detected.
EMG of right inner thigh/above knee area, normal. No twitches detected.
EMG of left deltoid which was abnormal and clinically weak before, was normal.
He said that with twitches, if they were due to a muscle illness, there would always be something else present, like abnormal reflexes or gait, or weakness. He said twitches don't come and go or go on or so long (with me since July 2013) in a muscle disease without something else present. Otherwise, if alone, they aren't important.
The EMG lady was with a doctor (I think one of those student doctors who do rotations) in the room, and talked to him as she was doing my EMG. In the part where she asked me to press really strong against her, she said to the doctor, "Yea good, there are (insert medical term here) and the other patients, they can't press hard like this against force and their waves are not so compact."
That reassured me a lot.
She really took her time, left the needle alone for awhile in my leg, and she even provoked and poked the needle to try to find something.
But when she told me him that there was a positive sharp wave, I felt this rush of HE*L come over me! I felt my blood erase from my face. l was waiting to hear fibrillation or something else out of her mouth. I was at my highest height of anxiety.
She said though, that if one area showed that, it could mean that the needle damaged the nerve, and in those cases, they check another area to make sure nothing shows there, and that was the case with me. The other spot was normal. Also, the place in the shin (with the positive wave) hurt the worst of the 3 places. It is the only one which stings. Actually, the needle in my left arm, I didn't even feel. I told her, "I don't feel the needle! It not only doesn't hurt, I can't feel it!", so she poked around more, still nothing, then a little more, and finally, I could feel the needle.
Back to the doctor, he said no serious disease. He said I need to get on a pain therapy for my arm (STILL don't know what caused this in my arm), that the ANAs yes are positive, but not enough to determine anything. The EEGs and EMGs were normal as far as he is concerned.
I asked him if he knew if Flexeril would make the twitches go away in patients with ALS, and he said he didn't know because Flexeril is not available here, he is not familiar with it. He said that he would assume it would help in any patient who has twitches and/or muscle cramps.
He said to keep taking the electrolytes over a longer period of time.
He will send his report and official test results to my primary care doctor. He said that I am welcome to come back as a stationary patient if something were to change, but he does not expect it will.
PS - about the positive waves found in an EMG:
(thanks, misterjuan, for the link!)


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This summer I was awarded a grant to install a temporary installation here in Seattle. My installation, entitled "Welcome…Bon Jour" was constructed from 1" blue painters tape and ¼" white electrical tape. The tape was laid into a pattern that spanned the length of two and a half blocks on a handrail that started at First and Marion and led to the ferry dock at Alaskan and Marion. Installation took eight hours with 10 volunteers. It became a piece dedicated to ferry passengers as a greeting and farewell to their day. To see a video of the entire installation click here: http://youtu.be/QWoCuYkh3VU
As with any project that has multiple people working on it I was able to take the position of project manager. This meant that as I was installing in one area I would need to check on my volunteers periodically to make sure there were no problems and help them adjust their process when necessary. Because of the various skill levels of the volunteers involved in the project sometimes conversations of the same idea needed to be expressed in different ways until I found a successful way of getting my point across. This also led to slight variations in the design. For some artists this may have been a problem but I found it to be part of the art and the process as well as a learning experience with communication.
During installation we had several people stop and ask us what we were doing and everyone who was informed was happy to hear about the project. Some folks even thanked me from their cars about how much they liked it. A few times pedestrians asked in a suspicious and slightly aggressive tone as if I was doing something wrong but when I explained to them what was happening they seemed to be fine with it and continued on their way.
During de-installation a few people were sad to see it go. One man who sells "Real Change" at First and Marion said that he heard people remark positively about it all the time while another shouted from his car that he was sad to see it go.
After de-installation I was left with a giant tape-ball that is slightly smaller but weighs more than a basketball. The object has a wonderful feel to it.
Overall I was very happy with the results of the project, the assistance of my volunteers and Marcia Iwasaki at the Office of Arts and Culture. I feel that the project went smoothly and was fun to be part of. Thanks so much to Gina Coffman, Michelle Boshart, Kelly Owens, Ben Reagan, Mackenzie Ryan Durst, Liz Rudisill, Romi Epstein, Farley Harding and Steph Cone.
Tags: Art installation, Ben Reagan, Blue, Farley Harding, Gina Coffman, Kelly Owens, Liz Rudisill, Mackenzie Ryan Durst, Michelle Boshart, Office of Arts & Culture, painters tape, Romi Epstein, Sam Trout, Seattle, Seattle Ferry Terminal, tape installation, white


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Harley's Hall of Bookish Fame #412:00 AM
Thanks for stopping by today!
If your book was being made into a movie, who would you cast?
If your book was being made into a movie, who would you cast?
For The Faith and Fate of David Ghent: Dean Geyer for David, Maggie Grace for Layla,Patrick Wilson for Nathaniel, Eric Bana for Karael, Paul Bettany for Puriel, Carrie Ann Moss for Ramiala,
You had me at Dean Geyer. He's the guy that plays Rachel's new love interest on Glee right!?!
How often do you write?
How often do you write?
I try to squeeze time in every day. Sometimes that time is very productive and I write whole chapters at a time, other days all I end up doing is deleting a bunch of paragraphs and words. Both things are necessary in the creation of a good novel.
What is the best part about being an author?
I'm always searching for the next book or television show that will have all the aspects I like. Character development, authenticity, strong chemistry, compelling scenes . . . as a writer, I can control all that and live in my own story. The art of creation is challenging, but also extremely rewarding.
I agree. I'v recently started writing and love being in control of the story, but it isn't easy at the same time.
Did you make playlists for any of your books?
Did you make playlists for any of your books?
I tend to choose one song and use that for inspiration for the entire novel—much like a trailer for a movie. For The Faith and Fate of David Ghent, I listened to Breaking Benjamin's "Give Me a Sign," the acoustic version.
What do you do when you're not writing?
Think about what I could/should be writing. Seriously, the stories are always at the back of my mind. I'm also a wife and mother, daughter and sister, and friend. I spend a lot of time with my family and friends.
What is your favorite book to movie adaptation?
I loved The Chronicles of Narnia: the Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. Everything was exactly how I thought it should be, the acting was top-notch, and the emotion and message of the book came across so well in the movie.
I thought the casting and world building was very true to that book!
Where are you from?
Where are you from?
I grew up in Rochester, NY, and now live in Utah. I love Utah, but I have an obsession with all things east-coast. I'm very proud of my roots.
Wow that's a big change! I'm an east-coast girl myself and can't imagine movie to Utah.
Name an author you discovered recently and love.
Name an author you discovered recently and love.
I think I'd read anything Yann Martel (Life of Pi) writes. Life of Pi was written so beautifully, I want to reread it over and over just for the language.
I've heard that one was amazing. Definitely need to try it one of these days.
What genre/book is your guilty pleasure?
I love the Clearwater Crossing Series by Laura Peyton Roberts. It's Christian teen, and I can't get enough of it.
Name one book on your wish list.
I've been meaning to read 1984 by George Orwell for years, and still haven't gotten around to it.
Ocean or Pool?
Ocean, always. The beach is my happy place.
Series or Stand-alone?
Series. I want as much as possible from books I love.
Nsync or Backstreet Boys?
Backstreet Boys. And they just keep on giving!
Mac or PC?
Die-hard Mac fan. Once you go mac, you can't go back.
Harry Potter of Hunger Games?
Must we choose? If so, Harry Potter. All-time favorite series.


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My Saturday totally changed with one phone call.
Sunday, February 02, 2014
I had my whole day planned out for Saturday and with one phone call it changed. My plan was to wake early, go out in the ministry after which I would go hunting for an outfit for my sister to wear to her sons wedding next month and finally I would end up at the farmers market for coffee and to listen to the live music that plays weekly. We never know who is playing, there is a board and on the day the names are put up, but no matter the music, its always great and the atmosphere in just so relaxing.
As I said, Daniel phoned to say that he would be playing at the farmers market on Saturday. He would be using two of his drum students and needed me to watch Axel. Obviously that is what I would do and the other stuff got shelved for another day. While Daniel was busy with negotiations, and instructions etc, I took Axel to the play area so he wouldn't get underfoot.
I took a ride on the kiddies choo-choo train with him. Believe me when I say that after Axel asked to ride, I had a moment of sheer panic...what if I couldn't fit in the barrel coach? Hubby was with me, but asked to be excused since he had a splitting headache and needed to go home. My mom was also with me, but I couldn't very well ask an 80 yr old to ride in a bumpy, hard plastic train coach could I?? That meant I had to suck it up, pay the fee and get in dreading that moment when my butt would NOT squeeze in. Imagine my UTTER DELIGHT when I slid in with room to spare and still fitted my darling grandson in with me.
Wow....I was so thrilled.
It was such a fun ride too. The owner rides a 4x4 quad bike and pulls all these coaches behind him. We rode all over the farm, and then under the trees through the forest. He drove fast uphills and slower downhill and drove right into a flock of geese which took off, but obviously are quite used to this scene, because they settled just behind the coaches without too much bother. The kids loved it, and so did this granny. He did some figure of eights and it was just fabulous fun. I cant believe some of the fun things I can do now that my weight has come down and my body shape has changed.
When we heard the singer doing her number that would indicate her finale, I packed Axel up and went to listen to my son play. Out of the blue, Axel asked his daddy to play with. Daniel was most happy to plonk him on stage with him, because he can play despite his being only 3 yrs and 4 months old. This is Daniel setting Axel up with a log for a seat and his drum in place.
A reassuring kiss for his "baba boy" and his part of the show would be on its way.
Just waiting for Kat to strap her drum on and then its....
His one student, Kat, is a woman in her 60's, the other, Marylou, is a younger woman in her early 30's and then there was Axel. He advertised himself between performances, explaining that he does kiddies parties, teaches drumming privately and in groups, music therapy and year end functions etc. He also made sure people understood that there is no such thing as TOO YOUNG or TOO OLD when it comes to playing a djembe drum.
The drumming generally draws a crowd. Daniel says there is something primal in all of us, so no matter who you are, unless you really sound sensitive, the drum calls to some wild internal thing inside you. This time was no different. Within a short while, people started popping round to the hut they play at, in the middle of the market and soon cameras are out and photo's taken and telephone numbers exchanged.
Kids always love the drums too.
Axel loved being part of the whole ordeal.
His daddy was bursting at the seams with pride. It may be the first time ever that they have shared a stage but it sure won't be the last.
Despite the booming drums, this guy had no problem lying dozing on a log right beside the hut.
It was with amazing speed he "woke up" and leaped onto the stage at the point where Daniel invites the audience to join in. What surprised me is that while a drum was on offer, he chose this tiny little shaker, and enjoyed himself with it. He did not let the size of the instrument dictate how little he did....he gave it stick, shaking the heck out of it. It was such fun to see his enjoyment.
Axel decided to take a short break from drumming. It REALLY is tough on the hands.
That's when his uncle Cole decided to use his drum (instead of the spare one provided for the audience) and the wheels came off the second Axel caught sight of Cole replacing himself.
A few tears were shed...
but ended well with AXEL BEHIND HIS OWN DRUM once more
A short break in the program while another elderly gent serenaded his long time wife with some really old music. It was actually very very sweet. They were still so much in love after all the years. His wife sat there with a gooey eyed, happy expression the entire time her darling crooned to her.
In the break father and son shared some lunch.
"They" tightened a drum.
Their set finally came to an end and Axel was given a HUGE thank you hug for his part.
I love this part, when the show is over and the musicians stand around talking animatedly about what they did, didn't do or should have done or will do differently next time. It takes a while for the adrenalin to wear off, and in that time the drumming crew are "high on life" but its great to watch and hear.
It's hot work and hard work as can be seen by the sweaty remains of their gig. Remembering that playing djembe drums is very physical and South Africa is undergoing a heat wave with exceptionally high humidity. Glad my job ended up being - not baby sitting, but photographer. That way I could just sit in the shade of the giant oak trees and zoom in and out....love my job!
Ultimately, people enjoyed themselves.
And Axel forgave his uncle Cole
I managed to IGNORE THE FUDGE stall despite their advert which translated says.....
stay calm - eat fudge LOL
Now onto diet and healthy living stuff. December I took some time to just down tools. I didn't go crazy, but I also didn't do things as well as I usually like to. December spilled over into January when I suddenly found myself being full time granny once more which meant I put my healthy life style on a back burner. I also ran out of super healthy foods, since my son was still unemployed and my grandsons needs had to be attended to (thankfully they are all working once more) but still, it meant that I ate some things that were not great for weight loss....not bad, just no yummy blueberries, strawberries, almonds and the like which makes being healthy so much more enjoyable.
At the end of it all my scale showed that from 21 Dec till 1 Jan I gained 2.2kgs (4.8lbs) and this is why one SHOULD NOT go by the scale alone. Tonight my measurements show that I have lost 1.2cm on my stomach, 1cm on my breasts as well as 1.3cm on my buttocks. One thing I learned from the Herbalife program is that 1kg of fat and 1kg of muscle weigh the same....despite the fact that people always say that muscle is heavier than fat.....a kg is a kg no matter what is on the scale. So, while my weight might be up a little, my muscle content is higher (a good thing) and my fat is less (an AWESOME thing) I also learned that fat takes 4 times as much space as muscle, which is why the numbers read as they do.
Needless to say, I am back on track and rearing to go. This year I plan to finish the weight loss race once and for all. It is THE FIRST TIME that I have ever lost this much weight and not emotionally eaten my way back up to the starting point plus some and goodness knows I've had enough troubles and sadness to do just that, except I truly am over the EE thing..thankfully. That I am pretty darn proud of.
I am so excited too, since my herbalife online shop will be open in the next few weeks....progress on all levels. Excited and nervous....time will tell how that goes.
Anyway spark friends. I hope you are all back on track too...its a GREAT feeling being in control of our lives, in control of healthy choices. See you all at the finish line at the end of this year.
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This made me feel so wonderful reading it! Thanks for describing all this and for posting the fantastic photos! You have had your struggles, but your thoughts are in the right place. Life can sure be difficult. We are al pulling for you. chris
1783 days ago
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control on food sure helps--The pics are great--looks like it was a fun time!-Lynda
1825 days ago
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Oh man - this is such a fantastic post. I love seeing and reading about your son's drum concert. I wish there had been sound - but even without it I could feel the primal draw
And wahoo to you for being able to jump in and ride those cute little wagons. You've come so far - I know you'll reach your goal this year. 2014 will be your triumph year!
1825 days ago
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I didn't see this on the day you posted. I saw it today on my friend feed. But I loved the photos of your grandson and your story. You are doing well and I hope you accomplish your goals. I always find it very interesting to see how no matter what country we live in we all have weight issues.
Thank you for the lovely photos and story.I do think you are right about the drums and our primal instinct. I also laughed at the stay calm - eat fudge sign.
1833 days ago
Comment edited on: 2/7/2014 5:56:58 PM
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Riding with your Grandson is AWESOME!! Congratulations on Fitting in the ride. Muscle and Fat may "Weigh" the same, but they sure DON'T "Look" the same, do they?!
I can hardly believe how big Axel is! It seems like we just met him a few months ago!! It is such a Blessing that he shares his Daddy's Love of Music/Drumming. I am looking forward to hearing about many more Father/Son Shows!
1834 days ago
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Looks like everyone had a great time. I am sitting her in North Eastern Pennsylvania looking out at all the ice covering everything, and then looking at your pictures on my computer screen wishing I was there! LOL!
1836 days ago
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Another great blog
Thanks so much for taking the time to share.
Love Mary
1837 days ago
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Such a wonderful post on Axel & he'll be a musical person I would think. Looks like you both had a fabulous day and much more to come soon!
1837 days ago
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I so enjoyed reading your blog this morning. I have been busy the last few days and not read many blogs and what a joy to read yours. This is the year that I plan to finish the weight loss journey also and wish you all the very best!
Thanks for sharing your story.
1837 days ago
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Just lovely to see Axel and his dad together. Their bond will grow even stronger, now that it's the two of them together. Loved seeing all of the pics and so wonderful about being able to enjoy the train ride with Axel :) Keep up all of the great work with healthy eating and you are a wonderful and supportive mom and grandma!
1837 days ago
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Another wonderful outing with you and your family. I hope Justin's headache went away before the drum show. Thank you for sharing!
1838 days ago
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yeah Celest for enjoying the ride with grandson..
glad you had a great outing..
loving the drumming...
lol glad Axel made up with his uncle
enjoying your life the healthy way --the best
1838 days ago
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1838 days ago
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Wow Celest what a great way to spend your day. I love your positive energy and vigor. Having these type of experiences with your family are so precious and really makes one rich. You will achieve all your goals and I know that you will have many more happy days with those you love and cherish.
Be happy and healthy!
1838 days ago
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What a great blog post! Thank you for sharing. My kiddo and I should really pull out drums out and play more than we do.
1839 days ago
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Great pics. Thanks for sharing them.
1839 days ago
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Axel is off to a great start with is Daddy as solo parent. Wonderful for both of them to have a good support group. Loved seeing the photos of the drum session.
Muscle DOES weigh more than fat...or as you put it, X amt of muscle takes up less space than the same amt. of fat. GOOD JOB Celeste'! SO PROUD of you!!!!!
1839 days ago
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WASHINGTON — The mother and uncle of an Aurora movie-theater-shooting victim will attend Tuesday's State of the Union address as guests of Democratic Reps. Ed Perlmutter and Diana DeGette.
Theresa and Dave Hoover, who lost 18-year-old AJ Boik in the July 20 massacre, were planning to be in D.C. anyway with Mayors Against Illegal Guns, when Perlmutter and DeGette extended their extra ticket each to attend the president's annual address.
Since her son's death, Theresa Hoover has tried to get an assault-weapons ban enacted. Proposed legislation has been introduced in the Senate and in the House by Perlmutter.
"It helps," Hoover said. "It's almost healing to try and make a difference and hopefully prevent this from ever happening again. I can't imagine that it wouldn't pass. There is no reason for those assault weapons to be out there. No reason."
It was unclear whether President Barack Obama will introduce the Hoovers in his speech, but Perlmutter said he has submitted their names. "I know the president is very concerned about gun violence, and I think between the terrible event in Aurora, compounded many times over by the carnage at Newtown, he really wants there to be a change in direction," Perlmutter said.
DeGette said in an e-mail, "I will be most proud of joining with my friend Rep. Ed Perlmutter to bring family members of victims of the Aurora shootings to hear firsthand from President Obama his commitment to keeping killing machines out of the hands of those intent on doing harm."


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Moroccan History
Although Morocco is just a couple of hours away from Spain by ferry, culturally, this Islamic nation is very different from Europe despite decades of French and Spanish colonial rule. Morocco is considered an Arab country, but much of the population of Morocco are Berbers. Morocco obtained its independence from France and Spain in 1956, but many Moroccans still speak French after Moroccan Arabic or one of the three local Berber languages.
Morocco is ruled by a constitutional monarchy where ultimate authority rests with the king, who can trace his lineage back to the Prophet Mohammed. In July of 1999, Mohammed VI succeeded to the throne on the death of his father, Hassan II. While continuing his father's skillful management of foreign affairs, Mohammed VI worked to increase aspects of modernity in Morocco and to provide further benefits and opportunities to the populace. Morocco has long enjoyed close relations with the United States. Indeed, it was the first nation to recognize the United States of America in 1776, and American visitors continue to receive a warm welcome here.
A country about the size of the state of California, Morocco is located on the tip of North Africa bordering Algeria to the east, Mauritania to the south, the Atlantic Ocean to the west, and Spain to the north. The country has a mixed terrain crossed by several mountain ranges. The Atlas Mountains run across the middle of the country to the Atlantic coast. The Middles Atlas Mountains rise from the south. The Rif Mountains run along the north cost.
From the traveler's point of view, this fascinating country is very accessible; it is only a 6 1/2 hour flight from New York to Casablanca. There is a modern rail and reliable bus network, excellent roads and a state airline; more than 550 hotels, a large number of which meet the expectations of American tourists; and a populace welcoming to tourists and tolerant of differences.
The aphorisms and traditional phrases of Islam that punctuate the speech of many Moroccans and appear in the designs of their architecture serve to introduce to visitors the wisdom and tolerance of the legendary hospitality of the Moroccan people. The variety of experiences open to visitors is extensive, found everywhere from the medinas of historic cities, to the mysterious Sahara, to the fabulous beaches and little-traveled forests and mountains. Visitors can choose to "rough it" on the back of a camel in the desert, to trek across spectacular mountains, or to luxuriate in the manicured gardens and spas of exceptional hotels.


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|• Large Capacity Stacker LS-505
Notes: Required for bizhub PRESS 1250.
Required for bizhub PRESS 1052 when equipped with PI-PFU –large-capacity cover sheet feeder that equips FA-501 to PF-703.
|• PI-PFU Unit FA-501
Large capacity cover sheet feeder when installed to PF-703
* Not available in all areas.
You can pause playback by clicking the movie. Click it again to resume playback.
Achieve true 1,200dpi resolution outputs with the LED Print Head (LPH) which offers clearer reproduction of small text and smoother halftones.
Pre-setting screens (2 types of resolution in 3 patterns each) and dot screens are provided to maintain high resolution. High quality print images are provided by using the optimal screen to match the output.
|Preset screen
|Photo mode
|Smooth gradations even for low-resolution photos
|Text/Photo mode
|Optimal setting for both text and photos
|Text mode
|Even small text are clearly printed for easy legibility
Highly accurate front- and back-side registrations are possible with image shift and independent magnification adjustment. Even the slightest shifts can be minutely adjusted to achieve higher quality duplex printing, trimming and bookbinding.
Fine tune brightness and contrast before printing without a dedicated software. Tone curve utility corrects these without affecting the density of text for true professional results.
The belt transfer system improves the quality of the transferred images and paper feeding. The paper is adhered onto the transfer belt to eliminate any gaps, ensuring that the toner is consistently fixed onto the belt without unevenness. Incidences of images being cut at the paper's edge and transfer shifts caused by nip resistance are also minimised.
When outputting a colour original, the inputted image is temporarily converted to a CIE colour space and then optimally processed by converting it in the main unit's colour space. This method faithfully reproduces shadowed areas of images over the conventional simple conversion formula to provide richer gradation expressions.
* Output speed will be 10-20% slower.
Simitri HD toner's optimised toner particle structure and smoother fixing improve transfer performance for clearer reproductions of small text and thin lines, as well as providing richer halftones and gradations for photos. Its low temperature fixing reduces paper curls and waviness to eliminate paper shifts during stapling and folding.
Streamline complex output operations with flexible workflow management.
The bizhub PRESS 1250/1052 is built to withstand heavy and continuous use. The highly rigid frame with box-shaped dual-structured chassis prevents the main unit from vibrating and twisting for longer lasting performance.
Reinforce information security with the main unit authentication which supports external servers such as Active Directory and centralised management of user information; and touch-type authentication using non-contact IC cards which only allows bizhub access with employee IDs.
* Optional
Konica Minolta prioritises the use of materials and parts with low environmental impact for the bizhubs. Environmentally considerate recycled PC/PET and plant-based bioplastic are employed throughout the bizhub PRESS 1250/1052.
Numerous technologies to reduce waste, energy and unnecessary costs are employed throughout the bizhub PRESS 1250/1052 without sacrificing quality and productivity. And centrally manage all of your output devices with PageScope Enterprise Suite for smoother operation.


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We are pleased to announce that the Battleship Iowa will again host the Children's Choice judging station.
Built in 1940, the USS IOWA served our country for over 50 years, in WWII, and the Korean Conflict. Known as "the Battleship of Presidents", no other battleship in our nation's history has been host to more U.S. Presidents than the IOWA.
Now serving in her new mission as a floating Naval Museum, the IOWA has been designated as a Judging Station (see Parade Route) for the parade, hosting a contingent of school children that choose the recipients of the Children's Choice Trophy.
We are pleased to welcome the Battleship IOWA and the Pacific Battleship Center as participants & supporters of our annual on-the-water event.


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The perfect engagement photos start with the perfect backdrop. And since you are lovely, I'm going to share with you, my favorite locations so you can have beautiful pictures. Follow me northeast from Phoenix to the Apache Trail where I'll show you an incredible desert landscape and a stunning location for engagement photos at sunset with a majestic view of the Superstition Mountains in Arizona. And if you let us take you here, we will create memorable images for you too that are as good, if not better than these!
Our journey begins at the Superstition Mountain Museum where, with a little permission, the owners allowed us to use their property for these engagement photos. From there, I will take you to Canyon Lake, which is just an incredible place. There are many more photos to be made at this spot in Arizona. The final location of your engagement session is a secret place at the top of the Apache Trail overlooking the desert valley below. It is here that I first camped in 2015 during an adventure trip and it is here that I have lots of great memories. I am jubilant to share this place with you in hopes that you build your memories here too.
My goal and my purpose are to capture beautiful memories for you of your relationship, preserving those memories in time forever. Maybe that involves exploring a unique place like this here. Or perhaps we document you do something that you guys love to do together. Let's create something unique, something that defines your relationship. 🙂 Get in touch and let's develop a relationship and come up with an idea that fits you two perfectly.


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Well, its been a while since my last post and the main reason I disappeared was that I was working on a project called TDAY. Lisa Dosson, Peter Jayne and a Disney Animator, James, worked on the animation for the piece and Ranjit Rana was the background designer and painter. I provided the Toonboom Ink and Paint, compositing and some editing services for the project.
Once I have been told where the Director has posted the film, I will have a link here.
Also, in my limited spare time, Ive been working through and fleshing out some more character designs for my short. It seems to have taken a different approach to what I saw in my head but I think ultimately these designs might have more opportunity to mess around with clothing styles. Im still working on the character on the far right as I am still not 100% happy with the clothing design. I think its going to end up with some more flow around the torso area or have some sort of open jacket. Need to mess around a bit more though.
In the next while, and over Christmas, I will be working on some of the locations and starting to get a feel for this world, building off of my notes (roughly numbering 10 pages long so far, with a map of the city and outlying areas)).
-Cheers and Enjoy


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The Los Angeles Lakers are a National Basketball Association (NBA) team based in Los Angeles, California. The Lakers play their home games at Staples Center, which they share with their local NBA rival, the Los Angeles Clippers, the Los Angeles Kings of the NHL, and the Los Angeles Sparks of the WNBA.[1] The Lakers are the reigning NBA champions after defeating the Boston Celtics in the 2010 NBA Finals 4–3. The Finals victory gave the franchise their 16th championship, placing them second in NBA history behind the Celtics' 17. As of 2010, the Lakers are the most valuable NBA franchise according to Forbes, having an estimated value of $607 million.[2]
The franchise started with the 1947 purchase of a disbanded team, the Detroit Gems of the NBL. The new team began play in Minneapolis, Minnesota, calling themselves the Lakers in honor of the state's nickname, "Land of 10,000 Lakes".[3] The Lakers won five championships in Minneapolis, propelled by center George Mikan, who is described by the NBA's official website as the league's "first superstar".[4] After struggling financially in the late 1950s following Mikan's retirement, they relocated to Los Angeles before the 1960–61 season.
Led by Hall of Famers Elgin Baylor and Jerry West, Los Angeles made the NBA Finals six times in the 1960s, but lost each series to Boston. In 1968, the Lakers acquired four time MVP Wilt Chamberlain to play center, and after losing in the Finals in 1969 and 1970, they won their sixth NBA title—and first in Los Angeles—in 1972, led by new head coach Bill Sharman. After the retirement of West and Chamberlain, the team acquired another center, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, who had won multiple MVP awards, but was unable to make the Finals in the late 1970s. The 1980s Lakers were nicknamed "Showtime" due to their Magic Johnson-led fast break-offense, and won five championships in a nine-year span. This team featured Hall of Famers in Johnson, Abdul-Jabbar, and James Worthy, and a Hall of Fame coach, Pat Riley. Two of those championships were against their rivals, the Celtics. After Abdul-Jabbar and Johnson's retirement, the team struggled in the early 1990s before acquiring Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant in 1996. Led by O'Neal, Bryant, and another Hall of Fame coach, Phil Jackson, Los Angeles won three consecutive titles between 2000 to 2002, securing the franchise its first "three-peat". After losing both the 2004 and 2008 NBA Finals, the Lakers won two more championships by defeating the Orlando Magic in 2009 and Boston in 2010.
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Posted on April 25, 2012 in Campaign Statements
"I promise you,the President has a big stick. I promise you. President Obama understands what Gov. Romney apparently doesn't: It is possible — it's indeed necessary — for America to be strong and smart at the same time. I think it's fair to say the only step we could take that we aren't already taking is to launch a war against Iran. If that's what Governor Romney means by a very different policy, he should tell the American people, he should say so. Otherwise, the governor's tough talk about military action is just that — talk. And, I would add, counterproductive talk." - Joe Bidencomments powered by Disqus


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Judging the competition is a great opportunity to help shape entrepreneurial high-growth companies throughout Wisconsin. YES judges include investors, academics, experienced entrepreneurs and other professionals interested in the development of young business leaders and business ventures that will define Wisconsin's future.
Wisconsin YES! is run in two written phases. The first phase is essentially an "elevator pitch" of roughly 250 words and the second phase is a 1,000-word executive summary. The four categories are based on the grade level of the contestant – 9th Grade and Under, 10th Grade, 11th Grade and 12th Grade.
The contest will run through the website – www.WisconsinYES.com. Scores and feedback are collected online from registered judges.
Please remember that as a YES judge you would need to:
- Remain impartial and at a discreet distance from the participating teams during the competition. If there are any conflicts of interest, please let the contest administrator know immediately and we will assign that plan to another judge.
- Guard the confidentiality of the business plans reviewed during the competition.
If you would like to serve as a judge for the 2018 contest, please email Angela Schlobohm at email@example.com by March 2, 2018, for instructions on creating an account.


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Today we are gathered here... for another Wonderful Whimsy Wednesday
The theme for today is set by... ME!
And I would love to see RIBBON on your cards!
I'm a true ribbon addict in every color or shape and use it on about every card I make, so...
Come and join the fun at this Wonderful Whimsy Week, 'cause you have a full week to make your card!
And if you do... You can win a Wonderfull Whimsy Prize! And if you use a Whimsy Image, maybe you will be selected to be our next Guest Designer! Come on! Who wouldn't love that??!
So why are you still reading this message? Pop over to our lovely Whimsy Site for more incredible inspirations and a blue froggy to let you see your creation and we are able to come adore it!
Thanks for reading!
Ow... before you pop over, please leave a message first. I would really LOVE that * big smile *
Okay, now pop over to our Whimsy Challenge Blog and let us see your fab designs!
If you want to copy mine (funny cat), here are my supplies:
Paper ~ My Mind's Eye
Image ~ 'Love Me Anyway' made by Chrissy for Whimsy Stamps (can you resist that face)
Ribbon (offcourse) ~ NoClueWhatSoEver.com
Letters ~ Tim Holtz
Extra ~ distressing and some cardboard with a funny name which I forgot how to say it in English :)
Thank you! Come again!


text:
What is addiction?
The American Society of Addiction Medicine has offered the following short definition:
Addiction is a primary, chronic disease of brain reward, motivation, memory and related circuitry. Dysfunction in these circuits leads to characteristic biological, psychological, social and spiritual manifestations. This is reflected in an individual pathologically pursuing reward and/or relief by substance use and other behaviors.
Addiction is characterized by inability to consistently abstain, impairment in behavioral control, craving, diminished recognition of significant problems with one`s behaviors and interpersonal relationships, and a dysfunctional emotional response. Like other chronic diseases, addiction often involves cycles of relapse and remission. Without treatment or engagement in recovery activities, addiction is progressive and can result in disability or premature death.
This definition tells us that when individuals become addicted to alcohol, or drugs, changes in the brain occur. In the addiction field we sometimes use a simple explanation for this complex problem, we say the "off switch" between the pleasure reward system and the pre-frontal cortex that regulates when we have had enough pleasure is broken. This explains why an alcoholic cannot have one glass of alcohol, but will consume more. What is important to note is that this is not an issue of willpower, or moral defect, it is based on the fact that permanent brain changes have occurred.
This definition also highlights that the disease of addiction has multiple areas of concern: the biological/physical aspect, the cognitive aspect (distorted thinking), the social aspect (unhealthy relationships), and the spiritual aspect (diminished connection to one`s spiritual beliefs).
Lastly, the disease of addiction parallels other chronic diseases that require life-style changes and studies show that relapse rates are similar. This does not mean that relapse is a necessary part of recovery, but it highlights the importance of a good recovery program and support.
How do I know I have become addicted?
How do we know when we have crossed the line between enjoying alcohol and becoming an alcoholic? Part of the problem in identifying alcoholism is that due to cognitive distortions many alcoholics are in denial about their disease. It is not uncommon for employers, loved ones and family members to begin to put pressure on a problem drinker to get help. Sometimes an ultimatum is set to either stop drinking, or ______. Many alcoholics have sought treatment in response to hitting a wall; yet, it is important to understand that true recovery has to come from the heart.
Some people will experience a moment of clarity in which they clearly see how alcohol is impacting their lives in a negative way. This moment of clarity is different for everybody. Often it revolves around the unmanageability of life, failed relationships, and health issues.
It is clear that alcoholism is a unique experience with many common threads. Some of the most obvious symptoms for alcoholism are:
• When drinking continues despite negative consequences (health, relationships, employment, legal system).
• When alcohol is needed to control physical withdrawal symptoms (please note that you can be an alcoholic and not have withdrawal symptoms).
• When individuals begin to obsess about drinking.
• When there is concern about the availability of alcohol.
• When there are blackouts.
• When drinking results in unacceptable behavior (belligerence, public urination, acting out behaviors).
Alcoholics Anonymous have made a self-test available on their website and there is a science based test online called the MAST.
Is there an addiction cure?
This is what Dr. Darryl Inaba, a capacity in the addiction field, has to say:
Can we cure addiction? Absolutely not! This is because addiction has caused unrecoverable changes, alterations, and deaths to brain cells. Brain cells are not readily regenerated like other cells, so the changes caused by drug [and alcohol] abuse are permanent. what we can do is arrest the illness, teach new living techniques, rewire the brain to bypass these addicted cells, and give the addict in recovery a worthwhile life. Although addiction can`t be cured, it can be effectively prevented and treated.
What are the goals of addiction treatment?
• To motivate individuals towards abstinence.
• To reconstruct their lives once the focus is redirected away from substance abuse.
Addiction specialists provide motivational interviewing, addiction education, do Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to address distorted thinking, use Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) to effect long term change, offer psychological support, help people in recovery discover healthy ways to live, and introduce Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) as a possible recovery tool and support network.
Addiction treatment for alcoholism also includes addressing underlying issues of addiction, such as family of origin dysfunction, trauma, depression, fear, or anxiety. The reason for this is that some people who become addicted to alcohol have used it as a form of medication, a way to regulate negative feelings. It is vital to resolve underlying mental issues, as this sets the stage for long-term sobriety.
Holistic addiction treatment also includes the family of the alcoholic, because the family is a system and everyone within the family is affected by the disease of addiction. It is vital to understand family dynamics to make positive changes and offer support. Family members are also introduced to Al-Anon, a support network for the loved ones of alcoholics.
Uppers, Downers, All Arounders: Physical and Mental Effects of Psychoactive Drugs by Darryl S. Inaba, William E. Cohen, Elizabeth von Radics and Ellen K. Cholewa (Jul 15, 2011)


text: A great male R&B vocalist 'K Will' returned with his second full album 'Miss, Miss and Miss You' . This album has many of touching ballad tracks that show the essence of K.Will's appealing sensitive voice. Title track of the album 'Miss, Miss and Miss You' is a sad R&B song with sorrowful lyrics. It's expected to make a hit with its sad tune and lyrics.


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Climbing frames & swings
Strong & sustainable timber
All Jungle Gym wooden climbing frames are made of strong and environmental-friendly European pine timber. It has a very long lifespan, robust dimensions and comes from sustainable-managed forests. All wooden parts are carefully selected, inspected, cut to size, planed and sanded for ergonomic rounded edges. There is no need to paint or stain (unless desired) as it is already weatherresistant and immune to wood rot, insects, mildew and fungi. Every climbing frame and playhouse is unique as the timber contains unique shade, lines and knots, this the charm of real timber and gives your climbing frame or playhouse character.
Read more about our timber
Douglas timber
Long lifespan, 10 year warranty
Maintenance-free outdoor use
Environmentally and child-friendly
Europe's hardest pine
Warm and luxurious look
Shop by category
An original Jungle Gym
Jungle Gym is 100% Dutch quality design. For over 25 years we are the ultimate specialist in wooden playground equipment, which reflects in our collection of reliable and innovative products. Our unique en timeless products are designed with the most up-to-date techniques, materials and thought through down to the smallest detail. Every climbing frame and playhouse is UV-resistant, weatherproof and produced exclusively with robust components, high-quality materials and coatings for maximum safety and grip. Perfect ergonomics, comfort and a robustness that guarantees an extensive durability. Are you ready to play outside?
More information about Jungle Gym


text:
Issue No. 03 - May/June (2010 vol. 16)
pp: 455-467
DOI Bookmark: http://doi.ieeecomputersociety.org/10.1109/TVCG.2009.98
Emmanuel Pietriga , INRIA Saclay and Université Paris-Sud, CNRS, Orsay
Olivier Bau , INRIA Saclay and Université Paris-Sud, CNRS, Orsay
Caroline Appert , INRIA Saclay and Université Paris-Sud, CNRS, Orsay
Focus+context interaction techniques based on the metaphor of lenses are used to navigate and interact with objects in large information spaces. They provide in-place magnification of a region of the display without requiring users to zoom into the representation and consequently lose context. In order to avoid occlusion of its immediate surroundings, the magnified region is often integrated in the context using smooth transitions based on spatial distortion. Such lenses have been developed for various types of representations using techniques often tightly coupled with the underlying graphics framework. We describe a representation-independent solution that can be implemented with minimal effort in different graphics frameworks, ranging from 3D graphics to rich multiscale 2D graphics combining text, bitmaps, and vector graphics. Our solution is not limited to spatial distortion and provides a unified model that makes it possible to define new focus+context interaction techniques based on lenses whose transition is defined by a combination of dynamic displacement and compositing functions. We present the results of a series of user evaluations that show that one such new lens, the speed-coupled blending lens, significantly outperforms all others.
Graphical user interfaces, visualization techniques and methodologies, interaction techniques, evaluation/methodology.
O. Bau, C. Appert and E. Pietriga, "Representation-Independent In-Place Magnification with Sigma Lenses," in IEEE Transactions on Visualization & Computer Graphics, vol. 16, no. , pp. 455-467, 2009.


text:
Microsoft Dynamics CRM is now Dynamics 365. Introducing a robust set of intelligent business applications that allow your organization to scale and adapt to meet the needs of a constantly changing business landscape. Dynamics 365 marries both CRM and ERP capabilities by delivering new purpose-built applications that work seamlessly across specific business functions such as Sales, Customer Service, Operations, Financials, Field Service, Project Service Automation, Marketing, and Customer Insights.
- Better engage customers
- Empower your teams
- Maximize operational efficiency
- Transform products and operations
- Adapt and innovate


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A horse that had been scorned by jockeys, but was loved by the bettors won the 117th running of the Preakness yesterday at Pimlico Race Course.
Pine Bluff became only the second favorite in the last decade to win the race and spoiled the Triple Crown hopes of Lil E. Tee. The Kentucky Derby winner, who bled, according to his trainer, Lynn Whiting, finished fifth.
Lil E. Tee went off a surprising second choice to Pine Bluff, who he had beaten soundly in the Derby.
But Pine Bluff was no short-priced choice. He went off at 7-2 odds, indicating the wide-open nature of the race, and paid $9 to win, the highest return for a Preakness favorite since Totalisator machines were introduced at Pimlico in 1941.
Pine Bluff was ridden for the first time by Chris McCarron, one of the nation's winningest jockeys, who got his start in Maryland in the mid-1970s.
McCarron picked up the mount only Sunday after Craig Perret, Pine Bluff's regular rider, took off the horse to take the mount on Alydeed, yesterday's runner-up.
It was the second time that a jockey had forsaken Pine Bluff for another horse. Jerry Bailey, who had won the Arkansas Derby with the colt, chose to ride Technology in the Triple Crown races instead. Technology, with Bailey aboard, finished sixth yesterday.
The actual running of the Preakness unfolded pretty much according to plan.
Speakerphone, one of two Maryland horses in the race, took the early lead after outrunning Alydeed, Big Sur, Dance Floor and Technology into the first turn.
Speakerphone opened up a 2 1/2 -length lead and held it until he was overhauled by Alydeed near the five-eighths pole.
Alydeed then assumed command and looked like a sure winner until Pine Bluff started his determined run on the outside at the top of the stretch.
Pine Bluff, who had been far behind in eighth in the early stages of the race about seven lengths off the pace, began to pick up horses on the backstretch. He overhauled Alydeed about 40 yards from the wire and won by three-quarters of a length.
Casual Lies finished third, 1 1/2 lengths behind Alydeed and three-quarters of a length in front of Dance Floor.
"I put him in the clear as soon as I could," McCarron said. "We got jostled by Big Sur coming out of the gate, and he squeezed us back pretty good. I was farther back than I wanted to be. But he ran freely, and I was out from the rail, where I wanted to be. I was confident in the stretch. I was hunting for Lil E. Tee, but when I didn't see him, I went 'hot diggity dog.' "
Pine Bluff is the second Preakness winner for McCarron. He won in 1987 aboard Alysheba. McCarron also won the Black-Eyed Susan Stakes on Friday with Miss Legality. It was the first time since 1984 (Angel Cordero Jr. with Lucky Lucky Lucky and Gate Dancer) that a jockey had pulled off that Pimlico double.
Pine Bluff ran the 1 3/16ths miles in 1 minute, 55 3/5 seconds, the slowest running of the race since 1988 and 1 3/5 seconds slower than Hansel's time of 1:54 last year.
However, the track was rated "good," not "fast" after heavy rains soaked the surface Friday night.
Pine Bluff paid $9, $5.80 and $4.40. Alydeed returned $7.60 and $3.80 and Casual Lies was $4.20 to show.
The 4-12 exacta returned $66.80 and the 4-12-8 triple returned $519.30.
Pine Bluff is owned by John Ed Anthony of Hot Springs, Ark., and is trained by Tom Bohannan. The horse is Anthony's second classic winner. Anthony won the 1980 Belmont Stakes with Temperence Hill.
Pine Bluff, who finished fifth in the Derby, reversed positions yesterday with Lil E. Tee, who won the Derby, but finished fifth yesterday.
Pat Day, Lil E. Tee's jockey, said, "My horse spit the bit out the first time past the wire. He acted like he was fighting the track. He just didn't have that big finish."
Pine Bluff and Lil E. Tee each have 10 points in the Triple Crown bonus series. Casual Lies is third with eight points, followed by Dance Floor with four and Conte Di Savoya with one. The horse with the highest number of points after the Belmont Stakes wins a $1 million bonus.
Yesterday's crowd of 96,865 at Pimlico and the Laurel simulcast site wagered $7,439,308. It was the second highest attendance for the Preakness and the third highest betting total.
Lil E. Tee, at 4.20-1 odds, went off as the longest price for a Derby winner in the Preakness since Proud Clarion went off at 4.30-1 odds in 1967. Proud Clarion finished third.
Perret, who finished second with Alydeed, said, "My horse was giving his best and still digging in. The other horse just got by on him, but he [Alydeed] just kept on fighting."
Alydeed was making only his fifth career start in the Preakness.
Pine Bluff's Preakness victory was the first classic win for Bohannan. "You can't imagine how it feels," Bohannan said. "I'm just churning up inside. We've always held this colt highly in our thoughts and the Derby was a big disappointment. He's the nicest horse I've ever trained."
Bohannan said he wasn't all that concerned when Perret took off Pine Bluff to ride Alydeed.
"I told Mr. Anthony 'this is the rider that took off [eventual winner] Unbridled in the [1990] Breeders' Cup Classic.' "
Anthony, who races as the Loblolly Stable, names his horses after towns in his native states. There is a Pine Bluff, Ark., as well
as a site known as Temperence Hill.


text:
I went to Sulawesi with a few friends from 21 to 28 Jun 2010. Here are some quick highlights of the things we saw during the diving trips.
Pygmy seahorse (Hippocampus bargibanti), also known as Bargibanti's seahorse.
Ghost pipefish (Solenostomus sp.)! Look like they were made from plastic :P
Harlequin ghost pipefish (Solenostomus paradoxus).
Oriental flying gurnard (Dactyloptena orientalis).
Cockatoo waspfish (Ablabys taenianotus).
Inimicus didactylus, also known as Demon Stinger or Devil Stinger.
Super brightly coloured frogfish.
Yet another brightly coloured frogfish.
Sea whip goby.
Flounder (Pseudorhombus sp.).
Juvenile shaded batfish (Platax pinnatus).
Clouded moray (Echidna nebulosa).
Anemonefish (Amphiprion sp.).
Anemonefish (Amphiprion sp.) in Heteractis crispa.
Banggai cardinalfish (Pterapogon kauderni).
Pfeffer's Flamboyant Cuttlefish (Metasepia pfefferi).
There were lots of knobbly sea stars (Protoreaster nodosus) at one of the dive sites.
Granulated sea star (Choriaster granulatus).
Cushion star (Culcita novaeguineae).
Spiny cushion sea star (Culcita schmideliana).
Necklace sea star (Fromia monilis) with 6 arms.
Unknown sea star.
Gomphia gomphia.
Linckia laevigata.
Echinothrix sp.
Astropyga radiata.
Not quite sure what sea cucumber is this, though it looks a bit like a sandfish.
Ceratosoma trilobatum.
Risbecia tryoni.
Chromodoris annae.
Chromodoris dianae.
Helmet shell (Family Cassidae).
Juvenile painted rock lobster (Panulirus versicolor).
Commensal shrimp on a synaptid sea cucumber.
Arrowhead crabs (Huenia sp.).
Box crab (Calappa sp.).
Ghost crab?
Found this rather big crab which lived in burrows just outside our room.
Saturday, July 10, 2010
Diving at Sulawesi
I went to Sulawesi with a few friends from 21 to 28 Jun 2010. Here are some quick highlights of the things we saw during the diving trips.
3 comments:
- ChrisM said...
sorry not have been paying attention! You have some neat and new stuff here.
the one you called Culcita schmideliana? Actually that looks like Halityle regularis which is not frequently encountered! It may be a new record-but I will need to check..
and the brightly colored pink starfish? Echinaster callosus.
Very unusual..
- Sep 25, 2010, 10:53:00 AM
- tHE tiDE cHAsER said...
Thanks for the info, Chris!
- Sep 25, 2010, 7:30:00 PM
- E N said...
Nice stuff here. I found it interesting and helpful.
- Jul 8, 2011, 6:54:00 AM


text: Hi all! I was here on this forum long time ago asking for multiplayer help, but I lost my account and I don't want to reset it, so I just have logged in with the facebook. But never mind now on that. I need bad help. I wanna create a countryside track, actually the small countryside map for the start. I cannot find anywhere tutorial for this, I saw few post for creating maps for racer, but they are not what I am looking for. I need to know this: 1. What tool/program should I use for creating track? 2. How does the track works for it? 3. Can I import Google Maps data into Bob's Track Builder, edit it and directly export it to the game? I have done this few minutes ago, but I cannot get it to work. 4. Scripting? I have some other plans for racer, but for now I'm into this one.