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- Winners of the "The Solaris Book of New Fantasy", ...
- Interview with Josh Conviser
- Free online novel at Solaris Books, a Stephen Lawh...
- "Killswitch" by Joel Shepherd
- "The Darkest Evening of the Year" by Dean Koontz
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- "The Solaris Book of New Fantasy" edited by George...
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- "Confessor" by Terry Goodkind
- News, Opinions, More News, and Book Previews!!!
- "Shooting War" by Anthony Lappé + Dan Goldman
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- Dabel Brothers sign Distribution Deal with Del Rey...
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- Congratulations to the winners of the Wayne Barlow...
- SPOTLIGHT: Books of November
- ▼ November (23)
SPOTLIGHT: Books of November
"Endgame" by Kristine Smith. Release Date: October 30, 2007. Fifth book in the Jani Kilian science fiction series—Code of Conduct (1999 Philip K. Dick Award Nominee), Rules of Conflict, Law of Survival, Contact Imminent—by author Kristine Smith (2001 John W. Campbell Award winner for Best New Writer). Julie E. Czerneda, creator of the Trade Pact Universe, says "Endgame is that rare gem, a science fiction thriller with big ideas and consequences, told through passionate, unforgettable characters…"
Official Kristine Smith Website
Official Kristine Smith LiveJournal
Order "Endgame" HERE
Read Chapter 1 + Chapter 2 from "Endgame"
NOTE: As you can see, "Endgame" is an October title, but because of its original November 1st release date, I didn't include it in my October Spotlight. So, better late than never…
"Bang Bang" by Theo Gangi. Release Date: November 1, 2007. Recent graduate of Columbia's MFA writing program and a teacher at John Jay College, Theo Gangi's writing has appeared in The Greensboro Review, The San Francisco Chronicle, The Columbia Spectator, 3AM, etc. "In this explosive debut, Theo Gangi redefines the crime thriller, delivering a pulse-pounding, white-knuckle ride through gritty back rooms, where justice is sealed with gunfire, no one can be trusted, and being innocent can get you killed…"
Official Theo Gangi Website
Official Theo Gangi Myspace
Official Theo Gangi Blog
Order "Bang Bang" HERE
Read Chapter One HERE
"Saint City Sinners" by Lilith Saintcrow. Release Date: November 1, 2007. Continuing the Dante Valentine series that began with "Working for the Devil" (Volume 1), "Dead Man Rising" (Volume 2) and "The Devil's Right Hand" ((Volume 3), "Saint City Sinners" finds necromancer/bounty hunter Ms. Valentine returning to her hometown of Saint City to face the past, investigate a murder, deal with betrayal and dish out some revenge… The fifth and final Dante Valentine book "To Hell and Back" comes out January 2008…
Official Lilith Saintcrow Website
Read An Excerpt HERE
Read Darque Review's REVIEW of "Saint City Sinners"
"War Machine" by Andy Remic. UK Release Date: November 5, 2007. US Release Date: November 13, 2007. From Andy Remic, author of the Spiral Trilogy (Spiral, Quake, Warhead), comes his fourth book "War Machine", a hardcore, military SF, action-thriller that kicks off the new Combat K series. "In a time of post-Singularity and FTL, ex-soldier Keenan is a private investigator who must gather together the old military unit who swore they'd never work together again in order to get the revenge he seeks…"
Official Andy Remic Website
Order "War Machine" HERE
Read An Extract HERE
Read SFX's Interview with Andy Remic HERE
"The High King's Tomb" by Kristen Britain. Release Date: November 6, 2007. Long-awaited third volume in Kristen Britain's beloved Green Rider fantasy series—following "Green Rider" (1998) and "First Rider's Call" (2003)—"The High King's Tomb" continues the swashbuckling adventures of Karigan G'ladheon and friends in their latest life & death situation, this time involving demons, gods, magical books, necromancers, gentlemen thieves, Riders-in-training, wizards, tombs and much, much more…
Official Kristen Britain Website
Read Fantasy Book Critic's INTERVIEW with Kristen Britain
Read Fantasy Book Critic's REVIEW of "The High King's Tomb"
"Cauldron" by Jack McDevitt. Release Date: November 6, 2007. In 1994 Ace Books published "The Engines of God", the first of author Jack McDevitt's (winner of the 2006 Nebula Award + 2004 John W. Campbell Award) Priscilla "Hutch" Hutchins novels. Now, thirteen years and six books later—Deepsix (2001), Chindi (2002), Omega (2003), Odyssey (2006)—Hutch's story draws to a close in "Cauldron", as the mystery of the deadly Omega Clouds which has haunted her for decades is finally solved…
Official Jack McDevitt Website
Order "Cauldron" HERE
"Deadfall" by Robert Liparulo. Release Date: November 6, 2007. Deep in an isolated wilderness, four friends are on the trip of a lifetime. Armed only with a bow & arrow and the basics for survival, they've chosen a place far from civilization. But they quickly discover that another group has targeted the remote region for a more menacing purpose: to field-test the ultimate weapon. An intense novel of character forged in the midst of struggle, survival, & sacrifice, Deadfall is Robert Liparulo's latest rivetingly smart thriller…
Official Robert Liparulo Website
Order "Deadfall" HERE
Read An Excerpt HERE
Listen To An Excerpt HERE
Enter HERE To Win an Autographed Copy or an Unabridged Audio of "Deadfall"
NOTE: Film rights to Robert Liparulo's "Comes A Horseman" was sold to producer Marc Neufield (Hunt For Red October, Patriot Games), "Germ" was bought by Red Eagle Entertainment, and the author's unfinished fourth title, a political thriller slated for a July 2008 release, was picked up by Phoenix Pictures, headed by producer Mike Medavoy (All the King's Men, Stealth, Holes).
"The Sagittarius Command" by R.M. Meluch. Release Date: November 6, 2007. In the third novel of the acclaimed military science fiction series Tour of the Merrimack by R.M. Meluch, all of humanity and its alien allies have joined together to battle the Hive—a force of pure destruction sweeping through the galaxy. But when the leader of the Roman world is assassinated, tensions escalate, and Captain John Farragut is forced to lead a mission into the heart of Hive territory in search of a man who's been "dead" for decades…
Official R.M. Meluch Website
Order "The Sagittarius Command" HERE
Read An Excerpt HERE
Read Grasping For The Wind's Review of "The Sagittarius Command" HERE
"Reader & Raelynx" by Sharon Shinn. Release Date: November 6, 2007. A journalist / novelist, Sharon Shinn's (winner of the 1996 William L. Crawford Award for Best First Fantasy Novel) works encompass elements of fantasy, science fiction & romance, and include the series Samaria, the YA Safe-Keepers and Twelve Houses as well as various standalones & short fiction. "Reader & Raelynx" is the fourth entry in the author's Twelve Houses series and is a "novel of secret sorceries and forbidden desires…"
Official Sharon Shinn Website
Order "Reader & Raelynx" HERE
"Host" by Faith Hunter. Release Date: November 6, 2007. Under the moniker Gwen Hunter, Gwendolyn has produced a number of thrillers including the Rhea Lynch, M.D. series, the DeLande Saga, and four standalone novels (Ashes To Ashes, Blackwater Secrets, Bloodstone, Shadow Valley). As Faith Hunter, the Louisiana-born writer dives into dark fantasy with the post-apocalyptic series Rogue Mage starring neomage Thorn St. Croix. "Host" is the sequel to "Bloodring" (2006) and "Seraphs" (2007)…
Official Faith Hunter Website
Order "Host" HERE
Read An Excerpt HERE
"The Cipher" by Diana Pharaoh Francis. Release Date: November 6, 2007. "Welcome to Crosspointe, the hub of the Inland Sea, where gold runs like water and the balance of politics shifts uneasily between the monarchy, the majicars, and the Merchants' Guild—a land where dangerous majick courses through black waters…" The Cipher is the start of the new Crosspointe series by author Diana Pharaoh Francis whose previous novels include The Path Trilogy (Path of Fate, Path of Honor, Path of Blood)…
Official Diana Pharaoh Francis Website
Order "The Cipher" HERE
Read An Excerpt HERE
Read Green Man Review's Review of "The Cipher" HERE
"Heroes – Volume One". Release Date: November 7, 2007. Based on the smash-hit, Emmy and Golden Globe®-nominated NBC show Heroes, Volume One—featuring covers by comic book legends Jim Lee + Alex Ross—also includes an introduction by Masi Oka (Hiro), all 34 chapters of Season One, and Tim Sale's artwork as seen on the show. The comics included have been written & illustrated by some of comics' and television's top writers and artists, including Michael Turner, Phil Jimenez, Marcus To, etc…
Official Heroes Website
Official Wildstorm Comics Website
Order "Heroes – Volume One" HERE
"Dark Tower: The Gunslinger Born". Release Date: November 7, 2007. Sumptuously drawn by Jae Lee and Richard Isanove, adapted by long-time Stephen King expert Robin Furth, scripted by New York Times-bestseller Peter David, and personally overseen by King himself, "The Dark Tower: The Gunslinger Born" comic books series delves deeper into Roland's origins and is the perfect introduction to this incredibly realized world, while long-time fans will thrill to adventures merely hinted at in the novels. Collects issues #1-7…
Official Dark Tower Website
Official Marvel Comics Dark Tower Website
Order "Dark Tower: The Gunslinger Born" HERE
"Confessor" by Terry Goodkind. Release Date: November 13, 2007. "Join Richard and Kahlan in the concluding novel of one of the most remarkable and memorable journeys ever written. It started with one rule, and will end with the rule of all rules, the rule unwritten, the rule unspoken since the dawn of history. When next the sun rises, the world will be forever changed…" After eleven volumes and one short story (Debt of Bones), Mr. Goodkind's best-selling epic fantasy series finally comes to a close with "Confessor"…
Official Terry Goodkind Website
Order "Confessor" HERE
Watch a Video Interview HERE with Terry Goodkind
"Pirate Freedom" by Gene Wolf. Release Date: November 13, 2007. Gene Wolfe, winner of the World Fantasy Award for Life Achievement, as well as two Nebula Awards, the John W. Campbell Award, the British Fantasy Award, and the Prix Apollo, and the author of the Solar Cycle series, the Soldier saga, The Wizard Knight and many other works, is back with his captivating new masterpiece Pirate Freedom. "Fans of fantasy, of Wolfe, and of sea stories should all beat paths to anywhere this yarn is on the shelf…" –Booklist–
Order "Pirate Freedom" HERE
Read Andrew Wheeler's REVIEW of "Pirate Freedom"
"The Outcasts" by L.S. Matthews. Release Date: November 13, 2007. Originally released in the UK in 2004, the National Association of Special Educational Needs and Times Educational Supplement Award-shortlisted YA novel "The Outcasts" by author L.S. Matthews whose other releases include "Fish" (The Fidler Award winner, a 2005 ALA Notable Books, Publishers Weekly Best Books 2004), "A Dog For Life" and "Lexi", is just now making it's US debut thanks to Delacorte Books For Young Readers…
Official L.S. Matthews Website
Order "The Outcasts" HERE
Read An Excerpt HERE
"Shooting War". Release Date: November 19, 2007. This "scary-smart" graphic novel is a bold, irreverent, unflinching spoof of network news, the war in Iraq, and the burgeoning "citizen journalism" movement set in the near future. Created and written by writer/producer Anthony Lappé (GNN.tv Executive Editor, co-author of True Lies, Showtime, The New York Times, MTV News, Fuse, Air America, etc) and illustrated by Dan Goldman (ACT-I-VATE founder)…
Official Shooting War Website
Order "Shooting War" HERE
Read An Excerpt HERE
"A Dark Sacrifice" by Madeline Howard. Release Date: November 20, 2007. Madeline Howard is the pseudonym for Teresa Edgerton, an experienced fantasy/steampunk writer whose many works include the Green Lion trilogy, the Celydonn trilogy, the Goblin Moon duology, "The Queen's Necklace" and a number of short stories. Written as Madeline Howard, The Rune of Unmaking is a new epic fantasy trilogy that began with 2004's "The Hidden Stars" and now continues with volume two "A Dark Sacrifice"…
Official Madeline Howard Website
Official Teresa Edgerton Website
Order "A Dark Sacrifice" HERE
"The Darkest Evening of the Year" by Dean Koontz. Release Date: November 27, 2007. "With each of his #1 New York Times bestsellers, Dean Koontz has displayed an unparalleled ability to entertain and enlighten readers with novels that capture the essence of our times even as they bring us to the edge of our seats. From its breathtaking opening scene to its shocking climax, The Darkest Evening of the Year is Dean Koontz at his finest, a transcendent thriller certain to have readers turning pages until dawn…"
Official Dean Koontz Website
Order "The Darkest Evening of the Year" HERE
Read An Excerpt HERE
"Dreamsongs: Volume II" by George R. R. Martin. Release Date: November 27, 2007. Included in Volume II, are acclaimed stories such as the World Fantasy Award-winner "The Skin Trade," as well as the first novella in the Ice and Fire universe, "The Hedge Knight," plus two never-before-published screenplays. Featuring extensive author commentary, Dreamsongs: Volume II, is an invaluable chronicle of a writer at the height of his creativity—and an unforgettable reading experience for fans old and new…
Official George R. R. Martin Website
Order "Dreamsongs: Volume II" HERE
Read An Excerpt HERE
"The Solaris Book of New Fantasy" Edited by George Mann. Release Date: November 27, 2007. In the tradition of The Solaris Book of New Science Fiction, this stunning new anthology presents an array of never-before-seen fantasy short stories. From fable to fairytale, epic quest to urban mystery, all lovers of fantastic fiction will find something to delight in this bold new tome. Includes works by Steven Erikson, Juliet E. McKenna, Jeff VanderMeer, Mark Chadbourn, Hal Duncan, Jay Lake, Conrad Williams, T.A. Pratt and more…
Official Solaris Books Website
Order "The Solaris Book of New Fantasy" HERE
"V: The Second Generation" by Kenneth Johnson. Release Date: November 27, 2007. Creator of V, The Incredible Hulk, Alien Nation, The Bionic Woman and other Emmy Award-winning TV shows, writer-director-producer Kenneth Johnson (winner of the Viewers for Quality Television Award, multiple Saturn Awards + The Sci-Fi Universe Life Achievement Award) returns to his hugely popular world of V with "V: The Second Generation", a new novel based on the sequel miniseries currently being developed for TV…
Official Kenneth Johnson Website
Order "V: The Second Generation" HERE
"The Devil Inside" by Jenna Black. Release Date: November 27, 2007. Author of the paranormal romance series Guardians of the Night (Watchers in the Night, Secrets in the Shadow, Shadows on the Soul), Jenna Black (pseudonym for Jennifer Barlow) introduces exorcist Morgan Kingsley in "The Devil Inside", the opening volume in a brand new urban fantasy series. "Possession. Murder. Mayhem. The Devil Inside is a wild ride of uninhibited thrills, shocking surprises, and pure, unadulterated terror. Let the games begin..."
Official Jenna Black Website
Order "The Devil Inside" HERE
Read An Excerpt HERE
"The Watcher" by Jeanne C. Stein. Release Date: November 27, 2007. "The Watcher" is Jeanne C. Stein's third novel—following "The Becoming" (2006) and "Blood Drive" (2007)—to feature bounty hunter-turned vampire Anna Strong. "A heroine with the charm, savvy and intelligence that fans of Laurell K. Hamilton and Kim Harrison will be happy to root for…" –Publisher's Weekly– Ms. Stein also appears in the "Many Bloody Returns" vampire anthology, which includes Charlaine Harris, Jim Butcher, Kelley Armstrong, etc…
Official Jeanne C. Stein Website
Official Jeanne Stein/Mario Acevedo Blog
Order "The Watcher" HERE
"The Down Home Zombie Blues" by Linnea Sinclair. Release Date: November 27, 2007. In this steamy, suspenseful new novel from RITA Award–winning author Linnea Sinclair—a former news reporter and retired private detective whose bibliography includes Finders Keepers, Gabriel's Ghost, An Accidental Goddess, et cetera—a dangerously sexy space commander and an irresistibly earthy Florida police detective pair up to save the civilized galaxy…but can they save themselves from each other? Official Linnea Sinclair Website
Order "The Down Home Zombie Blues" HERE
Read An Excerpt HERE
"The Pearls" by Deborah Chester. Release Date: November 27, 2007. Since the late 70s, national bestselling author Deborah Chester (inducted into the 2004 Writers Hall of Fame of America) has written over thirty-five novels ranging from romance, historical fiction and Young Adult to fantasy, science fiction and media tie-ins based on Lucasfilm's Alien Chronicles and Gene Roddenberry's Earth 2. "The Pearls" is the opening volume in a duology that features characters from The Ruby Throne fantasy trilogy…
Official Deborah Chester Website
Order "The Pearls" HERE
"Killswitch" by Joel Shepherd. Release Date: November 30, 2007. Two years after the unhatching of a plot to make the capital city of Tanusha the center of the Federation, Callay is now under siege. So begins the third installment in the gripping Cassandra Kresnov science fiction trilogy from exciting new Australian author Joel Shepherd. "Espionage, battles, secrets revealed, escapes, political intrigue, personality clashes, high adventure, outer space—it's all here. Easily the best of the three…" –Don D'ammassa–
Official Joel Shepherd Website
Learn about "Killswitch" HERE
Read Fantasy Book Critic's REVIEW of "Breakaway"
Read Pat's Fantasy Hotlist's Review of "Killswitch" HERE
7 comments:
- SQT said...
I was at the bookstore yesterday and saw "The Cipher" already on the shelves. It kind of threw me since my review copy said it's going to be released Nov 6th. Anyway, I put down "The High King's Tomb" to hurry and read Cipher since it's out first, and I'm pleasantly surprised by how good it is. I haven't read Diana Pharoah Francis in awhile and had kind of forgotten about her... I won't make that mistake again.
- October 30, 2007 at 10:49 PM
- Aaron Wilson said...
I love your Spotlight. I always find something that I want. This month I will need to find a copy of "Shooting War."
- October 31, 2007 at 7:41 AM
Bit of a slow month Robert, I agree, but thanks nevertheless to doing the wonderful Spotlight feature again.
One note: The book Escape from Hell from Hal Duncan is actually coming out in July 2008.
- October 31, 2007 at 10:15 AM
- Robert said...
Theresa, I'm sure some places will have the book early because as far as I know, the release date is still November 6th--at least that's what it says on the publisher's website! Anyways, I've never read anything by Ms. Francis, but if I have time I'll try and read this this month :)
Aaron, thank you! I should be receiving a review copy of "Shooting War" any day now and I might be possibly running a giveaway for it ;)
Calibander, December looks like it will be a slow month too, but there are some pretty good releases in there :) Thanks so much for the heads up on the Hal Duncan novella! I was way off on that ;) I've edited it out and guess I have a headstart for the July 2008 feature...
- October 31, 2007 at 11:16 AM
- Katie said...
Thanks for the roundup. Just got Saint City Sinners and I'm really looking forward to getting into that one.
- October 31, 2007 at 11:53 AM
Looking forward to your review of the Scalding Rooms btw, I wonder if that will be something I'd like. 100 pages I believe, a PS Publishing offering.
- October 31, 2007 at 5:02 PM
- Robert said...
Calibander. Well, I've finished the review for "The Scalding Rooms", but I'm going to do something different with it. So, it might be a few weeks before it's posted...
- November 6, 2007 at 4:24 PM


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Its first season shows us the past, and most of its second season showed us the present. This week is all about the future, both of the Yakumo and Sukeroku names, the families connected to them, and of rakugo itself. In all cases, that future looks bright, thanks to the inspiration of those who came before.
First, we have a Shin in his late teens or early twenties, and he's the spitting image of his grandfather Yakumo, even though they're not related by blood…or are they? The resemblance is uncanny, Konatsu is committed to taking the truth to the grave, as is her prerogative.
In other news, Konatsu has become the first female rakugo performer in history, which is awesome, because it's something we know she's always wanted to do, and she's also very very good at it (sadly though, we don't get to see her perform).
Interestingly, it doesn't seem her and Yotaro's daughter (and Shin's little sister) Koyuki is interested in following the path the rest of her family has walked, and is content to listen to them work their craft.
As far as Shin is concerned, Yotaro, now the Ninth Generation Yakumo, is his Dad—he helped raise him, after all. That is very clear in a quiet, private scene between the two. As it's very possible he carries both the blood of Sukeroku and Yakumo, Shin seems to strike a nice balance between their two extreme styles. And the little boy Shin we're accustomed to comes out when his dad encourages him before one of the biggest performances of his life.
That performance is part of the grand re-opening of the Uchikutei theater, which had burned down years ago but now has been completely rebuilt (only now, no doubt, is up to code). Seeing the new Yakumo IX on the stage with his wife and son (and Master Mangatsu) is a triumphant moment, and the full crowd suggests Yotaro has succeeded in restoring rakugo from the brink it was dangling from when Yakumo VIII died.
Now it's a more inclusive, less stodgy, and more welcoming place, without sacrificing the things that made it unique. Even Konatsu realizes she was foolish in her earlier thinking that she'd upset some kind of "harmony" by entering the world of rakugo.
It must be that much more encouraging for Matsuda, the only character to inhabit all three timelines. He's 95 and wheelchair-bound, but seems as warm and cheerful as ever.
After Shin opens with a very good performance that demonstrates why he will be an excellent Sukeroku and/or Yakumo one day, Yotaro performs "Shinigami", a Yakumo VIII original, as a tribute. And what do you know, the old man visits him at the climax of his performance, leading me wondering momentarily if Yotaro had been taken to the far shore himself!
Thankfully, Yotaro is fine, and he and his family and friends celebrate after the show with a flower viewing by the riverside. Matsuda mentions how he saw his master to the far shore (apparently during a near-death experience of his own back then), and Higuchi waxes poetic on Yotaro's contributions to helping prevent rakugo from dying with Yakumo.
Yotaro, however was never concerned that rakugo would go anywhere, with or without his help. It's too good for that. And I tend to agree: various humans can argue over whether the art of rakugo is something that must be vigilantly protected from disappearing, like tending a delicate fire.
But fires can be rebuilt and reignited, and there will always be those who want to sit in an old theater (or a newly rebuilt theater) and hear someone tell a funny, raunchy, or moving story that will transport them somewhere else. Rakugo is eternal.

subset: commoncrawl


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Christopher Hitchens' Gay Prep School Sex a Window into Horny Teenage Bicuriosity
Vanity Fair columnist and public intellectual Christopher Hitchens is a twice-married straight man. In his boyhood, however, he had torrid affairs and circle jerked with male classmates. A leaked excerpt from Hitchens' forthcoming memoir documents necessary bisexuality in horny teens.
Gay prep school sex is, of course, a frequently joked-about trope for boarding schools. (Especially British ones.) But seeing a man who once chronicled the resolutely straight-man-ickiness of his pubes, pores, and back hair describe gay childhood romance tenderly, and the politics of boyhood boning seriously, is a thing to behold. In memoir Hitch-22, Hitchens says the combination of raging teenage hormones and an "all-male school featuring communal showers, communal sleeping arragements, [and] communal lavatories" frequently gave way to orgies. Hitch-22 also describes gay adult sex with Tories, but here, we will merely explore the mating rituals of bicurious British youth.
In this excerpt, Hitchens explains how the horniness of teenagers is a force greater than sexual orientation. Click any image to enlarge.
Hitchens was a pretty, "girlish" boy, making him popular with older boys. In this excerpt he explains how this led to myriad sex experiences—consensual and nonconsensual.
At his school, the sexual pecking order required younger boys to submit to older boys, thereby allowing a senior named Peter Raper to ruin Hitchens' "white-hot" romance with a young peer. In this excerpt, Hitchens aches for his long-lost love, and describes how school disciplinarians handled the oversexed teen masses.
Same-sex advances taught Hitchens—who once dedicated 2800 words to Why Women Aren't Funny—to understand the fairer sex and to be suspicious of "family values" politicians.
Basically, Christopher Hitchens owes his entire career to prep school wank sessions and a sadistic bully named Peter Raper. [Pic via]


text:
Use of Laser Pointers
Penal Code
P.C. 42.13 - Use of Laser Pointers
(a) A person commits an offense if the person knowingly directs a light from a laser pointer at a uniformed safety officer, including a peace officer, security guard, firefighter, emergency medical service worker, or other uniformed municipal, state, or federal officer.
(b) In this section, "laser pointer" means a device that emits a visible light amplified by the stimulated emission of radiation.
(c) An offense under this section is a Class C misdemeanor.


text:
When I was a very young child, I received a late November package all the way from my grandmother in Germany. It was a large, cloth Advent Calendar, designed to hang on the back of my bedroom door and fitted with little pockets, one for each day leading up to December 25. In each pocket she'd stuffed a tiny toy or bit of candy for me to retrieve day by day. I took so much pleasure in this calendar that my parents felt compelled to fill it for me each year around the holidays, well into my preteens.
I wanted to pass on the joy of this countdown-of-treats to Ms. readers. So, I present to you a secular version of my childhood calendar to help us at the Ms. Blog count down to 2011.
As the days pass, you'll see more and more of the image behind the dates revealed. You'll also be offered links to virtual feminist "treats"–a video, a game, a story. Check back each day to see what's next!
[iframe http://www.avivadoveviebahn.com/Ms_December2010 620 900]
Top: First holiday cover of Ms. magazine, December 1972, designed by Bea Feitler.


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Clean and Simple-Yes-that is what are Bumper Sets are all about. So, all that stands out is the wonderful colorways and adorable stories that are on each and everyone of our new 13 designs! Enjoy…. 'made with love Aunt Bucky' –Aunt BuckyRead More
Clean + Simple = Aunt Bucky Bumper Sets
Posted by admin on October 24, 2011 / no comment


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Two young female filmmakers, Kimberlee Acquaro and director Stacy Sherman, have made a deeply stirring film entitled God Sleeps in Rwanda. It is narrated by Rosario Dawson (Sin City; Rent) and nominated for an Academy Award in the category of short documentary.
Only twenty-eight minutes long, God Sleeps tells the stories of five women survivors of the Rwandan genocide of 1994; four are interviewed and one tells about her friend who is dying of AIDS. In those 100 days a million people were killed in Rwanda.
Severa Mukakinani saw her seven children killed in front of her and then was gang raped by so many men that she lost count. Afterward she was cut by a machete and thrown in a river. She does not know how she survived, she says softly. A month later, she discovered she was pregnant and wanted to end it. The women with whom she is hiding counsel her not to. When the child is born, Severa wanted to hate her – until the baby smiled at her. She named her Akimana, "child of God". Ten years later Severa says, "I never want her to think she belongs to those militia men. She belongs to me."
Fifi Mukabgoga could not speak for herself. She was dying of AIDS/HIV, as are many Rwandan women and children even today. Filmmaker Acquaro told an Amnesty International audience recently that it is through AIDS/HIV that the genocide continues. "People continue to die because of the virus transmitted by all the systematic rapes used as a tool of war in the genocide; because of this for the first time in history rape has been determined to be a crime against humanity."
The filmmakers took five years to make this film, with a team of four: Acquaro and Sherman, Nora Bagarinka, their translator who worked with the International Rescue Committee for the survivors of the genocide, and Craig Tanner, who edited the film. Ms. Acquaro explained that they shot the documentary with broadcast quality digital cameras, without a crew. In this way they could do the filming themselves and not frighten or intrude upon the women. To this day the culture of Rwanda looks down on a woman who was raped, so these experiences are not spoken of in public. 250,000 women were raped during the genocide.
God Sleeps in Rwanda is a powerful and gentle film that begins with the most traumatic stories and ends each one with the women speaking about recovery and rebuilding. The women's voices reflect a beauty that radiates strength to live, not just survive the hardship of everyday life. Another woman, now a police investigator and law student who got AIDS from her husband, says quietly at the end of her story that, "I am not so wonderful," but this is not true; she is. The faces of the women are illuminated by forgiveness and love for one another and the children: orphans, nieces and nephews, and the children of rape. These are women who fled the horror and came back to begin anew.
The necessity to contribute to the rebuilding of Rwanda is largely left to the women, who make up 70% of the adult population. Josephine Mujawamariya, for example, was elected to be a civil leader in her village with only an elementary education. She was in charge of a road building project carried out mostly by women, something that before the genocide would never have happened because the roles of men and women were so culturally defined.
Two of the women spoke of the comfort they receive from prayer, even though Catholic nuns and priests took part in the genocide. In 1994, two Benedictine nuns were convicted and sentenced in Belgium (where they had fled after the genocide) for directly contributing to the deaths of many people.
Rwanda still needs the world's help. This week the Vatican announced it was donating almost half a million dollars to Rwanda because of a growing food shortage due to drought. And the need for money for antiretroviral drugs continues to this day in Rwanda and throughout Africa. Also, killings sporadically continue to prevent witnesses from testifying in war trials that continue.
A member of the audience at the screening asked Ms. Bagarinka (now a nursing student in the U.S.) how they could forgive their family and friends who helped with the killings. She said, "If your neighbor asks forgiveness, how do you say no? We forgive so this will not happen again."
The title of the film comes from a Rwandan saying, "When God wanders the world, at the end of the day he comes to Rwanda to sleep because He considers this to be the most beautiful place on earth." Thanks to many women like those featured in this documentary, and the filmmakers, God must certainly feel at home once again.


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Hi Jess,
I just want to know how to love my body. I am pretty and everything but I want to love my body. I have done multiple of diets and none of them worked. I jump on the scale almost every day to see if I lost any pounds and usually it is 4 but I end up gaining it all back. I really just want to know how you do it. Please write back with ideas of trying to loose weight because I need some inspiration.
Loving your body does not come from the number on the scale or the latest diet (which usually doesn't work), but how you feel about yourself. Loving your body means loving it for what it is and what wonderful things it can do. Loving your body means having the confidence to say this is who I am and what I look like and saying (and believing) it's beautiful no matter what anyone else says. Loving your body means being healthy physically and happy emotionally. You can love your body no matter what the scale says (and since I don't own a scale, it's easier) if you have the confidence and choose to do it. Go for it girl!


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Exactly one year ago, when I started to learn bread baking, I tried to bake chocolate chip hot cross buns but they were as not as yummy as I expected as they were not as fresh and soft on the next day. I wasn't satisfied with this bake and really wish that I can bake these buns to acceptable level of perfection. To year-marked my progress in baking, I have decided to bake the same kind of hot cross buns again this year. Instead of using the standard recipes from the Breville breadmaker manual, I challenge myself to see if I have learned to choose a better recipe for this bake.
These hot cross buns (with no bread improver) are very soft and delicious and they are still great on the next day. So, I asked myself... Have I learn well enough to identify good recipe? Or am I just lucky? LOL! These buns I'm very satisfied now seeing all my improvement in bread baking.
The only disadvantage of this recipe is that this bread dough is very sticky and soft to handle and would highly recommend kneading the dough using a mixer or a breadmaker. Otherwise, this recipe is really good!
The recipe is largely modified from the one from Epicurious.
(with my modification and notes in blue)
2 cups (250g) white bread flour, plus extra for dusting
2 cups (250g) all-purpose white flour (I used Italian OO flour with 10% protein content)
1/2 cup warm water
1/2 cup warm milk (replace with water plus 15g milk powder)
1 1/2 tsp (0.18 ounce/5g) instant yeast
2/3 cup (3.5 ounces/100g) raisins, currants, or golden raisins
(replace with dark chocolate chip)
Finely grated zest of 1/2 orange (I didn't add this)
1/4 heaping tsp each of cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice (I didn't add this)
2 tsp (0.35 ounce/10g) fine salt
3 1/2 tbsp (50g) superfine sugar
1 medium free-range egg
3 1/2 tbsp (50g) butter
For the crosses
6 tbsp (50g) all-purpose white flour
7 tbsp water
(I find that this paste is too watery to handle and so I've added 2 tbsp more of flour. I tried not to add too much flour because I didn't want a thick paste to make the bread crust too tough to eat.)
To finish
1 tbsp apricot (or other) jam, sieved (replace with honey)
1 tbsp water (I used warm water)
If you have a stand mixer, combine the flours, water, milk, yeast, salt, and sugar in the bowl and fit the dough hook. Add the egg and butter and mix to a sticky dough.
Add the dried fruit, orange zest, and spices (I didn't add this) and knead on low speed until silky and smooth. (You can do this by hand, but it will be sticky to handle) Cover the dough and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hr, until doubled in size.
Deflate the risen dough and divide into 8 (or 15) equal pieces. For this bake, I have baked 6 chocolate chips buns and 9 plain spice-less buns. For the chocolate chip buns, I kneaded in 1/3 cup of chocolate chips in all 6 divided doughs and I kept the rest of 9 doughs as plain buns.
Shape each dough into rounds and dust with flour. Place on a floured board (or a lightly greased 35cm x 25cm baking pan), cover with plastic wrap or linen, and let proof for about 30 min, until roughly doubled in size. (I did mine for 1 hr)
Preheat the oven to 400°F (or 180°C fan forced). To make the crosses, whisk together the flour and water until smooth, then transfer to a pastry bag and snip off the end to make a fine hole. Transfer the risen buns to a baking sheet (I did this before the final proving) and pipe a cross on top of each one, then bake for 15 to 20 min (I bake mine for 15 min).
Meanwhile, melt jam with the water in a pan (or mix honey with warm water). Brush over the buns to glaze as you take them from the oven. Transfer to a wire rack to cool. Serve warm, cold, or toasted.
Happy Baking
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Update: Ooops. Originally thought this was an Apple patent.
Patently Apple today publishes some interesting new patents from developers including what appears to be an "iRobot" (oops, name taken) built around an iPad head.
iRobot's introductory abstract describes the invention this way: "A robot system includes a mobile robot having a controller executing a control system for controlling operation of the robot, a cloud computing service in communication with the controller of the robot, and a remote computing device in communication with the cloud computing service. The remote computing device communicates with the robot through the cloud computing service."
Subsequent drawings include navigation and obstacle avoidance (below) which seems to indicate that this is a "mobile" device in every sense of the word. Most of the perceived applications appear to be in the medical setting…
We saw one embodiment of an iPad-headed robot at WWDC 2011 from Taptic Toys.
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.


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If you're reading this, you probably already know what Samurai Champloo is. It's a popular animated series, currently airing on Cartoon Network and available on DVD, that combines 19th century Samurai action with cutting edge comedy, underscored by a soundtrack made up of jazz and hip-hop.
What you may not know, however, is that Namco Bandai Games is bringing a video game based on the hit show to the PlayStation 2 next month, an action-packed sword romp called Samurai Champloo: Sidetracked.
As the title implies, the game isn't a re-tread of the TV show. Instead, it is an original side story that takes place in-between the first and second episodes of the show. Players will get to see the earliest moments of Fuu, Jin, and Mugen's partnership, as they set out in search of the sunflower Samurai, and be able to participate first-hand in some of the events that lit the fuse for key confrontations that occurred in the show's later episodes.
Stylistically, the game has a structure similar to that of the animated TV show. There's a lengthy cinematic opening, which introduces the characters, gives credit to the voice cast, and gets the story going. Each episode (or mission, if you prefer) begins with a lengthy story sequence explaining why Mugen and Jin are about to lay waste to the dozens of ninjas and thugs we're about to encounter, followed by the actual hands-on portion of the episode, followed by more talking and story development. The story has many twists and turns, but, in a nutshell, Mugen ends up poisoned and constantly pursued by a crazy witch that has the hots for him, Fuu is kidnapped multiple times, and somehow all three manage to find themselves embroiled in a civil war. Yep, this is definitely Samurai Champloo .
Fans of the show will appreciate that the game tries to closely mimic the TV show's style. The cinematic scenes, while not hand-drawn, employ the same close-up perspectives and quick cuts that the TV show uses. The juxtaposition of gorgeous 19th century scenery and modern jazz music is particularly noteworthy. Furthermore, the dialogue and narration are cut with the same sort of wry humor that makes taking in an episode on Adult Swim such a guilty pleasure.
Even though there are many, many, many story scenes to sit through, Samurai Champloo: Sidetracked isn't a role-playing game. That may surprise those of you that have come to know Bandai as "the company that makes role-playing games based on animated TV shows." Instead, the game's hands-on aspects involve hack-and-slash style combat similar to that found in games like Samurai Warriors and Genji: Dawn of the Samurai , which is right in line with the TV show's action-packed nature.
Each environment is populated with groups of robbers, ninjas, and other baddies. In true video game fashion, you have to eliminate them and the "boss" waiting at the end of each mission (who is usually another Samurai or some ungodly demon). Combat, and there is LOTS of it, primarily involves tapping the square and triangle buttons to perform various attacks and combinations. Multi-hit combinations are the way to go, because the higher your hit counter climbs, the more money the bad guys leave behind when they die. Money, in turn, lets you buy better weapons and upgrades from the shops situated in certain areas.
Also available for purchase are additional music tracks, which change the accompanying soundtrack, but not in the way you'd expect. Each piece of music adds another combination to your character's arsenal. By tapping the buttons in the order shown, you'll unleash attacks in time with the beats. Anytime you want, you can tap the right analog stick to switch songs, thereby changing the attacks and combinations your character can perform. It's sort of like being a DJ and a fight choreographer, all in one.
Combat isn't all about mashing buttons. Grasshopper Company, the developer Bandai contracted to produce the game, took some of the concepts they thought up for their previous work, Killer 7 , and incorporated them into Champloo's fight system. If you tap the attack button the instant an enemy initiates an attack, you'll bring up "counter" mode, which is a button-matching minigame. By pushing the indicated buttons, you'll dodge the enemy's assault and nail him with your own attack. Performing successful combos will sometimes trigger what's known as "fate" mode, a state where the action slows down a la The Matrix , allowing your character to make multiple attacks in a split-second. There's also a state called "trance" mode, which is a two-parter that first lets you dish out 100+ attacks on a single enemy, and then lets you follow that up by doling out one-hit-kills to 100 individual enemies locked in a silhouetted room.
Players can go through the game as any of three different characters. From the outset, Mugen and Jin are available. Sadly, Fuu, in all her ditzy glory, isn't playable. That wouldn't make sense, since she's always getting into trouble or locked up in some kidnapper's lair. A third character, unique to the game, becomes available once you complete the scenarios for either of the other two characters. In all, there are roughly a dozen different missions to play through for each character. Some missions and story scenes change based on the character you play, which should give diehard fans enough incentive to finish the game with all three characters.
Samurai Champloo: Sidetracked for the PlayStation 2 is scheduled to ship April 11, 2006.
In the meantime, click here to see some screenshots of the game .
Or, click here to watch a video clip of the game in motion .


text: A handy single serve Pocket Snack of Canadian, small, wild, lowbush organic blueberries. Handpicked, infused with organic apple juice concentrate, slowly air dried, and lightly misted with organic sunflower oil to prevent clumping. EDEN Pocket Snacks go easily to school, work, on errands, camping, and trekking. Keep them in the pantry for healthy snacking. No refined sugar, trans fats, sulfites, or preservatives. Very low sodium with no salt added, fiber rich, and low fat. Wild lowbush blueberries are USDA rated #1 in antioxidant activity among 20 fruits rated. Gluten Free and .


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At first sight the 2700 ANSI Lumens light output seems unfeasibly high for DLP. The explanation appears to be that the basic engine is a dual purpose one also meant to fulfil an office-centric brief as well as a cinema one.
This generally means widescreen compatibility and other such subtleties are secondary, as long as the projector is bright enough to show PowerPoints to big audiences in rooms not always fully blacked out. Sound is also included, but it's low grade, only really suitable for setting up and for small scale presentations.
The range of socketry also shows a predisposition to the office user, hence VGA in/out, an RS232 control socket and USB. But all the usual interfaces required for home cinema are featured, up to and including component video and DVI-I HDCP.
The PJ755D has an impressive 1,024 x 768 pixel resolution, which means a standard aspect ratio of 4:3. Although it will project widescreen images, the unused area just above and below the projected image is dark grey, which can be distracting.
It also means that not all the theoretically available resolution of the optical processor is realised in widescreen mode, though it remains impressive enough at the price.
The menu system is attractive and easy to use, and includes such niceties as vertical and horizontal keystone, though don't forget that any such digital correction reduces picture quality.
Despite the bargain price, the PJ755D is as bright most LCDs at considerably higher prices. It's brighter even than three-chip DLP projectors at £20,000 to £25,000 a throw! The Viewsonic PJ755 is a very powerful projector, with enough raw optical power to cope in rooms that are not fully blacked out.
For non-critical purposes, it is more than usable in daylight with just the curtains drawn, where some products would look dull and pasty. It's quiet too, even on full power.
The default colour balance is also very attractive, with very pure, whites, with just a hint of blue. The effect is vivid even during indoor scenes, but subtlety is not its strong suit. The visible contrast ratio is not impressive. Black clothing, for example, reproduces as dark grey and lacking in detail.
Processing of motion artefacts is relatively primitive - another legacy of the Viewsonic's office origins. The (unspecified) internal image processor appears to handle moving information in large rectangular blocks, which gives a rather crude image lacking detail when significant amounts of motion are involved. Scrolling text looks mechanical and doesn't move smoothly.
So this is model is something of a mixed bag, neither fish nor fowl, but it has an obvious attraction for use in large rooms. It is let down in the end by the lack of native widescreen processing, by crude handling of motion and by a gamma curve that appears to be uneven and compressed in the blue part of the spectrum - which is not uncommon. We also noticed some 'tearing' at the top of the image.


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Monday, New Week, time to introduce "Record Of The Week"
"Ond Saga" is a brand new album by the reunited Swedish punk rock band KSMB.
KSMB (Kurt-Sunes med Berit) was a Swedish punk rock band from 1977 to 1982. The young band members grew up and lived in the suburb Skärholmen outside Stockholm.
"Ond Saga" is undoubtedly one of Sweden's most important punk band returns, a band that have always been hated by journalists and loved by their fans.
After a highly acclaimed performance before 20,000 fans at the cheerful Bråvalla festival back in 2015, they notice that they have been missing. So in February 24 they release "Ond Saga" on Wild Kingdom Records.
"Ond Saga" is an an angry, energetic punk album that sounds exactly as it should, it's created by middle-aged men, who are neither ashamed of their age or try to hide it.
Sum: Even a old punker should dig this.
Tenth edition of KSMB embarks on an eight-date tour, see the dates below. Support on the tour is SIXTEN DISABLED, SIR REG and MATRIARCHY.
The tenth edition of KSMB consists of:
Gus Van Horn, Drums,
Sulo Karlsson, guitar,
Poppe Schubert, bass,
Mats Larson, guitar,
Michael Alonzo, vocals,
Steppan Guiance, vocals.
Att det finns ett helvete
Ja ett riktigt helvet
Att det finns ett helvete
Ja, för sådana som dej
Ja ett riktigt helvet
Att det finns ett helvete
Ja, för sådana som dej
Today's tune "Helvete" is a single release from the record and the first Video that was shoot. Directed by Billy Crammer, enjoy!
More info @
Official KSMB Facebook
Listen to "KSMB - Helvete" on Spotify!
Follow tuneoftheday.blogspot.com on Spotify!


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The three-year, $27 million contract extension that New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady reportedly signed shouldn't affect the Ravens' pending business with quarterback Joe Flacco much, if at all.
All the deal does is decrease the exclusive franchise tag from $20.46 million to $19.63 million, because Brady went from a $21.55 million cap figure down to $13.8 million in 2013.
Now, New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees' $17.4 million salary-cap figure for 2013 is one of the top five salary-cap figures that the exclusive franchise tender is derived from, along with New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning's $20.85 million ($13 million base salary), Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford's $20.82 million ($12.5 million base salary), Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning's $20 million ($20 million) and Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger's $19.596 million ($11.6 million base salary).
The Ravens have until March 4 to decide whether to make Flacco their exclusive franchise player, at a cost of $19.63 million against the salary cap for the 2013 fiscal year, or a nonexclusive franchiste tender of $14.6 million.
The Ravens, specifically vice president of football administration Pat Moriarty, are in talks with Joe Linta, Flacco's agent, in an effort to avoid making Flacco the franchise player and avoid an even tighter salary-cap situation than they are in now.
Linta has said he wants Flacco to be the highest-paid quarterback, which would entail paying him more than the annual average for Brees ($20 million) and Peyton Manning ($18 million).
If the Ravens were to go to the Brees or Manning level and construct a Flacco contract based on those pacts, here's a look at how the prospective deal could shape up:
Brees' $100 million contract includes $60.5 million in guaranteed money.
In 2012, he had a base salary of $3 million with a first-year salary cap figure of $10.4 million as he received a signing bonus of $37 million. $12 milion of the signing bonus was deferred to Jan. 15 of this year.
In 2013, Brees has the $17.4 million salary-cap figure and a $9.75 million base salary. The salary is fully guaranteed with no offset language.
In 2014, Brees has a salary-cap figure of $18.4 million and a base salary of $10.75 million.
In 2015, Brees has a salary-cap figure of $26.4 million with a base salary of $18.75 million.
In 2016, the final year of his contract, Brees has a salary-cap figure of $27.4 million with a base salary of $19.75 million.
As for Manning, his $96.004 million contract, like the Brees deal negotiated by agent Tom Condon, carries $58 million in guaranteed money.
In 2012, his base salary was $18 million and his salary-cap figure was $18.004 million.
In 2013, Manning's base salary and salary-cap figure are both $20 million. He was given a salary advance of $5 million.
In 2014, Manning has a $20 million salary-cap figure and a $20 million base salary.
In 2015, Manning has a $19 million salary-cap figure and a $19 million base salary.
In 2016, the final year of his contract, Manning has a $19 million cap figures and base salary.


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Bravely Default: Flying Fairy ships 300,000 copies in Japan, producer teases new "developments"
Bravely Default: Flying Fairy has shipped 300,000 copies in Japan since its October release, according to producer Tomoya Asano. Speaking with 4Gamer in an interview, Asano revealed the figures, stating that by the end of the month, he believes sales of the game will equal the numbers shipped. He also said that "from this year to about next year, I'm thinking there are a lot of things that I want to prepare for everyone to look forward to," so to keep an eye on the game's Twitter account. Does this mean the game may be heading west, or is there a sequel in the works? Just do what the man says and stay glued to that Twitter account. Thanks, Gematsu.


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Alberta (Sylvia) Rose, affectionately known as Betty by all, died at her home in Oak Bluffs on Oct. 30, surrounded by the love and the presence of her family. She was 94 and the matriarch of the Rose family.
Betty was born at home in Oak Bluffs on April 1, 1918, the daughter of the late Albert E. Sylvia Jr. and Celia E. (Swartz). She attended school in Oak Bluffs. She married Manuel P. Rose on Nov. 19, 1938 at Sacred Heart Church. They were the parents of Robert E. Rose, the late Clifford M. Rose, Kenneth A. Rose, Albert E. Rose and Dennis J. Rose.
She was a homemaker for most of the year, but from early spring through late autumn worked in Harthaven, caring for most of the families for several generations. She and Manny were caretakers for the homes in Harthaven; she cooked for the families, prepared hors d'oeuvres for their parties, catered their birthday parties and weddings, cared for their children and grandchildren and oversaw just about everyone in Harthaven.
In the winters Betty and Manny would travel to Dania, Fla. for three months where they were surrounded by their Vineyard avenue neighbors who were also in Dania for three months. In the 1980s they purchased a home in Lake Worth, Fla. across the street from her cousin Mary Jane (Amaral) Bergeron and her husband Eugene where most Vineyarders would visit and gather throughout the winter.
Betty always delighted in visits from her large and extended family on the Vineyard and from across New England. Her walls were filled with photographs of her family. She took great pleasure in sharing her family recipes, in telling stories of growing up in Oak Bluffs and the changes over the past 90 years, and especially sharing her family history. She was always very proud of the accomplishments of her uncle Rep. Joseph A. Sylvia and his three decades of service to the Vineyard. She was very proud of her family with their involvement in the Oak Bluffs Fire Department, their work with the Oak Bluffs Highway Department and now as Oak Bluffs Emergency Medical Technicians.
In recent years she enjoyed the luncheons and activities at the Oak Bluffs Senior Center. She was a member of Our Lady Star of the Sea Church.
Betty is survived by her sons Robert Rose and his wife Janice of Oak Bluffs, Kenneth Rose of Maine, Albert Rose of Oak Bluffs and Dennis Rose of Oak Bluffs. She is survived by her brothers Albert Sylvia and his wife Frances of North Reading, Robert Sylvia and his wife Pearl of Falmouth, and her sister Eileen White and her husband George of Oak Bluffs, as well as by many nieces and nephews and cousins.
She is also survived by her grandchildren Donna, Robert, Richard, John, Manuel, Trulayna, Krystle, Chandler, Angela, Jessica, Beth, Tabitha, Tracy, and Tony, as well as 26 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.
She was predeceased by her husband Manuel, her son Clifford, her grandson Dennis Rose Jr., and by her sister Dorothy and her husband John Riley.
Her family is very grateful and appreciative of the care and concern she received from Jyl Manning, Joann Kinnecom Murphy, Alice Rose, Evelyn DeBettencourt, Wendy Rose, Barbara Magnuson Phillips, Dr. John Lamb, Hope Hospice and the Visiting Nurse Association.
Funeral services will be held on Nov. 2 with visitation at Chapman, Cole, and Gleason Funeral Home from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Her funeral mass, conducted by Rev. Michael Nagle, will be celebrated at Our Lady Star of the Sea Church on Massasoit avenue following the visitation. Interment will be in Sacred Heart Cemetery on Vineyard avenue in Oak Bluffs. A gathering will follow at the P.A. Club on Vineyard avenue. Please bring a dish to share.
In lieu of flowers, a donation in Betty's memory would be appreciated to Martha's Vineyard Community Services (111 Edgartown Road, Vineyard Haven, MA 02568), the Oak Bluffs Council on Aging (21 Wamsutta avenue, Oak Bluffs, MA 02557) or the Holy Ghost Society Scholarship Fund (P.O. Box 2307, Oak Bluffs, MA 02557.


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Fear Who?
It was a beautiful morning in Concord on Monday, as a park ranger stepped up to the microphone at the Old North Bridge for the Patriot's Day festivities. In the presence of Democratic state and federal officials, the ranger narrated the events that led to the events of April 19, 1775–that the government had levied heavy and unfair taxes to pay for unpopular social programs and wars, that the King had demonstrated contempt for the legislature of the people, denied them their civil liberties, occupied Boston and interfered with commerce and the Courts and then, of course, attempted to take away the guns stored at the homes of the citizens–an attempt which, fortunately, was rebuffed by colonists who refused to be afraid and held their ground. Nice narrative.
Except for what the week held. On Monday, the federal government took all of our money for unpopular social programs and wars. On Wednesday, Obama tried to take away our guns, and on Friday declared contempt for our Senate by promising to act contrary to the actions of of our legislature. On Thursday, Obama and his forces came to and occupied Boston, interfered with our commerce and courts, interfered in the laws of our own legislature and federalized our laws and, when a criminal suspect was caught who had engaged in state crimes, participated in declaring the abrogation of the suspect's civil liberties, promised to bring in some kind of "elite special interrogation unit" to torture the suspect and feed him into Carmen Ortiz's Chamber of Horrors. All the while, the people of this Commonwealth passively cowered in their homes rather than taking a stand at the bridge. I never did find out where the feds had the right to lock people in their houses, or what the penalty for ignoring such a request might entail.
But it does force the question: who should we fear–Barack Hussein Obama, or a mixed up 19 year old college kid with a pressure cooker?


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Boy Scout leaders to vote on lifting gay ban
The Boy Scouts of America will convene a two-day meeting of 1,400 local leaders to consider changing its long-standing ban on openly gay boys in the scouting movement.
Officials of the Irving, Texas-based organization are scheduled Wednesday to open the first of the ballots cast on whether to allow homosexual Boy Scouts. Scouting officials propose allowing openly gay Scouts but retaining the ban on gay adult Scout leaders.
The final vote is scheduled for Thursday in the Dallas-Fort Worth suburb of Grapevine.
Some conservatives have denounced the proposal, saying the Scouts' traditions would be undermined by the presence of openly gay youth. Gay-rights supporters have welcomed the proposed change as a positive first step but want the BSA to lift the ban on gay adults as well.


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The baked sweet potato chips hold a strange place in the pantheon on food, without which not even popular nutrition icons such as Martha Stewart or Paula Deen could go. It's the slacker food par excellence, not taking long to cook, yet it's a delicious and a really healthy meal, being a savory source of fiber, potassium and vitamin A.
If food were people, the sweet baked potatoes would be the unassuming and lazy flatmate that seems to never get off the couch, yet somehow does keep fit and is quite the sweet-talker too when you get to know him. The Christmas meal is notoriously high in calories and heavy food, so the baked sweet potatoes can work as a more light-weight, yet still delicious side-dish, among the piles of other stuff, especially since you cook them so many different ways.
We managed to avoid the store bought, microwaved meal options this season, and went for a few simple dishes to make from scratch at home in no time! So here are what we found to be 4 delicious baked sweet potato recipes showing you how to prepare a perfect homemade meal this Christmas.
1. The Plain Baked Sweet Potato
This is the basic version of the baked sweet potato: easy, cheap, delicious and popular. It also the basis of pretty much every other derivative recipe, so it's important to get it right. Luckily, that's incredibly easy. All you need is a bunch of whole sweet potatoes, some salt and some butter. Wash the sweet potatoes well and dry them off. Then, using a fork, stab a few holes in them, so they can bake properly. Pre-heat the oven at a 350 degrees temperature and place the potatoes directly on the grilled rack of the oven. While you can also do this using a microwave oven, it's really not the same thing. After 45 minutes or so, pinch them with a fork and if they seem soft take them out and let them cool before cutting a slit on top of them. Dress them with butter and a sprinkle of salt and eat while warm.
2. Loaded Baked Sweet Potato
This version has so many different options that they're impossible to count and are only limited by your imagination and taste: to go with crispy fried chicken, crunchy bacon, or a spicy sauce, you name it. Go through the same actions as in the basic version but, while the sweet potatoes are in the over start mixing a topping. This can consist of everything that you think would taste good on top of a baked sweet potato, from jam to sliced pickles and everything in between, but, if you can't be bothered to think of anything right now, you can try this first. Make a spread by mixing sour cream, chilli powder, paprika and salt in a bowl and, in different bowls, place toppings such as diced tomatoes and peppers, spring onions, salsa, grated cheese and black beans. After taking out the potatoes form the oven, instead of butter, apply the spread and let the bowls on the table, so everyone can apply their favourite mixture.
3. Baked Sweet Potato Fries
Same idea, different way to cook. Wash the sweet potatoes and peel them. Slice them into the regular fries shape and sizes. Place the slices of sweet potatoes in a large bowl and add 1/3 cup olive oil, a teaspoon of rosemary, a pinch of salt and some ground pepper, and let them fry. Toss them around so the fries will be coated in the mix of oil and spices. Place in a baking sheet and place into the pre-heated oven where they should stay for around 15 – 20 minutes before being removed, stirred so they flip on the other side, and returned for another 5 to 10 minutes.
4. Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Cinnamon and Honey
For an extra-Christmasy recipe based on the baked sweet potato, try the above fries recipe, but with a few differences. Cut the sweet potatoes into 1-inch cubes, instead of fries. Place them on a roasting tray and drizzle each one with a mix of ¼ cup olive oil, ¼ cup honey, 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, salt and pepper. Place in the pre-heated oven for 25 – 30 minutes or until tender. Before serving, it's best to drizzle with a bit more olive oil.


text:
Used 2018 Winnebago Intent 26M
Motor Home Class A
Stock #U1607
Lake Park, GA
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Two thumbs upI just bought a new travel trailer from these people and it was the best experience I have ever had with a business.they were very professional and I felt like I was family I would recommend them to anyone Brandie was our sales person and she was the sweetest salesperson we have ever had.and the rest
Part Dept Is GreatI called another dealer for a part, when I got there from an hour away, no part, I called A&L they had the part waiting for me, installed the part and all is well, next day discovered a problem with the shower hose connection, took it to them and they showed me the right way to fix, no parts needed.all
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We are here to help!
A & L RV Sales is not responsible for any misprints, typos, or errors found in our website pages. Any price listed excludes sales tax, registration tags, $499 Doc Fee, and delivery fees. Manufacturer pictures, specifications, and features may be used in place of actual units on our lot. Please contact us at any of our 8 locations for availability as our inventory changes rapidly. All calculated payments are an estimate only and do not constitute a commitment that financing or a specific interest rate or term is available.


text:
Temporomandibular disorder (TMD)
Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) is a condition affecting the movement of the jaw. It's not usually serious and generally gets better on its own.
Check if you have temporomandibular disorder (TMD)
Signs of TMD include:
- pain around your jaw, ear and temple
- clicking, popping or grinding noises when you move your jaw
- a headache around your temples
- difficulty opening your mouth fully
- your jaw locking when you open your mouth
The pain may be worse when chewing and when you feel stressed.
TMD can also stop you getting a good night's sleep.
How to ease temporomandibular disorder (TMD) yourself
There are some simple things you can do to try to reduce your jaw pain.
eat soft food, like pasta, omelettes and soup
take paracetamol or ibuprofen
hold ice packs or heat packs to the jaw, whichever feels better
massage the painful jaw muscles
try to find ways to relax
do not chew gum or pen tops
do not bite food with your front teeth
do not yawn too wide
do not bite your nails
do not clench your teeth – apart from when eating, your teeth should be apart
do not rest your chin on your hand
How to make your own ice packs and heat packs
Try either:
- a pack of frozen peas, wrapped in a tea towel, for no more than 5 minutes at a time, or
- a hot water bottle, wrapped in a tea towel, twice a day for 15 to 20 minutes
Non-urgent advice: See a GP if:
- you're unable to eat or drink
- the pain is affecting your daily life
- the pain is affecting your sleep
- the pain and discomfort keep coming back
Treatments for temporomandibular disorder (TMD) from a GP
The GP may suggest:
- stronger painkillers
- relaxation techniques to reduce stress
- ways to improve your sleep
They might suggest you see:
- a dentist – if teeth grinding might be an issue
- a psychologist – if stress and anxiety are making your pain worse
- a physiotherapist – for advice about jaw exercises and massage
If these treatments do not help, you may be referred to a specialist in joint problems to discuss other options, such as painkilling injections or surgery.
Causes of temporomandibular disorder (TMD)
TMD can be caused by:
- teeth grinding
- wear and tear of the joint
- a blow to the head or face
- stress
Page last reviewed: 5 August 2020
Next review due: 5 August 2023


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Way back in 2004 i posed the question, Do I need a phoneline for Sky Digital? and I can confirm that yes, you do need to keep your Sky box connected for the term of the contract, usually the first year.
Last January I purchased a Sky+ subscription with the multi-room option. I didn't connect the second box to the phone, mainly because it's upstairs and I never got around to stringing a phone line to that room. Then, sometime during the last year the phone line to the living room died so both boxes were offline. Oops.
Sky contacted me several times, I bought 2 phoneline extension cables but there was always something more interesting to do than fix a phone line. Fancy that eh?
Last week Sky sent me this letter saying, "sadly, your entitlement to Multiroom pricing has been lost" unless I reconnect the boxes to the phone and ring them.
I've been on hold to Sky for the last 32 minutes, only another 30 minutes to go..


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Nairobi — Kenya is seeking the services of leading mobile phone companies in an ambitious campaign to market the East African Community Common Market. In an Obama-inspired campaign — where ICT played a major role in galvanising public support — the country plans to educate all the 17 million Kenyans who own mobile phones on how they stand to benefit from the Common Market, whose protocol was signed a month ago. It will do this through short text messages. Radio will also be used widely — targeting mainly rural areas. The campaign is spearheaded by the Ministry of East African Community. It will also target specific groups that stand to benefit most from the Common Market. These groups include large firms with cross-border operations, institutions of higher learning, labour unions, federation of employers, bankers association and teachers unions.
Under the Common Market, citizens of the EAC partner states will move freely across the region's borders. Companies that choose to set up operations in one or more member states will be treated equally with local ones; those who wish to work in another partner state will compete for jobs with local people on equal terms; and those who choose to permanently live in another member country will not be treated as a foreigners. However, Kenya's EAC Ministry fears that many Kenyans — and East Africans by extension — are still not aware of the benefits of the Common Market. "The Common Market protocol has far-reaching implications for the region in terms of free movement, investment, doing business, immigration rules and labour laws. Therefore, the people need to be sensitised. "We need to explain to them the reasoning behind the various articles in the protocol," said EAC Ministry Permanent Secretary David Nalo.
On the evening of November 20 when the protocol was signed, the BBC was interviewed people crossing major border points like Namanga and Malaba to establish if they knew what the Common Market would mean for them. "Many of them were ignorant about it," Mr Nalo said, adding that the ministry has developed a multipronged communication strategy to tackle this challenge. "We'll undertake a benchmarking exercise — something like an opinion poll — across the border posts (Malaba, Isbania, Busia, Namanga, Holili and Mt Elgon). This will help us design an appropriate communication programme for various people." Mobile phones feature prominently in the communication strategy."They are a powerful means of communication," Mr Nalo said. The basic information to be relayed will include simple questions such as: What is a Common Market? what is free movement of capital? and so on.


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California State Senator Leland Yee, who took his fight against violent video games all the way to the Supreme Court a couple of years ago and lost, slammed the NRA's odd, new attack on video games.
It's not that the former child psychologist suddenly loves violent video games. It's that Yee, who wrote the failed California law that would criminalize the sale of them to minors, believes that the NRA should be focusing on something else in the wake of the Sandy Hook shooting.
Here's Yee, in an e-mailed statement:
"I find it mind-boggling that the NRA suddenly cares about the harmful effects of ultra-violent video games. When our law was before the Supreme Court—while several states, medical organizations, and child advocates submitted briefs in support of California's efforts—the NRA was completely silent. Now, rather than face reality and be part of the solution to the widespread proliferation of assault weapons in America, they attempt to pass the buck. More guns are not the answer to protecting our children, as evident by the fact that armed guards weren't enough to stop the tragedy at Columbine High School. The NRA's response is pathetic and completely unacceptable."
A San Francisco Democrat, Lee has been busy pushing for gun control in his state. He is trying to close a loophole that allows state residents to buy some semi-automatic weapons.


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The so called summer season has started here. First day of vacation. I fresh installed Ubuntu 14.10 still in development, running great, and am testing out LXDE-Qt on top of lubuntu 14.04 which was not that of a good idea. Will probably have to fresh install over again and go for a pure LXQt environment. This laptop's battery died last year, so it became a laptop on a leash for tests.
The Ubuntu Forums are keeping me busy, I've always liked forums, these ones in particular. Not sure why, I like the place, the Staff team, the way people can get helped, the way I can help and learn in the process. It is a great learning resource to me. One command I got reminded of a few days ago : apt-cache madison which shows packages versions available from the repositories, even if not in the sources.list. Complementary to apt-cache policy :)


text: A Data Set for Research on Data-based Methods for an Omnidirectional Mobile Robotdoi:10.18419/darus-1845DaRUS2021-05-211Eschmann, Hannes, 2021, "A Data Set for Research on Data-based Methods for an Omnidirectional Mobile Robot", https://doi.org/10.18419/darus-1845, DaRUS, V1A Data Set for Research on Data-based Methods for an Omnidirectional Mobile Robotdoi:10.18419/darus-1845Eschmann, HannesEXC 2075 - 390740016DaRUSEschmann, HannesEberhard, PeterEschmann, Hannes2021-05-10EngineeringRoboticsMobile RobotsRegressionOmnidirectional RobotsThe intend of this data set is the cooperation within SimTech. It will be particularly interesting for data-based modeling and control which is a key area of the research of project network 4. We are proud to provide real-world data, which is essential for the benchmark of any data-based method. Additionally, we are able to provide reference solutions in order to evaluate the predictive quality of the methods tested. Finally, an example on how this data set can be used with Gaussian process (GP) regression in order to predict the systematic mismatches of the mobile robot is given. The data set contains input-output data of an omnidirectional mobile robot. The inputs to the mobile robots are the desired speeds in the plane as well as an angular velocity of the robot around its vertical axis. The corresponding outputs are the position in the plane and the robots orientation in an inertial frame of reference. The data set is provided in the Matlab *.mat format.Please specify the intended use of this data set.documentation.pdfa short introduction into the training data and its purposeapplication/pdfmessung1.mattraining data set 1application/matlab-matmessung2.mattraining data set 2application/matlab-matREADME.txttext/plainreference.matreference data (figure eight trajectory)application/matlab-mat


text:
NOTE: The content on this page is obsolete. See the backup and migration support included in Jackrabbit 1.6.
The backup tool v1 is able to backup a repository and restore it to a blank repository. It uses as much as possible existing storage/restore mechanism.
Currently we manage the following resources:
- Repository (repository.xml)
- Node Type
- Namespaces
- All workspaces (config and content)
- Node version histories
- Backup configuration
Please feel free to comment (through the ML or this contact form to contact directly Nicolas Toper). We plan to work on a second version soon. We are currently gathering feedback and new use cases.
Design Goals
- Backup both data and configuration option.
- Ease of use for sysAdmin to backup and restore content.
- Aim for generic operations: when adding new functionalities to Jackrabbit we should not have to update the backup application code.
- Aim for modularity. This would be the first release of the backup tool. It will evolve for sure.
- Disk space is not an issue for now. (It can be worked out in another release)
- Performance is not an issue for now.(It can be worked out in another release)
Prerequisites & Misc.
- All operations are sequential. No multi-threading are currently involved.
- Repository must be stopped for backup/restore and dedicated to the backup/restore operations.
- The Backup tool source code is available via Subversion at
and anonymous access is available at
or with ViewVC at
Backuping A Repository
To launch a backup, please run the following command:
LaunchBackup --zip myzip.zip --conf backup.xml --login nico --password mlypass backup repository.xml repository/
where zip is the name of the file to generate, backup.xml, the name of the XML configuration file (if you don't know how to use it, please use the one included), login and password: the required userID and password.
To restore a repository, please prepare a blank repository (available through create repository)
LaunchBackup --zip ./myzip.zip – conf backup.xml --login nico --password p restore repository.xml repository/
where zip is the name of the backup file, backup.xml, the name of the XML configuration file (if you don't know how to use it, please use the one included), login and password: the required userID and password.
repository.xml and repository/ respectively points toward the repository.xml file and its home to restore.
NB You can easily migrate one repository to the other this way and change PersistenceManager easily.
We tried as much as possible to achieve a symmetry between backup and restore. All classes can be used for backup and restore operations.
The backup tool is organized in main classes:
- Launch utility (LaunchBackup) The launch utility allow to launch a backup through a cronjob or the CLI. You can also integrate the backup in your application by instantiating this class.
- <Resource>Backup It is a collection of classes extending the abstract class Backup. Each class is responsible for backuping/restoring a specific resource. For instance, NodeTypeBackup is responsible to backup and restore all node types. To create another class (for instance to backup Lucene indexes), extend Backup and implement its two abstract methods: backup and restore. If you do so, please commit them back.
- Manager manages the instanciation and handling of all <Resource>Backup classes (please see NB). It knows which Backup subclasses to call through a XML configuration file. You can therefore create easily your own customized backup.
- IOsystem The IOsystem is handled through an interface (BackupIOHandler) and its implementation (ZipBackupIOHandler). It allows us to easily improve the IOsystem without impacting other parts of the code.
NB The restore operation of the backup configuration and the repositories are special since they are mandatory and allow the restore operations to take place. Therefore, LaunchBackup is calling those two classes directly in order to be able to continue the restore operation.
Configuration File
<Backup> <WorkingFolder path="tmp/" /> <Resources> <!-- The repository and the config file are automatically backupped --> <Resource savingClass="org.apache.jackrabbit.backup.NodeTypeBackup" /> <Resource savingClass="org.apache.jackrabbit.backup.NamespaceBackup" /> <Resource savingClass="org.apache.jackrabbit.backup.NodeVersionHistoriesBackup" /> <Resource savingClass="org.apache.jackrabbit.backup.AllWorkspacesBackup" /> </Resources> </Backup>
Backup And Restore Operations
- The configuration files is saved as files.
- The workspaces (and node version histories) is exported using t to a specific workspace (SavingWorkspace) using ObjectPM or XmlPM. We would zip the directory, copy it and destroy the workspace.
- Other resources (custom node types and namespaces) are saved and serialized using Jackrabbit's internal xml node type serialization format (NodeTypeWriter and NodeTypeReader for instance).
- We would then zip everything in the working folder move it as a stream to RepositoryImpl.
Here are some evolutions ideas, please feel free to comment there or on the ML. We plan to implement them soon.
- Remove the need for the working folder. Use only streams.
- Add asynchronous I/O (synchronous for now only since there are only a few resources to backup)
- Add a remote client using either a dedicated RMI connection or the JCR one.
- Add support later for a restore operation while the repository is still in operation by rewriting the local restore operation and its client.
- Hotbackup (see post on the ML on this subject)
- Incremental backup (using Rsync ?)
- Backup Lucene Index (see post on Lucene ML about saving indexes)
- Backup a large repository to span multiple CD/DVD's. Incremental backups on additional CD/DVD's based on what has not been backed-up yet.
- A 'persistence manager' to remotely access backups on CD/DVD (example: remotely on a jukebox of CD/DVD's).
- Tag (active) metadata so that it is aware of backups on CD/DVD (i.e. how many copies are out there, CD/DVD label/name/namespace/sometypeofuniqueID).
- Add support for partial restore on the Worskpace level (add resource WorkspaceBackup and WorkspaceBackup + a parameter for the name) (<!--
<Resource class="org.apache.jackrabbit.backup.WorkspaceBackup"
<param name="default" />
<Resource class="org.apache.jackrabbit.backup.WorkspaceConfigBackup">
<param name="default" />
- Add different uuidBehavior possible (see <!-- CREATE_NEW = 0
If collision, REMOVE_EXISTING = 1;
If collision, REPLACE_EXISTING = 2;
Or throw an exception= 3; -->
<param name="uuidBehavior" value="0"/>)
- Partial restore
Please contact Nicolas Toper (through the ML or this contact form) on any question/suggestion/idea on this project


text:
Supreme Court: Lawmakers must testify on redistricting maps
TALLAHASSEE — The Supreme Court ruled Friday that lawmakers can be forced to testify as part of a lawsuit challenging whether they violated the constitution when they drew new congressional districts.
The decision is a victory for the League of Women Voters and others who are suing over the new political boundaries approved in 2012. They argue that the Republican controlled Legislature didn't follow a constitutional amendment that says it can't draw districts intended to protect incumbents or members of a certain political party.
The groups want to question lawmakers about the process, but lawyers representing the House and Senate argued such a move would violate a long-standing privilege that shields legislators from testifying in lawsuits. The lawyers said it would have a "chilling" effect on lawmakers if they knew they'd have to testify about how they make laws.
It would have a chilling effect, the court agreed. But that's the point. The court said that legislative privilege exists, but not when the constitution directs lawmakers' behavior.
"We therefore reject the Legislature's argument that requiring the testimony of individual legislators and legislative staff members will have a 'chilling effect' among legislators in discussion and participation in the reapportionment process, as this type of 'chilling effect' was the precise purpose of the constitutional amendment outlawing partisan political gerrymandering and improper discriminatory intent," the court wrote in its opinion.
Every 10 years, lawmakers redraw legislative and congressional districts based on new population figures. Voters in 2010 mandated that legislators draw districts based on existing geographic and political boundaries and not in an effort to gain a political upper hand.
After the "Fair Districts" amendments legislators adopted maps that led to the election of more Democrats. But critics contend the final districts still do not accurately reflect Florida's political divide.
"We are very pleased with the Court's ruling. Florida voters, through the passage of the Fair Districts Amendments, demanded an open and transparent redistricting process. With this ruling, the public can finally learn the truth," said Adam Schachter, a lawyer representing the League of Women Voters.
Neither House Speaker Will Weatherford's nor Senate President Don Gaetz's offices would comment on the decision.


text:
Author: Neil Rochford
Genre: Dark Suspense/Paranormal
Date released: May 5th 2016
Blurb: Conspiracy. Murder. Secret experiments. Mind control. A detective, a journalist and a rich deviant struggle with their pasts as their actions set them on a collision course with each other and The Project.
Detective Andrea Nox has been asked to quietly investigate a bizarre and violent murder-suicide that could have consequences for Beacon City and the people in charge. Dead ends and odd clues are hindering her efforts, and when another similar murder occurs, she has to juggle the investigation and her own troubled past with the Beacon City Police Department.
Journalist Robert Duncan is visiting home after a personal crisis when the unthinkable happens, and secrets are unearthed about his family and his place in it. His involvement in a dangerous and far-reaching conspiracy grows as he uncovers information that implicates powerful people in horrible crimes.
Frank Mortimer, a disturbed son of a wealthy and influential family, is taking part in an experimental program that has promised to make him better. However, with the shadowy and powerful group known only as The Project behind the program, what he is getting better at could prove disastrous for everyone else, as a dangerous power is unlocked inside him…
Their paths will converge in a shocking story of murder, conspiracy and clandestine experiments taking place that could change the world.
Buy Links: Amazon US and Amazon UK
Author bio
Neil Rochford is a freelance writer who loves fiction where bad things happen. He has spent the last six years abroad, working his way through Europe and South America while learning the business behind writing and self-publishing in between teaching and bartending. Originally from Ireland, he speaks three languages and has lived in Estonia, Brazil, France and Spain. He maintains his own website, dabble in webpage creation, has written a number of short stories and is also a writer and regular contributor for popular Irish podcast Those Conspiracy Guys. Currently residing in Spain, he plans to return to his native Ireland this summer. You can find out more at neiltr.com.
The author is hosting an ebook giveaway:
a Rafflecopter giveaway


text:
However, many job seekers I have talked to feel frustrated because most of the jobs have a laundry list of requirements and they don't feel that they are a right fit for most of these open positions. A lot of "Web Analytics" job openings ask for many of the following:
- Experience in online marketing
- Experience in Web Analytics
- Experience in – Google analytics, Omniture, Webtrends, Coremetrics etc.
- Experience in implementing Omniture, Google Analytics, WebTrends etc.
- Experience in A/B and Multivariate testing
- Experience in Search engine optimization
- Experience in search engine marketing
- Experience with SQL
- Experience in email marketing
- Experience in Social media
The mismatch in what a company really needs and what they are asking in the job requirements is a cause of frustration on both ends. The issue really stems from lack of understanding of what web analytics is and what role a web analyst need to play in the organization.
Most of the companies looking for a "web analysts" are in one of the following three stages of web analytics staffing
- They don't have any tool but they realize the need and are looking for someone who can help them with "web analytics".
- They just installed Google Analytics or were sold one of the other paid tool but are not getting much value from their web analytics tool. They need an analyst to help them do "web analytics".
- They already have a web analytics tool installed and have a web analytics team. Since the company is now using web analytics to made business decision they need to hire one or more analysts to support the growing demand.
Companies falling in the third stage know what they are doing and usually narrow down the requirements. They are usually clear on what kind of person they are looking for.
Companies who fall in stage 1 and 2 above are the ones who are usually not clear on the role of a "web analyst" and hence create this laundry list of skills. Hiring manger looks at few job openings posted by other to get an idea of what a "web analyst' should do. She then includes all the buzzwords and sends the requirements to HR or the recruiting company. HR screens the resume and if the keywords shown above do not appear on the resume the resume is rejected. As a result, companies loose several good candidates while candidates loose many good job opportunities.
3 Roles in Web Analytics
If you are a hiring manager, you need to understand and thoroughly evaluate your need before opening the job req. This will help you remove the noise from requirements and find the best candidate for the job. To make your job easier I have categories web analytics work into 3 job roles.
- Reporting Analyst – If you are looking for someone to pull the data from your web analytics tools or other reporting application then you need to hire a reporting analysts. A lot of the companies confuse "web reporting" with "web analytics"(See my blog post titled Are you doing web reporting or web analytics). Reporting analysts usually understands the interface of the various tools and can pull the data that is required by other stakeholder. A reporting analyst might need to have SQL skills to pull the data from databases. Some organizations might need a person who can make pretty scorecard and charts. For this role, it is good to have a person who has experience with the tools of your choice but don't make it a deal breaker. If the candidate has worked on any of the web analytics tools then she can usually get trained in other web analytics tools. Determine what other tools do you have and what skills might be required to pull the data from all these tools, that you might need for you reporting and then write the job requirements.
- Web Analyst – This is more of a business role and truly a web analyst's role. This is a person who can make sense of the web data and drive insights to impact the bottom line. She will provide business requirements to the Implementation Engineer to work on and will use reporting analyst to get the data for analysis. Web analysts are inquisitive and analytical, they question the data to come up with the story that the data is telling. Web Analyst has the ability to understand and analyze various data pieces such as competitive, qualitative, web analytics, social media, financial etc and drive business changes. Web Analyst should also be able to run A/B and Multivariate tests to improve website performance. Depending on the size of your organization and A Web Analysts will not be afraid to stand in front of executives to explain and defend their findings. If you are looking to get actionable recommendation and drive business changes based on web analytics data then you need a Web Analyst.
Hope this will help you in properly wording your job requirements and avoid the frustration of not filling the position.
Comments? Questions?
Looking to fill your Web Analytics or Online Marketing position?
Post your open jobs on http://www.web-analytics-jobs.com/


text:
This article is more than 1 year old
Microsoft buddies up with open source rival - true
Moment of Xen or weakness?
Microsoft's tolerance for Linux expanded today via an alliance with open source server virtualization backer XenSource.
Microsoft has pledged to let "Xen-enabled" Linux guest operating systems run on top of the virtualization software that will ship with "Longhorn" Server and to provide technical support for the guest OSes. The agreement to support Linux guests in partnership with XenSource builds on Microsoft's decision in April to provide technical support for Linux running on its own Virtual Server partitioning product. The deal also tightens the bond between Microsoft and XenSource, as the two vendors look to gain market share against clear server virtualization leader VMware.
It's nothing short of heart-warming to see how much VMware bothers Microsoft.
The software giant first bought Connectix, believing that Virtual PC and Virtual Server would let it challenge VMware. That plan hasn't worked out so well. Microsoft this year decided to give away its virtualization products for free and, as mentioned, has gone so far as to embrace Linux in order to keep up with VMware and customers.
Starting with Longhorn Server, Microsoft plans to scrap its current Virtual Server attack and release hypervisor technology that should boost the performance of its server virtualization products and bring it closer to rival products from VMware and XenSource. Microsoft today said it expects Longhorn Server to ship at the end of 2007 and for the new hypervisor - code-named Viridian - to ship "within 180 days" of the server software. So, happy waiting.
In the meantime, XenSource looks to keep going after Windows customers. The company has released a version of Xen fit for Windows boxes and, unlike VMware, has a license for Microsoft's Virtual Hard Disk format. The end result of the licensing deal is that customers can shift virtual operating system images from Virtual Server over to Xen.
Why would Microsoft be so friendly with XenSource and Linux?
Well, there's no way it can truly compete well in the server virtualization market until that update to Longhorn Server ships. Microsoft appears ready to promote XenSource in the interim if that means trouble for VMware.
Microsoft SVP Bob Muglia put it another way. "Microsoft's commitment to customers is to build bridges across the industry with solutions that are interoperable by design. Our work with XenSource, a recognized leader in open source virtualization technology, reflects that commitment and Microsoft's ongoing efforts to bring virtualization solutions to the mainstream and help customers progress toward self-managing dynamic systems."
Microsoft's plan to bundle its next-generation hypervisor with Windows Server at no charge has caught the eye of many curious server industry watchers. Perhaps a Linux embrace will remove some of those familiar bundling feelings that have caused so much trouble in the past. ®


text:
MasterMover Global News
Anthony Swaps Service For Sales At MasterMover Limited
MasterMover Service Engineer, Anthony Brown, has swapped his overalls and spanners for a shirt, tie and sales order book. With orders for MasterMover machines in the healthcare sector
growing at a rapid pace, the company has invested in a new sales position to service and develop the sector.
Anthony, who has been with the company for over 3 years, started his MasterMover career
as a Service Engineer covering the Midlands and the Southern Region. His natural flair for sales, however, meant he not only serviced and maintained the fleet of MasterMover tugs in his area, but developed sales for service contracts, parts and new units through his relationships with his clients. He now has the opportunity to concentrate on his natural selling ability full time as a Sales Executive for the Healthcare sector.
As health and safety issues in the workplace become more pressing, the need to supply
solutions to overcome manual handling tasks in particular is gaining momentum. A range of
units is already working successfully in the healthcare sector to eliminate strains and injuries resulting from the moving of heavy loads. Our MasterTugs, with a pulling capacity of up to 4000kg, are used by a number of hospitals for moving heavier goods including medical records
trolleys, laundry and linen cages, catering trolleys and oxygen bottles.
Our MasterHandlers shift heavy oxygen bottles around hospital sites and wards with ease and MasterMover manual cages pullers are used for moving lightly laden roll cages, catering trolleys and A frame cages effortlessly and productively. With the recent launch of our Smart Mover, ideal for unloading roll cages up to 600kgs, Anthony has an increasing portfolio of products with which to service the growing healthcare market.
In his spare time, Anthony is a sports fanatic who plays rugby for Old Saltleians of Water Orton,
Birmingham, cricket, golf and keeps in shape in the gym. In his spare time (does he really have
any?) he enjoys a spot of gardening and nights out with the lads. Anthony is very excited by his new role.
He said, "this is a fantastic opportunity for me to concentrate on a career in sales. I am delighted that MasterMover has given me this challenge and I look forward to making a difference in this key sector for the business".