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SEO - Linking Strategies for SEO
Good SEO articles increase a website's SEO traffic because articles are indexed online. SEO Marketing can be posted to a personal blog or article databases, which permit links back to your website. Creating a blog with original SEO articles is a great way to offer fresh SEO content to viewers interested in your niche or product market.
SEO - What is SEO CopywritingProfessional SEO services can lift your site above your competitors. According to SEO experts, they help business owners deliver their sites to top rank search engines. They ensure that the site has a unique setting that attracts Internet users. Search engine optimization experts apply the newest analytics service, which has a positive impact on a website. SEO companies are facing great competition in the SEO field. However, they introduce guaranteed SEO services to cope with the competition.These SEO companies have a strategy requiring clients to pay the major search engines (including Google and Yahoo) for monthly website maintenance. However, the company has guaranteed SEO services, where clients do not pay maintenance for that month.Google has remained top, since they have accurate methods and algorithms that deliver credible results to the searchers. However, Google has made it difficult for web developers to use optimization tricks in manipulating search engines. This is why SEO companies have the guaranteed SEO money refund.SEO companies ensure that guaranteed SEO services include the Google's webmaster guidelines. Webmaster guidelines boost website rank and search activity. The services clients get from SEO experts are like marathons. However, clients should be aware that SEO tricks can have a great impact on a website and damage it-which is why they have to use the legitimate SEO strategies in order to receive impressive results.Although one may read a lot about the search engine ranking, no search engine optimization company can ensure that his or her site will get the first page in Google or Yahoo search engine results. Despite this, SEO companies have guaranteed SEO services and it is great when one signs with Google. The fact remains that SEO services assure clients that even if the site will not rank among the top search engines, the money will not be a waste because of the refund.Many webmasters are confused when hiring a search engine optimization SEO expert. Although SEO experts are believed to save time and improve webmaster sites through SEO strategies, they can also frustrate webmasters. Thus, webmasters must investigate the pros and cons of SEO services. The major tasks of the SEO experts are:- Ensure that the site is well reviewed in the content or structure - Provide Search engine optimization SEO advice on website development like use of JavaScript and web hosting - Develop website content using SEO services - Provide online business improvement campaigns - Target keyword research - Offer SEO trainingHowever, the webmasters can grasp search engine optimization SEO through websites. They will understand the benefits of hiring an SEO expert and what to expect from one.It is clear that when webmasters hire a search engine optimization SEO expert, they stand a better chance of maximizing their SEO services. When they want to start a new site it is good to look for web developers who have web design talent. The web developer will ensure that a webmaster's site reaches the top search engine ranking like Google or Yahoo. The web developer also assists in improving an existing site.However, webmasters have to ask several questions about search engine optimization SEO including:1. Do they have previous examples and testimonies from past clients? 2. Do they follow the guidelines from the Google webmaster? 3. Do they implement the SEO Internet marketing services to improve online business? 4. Do they have experience in the webmaster's industry? 5. Do they have knowledge of the webmaster's country/city? 6. Do they have experience in developing sites for international companies? 7. What are the best SEO techniques to implement on the webmaster's site? 8. How long has the SEO expert been in web design? 9. Does the SEO expert have good communication skills when making changes on the client's site?Although the SEO experts provide great SEO services to their clients, there are a few who ruin the web design industry through their greed in marketing efforts and manipulate search engine rank. If search engine optimization SEO does not involve ethical practices, the site may have low visibility on Google or even be removed from the Google index.SEO and social media marketing ensure that one's site has the best SEO Internet marketing, which means that their company can remain competitive in the online market. All the individual has to do is transition in their online business.SEO Internet marketing has major components, which develop the website traffic, and top search engine rankings. However, webmasters should be aware that these components are not easy to get. They must apply formulas and SEO strategies to produce effective results. There are many websites providing pertinent information about SEO and online marketing, and you can learn from them.If one's business does not have SEO Internet marketing strategies, he or she will need help from SEO experts. They will have to find SEO expert websites, who will help the business owner's site have many customers in online marketing. The obligation of SEO experts is to create exposure to businesses. They focus on SEO Internet marketing goals and provide top search engine rank like Google and Yahoo. However, to accomplish all this, web developers use SEO custom services, which have long-lasting SEO Google rank.SEO companies ensure that your site has all the SEO Internet marketing such as business improvement, localized product sales, high quality online generation and the rest. Webmasters are guaranteed to remain competitive in the online business if they stick with SEO experts. They will have all they need to ensure business success.Business owners who do have a business website lose massive amounts of money from online marketing. They should know that SEO Internet marketing mandates a business website, since it is a necessary online marketing tool. A website or blog is same as news ads, letterheads, or the yellow pages. However, the website must be user-friendly and just as advertisement is important, the SEO website is the same.It is true that 44% of small businesses do not have a website or blog. They are unable to reach 73% of Internet users each day. If your company has a website, customers can research the latest products the business owner's company offers. SEO Internet marketing can help any company through their site to sell products. All businesses should have their own website, including companies using websites provided by insurance. Many freelancers have questions about what is SEO; what is SEO copywriting; what is SEO writing. This article explains - in detail - what this is. And, how to make money from it as a freelance writer.What is SEO?SEO is an acronym for the phrase "search engine optimization." Search engine optimization is all about doing specific things to your website to drive more traffic to it so that you can increase online sales - and traffic.What are some of these "things?"There are many, but here we will discuss what it is as it applies to freelance writers. And, this means writing text in a certain way so that web surfers (ie, internet users) can land on a particular site.What is SEO As It Relates to Freelance Writers?What freelance writers need to be concerned with is keywords. What are keywords? Keywords are the words and phrases that web surfers type in when they search for things online.For example, let's say you were interested in starting a foreclosure cleanup business. You may not know anything about it other than foreclosures are hot in the news right now and you are interested in starting this kind of company.So, you log onto your favorite search engine, (eg, Google, Yahoo! MSN, etc.) and type in the keywords "foreclosure cleaning business" or "foreclosure cleaning" or "foreclosure cleanup" or some other relevant keyword phrase.Note: When you type words into a search engine to find something on the internet, the words you type in are called a keyword (one word) or a keyword phrase (two or more words with commas in between).How Businesses Get to the Top of Search Engine ResultsWhen you type in these words and hit "ENTER", a bunch of sites pop up and you start to surf (ie, click on the results) and start investigating the sites to see if they have the information you need.The sites that pop up are the results that search engines like Google, Yahoo, MSN, et al think are the most relevant to the keyword phrase (aka search phrase) you typed in. Companies pay a lot of money to be among the first two or three pages in the results that search engines return.Why SEO Copywriters are So In Demand and How They Make Their MoneyOne of the ways they get to pop up in the first two or three pages of results is to have relevant text that contains the proper keyword phrases. And, this is where you as an SEO copywriter can make a lot of money. You write the text that their site needs to pop up high in search engine results.Many times, companies will simply give you a bunch of keyword phrases and let you write what you want -- as long as it's a certain length (usually 300-500 words).There are many freelance writers - hundreds of thousands, if not a few million. BUT, only a tiny minority know what SEO is and how to write this type of copy. And, this is why they're so in demand.SEO copywriters have an in-demand skill. And, as more and more companies move larger portions of their advertising budgets to internet marketing, there is an even greater demand for their skills.In the SearcheEngineWatch article, The SEO Copywriter: Wordsmithing the Web, William Flaiz, underscores the importance of an SEO copywriter. He writes:"The role of the agency SEO copywriter is unique because.... Suddenly, the writer must optimize press releases, craft articles for social news, monitor social network communications, and develop wiki content.... a strong SEO copywriter is adaptable and capable of internalizing a lot of new information extremely quickly. These unique individuals have fast become the backbone of many SEO engagements. If content is king, then they [SEO copywriters] are the kingmakers."And this is why SEO copywriters can charge a premium for their services. If you're looking for a way to start or maximize your income as an online freelance writer, then SEO copywriting is they way to go.
What is SEO? Simple SEO Definition in a Most Familiar Way
SEO (Search Engine Optimization) is the widely used term in the field of "Web Marketing". I can surely say "SEO is the backbone of Online Marketing."I want to define the term SEO in a more familiar way by taking a very simple example.


text: For work and play, the women's Dansko® Sophie is a popular choice for instant style and comfort on the go. The on-trend slide sandal features a leather upper with an adjustable buckle closure at the forefoot and instep to help secure the foot in place. The Dri-lex® sockliner controls moisture to keep feet dry and comfortable all day.

subset: commoncrawl


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Merck & Co. on Wednesday posted disappointing first-quarter results and cut its earnings forecast for the year. But the world's third-largest drugmaker predicted that things would soon improve.
Merck was slammed by two factors plaguing most of its rivals: growing competition from generic drugs and unfavourable exchange rates.
Major drugmakers in recent years have been hurt by an unprecedented wave of patent expirations on brand-name drugs that had brought in billions each year. This has enabled makers of generic drugs to grab customers with cheaper, copycat versions.
Additionally, pharmaceutical companies are being pinched by the dollar gaining ground overseas. Since drugs and other products are bought in local currencies, when the dollar's value rises, revenue from those countries falls.
Merck, which is based in Whitehouse Station, N.J., said its revenue was reduced by 2 per cent because the dollar rose sharply against the yen in Japan — a key market — and against some other currencies.
That and all the generic competition combined to reduce Merck's revenue by 9 per cent. Net income fell 8.3 per cent.
CEO Kenneth Frazier said he expects better results in the second half of the year. And he noted that Merck has five drugs under review by regulators, including a promising insomnia medicine called suvorexant.
"We fell short of our expectations for the top line," Frazier told analysts on a conference call. "We knew that 2013 would be challenging, but we are confident in Merck's future."
This isn't the first time generic rivals have cut Merck's revenue, but it might be the worst.
In the first quarter, recent generic competition slashed sales of baldness treatment Propecia, allergy pill Clarinex, migraine drug Maxalt and, worst of all, Singulair. The asthma and allergy pill had been Merck's top seller for several years, but its U.S. patent expired last August. Most patients quickly defected to the slew of much-cheaper generic versions.
As a result, Singulair plunged 75 per cent in the first quarter, down by $1 billion to $337 million.
"We haven't seen such rapid loss (in sales as) we've seen with Singulair," said Adam Schechter, Merck's head of prescription drug marketing.
Still, analysts seemed more concerned that sales of Type 2 diabetes pill Januvia declined by 4 per cent to $884 million.
Januvia is now Merck's biggest seller and a crucial driver of growth. Revenue from Januvia had been growing rapidly, fed by the worsening global epidemic of obesity-related diabetes, but the company said wholesalers reduced inventory in the first quarter.
"The market is very competitive," Schechter added. "We are seeing rebate and pricing pressures as newer competitors seek to increase their market share" by offering health plans bigger discounts and rebates.
Merck said Wednesday that many sales representatives who promote multiple drugs to doctors now will focus solely on the Januvia franchise. Executives predicted mid-single-digit revenue growth in the U.S. and higher growth elsewhere for the rest of the year.
Merck on Monday announced a partnership with Pfizer Inc. to develop a diabetes drug that works differently than Januvia, as a solo treatment and in combination with other drugs. Management said Wednesday that the drug could complement Januvia, as most diabetes patients must add additional drugs over time to control blood sugar, before having to start insulin shots.
Overall, revenue in the first quarter was $10.67 billion, down from $11.73 billion. That's well below the $11.11 billion analysts anticipated.
Total prescription drug sales fell 12 per cent to $8.89 billion. Sales of veterinary medicines rose 2 per cent to $840 million and sales of consumer health products such as the Coppertone sun care line increased 3 per cent to $571 million.
Despite the revenue declines, Merck noted strength in revenue from some of its drugs: Simponi and Remicade for immune disorders, HIV drug Isentress and vaccines, particularly Gardasil for preventing sexually transmitted diseases. Revenue from emerging markets such as China also was strong.
Merck earned $1.59 billion, or 52 cents per share, down from $1.74 billion, or 56 cents per share, a year earlier. Excluding $992 million in one-time items, mostly acquisition and restructuring charges, profit was down 15 per cent to $3.59 billion, or 85 cents per share. That was a nickel better than analysts expected.
Frazier said the company's stepped-up cost cutting kept the bottom line from sagging even more during the quarter.
Meanwhile, Merck said it now expects 2013 earnings per share of $3.45 to $3.55, excluding one-time items. In February, it forecast $3.60 to $3.70 per share.
Merck also announced plans to buy back up to $15 billion in shares, half in the next 12 months. That's on top of $772 million in share repurchases from January through April under a prior buyback that has another $1.1 billion to spend.
Frazier said the timing of the buyback was coincidental. Other drugmakers likewise have been buying back shares, although drug stocks have had a significant run-up in the last year or so after languishing for several years. Merck shares climbed from just under $30 in August 2011 to a high of $48.79 last month — barely half the October 2000 all-time high of nearly $94.
A huge sell off cut Merck's stock price by 5.1 per cent in premarket trading before bargain seekers pushed it back up somewhat. Shares closed down $1.32, or 2.8 per cent, at $45.68. More than 37 billion shares changed hands, more than double the average daily volume.
Linda A. Johnson can be followed at http://twitter.com/LindaJ_onPharma


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Featured Video: The Global Impact of Hebrew U and IMRIC Health Sciences
Featuring spotlights on limiting the spread of cancer by using protective mechanisms within white blood cells, IMRIC's leadership in brain disease research to treat Parkinson's disease, and advances in deep brain stimulation which has shown potential to help with diseases such as Alzheimer's and schizophrenia.
About Us – IMRIC
In Jerusalem, the Hebrew University's new Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada (IMRIC) is poised to change life — your life — as you know it. IMRIC's innovations have the power to touch your life and the lives of the people around the world for the better. Join us now on this ground-breaking journey.
Canada-Israel Collaborations
Canadians and Israelis are partners in IMRIC's innovative research in laboratories and universities across the country. These scientists are working to bring to life the biomedical breakthroughs that will benefit the world.
IMRIC Blog
Goodbye to Robin Williams
The news of Robin Williams' death shocked the world. Williams was an entertainer making us laugh every chance he got, from movies to standup and even dabbling in improvisation on the show, "...
The Next Big Einstein Contest is Back!
The Next Einstein Contest is back again for its second year and already the innovative ideas are streaming in. Just like last year, you have the opportunity to share your great concepts and the possibility to win big.
Autism Speaks: Autism, So Little Understood
I wanted to share this blog post from Ilyse Levine-Kanji that I read this past week. I thought it gave an inside view on life with Autism.
This is a post by Ilyse Levine-Kanji, a former employment discrimination lawyer who now devotes her time to caring for her two sons, Sam (15) and Troy (13)....


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25.0411 Disinfection of premises.
The Director may if he deems it advisable, order the premises and contents thereof in which any person has been ill or has died of a communicable disease, or any other room building, premises or area, and any contents thereof which may be infective by contact with any communicable disease, to be disinfected and purified in such manner as he may direct. It shall be the duty of the owner or occupant of such premises to comply with any such order.History: 1972, PL 12-44 § 4.


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Emerging Technologies
Working Group Overview
New challenges in regulatory science and drug, biologic, and device development provide new opportunities for recognizing and leveraging new or emerging technologies and computational tools or underutilized existing technologies. Initiated at the 2013 PhUSE Annual CSS, the Emerging Technologies working group provides a forum for determining interest in specific computational science topics, tools, technologies, and approaches.
This Emerging Technologies working group will be an open, transparent forum for sharing pre-competitive means of applying new technologies and is being challenged with creation of well-defined collaborative projects that will describe, prioritize, assess, and assist advancement of these opportunities. Possible topics include (but are not limited to) semantic web applications, analysis metadata, modeling, simulation, and "The Cloud". Projects incorporating these topics might include prioritization, development, and piloting for feasibility and value.
Leadership Team
Current Leadership Team
|Andy Richardson
|ET Co-lead
|Stanley Wei
|ET Co-lead
|Sam Hume
|CDICS Liaison
Current Projects
|Recruiting New Members
|Cloud Adoption in the Life Sciences Industry
|Cloud technology and its use of multi-tennant app solutions are increasing the capabilities of Life Sciences solutions and reducing IT infrastructure costs through the sharing of infrastructure and investment cross-industry. The goal of this work stream has been to provide a practical, usable framework to overcome those barriers. Through the use of this framework, it is envisaged that the barriers to adoption by pharma of cloud-based technology will be addressed.
|Data Visualisations for Clinical Data
|The FDA Guidance on a Risk-Based Approach to Monitoring (August 2013) opened the door to using scientifically founded monitoring solutions as alternatives to 100% source verification of clinical data. Individual companies have proposed a range of opportunities to look at the applicability of data visualization within the pharmaceutical environment that addresses cross-domain questions and insight associated with RBM.
|Investigating the use of FHIR in Clinical Research
|Increasing interest in eSource keeps the issue of data integration between Research Systems (EDC, CTMS, CDMS, etc) and healthcare systems (EHR, etc) as a consistent want for Sponsors clinical investigators and Regulators. The new PhUSE project 'Evaluating the Use of FHIR in Clinical Research' will look at how the HL7 FHIR standard could be used as a fundamental part of the clinical trial process in the future.
|Clinical Trials Data as RDF
|SDTM domain data as Resource Description Framework (RDF) has the potential to create highly compliant, high-quality submissions. Graph data can be mapped to versions of the standard, reducing costly recoding. Creation of Define documentation becomes a graph-based query when the proper metadata is integrated into the model. Costs for data review, validation, and rework will be greatly reduced.
|BlockChain Technology
|Introduce Blockchain and describe how it works. Pre-requisites to adopt Blockchain. Understand the qualities of Blockchain relevant to the Pharma setting and the example of use cases and applications. Provide high level analysis of Pros/Cons of BlockChain in Pharma and Healthcare.
|ODM4 Submissions
|The Operational Data Model (ODM) standard has been the CDISC standard format for data exchange since 2000. Define-XML and Dataset-XML are ODM extensions supporting the transport of CDISC dataset metadata and data, respectively. Define-XML is now a required part of a regulatory submission. However, despite using Define-XML to submit dataset metadata, other data and metadata required for submissions are submitted in different file formats that adversely restrict data representation, machine-readability options, and the ability to validate submissions.
|Going Translational with Linked Data (GoTWiLD)
|This project builds on the successful completion of the "Clinical Trials Data as RDF" project where four SDTM domains (DM, VS, EX, TS) were modeled in RDF, and the ontologies used to create RDF instance data. Existing domains will be broadened to include non-clinical concepts, thus extending the impact of the project further along the data lifecycle. A minimum of two additional domains will be added, starting with AE (and non-clinical AE equivalent observations).
|Key Performance Indicators & Metrics
|Collecting, tracking and evaluating data on an ongoing basis can provide organizations with credible, compelling information when communicating with key decision-makers and stake-holders.The PhUSE Data Science & KPI Metric Reporting Group has been working to establish a set of common Data Reporting Metrics which are more detailed than industry wide metrics, therefore, allowing a greater level of granularity in our project reporting, and business process management
| Yes
|Machine Learning/Artificial Intelligence
|The most popular buzz word nowadays in the technology world is 'Machine Learning' (ML) and Artificial Intelligence (AI). Most economists and business experts foresee ML & AI changing every aspect of our lives in the next 10 years through automating and optimizing processes such as self-driving vehicles, online recommendations on Netflix and Amazon, fraud detection in banks, image and video recognition, natural language processing, question answering machines (e.g., IBM Watson) and many more.
Concluded Projects
- Metadata Definition Project: File:ET-project-template-metadata-definitions.doc
- Metadata Management Project: File:ET-project-Template - User Guide for E2E meta data management.doc
Statistical Computing Environments
Future Forum Interoperability & Technology
Introduction to Clinical Development Design (CDD) Framework
Proposed Projects
After the Emerging Technology Round Table Sessions the following projects were identified as prospective working groups for the 2015 CSS and beyond. Some of these need passionate people to lead!
|Needs a Lead
|Framework for mHealth
|As personal fitness trackers become more ubiquitous, industry is starting to assess how these devices can be used to supplement the clinical record. Very much in its infancy, use of these personal devices is a grey area in terms of adoption status, information quality (for example, the use of proprietary data gathering algorithms), patient privacy and informed consent. This group will develop a framework so companies looking to adopt these devices in their clinical trials can make an informed decision as they assess the potential of integrating mobile health with clinical research.
|Tony Hewer
|Machine Learning for Clinical Research
|With the continually raising profile of Data Science in the Pharmaceutical Industry, techniques which have traditionally not been widely adopted in the industry are starting to become part of a clinical analyst's toolbox. Text Analytics, already employed in other industries, enables analysts to uncover clinically important information in previously opaque free-text. Techniques to be discussed include sentiment analysis, concept/entity extraction, clustering and other approaches. This group will gather people interested in text mining techniques to develop frameworks and approaches for extracting structured information from unstructured clinical trial text data.
|Big Data approaches in Clinical Research
|Big Data is a term we are all familiar with - it is promoted as the way to comprehensively answer multiple questions across multiple domains. But what is Big Data? Is it relevant to clinical researcher? Is it simply large volumes of data? Is it these large datasets plus the techniques needed to extract value from this data? What approaches work and when? This group will begin by answering the most basic questions associated with Big Data and clinical research -- is it relevant, and where do we go from here? This topic has been previously posed and we have a Project Request: File:ET-project-Template-BigData.doc
Webinar Presentations
- Emerging Trends & Technologies
- Emerging Trends and Technologies Working Group Plans for CSS 2017
- Emerging Trends & Technologies Wrap up for CSS 2018
PhUSE CSS 2017
The following projects are meeting at 2017 CSS
- Evaluation Of Alternative Transport Formats - Work on data representations
- Cloud Adoption in the Life Sciences Industry
- Data Visualisations for Clinical Data
- Investigating the use of FHIR in Clinical Research
- Educating for the Future
The Agenda is as follows:


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Laura Jesse, of Iowa State University Extension's Plant & Insect Diagnostic Clinic, wrote the following about garden slugs:
There seem to be plenty of slugs in my garden, but I hope not in yours. Slugs leave small, irregular holes all over the leaves of plants. They especially seem to like my hostas but they are not picky feeders. Slugs are difficult to detect because they feed only at night. Slugs look like snails without a shell. They vary in size from less than an inch up to 2 inches in length, grayish colored, and a bit slimy to the touch. In fact as they crawl along they leave a slime trail.
Slugs need moisture to survive and are found under mulch, rocks, logs, and other damp locations. My hostas tend to be eaten because they grow in a garden that is shaded and holds the moisture longer.
Reducing slug damage is not an easy task and nothing will fix holes already there, so your first question should be – how bad is this and can I live with the damage? If you do decide to try to reduce the slug population you should combine several tactics. First, remove mulch and reduce moisture from around the base of afflicted plants as much as possible. Remove slugs you find either by using a trap such as a board on the ground that slugs will gather under or pan traps with beer as a bait. I assume cheap beer works fine and would not waste expensive beer on this. Remove dead slugs daily or it will get pretty disgusting. Finally there are commercially available slug baits available containing a molluscicide, but they are best used in the spring or fall.


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(Pocket-lint) - Jabra is currently in the process of unleashing a whole range of consumer VoIP-specific accessories onto the market, including a mass market version of its, previously, business-centric Speak 410 conference call-friendly speakerphone. But that still requires a USB connection to work, and is, therefore, not wireless.
As the company's mantra is that hands-free is king, so much so that its office in Denmark is a designated hands-free area under penalty of detention, it naturally has a range of Bluetooth headsets that work with Internet voice calling.
One of which is the new Jabra Extreme - For PC. Already available in the US, it is to make its way to the UK in the next month to 6weeks, and is effectively based on the mobile phone offering with a similar name. It's also Skype-certified.
The pack contains the headset, a USB dongle, a mains charger (European in our sample, but a UK will be supplied over here) a USB charging extension to reinvigorate the device directly from a computer, and a couple of alternate earbuds and larger clip.
There's also a disc with Jabra's PC Suite software, user manuals and the ability to register your device automatically, but we found that the USB dongle installed cleanly the moment it was put into a PC. And it paired with the headset from the get go, as soon as the latter was switched on.
The Jabra Extreme headset can also pair with up to seven other Bluetooth devices, so you can also use it with your mobile phone, Skype or no. And two at a time - a neat bonus. Plus, it can be paired with a PlayStation 3 - but then, that applies to any Bluetooth headset. Certainly, there's an appeal in using it for multi-player gaming instead of bulky cans.
Sadly, there's no way to pair it with an Xbox 360, even with the dongle. But, maybe that's something for the future... Are you listening Jabra?
Its primary use, though, is as a VoIP headset, and comes with full Skype-certification so you can be guaranteed it'll work with that specific service. It's truly plug'n'play in that respect - it just asks if you want to use the headset from within the Skype browser.
Certainly, this is an important strategy for Jabra, as general manager of EMEA Mobile, Viggo Olsen, told Pocket-lint: "Skype is the world's largest international telecoms carrier with 25 per cent of all international calls.
"And 90 per cent of all VoIP calls are through Skype. That is why we've partner with them."
He also added, "71.57 per cent of Skype users are in EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa)." Daunting figures indeed, and a good reason why it was vital to get the Jabra Extreme - For PC onto the UK market.
The company hasn't skimped on features either. While the headset itself is plain and simple to use (on/off switch, volume controls and pairing button) it houses some of Jabra's top-end technologies, such as dual microphones and its proprietary Noise Blackout Extreme system, which filters out ambient sounds to leave clear vocal audio.
It also, unlike many rivals, will stream live audio, music, podcasts, etc. into the earpiece as it's compliant with A2DP.
There is, however, one slight problem. While the audio quality into the earpiece is excellent, we were less impressed with the sound coming out at the other end (and have included a sample MP3 of a conversation to listen to). It's no worse than peers in a similar price bracket (around £80) and better than many Skype-certified handsets, but never as good as a dedicated microphone.
But then, that's not what the Jabra Extreme - For PC is meant to be. It doesn't profess to be adept at recording podcasts, nor will it replace a high-end webcam for a stationary position. What it does, is allow you to take calls via Skype or another VoIP service while remaining hands-free and mobile, and for that it warrants further investigation.


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JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Circuit Judge Russell Healey has denied a defense motion to delay Michael Dunn's murder trial, but did not rule on a second motion requesting that Dunn's jailhouse phone calls be kept from the media.
Dunn is accused of murder in the death 17-year-old Jordan Davis in the parking lot of a Gate convenience store the day after Thanksgiving 2012. Dunn complained about loud music from Davis' SUV, and told police he fired into the vehicle in which Davis was a passenger when he thought he saw a gun.
Jury selection in the case is scheduled to begin Feb. 3.
At a motions hearing on Tuesday afternoon, Dunn's attorney, Cory Strolla, who appeared via phone, asked for more time to prepare for trial. He claims he is overwhelmed by the media requests for information on the trial.
"I've got to protect Mr. Dunn's rights, his future with this jury (inaudible)," Strolla said. "With everything I call outside distractions other than the heart of this case, it's taking time to defend Mr. Dunn properly and effectively, and in the interest of my client I had to file this motion to continue."
While prosecutors opposed Stolla's motion to delay the trial,
they sided with the defense on keeping 180 hours of phone calls to and from Dunn in jail from being released.
"We're not battling with the media," State Attorney Angela Corey said. "It's just the time that we have issue with."
Channel 4 Ed Birk attorney argued the calls should be released, but Corey said that would interfere with her case.
"Whether it's interfering or not, the people of Florida to the Constitution and case law and statutes have said it time and time again that public records are very important to them," Birk said. "And so the ability to access public records in a criminal case is in the law. It's in the Constitution. It's part of the deal. They have to deal with it, and they may not like it but they have to deal with it."
The First District Court of Appeals has set a deadline of 4 p.m. Friday for Judge Healey to rule on the release of remaining discovery evidence, including the audio of Dunn's jail phone calls.
Dunn faces life in prison without the possibility of parole if convicted.
Local attorney Gene Nichols -- who is not involved in this case -- did not expect the judge to view that as a reason to push this back.
"This case has been ready for trial for months. Not only is the defendant and lawyer ready, but the nation is ready," said Nichols. "The sheriff's office has been putting out notices on where to park. They're putting out tents in the courtyard. The nation is going to be there to cover this trial."
Nichols said this will be the first major test for the relatively new courthouse, handling a major trial with a national focus because Dunn's lawyers plan to claim self-defense -- which draws parallels to the George Zimmerman murder case.
"Unless the defendant's trial rights are being jeopardized by having the trial in the next couple of weeks, Judge Healey is not going to delay," Nichols said on Monday. "Unless there's a death in someone's immediate family, Judge Healey is not going to continue this trial."


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RareBreedAuctions.com is dedicated to preserving America's rare and heritage breeds of poultry and livestock. We believe that the best way to save these breeds is to create a market for these animals where buyers and sellers can meet and bargain in a fair and professional environment facilitated by state-of-the-art technology. RareBreedAuctions.com is committed to providing that opportunity to you, the buyer or seller of rare breeds.
Other auction sites created by livestock experts have failed the test of time due to a lack of technical proficiency and poor customer service. At RareBreedAuctions.com, we specialize in raising livestock, but we also make our living in developing and maintaining customer relationships through online communication.
We are committed to building a strong and ethical community that allows members to sell and bid with confidence. We pledge to be responsive, helpful and friendly to our members and guests, and we encourage you to tell us about your experiences so that we can continuously improve our service.
We welcome you to our community and look forward to meeting your needs.
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The legendary poulet de Bresse of France is not only the best-tasting chicken in the world but is probably consistently the most successful free-range chicken breed. Since a time before Columbus arrived in the New World this breed graced the lush fields and shadowed woods of Eastern France, and Bresse evolved to be an excellent forager that are ever-alert to the threat of predators. For more than 500 years French farmers have insisted that Bresse roam free to tone their muscles and provide a natural diet that finishes the meat to a superb flavor and texture.
With these qualities Bresse form the foundation of a gourmet meat industry in France that results in sales each year of more than $75 million for these rare and coveted birds. Currently, a Bresse capon in a Parisian butcher shop sells for as much as $200, and there is an insatiable demand for their meat throughout the year.
Greenfire Farms raises some of the rarest poultry breeds in the world; for more information about our breeding program, please visit:
Updated: May 28, 2015
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Google's shares are on the rise following a strong earnings report yesterday.
In early trading, Google's shares jumped more than 5 percent to $740.37. The company's stock price closed the day at $702.87 yesterday.
Google's share jump is due in part to Google's strong fourth quarter. The company beat analyst expectations during the period and posted a $2.9 billion profit on $14.4 billion in revenue. That performance helped Google post its first $50 billion revenue year.
It didn't take long for a slew of analysts to chime in on Google's performance and up the company's 12-month target price.
A wide array of analysts, including those from J.P. Morgan, Morgan Stanley, and others, increased their price target, saying that they believe Google will have an even stronger 2013. Cowen analyst John Blackledge maintained his "Outperform" rating on Google, saying that he believes Google's revenue will rise 18 percent year-over-year in 2013.
He's certainly not alone in thinking it's time to be bullish on Google's stock. According to Marketwatch, 43 analysts have combined for an average 12-month target price on Google's shares of $804.54.


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Honey meat ravioli
This delicious meal is amazingly easy to prepare, as long as you have a pasta machine and ravioli tablet — it's a small grid in which you can prepare ravioli "like a sandwich", then roll out the ready ravioli using a rolling pin. Super easy, and with just very little effort you will end up having a luxurious feast!
Sweet potato quiche
Quiche is that one recipe that I love coming back to — it's easy to make, looks delicious and tastes heavenly :-) Plus, it allows me to come up with new fillings, which makes it very versatile!
Sweet potatoes are very smooth and creamy when boiled, then baked, and shallots add a crunchy texture. The combination of them is very mild and aromatic, so make sure you spice it up to your liking!
German Zimtsterne (cinnamon almond cookies)
I always wanted to make these, and finally got the guts — oh boy, I wasn't really prepared for the amount of nitty-gritty with making these. I started with original German recipe that called for 500g of almonds, but that ended up being 2 full baking sheets and lots of sneaky snacking between steps ;-) But the result is good, and these cookies are worth the effort.
Cinnamon rolls
This recipe is simply amazing — great right from the oven, delicious the next day and really easy to prepare. You can also upgrade it with nuts, raisins and whatever you like in your rolls.


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Laboratory Diagnostics
Siemens broad spectrum of immunoassay, chemistry, hematology, molecular, urinalysis, and blood gas testing systems, in conjunction with automation, informatics and services, can serve the needs of laboratories of any size – today and tomorrow.
1Sysmex is a trademark of the Sysmex Corporation.
The products/features (mentioned herein) are not commercially available in all countries. Due to regulatory reasons their future availability cannot be guaranteed. Please contact your local Siemens Healthineers organization for further details.


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It's early in the morning, it's a federal holiday, and chances are you're sloughing around the house in your Snuggie and fuzzy socks in personal celebration of not having to trek to the j-o-b. Even though we're still fairly fresh off the holidays, it's a gift from the heavens to not have to wake up early, get dressed, and move from your favorite section of the sofa if you don't want to. And you're well within your right to spend your day just like that. In honor of Dr. King, who would've been 82 yesterday, and his commitment to making the world a more just, more equitable place, some of my friends and I are volunteering around the city in service to the community. In fact, it's a movement across the country, not just here in D.C. It really is a day on, not a day off. But there are plenty of ways to participate in honoring MLK. Google around to see if similar activities are being hosted in your area:
Be a patron of the arts. In Chicago, the Joffrey Ballet offered an African dance class in commemoration of the holiday. Here in the District, the Kennedy Center and Georgetown University will host "Let Freedom Ring," a free musical tribute to Dr. King featuring one-man musical machine Bobby McFerrin. Down in Dallas, a youth art exhibit uses quotes from Dr. King as inspiration for visual and performing artwork. Go to church. Even though he was a Baptist minister, religious institutions everywhere are hosting activities and events dedicated to the legacy of Dr. King. The 24th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Mass at St. Patrick Cathedral in Fort Worth, for example, will honor his life, his continued work, and peaceful mantra on January 21. The Islamic community is converging today in Seattle for the Washington State Muslims Day at the Capitol. Although controversial — folks who oppose the event argue it detracts from King's birthday and say event organizers should've picked another day — it does embody MLK's spirit of inclusion. Get the kids involved. The Bronzeville Children's Museum has hosted a program featuring children's crafts. Most major cities have a parade the kiddies should enjoy and all 397 national parks across the country will offer free admission today to commemorate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Even if you don't feel like leaving home, you can make celebrating the holiday a family affair. Head back to school. Colleges and universities everywhere are holding on-campus events. For the seventh year in a row, NYU is commemorating Dr. King's visit to the school and carrying out his legacy by hosting week-long programming from February 6–11. This year's theme, "The Future of Diversity: Here and Now," is intended to open up critical dialogue about social change and social justice. Just like Dr. King would've wanted. Most importantly, volunteer. Slide into a pair of latex gloves and dish out food to the homeless or read to senior citizens at a retirement home. Spend time at an animals' shelter or pick up trash in the neighborhood. Whatever you do — for a few hours, a few days, a few weeks — will honor the legacy of a man who dedicated his whole life to making so many people's issues his own. Women's rights, people living below the poverty line, returning soldiers, and especially, African-Americans. "Everybody can be great...because anybody can serve," he once said. "You don't have to have a college degree to serve. You don't have to make your subject and verb agree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace and a soul generated by love." Get out and get involved, today and any day. How are you celebrating Dr. King's birthday?
© Joffrey Ballet. All rights reserved.


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Hopes for the agency were as big as space itself. It promised to bring new commercial-launch opportunities to a state already jittery at the upcoming retirement of the space shuttle and the thousands of job losses that will go with it.
Now, nearly three years and $50 million later, the agency is becoming known more for generating controversy and critics than jobs and new business.
A review of thousands of documents and e-mails obtained by the Orlando Sentinel shows that, in recent months, Space Florida was accused by a local university of giving a competitor the school's idea for a training facility for space tourists. Another company accused Space Florida of stiffing it for $250,000 in a publicity deal. A contract to use airplane flights that mimic the microgravity of space to help teachers prepare lessons about space flew just 92 teachers — at a cost of $1 million.
Among the agency's biggest detractors is Elon Musk, the dot-com millionaire founder of SpaceX, the company making a new rocket to take cargo from Cape Canaveral to the international space station.
Space Florida played a role in convincing the Air Force to lease SpaceX a launchpad at the Cape. But despite the helping hand, Musk says the agency is slow, bureaucratic and painful to deal with.
"I don't see any point to the organization," Musk said in an interview, accusing the agency of introducing red tape into everything it touches.
Adding to the agency's woes: The Governor's Office is investigating one of its groundbreaking deals — a space-tourist training program called "Project Odyssey" — after the Sentinel disclosed that a state employee who worked on the contract resigned his job to go to work for the clinic that won it, a potential violation of Florida's "revolving door" ethics laws. The agency also was stung last month by a legislative report questioning its planning for construction of a key multimillion-dollar spaceport.
Jobs created: UnknownThe criticisms come at a crucial time. With NASA planning to mothball the shuttle fleet and shed as many as 6,400 jobs next year, Florida desperately needs space work to offset the losses.
Space Florida says it has taken big steps to lure space business to the state. It says it is talking to 50 companies about potential spaceflight deals, though it can't disclose the names. It lists among its achievements the passage of space-business-friendly legislation in Tallahassee, striking a deal with the Air Force to lease a launchpad to the state and funding projects such as an experiment that could lead to a salmonella vaccine.
But those moves, like most of Space Florida's efforts, have done little to attract significant investment or create jobs.
Space Florida President Steve Kohler, an economic-development expert from Pennsylvania hired by former Gov. Jeb Bush 28 months ago, said he doesn't know how many jobs his agency may have helped create, adding that it is not required to track job creation.
"Our responsibility is to create an environment that entices business and drives new business opportunities for the state," he said in a written statement.
But leading aerospace executives and politicians question whether Space Florida is even meeting those goals. Among its biggest critics are some of the very people it is supposed to be helping: space entrepreneurs.
Peter Diamandis is a major figure in the emerging personal-spaceflight industry. In addition to running Zero G, an airline specializing in flights simulating the weightlessness of space, he is founder and chairman of the X Prize Foundation, which promotes "revolution through competition" by offering a $10 million prize for breakthroughs in, among other areas, spaceflight.
In 2007, Space Florida signed two contracts worth $1 million for Zero G to create a Microgravity Education and Research Center, ultimately intended to work with 8,000 teachers and 80,000 students a year. Besides microgravity flights and workshops, the program was supposed to create online materials and professional development programs.
The deal was considered a coup for Florida and was kicked off with a flight from Kennedy Space Center that allowed world-famous physicist Stephen Hawking — who uses a wheelchair because of a neurological disorder — to experience weightlessness. Zero G and Space Florida launched the "The Stephen Hawking Microgravity Education and Research Center," which began with a Web site.
Zero G also developed a training program and curriculum. But according to Sonya Montgomery, a former Space Florida vice president and until recently a paid consultant to the agency, it had neither the staff nor ability to ensure Zero G's program made it into classrooms.
"Space Florida never executed the Zero G plan. We never identified people who would turn the idea into action, and we never adopted or began to implement the program across the state," Montgomery said.
As the cost of the contract began to attract scrutiny, Space Florida demanded changes from Zero G, like flying experiments instead of teachers. Space Florida refused to agree to a teacher flight schedule with Zero G until a new deal was struck.
"Space Florida wanted Zero G to correct the mistakes that [Space Florida] had made," Montgomery said.
Last year, Zero G appealed to the state Office of Tourism, Trade and Economic Development, the economic-development arm that oversees Space Florida.
"We have fulfilled all of our obligations, and the next steps are clearly in the hands of SF," Diamandis wrote in an e-mail to OTTED Director Dale Brill. "Is it SF's intention to fulfill the contract in 2008?"
Last Sunday, Zero G flew its last flight for Space Florida, closing out the company's relationship with Space Florida. According to the agency, a total of 92 teachers flew — "impacting more than 2,760 students in 36 counties."
Space Florida spokeswoman Deb Spicer, in an e-mail summarizing what the $1 million contract accomplished, added, "Hopefully, as the economy improves, we will be able to fund more microgravity flights ... with a greater focus on providing research opportunities for teachers, students and university faculty."
Idea given away?Others say Space Florida has ignored them or, worse, appropriated their ideas.
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University — headquartered in Daytona Beach — presented Kohler in November 2006 with an idea to start a facility that would prepare so-called "space tourists" willing to pay for rocket flights that would take them to the edge of space.
Nothing happened for a year, until Kohler toured an upscale sports-medicine facility near Pensacola. In an interview, Kohler said he thought immediately that its wealthy clients would be "a perfect fit" for a space-tourism program — and tailored a $500,000 grant from the state to the Andrews Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Center.
Embry-Riddle was not pleased.
"We were dismayed to find out that Space Florida funded 'Project Odyssey' as a noncompeted grant to begin work in an area in which many universities and organizations in Florida have expertise and interest," Christina Recascino, the university's vice president for research, wrote last July.
Kohler responded by saying that "there is no record of correspondence or any meetings with Embry-Riddle" about a space-tourism project. Embry-Riddle, however, showed the Orlando Sentinel the PowerPoint presentation it made to Kohler in 2006, proposing the idea.
Rick Svetkoff, president of Starfighters Inc., also had pitched Space Florida on using his KSC-based fleet of F-104 Starfighter jets as part of a space-tourism training program. He also sought money for his company's acrobatic demonstration team to promote Space Florida at air shows in Europe.
In the end, he said he thought the agency had agreed to pay $250,000 for Starfighters to display Space Florida's logo on the company's jets — only to be told after coming back from a flight-show tour last summer that the agency wasn't going to pay.
E-mails between the company and Space Florida show that the agency had sent its logo to Svetkoff to make decals for the jets before the tour. Space Florida spokeswoman Deb Spicer would not discuss the issue, saying it was being reviewed by the agency's lawyers.
Legislators take notice
The complaints have caught the ears of key legislators, including Rep. Dean Cannon, R- Winter Park, who is slated to become House speaker next year, and Sen. Mike Haridopolos, the Indialantic Republican designated to lead the Senate.
"When you hear complaints from a small company, and a big company like Space X, and a world leader like Embry-Riddle, it gives me great concern," Cannon said. "I think those concerns should be investigated to make sure the taxpayers are getting the best value for their dollars."
Now Cannon and Haridopolos have suggested the agency needs management changes, or it could see itself mothballed in the current austere budget environment.
"If they can't make those structural changes, we need to find a better way," Haridopolos said. "This cannot afford to lay. Commercial space is our future."
Robert Block, who reported from Cape Canaveral, can be reached at email@example.com or 321-639-0522. Aaron Deslatte, who reported from Tallahassee, can be reached at 850-222-5564 or firstname.lastname@example.com.
Find more on Elon Musk's efforts with SpaceX in Florida, and the controversies dogging Space Florida: OrlandoSentinel.com/ spaceflorida


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H.C. Hwang is Moo Duk Kwan® Founder Hwang Kee's appointed successor for the Moo Duk Kwan® Kwan Jang Nim position. As President of the World Moo Duk Kwan® he works to preserve the Moo Duk Kwan® martial art organization's legacy, philosophy, Moo Do values, technical excellence, and continues the evolution and development of the Soo Bahk Do® martial art system. Connect with him via the websites and social network links above.
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Welcome to Arras!
Arras is a WordPress theme designed for news or review sites with lots of customisable features.
Recent Posts
- John Proctor, Managing Partner, recognized by Best Lawyers®
- Larry Wilshire, Michael Peck, and Sterling Elza named co-chairs of the Construction Law Practice Group
- Announcing New Brown Dean Branch Office In Dallas, Texas
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- John W. Proctor – Experienced Litigator and Managing Partner
- Texas Jurors
- When an Invitee Becomes a Trespasser
- Homeowner May Sue Construction Subcontractor
- Texas Lease by Walmart Violates Texas Optometry Act
- Re-characterization of Private Property as Public
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Jennifer Garner Talking Ben Affleck on Letterman | Video
Jennifer Garner Calls Ben Affleck "Walking Testosterone," Talks Being 40
Jennifer Garner's been on the press trail for The Odd Life of Timothy Green in NYC this week, and last night she sat down with David Letterman to chat about the project and her family life. She also touched on an exciting milestone — husband Ben Affleck's 40th birthday, which is today. Jennifer shared her own feelings about being 40 and joked that Ben doesn't seem quite as excited. Watch the cute clip now!


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HPV Vaccine: Is It Safe? Doctors Answer Your Questions
Dr. Timothy Johnson and other physicians address your concerns.
Aug. 19, 2009 -- On Tuesday, ABC News' Chief Medical Editor Dr. Timothy Johnson wrote a blog entry that appeared on the World Newser about a new report in the Journal of the American Medical Association on the benefits and risks of Gardasil, the Merck vaccine against the human papilloma virus (HPV).
While side effects from the vaccine appear to be rare, the shot has been associated with effects ranging from fainting and nausea to life-threatening blood clots and other more severe complications.
In his entry, Johnson noted that he could not recommend that all girls and young women in the eligible age range for the shot get vaccinated based on what researchers currently know about the vaccine's risk profile.
The entry garnered a strong response from our audiences, as evidenced by the many questions that appeared on the comment boards following his post. Below, Johnson and other medical experts address some of the most commonly asked questions in response to the comments on the World Newser blog:
1) What should parents do if they have already had their daughters vaccinated?
For now, Johnson said, there is little that parents should be doing if their daughters have already received the HPV vaccine.
"They can't do anything about it now, and they should pay attention to any side effects symptoms that might show up," Johnson said, adding that there is no research yet that has suggested a point in time after which side effects will not arise. "Fortunately, the numbers in terms of incidence of these side effects appear very low, so parents should not worry unless something happens."
Dr. Eugene Shapiro, associate chair of the department of pediatrics at the Yale University School of Medicine, said that, though long-term data is not available, he believes that if a recipient of the vaccine has not had adverse reactions so far, there is a slim chance that they will.
"In my opinion, the benefits will far exceed any potential risks," Shapiro said.
2) The vaccine is given in three shots. If a girl has already had the first dose, should she take the remaining two doses in light of concerns over the HPV vaccine?
Physicians agreed that just because a girl has had the first shot of the HPV vaccine does not mean that she must necessarily complete the entire three-dose course.
"If they've only had one dose and they've had no problems with it, it could make sense to pull out and not do any more doses," said Dr. Diane Harper, director of the Gynecologic Cancer Prevention Research Group at the University of Missouri.
Johnson agreed. "There is no easy answer to that question, because it really boils down to the question of whether they should have the shot at all," he said. "But the fact that they have had one dose, in my mind, shouldn't change the question. If they don't want it, then they should stop at one."
3) My 12-year-old daughter has already received two of the three doses. Should I allow doctors to give the third, and if not, are there any risks to only having two?
As with girls who have already received a single shot of Gardasil, those who have received two doses will not experience any additional risk if they opt not to have the third shot in the course, doctors said. But Harper noted that those girls who have had two doses of the vaccine already have very little to fear from a third dose if they, their parents and their doctor agree that it is the proper course of action.
"If they've had two doses, they've already swallowed the fish hook," she said. "If nothing bad happened, after the third dose the chances of an [adverse event] are really, really small."
Still, she said, parents, their daughters, and their doctors should probably weigh in the known benefits of the vaccine against the risks of opting for the third dose in the course.
"If they do not receive the three doses, the vaccine does not work at all," she said. "If they stop now, they have no benefit from what they have already done. If they continue, there is still a small probably very small but real chance of something happening after the upcoming dose."
For this reason, Shapiro said, those who have already started the course will probably be encouraged by their doctors to continue.
"We continue to counsel anyone who has already started the vaccine to continue the vaccine, especially if they've had no adverse reactions," Shapiro said.
4) Why are girls the only target of the vaccine?
"They're the ones who get cervical cancer, so they are the ones that we think about in terms of prevention," Johnson said. But he added that because the infection is carried and spread by boys as well, there is a rationale for prevention efforts in boys, too.
But, he added, the recent debate over the vaccine's effectiveness versus its possible risks could affect the debate on this issue as well.
"I doubt they will be going ahead with boys anytime soon," he said.
5) My daughter heard the news about Gardisil; now she is terrified. How, as parents, can we address her concerns?
Johnson said that the best move for parents is to allow their child to become part of the discussion that the family has amongst themselves and with the family doctor. And he said that even the youngest girls who may have received Gardasil shots are probably old enough to understand the issues at play in the editorial which accompanied the report in JAMA.
"Most 11- and 12-year-olds could read it and understand it, I feel," Johnson said. "They should be made part of the family discussion when it comes to reading this editorial and discussing the issue with the family doctor."
Most importantly, Johnson said, parents should take their daughters' concerns seriously.
"The worst thing to do is to shut them out of the discussion and tell them not to worry," he said.
Radha Chitale contributed to this report.


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It doesn't have 4G and there's no expandable memory but LG's Nexus 4 remains outstanding value for money.
Design & display
The first thing you'll notice about the Nexus 4 is how it feels in your hand. It's weighty without being too heavy and it feels very solid. It's a far cry from its plasticy-feeling predecessor, the Galaxy Nexus. The Nexus 4 also has impressive ergonomics. It's only slightly smaller than the Samsung Galaxy S III, but it feels more comfortable to hold single-handedly. The bezel around the screen is thin, so Google has maximised the display size without compromising on sheer size. The Nexus 4 feels much more expensive than its hugely competitive price tag suggests.
There are a few nice touches that suggest Google spent a lot of time on the Nexus 4's physical design. The two visible torx screws on the bottom give an industrial feel, while the chrome power and volume buttons on either side are a nice touch. They are slightly raised and provide good tactility. We also like the recessed earpiece, which is pushed to the very top of the handset, along with the plastic band around the edge of the phone. The latter makes the Nexus 4 comfortable to grip thanks to a matte finish and breaks up the otherwise glossy surface.
Google's most distinctive touch, though, is the glass back of the Nexus 4, which has a holographic like pattern when viewed in certain light. The laser etched pattern effect is actually rather subtle and can only be seen at all certain angles, depending on the light. If you were worried that this effect might be over the top, we can assure you it's nicely implemented. It appears black most of the time and when the pattern does appear it certainly isn't distasteful. One annoyance is the rear speaker: when the phone is laid flat on a desk or table, the sound is significantly muffled.
Unfortunately, the glass back of the Nexus 4 scratches easily. Our review unit was littered with scuffs and scratches after just a few days of use, so we'd advise you to use a case. There have been some reports online of the glass back cracking without being dropped, but we didn't experience this during our testing. We wouldn't want to drop the phone to find out how resilient it is, though. The Nexus 4 also heats up significantly when its in use. During long Web browsing sessions or when playing graphically intense games, the top of the glass around the Nexus logo on the back becomes rather hot to touch.
There are a couple of other downsides to the Nexus 4's design, too. The battery isn't removable and therefore isn't replaceable and there's no microSD card slot for extra storage. Given the phone only comes in 8GB and 16GB variants, the lack of expandable memory is an annoyance that we suspect won't sit well with many hardened Android users.
The Google Nexus 4 comes a true HD IPS display with a resolution of 1280x728. This screen is a significant upgrade over its predecessor — it's bright, clear and displays deep blacks. It also has no trouble displaying crisp and clear text with no visible aberrations, has excellent viewing angles and works relatively well outdoors in direct sunlight.
We did notice, however, that when directly compared with a Samsung Galaxy S III, the latter appears to offer more vibrant colours. The Nexus 4 is just as bright and whites don't have the same blue tinge that's common on the Galaxy S III, but at full brightness the Nexus 4's colours don't pop out at us as much as we expected. To users with a keen eye, however, this more natural colour reproduction is likely to be a positive.
Software and performance
Google's Nexus line of products have always been much more about software as they are about hardware. The latest version of Android running on the Nexus 4 is 4.2, still called 'Jelly Bean'. While this new version isn't a quantum leap over 4.1, the incremental upgrades Google has added are all welcome additions. The software continues to improve with each release and this is without a doubt the most polished version of Android we've used. There's almost no sign of lag when performing basic tasks and the software is responsive, slick and speedy. It also handles the most graphically intense games, like GTA III, Shadowgun and Need for Speed: Most Wanted, with ease.
There are a number of new features in Android 4.2. One of the most useful is a new quick settings menu, which is accessible by tapping a shortcut in the notifications panel, or by using two fingers instead of one to swipe down the notifications bar. We used this regularly and love its clean and attractive interface. It features shortcuts and toggles to brightness, settings, Wi-Fi, data-usage, battery usage, aeroplane mode, Bluetooth and the alarm. We do wish this was customisable, though, and it is a little inconsistent. Aeroplane mode, for example, is a direct on/off toggle when pressed but tapping the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth menus simply opens them in the settings menu. The menu is a nice touch overall but needs further refining.
We really appreciated a new 'gesture typing' feature on the keyboard that replicates Swype. It does require some practise to get used to but improves the more you use it and learns words that you commonly input. On the other hand, Android 4.2's new lockscreen allows you to add calendar, clock, Gmail and messaging widgets but we found its implementation confusing, limiting and eventually annoying. You can only add one widget to each screen regardless of how small you resize the widget and even if you choose not to use the widgets, an annoying box still flashes on either side of the screen every time you wake it. There's also no way to disable the feature and no way to swipe the on-screen lock button directly into the camera app (instead you need to swipe from the very right of the screen to the left to quickly open the camera).
Other software features of Android we appreciated are expandable notifications that can be actioned, like the ability to share a screenshot you've taken from the notifications window, and some minor enhancements to the Google Now personal assistant. It now uses your Gmail account as a data source for new cards — we had domestic flight details appear as a card after receiving a boarding pass through email, which was very handy. Google has also added a completely new clock app that incorporates alarms, a timer, a stopwatch and a world clock. We like the interface, which is clean and straightforward, but the half-bold clock font isn't to our tastes.
Camera, battery life
Google has made plenty of changes to the Nexus 4's camera application. There's an on-screen button to switch between camera modes, a capture key and flash icon that brings up the settings menu. However, you can also quickly bring up this settings menu by tapping and holding anywhere on the screen, where a circular menu will appear. From here you can swipe in the direction denoted to switch to the front-facing camera, activate HDR mode, turn off the flash, change the scene mode, adjust white balance and access further settings like the picture size and the location of captured photos. This menu makes it easy to quickly access the settings with your thumb, which is handy if you're rushing to take a quick photo. However, it is easy to accidentally select the wrong setting so there's definitely a learning curve required.
Google has made the most fuss about a new feature called photo sphere. It allows you to capture a 360 degree panorama by stitching together photos from multiple directions. The images take a while to capture and then sew together, so you need a great deal of patience to use it, even if the interface is intuitive and helpful. Our results were generally hit and miss — most of our photo sphere shots didn't blend well together and were often missing elements. It's a nice feature but one that still needs a bit of work to perfect.
The camera itself takes good quality photos with colour reproduction and detail levels notable strengths. The LED flash tends to wash out photos in dark areas, however, and low light performance is a definite weakness. In these types of environments, the Nexus 4's camera suffers from notable image noise. We also found macro performance hit and miss and had more success with close up shots using the Samsung Galaxy S III's camera. Thankfully, video recording quality is excellent for most part, though you'll need to keep a steady hand to avoid motion blur.
Perhaps the biggest omission on the Nexus 4 is a lack of 4G connectivity. The Nexus 4 works on all of Australia's 3G networks but no LTE means data speeds are slower than those offered by competing devices like the iPhone 5, the Samsung Galaxy S III 4G, the Motorola RAZR HD and the HTC One XL. If you live or work in an area where you're not serviced by currently limited Telstra or Optus 4G coverage then you won't be too fussed, but those who are desperate for the fastest mobile data connection will be left disappointed.
We found battery life on the Google Nexus 4 below average. We usually managed between 12-13 hours, which isn't enough to last a full day, though on one occasion with minimal screen on time we managed almost 15 hours, which is a decent result. The biggest use of the battery is the screen, which often accounted for more than 40 per cent of power drain.


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Mountain Quest Jacket
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The North Face Mountain Quest Jacket is a highly technical best selling rainwear shell for wild weather activities. Built from DryVent fabric that's breathable waterproof and fully seam sealed. Fit the attached, fully adjustable hood just right with a hidden drawcord system. Pit zips aid ventilation. Soft brushed chin guard add comfort and a weather proof zippered front closure keeps out rain. Stowable for easy packing when the sun shines in one of two hand pockets. When the rain lashes, hunker down and tighten the Velcro cuffs and hem cinch-cord.
Materials: 100% DryVent Polyester
Colour: TNF Yellow
SKU: t0cr3q70m
Materials: 100% DryVent Polyester
Colour: TNF Yellow
SKU: t0cr3q70m
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Geeks Are Sexy claims that this is merely an astounding bit of cosplay of the Baroness from G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero, done by DeviantArtist Daeltyh. However, as a cosplay aficionado and one of the thousands of boys who grew up in the '80s whose sexual preferences were irrevocably steered toward potentially evil women who wear glasses and speak with Eastern European accents thanks to the character, I can assure you without any doubt that this isn't cosplay, it's just the Baroness. A living Baroness, in three dimensions, in real life. Someone obviously made a machine that took her out of the '80s cartoon and transported her into the real world. It's the only explanation that makes any sense. Now if you'll excuse me, I need to see a man about getting my head covered in steel.
[Via Geeks Are Sexy]


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Opportunities for UK Nanotechnology companies in India
This webinar will bring you up to date with the current scenario of Nanotechnology Industry in India and market overview including:
- Introduction to the major hubs for business, knowledge and support technology in India
- Exciting nanotechnology innovations developed in India
- Business opportunities for working in the Indian market.
To participate in the webinar, kindly register by sending an e-mail to Rajani Rajan or Rashmi Priyesh on or before Monday, 26 November 2012.
Following this webinar, UKTI and CamIn have organised a Nano Delegation to Bangalore, India (5-7 December), bringing together a group of UK based nanotechnology companies with a keen interest in strengthening research and business links with Indian Nanotechnology counterparts. The objective of this mission is to explore collaborative opportunities between the two countries.
Date and time
- Start Date :
- 30/11/12
- End Date:
- 30/11/12
- Duration :
- 10:00 12:00 (Time Zone Sensitive)
- Type :
- Online


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When we think about the causes of cancer, gene mutations usually come to mind. But mutations are not the only culprits in cancer. Scientists now know that gene expression — whether a gene turns on or stays silent — is directed by chemicals that latch onto genes. These chemical alterations are referred to as "epigenetic" changes because — unlike mutations — they don't alter the gene's DNA structure. Instead, the epigenetic "marks" on genes control whether a gene is turned on or not.
One common epigenetic change occurs when bulky chemical units called methyl groups (chemical formula CH3) latch onto genes. This is called methylation, and it generally prevents a gene from being turned on.
"Methylation is a normal way of regulating genes in the cell," says Amit Verma, M.B.B.S., above left, associate professor of medicine and of developmental and molecular biology. "But it sometimes occurs inappropriately, turning off genes that suppress cell growth and division. When that happens, cancer can result."
To study methylation, Dr. Verma needed a technique for scanning genes, looking for methyl groups — which is why he turned to John Greally, M.B., B.Ch., Ph.D., associate professor of genetics, for HELP.
HELP (which stands for Hpa II tiny fragment Enrichment by Ligation-mediated PCR) is a technique developed by Dr. Greally that allows investigators to evaluate the methylation status of all 25,000 human genes. "Even though a gene may appear perfectly normal, with no mutations, its abnormal methylation pattern may tip us off to its role in causing cancer," says Dr. Greally, who is also Einstein's Faculty Scholar for Epigenomics, an endowed academic position established by Dr. Ruth L. Gottesman, chairperson of the Einstein Board of Overseers, and her husband, David S. Gottesman.
The good news: While correcting a DNA mutation is extremely difficult, methyl groups and other epigenetic marks are readily reversible. Fixing the aberrant chemical marks associated with cancer could lead to effective treatments or even cures. Einstein researchers are using HELP to pinpoint epigenetic changes involved in several types of cancer.
Myelodysplastic syndrome
This group of blood conditions is sometimes referred to as "pre-leukemia" because about one-third of patients develop acute myeloid leukemia after a myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) diagnosis.
The Food and Drug Administration has approved two methylation-blocking drugs for treating MDS. "Unfortunately, only about one in three MDS patients responds to the drugs," says Dr. Verma. "Now, using Dr. Greally's HELP assay, we're identifying the epigenetic patterns in MDS patients who respond or don't respond. Then treatment can be targeted to those patients most likely to respond."
The Albert Einstein Cancer Center (AECC) is a National Institutes of Health–designated Myelodysplastic Syndromes Center of Excellence and serves as a national referral center for people with this disorder. "Our patients have access to more advanced therapies than are provided in the practice community," says Dr. Verma. Einstein's MDS research is supported by the NIH, the AECC and private donors. (See pages 3 and 4.)
Mantle cell lymphoma
Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) is a rare but often fatal cancer. Einstein scientists led by Samir Parekh, M.D., assistant professor in the department of medicine (oncology), have identified clusters of genes in MCL cells with too much or too little methylation. Dr. Parekh and colleagues have shown that epigenetic drug combinations can reactivate tumor-suppressor genes in MCL cells. Such drug combinations might one day be used in addition to chemotherapies now in use against MCL.
Esophageal cancer
Cancer doesn't develop overnight. The process often involves dozens of mutations and epigenetic changes that occur over many years. Dr. Verma is using HELP to track the epigenetic changes that occur when a condition known as Barrett's esophagus (caused mainly by the acid reflux of chronic, severe heartburn) develops into often-fatal esophageal cancer.
"He's dealing with the evolution of this cancer in the same way that developmental biologists deal with the development of an organism," says Dr. Greally. "In an animal, you might go from a tadpole to a frog. In this cancer you go from inflammation through different stages until you get to a deadly cancer. We hope the pattern of epigenetic marks will tell us which patients with Barrett's esophagus might be most at risk for developing esophageal cancer so that early treatment can be initiated."
Posted on: Thursday, October 27, 2011


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Reno, Nevada air show ends in disaster when vintage war plane crashes into spectators, bandstand; 3 killed, 56 injured
RENO, Nev. (AP) -- A World War II-era fighter plane flown by a veteran Hollywood stunt pilot plunged Friday into the edge of the grandstands during a popular air race, killing three people, injuring more than 50 spectators and creating a horrific scene strewn with smoking debris.
The plane, piloted by 74-year-old Jimmy Leeward, spiraled out of control without warning and appeared to disintegrate upon impact. Bloodied bodies were spread across the area as people tended to the victims and ambulances rushed to the scene.
Authorities were investigating the cause, but an official with the event said there were indications that mechanical problems were to blame.
Maureen Higgins of Alabama, who has been coming to the air races for 16 years, said the pilot was on his third lap when he lost control.
She was sitting about 30 yards away from the crash and watched in horror as the man in front of her started bleeding after debris hit him in the head.
"I saw body parts and gore like you wouldn't believe it. I'm talking an arm, a leg," Higgins said "The alive people were missing body parts. I am not kidding you. It was gore. Unbelievable gore."
Among the dead was Leeward, of Ocala, Fla., a veteran airman and movie stunt pilot who named his P-51 Mustang fighter plane the "Galloping Ghost," according to Mike Houghton, president and CEO of Reno Air Races. Officials earlier said Leeward was 80.
Renown Regional Medical Center spokeswoman Kathy Carter confirmed that two others died, but did not provide their identities.
Stephanie Kruse, a spokeswoman for the Regional Emergency Medical Service Authority, told The Associated Press that emergency crews took a total of 56 injury victims to three hospitals. She said they also observed a number of people being transported by private vehicle, which they are not including in their count.
Kruse said of the total 56, at the time of transport, 15 were considered in critical condition, 13 were serious condition with potentially life-threatening injuries and 28 were non-serious or non-life threatening.
"This is a very large incident, probably one of the largest this community has seen in decades," Kruse told The Associated Press. "The community is pulling together to try to deal with the scope of it. The hospitals have certainly geared up and staffed up to deal with it."
The P-51 Mustang, a class of fighter plane that can fly at speeds in excess of 500 mph, crashed into a box-seat area in front of the grandstand at about 4:30 p.m., race spokesman Mike Draper said. Houghton said Leeward appeared to have "lost control of the aircraft," though details on why that happened weren't immediately known.
Houghton said at a news conference hours after the crash that there appeared to be a "problem with the aircraft that caused it to go out of control." He did not elaborate.
He said the rest of the races have been canceled as the NTSB investigates.
KRNV-TV weatherman Jeff Martinez, who was just outside the air race grounds at the time, said the plane veered to the right and then "it just augered straight into the ground."
"You saw pieces and parts going everywhere," he said. "Everyone is in disbelief."
Tim Linville, 48, of Reno, said the pilot appeared to lose partial control off the plane when he veered off course and flew over the bleachers near where Linville was standing with his two daughters.
"I told the girls to run and the pilot pulled the plane straight up, but he couldn't do anything else with it," Linville told the AP. "That's when it nosedived right into the box seats."
Linville said after the plane went straight up, it barrel rolled and inverted downward, crashing into an area where at least 20 people were sitting.
"If he wouldn't have pulled up, he would have taken out the entire bleacher section," and hurt thousands of people, Linville said.
Linville said the plane smashed into the ground and shattered like an enormous water balloon, sending shrapnel and debris into the crowd.
"It was just flying everywhere," he said.
Leeward, the owner of the Leeward Air Ranch Racing Team, was a well-known racing pilot. His website says he has flown more than 120 races and served as a stunt pilot for numerous movies, including "Amelia" and "Cloud Dancer."
In an interview with the Ocala (Fla.) Star-Banner last year, he described how he has flown 250 types of planes and has a particular fondness for the P-51, which came into the war relatively late and was used as a long-range bomber escort over Europe. Among the famous pilots of the hot new fighter was WWII double ace Chuck Yeager.
"They're more fun. More speed, more challenge. Speed, speed and more speed," Leeward said.
Leeward talked about racing strategy in an interview Thursday with LiveAirShow TV while standing in front of his plane.
"Right now I think we've calculated out, we're as fast as anybody in the field, or maybe even a little faster," he said. "But uh, to start with, we didn't really want to show our hand until about Saturday or Sunday. We've been playing poker since last Monday. And uh so, it's ready, we're ready to show a couple more cards, so we'll see on Friday what happens, and on Saturday we'll probably go ahead and play our third ace, and on Sunday we'll do our fourth ace."
Houghton described Leeward as "a good friend."
"Everybody knows him. It's a tight-knit family. He's been here for a long, long time," Houghton said.
He also described Leeward as a "very qualified, very experienced pilot" and that he was in good medical condition. He also suggested Leeward would have made every effort to avoid casualties on the ground if he knew he was going to crash.
"If it was in Jimmy's power, he would have done everything he possibly could," Houghton said.
The National Championship Air Races draws thousands of people to Reno every year in September to watch various military and civilian planes race. They also have attracted scrutiny in the past over safety concerns, including four pilots killed in 2007 and 2008. It was such a concern that local school officials once considered whether they should not allow student field trips at the event.
The competition is like a car race in the sky, with planes flying wingtip-to-wingtip as low as 50 feet off the sagebrush at speeds sometimes surpassing 500 mph. Pilots follow an oval path around pylons, with distances and speeds depending on the class of aircraft.
The FAA and air race organizers spend months preparing for air races as they develop a plan involving pilot qualification, training and testing along with a layout for the course. The FAA inspects pilots' practice runs and brief pilots on the route maneuvers and emergency procedures.
Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev., issued a statement saying he was "deeply saddened" about the crash.
"My thoughts are with the families of those who have lost their lives and with those who were wounded in this horrific tragedy," he said. "I am so grateful to our first responders for their swift action and will continue to monitor this situation as it develops."
Associated Press writers Cristina Silva and Oskar Garcia contributed.


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85kmh over: Woman among most dangerous drivers in Qld
A TOOWOOMBA woman has joined a deadly club among some of the most dangerous drivers in the state.
The 45-year-old has been listed in the top 10 highest recorded speeds in Queensland after she was clocked going 85kmh over the limit.
She joins the dubious company of Queensland's worst speedsters as caught on fixed roadside speed cameras in the 2014-15 financial year.
The woman was recorded travelling at 185kmh in a 100km zone, according to a Queensland Police Right to Information data release.
Disturbingly, however, she was not the worst for that time period.
The record ranked the 10 highest recorded speeds caught by fixed speed cameras and, despite being 85kmh over, the woman ranked in at ninth place.
Topping the list was a 24-year-old from Eatons Hill who was snapped travelling speeding at 130kmh over the 100km limit.
A Brisbane man, 27, ranked second on the list after he was recorded at 213kmh in a 100km zone, following by a Richmond man, 28, caught travelling at 207kmh in a 100km zone.
With the exception of the Toowoomba woman and a woman from Rockhampton, all drivers were from the south-east region.
Top 10 speedsters in Qld (2014/15 financial year):
- - Eaton Hills man, 24, clocked 230kmh in 100km
- - Brisbane man, 27, clocked 213kmh in 100km
- - Richmond VIC man, 28, clocked 207kmh in 110km
- - Bethania man, 43, locked 200kmh in 110km
- - Brisbane man, 25, clocked 195kmh in 100km
- - Rockhampton woman, 33, clocked 194kmh in 110km
- - Alexandra Hills woman, 50, clocked 189kmh in 100km
- - Underwood man, 48, clocked 186kmh in 100km
- - Toowoomba woman, 45, clocked 185kmh in 100km
- - Brisbane man, 34, clocked 185kmh in 110km


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Joanne Sasvari
Postmedia News
Add a festive spirit to the holidays with handcrafted cocktails that capture the flavours of the season.
"You can really bring the kitchen to your glass," says Justin Taylor, bartender at Yew Restaurant + Bar at Vancouver's Four Seasons Hotel.
At this time of year, he thinks of spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and ginger, dark spirits like rum and whisky, and sweet liqueurs like Cointreau and Creme de Cacao. After all, he says, "a little chocolate never hurts anybody."
Cocktails can incorporate flavours you'll never see in a wine glass. More than that, they lend themselves to a livelier, more interactive sort of gathering.
"I think people can step away from making elaborate meals with some fun, small foods," says Aja Sax, bartender at Toronto's Miller Tavern. "It's a nice alternative to a sit-down dinner party."
The downside is that, unlike wine and beer, cocktails require multiple ingredients and a certain amount of assembly.
"During the holiday season, entertaining requires a lot of work and when adding a cocktail to the repertoire you want to keep it simple," says Cameron Bogue, the Vancouver-based beverage director for Earls Restaurants.
"One of the biggest mistakes is to serve a labour-intensive cocktail that will require the host to tend bar to craft them individually. My recommendation is to batch cocktails so guests can serve themselves with simple instruction."
The solution? Either hire a bartender or serve a convivial bowl of a big-batch cocktail like eggnog, hot buttered rum, mulled wine or punch.
"Punch bowls let you entertain guests and not worry about making fresh drinks constantly," says Rebecca Davis, head bartender at CHACUT Roast House in Calgary.
Not only is a punch bowl cool and fun, it's easy and cost-effective, too.
Most importantly, punches also let you offer a non-alcoholic drink that guests can spike or not as they choose. After all, Sax points out, "The holiday is about family so you're likely to have kids around and they want to be part of the action, too."
Here are some great cocktail recipes sure to shake up any holiday gathering.
Earls Cranberry Prosecco Punch
Cameron Bogue, beverage director for Earls Restaurants, created this fresh, light cocktail for the holiday season.
1/2 oz. housemade lemon syrup (see note)
1/2 oz. fresh squeezed lime juice
1/2 oz. white cranberry juice
1/2 oz. Smirnoff white grape vodka
3 oz. Prosecco
garnish as below
Fill a Collins or tall chimney glass half full with ice cubes. Add 2 lime wheels, 8 fresh cranberries and top with ice until glass is full.
Place lemon syrup, lime juice, cranberry juice and vodka into a cocktail shaker and fill with ice. Shake vigorously 12 times to mix ingredients. Strain into prepared glass and top with Prosecco. Insert a bar spoon and gently stir to mix thoroughly. Serves 1.
Note: To make lemon syrup, bring equal amounts fresh lemon juice and sugar to just under a boil, stirring constantly.
Christmas Cure All
This hot cocktail created by Rebecca Davis, head bartender at Calgary's CHARCUT Roast House, can warm the coldest day.
4 oz. English Breakfast tea infused with honey, cinnamon and orange peel
3/4 oz. Remy Martin VSOP cognac
1/4 oz. Calvados
2 dashes of Angostura bitters
2 dashes of orange bitters
Make a pot of English Breakfast tea, adding 2 cinnamon sticks and a few slices of orange peel (white pith removed) while it is steeping. Remove tea bags (or leaves), add honey to taste, and allow spice, honey and citrus to steep for an hour or so. You can make this ahead of time, then reheat just before serving.
In a heatproof glass or mug, mix cognac, Calvados and bitters, then stir in the hot citrus-and-spice-infused tea. If you like, garnish with an orange slice and a brandied cherry. Serves 1.
No Rest for the Wicked
This rich, spicy variation on eggnog created by Aja Sax, bartender at Toronto's Miller Tavern is perfect for a crowd.
9 oz. Devil's Cut or other bourbon
3 oz. Punt y Mes vermouth (if unavailable, substitute sweet vermouth)
2 oz. Amaro Montenegro
6 eggs, beaten
6 oz. chipotle syrup (recipe follows)
1 to 2 tsp. salt
15 oz. whipping cream
15 oz. whole milk
Mix ingredients in a punch bowl until well blended. Chill for five hours, mix again, and grate fresh nutmeg over top. Makes 12 to 16 servings.
Chipotle Syrup
1 cup sugar
1 cup water
1 can chipotle chilies (such as Herdez brand)
Carefully rinse off the chilies.
In a small saucepan, bring the water to a simmer, add the sugar and stir constantly until sugar is dissolved. Don't let it boil. Add the rinsed chipotle peppers and continue to stir for about a minute. Turn heat off, cover pot and let stand for 5 to 10 minutes, tasting occasionally. Strain out chilies. Cover and chill until ready to use. Makes about 1 cup.
The Turkey Hunter
This flavourful sipper created by Justin Taylor at the Four Seasons Hotel in Vancouver features a shrub, a vinegar-based drink that adds a bright note of acidity to a drink just brimming with Christmas spices.
1 1/2 oz. Wild Turkey 81 or other bourbon
1/2 oz. Cynar
1 oz. Cherry Shrub (recipe follows)
1 orange peel
1 cinnamon stick
Stir whiskey, Cynar and Cherry Shrub with ice in a rocks (Old Fashioned) glass. Add orange peel and stir with cinnamon stick. Serves 1.
Meyeri-ment Holiday Punch
This cocktail created by bartender Lauren Mote of Kale + Nori Culinary Arts in Vancouver is light, refreshing and palate cleansing — and easily made for one or for a crowd.
1 oz. Beefeater 24 gin
1 oz. Lillet Blanc
1/2 oz. freshly squeezed Meyer lemon juice (if Meyers are unavailable, regular lemons are fine)
1/2 oz. Jasmine Flower Syrup (see note)
2 dashes Bittered Sling Orange & Juniper Bitters (see note)
Shake all ingredients together with ice, and strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a lemon peel, spraying the oils over the top of the cocktail before dropping it into the drink. Serves 1.
To make this cocktail for a crowd: Increase quantities — 10 oz. gin, 10 oz. Lillet Blanc, 5 oz. Meyer lemon juice, 5 oz. Jasmine Flower Syrup, 20 dashes Bittered Sling Orange & Juniper Bitters — then pour all ingredients into a large pitcher. Stir well with ice cubes for 45 seconds. Strain out the ice, and pour the liquid into prepared clear bottles with festive tags stating what the punch is. Chill until ready to serve, then allow guests to help themselves. Serves 10.
To make this cocktail non-alcoholic: Combine lemon juice, jasmine syrup and bitters in a rocks glass with ice, then top with sparkling water. Serves 1.
Note: To make Jasmine Flower Syrup, prepare a tisane with 2 cups hot water and about 20 grams of high quality dried jasmine flowers (available in Chinatown or specialty grocers), allowing them to steep for 5 minutes. Strain out the flowers, then combine liquid with the sugar, stirring to dissolve. This syrup will keep up to 10 days refrigerated in a clean container.
Bittered Sling extracts are available through www.kaleandnori.com; in a pinch, you can use regular orange bitters.


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By Terry Rouge Expert Click Stick - Bare Me
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Click: Press once and the lip colour instantly appears.
Stick: Automatically, lips are precisely defined and perfectly filled in with an intensity of colour.
Simply click to offer a single dosage and apply to the lips with the pointed edge of the teardrop applicator facing upwards.