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Special Arrangements in May and over Pentecost
Κυριακή 23 Απριλίου 2017
Over the long weekends and public holidays in May and over Pentecost we offer our international guests individual holiday arrangements.
For additional questions, specific inquiries and appointment scheduling we are always at your disposal by e-mail, phone or in directly in our info-chat on our homepage. You find detailed information on our website: www.erotic-holidays.com


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iPerceptions Inc., a leading provider of Web-focused Voice of Customer (VoC) analytics based on actual visitor feedback and Peppers & Rogers Group, recently announced ten tips for making websites sticker. These recommendations are based on data from thousands of iPerceptions' surveys and analysis from Peppers & Rogers Group. The data and analysis reveals that while it's fairly easy for most companies to identify at which point during an online interaction a customer has abandoned, it's historically been more challenging to determine why they abandoned.
"Determining how to make a website more engaging and satisfactory for customers begins with understanding their motivations for visiting in the first place," said Duff Anderson, co-founder and vice president of research at iPerceptions. "This type of information can be gathered by conducting online surveys with customers and through other feedback mechanisms, such as Voice of Customer programs and focus groups. Behavioral information, like high percentage of visitor drop-offs at the same point in a particular task, can also help decision-makers determine what functions or processes need to be examined."
This slideshow is a compilation of recommendations from iPerceptions and Peppers & Rogers Group on the most effective ways to make websites stickier.
15 Essential BlackBerry Apps Some of the most popular apps in BlackBerry App World to help you through your day.
Nine Key Data Warehousing Trends for the CIO in 2011 and 2012 Optimization, flexible designs and alternative strategies will become more important as the demand for BI and business analytics increases.
Seven Critical Questions to Ask Before Developing a Social Media Policy Increase project success rates by providing well-defined guidance for social media initiatives.
Related Topics : SharePoint, Web Video and Voice Conferencing, UK, MySpace, Intranets
With an historic shift toward e-commerce, it's more important than ever that retailers have the right pieces in place to successfully capture online traffic and drive conversions. ... More >>
Digital innovation is by far the biggest influencer, changing the way we do just about everything, from shopping to communication to running a business. ... More >>
In addition to posing a critical challenge to company branding, web scraping threatens sales, SEO rankings and can undermine the integrity of content that took resources to produce. ... More >>

subset: commoncrawl


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Endress+Hauser 's Liquiphant M Online Density Measurement
Liquiphant M density meter provides analytical process information on-line or in-line according to customer requirements. It offers solutions for applications including process optimization, quality monitoring and waste reduction. It can also be used for monitoring of preliminary, interim and final products during blending operations and for verification and documentation of process steps.


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Vue Camberley - Discounted Tickets
Avg. Saving £6.44*
* average saving based on two adults and two children
1936 members have claimed this offer
- people are currently joining Kids Pass
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About Vue
Vue Entertainment is part of Vue International - one of the world's leading cinema operators, managing the most respected brands in major European markets and Taiwan, spanning ten countries, 211 sites and 1,875 screens.
Vue has 85 state of the art cinemas throughout the UK and Ireland, with 813 screens. This includes 265 3D screens, 11 Extreme Screens, 7 Gold Class screens, 3 Scene Screens and Bars and 2 IMAX screens where Vue project every film in Sony Digital Cinema 4K for ultra high definition pictures with four times more detail. With a total of 154,062 seats, 98% of which are stadium seating, Vue's innovative development programme has led the way in the UK. Vue Westfield London (February 2010) and Vue Westfield Stratford City (September 2011) remain the first and third highest grossing cinemas in the country.
There's no other experience quite like watching entertainment on the big screen
The sights and sounds, the hushed conversation, the great anticipation. Then, it's just about you and the screen. Bathed in bright lights, sitting in utter darkness, feeling as though you could reach out and be part of the action. And it's not over when the lights come up. Great experiences linger with you; they become part of who you are and it's this escape from daily life that keeps us coming back for more… and more.
At Vue, we believe there is nothing like the full blown big screen experience delivered at its best, which demands the perfect tuning of the seats, the screen, and brilliant sound.
Address and Contact Details
- The Atrium, Park Street, Camberley, Surrey, GU15 3PL
- Opening Times: Please check website for details
- 0345 308 4620


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With price pressures building at a faster-than-expected rate and exports staging a revival in China, is it time for policymakers to take away the stimulus punch bowl in the world's second largest economy?
The consumer price index (CPI) rose to a 7-month high of 2.5 percent in December, from a year earlier, driven by an upswing in food prices, and the decline in producer prices eased to 1.9 percent from 2 percent in the previous month. In addition, trade data released on Thursday showed mainland exportsrebounded sharply in December to 14.1 percent, helped by a revival in Western demand.
(Read More: China December Inflation Accelerates on Food Prices)
As the health of China's economy – which is expected to have grown around 7.8 percent in the fourth quarter – shows rapid signs of improvement, raising the risk of higher inflation, economists say Beijing could pull back on boosting the economy.
In 2012, the government launched fiscal stimulus measures including a $150 billion-plus infrastructure spending package and incentives for exporters. Also last year, the country's central bank cut interest rates and the reserve requirement ratio (RRR) for banks twice each.
Monetary Tightening in the Offing?
But now some economists suggest that the People's Bank of China may go ahead and lift interest rates in the second half of 2013.
"Rebounding price pressures mean tighter monetary policy ahead: stronger currency to curb imported inflation, tighter liquidity and rate hikes in the second-half," Dariusz Kowalczyk, senior economist, Asia ex-Japan at Credit Agricole, wrote in a note.
A further rise in food prices, firmer domestic demand and an unfavorable base effect will push inflation to 4 percent in the second-half, said Kowalczyk, above the government's target of around 3.5 percent.
"(But) the current inflation levels are low enough to ensure that the tightening of monetary stance will be gradual," he added.
Haibin Zhu, chief China economist at JPMorgan, who has currently penciled in a hike in interest rates in the first quarter of next year, said there is risk it could move forward to the fourth quarter of 2013. He too agrees CPI will climb above 3.5 percent towards the end of the year.
Zhu noted that the government's reforms to make prices of resources – including electricity, natural gas and water– more reflective of market demand, will also fuel price pressures this year.
This sentiment, however, is not shared by all. Donna Kwok, economist, Greater China Economics Research at HSBC, believes the upcoming revival of price pressures should remain contained, pointing to producer prices – which didn't pick up as fast as expected in December.
"This leaves sufficient room for Beijing to keep rates on hold for the next 12 months," Kwok said, adding that she expects the central bank to reduce the RRR by 50 basis points twice this year.
Alistair Thornton, senior China economist at IHS, agrees that the pick up in price pressures is not a cause for concern.
Inflationary pressures are inevitable given there has been a genuine pick-up in economic activity over the last few months, he said, adding that this is a "fairly healthy development".
"This points to the start of a benign trend in the economy with the turn of the inventory cycle helped by government stimulus," Thornton said. "There is little pressure from inflation to move on monetary policy."
However, one factor that could trigger a tightening of monetary policy in the latter part of the year, he said, is if property prices "continue unconstrained."
"The likelihood for an interest rate increase towards the back of the year will certainly rise, although authorities have demonstrated a clear preference for administrative measures," he said.
Average home prices in China's 10 biggest cities, including Beijing and Shanghai, rose 0.5 percent in December, from the previous month, and were up 1.1 percent from a year ago - marking the second year-on-year increase in 2012.
By CNBC's Ansuya Harjani


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Events, Music & Entertainment in NYC. Short and Sweet.
Charles Bradley No Time For Dreaming (Daptone Records) No Time for Dreaming, the new album from soul songster Charles Bradley, is the […]
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This map was created by KLM who provide flights to New York for those looking to discover the city.
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The Patriots made a remarkable comeback from 31-3 down on Sunday night to tie the game with less than seven minutes to play.
It didn't take long for the 49ers to answer back. LaMichael James had a huge kickoff return after the tying score and then Michael Crabtree took a short pass and turned it into a 38-yard touchdown on the first offensive play of the drive to put the 49ers up 38-31. They would wind up winning 41-34 as the Patriots offense failed to score on their next two drives and quarterback Tom Brady was left to lament the missed opportunity during a radio interview with WEEI on Monday.
"We kind of gave it to them at that point," Brady said, via the Boston Herald. "We didn't do anything on offense, and we didn't put up the kind of fight that I wish we would have been able to."
The 49ers surely feel they took it from the Patriots at that point in the game. James and Crabtree made big individual plays and the defense came up with consecutive sacks to halt a Patriots offensive drive at midfield after retaking the lead on Crabtree's catch.
The start of the game, where the Patriots dug themselves a massive hole, was a bigger issue than the end. Erasing a 28-point deficit was impressive, but the game ultimately got away from the Patriots while they were watching it get built in the first place.


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Blue Light Inc. Terms and Conditions
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EdTechTalk#57 - An Interview with Elana Langer
July 30th, 2006
Download mp3 (20.2MB, 44:08)
I ran into a very interesting person on Friday. She started talking about micro-education projects in Brazil, cutting edge education at MIT and how the television was the key technology in breaking down accessibility barriers. I said... "wow, you've gotta come on the show and tell us about it." she said yes.


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(Photo above is a muffin version of the recipe below used for my designing healthy desserts course: Served with spiced carrot granola, chai pear sauce, caramel mascarpone cheese, and candied carrot twist)
Last week there was a party at work and someone had made zucchini bread. It looked and smelled so good but sadly I couldn't taste it. I've been looking for fall recipes that include pumpkin, apples, breads, muffins, pies etc. I want warm, tasty comfort fall treats. I plan to make a pumpkin cheesecake soon, but I really wanted to make a bread or muffin this time to have an alternate thing to eat for breakfast.
Gluten Free Zucchini Bread with walnuts
Moist Ingredients:
1 cup diced zucchini (washed but not peeled)
2 egg
1⁄2 cup canola oil
1 teaspoon gluten-free vanilla
Dry Ingredients:
1⁄2 cup white rice flour (you can substitute brown rice flour)
1⁄2 cup sweet rice flour
1⁄4 cup corn starch
2 Tablespoons tapioca starch
1⁄2 teaspoon xanthan gum
1 cup sugar (or xylatol for a sugar free/diabetic friendly option)
3⁄4 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1⁄2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/3 cup chopped walnuts*
Zest from one small lemon*
Glaze Ingredients:
1 Tablespoon powdered sugar
1⁄2 teaspoon lemon juice
Method of Prep:
Wash zucchini and chop into a fine dice – set aside.
In a medium bowl combine the eggs, oil, and vanilla and mix well.
Add diced zucchini and mix well.
In a separate bowl combine the dry ingredients and mix well.
Add moist ingredient mix to dry ingredient. Stir until well blended. Grease a loaf pan or line 12 cupcake tins and pour mixture into pan or prepared muffin tins. Bake 1 hour at 325 ° for bread or 25 minutes for muffins. Check center for doneness with a toothpick (you should have a little crumb on the toothpick – these are moist muffins). Remove from oven and let cool for a 5 minutes in pan then carefully remove from pan and place on a wire cooling rack to finish the cooling process.
Prepare glaze, which should be a little runny. Drizzle with glaze. Let cool.
Featured on The Whole Gang's Friday Foodie Fix! (http://www.thewholegang.org/2012/06/friday-foodie-fix-zucchini-gluten-free-recipes/)


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Review: Novatel Wireless MiFi 2200
Page 1 of 1
Novatel Wireless MiFi 2200 for CDMA 1x EV-DO Networkswww.novatelwireless.com
Price: $99.99 after rebate, plus mobile broadband service
Pros: Compact and clean; fuss-free mobile Internet for five Wi-Fi devices
Cons: Constrained by 3G coverage; short battery life in multi-user scenarios
We anxiously awaited the MiFi intelligent mobile hotspot ever since Novatel Wireless announced it last December. This elegant little 3G router promised to put a carrier-blessed, turn-key Wi-Fi hotspot literally in your pocket. After six months of certification, Novatel finally delivered when channel partner Verizon Wireless sent us our very own MiFi 2200. Days, miles, and gigabytes later, we can report that the MiFi 2200 met our hopeswith a few anticipated caveats.
Common ingredients; prettier packaging
Like the handsome kid who spouts the same old lines, but somehow steals the show, the MiFi draws eyeballs by bundling 3G and Wi-Fi into a neater, sexier package. But dont let its good looks fool youinside this 3.5x2.3x0.4 inch, 2.05-ounce shell lies a router thats surprisingly friendly and robust. While Novatel did not miraculously overcome 3G coverage or battery technology limitations, the MiFi successfully dissolves many other common pain-points.
No assembly required
For starters, there are no pluggable 3G adapters to buy, break, or lose. The MiFi is a fully integrated 3G router/modem, purchased directly from a mobile broadband carrier. In the US, the CDMA 1x EV-DO capable MiFi 2200 is now available from Verizon Wireless and Sprint for $99 (after $50 rebate, with a service contract). The HSPA capable MiFi 2352 will soon be available from carriers that operate GSM networks.
Sure, this all-in-one architecture means that you cant buy your own 3G adapter. But thankfully Novatel didnt strike an exclusive deal that limits coverage or price competition. Instead, MiFi owners get a head-to-toe warranty and tech support from their chosen carrier, along with a 3G service agreement that explicitly permits up to five simultaneous users.
In fact, the MiFi can bring 3G to a myriad of otherwise isolated mobile devices and users. We used our MiFi to deliver Internet access to not only conventional notebooks and desktops, but also to PDAs, smartphones, MP3 players, and even a Wii game console. We had no trouble connecting the MiFi to any 802.11bg client we tried, including backwards-compatible 802.11n clients using 2.4 GHz. Dont have the AT&T Wireless coverage required to surf on an iPhone? Consider using the MiFi 2200 to add Verizon/Sprint 3G Internet to your iPod touch!
The skys the limit
The MiFis personal Wi-Fi cloud concept is appealing. Since several devices can be connected to each MiFi, customers can get more from a single 3G subscription. Verizon and Sprint charge $59.99/month for a MiFi mobile broadband plan with a 5GB allowance. Users on a tighter budget can opt for Verizons $39.99/250MB plan or buy $15 DayPasses. The latter is welcome relief from the usual contract cuffs, but misses out on a $50 Mi-Fi purchase rebate.
A 5GB allowance is fairly typical for a 3G single-user contract. However, five users connected through one MiFi will inevitably consume more bits and may incur overage charges (five cents per MB). The MiFi maintains cumulative traffic counters that can help customers monitor consumption, but warns that the carriers site should always be consulted for billable usage data.
3G mobile broadband blows away 2G services like 1xRTT and EDGE, but still pales in comparison to terrestrial broadband and Wi-Fi. According to Verizons MiFi User Guide, download/upload throughput depends on coverage. A MiFi connected via EV-DO Rev.A should average 600 Kbps to 1.4 Mbps down; 500 to 800 Kbps up. In EV-DO Rev.0 coverage areas, those averages drop to 400 to 700 Kbps down; 60 to 80 Kbps up. Outside Mobile Broadband coverage areas, the MiFi can fall back to the more widely available 1xRTT, which averages just 60 to 80 Kbps downstream.
As a result, any MiFi personal hotspots performance will be constrained not by its 802.11b/g (LAN) data rates, but by your mobile broadband (WAN) coverage. We sampled our MiFis performance throughout the greater Philadelphia area (southeastern PA, northern DE, central NJ). The following chart illustrates a typical 50-mile road-trip, where downloads/uploads averaged 1.46 and 0.49 Mbps respectivelynearly the best one should expect from EV-DO Rev.A.
Note the variability encountered along this test drive. Performance is fairly constant when stationary. But when it comes to providing in-vehicle Internet access for an entire family, inconsistency is the MiFis Achilles heel. Dont expect everyone in your car to stream video simultaneously and be happy. Unless within a strong Rev.A area or parked, we found watching YouTube rather frustrating. On the other hand, e-mail, Web surfing, Flickr slideshows, and even Skype calls fared well, even when two or three users were active.
Taking it to the streets
Given these throughput limits and usage caps, we dont recommend the MiFi as a full-time home router unless terrestrial broadband is not an option. Nor do we recommend the MiFi to connect a single device that already has satisfactory integrated 3G. Rather, consider the MiFi wherever mobile or temporary Internet access is required by more than one Wi-Fi client.
The MiFi can make family vacations more pleasant, but everyone will need to share bandwidth fairly and exercise considerable patience in rural (1xRTT) areas. For continuous use on drives lasting over three hours, invest in a MiFi vehicle charger or DC/AC power inverter. (The latter can also be used to keep all of those mobile Wi-Fi clients juiced.)
Travelers who carry multiple devices can use the MiFi to reduce Internet access costs. For example, we connected our notebook and smartphone to the MiFi in our pocket. One MiFi subscription would certainly be cheaper than paying for mobile broadband service on both. However, Wi-Fi rapidly depletes our phones battery, so well stick with integrated 3G there. On the other hand, wed rather buy one MiFi than pay for integrated mobile broadband on any of our notebooks.
Why? There are many scenarios where the MiFi could prove useful for workgroup Internet access: colleagues that gather to collaborate on a project at a public venue; workers that need on-location Internet at a construction or disaster site; sales teams that demonstrate on-line products at client sites or tradeshows.
In such scenarios, the MiFi can get small groups on-line quickly, without having to beg for permission or passwords on a private WLAN or find and pay for a public Wi-Fi hotspot. Weve tried other Internet sharing methods, such as Bluetooth LAN gateways and using a phone as a tethered modem, but found Wi-Fi to the MiFi easier to configure, more convenient to use, and less error-prone. MiFi diagnostics also provide decent insight into modem status, activity, and usage.
Power to the people
That said, we found that power considerations make the MiFi more appealing in situations that call for brief and/or nomadic use rather than lengthy continuous on-the-go use.
According to specs, the MiFis 1150 mAh battery should last about four hours with a single user or 40 hours on stand-by. But we never got more than 2.5 active hours out of our MiFi. Of course, we usually connected at least two Wi-Fi devicesafter all, multi-user is the MiFis market.
Fortunately, the MiFis battery is removable, so carrying extra batteries is one extended use option. Groups that gather indoors can easily plug the MiFi into an AC wall socket; normal operation continues when charged this way. Ditto for in-vehicle coupling to a DC power source.
Wed love to recharge via USB while still using Wi-Fi, but the MiFis Wi-Fi is temporarily disabled when connected to a USB host. As a result, only the PC or Mac on the far end of the USB cable can get on-line when charging this way, using the MiFi as an ordinary 3G modem.
Keeping life simple
Beyond these fairly common mobile power and coverage limitations, the MiFi does an excellent job of simplifying as-needed multi-user Internet access. After activation, the MiFi immediately starts to operate as a secure Wi-Fi router with on-demand 3G Internet. To use the MiFi, just push the units one and only button. This enables the MiFis internal 802.11g AP, configured to secure traffic with TKIP and the handy pre-shared key inscribed on the units back.
Whenever any Wi-Fi client associates, it receives an IP address from the MiFis internal DHCP server. Client traffic is then scrutinized by the MiFis stateful packet inspection firewall. If the 3G uplink is disconnected, the MiFi automatically tries to connect to EV-DO first, 1xRTT second. If an uplink cannot be established or gets interrupted, the MiFi automatically retries, attempting to maintain connectivity without user assistance. To conserve power, the 3G uplink is dropped in the absence of traffic; after 30 minutes of inactivity, the Wi-Fi AP also stops beaconing.
These sensible defaults are all reconfigurable through the MiFis Web admin interface (below). Many MiFi owners will never need to touch these screens, but those who do will find parameters common to entry-level broadband routers, including MAC ACLs, port forwarding, and VPN pass-through. 3G auto-connection and Wi-Fi timeout can also be adjusted to conserve battery.
There are no other knobs to tune connection management, but we didnt miss them. During out trial, the MiFi managed 3G in a manner that rarely caused page timeouts or application disconnects, even when barreling down the highway. Having used many other cellular data devices with far less success, we know this kind of transparency cannot be taken for granted.
Although not available in the Verizon MiFi that we tested, Sprint's MiFi admin interface includes a GPS panel, which leverages the units GPS receiver to display current latitude/longitude and perform location-aware Web searches using Google, MSN, or Yahoo!. This is a good start; we expect to see carriers making more use of the MiFis GPS in the future.
Wi-Fi bare necessities
Each MiFi ships with three predefined Wi-Fi profiles: open, secure, and temporary hotspot.
The first is exactly what youd expect: an unencrypted, unauthenticated wide-open WLAN, identified by a unique SSID (e.g., Verizon MiFi2200 F423). Customers who use this profile should really avoid accessing unencrypted applications (including the MiFis admin pages).
We give Novatel kudos for encouraging encrypted WLANs instead. The MiFi defaults to a secure profile that uses TKIP and a WPA-PSK passphrase printed right on the device. That default profile can also be reconfigured for AES/WPA2-PSK and/or a custom passphrase. Not surprisingly, the MiFi does not support 802.1X (Enterprise) authentication.
The MiFis oddly-named temporary hotspot profile corresponds to 64-bit WEP with an auto-generated key. We locked ourselves out when trying this profile because Verizons User Guide does not identify the default WEP key. We quickly recovered by resetting our MiFi to its default secure profile (and well-documented PSK). This approach makes using a stolen MiFi trivial, but it also makes WPA very convenient for as-needed on-the-go workgroups.
Its no surprise that the MiFi uses battery-friendly 802.11g instead of 802.11n3G users cant exploit n speed anyway. But the MiFi surprised us with its range. We had expected this credit card-sized, battery-powered router to have short reach like most Wi-Fi-capable smartphones. But we found that our MiFi covered most of one floor at home and offered plenty of room to spread out at a local cafe with no less than good signal strength.
False start
Ultimately, the only thing complicated about our MiFi test drive was initial activation. Sprint customers must activate the MiFi by calling customer service. A MiFi from Verizon Wireless can also be activated by phone, at point of purchase, or over the Web.
To enable Web-based activation, every Verizon MiFi contains a VZAccess Manager installer that auto-launches whenever the unit is connected via USB to a Windows XP SP2+ or Vista PC. (Mac OS X 10.4.0 users are exempt from VZAccess.) Our MiFi installed an old version of VZAccess and immediately tried to activate itselfbut failed because no Internet connections were active.
Apparently you need to have Internet to get Internet. This may explain why one cannot activate the MiFi directly through its Web admin interface. However, requiring customers to install a Windows program purely for activation seems overly complex. Prompting customers to do so every single time their MiFi connects to USB adds insult to injury.
In fairness, VZAccess can add value for customers who use the MiFi as an ordinary USB modem. For example, VZAccess can manage a PCs wireless adapters, auto-connecting them in a preferred order. VZAccess can also send and receive text messages conveyed by the MiFi. But we doubt that many customers will spend a lot of time texting through a USB-connected MiFi. Wed prefer to perform both Web activation and SMS through the MiFis admin interface.
The bottom line
Much ado has been made about the MiFi since its announcement. Based on our trial, much of that applause is deservedthe MiFi makes multi-user 3G Internet access surprisingly hassle-free. But some key limitations remain. Battery life will be an issue for some users, but can be avoided wherever AC/DC is available. Mobile broadband coverage or lack thereof will impact more early adopters. If you live and work in an area that gets only or mostly 1xRTT (or EDGE), the MiFi is not for you; but if you frequent a region blessed with EV-DO (or HSUPA), the MiFi can help you more fully exploit high-speed mobile broadband with minimal investment.
Lisa Phifer owns Core Competence, a consulting firm focused on business use of emerging network and security technologies. Lisa has been testing mobile wireless handheld devices since 1997, when she surfed the web from her first CDPD-based WAP phone.


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Welcome to Star Wars Battlefront for Xbox One. You can find links here to videos and demos, information about the game's server status and differences in game versions, and troubleshooting help. You can also find links to purchase the game for Xbox One.
Would you like to contact Support regarding the "Star Wars Battlefront" issue you were reading about or a different issue?


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BioMOBIUS Software Environment
Drag-and-drop environments ideally support the concept of rapid application prototyping through the development of applications, by selecting blocks from a palette of capabilities categorized by function, such as input/output, data management, digital signal processing (DSP), etc. Sophisticated applications can be quickly assembled, including hardware interfacing and real-time data processing, by using the functional blocks that are connected in sequence to represent the real-time data flow.
EyesWeb, developed by the University of Genoa, was selected as the drag-and-drop GDE [43, 44]. Originally focused on visual arts applications, EyesWeb provides fusion of motion and music for emotion capture during artistic performance [45]. It is also utilized to develop applications based on multimedia techniques for therapy and rehabilitation; e.g., Parkinson's, Autism [46, 47]. The EyesWeb software platform was originally developed in EU 5th Multisensory Expressive Gesture Applications (MEGA) and 6th Framework Programme, the Tangible Acoustic Interfaces for Computer Human Interaction (TAI-CHI). The EyesWeb environment has been adapted and enhanced by TRIL for biomedical oriented applications as in Figure 1.
The EyesWeb environment comprises a GDE that supports drag and drop application development in the form of patches. BioMOBIUS provides a Graphical User Interface (GUI) development tool that enables the user to design an application to control a patch and view its output. The GUI Designer is built by using the JUCE C++ class library [48]. This is a cross-platform, high-level, graphical API and provides the potential to develop BioMOBIUS applications on non-Windows platforms.
Use of the GUI development tool allows the user to be abstracted away from the underlying complexities of the connected patch. The resultant application is called a GUI application. The runtime environment within BioMOBIUS comprises two key components:
- Kernel Runtime Server. The EyesWeb Kernel Runtime is a Windows component that supports the execution of EyesWeb patches outside of the EyesWeb GDE. It is used in conjunction with the BioMOBIUS Runtime to execute GUI applications and patches as if they are native Windows applications.
- BioMOBIUS GUI Runtime. This is a Windows console application that supports the execution of a BioMOBIUS application outside of the GUI development tool. Typically, a BioMOBIUS application is first developed and tested within the GUI development tool. Thereafter, the BioMOBIUS Runtime is used to run the application as a Windows executable in conjunction with the EyesWeb Kernel Runtime component, via a TCP/IP connection that supports execution of the patch and GUI on two physically separated networked systems, if required.
Both patches and GUI applications are defined in XML and interpreted by their respective runtimes. A number of benefits are achieved by separating these two frameworks:
- Runtime efficiency. Applications consume less system resources; for example, output and display rendering is automatically disabled in the runtime environment.
- Separation of duty. Patches and UI applications may be developed in parallel.
- Distribution. An application and its patch may execute on separate platforms across a network.
- Extendibility. Other graphical development environments may be used to develop feature-rich applications such as FLASH-based interfaces.
Blocks, as shown in Figure 2, are the fundamental building units of the environment which are dragged and dropped onto a patch from a palette of blocks grouped by functionality. A block is coded as a C++ class with inherited attributes and methods. The number of inputs and outputs for each block is determined by the developer during the development process. Inputs and outputs are referred to as pins. There are two categories of inputs:
- Main inputs (block receives its primary data for processing).
- Parameter inputs (configuration details determines block execution).
Blocks are executed in two ways at runtime. Active blocks initiate their own execution by requesting the kernel to schedule its execution. Initiation of execution is triggered periodically by using kernel polling, i.e., a call-back mechanism. The second type of execution is used by reactive blocks. These blocks are executed by the kernel when data arrives at its main input. The kernel is alerted to the availability of these data by a system flag in the block setting.
New blocks can easily be developed for the GDE by using the EyesWeb software development kit (SDK) and integrated development environment (IDE) wizards. Typically, a user creates a new block to support a new hardware device or execute a specific DSP function. In addition, EyesWeb applies data-type checking on block data pins, and the SDK supports the creation of user-specific data types. The developer of a new block has the choice to either distribute the source and/or binary to the development community.
Blocks are organized in two ways with the GDE. Firstly, they can be aggregated into catalogs that are physical collections of blocks within a standard Windows environment. Secondly, they can be structured into libraries which are logical collections organized according to functionality/use; e.g., mathematical operations (Figure 3).
To build a functioning application, blocks are dragged from libraries or catalogs in the GDE environment and connected together to form a patch. A patch comprises a series of blocks linked together in order of execution to form a fully-functional application. Figure 4 shows an example of a patch designed to allow the user to manually trigger the acquisition of data from a SHIMMER sensor, process the received data, and to display the acceleration values sensed by the sensor to the user. A patch is executed via the Kernel Runtime Server. The EyesWeb Kernel Runtime is a Windows component that supports the execution of EyesWeb patches both inside and outside the EyesWeb GDE.
As the complexity of an application increases so too does the need to structure patch development into logical or functional units. Complex patch development can be managed through the use of the subpatch feature within the EyesWeb environment. The subpatch supports the integration of a functional group of interconnected blocks into a single block-like subpatch structure.
Digital Signal Processing Capabilities for Biosignal Processing
BioMOBIUS features a variety of digital signal-processing capabilities. For real-time video processing, an extensive range of processing options exists including, baricenter/centroid calculations, quantity of motion from a silhouette, background subtraction, image concatenation, and image splitting. A variety of more advanced techniques is also available including real-time, full-body motion tracking and blob extraction. Time domain digital filtering is served by Finite Impulse Response (FIR) filters. A variety of frequency domain digital filters are available including Fourier Transform (FT), Hilbert Transform, and Kalman. Support is included for matrix-handling operations. A variety of specialist filters, such as Cochleogram generation in both image and matrix format from an audio buffer, are available.


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Lobular Carcinoma in situ of the Breast
Dear OncoLink "Ask the Experts,"
I have been diagnosed with lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS). I can find no information on this and I am very confused. Can you give me any information? Your help would be greatly appreciated.
Carolyn Vachani RN, MSN, AOCN, OncoLink's Nurse Educator, responds:
Lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS) of the breast is not an actual "cancer", but rather a marker for the possibility of developing a cancerous condition in the future. LCIS is not associated with an abnormality on a mammogram, and is usually found �accidentally� during a biopsy of another abnormality. Studies have found that LCIS often goes undetected, and therefore the actual numbers of cases are unknown. It is mostly seen in younger women, with about 90% of cases seen in premenopausal women.
Experts believe that a woman with LCIS has a 7 to 12 times greater chance of developing breast cancer (in either breast) than a woman without LCIS. The treatment for LCIS has been debated over the years, ranging from biopsy with close follow up to bilateral mastectomy. Treatment decisions should take into account other risk factors and the patient's desires and anxiety. Women with LCIS should be followed closely with annual mammograms.
Tamoxifen was found to reduce the risk of subsequent breast cancer in these women. The STAR trial found that raloxifene worked as well as tamoxifen in reducing breast cancer risk. STAR found that both drugs reduced a woman�s risk of developing invasive breast cancer by 50%, but raloxifene resulted in 36% fewer uterine cancers and 29% fewer blood clots in participants. The study included postmenopausal women at high risk. These therapies may be an option for women with a history of LCIS.


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Major Rides
Central Hills Ride
This two-lane 71-mile ride through the Central Hills is a rider's scenic adventure. From Rapid City, it runs over Rimrock Highway, down Highway 385 to Hill City, past Mount Rushmore into Keystone, with a final pass through Rockerville. The entire stretch takes about three hours without stops. That is virtually impossible on this ride, however, because of the many opportunities to take in the scenery, stroll through a town, stop for lunch or dinner, and admire the magnificence of Mt. Rushmore. This is a picturesque ride through the countryside and is full of history. It has many twisties and elevation changes, making it easy to get too deep in the throttle. Keep in mind that the roadside ditches are right next to the fog line, made of granite, and aren't forgiving in the event of an accident. Start at Rapid City, taking Hwy 44 W (Jackson Blvd.) Travel East to Hwy 385 South. Next turn East on Hwy 244 to Keystone and catch Hwy 16 back to Rapid City.
Northern Hills Ride
The Northern Hills Ride is locally known as the "Canyon Ride" as it takes you through Boulder, Spearfish and Vanocker Canyons on a 2 ½ hour, 100 mile loop which begins and ends on Main Street Sturgis. According to veteran riders, this may well be one of the most picturesque rides in the country. If you can't take in all the rides listed in Black Hills Motorcycle RIDES, don't miss the Northern Hills Ride. The diversity of this route is what makes the veteran riders refer to it as one of the best 100 miles of motorcycle riding in the country. Head West out of Sturgis on Hwy 14 (through Boulder Canyon). At Deadwood, catch Hwy 85 North to I90, travel into Spearfish (Exit 14) and take Hwy 14A South, (Spearfish Canyon), all the way down to Cheyenne Crossing, turn left and head into Lead, then turn East on Hwy 385. At Nemo turn North to go through Vanocker Canyon and then back to Sturgis.
Southern Hills Ride
The Southern Hills Ride is a beautiful mix of mountains, southern foothills and wide open stretches taking you through three historic towns, three counties, a State Park and two National Parks. The Southern Hills is often missed by visitors because it is a perimeter route, while other more centrally located rides take precedence. As a favorite among seasoned local riders, however, the Southern Hills Ride is one you should not miss. After two hours of riding time, you've just travelled 100 miles of rough, majestic and captivating countryside of the Southern Black Hills. Head South out of Custer on Hwy 89, past Pringle down to Minnekahta Junction, turn East on Hwy 18, to Hot Springs. Turn North on Hwy 87 which will take you clear up to Hwy 16 where you turn West to head back into Custer.
Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway
The Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway is the most popular ride in the Black Hills because of its diversity and stunning scenery, highlighted by Mount Rushmore National Memorial. The ride begins and ends at Hill City, in the Central Hills and is 62 miles long. Because of the numerous places to stop, most local riders consider this an all-day trip. There are plenty of turn-offs along this stretch to take advantage of these popular sight-seeing stops…the first one offering a unique profile view of George Washington's image. Further down Hwy 244 on the left is Horse Thief Lake. You will eventually run into Hwy 385 where you will turn right back to Hill City. Two other Black Hills Motorcycle RIDES that leave from Hill City are the "Deerfield Lake" Side Trip and "Old Keystone/Hill City Road" Side Trip. Head South out of Hill City on Hwy 385 South, go past Hwy 244 and turn Left onto Hwy 87, Follow this down to Legion Lake and next turn East on Hwy 16 (Iron Mt Road) and follow that around until you end up in Keystone and eventually back to Hill City.
Custer State Park
The Custer State Park Ride covers the 18 mile Wildlife Loop Road and is the only ride that stays within the boundaries of Custer State Park. The shortest of the Black Hills Motorcycle RIDES Major Rides, this trip starts at the State Game Lodge (on Hwy 16), one of three resorts within the park. This stately lodge is on the National Historic Register of Historic Places as President Coolidge made it his "Summer White House" in 1927. The park gained national popularity when Coolidge made a national announcement from the Black Hills that he was not seeking a second full term in office in the election of 1928. Custer State Park is the second largest state park in the country covering 71,000 acres of spectacular terrain. Offering an abundance of wildlife, mountain peaks over 7,000 feet, scenic drives and granite spires, it is a motorcycle riding paradise. While there are places that may test your riding skills on this route, its diversity and easy availability offers a beautiful and perfect motorcycle riding experience.
Badlands Ride
There are so many great rides in the Black Hills, the Badlands are often overlooked. Its location on the eastern plains further compromises its availability to Black Hills visitors. This area is so unique, however, it will be on your favorite rides list once you've experienced it. The surreal moon-like topography carved from millions of years of wind, water and erosion has evolved the area into chiseled spires, deep canyons and jagged buttes now known as the Badlands National Park.
Devil's Tower Ride
Over 50,000 rally-goers attend the Hulett Ham 'n' Jam which takes place on the Wednesday during Rally Week. Hulett, a tiny town just a few miles from Devil's Tower in Wyoming, offers its own version of the Rally that has grown in popularity over the years. A number of the Ham 'n' Jammers go the extra miles to visit Devil's Tower, the nation's first National Monument. Unfortunately, a greater number of riders return to the Black Hills on the same route they came, missing this incredibly unique part of the Hills. With stops at Sundance, Devil's Tower and Hulett, this ride will take up most of the day. Its attraction is the diversity of the scenery which includes mountains, meadows and the majestic wonder of Devil's Tower. If you are riding the Devil's Tower ride during the Rally, you might want to coordinate your ride with the stops and activities along the way. Regardless of when you ride, you will find this 180 mile loop to be one of the most unique riding experiences in the Hills.
Side Trips
Old Keystone/Hill City Road
The panoramic scenery of this side trip includes canyons, and lush meadows, combined with landmarks like Harney Peak, Old Baldy, and the backside mountain range of Mount Rushmore. Maps show the Old Keystone/Hill City Road as Pennington County Road 323, which follows Battle Creek for most of the way. Traveling from Keystone to Hill City, you'll see the beautiful panorama of the Harney Range. Mountain goats can be seen in the rocky areas near Keystone, but they are timid and don't normally pose a problem. Deer, however, are more populous and can be a road hazard, particularly at dusk or dawn.
Silver City Side Trip
It wasn't so very long ago when the men of Silver City still wore side arms and holsters. Townspeople kept their doors unlocked so that passers-by could go in and get food if an owner wasn't home. This was a town rule because roads were usually unmarked and many travelers became lost and needed shelter. There was never a theft reported by cabin owners who practiced this form of hospitality. It was the Code of the West and unspoken Code of the Black Hills '76ers. Stories are told of severe consequences for those who turned away a hungry traveler. Silver City was a mining camp dating back to the very beginning of the 1876 Gold Rush. It's still home to about 80 primarily seasonal residents. The town sits on Jenny Gulch where Rapid Creek feeds into Pactola Lake.
Nemo Road Side Trip
The Nemo Road ride is a premier side trip that takes riders through canyons, over creeks, and across open meadows on the east side of the Black Hills. This ride, from start to finish, offers some great detours and gives the rider an opportunity to experience some of the best scenery and riding challenges the Hills have to offer. The route winds its way through mountain canyons and mining history ending at Hwy 385. Veteran Black Hills riders consistently rate Nemo Road as a "must ride" experience.
Galena Side Trip
Start this trip out on Deadwood's Main Street. Follow Hwy 85 west to Hwy 385 between Deadwood and Lead and turn left (south) on 385. There are still a few residents in Galena and some of the old buildings remain standing. At the end of the road by the fishing ponds you can take short walk to Olive Cemetery where Sarah "Aunt Sally" Campbell, the head cook for Custer's 1874 Expedition, is buried. This is the only Side Trip that is not paved for the last three miles, however, this is a wide compacted, and well-maintained gravel road and follows Bear Butte Creek from Wild Bill's Campground to Galena. The road is curvy, but wide, and very accommodating to a motorcycle rider. This little town of Galena is loaded with history and is a most scenic three mile ride to the 'town square'.
Highway 36 Side Trip
Highway 36 is a double yellow-striped raod than runs east from the foothills. This is a shortcut into Custer State Park from the south, as well as a lesser traveled gateway to the Black Hills. It is a diverse stretch of road with 50 mph straights, and curves as slow as 20 mph. The east entrances into Custer State Park are not as crowded, and this road provides a beautiful cross section of scenery through the prairies, meadows and foothills as it winds into the heart of the Hills.
Highway 40 Side Trip
Riders will enjoy sweeping curves and lengthy straights as the follow Battle Creek, one of the Hills' year-round creeks, which meanders along the highway into downtown Keystone. Spokane Mine is one of the more prominent mines scattered along the 14-mile stretch. You will also pass by the Holy Terror Mine in Old Keystone which was considered to be the biggest gold mine in the central Black Hills in its heyday.
Deerfield Lake Side Trip
It is no surprise that a large number of motorcycles are sold to people who live in the Black Hills. The highways and back roads here have frequently been compared to the Alpine roads of Europe….without the congestion. Seventeen mile Deerfield Lake Road is no exception. Starting this ride at Hill City Main Street, turn west on Pennington County Road 308 (Forest Service Road 17) at the north end of Main Street. Even during the busiest times of the year, Deerfield Lake Road is never crowded. It is flatter than many other Black Hills roads, but still has plenty of curves
Sheridan Lake Road Side Trip
Sheridan Lake Road follows Spring Creek Canyon into Rapid City and is another best kept secret for local riders. The best place to begin this ride is from Hill City so you can view various areas of history and see both the north and south shores of Sheridan Lake. Refer to the "Central Hills Ride" for history about the town of Sheridan (Golden Valley) that now occupies a watery grave beneath Sheridan Lake. This lake is fed by Spring Creek which follows alongside the road into Rapid City.
Skyline Drive Side Trip
Skyline Drive runs at the top of the ridge (part of the limestone ridge that circles the entire Black Hills) separating Rapid City from east to west. It provides panoramic views of the Black Hills on one side, and the city and badlands on the other. It's a curvy and double yellow striped road from start to finish, and includes interesting stops such as "Hangman's Tree" and Dinosaur Park. This is a short loop but offers some winning views. The road is curvy, sharp and narrow with several turn-offs.
Black Hills National Cemetery Side Trip
Each year thousands of riders pass the Black Hills National Cemetery. Some stop to honor those veterans who have sacrificed, while others nod or salute as they pass by. A stop at this pristine and beautiful national cemetery is worthy of a side trip. The veteran staff at the cemetery are especially aware of the many sacrifices made by the nation's servicemen and women and their families, and are committed to maintaining the grounds in a manner reflecting this honor, and every effort is made to demonstrate sensitivity to those who have suffered a loss. As many riders are veterans, a stop here may help to heal the loss of a loved one or rekindle patriotic determination.


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Technology analyst house Gartner has said that 2011 will be a seminal year in terms of Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) offerings and cloud-enabled application infrastructure products. Claiming that the battle for leadership in PaaS and the key PaaS segments will engulf the software industry, Gartner VP Yefim Natis says that early consolidation of specialized PaaS offerings into PaaS suites will also be evident.
Suggesting that new vendors will enter the market through acquisitions or in-house development, Natis says that users can expect a wave of innovation and hype as it becomes harder to find a consistent message, set of standards or clear winning vendor.
PaaS is a common reference to the layer of cloud technology architecture that contains all application infrastructure services (operating systems, networks, virtualization, storage, etc.), which are also known as "middleware" in other contexts. The technology services that are part of a full-scope PaaS include functionality of application containers, application development tools, database management systems, integration brokers, portals, business process management and many others — all offered as a service.
Today's PaaS offerings come in a over a dozen of specialized types says Natis; however, during the next three years, the variety of PaaS specialist-subset offerings will consolidate to a few major application infrastructure service suites, and, over a longer time, comprehensive, full-scale PaaS offerings will emerge as well.
Gartner estimates that during the next five years, the adoption of PaaS in most midsize and large organizations will not lead to a wholesale transition to cloud computing. Instead, it will be an extension of the use patterns of on-premises application infrastructures to hybrid computing models where on-premises application infrastructures and PaaS will coexist, interoperate and integrate.
"The cloud computing era is just beginning, and the prevailing patterns, standards and best practices of cloud software engineering have not yet been established. This represents an opportunity for new software providers to build a leading presence in the software solutions market," said Natis. "It is also a major technical and business challenge to the established software vendors — to retain their leadership by extending into the new space without undermining their hard-earned strength in the dominant on-premises computing market."


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Don't dance with a mamba
Black Mambas are the fastest land snakes in the world, reaching spurts that exceed 12 mph. These snakes grow to lengths of more than 14 feet, and it is generally conceded that untreated Black Mamba bites are 100 percent fatal to humans. The snakes are gray and tan, not black – which surprised me somewhat. One herpetologist asserted "Black Mambas do not make good pets." That opinion packed no surprise.
In 1999, general commercial uses of the famous Morse Code ended in the U.S.A. . . . . __ __ . .
A neuroscientist at Washington State University avers that the huge increase in the number of school children in the United States who suffer from obesity and ADHD is due in part to the national trend to restrict and remove playtime from elementary school disciplines. He says recess periods with physical activities and class time with pursuits that do more than amuse the students are keys to essential developments of body movement, decision making, impulse control, language skills, social integration and teamwork. I recall recess was typically my best subject. Lunch was a close second.
Bogus research a few years back led to the claim that human sneezes can propel particles at speeds that approach the sound barrier (approx. 760 mph). That preposterous claim actually inspired some "serious" sneeze studies. Investigations conducted within a controlled scientific setting revealed that most sneezes project particles at speeds of no more than 30 mph. There were definitely no readings anywhere near sound barrier speeds.
Forks as common eating utensils did not debut until the 1600s in Europe and even then mostly on tables of the wealthy. As forks gained popularity, it was almost as if competitions arose as to who might display the most forks. Fourteen forks per setting became a familiar number. As elite colonial Americans obtained wealth, they also wanted forky prestige. Privileged hosts in America proudly presented a diner with as many as 30 forks, each intended for a special use. It was rumored that dishwashers and silver polishers hated the fourchette fad.
Scientists are recalculating how much water is on Mars. Using information recently gathered, computers indicate there is enough water on the Red Planet to fill two lakes the size of Lake Michigan. Well, it may benefit your heart to dance an occasional mambo but dancing with a mamba is probably not a salubrious undertaking (although an undertaker may become involved). Have a great week.
James White is a retired mathematics teacher who enjoys sharing fascinating trivia. He can be reached at email@example.com.


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Week 48 - Monday
by, August 26th, 2013 at 08:31 AM (918 Views)
I woke early again this morning, but unlike prior mornings I was sore and stiff. Yesterday and Saturday I worked on a work project and pretty much sat in a chair in front of my computer all weekend. It was not much fun but needed to be done. Today's practice was really long and tiring and I suspect I will be sore most of the week based on how I currently feel.
Warm up
400 free with snorkel
6x50 catchup on 45
10x50 free on 40 getting my heart rate up
Main set
10x300 pull with paddles on 3.30
100 easy
4x(2x50 back on 55, 100 free on 1.05)
Warm down
100 easy
Total 5200scy
I held 31s on the transition 50s. I went 3.05s for the first 7 of the 300s, then had a 3.06 and 3.07 but finished with a 3.04. I did not feel that quick but was very pleased with these. On the last set the 50's back were active recovery and the 100s were fast. I went 1.01s on the first 3 100s and the last 100 I went 58. I was like jello when I got out.


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Coulson arrested
PM's spokesman, and another man, banged up
Updated The former official spokesman for Prime Minister David Cameron – and the former editor of the the News of the World – has been arrested.
However, Andy Coulson has not been named by the Metropolitan Police statement, which refers to a "43-year-old man arrested on charges of suspicion of conspiring to intercept communications".
Coulson arrived at a police station in south London by appointment this morning.
He was arrested at 10.30 this morning by officers from Operation Weeting and officers from Operation Elveden – the investigation into allegations of bribery of police officers.
He remains in custody. More arrests are expected.
The Met's full statement is here.
Update: The Metropolitan Police have arrested a second man in its investigation of corrupt police officers.
The Met said:
The MPS [Metropolitan Police Service] has this morning (8 July 2011) arrested another member of the public in connection with allegations of corruption.
At 06:11 officers from the MPS' Operation Weeting together with officers from Op Elveden arrested a man on suspicion of corruption allegations in contravention of Section 1 of the Prevention of Corruption Act 1906. The man, aged 53 years, was arrested at a residential address in Surrey. A search is ongoing at this address.
He is currently in custody at a south London police station. Operation Elveden is the investigation into allegations of inappropriate payments to police. This investigation is being supervised by the IPCC.
Rebekah Brooks is due to address News International staff at 4pm.
Reports suggest the second man arrested is Clive Goodman - former Royal editor at NoTW. Police are also investigating mass deletion of emails by senior News Corp execs.®


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The Goonies 25th Anniversary Celebration "Never Say Die"!
May 19, 2010 by: Susan Goldsmith
The Goonies 25th Anniversary Celebration will take place across the River in Astoria from June 4-7, 2010. The Goonies was filmed locally in Astoria, OR and was originally released on June 7, 1985. But did you know that the Goonie's director, Richard Donner, also directed Superman and The Lethal Weapon series and that it was a Steven Spielberg (E.T., Jaws, Schindler's List) presentation? The Goonies screenplay was by Chris Columbus (Home Alone, Harry Potter series, Mrs. Doubtfire) from a story by Spielberg. Richard Donner produced the movie with Harvey Bernhard (The Lost Boys) and Spielberg executive produced with Frank Marshall and Kathleen Kennedy (Indiana Jones series, Back to the Future, Curious Case of Benjamin Button). Clearly, The Goonies had a group of young geniuses masterminding a movie that has stood the test of time and is much beloved by fans around the world.
"In 1985 when The Goonies was filmed, we knew the movie would create a lasting impact in Astoria, and its legacy continues 25 years later," stated Willis Van Dusen, Mayor of Astoria, Oregon. "This celebration is dedicated to the amazing Goonies fans and to the film itself, both of which have become an integral part of the cultural fabric of Astoria." Well–that can't be a bad thing, after all, The Goonies has given us pleasure, excitement and giggles for 25 years!
The Goonies is an adventure-comedy film set in Astoria about a group of kids from the "Goon Docks" neighborhood of Astoria (hence the nickname "Goonies) who band together hoping to save their homes from foreclosure and demolition due to the expansion of the Astoria Country Club. The group embarks on an adventure to find the buried treasure of a legendary 17th century pirate, One-Eyed Willy. The kids have an exciting time on their coastal antics featuring spooky caves, old lighthouses, treacherous traps, pirate maps and skeletons, clever script and much beloved characters– Mikey, Chunk, Data, Mouth (Corey Feldman), Brandon (Josh Brolin!) Rosalita and the rest of the nasty Fratelli's. The ending of The Goonies is classic, perfect and predictable with the jewels from the pirate ship providing more than enough to save everyone's homes from foreclosure and demolition. The story and its ending could also ring true for homeowners battling their individual crises during our nation's current "Great Recession"! If only we could plunder a pirate ship and bail out everyone losing their homes–or better yet, bail out those of us running small businesses! Let's all go search for treasure!
The Goonies 25th Anniversary Celebration has a schedule of events in Astoria and a very cool website. The Astoria-Warrenton Chamber, of which we are proud members, is partnering with Warner Brothers on the event who are assisting in marketing and licensing Goonies souvenirs, which will be sold at the "Goon Docks", the center of all the Goonies Celebration events. Boreas has rooms available for the celebration weekend so you can be at the beach but be within a half- hour of all the events. Watch a video clip of The Goonies and come to Boreas for the Goonie's celebration!


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Three Centuries of War continue. In the year 1492, travel to America as Christopher Columbus and ignite the fire that will fan 300 years of heated battles for land, riches and freedom. In eight historical campaigns spanning 42 missions, you will play the role of great legends such as Pizarro and Washington, commanding epic real-time battles containing up to 16,000 soldiers on 3D landscapes.
Only registered members can share their thoughts. So come on! Join the community today (totally free - or sign in with your social account on the right) and join in the conversation.


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|The Peer Family in North America
It's been a long haul but Volume 1 of The Peer Family in America is ready (after more than 20 years of research and writing). This set of volumes is my "baby", my first love. My grandmother was a PEER and it is because of her and my father that I have spent the last 25 years or so researching every branch of the immigrant PEER family in Ontario
Here are some of the details:
*The Peer Family in North America. V1 Jacob & Anne Peer,Immigrants from New Jersey to Upper Canada in 1796. A study of the first two generations*. published June 2010. Coil bound 8.5x11. 108 p. ISBN: 978-0-9680744-3-5
|Page from Peer Family in North America
What's included in Volume 1 ? Here is a copy of the *Table of Contents*
Peer Origins
Part I: The Story of Jacob Peer & His Wife Anne
Part II: The Pier Family of Amsterdam & New York
Origins of the Pier Family in the Netherlands and an update of Their
Connection to the Ostrander Family
Part III: The Pier Family of New Jersey
Descendants of Teunis Jansen Pier
Part IV: The Story of John Peer & his Wife, the Widow of Thomas Millard
Part V: Maps
Part VI: Documents for Jacob & Anne Peer
Documents A to 0
Part VII: Documents for John Peer
Documents P-AA
I hope you are as thrilled and excited as I am! Please check the online form for the cost and shipping information for Vol. 1. You will be able to use cheque, money order (international only) or Paypal to place your order.
To see a list of my other books which are available, please visit my Publications page.


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Is there a whale shark hanging out in a garage near Dallas?
Biologists in Georgia have sent out an appeal for help after a tag they put on a whale shark in the Gulf of Mexico suddenly appeared in land locked North Texas.
The tag was put on a female whale shark last year near Isla Contoy near Cancun, Mexico. Researchers from the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta made a trip there to coincide with a gathering of 400 whale sharks, the largest coastal accumulation anywhere in the world.
Satellite pings had been regularly coming back until June 2 when a signal showed the tag bobbing around in Galveston Bay just east of Texas City.
Now data puts the tag in Lewisville, north of Dallas ... so unless the whale shark hitched a ride up 45 (mayber making a Beaver Nugget stop at Buc-ee's), someone took it there.
"We're almost certain someone found it; the question is are they aware that it belongs to someone and that they're trying to get it back," said Dr. Alistair Dove, director of research and conservation at Georgia Aquarium.
The tag is about 8-10 inches long and around an inch and a half in diameter, according to Dove. The researcher says his name and email address should show on the back but suggests it may have been covered up by marine growth on its journey around the Gulf.
Despite its original cost of $1,500, the tag which resembles at fishing float, is practically worthless to whoever found it according to Dove, but to his team it is invaluable.
"Typically we can only tag three or four animals a year, that's why the results from any given tag are very important and worth tracking down," said Dove, "It's not like we have hundreds of them out there, we really need every tag back."
Two other tags have been returned, one was found by a woman walking on the beach in the Florida Keys. Another was found by a real estate agent from Oklahoma while he was visiting the beaches of Alabama.
"That one gave us a terrfic data set," said Dove, "Things you don't get reported by satellite."
Whale sharks are the largest fish in the ocean and can dive to great depths. The researchers hope that someone will see news reports and return the tag so they can learn more about this unique animal.
Anyone with information can call Dr. Alistair Dove at 404-581-4364 or find him on Twitter @AlistairDove.


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Velocity 2X Critical Mass Ps4
- Product SKU: DH00702SEGA
- Category: PS4 Games, Video Gaming, Videogame Software
- Order within
Velocity 2X: Critical Mass Edition PS4. CRITICAL MASS EDITION: Game, All Available DLC, Soundtrack CD, Studio Booklet, and Making of Documentary. Velocity 2X is a Sci-Fi platformer and shoot ?em-up all-in-one adventure. This critically acclaimed sequel to Velocity Ultra weaves together two classic game formats into one seamless adventure, featuring puzzle-platforming action alongside award-winning top-down shoot ?em-up gameplay.
Velocity 2X: Critical Mass Edition PS4. CRITICAL MASS EDITION: Game, All Available DLC, Soundtrack CD, Studio Booklet, and Making of Documentary. Velocity 2X is a Sci-Fi platformer and shoot ?em-up all-in-one adventure. This critically acclaimed sequel to Velocity Ultra weaves together two classic game formats into one seamless adventure, featuring puzzle-platforming action alongside award-winning top-down shoot ?em-up gameplay.
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Return and exchange periods:
If you want to return or exchange your purchase, please know that the time period begins the day you receive your product and applies to new, clearance, open-box, refurbished and pre-owned products.
|Most products
|15 days
|Cell phones and devices that can be activated
|14 days
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|15 days
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We charge a 20% Restocking Fee of the sales price for the opened item. There is no restocking fee if the product is unopened.
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If you received a packing slip, place the return form portion of it in the box with your return. If you did not receive a packing slip, please contact us at email@example.com and we will send a pre-populated return form. If you can't locate your order, print a blank return form and fill it out. Then, place the completed form in the box with your return. Put the return label on the package, add postage and mail it via the carrier of your choice.
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With a few exceptions, we will reimburse you for returned items in the same way you paid for them. If you prefer, you can make an exchange for the same item. For returns by mail, once we receive your return, we will process it within 2-3 business days. Depending on your bank's processing time, it may take up to 7 days after we process the return to reflect on your account.
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Customer Service - Consider a Career Change to Insurance Sales
- Employer
- Bankers Life
- Location
- Glen Burnie, MD
- Posted
- Apr 17, 2018
- Closes
- Apr 18, 2018
- Function
- Customer Service, Sales
- Career Level
- Experienced (Non-Manager)
- Hours
- Full Time
Are you an experienced Customer Service representative with excellent communication skills and a drive to advance your career? Do you want a work/life balance? Take advantage of our globally-ranked training programs to help you transition into a rewarding Sales career! Our Sales Agents come from various backgrounds and we have many successful Agents that do not have sales or insurance experience, so this is not a requirement, but a plus. Our comprehensive training program will assist those that are unlicensed in attaining necessary credentials, which is a short and easy process. We do find, however, that our top sales performers all have the following skills and abilities: Excellent communication and interpersonal skills Personal motivation/drive Retail sales, customer service or hospitality experience Experience in Life, Health, or other personal lines of insurance (not required) What makes Bankers Life different from any other company in our industry is our unparalleled focus on our Agents and continued contribution to their success. Here is what you can count on from us: Opportunity for Six Figure Income, with a deferred compensation option to provide commission after retirement Leads, Leads Leads! Globally-ranked training programs Recognition Programs, including trips and incentives Technology Support About the Company Bankers Life has over 300 offices nationwide and has specialized in serving the growing senior market for 130 years by offering solid insurance protection and top quality service that have made us an insurance industry leader. Today we serve more than 4 million middle-income working Americans and retirees. Preferred Skills & Related Keywords: sales, customer service, retail, marketing, sales associate, sales representative, sales manager, consultant, producer, insurance sales, insurance agent, sales person, sales job, salesman, finance, assistant, management, entry level, entry level, sales rep, training, insurance, bankers, bankers life, life insurance, annuities sales


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Laws considered by Congress and proposed federal regulations impact the entire agricultural retail industry, not just one individual business. It is vital that every ag retailer unite to do his or her part to elect a Congress that will represent what is best for our industry.
ARAPAC seeks input from ARA Board members and state associations to determine which candidate to support. Some of the guidelines used include voting record and positions on issues impacting the ag retail industry; committee assignments; and presence of ARA members in their state or Congressional district. ARA has also ARAPAC Steering Committee that is solely focused on the PAC and increasing member participation.
ARAPAC's political activities are funded by the voluntary contributions of ARA members above and beyond their membership dues. These contributions make it possible for ARAPAC and the ag retailer profession to have significant impact in elections and are instrumental to ensuring we have both the funds and the people to be effective in the political arena.
ARA member companies' executive and administrative staff, stockholders and the ARA executive and professional staff is eligible to participate in ARAPAC. All ARA members that are incorporated must give ARAPAC permission to solicit contributions from their employees by signing a Solicitation Authorization Form.
All contributions to ARAPAC are completely voluntary and must be personal. The amount any individual decides to contribute is completely up to them. Every contribution goes to support the industry.
For additional information or questions on ARAPAC, please contact Richard Gupton, ARA Senior Vice President of Public Policy & Counsel, by phone at (202) 457-0825 or e-mail at firstname.lastname@example.com.
The Agricultural Retailers Association Political Action Committee (ARAPAC) is the political arm of the Agricultural Retailers Association (ARA) and is a powerful tool in representing the Agricultural Retailer Industry on the federal level. Funds from ARAPAC contributions allow ARA staff and members to attend political events and financially support members of Congress running for office that support our industry. A strong PAC is essential to influencing public policy and advocating for the agricultural retailers and distributors who work to produce the nation's food, feed, fiber, and fuel.
Home | Privacy Policy | Code of Conduct | Contact Us | 1156 15th Street NW, Suite 500 | Washington, D.C. 20005 | Ph: (202) 457-0825 | Fax: (202) 457-0864


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The lull in the news cycle during the Christmas holiday season often brings about some odd stories. This year one involves comments made by a reality television star in a magazine interview that stirred up some controversy. What sounds like a story on the entertainment page has caused governors and congressmen to offer their opinions.
The lull in the news cycle during the Christmas holiday season often brings about some odd stories. This year one involves comments made by a reality television star in a magazine interview that stirred up some controversy. What sounds like a story on the entertainment page has caused governors and congressmen to offer their opinions.
I will admit to being a bit late to the "Duck Dynasty" fan base. My conversion came about last year when I caught a marathon of the show running over Thanksgiving weekend. Halfway through the second episode, I was laughing so hard I could barely breathe.
If you are unfamiliar with the show, it offers somewhat unscripted episodes revolving around the Robertson family in the duck call manufacturing business in northern Louisiana.
The show strikes a particular tone with those of us in the heartland of America, perhaps because many of the events could have involved members of our family or our neighbors or ourselves. But the everyday events of the Robinsons evolve into over-the-top situations mixed with hilarious reactions and comments.
"Happy! Happy! Happy!" is the repeated refrain from the patriarch of the Robertson clan, Phil Robertson. Each show usually involves Phil intervening in the lives of his grown children with some wise words of wisdom or fatherly fix-it knowledge. Each episode ends with the extended family seated around the dinner table saying a prayer of thanks that sums up how the Lord has blessed their lives.
This is the real attraction of the show. The imperfect but blessed life of the Robertson family.
The show has become a hit for the little-known Arts and Entertainment cable station. This season's premier was the most-watched non-fiction series telecast in cable TV history, according to Entertainment Weekly, with nearly 12 million viewers.
But with big success comes increased attention, which brings us to Robertson's interview with Gentleman's Quarterly magazine. For the article the GQ reporter, Drew Magary, went into what appears to him to be a foreign land, rural Louisiana.
"How in the world did a family of squirrel-eating, Bible-thumping, catchphrase-spouting duck hunters become the biggest TV stars in America," asks Magary.
To find out, the reporter travels to their home in Monroe, La. After getting cozy in their home, the conversation segues into Phil's views on sin. Robertson answers in terms perhaps not uncommon for guys sitting around on the sofa at deer camp. Part of his answer refers to homosexuality as a primary sin, something he currently sees wrong in our country.
As we have come to see lately, such a definitive statement is met with protests from liberal groups. Gay rights groups such as GLAAD reportedly made calls to the executives of A&E and subsequently, the network suspended Robertson indefinitely.
Outrage from the right followed the move. Our own U.S. Rep. Tom Cotton, R-Dardanelle, said on local talk radio that A&E is "catering to the Hollywood left and D.C. liberals." Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal commented in an official release from his office saying, "It is a messed up situation when Miley Cyrus gets a laugh and Phil Robertson gets suspended."
What amazes me is that anyone is amazed by any of this. The views expressed by Robertson should have been expected from anyone who has seen the show. At the same time, the over-reaction from the left and caving in from A&E executives is equally predictable.
Honestly, I have never really understood how "Duck Dynasty" fit in the line up for the shows on A&E. It seems like the show would work better on either an outdoor-oriented or family-friendly channel. I know after this past week, I would rather watch them on a different station anyway.
As for free speech, the First Amendment protects Robertson's right to say whatever he wishes, A&E's right to broadcast whatever show they choose and our right to change the channel.


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Marshall Lamb, research leader, with the USDA-ARS National Peanut Research Laboratory in Dawson, Ga., says the 2011 peanut crop year has been "interesting."
The Southwest is "in a long drought and has a huge acreage cut. The Southeast crop started out slow with a lot of drought early," but recent rain has generated some optimism. "We've moved from a situation of cautious pessimism to cautious optimism," Lamb said at the recent Sothern Peanut Growers Conference in Panama City Beach, Fla.
"Southeast growers have a better attitude because of recent rainfall," Lamb said.
Crop uncertainty has kept prices high, Lamb said. "Prices are still strong because of supply and demand. Demand is increasing."
He said quality problems with the 2010 crop in the Southeast kept a lot of peanuts out of the edible market. "Growers have benefitted from higher prices."
He said not many growers are signing contracts now but prefer to "wait and see" what might be available at harvest.
Lamb also commented on key research initiatives at the National Peanut Research lab.
"Water use efficiency is the number one priority for research," he said. "That's especially true with the drought in Texas."
He said Texas growers should be able to make more peanuts with the same amount of water or the same amount of peanuts with less water.
He said water issues are not unique to the Southwest. "We have intermittent drought in the Southeast as well."
He said "anything we can do to reduce the cost of production," will be a research priority. Genetics will play a big role in improving efficiency, he said. Varieties with improved disease resistance and other production advantages will be part of ongoing research and breeding efforts.
"Improved genetics will be critical."
Lamb said looking into nutriceutical aspects of peanut breeding will also be important. "We know peanuts are excellent sources of protein and a good bang for the buck for moms, but we want to increase vitamins and minerals and get nutriceutical characteristics in peanuts."


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2007 Texas Hills Kick Butt Cab excellent with Grilled Lamb Chops & Indian-Spiced Veggies. Welcome Home, Sweetie!
More posts
- 2008 Texas Hills Kick Butt Cab way awesome with Leg of Lamb. Good-Bye, Weekend ...
- 2007 Kick Butt Cab (TX Hills) one of our faves. Excellent with Grilled Steak from another favorite-Bolner's Meat Market!
- 2007 Kick Butt Cab great paired with our 2.5 lb. ribeye roast ... Yum! Happy New Year, everybody -all the best for 2011!
- Tx Hills Kick Butt Cab 2006-1 of 3 bottles we have left! Great with an entire meal from my Greenling delivery this wk!
- Ahh-finally Friday! Exhausting week. Tx Hills Kick Butt Cab w/ Grilled Bison Steaks should kick the weekend off nicely!


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Business Intelligence (BI) has been on a logical progression path towards the cloud computing model of service-based virtualization for some months now. Recent product releases within this space include Indicee Analytics for Salesforce Chatter on salesforce.com's AppExchange.
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Where this trend may filter back down to the software application development space is the current push towards a so-called "next cloud computing paradigm," which is inherently social, mobile, and open.
This is not Business Intelligence (BI) as you knew it then. This is Social Business Intelligence (SBI), where user conversations are tracked and interactions are measured to highlight key contributors. Identified trends are then shown within the Salesforce user dashboard.
Indicee CEO Mark Cunningham insists that "chatter" (and the Salesforce Chatter private social network) driven scenarios will transform the workplace as we know it, but he recognizes that creating open, mobile, and socially driven environments is still new and challenging for many.
Indicee Analytics for Salesforce Chatter is a purpose-built analytics application that is designed to extract, report, and visualize all key metrics within an enterprise's social network and deliver them into the salesforce.com user dashboard. Indicee hopes to bring a new level of ROI in Chatter by tracking adoption, group engagement, influencers, power users, and trends.


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BATON ROUGE — A lawmaker who represents Terrebonne and Lafourche parishes wants the state to hold off on implementing its new cash balance retirement plan until some lingering questions can be answered.
BATON ROUGE — A lawmaker who represents Terrebonne and Lafourche parishes wants the state to hold off on implementing its new cash balance retirement plan until some lingering questions can be answered.
Created in the mold of a 401(k), the cash balance plan is supposed to protect employees against market downturns and transition some new hires away from the traditionally defined benefit plan.
But Rep. Joe Harrison, R-Napoleonville, said there have been problems raised in court proceedings, and an important federal status ruling has not been delivered.
"It's kind of disturbing that the state wants to move forward with this in July," he said. "It bothers me that this plan is all tied up right now."
Harrison has filed House Concurrent Resolution 2 to temporarily suspend the plan.
Both the Louisiana State Employees Retirement System and the Teachers Retirement System of Louisiana have officially asked the Legislature to consider a delay.
Harrison's proposal would suspend the cash balance plan until July 1, 2014, or until the Internal Revenue Service declares it is "a benefit equivalent to Social Security" and it will not "impact the tax-qualified status of the existing state retirement plans."
Last summer, the Division of Administration sought a determination, but no answer has been supplied by the IRS.
Moreover, in January, a district court judge ruled the cash balance plan did not receive enough votes for passage during last year's regular session, a decision the state is appealing.
If the Louisiana Supreme Court upholds the decision, lawmakers may have to vote on the plan again.
"It's time to stop wasting money and do it right," Harrison said.
Harrison said he is also concerned about legislation that has been introduced to exempt judges from the cash balance plan.
Some who oppose this type of change in public retirement plans have used Louisiana's experiment as a sounding board to discuss policies in other states.
Jordan Marks, executive director of the National Public Pension Coalition, an advocacy group for public sector employees in Washington, D.C., said Rhode Island's cash balance plan is tied up in the courts as well.
"Not only will attempts to overhaul public pensions cost taxpayers millions of dollars and destroy the retirement security for state employees, but they will also lead to costly and unsuccessful legal battles," Marks said. "Governors who pursue similar legislation should consider not only the legal outcome of this case and the consequences for state employees but also the significant costs to taxpayers."
Marks said the Louisiana plan does not address the issue of unfunded liabilities, or retirement debt; may cost taxpayers more than the current plan; and could "force retirees into poverty, since workers do not receive Social Security."
During the 2012 session, Harrison unsuccessfully pushed an amendment that would have guaranteed retirees Social Security under the plan.
Gov. Bobby Jindal has described the cash balance plan as having the best features of the defined benefit and defined contribution plans.
The plan was part of Jindal's historic overhaul of the public retirement system last year.
He called it a "game-changer" and predicted it would set the stage for a more sustainable retirement system.
Under the cash-balance plan, participants receive an investment account that can never lose value, according to the Governor's Office.
In the good years, the participants share in investment gains; in the bad years, the participants are protected from investment losses.
Taxpayers bear less risk because the retirement benefit is tied to market performance, and the pension system retains 1 percent from investment gains to act as a buffer against investment losses, Jindal said.
The cash-balance benefits are also portable, meaning a participant who withdraws from state service after five years can take the entire account balance.
The regular session convenes April 8.
Jeremy Alford can be reached at firstname.lastname@example.com.