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Before I visit any location…I make sure to form a list of sights to see and search all avenues for ideas. I use books I have, Google Images and Flickr. I searched San Francisco on Flickr and saw a shot from the Neiman Marcus Store downtown. When Horace Kwan and I started our photo opp day, we hit this sport first. I figured the rotunda would be great using a fisheye! Any circular shape in fisheye looks wonderful. It captures the feeling of the effect just right. Just a floor above is a restaurant and if I can recall we were in the women's clothing section. We set up while people were shopping and grabbed a few shots! I must admit sometimes you feel like a dork carrying your tripod around taking photos…and in a department store…that makes us super dorks! LOL But after it is all said and done…and your pic is finished…its all worth it! Just goes to show you…photographers will take pics anywhere!
Talke Photography Settings:
- Camera: Nikon D300
- Lens: Nikon 10.5 Fisheye f/2.8
- Setting: Aperture Mode
- Focal Length: 10.5.0mm
- Exposure: HDR 5 exposures (+2 to -2)
- Aperture: f/2.8
- Gear: Tripod, Cable release
- Post Process: Adobe CS4, Photomatix, Color Efex Pro, Viveza


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When "American Idol" debuted nearly a dozen years ago, two of the three judges had something in common with the contestants: They were unknowns, at least to the mass TV audience.
Still, Simon Cowell's sarcasm and Randy Jackson's upbeat patter quickly melded with the loopy and sappy pronouncements of Paula Abdul, until then known far better for dancing than talking, into a television phenomena. The panelists' banter became a kind of music in itself – albeit more comic cacophony at times than symphony.
Viewers weren't watching a new kind of TV show as much as a pop culture chemistry experiment conducted in real time on Fox. It worked – spectacularly – until bickering and personnel changes began to eclipse the real stars: the young singers.
U.S. & World
"Idol," coming off record-low ratings for its May season finale, returns for its 13th outing Wednesday with a reconstituted panel and a steep challenge: to create a new version of the old winning formula amid scrutiny and high expectations.
The overhauled lineup, with Ryan Seacrest remaining as host, appears to have a good shot at gelling.
Returning after a one-season absence is Jennifer Lopez, who proved a superstar could bring a down-to-earth approach to "Idol," emerging as encouraging and honest, but never cruel. Keith Urban, in his first season last year, stood out as a voice of calm amid the grating Mariah Carey-Nicki Minaj diva-off. Newcomer Harry Connick, Jr. arrives as an affable performer who knows what it's like to hit it big when young.
"Idol" producers are promising changes to the program, including allowing contestant to play instruments at auditions. But no alterations can compare to how the talent show landscape "Idol" helped create has morphed over the last decade-plus.
"The Voice," which returns Feb. 24, has succeeded by expanding on the "Idol" formula, while largely avoiding the senior program's missteps. The sibling-like rivalry among "The Voice" coaches, while entertaining, hasn't spilled over into knocking – or overshadowing – the contestants.
"Idol" appears to be learning from NBC's "Voice." A promo video for the new season features the judges talking about "Idol" as the "American Dream" and citing its ample success stories, while avoiding scenes of the freak show that the early auditions can denigrate into.
There's no predicting, as with all things involving human chemistry, whether the new panel lineup will succeed. While the contestants tryout for the judges, Lopez, Urban and Connick will be auditioning for the viewers as "Idol" vies to recapture the TV talent show crown it once captured for a song.
Hester is founding director of the award-winning, multi-media NYCity News Service at the City University of New York Graduate School of Journalism. He is also the author of "Raising a Beatle Baby: How John, Paul, George and Ringo Helped us Come Together as a Family." Follow him on Twitter.

subset: commoncrawl


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Home Design 3D – CAD for the Pad [Video]
Useful apps are no longer a minor contingent at the App Store. The newest CAD app for iPad, Home Design 3D, follows on the shirtsleeves of the semi-successful design app, Home 3D for iPad, but already looks a lot slicker. 'Course it ain't always easy to make an app that runs as well as it looks, especially if it looks this good. Home Design 3D is an iPad port of the desktop software of the same name – er – if you switch the words around a bit. The desktop app has a million 3D objects and textures to furnish your designs with, simultaneous 2D/3D plans, and loads more. TMA will be taking a closer look at Home Design 3D when its final draft is drawn up (get it?). In the meantime, feast your eyes on LiveCAD's handiwork (video demo after the gap):


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Big savings on running accessories from top brands including Nike, Under Armour, adidas, Ronhill, & more. We stock a huge range of water bottles, lights, hats, caps, visors, arm bands, waist belts and more at great prices with fast, free delivery.
Same day despatch and next day delivery is available on all orders placed before 10PM.


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Nick Delpopolo's Olympics were erased from the record books in 2012 after he tested positive for marijuana. The judoka for Team USA hoped to erase the bad memories that fueled his run at redemption in Rio.
He did not medal, but came pretty close on Monday.
Delpopolo lost his quarterfinals match to Israel's Sagi Muki but the loss moved him to into the repechage, keeping his bronze medal hopes alive for a few more hours.
U.S. & World
In a quick match, Hungary's Miklos Ungvari, the 2012 silver medalist, shattered those hopes. Delpopolo had two penalties to Ungvari's one.
In his first Rio match, Delpopolo defeated Nigeria's Ahmed Goumar, winning by submission with 0:25 left. He then won against Odbayar Ganbaatar of Mongolia.
On the women's side, Marti Malloy, the bronze medalist from the London Games lost to Lien Chen-Ling of Chinese Tapaei in her opening match and has been eliminated from competition.
Delpopolo was sent home from the London Olympics after tests came back positive for marijuana. He said he unknowingly ate a pot brownie (or "laced good" as he calls it) at a party with friends celebrating his Olympic berth.
"The first thing I want to pop up on Google is 'Delpopolo Olympic medalist,' not 'Delpopolo marijuana scandal.'"
The mistake cost the 27-year-old his sponsors, coaches and even led to public ridicule.
Delpopolo says upon returning to the United States, he was approached by a stranger at the gym.
"She said, 'you should be ashamed, you're representing your country out there and to go down like that!'"
Delpopolo says the vitriol didn't stop there.
"To have people calling my parents saying they raised a terrible kid, going after my sister and saying 'Your brother's a scumbag,' that hurt me."
At his lowest point, Delpopolo was embraced by a coach in Hialeah named Evelio Garcia at Budokan Judo Club.
"He didn't ask what happened or make all this noise, he just simply asked me, 'Are you ok?'" Delpopolo recalled. "That resonated with me. I needed someone to ask me if I was okay outside my immediate family."
So Delpopolo, his girlfriend and their their cats, moved from New Jersey to Miami - seeking another shot at the Olympics.
"I was living in an efficiency in Opa-locka. It was the only thing I could afford," Delpopolo said. "I was living behind some guy's house and I don't know what was going on in there."
Delpopolo said he didn't know much about the area until moving in. "But my girlfriend said, 'That's in a rap song, that place must be real.' We got there and I was like, 'Yeah, this place is real!'"
Delpopolo was born in war-torn Montenegro and lived in an orphanage until he was adopted as a toddler by a family in New Jersey. His path to the Olympics had already been a complicated one. So living in a rough neighborhood and sleeping on a mattress on the floor wasn't a big deal for him.
"That experience helped me get back here," he said.
After winning the Pan Am Games, Delpopolo was able to move to Davie, and then completed his mission to return to the Olympics.
"If I could win an Olympic medal here, that will define my legacy, as opposed to what happened."


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If your focus, or that of your firm, is local government law, you will not find a better resource than the International Municipal Lawyers Association. IMLA is the only national organization devoted exclusively to municipal lawyers and their practice. Join us today!Learn More About the Benefits of IMLA Membership


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India Holi Festival
|Closed for bookings. Please see our regular India departures here.
|Exclusive perks
Have questions about this trip? Click below to reach our team by email or call us at 1-855-702-4088.
Contact us
Discover India, from the iconic Taj Mahal to the Holi Festival.
Spend ten days discovering the sights, sounds and colors of India. Experience the opulence of Rajasthan's palaces, the bustle of markets and bazaars, the spiritual beauty of the Ganges, the joy of Holi Festival, and the traditions of a heritage stay. Travel through a land full of contrasts on this compact India tour, jam-packed with unforgettable highlights.
|Delhi, India
|Physical rating
|3 out of 5
|Delhi, India
|Min 16 years
|Group size
|12 people
Why we love this trip
Float among the clouds over Jaipur and watch an Indian sunrise from the basket of a hot air balloon
The Taj Mahal is not only a masterpiece of Indian architecture, but also a truly meaningful stop on any traveler's journey
Experience authentic Rajasthani luxury with a heritage stay
Old and New Delhi fuse to create a city that pays homage to past empires, while wrestling with its modern identity
Varanasi is among the holiest cities in India. Dodge cows in the street, and observe pilgrims praying and bathing along the ghats of the sacred Ganges River during a boat cruise
Immerse yourself in India's most iconic festival, Holi - the ancient Hindu Festival of Color
Is this trip right for you?
Old Delhi can be very busy and crowded. While it's an exciting place to see local life moving around you, be aware that on the walking tour you'll need to navigate through people, tight spaces and walkways.
We visit a number of temples on this trip, which requires a certain level of modesty. Please bring clothes that cover the arms and pants/skirts that go past the knees.
From April 2017, the main dome of the Taj Mahal will undergo mud pack therapy to restore its original color. It is expected the dome will be covered in iron scaffolding during the process, which is expected to last a year.
Namaste! Welcome to India. Your adventure begins with a group meeting at 6 pm. Please look for a note in the hotel lobby or ask reception where it will take place. We'll be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this meeting, so ensure you bring these details to provide to your leader. If you're going to be late, please inform the hotel reception. There's an optional group dinner after the meeting, which is a great way to get to know your fellow travelers.
Notes: If you can't arrange a flight that will arrive in time, you may wish to arrive a day early so you're able to attend. We'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability).
Optional Activities
- Delhi - Gandhi's Delhi Urban Adventure - INR2500
- Delhi - Home-Cooked Experience Urban Adventure - INR4000
- Hotel
In the morning, set off on the city's modern metro system to explore the sights and sounds of Old Delhi on a guided walking tour. Inch your way through the streets around Chandni Chowk marketplace in a traditional cycle rickshaw. Perhaps visit the Jama Masjid, Delhi's oldest and India's largest mosque, and then stop by the Sheeshganj Gurudwara (Sikh Temple). In the evening, board an overnight sleeper train bound for Varanasi (approximately 13 hours).
Included Activities
- Delhi - Old Delhi Walking Tour
- Delhi - Jama Masjid
- Delhi - Sheeshganj Gurudwara (Sikh Temple)
- Overnight Sleeper Train
Upon arrival into Varanasi this morning, you can check into your hotel and freshen up before heading out on a guided walking tour of the Old City. Set along the banks of the holy Ganges River and considered to be India's spiritual home, millions of pilgrims descend on Varanasi every year. It's a unique experience to navigate through Varanasi's crowded alleyways.
Included Activities
- Varanasi - Old City Walking Tour
- Hotel
Early in the morning, take a boat ride down the Ganges to watch the sunrise. Perhaps buy a candle from one of the vendors and light it for someone back home. Witness the rituals of life and death taking place along the riverbank, as people bathe and pray in the water. Be prepared for potentially confronting sights and smells, as this is where families come to cremate deceased loved ones. The rest of the day is free to explore.
Included Activities
- Varanasi - Sunrise Boat cruise
- Hotel
Today continue to discover Varanasi. Explore the ghats along the river and investigate the many silk markets dotted around the city. Varanasi is home to India's silk-making industry. If you have time, head to the outskirts of the city and visit Sarnath, which is one of the most sacred places in the Buddhist religion. In the evening, board a 13-hour sleeper train to Agra.
Included Activities
- Varanasi - Sarnath day trip
- Overnight Sleeper Train
On arrival in Agra, head out on a guided tour of the Taj Mahal. This elaborate mausoleum was built in the 1640s as a memorial to the wife of Emperor Shah Jahan. During an auto-rickshaw sightseeing tour of the city, enjoy an optional visit to Agra Fort. This 16th-century fortress was built to enclose the imperial city of the Mughal rulers. In the evening jump on a chaat crawl in the city thought to serve up the country's best. Chaat are savory snacks (like fried potatoes or samosa broken into pieces with chutney) typically served roadside from stalls or carts in India.
Included Activities
- Agra - Taj Mahal
- Agra – Chaat Crawl
- Hotel
Today drive through the idyllic countryside to Tordi Garh, a village that few travelers venture to. The journey will take around eight hours in total - five hours by public bus and another three by jeep. Once there, meet the locals, visit the old village temple and wander through the markets. Tonight, the group will stay in heritage accommodation, which was once a palace for the town's nobility.
- Heritage Property
In the morning, travel by jeep for around three hours to Rajasthan's colorful capital of Jaipur. Once settled, take a guided walking tour through the old bazaars of the 'Pink City' where you will buy some colors for Holi celebration. Use the rest of the day to explore the city on your own, perhaps visiting Jaipur's ornate Royal City Palace.
Included Activities
- Jaipur - Walking Tour
Optional Activities
- Jaipur - Jantar Mantar Observatory - INR200
- Jaipur - City Palace - INR400
- Hotel
For many travelers, an optional hot air balloon experience is one of the highlights of Jaipur. Late morning, get ready for Holi celebration with a local family in Jaipur where you will join them for Holi rituals followed by Lunch.
In the afternoon today, visit the hilltop Amber Fort, an excellent example of Rajput architecture, and see the red stone palace of the Hawa Mahal (The Palace of the Winds).
Included Activities
- Jaipur - Amber Fort
- Jaipur - Balloon Safari
- Jaipur – Holi Celebration with a local family
- Hotel
Early this morning, catch the train back to Delhi. Use the rest of your final day to wander around the city, getting to know the parts you haven't seen yet. Perhaps pay a visit to Humayun's Tomb, the 12th-century Qutub Minar or the historic Red Fort.
In the evening, get ready for your final dinner with the group in Delhi and experience an authentic meal in a local home.
Included Activities
- Final Dinner with Local family.
Optional Activities
- Delhi - Humayun's Tomb - INR500
- Delhi - Qutub Minar - INR500
- Hotel
After breakfast, the trip comes to an end. There are no activities planned for today and you're free to leave at any time.
7 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, 3 Dinners
Air conditioned private vehicle transfers throughout
Hotel (8 nights), Overnight Sleeper Train (2 nights)
Important notes
Please note that traveling during major festivals such as Holi can cause disruption to the the published itinerary. Please see the 'Safety' section in the 'View all essential trip information' section below for more details.
The main dome on the Taj Mahal will undergo mud pack therapy due to begin in April 2017. It is likely the entire dome will be obscured by iron scaffolding. Portions of the white marble façade will be covered in mud and plastic sheets during the cleaning process. The restorations will be carried out in sections and the work on the dome is expected to last one year.
Indian authorities have announced that all 500 and 1,000 rupee banknotes will be withdrawn from circulation.
Until new notes are issued, you should not accept any denomination higher than 100 rupees (around $1.50 USD)
Please ensure you receive change from any purchases in 100 rupee notes or smaller.
A single supplement to have your own room is available on this trip, please ask your booking agent for more information. Please note that the supplement is not available on the overnight sleeper train.
Call us on 1-855-702-4088 to speak to a travel specialist today or email us below:
More Googler Exclusive Trips


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The fantasy art of Anne Stokes features striking designs and life like portrayals of fantasy subjects. Her art covers a broad range of subjects, from the romantic and magical enchanted Forest, to the dark underworld of gothic vampires. Why not choose from the widest selection of official Anne Stokes cases.
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Includes full performance demonstration, instructional choreography, and accompaniment videos.
RSVP to your invitation to the greatest birthday bash ever! This energetic children's Christmas celebration is overflowing with colorful characters, plenty of humor, a clever story, and a clear evangelistic message: what will you do when Jesus knocks on the door of your heart? Join skeptical news anchor Rod Stark as he covers a small story with a big message. Featuring the classic Carol Cymbala (Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir) song "Happy Birthday, Jesus," The Best Christmas Present Ever! will delight audiences of every age.
* From best-selling children's musical creator Celeste Clydesdale
* Features the classic Carol Cymbala (Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir) song, "Happy Birthday, Jesus"
* Minimal staging requirements and dramatic roles for thirteen children and two adults (or older children)
* Teacher Resource Kit available in two convenient formats. Both digital/CD-ROM and printed versions (binder not included) feature lesson plans, activities and pre-planning material
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MAGICPAH - Molecular Approaches and MetaGenomic Investigations for optimizing Clean-up of PAH contaminated sites
MAGICPAH aims to explore, understand and exploit the catalytic activities of microbial communities involved in the degradation of persistent PAHs. It will integrate (meta-) genomic studies with in-situ activity assessment based on stable isotope probing particularly in complex matrices of different terrestrial and marine environments. PAH degradation under various conditions of bioavailability will be assessed as to improve rational exploitation of the catalytic properties of bacteria for the treatment and prevention of PAH pollution. We will generate a knowledge base not only on the microbial catabolome for biodegradation of PAHs in various impacted environmental settings based on genome gazing, retrieval and characterization of specific enzymes but also on systems related bioavailability of contaminant mixtures. MAGICPAH takes into account the tremendous undiscovered metagenomic resources by the direct retrieval from genome/metagenome libraries and characterization of enzymes through activity screens. These screens will include a high-end functional small-molecule fluorescence screening platform and will allow us to directly access novel metabolic reactions followed by their rational exploitation for biocatalysis and the re-construction of biodegradation networks. Results from (meta-) genomic approaches will be correlated with microbial in situ activity assessments, specifically dedicated to identifying key players and key reactions involved in anaerobic PAH metabolism. Key processes for PAH metabolism particularly in marine and composting environments and the kinetics of aerobic degradation of PAH under different conditions of bioavailability will be assessed in model systems, the rational manipulation of which will allow us to deduce correlations between system performance and genomic blueprint. The results will be used to improve treatments of PAH-contaminated sites.


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In Nigeria's biggest city, a Monday morning typically sees bumper-to-bumper traffic as people struggle through heat and exhaust fumes to get to work. This Monday, however, the roads were not filled with cars, but with people celebrating the Lagos Carnival.
Dancers in colorful costumes resembling those of Brazil's Carnival shimmied and shook their way through the streets.
This year, Lagos' state government said the festival would commemorate the region's historical ties with Brazil. Portuguese explorers once came to the region and Brazilian-style homes can still be seen in the city's older neighborhoods.
The curious lined up to watch and take mobile phone pictures, some ogling the women dressed in bikini-styled outfits. Tuesday, though, the streets will again jam with traffic.
Here are some Associated Press photographs of this year's festivities in Lagos.


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LED lights and the kind of varieties on offer at the moment are completely remarkable. Options range from small to enterprise lighting solutions. The addition of smart technology has further enhanced the capabilities that come along LED products. There are several manufacturers that are from China and are involved in production of innovative range of LED lighting solutions. One company that is involved in wholesale of LED lights from Hong Kong is E-Top (HK) Technology Limited. The company was established in the year 2002 and ever since then, it has grown into a well-known supplier from the country.
It has expanded globally with its branch being established in India and UK. They are not only known for covering the basic LED lighting systems but are also well-known for their strategic contracts for lighting large hotels by groups like Hiton, Hyatt, Raffles, Sheraton, etc. Additionally, the company is involved in offering modernized enterprise that develops, manufactures, sells and services LED lights. Stressing more on building long term relationships the company today has a long list of regular buyers and brands. They also keep adding new products from time to time which are engineered by their dedicated team of R&D professionals. There is a separated department for carrying out R&D for LED light bulbs for clients to cater to even custom requirements.
For each customer, the company has a dedicated sales manager who is responsible for communicating and answering all kinds of queries on behalf of the company. These include updating status, offering quotations, managing orders and ensuring timely delivery. Additionally, there is a dedicated customer care unit that can also be reached when needed. In order to check out their products, customers can visit the online shopping portal. It displays detailed information about the kind of LED lights and LED Strips that the company has been offer and is capable to offer. Moreover, customers can also order test samples to evaluate the quality of any of the product that they would like to order in bulk from the company. Each of these products has been well-categorized for customers to conveniently browse through them and have an idea about the product range. To let the customers stay updated about the company developments and its new releases, the website features a dedicated News section too.
About E-Top (HK) Technology Limited
E-Top (HK) Technology Limited is a supplier of a wide variety of LED products from Hong Kong. Their product range not only includes the basic lighting systems but also introduces the smart lighting systems. The company has been catering to global customers for the past 20 years and has built its branches in India and United Kingdom. For more details please visit their website.
Media Contact
Company Name: E-Top (HK) Technology Limited
Contact Person: Mr. Ricky Y. Tse (MBA)
Email: email@example.com
Phone: +852-6814-7203
Country: HongKong
Website: http://www.etoptechltd.com


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Orbitofrontal cortex
|Brain: Orbitofrontal cortex
|Approximate location of the OFC shown on a sagittal MRI
|Orbital surface of left frontal lobe.
|subject #189 822
The orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) is a region of association cortex of the human brain involved in cognitive processes such as decision making. This region is named based upon its location within the frontal lobes, resting above the orbits of the eyes. It is defined as the part of the prefrontal cortex that receives projections from the magnocellular, medial, nucleus of the mediodorsal thalamus [1]. Considerable individual variability has been found in the OFC of both humans and non-human primates. Because of its functions in emotion and reward, the OFC is considered by some to be a part of the limbic system.
Functions of the human orbitofrontal cortex
The human OFC is among the least understood regions of the human brain but has been proposed to be involved in sensory integration, in representing the affective value of reinforcers, and in decision making and expectation [2]. In particular, the human OFC is thought to regulate planning behavior associated with sensitivity to reward and punishment. [3]. This is supported by research in humans, non-human primates and rodents. Human research has focused on neuroimaging research in healthy participants and neuropsychology research in patients with damage to discrete parts of the OFC.
Neuroimaging research in healthy participants
It is important to realise that using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to image the human OFC is a challenge as this brain region is in close proximity to the air-filled sinuses, which means that signal dropout, geometric distortion and susceptibility artifacts are common when using EPI at higher magnetic field strengths. Extra care is therefore recommended for obtaining a good signal from the orbitofrontal cortex and a number of strategies have been devised, eg. [4].
The published neuroimaging studies have found that the reward value, the expected reward value and even the subjective pleasantness of foods and other reinforcers are represented in the OFC. A large meta-analysis of the existing neuroimaging evidence demonstrated that activity in medial parts of the OFC is related to the monitoring, learning and memory of the reward value of reinforcers, whereas activity in lateral OFC is related to the evaluation of punishers which may lead to a change in ongoing behaviour [5]. Similarly, a posterior-anterior distinction was found with more complex or abstract reinforcers (such as monetary gain and loss) being represented more anteriorly in the orbitofrontal cortex than less complex reinforcers such as taste. It has even been proposed that the human OFC has a role in mediating subjective hedonic experience [2].
Neuropsychology research in patients
- The visual discrimination test[6] has two components: reversal learning and extinction. In "reversal learning", the participant is presented with one of two pictures, A and B. They learn that they will be rewarded if they press a button when picture A is displayed, but punished if they press the button when picture B is displayed. Once this rule has been established, the rule swaps. In other words, now it is correct to press the button for picture B, not picture A. Most healthy participants pick up on this rule reversal almost immediately, but patients with OFC damage continue to respond to the original pattern of reinforcement although they are now being punished for persevering with it. Rolls et al noted that this pattern of behaviour was particularly unusual given that the patients reported that they understood the rule.
- The second component of the test is "extinction". Again, participants learn to press the button for picture A but not picture B. However this time, instead of the rules reversing, the rule changes altogether. Now the participant will be punished for pressing the button in response to either picture. The correct response is not to press the button at all, but people with OFC dysfunction find it difficult to resist the temptation to press the button despite being punished for it.
- The Iowa gambling task is a simulation of real life decision-making[3] which is widely used in research of cognition and emotion. Participants are presented with 4 virtual decks of cards on a computer screen. They are told that each time they choose a card they will win some game money. Every so often, however, when they choose a card they will win money, but will also lose some money too. They are told that the aim of the game is to win as much money as possible. The task is meant to be opaque, i.e. participants are not meant to consciously work out the rule, and they are supposed to choose cards based on their "gut reaction". Two of the decks are "bad decks", which means that, over a long enough time, they will make a net loss; the other two decks are "good decks" and will make a net gain over time. Most healthy participants sample cards from each deck, and after about 40 or 50 selections are fairly good at sticking to the good decks. Patients with OFC dysfunction, however, continue to perseverate with the bad decks, sometimes even though they know that they are losing money overall. Concurrent measurement of galvanic skin response shows that healthy participants show a "stress" reaction to hovering over the bad decks after only 10 trials, long before conscious sensation that the decks are bad. By contrast, patients with OFC dysfunction never develop this physiological reaction to impending punishment. Bechara and his colleagues explain this in terms of the somatic markers hypothesis. The Iowa gambling task is currently being used by a number of research groups (including the Institute of Psychiatry and Institute of Neurology) using fMRI to investigate which brain regions are activated by the task in healthy volunteers as well as clinical groups with conditions such as schizophrenia and obsessive compulsive disorder.
- The Faux pas test is a series of vignettes recounting a social occasion where someone said something they shouldn't have said, or something awkward. The participant's task is to identify what was said that was awkward, why it was awkward, how people would have felt in reaction to the faux pas, and a factual control question. Although first designed for use in people on the autistic spectrum[7], the test is also sensitive to patients with OFC dysfunction, who cannot judge when something socially awkward has happened despite appearing to understand the story perfectly well.
Everyday consequences of damage to the OFC
Destruction of the OFC through acquired brain injury typically leads to a pattern of disinhibited behaviour. Examples include swearing excessively, hypersexuality, poor social interaction, compulsive gambling, excessive alcohol / smoking / drug use and poor empathising ability. Disinhibited behaviour by patients with some forms of frontotemporal dementia is thought to be caused by degeneration of the OFC[8]. Patients with damage to the OFC tend to make rash decisions and typically manage their finances poorly.
See also
- ↑ Fuster, J.M. The Prefrontal Cortex, (Raven Press, New York, 1997).
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Kringelbach, M. L. (2005) "The orbitofrontal cortex: linking reward to hedonic experience". Nature Reviews Neuroscience 6: 691-702.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Bechara, A.; Damasio, A. R.; Damasio H. & Anderson, S.W. (1994) "Insensitivity to future consequences following damage to human prefrontal cortex". Cognition 50: 7-15.
- ↑ Wilson, J.; Jenkinson, M.; de Araujo, I. E. T.; Kringelbach, M. L.; Rolls, E. T. & Jezzard, P. (2002) "Fast, fully automated global and local magnetic field optimization for fMRI of the human brain". Neuroimage 17: 967-976.
- ↑ Kringelbach, M. L. and Rolls, E. T. (2004) "The functional neuroanatomy of the human orbitofrontal cortex: evidence from neuroimaging and neuropsychology". Progress in Neurobiology 72: 341-372.
- ↑ Rolls, E. T.; Hornak, J.; Wade, D. & McGrath, J. (1994) "Emotion-related learning in patients with social and emotional changes associated with frontal lobe damage". J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 57: 1518-1524.
- ↑ Stone, V.E.; Baron-Cohen, S. & Knight, R. T. (1998a) "Frontal Lobe Contributions to Theory of Mind". Journal of Medical Investigation 10: 640-656.
- ↑ Snowden, J. S.; Bathgate, D.; Varma, A.; Blackshaw, A.; Gibbons, Z. C. & Neary. D. (2001) "Distinct behavioural profiles in frontotemporal dementia and semantic dementia". J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 70: 323-332.
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That nasty web ad (you can see it at Conan Nolan's post here) from Steve Poizner's gubernatorial campaign would seem to be about pornography. I suspect that a big part of the intended message is really about guns. Concerns about firearms regulation has been, for decades, a driver of conservative turnout in California elections. Pornography doesn't have a record of swinging votes. With this ad, Poizner is seeking to appeal to conservatives by suggesting that his rival Meg Whitman was willing to keep gun sales off eBay while she was CEO there even as she permitted the sale of pornography (albeit over a separate site).
Here's the context, from an excellent Harvard Business School case study of Whitman's management of eBay, authored by Linda A. Hill and Maria T. Farkas in 2005. It's not available online so I apologize for not having the link. I obtained the case study more than a year ago, independent of any political campaign.
The lesson of the study: eBay had a libertarian ethos. It had a "historical hands-off approach," and didn't want to limit what was sold on the site. From the beginning, eBay struggled with how and whether to police the site. Eventually, the company decided to get involved with removing items that were fradulent or illegal. Under these rules, permitting the sale of pornography was an easy call -- just one of the many things sold on eBay. Guns was a more difficult subject, and to this day there is second-guessing about Whitman's decision in that area.
U.S. & World
According to the case study, Whitman decided to go against eBay's established policy in late January 1999 and eliminate all auctions of guns and ammunition from eBay. This came after significant public criticism of gun sales on the site. In 1998, eBay had tried to limit problems with gun sales by requiring credit card verification for anyone who wants to buy or sell firearms. She was worried that Pierre Omdiyar, eBay's founder, might disagree, but he had come to the same conclusion. Financially, it wasn't hard to walk away--legal firearms represented less than 0.25 percent of the items on eBay, and other Internet auction sites either limited the sale of firearms or banned them all together. But they worried about what might happen if a gun the company sold ended up in the wrong hands.
At a company meeting with leading executives described by Whitman in the case study, "I was very honest with them. I told them, 'We have made this huge change in strategy. Don't be confused. Yesterday, we had this policy about items on our site; we have now thought it through and decided we have to eliminate the gun category. We feel we have tomake this change in policy for the long-term health of the company and because it is the right thing to do.' I also said, 'What are we going to do when we wake up and read that someone has bought a gun on eBay and done real damage? We can't live with that.'"
In retrospect, Whitman did right by her company. Industry analysts backed her, suggesting she was keeping her growing company, which was in the process of adding thousands of jobs, out of trouble. The stock price rose. But the online community of eBay sellers was "largely" opposed to the decision. Which is probably one reason why Poizner is picking at it with this ad.
What might this tell us about Whitman? Her instincts appear to be libertarian and deregulatory--but she will make exceptions when it's in her interests.


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Ofsted Parent View results
Search results - St Philip's Church of England Primary School
St Philip's Church of England Primary School
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- Telephone number: 01612262050
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1. My child is happy at this school
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6. My child receives appropriate homework for their age
7. This school makes sure its pupils are well behaved
8. This school deals effectively with bullying
9. This school is well led and managed
10. This school responds well to any concerns I raise
11. I receive valuable information from the school about my child's progress
12. Would you recommend this school to another parent?
NOTE: More than one parent/carer can complete the Ofsted Parent View questionnaire so the results may show more respondents than pupils attending the school
In September 2019 the questions asked on Ofsted Parent View were updated. Any survey completed prior will have been completed using a different set of questions and may not be comparable.


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The good news is Godzilla is back, in all his spine-rattling glory.
The bad news is he just destroyed most of San Francisco. If you're a commuter, you might want to call in before you go to work, just to make sure your building is still there.
Like they say, you can't make a reptile omelet without breaking a few reptile eggs. Or ticking off his fans. Godzilla has remained a fascination among sci-fi lovers for more than 60 years, and because of his status as perhaps the longest-tenured (and tallest) popular figure in the genre, fans want to see their star get his props on the big screen. Think about Bryan Singer trying to reboot Superman. It wasn't terrible, but you can't just make any Superman movie. It has to do the character justice, or else the crowd turns on you.
That brings us to the last time Hollywood tried doing a Godzilla film — Roland Emmerich's 1998 version, a colossal dud that had many people questioning whether Emmerich had ever seen a Godzilla film.
Fortunately, director Gareth Edwards and writers Max Borenstein and Dave Callaham fare much, much better in the new "Godzilla." They've managed to update the story while leaving enough of the legend intact to satisfy longtime fans.
Instead of being a product of the atomic age, as in the original story, this time our hero was apparently a target of the atomic age (or were you wondering why we blew up so many nukes in the Pacific back in the 1950s?)
Bryan Cranston is appropriately frantic as a scientist on a quest to expose what caused a nuclear meltdown (a big animal) at a power plant on the other side of the Pacific during the 1990s that killed his wife (Juliette Binoche, in a role requiring about three minutes of screen time). His ensuing quest alienates him from his son (played by a buffed-up Aaron Taylor-Johnson), a Navy bomb expert who lives in San Francisco with his wife (Elizabeth Olsen) and young son.
But the humans are the least of Godzilla's concerns. A couple of giant slimy things are on his radar — radiation-gobbling MUTOs (Massive Unidentified Terrestrial Organisms), one of which emerges from the Pacific and, as giant radiation-eating monsters with heads shaped like potato chip baggie clamps are prone to do, starts wreaking havoc in Japan.
Meanwhile, another MUTO — which apparently was dumped years earlier in a cave near Las Vegas with other nuclear waste — emerges, stops by the casinos for a couple quick hands of blackjack, then starts moving west (at one point, someone mentions that the beast is about to pass through Livermore, presumably for a quick bite at Lawrence Livermore Laboratory).
Meanwhile, we see bits and pieces of Godzilla, roused and for some reason racing across the Pacific to do battle with the MUTOs, who have reunited in San Francisco and are trying to raise a family, despite the pesky military's insistence on shooting at them (and what self-respecting disaster movie set on the West Coast doesn't have a school bus in peril on the Golden Gate Bridge?).
As the film engages in some serious suspense-building, we don't actually see the big guy until about halfway through the film. Good move. It makes him look even more menacing when he does appear. When he finally decides to show off his new and improved fire breath, I nearly jumped out of my chair with a fist-pump.
While the monsters are computer-generated, the destroyed landscapes come via old-school model-making. The combination makes for fantastic visuals, especially in 3-D. The experience is made even more threatening with an exceptional musical score by Alexandre Desplat ("Argo").
Lost in all the action is the question of whether Godzilla is a good guy and, if so, why. And what's his motive? But, really, who cares? As the Japanese scientist played by Ken Watanabe says, we shouldn't mess with nature. Just let the big brutes fight it out.
And fight it out it they do. This is the "Godzilla" fans have been waiting for, and any other big budget summer action flick will be hard-pressed to equal the fun.
Contact Tony Hicks at Twitter.com/insertfoot.
* * * ½
Rating: PG-13 (intense sequences of destruction, mayhem and creature violence)
Cast: Bryan Cranston, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Elizabeth Olsen, Juliette Binoche, Ken Watanabe
Director: Gareth Edwards
Running time: 2 hours, 3 minutes


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TONiC™ UHV incremental encoder system with RELM20 linear scale
- Readhead size: 35 x 13.5 x 10 mm
- Resolutions to 1 nm
- Speed up to 10 m/s
- Analogue or digital outputs
- Ultra-low Sub-Divisional Error (SDE): typically <±30 nm
- Optical IN-TRAC™ reference mark
- Ultra-High Vacuum (UHV)
- Very high accuracy combined with near zero thermal expansion
- Super-compact encoder with dynamic signal conditioning for improved motion control
- Diagnostic kit to assist challenging installations and aid system optimisation
What is TONiC UHV?
TONiC UHV brings Renishaw's super-compact, non-contact encoder system to Ultra-High Vacuum applications offering customers improved motion control.
TONiC offers speeds up to 10 m/s and, combined with the Ti interface, resolutions down to 1 nm for both linear and rotary applications. TONiC systems are quick and simple to install with wide set-up tolerances and calibration at the push of a button. TONiC's dynamic signal processing gives improved signal stability with ultra-low Sub-Divisional Error of typically <±30 nm to help realise superior motion control performance.
What is RELM20 scale?
RELM20 is a spar scale manufactured from ZeroMet™, a low expansion nickel/iron alloy, featuring a 20 µm pitch.
It is comparable to fine pitch glass scales and offers a total accuracy (including slope and linearity) better than ±1 µm over a 1.5 m length. ZeroMet has a coefficient of thermal expansion of 0.75 ±0.35 μm/m/°C at 20 °C.
System designers can choose between specially formulated UHV compatible adhesive tape or mechanical clips to suit mounting requirements. Both mounting methods allow for independent thermal expansion to that of the substrate.
Why choose this encoder system?
Ultra-High Vacuum (UHV)
TONiC UHV readheads take standard TONiC outstanding performance and deliver it in a readhead that has been designed and constructed using UHV compatible materials and processes making it suitable for UHV conditions down to 10 -10 Torr.
The range of TONiC UHV encoders and accessories are constructed from vacuum-compatible materials and adhesives to give low outgassing rates and proven clean residual gas analysis (RGA) making them suitable for many applications including wafer handling / testing, scientific instruments, spectroscopy, vacuum inspection equipment and many more.
Ease of handling
The RELM20 ZeroMet low thermal expansion scale has a much smaller cross section than typical glass scales and allows easier handling and installation without risk of breakage, making it ideal for the most demanding precision applications.
Ultimate reliability and performance in a compact size
For ultimate reliability and consistent performance TONiC readheads incorporate third-generation filtering optics, tuned for even lower noise (jitter) and now further enhanced by dynamic signal processing including Auto Gain Control and Auto Offset Control. This combination – all incorporated inside the readhead - provides signals of unrivalled purity and ultra-low Sub-Divisional Error of just ±30 nm. The result is smoother velocity control for improved scanning performance, increased positional stability which in turn helps minimise the heat build-up in motors inside the vacuum; essential parameters for vacuum applications all in a compact readhead.
Quicker and easier installation
A set-up LED on the readhead gives a visual indication of signal size and an optional diagnostic kit allows remote checking of the system performance when the readhead is concealed within the machine. Calibration of the reference mark and incremental signals is done at the push of a button with no mechanical adjustment or additional diagnostic tools. The IN-TRAC customer-selectable optical reference mark is embedded in the incremental scale for compact dimensions and simplified alignment. This yields a reference mark output that is bi-directionally repeatable to unit of resolution over the full operating temperature and speed range.
Interface options
TD (dual resolution) interface
- Selectable dual-resolutions quadrature output.
- Ideal for applications that require high speed movement combined with finer precision motion.
DOP (dual output) interface
- Provides simultaneous digital quadrature and 1 Vpp signals.
- Designed for applications requiring one or more operations to be synchronised with a motion axis.
Optional diagnostic kit
TONiC diagnostic software can be used to optimise the installation of TONiC encoders and provide a quick and comprehensive system calibration. The software must be used in conjunction with the TONiC diagnostic hardware which can be purchased from Renishaw using part number A-9411-0011. The hardware is connected to the PC via the USB cable (provided in the kit) or in-line with the customers' electronics.
Find out all about the TONiC diagnostic kit.
Technical specifications
Measuring standard
RELM20: high accuracy ZeroMet spar scale with mid reference mark
Also available with end reference mark as RELE20
Readhead size (LxWxH)
35 mm x 13.5 mm x 10 mm
Scale pitch
20 μm
Coefficient of thermal expansion at 20 °C
0.75 ±0.35 μm/m/°C
Accuracy grade at 20 °C
Certified to ±1 μm, calibration traceable to international standards
Reference mark
IN-TRAC reference mark
Various reference mark position options, see data sheet for details
Limit switches
Dual or single limits (select at time of order)
Scale length
20 mm to 1.5 m
Maximum speed
(See data sheet for details)
Up to 10 m/s at -3 dB
Up to 10 m/s
Sub-Divisional Error (SDE)
Typically <±30 nm
Dynamic signal control
Real time signal conditioning including Auto Gain Control (AGC) and Auto Offset Control (AOC) for optimised performance during operation
Incremental signals
1 Vpp (20 μm period)
Resolutions from 5 μm to 1 nm
Electrical connection
0.5 m, 1 m, 1.5 m, 3 m, 5 m and 10 m cable lengths with mini connector (connects direct to TONiC interface)
Power supply
5 V ±10%, <100 mA (analogue system), <200 mA (digital systems) (unterminated)
|Readhead power consumption
|< 100 mA
Vibration (operating)
100 m/s2 max @ 55 Hz to 2 000 Hz
Shock (non-operating)
1 000 m/s2, 6 ms, ½ sine
Operating temperature (system)
0 °C to +70 °C
Bake-out temperature (non-operating)
120 °C (Readhead and scale only)
Readhead: IP20
Interface: IP20
Cable construction
Tinned copper braided single screen, FEP core insulation
Refer to data sheets for full details.
Data sheets
Installation guides
User guide
How it works
TONiC features the third generation of Renishaw's unique filtering optics that average the contributions from many scale periods and effectively filter out non-periodic features such as dirt. The nominally square-wave scale pattern is also filtered to leave a pure sinusoidal fringe field at the detector. Here, a multiple finger structure is employed, fine enough to produce photocurrents in the form of four symmetrically phased signals. These are combined to remove DC components and produce sine and cosine signal outputs with high spectral purity and low offset while maintaining bandwidth to beyond 500 kHz.
Fully integrated advanced dynamic signal conditioning, Auto Gain , Auto Balance and Auto Offset Controls combine to ensure ultra-low Sub- Divisional Error (SDE) of typically <±30 nm.
This evolution of filtering optics, combined with carefully-selected electronics, provide incremental signals with wide bandwidth achieving a maximum speed of 10 m/s with the lowest positional jitter (noise) of any encoder in its class. Interpolation is by CORDIC algorithm within the TONiC Ti interface, with fine resolution versions being further augmented by additional noise-reducing electronics to achieve jitter of just 0.5 nm RMS.
The IN-TRAC reference mark is fully-integrated in the incremental scale and is detected by a split photodetector within the readhead. As the diagram shows, the reference mark split detector is embedded directly into the centre of the incremental channel linear photodiode array ensuring greater immunity from yaw-dephasing. Yielding a reference mark output that is bi-directionally repeatable to unit of resolution at all speeds. This unique arrangement also benefits from an automatic calibration routine that electronically phases the reference mark and optimises the dynamic signal conditioning


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It just occurred to me that while I'd love to have playsets, and would pay a few dollars more for them, if sideshow's offerings are going to be excessively expensive I might pass with not felling completists guilt since sideshow isn't Hasbro.
Can the market support Sideshow playsets? My gut feeling is yes.
Chewie, is that an Owen's custom pictured above?
I agree completely - anything over $200.00 is going to be very hard for most people to digest. I'm hoping they go modular... please go modular Sideshow... (assuming these even happen).
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"It's emotional,'' the 26-year-old Perkins says after the visit. "Every child is different. Once you go into a room, you adapt. I stay away from asking how they are doing because they might not be doing that good. I just try to brighten their day, make it a good day to remember.''How many guys would think about not asking a kid how he's doing just in case he's having a bad day? Next time you see Perk scowling on the court, think about him watching Tom and Jerry with a little girl or playing trucks with a little boy in the hospital as he tries to help them feel better.
While I am on the subject of Perk (I'm never really too far from talking about Perk- I love this guy!) I came across this post on the Raptors' boards:
I was talking to a friend last night about the Peja deal and the potential cap space it opens up and we both realized that Perkins is a FA.And this isn't an isolated thing, either. On a LOT of boards there are threads talking about how they need to make a run at getting Perk. The center position is one of the most crucial to fill and the number of very good big men who play in the post is very small. Perk is one of the top defensive centers in the league. I really hope that Danny realizes what he has. Perk has been one of the biggest bargains in the league on his current contract. Without Perk, we don't get past Orlando. Perk is one of the very few players in the league who can guard Dwight Howard one on one and slow him down. Without Perk in the center, it opens up their outside shooters because Howard would demand a double team. And Perk is still young. He is one of the hardest workers in the league, has improved every season, and plays his role on the team to perfection. I really hope Danny does the right thing and gives Perk an extension. He deserves it. Don't let this kid go, Danny! You'll be very sorry if you do!
Now, a lot of teams are banking that with the new CBA they'll be able to cut salary (not guaranteed) so right now Toronto is in a nice position to make a run at him. Even if there are teams out there that have additional space I still think Toronto NEEDS to make a solid run at him.
He'd address everything this team lacks. Interior defense, rebounding, toughness. Add into it, his experience with Boston, playing in the finals and being underrated offensively I'd LOVE for him to be here. If he's healthy, it's a no brainer. If we're committed to building with Andrea then we need to get him. If we overpay then so be it.
I've always hated the Lakers from the time I became a Celtics fan in 1969. So it shouldn't be any surprise that I enjoy seeing any news about them struggling. The Lakers are 13-4 and at a glance you would think that they are having a great season so far. But if you look a little deeper, there are some problems in Lala Land. The Lakers have had a very soft schedule so far. Of their 13 wins, only one of those is against a team with a winning record. They have lost 2 in a row and in those two losses, Pau Gasol has averaged 45 minutes, and you thought the Celtics players were playing too many minutes. And there are stories about tension between Phil Jackson and Ron Artest. Not even zen can help Jackson with Ron Ron, who always eventually wears on his coaches and his teams. The Fakers get a lot of help from Herr Stern with an easy schedule and the refs bowing to them so it's always good to see that even with all the bennies from Uncle Stern they still can't get it done.
Speaking of the league's disdain for the Celtics. Remember that game against the Hawks? Delonte had 2 incredible blocks in it. The Celtics made countless plays that made you go "WOW" and so I tuned into the NBA's top 10 plays of the night, expecting to see at least two of the Celtics plays up there in the top 10. Surely, that sensational block by Delonte had to be in there. As they counted down the plays, there was just one play from the Celtics game. Was it Delonte's sensational block? Nope. It was Al Horford's block on a Paul Pierce drive. They failed to mention that the block led to a Ray Allen 3. Another play that ranked better than any of the Celtics' plays was a 3 from the corner from LeBron in a Heat loss. Really NBA? Really?
And Herr Stern's other pet project in Miami is faring even worse than his Fakers are. I see a lot of people blaming the coach. I don't see it as being Spo's fault entirely. At some point, LeJerk needs to get some blame for his teams' losing. In my opinion there is no comparison with the Celtics Big 3. When Danny put the 3 players together to build around, he already had a solid center and point guard in place. He got Ray Allen, who is one of the best at moving without the ball, Kevin Garnett, a great defender and inside presence, and Paul Pierce, a scorer and slasher. These 3 complement each other perfectly. But, they couldn't have done it without the solid play from Perk and Rondo.
Riley put his 3 together but they don't have a good center or point guard. Big Z, at this point in his career should be just a fill in off the bench and not the starting center. Joel Anthony, who just got a 5 year contract at just under 4 million a year, is one of the worst players in the league, according to Heat fans. And they just signed Eric Dampier, who isn't the answer either. At point they have Arroyo and Chalmers and LeBron and that is one of the reasons that they have been burned by every team they have played with an elite point guard. I've seen a lot of threads on the Miami boards saying how they need to get Perk this off season. Yes, Perk is exactly what they need. But he is also exactly what the Celtics need and I hope Danny won't let him get away, no matter what the other teams throw at him.
I'm thinking that Riley wants no part of coaching these 3 prima donnas. I also think that if Riley was to take over, LeJerk's boo boo elbow would be the least of his worries as the first time he bumps Riley like he has done to Brown and Spoelstra, Riley would wring his egotistical neck. For a team who wants to chill and have more fun, the last thing they want is Riley coaching them. Riley is legendary for running a very tight ship with 5 hour practices, body fat checks, and allowing no slack whatsoever in his game plans. I just don't see LeJerk being happy with that. And, then you have the fact that Wade really likes Spo as a coach. After having Riley as a coach, you don't have to wonder why. In the meantime, I'm enjoying the fact that LeBron is not having any fun. Thursday's game when the Heat visit Cleveland will be very interesting. I don't see a basketball fan in the world not wanting to watch that one.
I'm a bit disappointed that the Celtics don't do their West coast trip until the end of January this year. Having to get up very early to get kids off to school, I always liked having that west coast trip during Christmas vacation. It's going to be murder staying up until midnight or 1 am to watch the games and then get up at 5 am. But no way I'll miss a game. Celtics take precedence over sleep.
Celtics play the Cavs tomorrow night. I expect a revenge game from the Celtics. The Cavs will be looking past the Celtics to Thursday's game vs the Heat and I don't see the Celtics losing twice to the same team. They better bring the effort in this one since they didn't in their first meeting. It's yet another back to back set. Wednesday it's Portland at the Garden. I'm starting to wonder if Portland isn't cursed somehow. They sure do have their problems with injuries. I feel really bad for Oden. The kid seems like a nice guy and it's really tough that he has been injured since he was drafted. And now Roy is playing without any cartilage in his knees. Wally did it and I expect Roy to somehow adapt and play through it but it will be a tough road for him.
Speaking of injury prone, what a tough break for Delonte. He was so happy to be back and playing and for this to happen after just 5 games is cruel. But, he will be able to be with the team, unlike during his suspension and I'm sure his teammates will keep him upbeat and I expect him back sooner rather than later. He broke the same wrist when he was with Cleveland and was back in 6 weeks (16 games). Depending on how much more severe this break is, I am hoping to see him back before the All Star game. I see him coming up big for the Celtics in their stretch run leading up to the playoffs with everyone finally healthy going into the playoffs. FLCeltsFan 11/29/2010 10:29:00 AM Tweet Edit


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Thanks to lightweight, seamless compression paneling, these tights provide support and increased blood flow to muscles and joints from your calves to your waist, without feeling constrictive. Their body-hugging fit holds up in sopping rain. A fairly tiny key pocket sits on the interior left hip.
Men's, in BlackSaucony Drylete XPT Pant, $75 4 of 9
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In downright cold conditions, the fleece-lined interior of these insulated tights keeps you comfortable. The smooth exterior sheds snow, making these ideal for any winter road run or snowshoe race. A flat waistband minimizes restriction–a feature best appreciated after holiday meals. •Coldest: Below 25°F
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Now that I am playing catch up! I wanted to share a few more projects for Prima
I have created the last few weeks!This choo choo train is one of my all time fave projects! I just used kids building blocks as my base. So fun to make!
I used so much supplies from Prima I cannot keep up lol. I also did a Ustream on Live
With Prima showing how to do some of the carts, in case you missed it all the shows are recorded!
Next up i have ...... a layout..... gasp! LOL! i do not do layouts very often, I just leave that to the
experts ! I have never been very good at them lol. But i had to try my hand at the gorgeous BAP this month created by Riikka. Hop over to the Prima Blog and participate with the BAP and PPP challenges! they are always amazingly inspiring! Hugs!


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© WPEC | Portions are © Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or distributed.
WPEC CBS 12 provides local news, weather, sports, traffic and entertainment for West Palm Beach and nearby towns and communities in South Florida including the Palm Beaches and Treasure Coast, serving Stuart, Royal Palm Beach, Fort Pierce, Vero Beach, Port St. Lucie, Okeechobee, Jupiter, Palm Beach Gardens, Wellington, Delray Beach, Boca Raton, Lake Worth, Boynton Beach, Greenacres, Belle Glade, Palm Beach, and Riviera Beach.


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Christ Is Risen!
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Thank you so much, SolEX01!So, may I ask you, do I get this right: "en lipeis teksi tekna" means, "in pain you will bear children"; "pros ton andra su i apostrofi su" means, "toward your husband will be your (...? what exactly?); and "eitos su kirieisei" means, "he will rule you." What exactly is this "apsotrofi?"--G.
Thank you so much, SolEX01!
So, may I ask you, do I get this right: "en lipeis teksi tekna" means, "in pain you will bear children"; "pros ton andra su i apostrofi su" means, "toward your husband will be your (...? what exactly?); and "eitos su kirieisei" means, "he will rule you." What exactly is this "apsotrofi?"
I think the whole verse needs to be looked at and not just one word. What I get out of this is that even though Eve (eg all women) will ultimately bear "greatly multiplied" pains during childbirth, and therefore something to sensibly avoid, she will still yearn for children and must thus turn toward her husband, who due to the ensuing pain she will most likely "abhor" (as he will be the first cause of the future pain), because God has placed Adam in rule over her.
It's the pain that is at the center of this text and not Eve's desire or abhorrance. Even though she will go through pain in bearing children now, she will go through the pain because she will have a desire to have such children, which can only be accomplished through sexual activity with her husband.
One can justify sexism using the above interpretation whereas there was no sexism intended by God when he commanded that Eve would turn to her husband as a source of strength and help. Eve made the selfish decision to eat the apple and the consequences were for her to lose that selfishness. The Virgin Mary was very unselfish in giving birth to the Son of God without any pain or suffering.
God blessed the union of Adam and Eve and told them to be fruitful and multiply and fill the Earth before both sinned and were evicted from Paradise.
Our good old holy Father, who was a monk all his life and certainly did not know any sex, imagined sex as something very bothersome, like a need to urinate or something.
Not true. Read SVS's compilation "On Marriage and Family Life."
I like this explanation, but it is still somewhat unclear to me, how can "apostrophi" (from a mere semantic point of view) simultaneously mean "resource" (source of strength, something to turn your head to), and "disgust" or "aversion" (something to turn your head FROM)...
The Greek Prefix "Apo-" translates into English as From, Since, By, Out of.The Greek Suffix "Strophi" translates into English as Turn, Revolution.Combining the semantics provides one literal translation as "Out of Turn." Recourse implies another option or choice which is not "in turn."
St. John Chrysostom's comments on Genesis 3:16 - same source as Reply 13, pages 240 and 241: As if to explain his reasons to the woman, the loving God said this, meaning, In the beginning I created you equal in esteem to your husband, and my intention was that in everything you would share with him as an equal, and as I entrusted control of everything to your husband, so did I to you; but you abused your equality of status. Hence I subject you to your husband: "Your yearning will be for your husband, and he will be your master." Because you abandoned your equal, who was sharer with you in the same nature (l45a) and for whom you were created, and you chose to enter into conversation with that evil created the serpent, and to take the advice he had to give, accordingly I now subject you to him in future and designate him as your master for you to recognize his lordship, and since you did not know how to rule, learn well how to be ruled. "Your yearning will be for your husband, and he will be your master." It is better that you be subject to him and fall under his lordship than that enjoying freedom and authority, you would be cast into the abyss. It would be more useful also for a horse to carry the bit and travel under direction than without this to fall down a cliff. Accordingly, considering what is advantageous, I want you to have yearning for him and, like a body being directed by its head, to recognize his lordship pleasurably.
So, now "apostrophi" is rendered as "yearning." How can a turning of the head "from" mean yearning?
I am not sure I understand. Is "apo" in "apostrophi" an indicator that the woman's head is turned TO or FROM her husband?
Remember that Biblical Greek and Modern Greek are two different types of Greek Language.
The difference between the Hebrew Masoretic text and the Septuagint in this instance is just one letter. The Hebrew says: we'el 'ishekh teshuqatekh wehu' imshal bakh = "and towards your man (shall be) your craving and he shall rule over you".The Septuagint reads teshuvatekh, with beith in stead of qoph, and renders it apostrophe accordingly. Teshuvah means "return", "repentance", "turning away" (from the verb shuv - "turn"), while teshuqah means "craving, impulse, urge".
I will, but I just HAVE read "Sermons on Genesis!"
My point is that St. John did not treat the subject uniformly in his career - probably because of his changing role (from monk to priest to archbishop); there is definitely a change if one is to compare writings.
Here's from one of St. John's Homilies on Genesis, just one example (there are many more):in order that you may come to realize the precision of his prophecy, and how what he had said has been conspicuous for its brilliance up to the present time and to its fulfillment, listen also to what follows: "She shall be called woman," it says, "because she was taken from her husband. For this reason a man will leave his father and mother, (l23b) and will cling to his wife and the two will come to be one flesh." [ Gen 2:23, Gen 2:24 ] Do you see how he opened everything up to us, clarifying each detail precisely for us through his own prophecy: "She shall be called woman," ' it says, "because she was taken from her husband." Again he hints to us of the removal of his rib; then, to indicate what was about to happen, the text says, "For this reason a man will leave his father and his mother, and will cling to his wife and the two will come to be one flesh." Where, tell me, did these things come from for him to utter? From what source did he gain knowledge of future events and the fact that the race of human beings should grow into a vast number? Whence, after all, did he come to know that there would be intercourse between man and woman? I mean, the consummation of that intercourse occurred after the Fall; up till that time (123c) they were living like angels in paradise and so they were not burning with desire, not assaulted by other passions, not subject to the needs of nature, (like sex or urination --G. ) but on the contrary were created incorruptible and immortal, and on that account at any rate they had no need to wear clothes. "They were both naked," the text says, remember, "and were not ashamed." [ Gen 2:25 ] You see, while sin and disobedience had not yet come on the scene, they were clad in that glory from above which caused them no shame; but after the breaking of the law, then entered the scene both shame and awareness of their nakedness. So, from what source, tell me, did these things come for him to utter? Surely it's obvious that before his disobedience he had a share in prophetic grace and saw everything through the eyes of the Spirit. " http://www2.iath.virginia.edu/anderson/commentaries/ChrGen.html#glossGen2:23,Gen2:24
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Good people and bad people
There are good people and bad people in this world. As a doctor you are privileged to meet all strata of society. Some people don't. Dr Grumble has many patients who have been been in prison. He has recently had patients who are in custody. He talks to them. Some are innocent. Some tell Dr G they have been assaulted by the police. They don't expect Dr Grumble to believe them. Usually he does. It is the people who do wrong and should know better that are the evil ones. The inadequates of this world who have had everything against them from the time of their birth may deserve to be forgiven. But how can you forgive the Madoffs of this world who, it is alleged, ruin the lives of others while leading their own lives of luxury? How can you forgive the managers of radio stations who encourage the sowing of dangerous memes which may cause the deaths or maiming of children? How can you forgive those who threaten democracy because they, like many others in the past, think they know better than Common People how the world should be run?.
Some years ago one of the good people of this world came to visit Dr Grumble. He brought his dog with him. The dog's name was David. He was a Norfolk terrior. Dr Grumble looked after him. As it happened, during his sojourn in the Grumble household, David fell ill. Dr G told the story here.
David's owner was a man called, Bill. Bill was an ex SAS man. He was very interesting to talk to. He sat at Dr Grumble's kitchen table. Dr Grumble can remember now which chair he sat it. The most striking thing about Bill that Dr Grumble immediately noticed was that his left hand was missing. Instead he had a piece of metal. Not exactly a hook but the modern version. Bill sat at the kitchen table and unselfconsciously plonked his 'hook' on the table while he drank a cup of coffee. Most people would probably have felt awkward about commenting on the 'hook' but Dr G asked him how he had lost his arm. As far as he can recall he lost it in some lesser known but successful skirmish in Oman. Since leaving the SAS Bill had been doing lots of interesting things involving humanitarian work in other trouble spots around the world. He wanted to build up a little nest egg for his retirement.
There wasn't time to talk for long. Bill had to leave. Dr Grumble had noticed that he had arrived in a manual car. He wondered how Bill could change gear with the 'hook'. He never did quite see how he did it but Bill happily shunted back and forth in the Grumble yard without any difficulty. That was the last time Dr Grumble saw Bill. He was a nice man. One of the good people.
A few days ago Dr Grumble heard on the radio that a retired army major had shot himself after losing his retirement savings in the Herald USA Fund and Herald Luxembourg Fund. These were bogus funds run by Mr Madoff. When Dr Grumble got home last night Mrs Grumble told him it was Bill. She was in tears.


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Intel in Costa Rica
About Intel Costa Rica
Intel Costa Rica hosts the largest Research and Development Center of the country and one of the most diverse and complex Global Services Center in the nation. More than 2000 employees work on the design, prototyping, testing, and validation of integrated circuit and software solutions, and end-to-end multifunctional corporate services from finance, human resources (HR), procurement, sales and marketing, and information technology (IT).
Intel Costa Rica began in 1997 with an assembly and test plant, which worked for 17 years with great performance. In 2014, the local operations transformed into the current excellence centers, providing services and solutions for the entire corporation.
Intel's presence in Costa Rica has made a positive impact on the country's economy, providing direct and indirect jobs, supporting local industries, creating production linkages, and has been a catalyst for other foreign direct investments. In 2014, we were certified as "Essential Costa Rica", the country's brand license.
Besides the economic impact, there has been also a constant support for the social development. Since the beginning, Intel Costa Rica has been working with academia, industry, and community to improve business environment.
Employees participate in a number of social responsibility projects in the community, focusing their efforts on education, environment, and skill-based programs.
Plus, Intel has been recognized as a responsible corporate citizen for our efforts in improving technical education and green initiatives.
Community involvement
Over almost two decades, Intel Costa Rica has become a proven asset to our communities across the country. The employees have actively developed and executed community initiatives that focus on education, technology, and environmental awareness. More than 50 percent of its workers volunteer their time, energy, and skills to more than 15 different programs and projects annually.
Intel also executes programs where volunteers boost the entrepreneurial spirit, share environmental concepts, and motivate students to improve their writing skills. Intel Costa Rica volunteers contribute to national education programs that promote science and math and actively participate in the national science fair and other technology-focused programs. The company has been recognized for its commitment to improving the quality of life in Costa Rica. Intel is a seven-time winner of the Community Service Award from the Costa Rican American Chamber of Commerce (AMCHAM).
Promoting education is a major priority for Intel Costa Rica. We invest an average of USD 1 million annually to support local education programs in the country. Our programs are focused on three areas: elementary and high school education, higher education, and education in the community. Our goal is to promote 21st century skills, including science, math, and engineering, through volunteer work, donations, and financial contributions.
In 2006, Intel Costa Rica implemented the Intel Involved Matching Grant Program, which gives employees the opportunity to earn money for nonprofit organizations that are meaningful to them. The Intel Foundation matches our employee's volunteer hours through monetary donations. Since the program's launch, Intel Costa Rica employees have donated thousands of hours and raised thousands of dollars to support local education.
Intel® Teach Program
The Intel® Teach Program helps teachers integrate technology into their classrooms to enhance student learning. In Costa Rica, the Intel Teach Program is coordinated in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Education, was implemented by the Omar Dengo Foundation, and now is executed by CECC-SICA.
Training is available for teachers in all regions of the country, including those in very remote one-room schoolhouses. More than 60 percent of K-12 teachers in Costa Rica have participated in this program since the program started in 2000, and it has had a very positive impact in almost all the student population of the country.
Intel Costa Rica has also donated computers and other digital equipment to schools, establishing model classrooms where teachers can use technology resources to improve the teaching of math, science, social sciences, and language. These donations and technical trainings have already made a major impact on education in Costa Rica.
Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (Intel ISEF)
In collaboration with the National Science Fair Commission and the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Telecommunications, Intel promotes student interest in science, math, and technology careers. We also support the annual Engineering Fair and the annual National Science and Technology Fair for elementary and high school students.
The finalists of both events compete at the Costa Rica Intel Challenge, and the winners represent the country at the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (Intel ISEF) each year. One hundred and twenty students have represented Costa Rica at Intel ISEF since 1998, winning a number of awards and honors.
Intel Computer Clubhouse
The Intel Computer Clubhouse uses creative technology to help underserved youth develop confidence and acquire problem-solving and technology skills. This community education model forms a network of 120 Computer Clubhouses around the globe, locating two of these youth centers in Costa Rica where approximately 1,500 students benefit.
The Clubhouses have offered workshops in a diverse range of subjects, including robotics, conversational English, graphic design, and fashion.
Higher education
Intel has donated parallel programming labs to UCR and ITCR in 2008 and to the UNA in 2009, which allow computer science students to learn new programming skills that were not taught before in the classroom.
Donations is only one item of the collaborative relationship Intel has with universities in the country.
Intel Costa Rica works closely with academia and industry to improve the engineering, science, and math curricula to adapt them to the needs of the future market.
Additionally, our Innovation Lab hosts several multidisciplinary workshops with public and private universities to strengthen the professors skills and constantly introduce new trends to the education process.
Technical education
Working closely with the Ministry of Education, Intel Costa Rica helps strengthen the country's technology knowledge base. We constantly donate industrial equipment to different technical institutions in the country.
Students of 18 technical specialties from these high schools design and build demonstrations, create manufacturing processes, and practice maintenance procedures with high-tech equipment. Intel places particular emphasis on the importance of conduct and occupational safety procedures in laboratory and school environments. Intel works with the technical education system to further promote the values and skills that are required in the workforce.
Learn more about education in Costa Rica (link leads to Spanish-language site) ›
Environmental Health and Safety (EHS)
Intel has developed a major Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) community awareness program. Intel EHS professionals, together with community groups and local government officials, work with neighboring companies to improve our environmental impact and practices.
The arrival of Intel positively changed many safety paradigms in Costa Rica. The company has introduced new products with no adverse impact on the safety and health of our workers or on the environment. Its environmental performance indicators demonstrated continuous improvement. Injury rates were reduced to minimal levels, while recycling and waste minimization levels went up. The company has also implemented programs to share our environmental health and safety methods with the entire country.
Intel Costa Rica has significantly increased its solid waste recycling performance and is now recycling about 90 percent of the solid waste it generates. The revenue generated from our solid waste recycling program is donated to community public schools. Intel is also collaborating with community schools to help them adopt our recycling practices. Intel Costa Rica has continued to decrease our environmental impact by installing a new flow-control system at our sites to reduce water use and reuse water.
Intel Costa Rica's efforts to promote environmental health and safety have resulted in several awards. Intel is a four-time winner of the National Safety Award, "Preventico", from the National Insurance Institute—the most prestigious safety and health award presented by any government institution in the country. The company has also received the White Flag Award, presented by the Ministry of Health, for outstanding health and safety performance.
Read about Intel in the beautiful and peaceful province of Heredia, Costa Rica. This site hosts the largest Research and Development Center of the country and one of the most diverse and complex Global Services Center in the nation.
Contact Information
Costa Rica Public Affairs Department
Componentes Intel de Costa Rica
Calle 129 La Ribera de Belen
Heredia, Costa Rica
Phone number: (506) 2298-6000


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The fact that Williams is more receptive to acquring more young players opens an avenue that the Sox hadn't aggressively pursued in past off-seasons.
"We're more open to making potential moves that take us a little younger, take us a step back and live to fight another day if we can identify what we've identified the type targets you want in such a deal," Williams said. "But whether you can get those targets or not remains to be seen. So we're more open.
"For the last 12 years, we've been grinding it out, trying to put forth an effort to win a championship. It's difficult to do that for such a long period of time – rebuild at the same time as you're trying to compete. Fortunately we've had some teams that have done better than others, and there have been teams that didn't meet our expectations."
General manager Ken Williams reiterated Tuesday that Alejandro De Aza would be his choice as the Chicago White Sox's leadoff batter in 2012.
"I don't make the lineup out," Williams said Tuesday night. "If I were making the lineup out, he would be my leadoff hitter. Robin (Ventura) makes the lineup out. He'll be given a suggestion, though."


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I've got a number of plug-in's hosted on the wordpress.org svn server ... with the immenent release of 3.1, I would like to update the "Tested up to" meta data.
There will be no functional changes to the code, just the meta data.
Is it necessary to change the revision number for such a trivial change?


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Heat oil in a skillet and sauté the garlic for 1 minute. Add the shiitake, maitake and porcini mushrooms. Sauté for 3 to 5 minutes. Add mushroom soaking water, shoyu, red onions and tomatoes. Cover, reduce the flame and simmer for 15 minutes or until the maitake mushrooms are tender. Remove the cover. Add the pepper and stir. Turn up the flame and cook off most of the remaining liquid. Add lemon juice and parsley. Toss and sauté 1 minute. Place in a serving dish.
Per serving - 229 calories, 7 g fat (23% calories from fat), 9 g protein, 47 g carbohydrate, 15 g fiber, 0 mg cholesterol, 119 mg sodium


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An Ancestral Journey through the winds of time
planting seeds in Harrison and Grimes County Texas
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Words-A-Few Wednesday: Piano Playing Dudes
Children playing a very old piano in a Texas church. I am wondering about the haze surrounding them and the image that looks like a vase with a willowy plume coming out of it. no one is holding it. Hmmmmmmm I'am just saying!
4 comments:
- Mavis said...
The picture is sweet and a little eerie at the same time.
- May 19, 2010 at 4:06 PM
- Renate Yarborough Sanders said...
What in the world?!? Where'd the pic come from? Do you know anything about it?
- May 19, 2010 at 5:05 PM
- Ms Vicky said...
Yes, The second boy in the middle is my grandson Tyler and the others are his cousins. The church was my paternal famlies church and for some where they got their schooling years ago
- May 19, 2010 at 11:50 PM
- Ms Vicky said...
Hi Renate! Little Flock Baptist Church, is located in Navasota Texas and is well over a hundred yrs old.
- May 20, 2010 at 12:06 AM
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