text:
Today: Facebook, Twitter and Silicon Valley's other social-media stocks take another hit ahead of a trio of important earnings reports this week. Also: Apple and other traditional valley powerhouses gain while newer tech companies suffer on Wall Street.
The Lead: Social-media stocks pounded again ahead of earnings reports
Silicon Valley companies have faced a brutal stock market turn this spring, especially for so-called momentum stocks that enjoyed strong gains in 2013. Social-media stocks have been especially hard-hit, a pattern that continued Monday ahead of three important earnings reports scheduled for this week.
The largest social network in the world, Facebook, released earnings last week that were well-received by the financial community, but the Menlo Park company's stock has not been spared. Facebook shares declined 2.7 percent to $56.14 Monday, and have now fallen 22.7 percent from the peak price paid for Facebook stock, a decline known as a bear market.
Other social networks have performed much worse, however, more easily topping the 20 percent level while still having to prove themselves with quarterly financial updates.
The only other public valley social company to release earnings so far this quarter is Zynga, which also announced the departure from day-to-day operations by founder Mark Pincus last week and dropped 4.4 percent Monday to $3.90, 33.8 percent lower than its 52-week high.
First up in this week's earnings parade is Twitter, which is scheduled to release its quarterly report Thursday. After the San Francisco microblogging company's 2.1 percent descent to $40.73 Monday, it has now declined 45.5 percent overall from the peak price paid on Dec. 26, the end of a post-IPO run-up that pushed Twitter to nearly $75 a share.
Twitter has shown off tremendous revenue growth — sales more than doubled in 2013, the fifth-best performance from a public Silicon Valley technology company — but it has had trouble increasing its user base: The Wall Street Journal pointed out Monday that Twitter aimed to have 400 million engaged users at the end of 2013, but ended up with 241 million. Twitter's varied results in different metrics have made it a polarizing topic among financial analysts; Reuters noted that 11 analysts it tracks rate the stock a "Sell," while seven call it a "Buy," a much bigger split than other social stocks.
"Twitter is one of the best plays off two of our 2014 Internet growth factors: increasing mobile materiality and the online migration of TV ad budgets," RBC Capital Markets analyst Mark Mahaney wrote in a recent note, before detailing the opposite side.
Twitter "needs to prove two things: that it can successfully increase its reach with advertisers; and that it can successfully increase its user base and engagement levels," Mahaney added.
Twitter will be followed by two other social companies that have dived more than 40 percent from their 52-week highs. Yelp arrives Wednesday, after the biggest decline in the group: The San Francisco online-reviews company is down 45.4 percent from its peak price of more than $100, after Monday's 3.6 percent decline to $55.55.
On Thursday, LinkedIn will take center stage, with expectations that revenue growth will continue to be a strength. Even with those expectations, though, the Mountain View professional-networking service has plunged 42.5 percent from an all-time high reached last year, after a 6.4 percent decline to $148.06 Monday.
Analysts and investors will be watching these reports sharply for signs that recent declines have more to with the investors than the companies, or the opposite.
"Given the sharp sell-off of many high growth technology stocks over the past 6 weeks, the upcoming Q1 earnings reports should determine whether a further decline is warranted due to deteriorating fundamentals … or is more of a valuation correction and profit-taking activity," Wunderlich Securities analyst Blake Harper predicted in a note Monday.
SV150 market report: Apple jumps while most tech stocks sag
Wall Street clocked overall gains in the Dow Jones industrial average and Standard & Poor's 500 indexes Monday, masking continuing turmoil for technology stocks. The tech-heavy Nasdaq composite index notched a tad lower, while the SV150 index of Silicon Valley's largest tech companies jumped 0.6 percent largely due to the outsize influence of Apple.
Apple jumped 3.9 percent to $594.09 Monday, the closest the Cupertino tech company has come to $600 a share in more than a year. While other tech stocks have suffered, Apple has soared since announcing last week that it would increase its share-repurchase plan by $30 billion and split its stock, giving Apple investors seven shares for every one they currently own. Monday's boost came as Apple's most recent court fight with Korean rival Samsung draws to a close, with closing arguments now expected Tuesday, while the tech giant reportedly launches new MacBook Air laptops while offering to fix faulty power buttons on some iPhones.
Other traditional tech powerhouses with large influence on the SV150 also commanded price increases Monday, as Hewlett-Packard rose 1.9 percent to $32.19 and Oracle gained 1.7 percent to $40.13. However, two-thirds of the SV150 companies declined Monday on Wall Street, and entire sectors of smaller-cap companies were hit hard by investors, namely streaming media and cloud software. Silicon Valley's biggest names in streaming media, Netflix and Pandora Media, fell 2.4 percent and 2.9 percent respectively, as big tech companies continued to show off their Netflix rivals and Pandora's earnings continued to be parsed. In cloud software, Salesforce had the second largest percentage decline Monday in the SV150, diving 7 percent to $49.13, while NetSuite fell 4.5 percent to $73.59 before getting an after-hours boost from its earnings report.
Up: Apple, HP, Oracle, NetApp, Applied Materials, Intel, Gilead, Cisco, SanDisk
Down: Salesforce, LinkedIn, SolarCity, Yelp, Zynga, VMware, Pandora, Facebook, SunPower, Netflix, AMD, Twitter, Adobe, Juniper, Yahoo
The SV150 index of Silicon Valley's largest tech companies: Up 7.73, or 0.56 percent, to 1,380.9
The tech-heavy Nasdaq composite index: Down 1.16, or 0.03 percent, to 4,074.4
The blue chip Dow Jones industrial average: Up 87.28, or 0.53 percent, to 16,448.74
And the widely watched Standard & Poor's 500 index: Up 6.03, or 0.32 percent, to 1,869.43
Check in weekday afternoons for the 60-Second Business Break, a summary of news from Mercury News staff writers, The Associated Press, Bloomberg News and other wire services. Contact Jeremy C. Owens at 408-920-5876; follow him at Twitter.com/jowens510.


text:
By Kay S. Pedrotti
Newly elected Pope Francis I is first in more than his chosen name. He is the first pope to be elected from outside Europe, the first Jesuit and the first to be known especially for his work among the poor in his native Argentina, says Father Neil Herlihy of St. Peter the Rock Catholic Church between Barnesville and Thomaston.
Pope Francis I (image: csmonitor.com)
Locals pleased with papal choice
No Trackbacks

subset: commoncrawl


text:
The First X-ray, 1895
The discovery of a new and mysterious form of radiation in the late 19th century led to a revolution in medical imaging.
Hannah Waters
Jun 30, 2011
At the end of the 19th century, while studying the effects of passing an electrical current through gases at low pressure, German physicist Wilhelm Röntgen accidentally discovered X-rays—highly energetic electromagnetic radiation capable of penetrating most solid objects. His discovery transformed medicine almost overnight. Within a year, the first radiology department opened in a Glasgow hospital, and the department head produced the first pictures of a kidney stone and a penny lodged in a child's throat. Shortly after, an American physiologist used X-rays to trace food making its way through the digestive system. The public also embraced the new technology—even carnival barkers touted the wondrous rays that allowed viewing of one's own skeleton.
Although Röntgen's lab records were burned at his request when he died, many...
people have speculated about the sequence of events leading to his discovery. In November 1895, according to one popular account, Röntgen was experimenting with an electron-discharge tube, which he had covered with black cardboard to block the distracting glow caused by electrons striking the tube's glass walls. To his surprise, he noticed out of the corner of his eye that a fluorescent screen more than a meter away was also glowing. Röntgen dubbed these mysterious rays capable of passing through glass "X" (for unknown) and subsequently tried to block them with a variety of materials—aluminum, copper, even the walls of his lab—to no avail.
When Röntgen held a piece of lead in front of the electron-discharge tube, it blocked the rays, but he was shocked to see his own flesh glowing around his bones on the fluorescent screen behind his hand. He then placed photographic film between his hand and the screen and captured the world's first X-ray image. Six weeks later, at the close of 1895, he published his observations and mailed his colleagues a photograph of the bones of his wife's hand, showing her wedding ring on her fourth finger.
More than 100 years after Röntgen's first X-ray experiments, Gerrit Kemerink, a medical physicist at the Maastricht University Medical Center in the Netherlands, discovered an X-ray machine from the 1890s very similar to Röntgen's original and used it to X-ray a hand specimen from his hospital. He found that to acquire the image, the hand received a radiation dose 1,500 times greater than today's dosage—which explains why many people who were X-rayed or who worked with the original machines suffered from radiation burns and loss of hair. There was also a marked difference in the exposure time required: it took Kemerink 90 minutes to image the hand using the 19th century machine, compared to 20 milliseconds using modern X-ray machines. "How you could keep still, I don't know!" Kemerink says.


text:
Schlage 168286 Quote 203251 Link Keypad Deadbolt 619
Schlage LiNK" is more than a lockset. It\'s a brilliant new technology platform that allows homeowners to better manage their homes and lives from their PC or Cell phone. It\'s a system that enhances your home\'s security and your family\'s peace of mind. With this service, you can also receive text or email alerts when someone enters the home; add, delete, or change user codes remotely; monitor entry; and confirm the status of your system from anywhere. Because Schlage LiNK uses Z-Wave wireless technology, it can control most other Z-Wave devices allowing you to manage your security, energy and other home devices like lighting. As long as you have a web-enabled cell phone or computer, Schlage LiNK lets you stay in touch and in control.
Kwikset 99100-004 Z-Wave Polished Brass Deadbolt
The Kwikset SmartCode with Home Connect Technology Z-Wave Deadbolt is a keyless entry electronic lock, developed for interoperability with home automation and security systems and delivers a variety of access control options for the utmost in convenient home security. Home Connect enables the door lock to wirelessly communicate with other devices in the home. This allows homeowners to monitor and control their door locks using either a web enabled device or their home automation system. Powered by 4 "AA" batteries, the lock offers true remote locking and unlocking features due its motorized driven deadbolt which is an advantage over the competition. The lock will also allow you to check door lock status, automatically arm and disarm your security system, and initiate customized scenes upon entrance and exit. Installation is simple as the SmartCode with Home Connect Technology eliminates the need for hard wiring and fits all standard doors replacing the existing deadbolt. SmartCode also includes innovative security with SmartKey re-key technology with BumpGuard protection. Features: Includes SmartKey re-key technology with BumpGuard protection Motor driven deadbolt Revolutionary Tapered deadbolt design Full 128 bit encryption security 4 AA batteries (no hard wiring) Replaces existing deadbolt


text:
Team to End AIDS participant Sozit Ayalew is already a seasoned veteran with the program, and is training for her third T2 event in less than a year! She trained for the Marine Corps Marathon in 2011, then the Rock 'n' Roll Marathon in the winter, and, this summer, is training for the Chicago Marathon in early October.
AU: What inspired you to train with the first T2 training program last year?
SA: I always wanted to be involved in the fight against AIDS but did not know where to start. I also always dreamt of running a marathon. In February 2011, I met a young lady at work who gave me a T2 brochure. I was in a middle of a tough divorce. I really needed to do something to help me through the tough times. I believed I should sign up with T2 and run for a purpose, and so I did.
AU: What inspired you to come back in the winter for Rock 'n' Roll, and then again this year for Chicago?
SA: It was an easy decision to return to T2. I know we are making a difference in the fight against AIDS.
AU: What was your best experience with T2 last year? Over the winter with Rock 'n' Roll? This year so far?
SA: I must say my experience has been the same for all my training seasons. The staff is amazing and very supportive. The coaches are outstanding. And last but not least, the participants are just wonderful people. I made so many new friends because of T2. And we are all here for a purpose.
AU: How has your fundraising gone throughout your T2 experience? What has the support been like from your sponsors all three times?
SA: I am good at running but struggle when it comes to fundraising. T2 has a very supportive and experienced staff to help us in that department. They always provide us with many great tips on how we can be successful in fundraising.
AU: What do you hope to accomplish by the end of this training season?
SA: I was able to get a friend to join the training program. I hope to continue to spread the word and have more friends join the program to help in the fight against AIDS.
AU: How has AIDS United's T2 training program impacted your life?
SA: AIDS United's T2 training program has impacted my life by helping me accomplish goals I never thought I could accomplish. I never thought I could fundraise and I only dreamt of running marathons. With T2's help, I did fundraise and I did run 2 marathons. I am very happy about that.


text:
The modern, Lacquered wood flooring is extremely tough and hardwearing while still protecting the "natural" coloring of the wood and preserving its warmth and vibrancy over the years. Unlike waxed/oiled finishes that require regular treatment to keep them maintained, lacquered floors take little more than sweeping or vacuuming with an occasional use of a wood floor cleaner. Lacquered finishes form a protective coating that is scratch and water resistant making it the ideal finish for the modern home.
Whether you prefer a smooth finish, a hand-scraped finish or even a heavily distressed floor, Urbanfloor has what you are looking for. Explore the different styles that enhances from the modern Italy inspired Villa Caprisi to handcrafted, distressed textures of the Mountain Country Collection.
Design elements like colors, styles, and finishes together influences to enhance any room. Wood flooring choices comes from species' natural colors and even the wood's tendency to lighten or darken with sun exposure and age. Variances by species in colors range from clean look of the Birch to richness color of the Brazilin Cherry. The rating scale is from 1 (lightest in color) to 5 (darker color).
The edge/end detail is the way the edges and the ends of the wooden boards are cut. Planks with distinctive grooves like the regular bevel edges in the Welcome Home Collection shows the definition of individual boards. Kissed edges/ends create a smoother and seamless appearance in the Villa Caprisi Collection.
Generally, the thicker the engineered hardwood layer, the more resistant it will be to damage. We measure each of our collection from medium to high foot traffic. You can assure to choose the right flooring for your high volume areas like kitchens to medium traffic areas like hallways.
service to every customers
CopyRight © 2020 Changzhou Sensse Imp. & Exp. Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved


text:
- Home
- Toddler Bedding
- Butterfly Floral Collection Toddler Bedding
Click here for details
Butterfly Floral Toddler Bedding set will help you create an incredible room for your child. This stylish designer bedding set uses a gorgeous hand painted butterfly and floral watercolor print. This collection uses the stylish colors of mint, pink, green, gold and white. The design uses brushed microfiber fabrics that are machine washable for easy care. This wonderful set will fit most standard cribs and toddler beds.
Your Toddler Set Includes
- Lightweight Comforter
- Pillow Sham
- Fitted Sheet
- Flat Sheet
- Pillow Case
See Similar Products
- View the full collection: Butterfly Floral Collection
- View more products from: Sweet Jojo Designs
- View more: Baby Bedding Set
Manufacture Details
Sweet Jojo Designs was founded in 2000 and is operated by women who understand the needs of the modern mom. At Sweet Jojo Designs they believe that everyone should have a selection of fun, playful, and affordable bedding designs to choose from without having to sacrifice sophistication or simplicity. With this in mind, they have created all of their crib bedding ensembles as complete 9 piece sets, the largest offered by any manufacturer. Please enjoy browsing their fashionable styles, colors and patterns of bedding collections to ensure the perfect set for your child or new baby.
The product you are viewing is part of the Butterfly Floral Collection Sweet Jojo Designs.


text:
Aliza Printed Trimming
Handmade trimming one piece swimwear, high quality matte BiliBlond palm printed Lycra fabric, strong full lining that tones the body. Removable cups for shape and support.
Our policy lasts 3 days. If 3 days have gone by since you got your purchase, unfortunately we cannot offer you a refund.
If the product has not been used in any way and it is in its original packing it can be exchange only after 14 days since you got it.
החזר כספי יינתן רק על מוצר מעל 200ש"ח שלא נעשה בו שימוש ושאינו בקטגוריית סייל
החזר כספי יינתן רק אם לא חלפו 3 ימים מיום קבלת המוצר, במידה וחלפו מעל 3 ימים מקבלת המוצר תינתן החלפה בלבד או זיכוי לחנות
אין החזר כספי על מוצרים בסייל, תתאפשר החלפה בלבד, משלוחים לביצוע החלפה יעשו על חשבון הלקוח בלבד, בנוסף ניתן להחליף בחנות המותג בלבד.
.בהחזר כספי הלקוח/ה יחוייב על המשלוח 30שח וכן על ביטול עסקה 5% מעלות המוצר.
We do not refund sale products, we only exchange!
If product was used we cannot exchange it.
מוצר שהיה בשימוש ואינו באריזתו המקורית (תוית היגיינה + תווית קרטון) לא יוחלף או יוחזר . ניתנת רק החלפה אחת ללקוחה ,בשום אופן לא תנתן אופציה להחלפה של יותר מפעם אחת .
על כל המוצרים בסייל לא ינתן החזר כספי, תתאפשר החלפה בלבד.
To be eligible for a return, your item must be unused and in the same condition that you bought it in. It must also be in the original packaging, with its hygiene sticker and the HT!
Several types of goods are exempt from being returned. We also do not accept products that are intimate or any sanitary goods, hazardous materials, or flammable liquids or gases.
Please note, gift cards and sale products have only 2 days to be refunded.
Additional non-returnable items:
Downloadable software products
Some health and personal care items
To complete your return, we require a receipt or proof of purchase.
Any item not in its original condition; is either damaged or missing parts for reasons not due to our error; any item that is returned more than 30 days after delivery - will not be refunded or replaced. If you used it and it is damaged due to your use of it, we have no warranty for it.
Refunds (if applicable)
Once your return is received and inspected, we will send you an email to notify you that we have received your returned item. We will also notify you of the confirmation or rejection of your refund.
If you refund is confirmed, it will be processed and a credit will automatically be applied to your credit card or other original method of payment, within a certain amount of days.
Late or missing refunds (if applicable)
If you haven't received a refund yet, first check your bank statement.
Then contact your credit card company, as it may take some time before your refund is officially confirmed. Next contact your bank. There is often some processing time before a refund is being issued. If you've done all this and you still have not received your refund yet, please contact us at email@example.com.
Sale items (if applicable)
Only full-priced items may be refunded or exchanged! unfortunately sale items cannot be refunded.
Exchanges (if applicable)
We only replace items if they are defective or damaged. If you need to exchange it for the same item, send us an email at email@example.com and send your item to: Biliblond, Kaf Gimel Yordei Hasira 1, Tlv Port , Tel Aviv 6350801 IL
If the item was marked as a gift when purchased and shipped directly to you, you'll receive a gift credit for the value of your return. Once the returned item is received, a gift certificate will be mailed to you.
If the item wasn't marked as a gift when purchased, or the gift buyer had the order shipped to themselves to give to you later, we will send a refund to the gift buyer and they will know about your return.
To return your product, you should send it to: Biliblond, Kaf Gimel Yordei Hasira 1, Tlv Port , Tel Aviv 6350801 IL
You will be responsible for your own shipping costs when returning your item. Shipping costs are non-refundable. If you received a refund, the cost of shipping will be deducted from your refund+7% from the payment on the item.
Depending on where you live, the time it may take for your exchanged product to reach you may vary.
If you are shipping an item worth over $75, you should consider using a trackable shipping service, or buying a shipping insurance. We cannot guarantee we will receive your returned item.


text:
Paula Werneck-Buenos Aires Art Museum
At Design Interviews
Interview with paula werneck : Frank Scott: What is the main principle, idea and inspiration behind your design?. paula werneck : This project searches for different experiences and visual conections through the museum tour. It explores its surroundings and only contemporary art allows it. It's a unique concept where it could only take place in a vivid cultural place. .Frank Scott: What has been your main focus in designing this work? Especially what did you want to achieve?. paula werneck : Our research for this project started with a local visit to the site and the city so It was possible to understand where the building is located and its surroundings. Also, Buenos Aires has great museums and we tried to adapt ours to this scenario. During our research, it was clear to us that Puerto Madero is a renewed Buenos Aires and our project tries to relate to that by offering a space to contemporary art . .Frank Scott: What are your future plans for this award winning design?. paula werneck : Participate in awards, exhibitions, publish it...if possible...build it! .Frank Scott: How long did it take you to design this particular concept?. paula werneck : The project started in June 2012. It was interrupted until January 2013 and finished on February of the same year. It was developed in Rio de Janeiro . .Frank Scott: Why did you design this particular concept? Was this design commissioned or did you decide to pursuit an inspiration?. paula werneck : I'm very interested in museums, so it came from there. .Frank Scott: Is your design being produced or used by another company, or do you plan to sell or lease the production rights or do you intent to produce your work yourself?. paula werneck : Not yet. .Frank Scott: What are some of the challenges you faced during the design/realization of your concept?. paula werneck : The biggest challange was to think of a building that would not ''harm'' its surroundings and could also establish a conection with the "Puente de La Mujer, one of the main touristic spots of Buenos Aires. .
Paula Werneck-Buenos Aires Art Museum Images:
End of the article, click here to go back to previous page, or alternatively go back to Design Honor Magazine homepage.


text:
Thanks to Brandon and DMCFL for organizing a great DeLorean presence at this show yesterday. It was great to see club members again. The weather was perfect and the spectators were overwhelmed to see not one, but 7 stainless icons in a row. I got many comments on the formidable presence.
Here are the pictures I took.
The row of cars:
My car:


text:
News Tip - Expert Comments on Veteran Treatment
The United States is good at memorializing veterans and honoring them with material things, but we're not very good at providing assistance to veterans, according to JMU professor of history Dr. Michael J. Galgano.
Dr. Michael J. Galgano
Professor of history, James Madison University
(540) 568-3985
Dr. Galgano's fields and specialties include Europe, Britain since 1500, gender, and religion and society. One of his special research interests is war veterans since 1500, a topic he is devoting more time to since stepping down as head of JMU's history department in the summer of 2013 after serving in the role since 1985. In July 2013, he and retired Lt. Col. Peter S. Combee, a JMU alumnus who serves on the board of directors for Normandy Allies Inc., led a three-week study trip to Paris and Normandy in partnership with Normandy Allies. Galgano, Combee and 10 JMU students journeyed through the French capital, Rouen, Chartes, Mont St. Michel and Normandy to meet with veterans, government officials and people who were children at D-Day to better understand what happened during the Normandy invasion and how it is remembered as "very much a part of the living French memory." Galgano and Combee will lead another Civilization, Culture and Memory: Paris and Normandy study trip in July 2014.
"There is a cultural difference in the way Americans and Europeans view military service and commemorate that service. It goes back to the American Revolution that part of being a citizen is to fight to defend your country and those who do that are not owed anything beyond the thanks of the country for having done this."
"That tension between what is owed to soldiers and what is not I think existed from the founding of the republic and it is still present. There are many today who see the Army since the '70s as a professional Army, and the feeling is very much, except for those who were wounded, society does not owe them anything."
By the mid-19th century, attitudes began to change. Pensions for the indigent and those who sustained severe injuries became more common. Then came the GI Bill in the 1940s – "the basis of modern American veterans benefits." It recognizes that soldiers have given up productive years in their lives to serve in the military and are due help in education, housing and job training. "That is really the heart of the GI Bill."
"Military service and sacrifice is more remembered in Europe."
"These folks (at Normandy) have lost an enormous amount, and yet for them America gave them liberty and American GIs are welcomed and cerebrated everywhere."
"We're good at memorializing, we're good at parades, we're good at building cemeteries and statues, but at the same time we're not very good at the second part, providing assistance. If we are, the evidence doesn't support that we do."
"If we're thanking veterans for their service and yet not honoring that service with providing assistance that people are entitled to, what are we saying about ourselves? I believe in celebration because it makes it a part of the living experience of those who come after. At the same time, we have an obligation, it seems to me, as a people to those who have served."


text:
What is most depressing in reading the various Oracle (mainly ex-Sun employee) releases on this is that not a single one actually commented on the fact that of the people doing the approvals six of them expressed reservations about the licensing terms and the transparency of the process. All stated that they were approving it to get Java moving again and that there are issues they want to see addressed. I've said before that Java SE 7 is a nothing release for Java but its the approach and process that concerns me most. While I don't think the Java SE 6 approach taken by the Sun leads at the time was at all positive or constructive and the end result was not what was required at least there was a decent representation and debate. 18 companies spent 18 months and while the dumbest decisions remained (JAX-WS in JavaSE 6... how stupid does that look now?) at least there was a measure of debate.
The expert group for Java SE 7 was a sham, Five companies, five months and the first draft published days after the expert group was finally formed. The comments on the 'six companies who approved (+ Google who voted against) clearly indicate that there are significant changes required for Java to regain its position as the go-to platform for developers, enterprises and vendors.
I really hope that Java SE 8 actually does the radical things that the platform needs given the big shifts in the last 5 years since a decent release which didn't just dump cruft into the platform. Unfortunately I'm still concerned that the mentality is more to continue outside with a closed community which pretends to be open while actually pushing an already proven to fail line.
Java SE 7... I give it a 'Meh'.
Technorati Tags: SOA, Service Architecture


text:
There are currently no ongoing campaigns.
InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG®) has over 5,000 properties in almost 100 countries and the best offers for those travelling on business or for pleasure.
The group includes: InterContinental® Hotels & Resorts, Crowne Plaza® Hotels & Resorts, Holiday Inn®, Holiday Inn Express®, Hotel Indigo®, Staybridge Suites®, Kimpton® Hotels & Restaurants, EVEN® Hotels, HUALUXE® Hotels & Resorts and Candlewood Suites®.
Earn miles with the IHG® Rewards Club.
Discover how you can earn miles from stays at the hotels of IHG.
If you still aren't a member of the IHG Rewards Club, join now. If you already are a member, just login to your online account and change your points earning settings. Select the TAP Miles&Go Programme as your favorite miles earning programme.
Now you can make a reservation in a hotel of the IHG group and earn 500 miles!
1 stay
500 miles
Offer sold
Terms and conditions
- You have to be a member of the IHG ® Rewards Club.
- The members must choose how they earn miles and points on the programme's website.
- Most business and leisure rates qualify for this programme.
- The General Terms and Conditions of the IHG ® Rewards Club programme apply
- Offer available for the following hotel groups: Intercontinental Hotel & Resorts, Crowne Plaza, Hotel Indigo, Holiday Inn Hotels, Holiday Inn Express, Staybridge Suites and Candlewood Suites.
- Miles will be credited to your TAP Miles&Go account within 90 days.
- Once the miles have been credited to the Client's Account they cannot be returned.


text:
Anatomy of a broadcaster's briefcase
Fans may be surprised to learn that a baseball broadcaster doesn't show up 15 minutes before a game to go on-air. "That's not the way it works," said my husband Ken Singleton, who devotes hours to his "homework" before picking up a YES Network microphone.
Like the average American, a workday for him is 8-hours-plus, except his is not 9-to-5 but the "second shift" — he leaves for the ballpark at 3 p.m. and returns to the hotel around 11:30 (barring extra innings or rain delays).
Let's peek into Ken's 15-pound briefcase (actually he uses a small black suitcase on wheels) to examine the tools that help him prepare for each game:
1. Laptop – Ken visits specific websites daily to check game scores around the leagues and to find out who did what. He learns of players' injuries, special streaks and to see what's happening beyond Yankee Stadium. His preferred sites include:
a. ussportspages.com
b. baseballreference.com
c. playerprofiles.com
d. mlb.com
2. Press Guides – Ken carries specific ones needed for a particular road trip and keeps a press guide in his home office for every American and National League team. He researches historical notes and a plethora of stats. "Press guides tell me everything I want to know about a particular player or team," he said, "even a player's birthday." (Certainly, Ken always carries the Yankees press guide.)
3. Scorebook – Designed by his former Montreal Expos broadcast partner, Dave Van Horne (42-year veteran broadcaster and current lead play-by-play radio announcer for the Florida Marlins), Ken's scorebook includes room to write notes and track pitchers, game times, team records and next-game pitchers. Ken orders these specially designed scorebooks from a local printer, made thick enough to record an entire season of games.
4. Elias Notes – Produced each game by Elias Sports Bureau Inc., a major informational source for all sports, these notes are waiting in the YES booth — a copy for each broadcaster and one for the statistician. "These are very important," says Ken. "They give good information about that particular game."
Things he looks for: players on hitting streaks and reaching special milestones; injured players and who's back in the lineup after an injury; what currently makes a team good; why a club is playing better now than at the beginning of the season (or vice versa). "I look for interesting items I think fans may want to know," said Ken. "What would someone at home ask about this player or team?"
5. Calculator to figure batting averages
6. Legal pads to take notes
7. Hall's honey lemon cough drops for after L-O-N-G games
The first day of a series, or rejoining the Yankees after he's been off a week, will include the most preparation for Ken. Not every note he collects is used in one game. In a three-game series, for example, he may use some the following day.
"It's better to be over-prepared," said Ken, "because you never know when a game is going to go for 15 innings."
Also, for every game he prepares a Scouting Report on the starting pitchers — one for each team. "I write three interesting notes about each pitcher and email it to a graphics guy at YES."
For instance, as I questioned Ken for this story, he had made a note for tonight's Sept. 7 game about CC Sabathia going for his 20th game win.
After Ken pours over all the information he has collected, "I'm basically ready to do the game," he says.
After settling into the press box, he visits the clubhouse to obtain the starting lineup and chat with players on both teams. Sometimes he peeks into Joe Girardi's press conference before the game (held near the clubhouse in a conference room) or if he doesn't have time, he listens to it in the booth. For additional homework, Ken speaks with the visiting team broadcasters, many his friends.
"They see the teams every day," said Ken. "I don't. Although I think I know a lot about a team, they have a better insight to help me with my game."
And if he didn't spend time preparing?
"I would run out of things to talk about! I'd be reacting to the game itself but wouldn't be able to fill in the blanks. There's a lot of time in between pitchers and hitters. I have to fill it with interesting information for the fans."
1 Comment
For those who think broadcasting a game is easy…a fantasy broadcast booth was available in the mid-late 90's at YS II. You could have fun with it, or try to do it like a pro. In either case, the play by play was relatively easy, especially if you closely follow baseball. Trying to fill in the blanks is not, and that was only one inning. We had stat sheets and a few ancedotes about each player, which were provided for us. Tino Martinez allowed me the opportunity to call a three run homer in the first inning of a game against Cleveland in 1997, which was the highlight of the day. I remember when Michael Kay first started on radio, John gave him the mic for the 3rd inning, and I could hear the terror in his voice. Ask him if he remembers that. We all seem to take for granted the work that the broadcast teams do, but if you don't put in the preparation, the end result will get you replaced. We appreciate and enjoy the hard work that you all do every day.


text:
The Honesty of a Cat's Purr by John Armor
Posted by Thunder Pig on December 18, 2007
Guest Commentary
The Honesty of a Cat's Purr by John Armor
We have two cats: Weasel, a grey female calico, and Orion, a male orange and white tabby. Orion is a big, lump of a cat, twenty pounds if he's an ounce. He's taught me a lesson for years that I finally realized today. He teaches by example.
Orion showed up at the door four years ago in the fall. He was obviously a house cat, not a feral or wild one. He had no collar. We brought him water and food. He wanted to come inside, but we didn't let him. He was obviously someone else's cat; we shouldn't prevent him from going home.
Winter came. The wind chill dropped to its mean minus ten at night. Orion had apparently gone home. Then one morning in the snow, I saw little cat prints from the barn up to our door and back. We started putting out food and water, and changing the water every time it froze.
We kept watch. We saw the orange boy, much thinner, and with a cut on his cheek, from a fight with another creature. Eventually, we got Orion inside.
For more than a year, he was frightened of me, but not of females in the household. He would skitter and run when anyone attempted to hold him or pick him up. In time, we found he had a knot on one of his ribs where it had been broken, and healed badly.
So, we knew his story. He was abused where he used to live. He was kicked, probably frequently by a grown male in the house, and suffered a broken rib. We showed him nothing but kindness from then to now.
How has this sweet creature responded? He obviously has deep affection for his folks. He sleeps with us, usually on the far side of Michelle, nearest to the window. Especially on cold winter mornings, he wants to be first in line for the warming sun of dawn to wash over him, and warm his fur.
He no longer fears being touched or held. Quite the contrary, he will curl up within touching distance of one of his humans. And, when you scratch him under the chin, he will often respond by rolling over on his back, catch your hand with his paw, and encourage you to rub his belly.
Mind you, please don't tell this to the President of the Cats' Union. Orion will be drummed out of the Union if word about this leaks out.
The most telling thing that Orion does is a deep, rumbling purr whenever he is generally satisfied, which is most of the time. It is such a loud purr that, unlike most cats, when he is in full fettle his purr can be heard from way across the room.
It took years for Orion to reach that point of being at home and comfortable, so he will curl up close to his humans, invite rubs and scratches, and purr to beat the band. He was doing that this morning while I was reflecting on the political debates that I have watched (that have been inflicted on me recently).
I follow politics closely. As I listen to national politicians speak, I can spot about one bald-faced lie every 30 seconds.
Yes, I'm being charitable.
There is exactly one of the candidates for President whom I think is telling the truth all of the time. And that makes him all the more frightening, that he actually believes what he is saying. No, I won't name him. And thanks be to Heaven he will never be elected to any nationwide office.
But this morning as I watched one more spectacular sunrise over the Blue Ridge Mountains, and over Michelle's shoulder, and over the ears of an orange, purring cat, I thought of the difference between Orion and all those politicians.
Orion is honest at all times and in all ways. And every aspect of my relationship with him is based on trust.
Can you say that of any politician you know? I can't. So, I suggest this standard to use when you are listening to, or reading, any speech by a politician: Is this as honest as a cat's purr? The answer to that first question will be no.
So, you can follow up with mille-cats. Rating a politician at 400 mille-cat means he/she is 40% as honest as a cat.
– 30 –
About the Author: John Armor practiced in the US Supreme Court for 33 years.
John_Armor AT aya DOT yale DOT edu
He lives in the 11th District of North Carolina.
– 30 –
John Armor
Highlands, NC


text:
Saigon Says He Wants To Punch 2 Chainz & Rick Ross In The Face For Making Music That Is Detrimental To The Well Being Of Kids
Power 105 1's "The Breakfast Club" interviews Saigon
Please click the "Report" button below if the video on this page is not working properly.
Comments will only be displayed by verified emails. No Spamming or Racism.


text:
About JBN - Just Be Natural
Just Be Natural is a supplement and nutritional products company founded on the basic principles of living a healthy lifestyle. Ensuring sound nutrition and providing the body with the proper fuels, vitamins, nutrients and supplements to exercise, lead an active life and feel great, are the premises that led founder Richard Bartolacci to create Just Be Natural—those practices saved his life.
Our goal is to set the highest standard for creating and delivering nutritional products that are fresh, well-formulated, and the best quality possible, ensuring that our customers enjoy the best service and most effective, all natural supplements made by our family, for yours. At JBN – Just Be Natural we take pride in our excellence and attention to detail. A family owned and operated business, we only want what's best for our family, as well as our JBN Family (that is you). Our products are not only the highest quality, but they are handcrafted with the freshest ingredients thus the "Born Date" showing minimal time between our manufacturing plant to your home.


text: im trying to create a log file, for which i need to use the RandomAccessFile class for, its the only class i know of which can write a string to a file with 8 bits per char. problem is, the file pointer wants to stay at the beginning of the file. i need to move it manually with seek so that i can log more than one thing. i need to feed seek the length of the file, so i figured id read with RandomAccessFile.readByte() until i reach EOF. however, when readByte reaches EOF, an exception is thrown, which stops my program.


text:
After the new BMW 5-Series GT (Gran Turismo) was previewed for the first time as concept car at the Geneva Motor Show in March we get the official press release with full details.
Under the cover, BMW has announced 3 different engine variants to found with. The 3.0 liter turbo-diesel is what BMW is with to sell the GT's fuel saving and ecological credentials. The 530d Gran Turismo, with 245 hp and 540 Nm of torque, comes with a fuel consumption rating of only 6.5 liters/100 km and a CO2 emissions rating of 173 g/km.
On the more muscular boundary come the 535i and the 550i variants. The 535i comes with BMW's new running-six gasoline/gasoline engine, a 3.0 liter 6-cylinder Twin-turbo with 306 hp and 400 Nm of torque. The 550i will mark BMW's powerhouse 4.4 liter, twin-turbo V8 gasoline/petrol dominance lodge with 407 hp and 600 Nm of boulevard-grinding torque.
Read more (details + photos + video)!!
Read the rest of this entry »


text:
FORT JACKSON, SC — More sedentary recruits prompted the Army to update basic training for the first time in 30 years.
About 27 percent of young people in the United States are too overweight to join the military, according to a report released late last year by Mission: Readiness, a nonprofit organization of 89 senior retired military leaders. The report also found that nearly 15,000 potential recruits fail the military's physical fitness entrance exam every year because they are too fat.
To prevent injuries during basic training, the Army will gradually increase soldiers' fitness levels so they'll be ready for more rigorous training later.
"We are seeing more stress fractures, a greater body fat percentage and a decline in the ability of many new soldiers to perform one minute of push-ups, one minute of sit-ups and make a one-mile run," Lt. Gen. Mark Hertling, Training and Doctrine Command's deputy commanding general for Initial Military Training (IMT), said at the Army's recent IMT forum.
Army statistics show that 16 percent of soldiers are non-deployable this year, mainly because of health problems. Defense Department records also show that between 2006 and 2008, bad backs, strained knees and other ailments increased from 1.4 million cases in the overall military to 1.9 million.
Stress fractures and other serious injuries are partially responsible for a rise in the attrition rate for new recruits, which is between 10 percent and 15 percent, according to the Army.
Additional calisthenics to build core body strength, agility and strength will be a part of the new standardized basic training regimen, Frank Palkoska, head of the Army's Fitness School at Fort Jackson, SC, told the Associated Press.
The new 10-week basic training system is expected to be in place by July. Additional focus also will be on marksmanship.


text:
Patio Screen
Patio Screen Newberg Oregon – Service, Replacement & Installation
Servicing the Newberg area, Kraft Screens are the experts in patio screening and shading. Choose from a variety styles and colors to find the patio screen that is right for you. Our on-site experts use the best materials to complete installations in a professional and timely matter. We take on residential and commercial jobs.
Kraft Screens has been servicing Residential and Commercial customers throughout the greater Portland, Vancouver, and Salem areas since 1995. Kraft Screens is the largest screening and shading company in the Portland Metro Area. We Here at Kraft Screens values every customer and strives to set industry standards for prompt, professional service with complete customer satisfaction.


text:
Ultraviolet disinfection is a means of killing or rendering harmless,microorganisms in a dedicated environment. These microorganisms can range from bacteria and virusesto algae and protozoa. UV disinfection is used in air and water purification, sewage treatment, protection of food and beverages, and other disinfection and sterilization applications. A major advantage of UV treatment is that it is capable of disinfecting water faster than chlorine without cumbersome retention tanks and harmful chemicals. The focus of this article will be on water treatment.
Selecting the Proper Application
for Ultraviolet DisinfectionIt is very important to know the quality of
the water you are working with and also to define your desired results. UV is an option when there is a concern about the microbiological integrity of the water. The best feature of UV is that it kills microorganisms without adding or subtracting from the water chemistry. On the other hand, UV does not leave any measurable residual in the water; therefore it is recommended that it be installed as the final step of treatment and located as close as possible to the final distribution system. Once the quality of your water source has been determined, you will need to look for things that will inhibit the UV from functioning properly, such as iron, manganese, TDS, turbidity and suspended solids. Some of you may be thinking that this too much preparation for a UV system. Let me ask you, as a water treatment professional, would you leave your customer's home without addressing these issues anyway?
Iron and Manganese both are capable of precipitating on the quartz sleeve and preventing the UV energy from transmitting into the water. Iron should not exceed 1.0 ppm. At that level additional maintenance is required to keep the quartz sleeve clean and transparent. It is recommended that both iron and manganese are removed from the water, or at least reduced to levels that eliminate thepossibility of staining.
Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) should not exceed 500 ppm, however due to many factors, this number is nebulous at best. There are many factors that make up this equation, such as the distance between the lamp and the wall of the UV chamber; the particular make-up of the dissolved solids and how fast they absorb the available UV energy; flow rate; output of the lamp; etc. Calcium, in high amounts, has a tendency to build up on the quartz sleeve, again impeding the UV energy from penetrating the water. Contact your supplier for details on the amount of TDS your equipment is capable of handling. The solution could be as simple as running your system slower for a higher dosage.
Turbidity is the inability for light to travel though water. Turbidity makes water cloudy and aesthetically unpleasant. In the case of UV, levels over 1 NTU can shield microorganisms from the UV energy making the process ineffective.
Suspended Solids need to be reduced to a maximum of 5 microns in size. Larger solids have the potential of harboring or encompassing the microorganisms and preventing the necessary UV exposure. Pre-filtration is a must on all UV applications.
General Installations
Once the aforementioned problems have been solved, and you are convinced that the water quality has been established to promote UV disinfection, you should find a location to mount the system that offers easy access for service. You will need to have access to the prefilter, to the UV chamber for annual lamp changes (provided you're using a hard glass lamp), and regular maintenance on the quartz sleeve. The quality of the water will determine the maintenance time schedule of the quartz sleeve. You will want to locate an electrical outlet. Note: Using a UV system and a pump on the same electrical line may cause problems with and shorten the life of the UV lamp and ballast.
Types of UV Lamps
UV lamps are constructed from two types of quartz glass: a soft glass and a hard glass. Both are used in the disinfection of water, however the usable life of each type of glass varies. Soft glass lamps have a usable life of 2,000 hours and are found in small noncritical devices such as fish aquariums, air purification and small countertop systems. Hard glass lamps have a usable life of 9,000 hours and are found in higher flow and higher output applications.
The difference between the two types of lamps is the quality of the glass used in their construction. A germicidal lamp is constructed of quartz glass, argon gas, mercury and the filaments used to ignite the mixture. When a lamp is lit and has achieved its ideal operating temperature of 104 degrees F, the mercury changes from its solid state into a gaseous state. While the lamp is in this operating state it imparts particles into the pores of the glass. This process is referred to as solarization. Solarization takes place in the hard glass lamp in about 9,000 hours, due to its smooth and less porous surface (that's four-and-a-half times longer than a soft glass lamp). UV lamps may burn for many years, however the solarization of the lamp will determine the UV energy output.
Dosage is the most critical function of UV disinfection. It is thecombination of the lamp intensity and the dwell time that makes up dosage. The equations is: Intensity X Exposure = Dosage. This is important to know when sizing equipment. Each manufacturer uses a different standard for sizing their equipment, but it comes down to this equation. For example, if your manufacturer values their equipment, with a flow rate of 10 gpm, at a dosage of 16,000 microwatt second per squared centimeter, and you are working with an application that requires 32,000 mws/cm2, you would simply cut the flow rate in half to achieve the new UV dosage.Dosage is another reason to consider the difference between the higher output of a hard glass lamp verses a soft glass lamp.
The purpose of the quartz sleeve is to help the lamp to maintain its ideal operating temperature. It is also to isolate the lamp from the water. For the maximum UV transmission of energy, the quartz sleeve needs to be constructed of the same high-quality materials as the lamp. The quartz sleeve should be wiped down every three to six months which is contingent upon the quality of the water you are dealing with. It is recommended that every UV application is inspected after three month's time. This will give you an opportunity to monitor the effect the water chemistry is having on the quartz sleeve, and your maintenance schedule time frame can be modified from there. The sleeve should be wiped down with a soapy solution each time it is inspected. If there is a residue left you may need to use a non-abrasive cleaner that is formulated to remove iron and scale buildup. Abrasive cleaner could scratch the sleeve and make it unusable.
Applications for UV Disinfection
Applications include well applications; point-of-entry; point-of-use; post mix; vending machines; pharmaceuticals; cooling towers; boats and RVs; pre- and post-reverse osmosis; fish hatcheries; aquiculture; bottled water; cabins; laboratories; hospitals; spas; boiler feed water; water softeners; and others.


text:
JT has been in radio for over 30 years, both as an on-air personality and program manager.
He grew up in Pittsburgh and then attended Clarion University with the hopes of becoming a dentist. After spending time with friends at the campus radio station, he quickly changed his major to communications. "Speech class was a lot easier than chemistry and physics," says JT. And as they say, the rest is history.
JT has lived in 10 different cities during his career including Miami, Washington D.C., Cincinnati, Nashville, Birmingham and Miami.
In addition to hosting a morning talk show, he has also worked as an announcer in Top-40, Rock, Smooth Jazz, and Country radio. You can also look for JT in the movies Hoffa and Striking Distance.
JT and his wife Judy have two children. Alexandra is married and teaches 5th grade. Michael is a graduate of the University of Alabama and a former 3 Time National Championship winning football player for the team : ROLL TIDE! When not sitting in front of a microphone, JT can be found with his family most of the time. He absolutely enjoys his recreation too! Look for JT on the golf course, in the woods hunting or on the beach somewhere. No doubt, I am truly blessed with an amazing family and give all the glory to God and my relationship with Jesus Christ! I really love what I do every day.


text:
Well without further ado, here are some of the snaps that I could take. We weren't allowed to video the play and the Q&A session. Sorry for the poor quality of pictures, which was taken in a dim light theater.
I passed by Rico Rodriguez prior to his red carpet, and I tweeted him! He then retweeted my post :)
Happy 15th Bday to Nolan Gould!! Aka Luke in the film :)
The best part is the last part!!! The whole casts were exiting the event right next to the door where I seated. I got to hand-slam all of the casts' hands :) Especially, Sofia's! Through the video you can see how super excited I was screaming for Sofia's name! LOL Look at her bling ring slapping my hand! LOL


text:
Nuggets Fan? Did You See Beckham & Posh On The Kiss Cam?
As you probably know the NBA Playoffs are in full swing...and amazingly the Denver Nuggets are still in the race! Probably not for much longer, BUT while they are in their series with the Lakers we get to catch these brief encounters with the "Stars"!


text:
A longtime friend and colleague just completed a special speaking event, giving a sermon at his church. But when I was telling him how well he'd done on the video, he admitted he hadn't looked at it and didn't want to--so much so, he hadn't even listened to the audio.
He has that in common with the best in the business: Any professional newscaster, actor or performer will tell you that they hate how they look and sound when recorded, so it's no surprise we ordinary mortals do, too. New research suggests that if you hate the sound of your own voice, there may be a physiological reason for that.
As a coach, I see it differently: If you're lucky enough to be recorded when you speak--whether you do the recording or someone else does--you've got a golden opportunity to learn things you might never otherwise know about how you speak. If a video is made available to you, take the opportunity. Or rig your own ultralight camcorder or a pal with a smartphone, and take charge of your own recording.
Rather than torture yourself with how bad you think you look, focus instead on these cues and clues that would be hard to discern without help from a camera. This list is what I coach my clients to look for when viewing video of their speaking, whether it's in practice or the real deal:
- Visual "ums:" Instead of saying "um" when you're pausing to think, you may look to one side or up or down; make a repetitive gesture over and over; or move in a pattern, if you're on your feet and away from the lectern. It might be putting a hand to your face, a wink, a grimace. Watch for those patterns--freeze-frame if you need to catch them--and work on buying yourself time to think with new phrases, or work more on your message in advance and practice. If you're doing a gesture repeatedly, like putting a hand to your face, put your clicker or your note cards in that hand to interrupt the pattern. It helps to watch the video sooner rather than later after your talk to catch this slip-up, since you'll be better able to remember what you were thinking at the time your visual "um" occurred--and that may help you avoid repeating it next time. Often, the visual "um" happens when you haven't quite got your message down, or forgot something you wanted to include, just like a verbal "um."
- Invisible gestures: You may be gesturing like a windmill, but if it's below the height of the lectern or out of camera range, all the audience will see is your body moving slightly. That's great if you're gesturing to keep your speech fluid, since gestures help you avoid "ums" and stumbles. But if you wanted your gestures to help get your point across and hold the audience's interest, make sure we can see them. Typically, that will mean gesturing at shoulder or chest height. Practice will make that more comfortable for you. Also watch for the reverse problem: Gesturing right in front of your own face. If that's happening, gesture a bit lower. We want to see you!
- A body with a mind of its own: Some speakers planted in one place will sway from side to side, and some who like to move around wind up drilling a path into the floor as they pace back and forth, back and forth, in an unrelieved line. Either one calls for a change: You may need to focus on keeping your core body stable, or move in different directions if you like to roam the audience. If you are going to move your body, vary the pattern--think triangle, rather than straight line--and plan places in the talk where you pause verbally and stop physically, to break up repetitive moves.
- How you react to interruptions: Listen for those unexpected noises--door slams, crying babies, audience laughter, applause, sneezes--during your talk. How do you react? It's a great chance to catch your immediate reaction, and to think through how you might handle that next time. While you're at it, pay attention to how you react when you're asked a question; your face may give a different answer than your mouth does, showing apprehension, for example, when you don't need to do so. And when you get applause, you have two choices: Talking right through it, a forceful tactic called "surfing the applause," or pausing to let it happen. My preference? Don't step on your applause. Let it happen! Knowing your unforced reactions helps you plan better for the next time the interruptions happen.
- Expressions that match your words: Your face is part of your connection with the audience, but it gets confusing, at best, if you look like you're grimacing when giving praise or sad when talking about something exciting. Since it's not at all unusual for speakers to feel disconnected from their facial expressions, video helps you focus and fix that. Most people's mouths, when at rest, are either flat-lined or slightly downturned, making you look bored or sad. Smiling, even a little, corrects that natural downward turn. You get to decide how much to smile, but smile at least somewhat. Bonus: It also helps reduce stress and makes you feel better.
- Gesturing. Yes, it's a good thing: Gestures are good for both speaker and audience, helping your brain form language fluently and helping the audience understand you, even if the gesture is random and doesn't match your word. But a little gesturing goes a long way. Think of gestures as a condiment: If you gesture for every word, or every syllable, you're weakening the impact. Don't over-salt or over-pepper your talk with gestures. Try counting your gestures on the video, watching for the repetitive single gesture that could be a visual "um." If you're not gesturing, or if you are immobilizing your hands in your pockets or by clasping them tightly, you may observe on the video that your speech is less fluent. And when your talk is being recorded on video, remember to keep those gestures small and less theatrical. Don't play to the back of the theater. Play to the YouTube viewer.
- Your posture and body language: Are your shoulders up around your ears, or slumped? Can we see your stress in your expression or your body? Are you leaning in one direction? Are your arms crossed in a defensive posture? Is your head down when you should be looking up at the audience? Turn off the sound for this review, and see what your body language says.
- Do you really look nervous? Do you look at ease? You may be surprised: Most speakers find they feel nervous, but don't look as if they are. If you're not sure, ask a friend to watch and tell you what she thinks, but most of the time, the audience can't tell that you're nervous. Many TEDMED speakers told me this was the tip that helped them "nerve up" the most before going on stage, so keep it in mind for next time.
- Can you hear your message clearly throughout? To find out, you may need to just listen to the audio once, then watch the video. Do you find it hard to follow your progression? Did you forget to include a key point? Did your gestures, movement, facial expressions and props help get that across? What can you notice that will help you next time in terms of clarity and focus?
- What did you do that was wonderful? You may need some outside perspective on this, but try looking for your successes in the video. Did you nail a great laugh line, pause with effect, gesture with aplomb? Did you feel and look poised and in command of your subject? What did the audience like and react to positively? Did you stay on time? Take the time to note what went well, so you can make a point of doing it again--and so you know you can focus on another skill the next time you practice.
There's an even better reason to embrace that video: More and more, conference organizers tell me they want to see that video of you speaking to an audience before they extend an invitation to join the program. Once you've reviewed your video, don't hide it! Share it on social networks, repost to your blog or website, and share it when you are seeking a speaking gig in the future.
If you found this post useful, please subscribe or make a one-time donation to help support the thousands of hours that go into researching and curating this content for you.


text:
The collections of Lothar-Günther Buchheim, which are on display in Bernried am Starnberger See in Bavaria , will amaze and entertain through their sheer variety and uniqueness.
Since opening in October 2004 the Frieder Burda Museum in Baden-Baden , which was designed by leading architect Richard Meier, has welcomed more than 1.6 million art enthusiasts.
The State Art Gallery, situated in the heart of Karlsruhe city centre, takes you on a journey through the history of art.
An architectural milestone and masterpiece rolled into one, the Weissenhof estate was built in Stuttgart in 1927 as an international building exhibition.
Fascinating exhibitions, an impressive art collection and the spectacular building in the heart of the city combine to make the Art Museum one of the top attractions in Stuttgart .
The Germanic National Museum in Nuremberg presents priceless artefacts that bear witness to the cultural past of the German-speaking world in a vibrant and easy-to-follow display.
One of the world's leading galleries, the Haus der Kunst in the English Garden in Munich mounts retrospectives on contemporary artists as well as special themed exhibitions.
Founded in the mid-19th century by King Ludwig I, the Neue Pinakothek in Munich was the first public museum in Europe dedicated exclusively to contemporary art.
Privacy settings
Here you will find an overview of the types of cookies used on the website. You can set your consent for each category individually.
Dve uporabni bližnjici za povečavo v brskalniku:
Dodatna pomoč vam je na voljo pri ponudniku brskalnika. Do nje dostopate s klikom na ikono:


text:
Life in a Japanese "capsule"
For Atsushi Nakanishi, jobless since Christmas, home is a cubicle barely bigger than a coffin -- one of dozens of berths stacked two units high in one of central Tokyo's decrepit "capsule" hotels.
"It's just a place to crawl into and sleep," he said, rolling his neck and stroking his black suit -- one of just two he owns after discarding the rest of his wardrobe for lack of space. "You get used to it."
When Capsule Hotel Shinjuku 510 opened nearly two decades ago, Japan was just beginning to pull back from its bubble economy, and the hotel's tiny plastic cubicles offered a night's refuge to salarymen who had missed the last train home.
Now, Hotel Shinjuku 510's capsules, no larger than 6 1/2 feet long by 5 feet wide, and not tall enough to stand up in, have become an affordable option for some people with nowhere else to go as Japan endures its worst recession since World War II.
The rent is surprisingly high for such a small space: 59,000 yen a month, or about $640, for an upper bunk. But with no upfront deposit or extra utility charges, and basic amenities like fresh linens and free use of a communal bath and sauna, the cost is far less than renting an apartment in Tokyo, Mr. Nakanishi says.
Still, it is a bleak world where deep sleep is rare. The capsules do not have doors, only screens that pull down. Every bump of the shoulder on the plastic walls, every muffled cough, echoes loudly through the rows.
Each capsule is furnished only with a light, a small TV with earphones, coat hooks, a thin blanket and a hard pillow of rice husks.
Most possessions, from shirts to shaving cream, must be kept in lockers. There is a common room with old couches, a dining area and rows of sinks. Cigarette smoke is everywhere, as are security cameras. But the hotel staff does its best to put guests at ease: "Welcome home," employees say at the entrance.


text:
Compare Buckeye North Randall Cable
|When You Choose Time Warner Cable, You Lose these DIRECTV Features:
|FREE Installation
Custom Installation Extra
|FREE Premium Channels for 3 months
with qualifying packages
|2015 NFL SUNDAY TICKET Included
with CHOICE™ Package and above
|FREE GENIE® HD DVR Upgrade
Advanced receiver fee required. Minimum 2-room setup required.
Cable-tv.com is not affiliated with Buckeye Cable and is operated by DirectStarTV, a DIRECTV authorized dealer.
Buckeye Cable serves customers as a provider of cable TV, Internet, and phone services in areas across Ohio and southeast Michigan. They offer customizable packages for businesses as well as providing a number of residential services. The company services thousands of people and has headquarters in Toledo, Ohio.
Buckeye North Randall Services
Buckeye offers customers cable television, Internet, and phone packages. There are both business and residential packages available. In its markets, the company also offers exclusive, award-winning local news via the online newspaper The Blade, for customers to access. The residential services include the following offers.
Buckeye Cable TV
Cable packages provided by Buckeye North Randall offer various channel offerings and extras depending upon selection. Customers need only a Digital or High Definition converter or DVR and a remote control to use the channels provided by Buckeye.
Standard cable: This option has over 70 channels with 24/7 local customer care and no contract or equipment to buy.
Digital TV: This option has over 200 channels, and offers the benefits of standard cable in addition to on demand shows and movies, premium channels, Spanish language programming, 40 plus music channels, and sports options.
Buckeye Internet
Internet packages offered by Buckeye North Randall include High Speed Internet with speeds up to 110 Mbps. There are five packages available, each of which include free email accounts and mail storage.
800 Kbps/100 Kbps: with download speeds up to 800 Kbps and 6 Email accounts with 5 GB of mailbox storage. It is best for those who only need the Internet for basic tasks, such as email.
9 Mbps/2 Mbps: with download speeds up to 9 Mbps, this option has 10 Email accounts and 5 GB of mailbox storage. It works for multi-user households and small downloads or uploads.
26 Mbps/3Mbps: with download speeds up to 26 Mbps, this package has 12 Email accounts and 5 GB of mailbox storage. This works well for multi-user households and moderate streaming and downloading.
Buckeye 1: with download speeds up to 50 Mbps, this package has 15 Email accounts and 5 GB of mailbox storage. This is best for those who will be streaming, uploading, and downloading videos, pictures, and similar media.
An even faster Buckeye1 plan with speeds up to 110 Mbps is on the horizon.
Buckeye North Randall Home Phone
Home Phone plans allow customers to place calls with unlimited local and long distance calling that includes the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico, and per minute long distance calling. The home phone plans also include features such as Caller ID, Call Waiting, Call Forwarding, and 3-Way Calling—with the premium package including the most features in the price.
Buckeye Availability
Buckeye has availability limited largely to Ohio and southeastern Michigan. Take a look at neighboring cities to see where else Buckeye service is available:
Compare TV Providers
Customers have several options to choose from when it comes to selecting the right cable TV, phone, and internet provider. It is best to compare different companies to find the one best suited for a particular household. Visit the Buckeye website to understand their offers and service areas.
Data collected 11/25/2014 from http://www.buckeyecablesystem.com/


text:
Working with the team from Capstone Publishing again was wonderful, especially the designer of the books, Alison Thiele and of course author Margaret Gurevich. I'm really proud of how these books turned out, and confident they would've been right up my alley back in Jr. High. I'm also thrilled to announce that I'm about to start sketching more Chloe designs because the series has been extended and we now have 4 more books in the works!
For more on these books as well as the other books I've illustrated and/or contributed to check out my Amazon shop.


text:
Results tagged ' Philly Celebration '
Philly Celebrates a Bit Too Hard for World Series
I remember a few New Years Eve celebration in Philly in the mid 80's where the city used to go nuts and celebrate their hearts out. Nothing was too wild or too crazy, but you always had a few people in the crowd who went against the grain and made a great situation worse by either fighting or detroying something.
World Series celebrations are famous for fires and overturned cars. Sometimes they even get into the looting and the shop window replacement business during the night. I was browsing the online editions of the local Philly newspapers and found out some of the statistics of last night's wild activities.
Unfortunately in St. Petersburg, we could never have this kind of thing happen close to the stadium. Considering the main party place, Ferg's is directly in front of the St. Petersburg Police station, it would be hard to have this kind of activity go on without major consequences. But, you never know what some people will do in the name of fun.
Philadelphia Phillies fans celebrated the World Series victory well into the early morning hours and there was plenty of evidence of the party — and destruction – up and down Broad Street on Thursday morning. Police Commissioner Charles H. Ramsey said police made 76 arrests overnight during the disturbances Additional details were expected to be released on Thursday. "I wouldn't say the city got a black eye, but it was a little bruised," he said in an interview this morning.
Arrests during last night's "revelry" included: Robberies: 1; Assault on police: 12; Arson: 1; Theft: 3; Vandalism: 17; Obstruction of justice: 1; Trespassing: 5; Disorderly conducts: 36. Police said the majority of those charged were college students. No homicides were reported overnight.
The emergency room was busier than usual last night at the University of Pennsylvania Hospital. Hahnemann typically has zero to three trauma cases on a Wednesday night, but last night had 11.
Robinson Luggage on South Broad Street – struck especially hard by hooligan revelers last night — reopened this morning at 10 a.m., though windows remained smashed and the the doors boarded up. Owner Sharon Laudenbach said the shop had been hit by looters and hundreds of upscale bags had been stolen.
The city streets department this morning would only say cleanup crews were out working all over the city. At Citizens Bank Park there were no signs of Wednesday night's revelry — outside of the manure left by the horses from the Pennsylvania State Police mounted patrols. Fox29 was hosted its morning show at the third base gate.
At Broad and Walnut Streets city employees were sweeping up beer bottles, glass, and dirt from toppled planters. One worker near the Academy of Music quipped, "It wasn't much worse than your average New Year's celebration."
The glass windows and doors of Robinson Luggage were smashed. Oversized planters were overturned and their contents spilled out onto the street. Closer to City Hall, at Broad and Chestnut Streets, a newspaper honor box remained planted in the window of the FYE film and music store. Two of the oversized FYE plate glass windows were shattered. Outside the Prince Music Theater, the 8-foot high sculpture was listing at a 45-degree angle.
At the Modell's at 1528 Chestnut Street, 50 fans had lined up by 4:30 a.m. to buy World Series commemorative t-shirts, caps, jackets. Though the store wasnt't scheduled to open until 5 a.m. Mitchell Modell, the owner and CEO of the chain, opened the doors and let them in early.
Modell said the two biggest sellers were the red Phinally t-shirt with the World Series trophy, the locker room championship hats and a gray hooded sweat shirt that the players will wear during the parade. When asked what he would have done with the merchandise and himself if the Phillies had lost the title to the Tampa Bay Rays, Modell joked: "I'd be looking for a new job and on suicide watch."
Here is another wild story bases out of Philly. I included this story because of the wild end to this caper. You would think if you pulled off a crime in a city you would not go to an area where you might be recognized almost immediately by police. But to the credit of the theft, at least he had the good sense of what was right and wrong at the time and spent his money wisely. Maybe he was trying to buy World Series tickets and could not meet the Stubhub prices?
It doesn't matter. You take one for the team.
But one fan may have taken his devotion a bit too far when police say he robbed a bank and later allegedly funded a shopping spree for Phillies gear with the stolen cash. About 10 a.m. Wednesday, a man, who police did not identify, entered a PNC Bank on Welsh Road near Roosevelt Boulevard and slipped the teller a demand note.
Shortly after, the man, wearing a red and gray hat pulled down over his face and a beige hoodie, fled westbound on Welsh with an undisclosed amount of cash, said a detective from Northeast Detectives.
About 20 minutes later, cops found the suspect, who police have not identified, a few miles away coming out of the Modell's Sporting Goods store at the Roosevelt Mall, Cottman and Bustleton avenues. Police did not confirm whether the man was wearing Phillies gear or not. But authorities said they later recovered the rest of the cash in a nearby trash bin.
Witnesses positively identified the suspect and police carted the robber off, assuring that the ardent fan would miss watching the Phillies duke it out against the Tampa Bay Rays in the conclusionof Game 5. He might miss the game, but at least he won't face federal charges, said Jerri Williams, the Philly FBI spokeswoman. Local authorities charged him with robbery, theft and related offenses.
Guess he is kicking himself now by going to Modell's. He could have hid out for the day and been a rich guy buying tons of World Series collectibles on Thursday morning, instead of sitting in a cold jail cell waiting to see the judge.


text: I've written enough for a while, I need to let my blog readers catch up. Also, I am plowing through Anne Applebaum's book "Gulag: A History." No easy task, I can assure you. I have such fond memories of the different places my husband and I saw a year ago at this time. The photo is taken at the apartment complex called Highvill (no "E" at the end which bugs just about every foreigner who lives in Astana). You can see the President's palace from their vantage point, it is THAT close.


text:
Supporting Age Cymru
We are delighted to announce that we have adopted Age Cymru as our charity of the year!
Not only will we be organising a number of fundraising events, but we also want to better understand the main problems facing older people and also some of the opportunities that are available to them in Wales today.
As a result we have commissioned the charity�s Age Awareness Training for our staff and they will undertake one of Age Cymru�s Nordic Walking sessions. We will also be working with our Age Cymru provide information and advice to older people at a public event in the Rhondda in November!
Recent News
Contact Us Directly
"My solicitor helped me through a very difficult time and was very helpful. I am very grateful and appreciative. Thank you!"
Ellen Griffiths
Contact Application
"After using the services of RLE Law, I can honestly recommend this firm to anyone requiring legal advice and dealings. Their friendliness, quality of service and professionalism was second to none. In the future, if need be, I would not hesitate to use RLE Law again"
Joanne Wiltshire
Property Sale
"I would like to state that the services given to us by your legal department were second to none. You were professional, friendly and executed the procedure of our conveyancing so smoothly. I would have no hesitation in recommending your practice to anyone."
Sheryl Tippett
Property Sale
"I thought the overall service you gave was excellent, friendly and easy to understand."
Eileen Nicholls
"It is with great pleasure I am providing the following testimonial. My experience of the firm it was wholly positive. RLE Law acted on my behalf in a very professional manner, being prompt and efficient and acting in a no-nonsense manner which gave me total confidence in their advice. As a consequence of my dealings with them I would not hesitate to recommend the services of RLE Law to others."
Tim Hoyle
"I would like to pass on my sincere thanks to the property team. They have been nothing but excellent! The sale of my property was dealt with professionally and with patience. Your customer service is second to none and I would have no hesitation in using you again and recommending RLE Law to anyone."
Zoe Clarke
Property Sale
"I would just like to add the most sincere thanks of my husband and myself. It was not like dealing with a large out-of-town practice but a most friendly one. Your costs are fair and fully justified and our family has found you to be first class from day one to the last day."
Lyn Edwards
"My advisor really put me at ease and explained eveything at each stage of the proceedings as I was very nervous. This has been the best service I have had from a legal office."
Anne Rees
"RLE Law acted on our behalf in a complicated probate dispute. We were extremely grateful and would like to express our gratitude for their utter professionalism in closing out this case which has been a problem for us for many years now. Thank you for being so cooperative and truly pleasant in your meetings and telephone calls with us. Please pass on our appreciation to your team that also helped out on our case, we found you all to be tremendously helpful and supportive."
William John Whittle
"I found that the care and attention to detail that RLE Law showed during my house purchase was exceptional. I found you had very approachable and friendly manner and your thorough explanation of queries in easy to understand terms was excellent. Thank you!"
Janette Jones
Property Purchase
"I think that the will service I received was excellent. It was very nice to be seen by young people who knew what they were doing. Very pleased with the service and will come again most definitely".
Iris Pamela Owen
"I am very satisfied with the service RLE Law have provided. They are very professional and I would definitely use them again".
Jane Anderson
"I now feel happy and contented that my affairs have been put in order and the concerns I came to you with have been resolved."
Teresa Power
t: 01656 656 861
f: 01656 859475
t: 01443 775000
f: 01443 775007
|RLE Law is a trading name of RLE Law Practice Limited. This firm is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. SRA Number - 545984.
|Click here to view the SRA Code of Conduct. The sole Director of RLE Law is Emma Hardwidge.
Registered in England and Wales at 4 Derwen Road, Bridgend, CF31 1LH. Company Number - 07336354. VAT Registration Number � 996 6759 29
Copyright © 2013 RLE Law - Solicitors in Bridgend and Treorchy, South Wales, UK | Find us on Google+
|WEB DESIGN & DEVELOPMENT by IKONA I.T.


text:
Annual Leave
Eligible University employees (non-faculty) earn annual leave on a bi-weekly basis. Regular full-time and regular part-time employees who work at least 20 hours a week earn annual leave. Regular part-time employees are eligible to earn an amount of leave based on the percentage of full-time hours they work per week. The amount an employee earns depends on the number of years employed. The employee's immediate supervisor must approve all annual leave requested. Annual leave must be taken while an employee is on contract and has to be used while the employee is on active pay status. Faculty do not accrue annual leave but are also eligible for time off under provisions of applicable collective bargaining agreements.
- 5.54 hours per pay period during the first 5 years of employment
- 6.46 hours per pay period during years 6 through 10
- 7.38 hours per pay period after 10 years of employment
Unused Annual Leave
Unused annual leave may be accrued to a maximum of 240 hours. Any unused leave in excess of this amount will be forfeited at the end of the pay period in which June 30 falls. If an employee transfers from a position that provides annual leave to one that does not, or if the employee terminates from the university, the employee will be paid for the balance of earned annual leave time up to 240 hours.


text:
First it was Apple vs. HTC, then it was Motorola vs. us power users, and now it's Microsoft facing off against the third of those three companies.
That's right - Microsoft has just filed an ITC complaint against Motorola over infringements of nine patents allegedly violated in Motorola's Android-related devices. Although Microsoft did not specify the exact patents violated in their press release (which you can read in its entirety below), the company did say that they are related to "synchronizing email, calendars and contacts, scheduling meetings, and notifying applications of changes in signal strength and battery power." I do not see how Motorola has violated any of these; what's more, all of the violations mentioned are most likely built into the Android OS and therefore not Motorola's responsibility, but then again, sometimes companies make as little sense as the devices they push past the FCC.Read More


text:
I was asked today if we could create an user experience roadmap for the application we are designing. I am a little confused about that since I have never really heard of the term user experience roadmap and I suspect its the same as a product roadmap but I am pretty sure there are some differences.
Any inputs on what would go into such a roadmap and how it would differ from a product roadmap would be great.


text:
Undoing the effects of action sequences
Eiter, Thomas and Erdem, Esra and Faber, Wolfgang (2007) Undoing the effects of action sequences. (Accepted/In Press)
Full text not available from this repository.
Official URL: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=ArticleURL&_udi=B758H-4NRK4KC-2&_user=691258&_coverDate=05%2F16%2F2007&_rdoc=1&_fmt=&_orig=search&_sort=d&view=c&_acct=C000038658&_version=1&_urlVersion=0&_userid=691258&md5=d3cd0241aa9e3a78b577165bd98ec303
In this paper, we study the following basic problem: After having executed a sequence of actions, find a sequence of actions that brings the agent back to the state just before this execution. It emerges, for example, if an agent needs to find out which action sequences are undoable, and which ones are committed choices. A prototypical scenario is in the context of plan execution in a nondeterministic environment: Upon detecting that after executing some steps of the plan, an unintended state has been reached, backtracking to an earlier state by taking appropriate undo actions can be useful for recovery. In this paper, we consider the problem of undoing the effects of an action sequence by means of a reverse plan. Intuitively, by executing a reverse plan for an action sequence AS at the state S' reached after AS, the agent can always reach the state S she was at just before executing AS, possibly subject to conditions on the current state and S. Notably, this problem is different from a vanilla planning problem, since the state we have to get back to is in general unknown. We study this problem in a general logic-based action representation framework that can accommodate nondeterminism and concurrency. We formally define the notion of a reverse plan and determine the computational complexity of the existence and the recognition of such a plan. Guided by these results, we then present algorithms for constructing reverse plans. Unsurprisingly, the problem is intractable in general, and we present a knowledge compilation approach that constructs offline a reverse plan library for efficient (in some cases, linear time) online computation of action reversals. Our results for the generic framework can be adapted for expressive action languages such as C+ or K.
Available Versions of this Item
Repository Staff Only: item control page


text:
|Entrance procession at tonight's Mass
Farewell to all our visitors. Come back soon.
|Canon Stein's sermon on the deadly sin of Greed, from Sunday's Mass
|Processing out, new "Institute blue" cassocks
|Monsignor Wach speaks, with Canon Huberfeld interpreting
|That translation better be right!
|Canon Stein gives a presentation on the Institute's missions in Gabon
|Before Mass tonight, an Oblate receives his cassock
|Canon Talarico's sermon tonight on the Psalms as the joy of the Institute family, united in the public prayer of the Church


text:
William Kaan was angry after he installed two air conditioning units in a home and then discovered the credit cards used to pay for the work were no good.
"We felt pretty bad...we lost $6,000," said Kaan.
Postal inspectors told Kaan he had gotten caught up in an identity theft scam.
"It began with the perpetrator ordering cards, credit cards in other people's names sent to a specific address," explained US Postal Inspector Andre Brown.
The suspect then used the fraudulent cards to go on a shopping spree. There were about 90 victims with $2.5 million in losses.
Kaan was one of those victims until he turned the tables on the suspect. The small business owner went "undercover" with postal inspectors to catch the fraudster in the act.
"We made an estimate for a new air conditioning unit; He didn't want to give me his card. He said he'd call it in. When we got back here, we called in a card it was bad," explained Kaan. "I told him on the phone, that card is no good; he said wait a minute I got another card. He gave us another number, we ran that and it was a bad card too."
Postal inspectors quickly arrested the suspect.
"Don't let it go, don't think that your money is lost - it might be still there - but you still want to put the fellow where he belongs if he's doing it to a lot of people. Take care of your own business," said Kaan.
To insure you're not a victim of identity theft, don't forget to check your credit report. Every year you're entitled to one free credit report from each of the three credit bureaus - that's three free reports a year. The Northeast Better Business Bureau recommends using the website annualcreditreport.com.