Q. What is portland cement?
Portland cement is composed of calcium silicates and aluminate and aluminoferrite It is obtained by blending predetermined proportions limestone clay and other minerals in small quantities which is pulverized and heated at high temperature – around 1500 deg centigrade to produce ‘clinker’. The clinker is then ground with small quantities of gypsum to produce a fine powder called Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC). When mixed with water, sand and stone, it combines slowly with the water to form a hard mass called concrete.
Q. Is there any shelf life of cement?
Cement is a hygroscopic material meaning that it absorbs moisture In presence of moisture it undergoes chemical reaction termed as hydration. Therefore cement remains in good condition as long as it does not come in contact with moisture. If cement is more than three months old then it should be tested for its strength before being taken into use.
Q. Does fineness of cement affect strength gain?
Fineness defines the surface area of cement particles present in per unit weight, which implies that more fineness means more particles in unit weight. This enhances the reaction rate which in turn will result in faster gain of strength at earlier stages as well as liberates higher heat, therefore proper curing in initial days is very essential.
Q. What is initial and final setting time of cement?
Initial set is when the cement paste loses its plasticity and stiffens considerably. Final set is the point when the paste hardens and can sustain some minor load. Both are arbitrary points and these are determined by Vicat needle penetration resistance.
Q. What are the reasons for slow or fast setting of concrete or mortar?
Slow or fast setting normally depends on the nature of cement. It could also be due to extraneous factors not related to the cement. The ambient conditions play an important role. In hot weather, the setting is faster, in cold weather, setting is delayed Some types of salts, chemicals, clay, etc if inadvertently get mixed with the sand, aggregate and water could accelerate or delay the setting of concrete.
Q. What are the different grades of Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC)?
The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has classified OPC in three different grades The classification is mainly based on the compressive strength of cement-sand mortar cubes of face area 50 cm2 composed of 1 part of cement to 3 parts of standard sand by weight with a water-cement ratio arrived at by a specified procedure.
The grades are:
(i) 33 grade
(ii) 43 grade
(iii) 53 grade
The grade number indicates the minimum compressive strength of cement sand mortar in N/mm2 at 28 days, as tested by above mentioned procedure.
Q. What is Portland Pozzolana Cement?
Portland Pozzolana Cement (PPC) is obtained by either intergrinding a pozzolanic material with clinker and gypsum, or by blending ground pozzolana with Portland cement. Nowadays good quality fly ash is available from Thermal Power Plants, which are processed and used in manufacturing of PPC.
Q. What are the advantages of using Portland Pozzolana Cement over OPC?
Pozzolana combines with lime and alkali in cement when water is added and forms compounds which contribute to strength, impermeability and sulphate resistance It also contributes to workability, reduced bleeding and controls destructive expansion from alkali-aggregate reaction. It reduces heat of hydration thereby controlling temperature differentials, which causes thermal strain and resultant cracking n mass concrete structures like dams.
Q. Does the shade of cement affect quality?
No. The quality of cement depends upon the raw materials used and the quality control measures adopted during its manufacture, and not on the shade of the cement. The cement gets its colour from the nature and colour of raw materials used, which will be different from factory to factory, and may even differ in the different batches of cement produced in a factory. Further, the colour of the finished concrete is affected also by the colour of the aggregates, and to a lesser extent by the colour of the cement. Preference for any cement on the basis of colour alone is technically misplaced.
Q. What is the effect of long storage periods on cement?
Cement which is in the form of a fine powder has a tendency to absorb moisture present in the atmosphere. When it absorbs moisture it hydrates, and when subsequently used does not contribute to the strength development. Jute bags (gunny bags) in which cement is bagged are neither airtight nor damp-proof and do not prevent absorption of moisture. Cement deteriorates in quality on long storage. Cement bagged in woven polythene bags or paper bags are not likely to deteriorate to the extent mentioned above. The loss of strength also depends on the condition of the godown. It is advisable to use cement within three months of its bagging, or to test the cement for its strength if stored for longer periods. Hence cement bought first should be used first.
Q. How should cement be stored?
Precautions that must be taken in the storage of Portland cement are given below in a series of DON’Ts.
(i) Do not store bags in a building or a godown in which the walls, roof and floor are not completely weatherproof.
(ii) Do not store bags in a new warehouse until the interior has thoroughly dried out.
(iii) Do not be content with badly fitting windowsand doors, make sure they fit properly and ensure that they are kept shut.
(iv) Do not stack bags against the wall. Similarly, don’t pile them on the floor unless it is a dry concrete floor. If not, bags should be
stacked on wooden planks or sleepers.
(v) Do not forget to pile the bags close together.
(vi) Do not pile more than 15 bags high and arrange the bags in a header-and-stretcher fashion.
(vii) Do not disturb the stored cement until it is to be taken out for use.
(viii) Do not take out bags from one tier only. Step back two or three tiers.
(ix) Do not keep dead storage. The principle of first-in first-out should be followed in removing bags.
(x) Do not stack bags on the ground for temporary storage at work site. Pile them on a raised, dry platform and cover with tarpaulin
or polythene sheet.
Q. How to identify the time for which the cement was stored before use?
On the cement bag, week number, month and year of manufacturing are being mentioned and this can be checked before use.
Q. What is concrete?
Concrete is a mixture of cement, sand, stone aggregates and water.
Q. What is RCC?
If a concrete mix is placed in and around a cage of steel rods, it is called Reinforced Cement Concrete (RCC).
Q. What is mortar?
Mortar is a mix of cement, sand and water, to be used for brick works/block works and plaster.
Q. How much water should be added in a concrete mix of one bag of cement for normal construction work?
Normally the amount of water that is required per bag of cement is 25 -28 liters only.
Q. How does color affect the quality of cement & its concrete?
Quality of cement has nothing to do with its color.
Q. What precautions should one take for water to be used in concrete construction?
It is good to use potable quality of water. It should be free from impurities and harmful ingredients. Seawater isn’t recommended. The water fit for mixing is fit for curing too. Use of minimum quantity of mixing water, consistent with the degree of workability required to enable easy placing and compaction of concrete, is advisable Ensure that water is measured and added Low water to cement ratio is essential for good performance of the structure in the long run.
Q. What is the minimum recommended concrete mix proportion for RCC works?
1:1.5:3, where 1 part of cement is to be mixed with 1.5 parts of sand and 3 parts of coarse aggregates. Water requirement for the
mix would be less than 25 liters per bag of cement.
Q. What are the common mistakes, which affect the quality of concrete?
The ways in which concrete maybe spoilt are many, most common of them being: Use of too much or too little water for mixing, or
water carelessly added during mixing. Incomplete mixing of aggregate with cement Improper grading of aggregates resulting in
segregation or bleeding of concrete. Inadequate compaction of concrete Using concrete which has already begun to set. Placing of
concrete on a dry foundation without properly wetting it with water. Use of dirty aggregate or water containing earthy matter, clay or
lime. Too much troweling of the concrete surface. Leaving the finished concrete surface exposed to sun and wind during the first ten
days after placing without protecting it and keeping it damp by proper methods of curing.
Q. What are the factors responsible for governing the compressive strength of concrete?
The compressive strength is governed by the following factors:
(i) w/c ratio
(ii) characteristics of cement
(iii) characteristics of aggregates
(iv) time of mixing
(v) degree of compaction
(vi) temperature and period of curing
(vii) age of concrete
(viii) air entertainment
(ix) conditions of testing
Q. Within how much time the freshly prepared mortar / concrete should be consumed?
The mortar / concrete should be consumed as early as possible after addition of water to it. The hydration of cement starts the moment water is added to it. As the hydration progresses the cement paste starts stiffening and loses its plasticity. The concrete should not be disturbed after this. Normally, this is about 45 – 50 minutes.
Q. Why is compaction essential?
Green concrete has all the three phases – solids, water air. In order to make the concrete impervious & attain its maximum strength it is required to remove the entrapped air from the concrete mass when it is still in plastic state. If the air is not removed completely, the concrete loses strength considerably. It has been that 5% voids reduce the strength by about 30% and 10% voids reduce the strength by over 50%. Compaction eliminates air bubbles and brings enough fine material both to the surface and against the forms to produce the desired finish. One can use such hand tools as steel rods, paddling sticks, or tampers, but mechanical vibrators are best. Any compacting device must reach the bottom of the form and be small enough to pass between reinforcing bars. Since the strength of the concrete member depends on proper reinforcement location, be careful not to displace the reinforcing steel.
Q. What is ‘curing’ and why is it so important?
The term ‘curing’ is used to include maintenance of a favorable environment for the continuation of chemical reactions, i.e. retention of moisture within, or supplying moisture to the concrete from an external and protection against extremes of temperature.
Q. What is the correct method of curing?
If a concrete mix is placed in and around a cage of steel rods, it is called Reinforced Cement Concrete (RCC).
Walls: Water should be sprinkled from the top such that it covers the whole area of the wall and it should be remain wet.
Slab: Ponding should be done on the slab by constructing bunds of mortar of approximately lmxim and water should be
Beams and columns: The beams and columns can be maintained wet by tying gunny bags around the periphery and by maintaining
it wet always.
Q. What methods are commonly employed to ensure sufficient moisture for curing?
Ponding, continuous sprinkling, covering with wet cloth, cotton mats or similar materials, covering with specially prepared paper, polyethylene, sealing coat applied as a liquid commonly known as ‘curing compound’ which hardens to form a thin protective membrane, are some of the methods by which concrete is cured.
Q. When should curing be started and when is it complete?
Curing should be started just after the surfaces begin to dry. Normally 7 to 14 days curing is considered adequate.
Q. What is steel reinforcement? Why is it required in a concrete structure?
Steel reinforcements are used, generally, in the form of bars of circular cross section in concrete structure. They are like a skeleton in human body. Plain concrete steel or any other reinforcement is strong in compression but weak in tension. Steel is one of the best forms of reinforcements, to take care of those stresses and to strengthen concrete to bear all kinds of loads.
Q. What is bar-bending-schedule?
Bar-bending-schedule is the schedule of reinforcement bars prepared in advance before cutting and bending of rebars. This schedule
contains all details of size, shape and dimension of rebars to be cut.
Q. What are the different types of steel reinforcements being used in a reinforced concrete structure?
Mild steel bars conforming to IS: 432 (Part I) and Cold-worked steel high strength deformed bars conforming to IS: 1786 (grade Fe 415 and grade Fe 500, where 415 and 500 indicate yield stresses 415 N/mm2 and 500 N/mm2 respectively) are commonly used. Grade Fe 415 is being used most commonly nowadays. This has limited the use of plain mild steel bars because of higher yield stress and bond strength resulting in saving of steel quantity. Some companies have brought thermo mechanically treated (TMT) and
corrosion resistant steel (CRS) bars with added features. Bars range in diameter from 6 to 50 mm. Cold-worked steel high strength deformed bars start from 8 mm diameter. For general house constructions, bars of diameter 6 to 20 mm are used.
Q. Why cover blocks are required to be placed before concreting? What are their sizes?
Cover blocks are placed to prevent the steel rods from getting exposed to the atmosphere, and to place and fix the reinforcements as per the design drawings. Once the steel is exposed to the atmosphere, corrosion starts. Sometimes it is commonly seen that the cover gets misplaced during the concreting activity. To prevent this, tying of cover with steel bars using thin steel wires called binding wires (projected from cover surface and placed during making or casting of cover blocks) is recommended. Covers should be made of cement sand mortar (1:3). Ideally, cover should have strength similar to the surrounding concrete, with the least perimeter so that chances of water to penetrate through periphery will be minimized. Provision of minimum covers as per the Indian standards for durability of the whole structure should be ensured. Shape of the cover blocks could be cubical or cylindrical. However, cover indicates thickness of the cover block. Normally, cubical cover blocks are used. As a thumb rule, minimum cover of 2″ in footings, 1.5″ in columns and 1″ for other structures may be ensured.
Q. How important are transverse reinforcements like links and stirrups? What precautions should be taken while tying
Transverse reinforcements are very important. They not only take care of structural requirements but also help main reinforcements to remain in desired position. They play a very significant role while abrupt changes or reversal of stresses like earthquake etc. They should be closely spaced as per the drawing and properly tied to the main/longitudinal reinforcement.
Q. What is a lap or development length? Where and how should they be provided?
Lap length is the length overlap of bars tied to extend the reinforcement length.. Lap length about 50 times the diameter of the bar is considered safe. Laps of neighboring bar lengths should be staggered and should not be provided at one level/line. At one cross section, a maximum of 50% bars should be lapped. In case, required lap length is not available at junction because of space and other constraints, bars can be joined with couplers or welded (with correct choice of method of welding).
Q. What is anchorage length?
This is the additional length of steel of one structure required to be inserted in other at the junction. For example, main bars of beam
in column at beam column junction, column bars in footing etc. The length requirement is similar to the lap length mentioned in
previous question or as per the design instructions.
Q. What is the checklist for steel reinforcement before the placement/pour of concrete?
Reinforcement should be free from loose rust, oil paints, mud etc. it should be cut, bent and fixed properly. The reinforcement shall be placed and maintained in position by providing proper cover blocks, spacers, supporting bars, laps etc. Reinforcements shall be placed and tied such that concrete placement is possible without segregation, and compaction possible by an immersion vibrator.
Q. For a given diameter, how do we calculate the weight of steel per meter length of the steel bar and vice versa?
For any steel reinforcement bar, weight per running meter is equal to d2/162 Kg, where d is diameter of the bar in mm. For example,
10 mm diameter bar will weigh 10×10/162 = 0.617 Kg/m.
Q. Can we receive the quality test certificate of steel from the supplier?
Yes. We can receive the test certificate of the batch of materials supplied at our site. The certificate will confirm the compliance of quality of supplied materials as per the requirement of relevant Indian standard code.
Q. Why plastering is required?
Plaster protects structure from temperature variations; external attacks of sulphates, chlorides, etc. Plaster also provides smooth &
aesthetic surface on RCC & Brickwork surface.
Q. What precautions should be taken during plaster works?
Preferably use cement which releases low heat of hydration. A blended Cement is a good choice.
a) Use optimum water at the time of mixing.
b) Do not use dry cement on the plaster surface.
c) At the junction of Brickwork &. RCC, chicken mesh or fiber mesh may be used.
d) Wet the surface before plastering.
e) Cure the surface for at least 10 to 12 days.
Q. What are carpet area, built-up area & super built-up area?
Carpet Area: This is the area of the apartment/building, which does not include the area covered by the walls. Built up Area: The carpet area plus the area of the walls. Super Built up Area: This includes the built up area along with the area under common spaces such as the lobby, lifts, stairs, etc.
Q. What are the things one should keep in mind before finalizing a land deal?
Some points which one must pay attention to prior to land deal –
a) House plot should not be under any acquisition proceedings of any government bodies .
b) Verify from the planning authorities whether the land was designated for residential use.
c) The survey number of land is critical.
d) Certificate obtained from registrar’s office should confirm that there is no encumbrance on the property.
e) The title deed of the land should be clear and an advocate should be consulted for this.
f) Verify the rates after contacting some property consultants and some people who have purchased their plots recently. You
should also refer guidelines and the market rates published in the government manual of your city/town.
g) Stamp duty at the time of registration is mandatory.
Q. What are the important considerations before selecting a piece of land?
While selecting the land one should give importance to following issues –
a) Required size of plot and construction area
b) Existing rates area wise
c) Distances from Railway Station, Bus Stand and Air Port.
d) Distance from your work place.
e) Distances from hospital and medical clinics.
f) Available infrastructure like water supply, drainage, road etc.
Q. What are the points, one should pay attention to while awarding the contracts for house construction?
Whatever the type of contract, one needs to pay close attention to the following aspects –
a) Type of materials
b) Quality of work
c) Advance payment, if any
d) Progress &. time schedule
e) Future measurement &. payment conditions
Q. What is the ratio of material, labor and other expenditures for house construction?


State of the Art Solutions for Industrial Automation and Handling.
Mad’s continuous research for new technical solutions and improvement of existing systems results in a complete range of state of the art machinery.
Mad’s flexibility allows to create integrated systems and customized solutions to meet every customers’requirements.
IN HOUSE PROCESS DEVELOPMENT
The whole design and production process is done internally: R&D, design and engineering, assembly of mechanical parts and electric cabinets, custom software development, testing and after-sales support.
Mad Automation’s after sales service grants quick feedback to customers’ needs, providing remote and on site assistance
Italy & USA
Mad Automation's after-sales service responds quickly and efficiently to customer requests.
TELEPHONE AND REMOTE ASSISTANCE
Plants's Upgrade and Revamping


On 25/11/2009, at 8:32 AM, textmate-request(a)lists.macromates.com wrote:
> Date: Tue, 24 Nov 2009 17:43:28 +0100
> From: Allan Odgaard <mailinglist(a)textmate.org>
> Subject: [TxMt] Re: OakDocumentDisableFSMetaData in build 1589
> To: TextMate users <textmate(a)lists.macromates.com>
> Message-ID: <D7B1C72F-713E-4B09-BFEE-B3A6B939EC88(a)textmate.org>
> On 24 Nov 2009, at 17:17, King, Steven wrote:
>> If I wanted to disable metadata on this drive would I specify the
>> device (/dev/disk3), mount point (/Volumes/THUMB), file system type
>> (msdos), or something else? Can you provide an example, please?
> File system, so that would be:
> defaults write com.macromates.textmate OakDocumentDisableFSMetaData
> '( msdos )'
> The value is an array in old-style plist format, so for multiple file
> system use: '( msdos, afps, nfs )'.
Anyone know what the filesystem would be for sshfs? The reason I ask is
that MacFUSE is used, and I suspect that might confuse things.
Just downloaded build 1589 and found this in the release notes:
[CHANGED] OakDocumentDisableFSMetaData can now be an array of file systems for which the use of extended attributes should be disabled.
That sounds extremely useful, but I'm not quite sure what the syntax should be. Take my thumb drive, for instance:
/dev/disk3 on /Volumes/THUMB (msdos, local, nodev, nosuid, noowners)
If I wanted to disable metadata on this drive would I specify the device (/dev/disk3), mount point (/Volumes/THUMB), file system type (msdos), or something else? Can you provide an example, please?
Sr. Software Engineer
+1 734 821 1461
Allan wrote about autocomplete and F5 :
"You can use 'escape' to auto-complete. Although it's not exactly the same as the systems function (the system brings up a menu, TextMate just inserts the first match and lets you cycle between matches with [shift] escape)."
1) Almost every text box you use is a Cocoa text box ( Safari web form boxes, the documents in Pages or TextEdit, the email composer in Mail, etc...) and F5 is used to autocomplete words ( there is a bug with french dictionnary because if you complete Étu you lose the accent and you get Etude )
The text boxes in Textmate are not Cocoa however, why F5 and not F6 or another key in the Text Bundle?
F5 is used by Apple’s Cocoa text system so perhaps it's preferable to respect the Apple guide.
I now I can change the shortcuts or modify / create keybindings.dict but ...
How many shortcuts of the Apple’s Cocoa text system are modified by TextMate?
2) I suppose there is a technical problem to implement the F5 functionality but F5 is very interesting with TextEdit or Page because the completion with the dictionnary is fine and the language is auto detected, ⎋ and ⌥ ⎋ are fine ( ⌥ ⎋ has always a bug with LaTeX ) but is it possible in TextMate to implement the F5 functionality?
I am trying to create a foldingStopMarker for Python language as '^\s*##' but it
seems to be triggered only when I don't have any space before ##. This seems to
be the problem with any stop marker beginning with whitespace. Is there a way
I noticed when scrolling left to right on pages that the line numbers and gutters also goes away with it. Is there a add on or something to make it stay no matter where I am in the code horizontally?
Thanks for any help or advice on this,
Kardwell International, Inc.
Playing Cards, Casino & Gaming Supplies, and Bar & Nightclub Supplies Since 1976
As described on stackoverflow () I hit a difference in behaviour, from the point of view of the program invoking "mate -w", when TextMate is quit using Cmd-W versus Cmd-Q.
This may be a Snow Leopard oddity, but does anyone here know what might cause the caller to continue after Cmd-W but not after Cmd-Q?
PS. Please feel free to answer here or on stackoverflow for added kudos.
I just upgraded to Snow Leopard and TM 1.5.9.
Formerly you could scroll page by page up and down in the document by pressing:
ALT + UP / DOWN
If you want to jump to top / end of document you used CMD + UP / DOWN
Now its the same for both combination, even with the ALT combination I jump to top and end.
is it Snow Leopard or the version 1.5.9 of Textmate that brings that behaviour?
How can I easily change it back to "normal"?
thnx in advance!
ps. thanks to the community to bring background transparency to TM as a general feature! I was astonished and exited to see that today!
I am somewhat confused about what the best practices are to use and develop bundles theses days.
What I used to do was to have a checkout of the subversion directory in "/Library/Application Support/TextMate". That allowed me to easily apply fixes and commit them. And when I wanted to use a bundle from "Review" I just created a symlink of that bundle to "~/Library/Application Support/TextMate/Bundles".
Now we have some bundles left in subversion, many bundles migrated to github. We got Allan's "bl" tool (not sure what to do with "Managed", I made "Pristine Copy" a symlink to it), and we got Hans' "GetBundles" which seems rather nice too.
I guess gone are the days where a single "svn update" would get you the latest of all bundles.
What do you use and how?
I am also not sure how to develop/change bundles that are hosted on github. My current approach is:
- Delete the bundle from "Pristine Copy" (if it is there)
- Create a fork on github (or if it is a new bundle create a new repository)
- Clone that fork to "Pristine Copy"
- Make changes, push and send a "pull request" to the owner of the original bundle.
What are the recommended/best working workflows?
This talk about using github and GetBundles and what-not got me curious: GetBundles often shows multiple bundles with the same name. Often these are in different repositories (Official, Review, or Github) but sometimes there are dups within one repository. As of right now there are two AppleScript bundles on Github, the only visible difference being the date and author's name. Is there any way, currently or planned, to sort this out? Okay, I assume the bundles in Review are undergoing, well, review and may or may not be ready for use. But when there are dups in Official and Github, is there any way to tell which is preferred?
Sr. Software Engineer
+1 734 821 1461


Architects and Specifiers - Belgian Gardens, QLD
Insideout's work is adventurous and adaptable to the isolated desert or the wet tropics. It responds equally to the inside human spirit and the outside physical world.
We are a small but versatile Townsville architectural practice that incorporates project management, urban design, interior design, rural and land use planning. Insideout has an extensive network that enables provision of additional services. We have chosen to live and work in the wet tropics because of its special combination of natural beauty, community spirit, and personal freedom.
We also grow tropical fruit and sell concrete pipes.


text:
Thomas Brennan, deceased
Submitted by loweryb_3078 on Sat, 2020-04-25 11:30
Eastland Disaster victim Thomas Brennan lived at this address at the time of the disaster.
Identifier: Mary C. Brennan
Address of Identifier: 1523 S. 48th Court.
Undertaker: William J. O'Neil & Son
Address of Undertaker: 1618Grand Ave.
Newberry Library Call Number: Midwest MS EDHS
Source: Cook County Coroner's Report
Finding Aids: Collection level catalog record

domain: library


text:
Energic Light Blue Background
This one idea is a bit different. Even though it is brighter and more striking, the light blue background with a cool and minimalist theme of this house feels more energetic, but still makes it comfortable. This cost of exterior painting approach fits perfectly with the character of residents who want a cheerful and youthful atmosphere. This light blue background application still feels natural and fresh, right?
There’s no doubt that the interior design team chose a light blue background in this Scandinavian-themed residence. The reason is, the blue color is very suitable when juxtaposed with other soft colors, such as white or gray. Besides that, the light blue background is also easy to combine with wood because both contain natural elements. So it’s more cool and peaceful! The light blue background is also perfect for a nursery or nursery. This color is classified as neutral and does not have to lean towards either gender because the soft light blue is also suitable for the beloved Princess. The cool thing is, the light blue color is also very flexible and timeless, aka timeless. So, even when your little one has started growing up, you don’t need to change the background color. Finally, you can apply a light blue background in your living room or lounge. The soft colors will make the room atmosphere more comfortable so that the time to gather or gather with the family will be more memorable.
For a sweeter finish, try to match the light blue background with a variety of neutral and bright colored furniture. Also add functional decorations, such as carpets and living room lights, the homier it is! After seeing the light blue background idea above, surely you can’t wait to refresh your home with calm and peaceful nuances, right? Come on, just apply the light blue background in your favorite room that can quickly relax! Don’t forget to also complete your home with multifunctional furniture and furniture. There are many choices of furniture that you can choose according to your space needs, such as a coffee table, bed, wardrobe, and TV table. The model is also very attractive and efficient so that your home is guaranteed to save more space.

domain: design


text:
Jane A. Simington PHD (2014)
What is it about the camp fire that mesmerizes? What is stirred within? What dormant memories are awakened?
Fire on most of the great Medicine Wheels of the world is the element associated with the South. Sacred teachings connected with the South are about summer; about growth and productivity. These reflections from nature, the sun-filled days and the long evenings of summer sunlight, are metaphoric reminders that the energies of summer also provide us wih opportunities for growth in productive and fruitful ways.
The Hawaiian Goddess Pele is a summertime Goddess. As the Volcano Goddess, Pele prompts us to recall the power of the fire within us and how it can sometimes take a major eruption before our fire can burst forth in all its fullness. As a Fire Goddess, Pele reminds us that the ashes from fire eruptions create new soil, fertile for new growth.
Ancient teachings such as those of the Medicine Wheel and of Goddess lore remind us that the fire energy that penetrates all living things, even the burning core deep within the earth, also burns within us . We are a part of the Life Force of the Creator and of all that has been created.
And yet, as William James noted, “Compared to what we ought to be, we are only half awake. Our fires are damped, our drafts are checked.”1
The long evenings of summertime offer many opportunities for gatherings around a fire. Campfires can, with a few minor adjustments, be used as ceremonial fires for healing and transformational purposes. During Fire ceremonies the Spirit of the Fire is called upon to burn away that which is no longer providing the rich fuel needed to turn our glowing embers into full blown flames.
When I conduct a Fire Ceremony, I begin by having each participant write a letter to the Fire Spirit naming the things they are requesting to be burned away. As the fire is lit, an offering of tobacco or other medicine considered sacred by the group members is offered. Members of the group are then invited to hang a colored ribbon in a nearby tree in each of the directions. A red ribbon is hung in the South to represent fire. As this ribbon is hung we pray that the fire burns away what is no longer of growth potential. Next, a blue ribbon is hung in the West. As the blue ribbon is hung we pray for healing, since the West on most Medicine Wheels represents the place of healing. A white ribbon is then placed in the North and as it is hung we pray for strength and endurance. A yellow ribbon is used to represents the East. As the yellow ribbon is hung we pray that the element of air, which correlates with the East, blows newness into our lives.
Following the hanging of the colored ribbons, to the beat of the drum and the rhythm of rattles, one by one we approach the fire, offering our letters. As the papers burn and the smoke ascends, we pray that our Creator take from us what is no longer working and in exchange provide us with what we need to support our new growth in the most successful and abundant ways
Each time I conclude a fire ceremony I am reminded of the words of De Chardin. “Someday when we have mastered the winds, the waves, the tides and gravity, we shall harness for God the energies of love. Then for the second time in the history of the world, man will have discovered fire. 2
1). James, W. (1958). Varieties of Religious Experiences. NY: New American Library.
2). De Chardin, P. T. (1984) On Love and Happiness. San Francisco: Harper & Row.

domain: literature


text:
Stephanie is a very responsible young woman. She has been watching my dog for at least two years and is so good at it. She is super nice and knows a lot about dogs. She’s not afraid to go out of her way to make the dog happy. She is also an all around good person. I highly recommend Stephanie for all your dogs needs!
Steph is very responsible and loves animals, especially dogs. She is a dog owner herself. She would take excellent care of your pet while you are away.
Large yard for playing
I have always loved dogs. I have been working with dogs for six years now and love every minute of it. My availability is very flexible and I am good at training dogs as well. I enjoy the responsibility’s that come with watching and walking dogs. I am very good with all different kinds of behaviors dogs and can take almost all challenges. If at my home, I will ensure that I walk your ...
What Stephanie would like to know about your dog
I would like to know what they like/don’t like. I do not have any brews preferences; I love all my furry friends!

domain: pet


text:
Swindon is finally going to get a comic shop again, which means I can get graphic novels from somewhere other than ebay!
The new shop is called Swin City and will open at the end of this month. Before the shop was named, I'd come up with a much more generic poster girl for the shop. Since the renaming, she's ditched the cape for a trenchcoat and become a lot grittier. In attitude at least, I'm not saying she has hygiene issues or anything!

domain: artistic


text:
Not much stands out in Chile, one of the more generic countries in South America.Get ready for some sticker shock if you are coming from other countries because it is more expensive here.I have visited many parts of South America including Colombia and Brazil and I am also educated enough to know those are the top Latin American countries known for cheap and affordable plastic surgery.
Also it gives more respectable treatment to small cities and towns that the larger guide breezes over with a paragraph or two.
At first glance, the women certainly appear less extroverted and “spicy” than those of other Latin American countries but that impression quickly evaporates once you get to know some of the chicas. The average Chilean dude looks like a caveman-80’s rocker hybrid. Chilean women are quiet and do not take shit from a fucking idiot like you.
You must be a loser and an ugly piece of shit and this is why they gave you the cold shoulder.
In each country's overview page I also give a description on the girls.
For advice on how to pick girls up, take a look at my game tips newsletter, which complements my book Bang.
Viña del Mar Pucon..valdivia,…and will find beautiful girls..¡ If you compare girls with tiramisu…you will be alone forever Mr.

domain: geography


All those sobriety checkpoints set up across the Inland Empire over the holidays may be paying off. Police in Moreno Valley set up a checkpoint overnight Friday at Eucalyptus Avenue and Day Street, where they stopped 664 vehicles between 9:30 p.m. and 3:30 a.m.
You might have seen Press-Enterprise reporter Lora Hines’ post in her Moreno Valley blog about a group that turned out at the Moreno Valley City Council meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 2 to call attention to the shooting of Lamon Haslip.
Law enforcement agencies across the Inland Empire are continuing their crackdown on drunk drivers. Riverside County sheriff’s deputies plan to set up a sobriety checkpoint from 9:30 p.m. on Friday until 3:30 a.m. on Saturday at an undisclosed location within the Moreno Valley city limits.
The Los Angeles Times has released another batch of more than 1,000 sexual about cases involving the Boy Scouts from 1971 through the early-90′s. In perusing these files, it appears there are a number of cases over the years from the Inland region. And a look at the nationwide map shows a large cluster moving [...]
The Los Angeles Times has released another batch of more than 1,000 sexual about cases involving the Boy Scouts from 1971 through the early-90′s.
Moreno Valley police plans to set up drunk driving checkpoints Thursday, Dec. 27 and Friday, Dec. 28 at undisclosed locations within the city limits. Law enforcement agencies across the Inland Empire have been cracking down on drunk drivers over the holidays, including roving patrols on days when bad weather precludes use of the checkpoints.\
Moreno Valley police played Santa on Wednesday for 10 selected kids at a local Walmart. Each child was given a $100 gift card to purchase gifts for their families and themselves. Riverside County sheriff’s deputies, who serve as law enforcement officers in Moreno Valley, and community service officers escorted the kids through the store.
A high school student in Moreno Valley was arrested after a teacher said he threatened to shoot her, and Sheriff’s deputies found a gun and ammunition in his home, the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department said Monday, Dec. 17.
While waiting to cover a candlelight vigil that lamented gun violence nationwide, I was chatting with a pawnshop security guard in Moreno Valley about the staggering number of gunfire-related wounds and deaths reported in some large Inland cities — and the even greater number of close calls that people seldom hear about.
The arraignment Monday, Dec. 17, for the three men accused of the shooting and robbery at a Moreno Valley jewelry store that led to the lockdown of Cal State Fullerton was postponed to Jan. 3.« go back — keep looking »


text:
It has already been announced that forwards coach Jonathan Humphreys will leave to take up an assistant role with Wales after the World Cup.
Speaking ahead of Glasgow's meeting with Ulster, head coach Dave Rennie told The Offside Line: "There's going to be a little bit of change in our coaching group and we'll announce it all together. That'll be in the near future, but we're very advanced.
"We're going to have a change because Mike Blair is going to go full-time with Scotland, he's going to go to the World Cup so that's a massive commitment. He spends a lot of time in their environment (already), he was away from us for nine weeks during the Six Nations and for five weeks in November, plus this year he's going to the World Cup, which is going to take up a lot of his time.
But I'm very happy with the coaching group - they're an outstanding bunch of men who work hard and are doing a great job. They're a good team.
"Mike is an excellent young coach, who has plenty of energy and a really good knowledge of the game. It's been great having him here but this is great opportunity for him beyond us too. I've no doubt he'll end up in the national scene, but that he may come back to club footy at some stage. His contribution has been really appreciated, so he has a couple of months of focus left yet."

domain: news


text:
The art or practice of taking and processing photographs,
The art or practice of taking and processing photographs
the act of taking and printing photographs
the process of producing images of objects on photosensitive surfaces
(photograph) a representation of a person or scene in the form of a print or transparent slide; recorded by a camera on light-sensitive material
(photographic) relating to photography or obtained by using photography; "photographic equipment"
(photographic) representing people or nature with the exactness and fidelity of a photograph
Photography is the process, activity and art of creating still or moving pictures by recording radiation on a radiation-sensitive medium, such as a photographic film, or an electronic sensor. Photography uses foremost radiation in the UV, visible and near-IR spectrum. ...
The science of photography refers to the use of science, such as chemistry and physics, in all aspects of photography. ...
(Photograph (Ariel Rivera album)) Photograph is the third album by Philippine singer, Ariel Rivera. The album was released three years after his second due to his acting career. It features the hits, "Narito Ako" and "I Must Have Loved You".
(Photograph (Def Leppard song)) "Photograph" is a 1983 single by British hard rock band Def Leppard from their album Pyromania. It was written as a tribute to the late actress Marilyn Monroe, as singer Joe Elliott often stated before playing the song live onstage. ...
(Photograph (Ringo Starr song)) "Photograph" is a song written by Ringo Starr and George Harrison. It was released by Starr as a single on 5 October 1973, reaching number eight and number one in the UK and U.S. singles charts, respectively. ...
(Photograph (Weezer song)) "Photograph" is the third and final single from Weezer's self-titled third album. "Photograph" was actually released as the first single off the album in Japan instead of "Hash Pipe. ...
(Photograph) an image or picture made by exposing light sensitive film with a camera.
(PHOTOGRAPH) A product produced by printing film negatives on paper through a photochemical process.
(PHOTOGRAPH) Memories; a longing for the past; wanting to be remembered or noticed; wanting things to stay the same; your self-image or the image you have of others; the way you see things / If taking a photo: Developing awareness; taking notice of something; events that you want to distance ...
(Photograph) An Image formed on a base material through the action of light on a sensitized emulsion and produced by means of chemical steps.
(Photograph) An image of a magical scene, automatically and necessarily produced and distributed by a programmed apparatus in the course of a game depending on chance, and whose symbols make the viewer receptive to an improbable behavior.
(photograph) A comment you make to another person when you observe them behaving in a way that is mechanical, lacking in conscious awareness, or against the aims of the school.
(PHOTOGRAPHER) One of Kevin’s core passions. Photos by Kevin.
(Photographer) A person who takes pictures professionally of people, places and things.
(Photographer) Tiger Tom (Tom Lord)
(Photographer) our collective term to describe people that use film, digital or video cameras (camcorders), binoculars, telescopes and other related audio visual equipment.
(Photographer) took a series of what they call as “the lord of scents” photoshoot. I only had one photo of myself from the said shoot. And of course, the almighty group shots. Thank God Lyndon was there to take a photo of us, me ACTUALLY included.
(The photographer) photographs the model in artistic themes that relate to the clothing promoted. The model uses their face and body to express different emotions required. High fashion is typical for work on campaigns, collections and magazine editorials for high fashion designers. ...
(“Photographer”) means Krystle Woodgate trading as Royal K Photography, or any person directly employed by Krystle Woodgate for the purposes of undertaking the services agreed in the Booking Form, but not including persons to whom work has been subcontracted;
A photographer usually takes photographs of the outfits worn by fashion models to be used in magazines, newspapers, or advertisements.


After browsing many pictures of Wabi Kusas
and other people's emmersed set ups of many aquatic plants I have decided to start my own emersed project. My goal was to create a nice natural looking scape - A little corner of a jungle in my room.
Regular potting soil spread out on top of an inch thick layer of gravel. Soil depth varies from several inches towards the back to much shallower in the front.
Tank sits under a window where it receives direct sunlight for an hour or two and then indirect light for the rest of the day. Will this be enough or should I supplement with artificial lighting?
Stones and wood gathered locally. Tried to use aquascaping techniques.
Tank is covered with plastic to keep in humidity in. Not sure what the exact humidity is but it's pretty wet and none of the plants have dried out. There is much condensation on the glass. I would like to eventually replace the plastic wrap with a custom cut piece of plexiglass for a more aesthetically pleasing look.
Hygrophilia Corymbosa Stricta
Not shown are tiny cuttings of Ludwigia Repens
and Ceratopteris thalictroides
The Ludwigia, Water Sprite, and Java moss were all clippings from my riparium. I wasnt sure if the moss would be okay in this type of set up so I only used half of my java moss clippings so as to not risk losing it all. If it seems to be doing well I will add the rest in at some point in the future. I hope it will carpet.
The Anubias and Hygro were bought at the pet store growing in those plastic tubes. Since these plants were already in their emersed form I figured they shouldn't struggle too much to adapt to the terrarium.


text:
I take a skeptical view of energy sources like wind, solar, and nuclear. There is a very readable environmentalist account of some incisive research on the question at http://www.nebraskapress.unl.edu/supplements/excerpts/Spring%2012/9..., from www.greenillusions.org.
Boring, middle-aged guy from a college town in Oregon here.
From St. Louis here too Nikki!! (South City specifically, grew up on the Illinois side in Granite City.) Welcome!!!
Hey Yall, im in Beaumont Texas
South Central Texas, born, and raised.
I'm from Colombia, and I'm living now in Barranquilla.
Atheist come out and play.
Louisiana born and raised.
namibia-africa , thinkers cant un-think themselves ;)
Late as hell to this discussion, but i rep inner city Connecticut.
Boston area, Massachusetts


text:
President of the Senate, Dr. Ahmad Lawan, has called on Nigerian leaders to unite against criminality stemming from the activities of bandits and kidnappers, as well as resist the antics of divisive elements bent on instigating inter-ethnic tensions across the country.
According to him, “Insurgency, Banditry, Kidnapping and Militancy remain serious threats to a secured and safe Nigeria”, adding that they are challenges which require the collaborative effort of the Legislature and Executive to tackle.
Lawan made this known in a speech delivered on Tuesday during plenary to welcome lawmakers back from the Christmas/New Year recess.
The Senate President, while appealing to Nigerians for calm in view of the recent inter-tribal agitations and conflicts in some states in the southwestern part of the country, described the development as “worrisome” and one that requires the immediate intervention of political leaders.
“Distinguished Colleagues, the very recent emergence of inter-ethnic and inter–tribal conflicts in some parts of our Country is worrisome. The Senate calls for calm. The situation also calls for leadership at all levels of government.
“Leaders must unite to fight and defeat criminality in the Country. Leaders must also unite to fight any divisive and centrifugal sentiments, and tendencies,” he said.
Lawan while emphasising the need for legislative interventions to douse the heightening inter-ethnic tension in the country, disclosed that the National Assembly would collaborate with all tiers of government towards finding a lasting solution to the problem.
His words: “Political leaders are problem solvers. As parliamentarians we should search for possible legislations to address the issues that tend to create tensions amongst our people.
“We are going to consult and partner with all arms and tiers of governments, in our quest to finding lasting solutions to these ugly developments.”
The Senate President also appealed to Nigerians to ensure the responsible use of various social media platforms in a way that fosters unity and dissuades strife and conflict.
“Let me take the opportunity to appeal to citizens to always use the Social Media for enhancing Unity and brotherhood amongst Nigerians.
“Surely, the Social Media platforms can play very positive roles of engendering understanding amongst our diverse people,” Lawan stressed.
Gov. Matawalle vows to arrest sponsors of banditry in Zamfara
Governor Bello Mohammed Matawalle of Zamfara State has vowed that he would arrest any politician who enters the state with the intention to use thugs to ferment trouble.
According to him, there is nobody that can claim to be above the law of the land, vowing that he had drawn a battle line with the enemies of peace in the State.
Governor Matawalle disclosed this at the Government House in Gusau, the state capital when the Nigeria Governors’ Forum’s delegation led by Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State visited him over the release of 279 school girls in Zamfara State kidnapped last Friday.
“These power drunk politicians cannot stay in Abuja, Kaduna or anywhere in Nigeria and be instigating crisis and be sponsoring terrorism in the state, killing thousands of innocent citizens of the state for selfish interest,” he warned.
The Governor cautioned that nobody is a sacred cow or untouchable, stressing that he is now in charge of the affairs of Zamfara State, challenging any of the politicians to dare him and see the consequences.
It could be recalled that on Sunday when the Federal Government delegation visited him at the Government House, the governor said that many people would be surprised when the sponsors of banditry would be exposed.
The governor maintained that many prominent personalities were solidly behind banditry in the State and that their sins would soon find them out.
Insecurity: Northern elders sponsoring Boko Haram, banditry, others – Ibegbu alleges
Chuks Ibegbu, former deputy publicity Secretary, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has said that Boko Haram terrorists, armed bandits who carry out kidnapping for ransom and other forms of crimes, are being sponsored by Northern elders.
According to him, the northern elders he did not name, were sponsoring the criminal activities to make Nigeria ungovernable.
Ibegbu, who is the chairman of board of trustees of the World Igbo People’s Assembly, WIPAS, said that the sponsors continue to benefit from ransoms being paid by victims and from other illegal businesses as criminal activities grow rapidly in the country.
According to him, President Muhammadu Buhari had sympathy for these Northern elders before becoming President of the country, adding that for this reason, he (Buhari) does not want to clamp down on them.
In a statement he signed and made available to reporters on Tuesday, he sternly warned the government and Northern leaders against negotiating with bandits who now run riot in the North, as doing so will embolden them to do worse things.
“Some Northern leaders are sponsoring kidnapping and banditry in the North to make Nigeria ungovernable.
“The heat is now on the president and he is frustrated over the matter.
“Yes, during the Jonathan time, Buhari had sympathy for those plotting to make Nigeria ungovernable but he did not know that the wind sown then will now turn into a whirlwind and haunt them,” he added in the statement.

domain: politics


Chavez Suffers New Complications after Cancer Surgery
Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez has suffered "new complications" after his cancer surgery in Cuba, his Vice President, Nicolas Maduro, has said.
Maduro, as cited by the BBC News, said in a statement that Chavez continued to be in a "delicate state."
Chavez, 58, underwent his fourth cancer operation on December 11 in Cuba but suffered a respiratory infection.
Without going into details about Chavez's condition, Venezuela's Vice President said that the latest complications were connected to the respiratory infection.
Hugo Chavez, who won another six-year term in office at the presidential elections in October, is to be sworn in for another six-year term in office as President on January 10.
Government officials, however, have suggested he might not return in time for his inauguration.
Under Venezuela's constitution, if Chavez cannot take office on January 10 and his absence is deemed "absolute" (death, resignation or an incapacitating illness), new elections must be held within 30 days.
- » Romania, US to Launch Observation Flights over Russia, Belarus
- » Greek Civil Servants to Stage Strike in Athens
- » Hamas Agrees to New 24-Hour Ceasefire in Gaza
- » Israel Resumes Gaza Offensive after Hamas Rocket Attacks
- » Russia's Foreign Ministry Slams New EU Sanctions
- » EU Imposes Sanctions on Russian Intelligence Chiefs


text:
Lords of Lockdown By Anurag Kashyap and Navin Shetty
When Covid-19 first appeared, it dealt a devastating blow to hundreds of millions of individuals in India and around the world, resulting in widespread lockdowns. A few people were battling for their lives, others were battling for their livelihoods, and most were just trying to make it through the day. Hunger is an issue in India that is rarely talked about but was brought to light in a terrible way by the lockdown situation.
Co-produced by Anurag Kashyap and Navin Shetty and directed by Mihir Fadnavis, Lords of Lockdown is a feature-length documentary that recounts how India breathed throughout the pandemic's six-month lockdown. In addition to heartbreaking anecdotes from the lockdown, the film includes real-time footage from the time of the lockdown itself.
On May 7, the film had its world premiere at the New York Indian Film Festival, a moment to be celebrated with great pride.
During the pandemic, four individuals from various backgrounds played key roles in the film's story: Ruben Mascarenhas from Khaana Chahiye, journalist Rana Ayyub from the Washington Post, Indian Railways Inspector General AK Singh, and urogynecologist Dr. Aparna Hegde. The huge exodus of migrant workers on foot is a tragedy of tragic proportions that each of them discusses in their own unique way.
"It was a visceral experience," says director Mihir. "Thanks to the support of both my producers, Anurag Kashyap and Navin Shetty, we were able to make something thought-provoking and certainly unique," he adds. “I'm hoping that those who see the film will be moved by the turmoil we experienced while filming it.”
Additionally, the film aims to raise awareness of the importance for Hindus and Muslims to coexist in a time of rising communal tensions. In the midst of it all, Mumbai is completely cut off from the rest of the world.


text:
Beautiful Sané got married on the coldest day in the history of Augusts but still looked absolutely radiant in her custom designed Wishbone & Ivory capped sleeved wedding dress. She wanted a boatneck, capped sleeved wedding dress with an open back. She also wanted 3D lace flower appliques on the sleeves and back of her wedding dress. We added the most precious hand made lace flowers that was on her grandmothers’ wedding dress onto her dress. It gave the dress such a special touch.
Photos by Gutsch Photography
Our Wishbone & Ivory wedding dresses start from R15,000 and are made to measure, which means it is made from scratch according to the brides specific measurements which ensures the perfect fit. You can view some of our beautiful Wishbone & Ivory Real Brides Here for your own wedding dress inspiration. We need at least 6 months lead time before your big day to make your Wishbone & Ivory wedding dress from scratch. Book your appointment with us around the 8 month out mark for the best time frame.
Click here to book your private bridal fitting with us today to try on our wedding dresses by Wishbone & Ivory. You can choose from a Weekday Fitting or a Saturday Fitting. All our fittings are private. This means you and your bridal party have our studio to yourselves for the duration of the fitting. Our consultations are 1 hour long and you will have your own professional Bridal Consultant who will show you and advise you on all the available wedding dress styles to try on. Please note that all fittings are by appointment only.


text:
by Rebecca Boyer
I am loving photo/art collection walls right now. They seem to be popping up everywhere. I think they are far more appealing and personal than a piece of generic artwork. Besides, if you have a large wall, finding one piece that is the right scale can be both difficult and cost prohibitive.
There are undefined, collective walls with an assortment of types of art, photos and memorabilia.
Galleries that make you smile.
And three dimensional collections that hold little things.
Galleries that fill awkward spaces.
And galleries that curve.
I find I'm most attracted to collections that are more linear and evenly spaced.
And of course, all of that inspiration ends up on a scrapbook page! My own version of a gallery wall.
Have you created a papercrafting goody using collection walls as your inspiration? Show us!


New To HF?
RFI Tips and
HT Antenna Modification For Increased Performance!
Edited and re-written from an article entitled
"Getting the Most from Your Hand-Held Transceiver"
C. Edward Harris, KE4SKY, AEC Fairfax ARES
Also see the HT performance mod by N6JSX at the end of this article for lots more ideas!
When limited to "barefoot" operation, with a "rubber duck", HT antennas are not very efficient nor adequate for communications. They fail miserably as an effective radiator due to their design! They are nothing more than an extended dummy load acting as an antenna!
The following modification will help you to make the most of your HT by increasing the factory antenna's efficiency and the cost is just a piece of wire!
FACTS ABOUT HT ANTENNAS
The National Bureau of Standards tests of Public Safety high band and amateur 2-meter antennas indicate that a "rubber duck" has -5db, "negative gain" compared to a quarter wave held at face level. In terms of effective radiated power (ERP), this means that a 5 watt HT with rubber duck, radiates only 1 watt. Operating an HT on your belt results in another -20db attenuation, reducing ERP to 50 milliwatts! That's 1/20 of one watt!
UHF results are no better...
Due to the design of the factory installed HT antenna, you are effectively missing half of the antenna!
MODIFY THAT HT ANTENNA FOR BETTER RESULTS
Get ready to use that scrap of wire you have in your junk box!
A simple, inexpensive and effective method to improve a "rubber duck" antenna is by adding an external counterpoise or "tiger tail" thereby adding the other "half".
It should be noted that if your HT is under warranty, the internal modification may void that warranty...you have been warned!
Adding the other missing "half":
You can easily build one from a quarter-wave piece, (about 19.5" on 2m, 11.5" for 220 and 6.5" for 440), of stranded insulated wire, crimped and soldered to a battery clip or use a small spring tension clip that will fit the BNC antenna connector with the wire attached to it. Use a clip or other connection that fits tightly but can be removed if needed. It must make both a good mechanical and electrical connection.
Another method would be to attach the end of the wire by soldering it to a grounded portion of the circuit board inside the HT, although this may not be practical with some models, or any point that is at ground potential on the HT such as the "ground" side of an external speaker/headphone jack, the BNC connector at the antenna, or the Negative side of the battery terminal. The preferred location is at the factory antenna base at the BNC connector. If you have some other type of metal antenna connector the same applies.
Many of the newer models don't lend themselves to internal modifications easily. If the "rubber duck" antenna that came with the HT does not come off, then you will have to make the connection inside the HT to a grounded point. Extreme care must be taken to prevent shorting out other components! Use insulated wire. You may have to drill a small hole in the case for the exit point of the wire and tie a knot inside to provide strain relief. Each installation will be different. Use your own judgment and at your own risk!
Always reinforce the soldered connection with heat shrink tubing or tape to resist flex and shorting to other components if possible.
When the counterpoise, (the other half of the antenna), is clamped to the outer collar of the BNC connector on your HT antenna, it helps to prevent RF from coupling with your body, so your completed HT antenna "system" acts much like a center-fed dipole instead of an end-fed dummy load!
You just built a directional antenna and did not know it!
In marginal conditions, extending the counterpoise horizontally and pointing your hand to steer the radiation pattern where you need it, produces a dramatically stronger signal than letting it "droop" towards the ground. Experiment with the angle of the counterpoise to get the best results. In effect, you are creating a form of "V" type center fed vertical dipole with a bit of gain compared to just the factory installed antenna.
If you want to buy another HT antenna, rather than add the counterpoise described in this article, then it is recommended that you shop around. Don't be misled by the cheaper priced antennas. Buy from a reputable dealer that will answer your questions. Try to find an antenna with published gain figures compared to a dipole or 1/4 wave vertical. Don't expect Yagi or similar performance.have fun and get better performance than you were!
The N6JSX HT Antenna Modification
Easy HT Improvements
We all know OEM (original equipment manufacture) HT rubber-ducky antennas are a dismal compromise, at best, facetiously called "helical-dummy-loads".There are a few ways to improve your HT'ing distance and experience. First and foremost consider buying an after-market antenna, like the Diamond SRH77CA-SMA or RC77CA-BNC, or make a more economical full 1/4 wave BNC Brass Whip and add a Tail. I found my 2m Brass Whip to work well on 70cm too.
Second, is to improve the antenna's counterpoise; an HT body is a very poor counterpoise! A product I saw decades ago, called the "Tiger-Tail", seemed to have been the answer to this problem but it was just too easy for HAMs to reproduce, killing its sales. The Tail is a 1/4 wave + 5 percent


text:
Deneys Reitz in WWI/ Introduction. February 1, 2010Posted by Jenny in military history, World War One.
Tags: Deneys Reitz, First World War, Pat Barker, Paul Fussell, World War I
This is the introduction to a series. (See bottom for links to its parts.) There are two sides to it. One is that quite a few people are familiar with the exploits of Deneys Reitz in the Boer War,* but not so many know about his experiences in the exponentially larger conflict that started twelve years later—and these experiences deserve wider attention. The other side is that I’d like to present an alternative to the way of looking at WWI that has been in fashion for quite a few years.
Many people would agree that the war was caused by a series of errors and misjudgments, and that it was horrifying in the scale of its casualties—around 33 million total on both sides if you include the wounded and prisoners as well as deaths.
It is also easy to be dismayed by the nature of trench warfare on the Western Front, which is the part of the war that Anglo-Americans pay attention to. We have all seen pictures of the duckboards meandering through the bottomless mud, the skeletal trees, the corpses trapped on the barbed wire or rotting in the trenches. These things seem grotesque, and the chain of events that led to the war seems absurd. In the prevalent way of seeing the war, that is where we stop: with the grotesque and the absurd.
Ever since Vietnam, we Americans have seen wars that way. During the Sixties Vonnegut and Heller showed us how to see WWII as grotesque and absurd, in Slaughterhouse Five and Catch-22. We mostly ignore WWI, which left us nearly unscathed, but the British had their war poets and war writers to reread and reinterpret: Wilfred Owen, Siegfried Sassoon, Robert Graves, Edmund Blunden. Although many of their writings could not accurately be described as “anti-war,” this was the spin that was put on them in the late 20th century. The Anglophile American Paul Fussell wrote about these figures in The Great War and Modern Memory, and the British novelist Pat Barker incorporated Owen and Sassoon in her prize-winning trilogy, Regeneration.
The mood of these late 20th century works is sentimental beneath a brittle shell of irony. The courage of soldiers is presented in order to say that the courage was swallowed up by meaninglessness. We are meant to feel melancholy.
But reading Deneys Reitz on his experiences in WWI is far from a melancholy experience, even though he describes many scenes of death and devastation. His account is down-to-earth, detailed, and sometimes humorous. And it never has a trace of jingoism.
He was a born soldier, and his writing indirectly shows exactly what that means. He exercised individual competence within a broader frame that was under no one’s control. When the juggernaut of WWI finally stopped, the western world was nearly unrecognizable. New states were formed, colonies redistributed, monarchies toppled, republics created, economies wrecked, populations shifted. This to me seems not so much an occasion for the wringing of hands as an example of the geological weight, the astronomical scope, of history.
But how can the experience of one soldier be weighed against the whole war? I’ll come back to this question at the end of the series.
* For a bit of background, click on the “Boer War” and “Transvaal Citizen” page tabs above.
10 – Two kinds of courage
12 – The loss of a friend
14 – Conclusion


text:
5 Strategies for making money when buying property at Auction
Key Insights from industry expert David Sandeman
Auctions have always been seen as the place where great deals can be purchased, but how do you maximise your chance of getting one of the great deals and not spend it all chasing 'no hoper's'?
1. Auction House Location
Look for auction properties being offered by an auction house well outside their area especially if they are a regional auctioneer, they probably won’t have a big following in in that area, and if they don't, you will have less competition bidding on the lot. Search upcoming auctions
2. Unusual Property Type
Look for a lot type not normally offered by that auctioneer, if they are say predominately a commercial auctioneer and they have a residential lot (outside their area even better) then again, they might have less interest in the lot than a residential auctioneer located in the town.
3. Offers Pror to Auction
If you see a property you like the look of, try an offer prior to auction. It will normally have to at least be at 'guide plus'. If accepted you will be under pressure to attend the auctioneer's office to exchange contracts. Before you do that, you will need to be completely comfortable with the legal and physical condition of the property and happy to exchange and whilst doing this due diligence, the vendor could change their mind for whatever reason, so don’t delay.
The benefit of buying prior is that if you are successful you would have carried out your due diligence and secured the property at a price that is good for you with the certainty of not being outbid at the auction.
4. Withdrawn Lots
On average about 8% of all lots are withdrawn, this could be because the vendor no longer needs to sell it or the legal documents are not available or it was offered vacant and the tenant has not left, or a million and one other reasons. If you see a property you like (and our site will advise you of them) and it is withdrawn ask the auctioneer why and register your interest. It may be the reasons it was withdrawn will be sorted out soon, but not before the auction and the auctioneer may well call you when the issue is resolved to offer it to you without the competition of a later auction.
5. Unsold lots
Currently 25% of all lots don't sell at auctions. So lets consider the vendors position: He put it to auction so is probably a motivated vendor. He didn't sell it prior, and he didn't sell it in the room. Where is he going to go? If you show interest in it he will definitely want to have a discussion with you via the auctioneer about you buying it, try an offer based on the Guide Price, you can always go up. Search unsold lots
The best way forward
Firstly, you need access to eigpropertyauctions.co.uk, as this is the only site with information on virtually every lot coming to auction and the price achieved for those already offered. In a nutshell, without the knowledge you will get from our website you will be in the dark. You will not have full visibility of what is coming up for sale and you will not know what similar properties have sold for.
With access to our site you will have the full picture!
Experience your FREE no obligation EIG trial now, call us to get started: 01737 226150

domain: finance


text:
Which arteries leave directly from the aorta?Asked by: John Rau
Score: 4.7/5 (10 votes)
Three vessels come out of the aortic arch: the brachiocephalic artery, the left common carotid artery, and the left subclavian artery. These vessels supply blood to the head, neck, thorax and upper limbs.
Which artery leaves directly from the aorta?
Bronchial arteries: Paired visceral branches arising laterally to supply bronchial and peribronchial tissue and visceral pleura. However, most commonly, only the paired left bronchial artery arises directly from the aorta whilst the right branches off usually from the third posterior intercostal artery.
What arteries come off the aorta?
The abdominal aorta runs from the diaphragm and ends just above the pelvis, where it divides into the iliac arteries. There are five arteries that branch from the abdominal aorta: the celiac artery, the superior mesenteric artery, the inferior mesenteric artery, the renal arteries and the iliac arteries.
What artery does blood go to after the aorta?
The heart receives its own supply of blood from a network of arteries, called the coronary arteries. Two major coronary arteries branch off from the aorta near the point where the aorta and the left ventricle meet: Right coronary artery supplies the right atrium and right ventricle with blood.
What is the first artery off the aorta?
The first branch of the aorta is normally the innominate artery, which is also referred to as the brachiocephalic trunk. Shortly after its origin, the innominate artery divides into the right subclavian and right common carotid arteries.
Arteries of the Thorax (Thoracic Aorta)
What side is the aorta on?
The aorta, normally on the left side of the body, may be found on the right in dextrocardia, in which the heart is found on the right, or situs inversus, in which the location of all organs are flipped.
Why is the aorta called the mother of all arteries?
Why is the Aorta Important? The aorta is important because it gives the body access to the oxygen-rich blood it needs to survive. The heart itself gets oxygen from arteries that come off the ascending aorta. The head (including the brain), neck and arms get oxygen from arteries that come off the aortic arch.
Which side of the heart pumps harder?
The left ventricle supplies most of the heart's pumping power, so it's larger than the other chambers and essential for normal function. In left-sided or left ventricular (LV) heart failure, the left side of the heart must work harder to pump the same amount of blood.
What chamber does blood come from to enter the aorta?
The oxygenated blood is brought back to the heart by the pulmonary veins which enter the left atrium. From the left atrium blood flows into the left ventricle. The left ventricle pumps the blood to the aorta which will distribute the oxygenated blood to all parts of the body.
What is the largest artery found in the body?
The largest artery is the aorta, the main high-pressure pipeline connected to the heart's left ventricle. The aorta branches into a network of smaller arteries that extend throughout the body. The arteries' smaller branches are called arterioles and capillaries.
Why is pressure in the aorta always high?
If the aorta were a rigid tube, the pulse pressure would be very high. Because the aorta is compliant, as blood is ejected into the aorta, the walls of the aorta expand to accommodate the increase in blood volume.
What are the symptoms of a blocked artery in the stomach?
Sudden, complete blockage of the superior mesenteric artery causes severe abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting and is a medical emergency. Initially, most people with such a blockage vomit and feel an urgent need to have a bowel movement.
Which artery is the widow maker?
The widow-maker is a massive heart attack that occurs when the left anterior descending artery (LAD) is totally or almost completely blocked. The critical blockage in the artery stops, usually a blood clot, stops all the blood flow to the left side of the heart, causing the heart to stop beating normally.
How many arteries do you have in your heart?
There are two main coronary arteries – the left main coronary artery and the right coronary artery. The left main coronary artery divides into two branches called the left anterior descending (LAD) artery and the left circumflex artery.
Where is the aorta located in the abdomen?
The abdominal aorta enters the abdomen through the diaphragm at the level of the twelfth thoracic vertebre and continues to just below the umbilical area, where it splits into the right and left common iliac arteries. The aorta supplies oxygenated blood to most of the body.
Which artery connects the heart to the lungs?
In the lungs, the pulmonary arteries (in blue) carry unoxygenated blood from the heart into the lungs. Throughout the body, the arteries (in red) deliver oxygenated blood and nutrients to all of the body's tissues, and the veins (in blue) return oxygen-poor blood back to the heart.
How does blood go back to the heart?
Blood Flow Through the Heart
Oxygen-poor blood returns from the body to the heart through the superior vena cava (SVC) and inferior vena cava (IVC), the two main veins that bring blood back to the heart. The oxygen-poor blood enters the right atrium (RA), or the right upper chamber of the heart.
Which vein is the only vein that carries oxygen-rich blood?
The pulmonary veins bring oxygen-rich blood to the left atrium. The aorta carries oxygen-rich blood to the body from the left ventricle.
What 3 foods cardiologists say to avoid?
- Sugar, Salt, Fat. Over time, high amounts of salt, sugar, saturated fat, and refined carbs raise your risk for a heart attack or stroke. ...
- Bacon. ...
- Red Meat. ...
- Soda. ...
- Baked Goods. ...
- Processed Meats. ...
- White Rice, Bread, and Pasta. ...
Is your heart more left or right?
Your heart is in middle of your chest, in between your right and left lung. It is, however, tilted slightly to the left.
Which side of the heart fails first?
Generally, heart failure begins with the left side, specifically the left ventricle — your heart's main pumping chamber.
What is the difference between the aorta and the abdominal aorta?
Abdominal aorta: The abdominal aorta is the final section of the aorta, the largest artery in the body. It is a continuation of the thoracic aorta. ... The aorta is one continuous conduit that arises out of the left ventricle of the heart to carry blood to the body.
Is the aorta considered a coronary artery?
The aorta (the main blood supplier to the body) branches off into two main coronary blood vessels (also called arteries). These coronary arteries branch off into smaller arteries, which supply oxygen-rich blood to the entire heart muscle. The right coronary artery supplies blood mainly to the right side of the heart.
What happens if the aorta is damaged?
Possible complications of aortic dissection include: Death due to severe internal bleeding. Organ damage, such as kidney failure or life-threatening intestinal damage. Stroke.

domain: medical


Maryland lawmakers who scrambled to keep House of Cards from packing up and moving away this year may have a rerun on their hands next year.
Maryland officials have announced $10 million in state tax credits to help pay for restoration projects at 10 historic buildings.
While many Americans are aware of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and what may be in store in the near future, some are unaware of the longer term provisions still to come. Below is a […]
Comptroller Peter Franchot encouraged small businesses to take advantage of the tax credits under the Affordable Care Act on Monday morning at Howard County Community College.
The setting: a fourth-floor room in the House of Delegates office building on a bone-chilling January morning.
Maryland is designating an area around Woodlawn as an enterprise zone, where businesses that make property improvements and hire new workers can be eligible for income and property tax credits.
Spending money to make money. Governor Martin O’Malley made a personal pitch for lawmakers to approve a plan called Invest Maryland.
Changing lives with tax credits. Governor Martin O’Malley announces 10 projects that will benefit from an $11 million tax credit.


text:
There's magic in the air! And something else that smells a lot like … rainbow farts! The unicorn craze continues, with a rainbow scented and sighted twist, on this funny, magical B-Day card. A prancing white unicorn with a golden tail and mane is playfully pictured flying through the air with pink balloons propelled along by color spectrum-wide farts, against a light blue shaded background. Lettered in bright red, blue, green and purple, this mythically odiferous card will sweeten anyone's big special day.
- Funny, not offensive
- be aware of the sensitivities of the recipient


text:
There have been tons of books released over the last few years about the dangers and perils of the Bush Administration and their disastrous plan for American empire, but none has moved me to tears of anger and despair as What We’ve Lost, a powerful and massively detailed blow-by-blow account of the devastating effects of this current presidential administration. Written by Vanity Fair editor-in-chief and filmmaker Graydon Carter, this book is filled from cover to cover with facts, statistics, numbers and details about the way the Bush presidency has failed our children, destroyed our environment, crippled our economy, curtailed our Constitutional freedoms, mortgaged our economy, killed our soldiers and created a culture of hate, violence and religious-based power and greed that is unprecedented. This is not partisan bickering, but direct, truthful, fact-based research that needs no spin to point to the terrible truth the author suggests – that if we don’t wake up soon we will have lost the unthinkable. Integrity. Dignity. Privacy. Freedom.
Carter, who writes with a passion and clarity often missing from such Bush-bashing tomes, does the job of effectively presenting so many facts and documentations of the growing list of abuses of this presidency that it makes your head hurt even as it breaks you heart and brings you to your knees in despair. This painstaking account of how just four years can utterly destroy the basic goodness of our great nation is horrifying, and no more so than when the author lists the names of 833 soldiers who died in the Iraq war even as Mr. Bush himself was so arrogantly and disrespectfully claiming “Mission Accomplished.” These forgotten soldiers, whose own graves were not permitted to be photographed on orders of the Bush team, represent a growing number of the dead and dying at the hands of a very ruthless group of white, Southern Christian men who are now holding the fate of our courts, our environment and our children’s futures in their greedy, clenched fists.
The book covers everything from the bankrupt SuperFund toxic waste cleanup program, to the nearly bankrupt social security and Medicare funds, to the horrific wars and invasions prompted by this administration, mostly on false evidence and faulty intelligence, to the literal destruction of our environment and the leveling of our public school system in favor of Christian-based vouchers to the stolen elections and the news media’s complicity in covering up the truth.
Then there is the war against women, minorities and veterans, the ongoing battle of the right-wing judiciary to dismantle the Bill of Rights and roll back freedoms of speech, expression and personal privacy, and the battle to undo many of the laws that currently protect the disabled, children, domestic violence victims, rape victims and children who die from toxic waste in their neighborhoods. In fact, the most powerful punch this book makes, directly to the gut and heart, I might add, is the sheer level of hatefulness the Bush administration seems to feel toward regular working-class Americans, toward the poor, the less fortunate, the disabled and the struggling. This visceral hatred and disregard for basic human rights, and often for human life itself (despite claims of being “pro-life”) are detailed time and time again in this overpowering and often painful book.
Carter offers activists and freedom-seekers who believe in the truth and who wish to return America to its best and brightest self plenty of ammunition for the fight, especially in the chapter “The President By the Numbers,” which documents page after page of frightening and eye-opening facts, statistics and figures that truly show just how damaging this current president and his team of neo-conservative empire-seekers have been on the most precious things we hold dear. Things like good schools for our kids, affordable health care, a clean environment, violence-free streets, respect abroad, a government we can trust, corporations that give and not just take, freedom to be who we are, to speak our minds and not be arrested and imprisoned for simply attending a peaceful protest. Things like personal privacy, the right to own our own bodies, the right to love who we love. The right to worship as we choose.
What We’ve Lost is the most difficult book I have read in a long time, because it tells the bold and stark truth and it backs it up with research, fact and evidence that only the most dysfunctional among us could continue to deny. That is what is so scary, though: that so many millions will continue to refuse to look at these facts and deny the damage already done, much of which can never be reversed.
Still, all is not despair, for just having a book like this that educates is empowering and motivating. Those who are not afraid to look truth in the face will find in this book a reason to keep on fighting the good fight, this time armed with plenty of solid research to back up their battles.


text:
Got 2 of them before going on a vacation with my sister. People kept asking where we got them from. So convenient I can’t remember how I got along before getting this.
Great quality crossbody, good length. Overall I'm very pleased.
Love it! Get ready to be stopped by strangers ha ha ha
Its like having two straps in one! The strap looks great reversed as well with a more simple stud design. The quality is top notch. The strap is surprisingly comfortable considering the chain detailing and the thickness of it. If you have the Gold iPhone 12 Pro model you will love this one! Looks so beautiful together. You'll love it!!
I get compliments on the style and Convenience everywhere I go !!


Kim Kardashian and Kanye West’s third child arrived on Monday, Jan. 15, at 12:47 a.m., and was delivered via surrogate. The new addition joins older siblings North, 4, and Saint, 2.
Kim confirmed the news on her website, writing, “Kanye and I are happy to announce the arrival of our healthy, beautiful baby girl. We are incredibly grateful to our surrogate who made our dreams come true with the greatest gift one could give and to our wonderful doctors and nurses for their special care. North and Saint are especially thrilled to welcome their baby sister.”
The baby weighed 7 pounds, 6 ounces at birth. In comparison, Saint weighed 8 pounds, 1 ounce, while North weighed 4 pounds, 15 ounces (Kimye’s firstborn arrived about five weeks early). The beauty mogul previously revealed that her placenta accreta, the potentially life-threatening condition she suffered through during both of her pregnancies, was one of the reasons she opted to use a surrogate for baby No. 3.
Leave a Reply


text:
Lynk & Co Cyan Racing enters four cars for the 2024 KUMHO FIA TCR World Tour
Reigning world champion team Lynk & Co Cyan Racing has entered four Lynk & Co 03 TCR race cars of the latest generation for the 2024 KUMHO FIA TCR Wo...
Viktor Andersson aims high in TCR Europe with new Lynk & Co 03 TCR
Young talent Viktor Andersson will be back in TCR Europe and is aiming high for the 2024 season, with team MA:GP having bought a new Lynk & Co 03 TCR.
Victory for Ashley Seward Motorsport at Symmons Plains
Ashley Seward Motorsport has taken home a fresh batch of silverware in the latest rounds of TCR Australia.
Lynk & Co Cyan Racing crowned World Champions in Macau
Lynk & Co Cyan Racing were crowned team World Champions in the 2023 TCR World Tour season finale - the ninth World Title of the Swedish outfit in just se...
Shell Teamwork Lynk & Co Racing crowned TCR China teams' champions in Macau
Shell Teamwork Lynk & Co Racing secured the teams' title in an epic season finale at the Guia circuit in Macau, with the efforts from all five drivers ZH...
Tom Oliphant closes TCR Australia campaign with Bathurst adventure
Tom Oliphant has ended his maiden season in the Supercheap Auto TCR Australia Series as the 2023 rookie champion after a battling performance during the much...
Lynk & Co Cyan Racing claims sixth touring car World Title at Bathurst
Lynk & Co Cyan Racing claimed the 2023 TCR World Tour teams’ title following a victorious weekend at legendary Bathurst in Australia, the team’s sixth to...
Tom Oliphant fights through to brilliant Sydney top ten
Tom Oliphant produced one of his most impressive drives in the Supercheap Auto TCR Australia Series so far as he charged through the field from 23rd to seven...
Lynk & Co Cyan Racing keeps in title fights after intense first Australian weekend
Lynk & Co Cyan Racing fought through three tough races in the first of two back-to-back KUMHO TCR World Tour race weekends in Australia to salvage vital ...
Ma Qing Hua wins and Jason Zhang takes a podium at Zhuzhou
Ma Qing Hua took a brilliant victory on his one-off return in the TCR China Touring Car Championship this weekend at Zhuzhou, while a second-place on Saturda...


June 28, 2011
Koch Pipeline Company, L.P. received final shareholder approval to build a 20-inch crude oil pipeline between Pettus and Corpus Christi, Texas to move Eagle Ford production. The line, which is nearing permit and right-of-way acquisition conclusion, is expected to be complete next summer.
“With this line, Koch Pipeline ultimately will have the capability to move 250,000 barrels-per-day of Eagle Ford production from the Karnes County area to the Corpus Christi-area,” said Kim Penner, Koch Pipeline president.
The line’s completion will coincide with the updates to affiliate Flint Hills Resources’ Ingleside, Texas terminal that will have the capacity to ship up to 200,000 barrels per day of production via barge to other Gulf Coast markets.
With this new pipeline, and the other investments Koch Pipeline has made in terminals, lines and lease agreements with other companies, the company will have increased transportation capability into Corpus Christi and Ingleside to more than 350,000 barrels per day.
“We have quickly responded to producers’ needs to move crude oil and condensate to market. A key focus for the immediate future will be to help producers move their crude oil and condensate more efficiently by expanding gathering systems and connecting them to this new trunk line and our existing pipelines,” Penner said.
Koch Pipeline is nearing completion of a short line in the Ingleside area to tie in existing systems, and expects to complete construction on a 16-inch line from Helena, Texas, to Pettus in the fourth quarter.
The company is the largest transporter of South Texas crude oil
Get updates right in your inbox.
Stay up to date with all the news from Koch.


text:
20 Games Like Best of Board Games()
For 3-8 Players and an Audience of thousands!
The team behind the hit party games YOU DON’T KNOW JACK, Fibbage, and Drawful presents Quiplash, the laugh-a-minute battle of wits and wittiness! Use your phone or tablet to answer simple prompts like “Something you’d be surprised to see a donkey do” or “The worst soup flavor: Cream of _____.”
No rules, no correct answers! Say whatever you want!
Your answer is pitted against another player’s answer in a head-to-head clash of cleverness and comedy (or just “Which answer is least stupid?”). Other players – and even an Audience of people waiting to get in the next game – then vote for their favorite answer.
Quiplash is a go-to party game that everyone can play and enjoy!
73 / 10043.65
The biggest and fourthiest addition to this storied party game franchise features the blanking fun sequel Fibbage 3 and its new game mode, Fibbage: Enough About You; the web-based frame game Survive the Internet; the spooky date-a-thon Monster Seeking Monster; the deranged debate match Bracketeering; and the one-up art game Civic Doodle. Use your phones or tablets as controllers and play with up to 16 players, plus an audience of up to 10,000!
73 / 10013.65
The team behind the hit party games Fibbage, Quiplash, and YOU DON’T KNOW JACK presents Drawful 2, the game of terrible drawings and hilariously wrong answers!
You use your phone or tablet to draw weird and funny things like “pitcher of nachos” or “death by trombone.” The other players type in what they think the (probably terrible) drawing is and those become the multiple-choice wrong answers. Then everyone - even an audience of potentially thousands – tries to guess the REAL answer.
Drawful 2 is a go-to party game that everyone can play and enjoy!
70 / 10033.5
In Truth or Lies, which is set for release this fall, players join family and friends in a roundtable style game play answering an astonishing array of thought-provoking questions. Utilizing a proprietary voice calibration system that works in conjunction with either the Xbox 360 Wireless Microphone or USB microphone, Truth or Lies measures stress levels in a player's voice to reveal the honesty of their answers.
The threequel to the party game phenomenon features the deadly quiz show Trivia Murder Party, the say-anything sequel Quiplash 2, the surprising survey game Guesspionage, the t-shirt slugfest Tee K.O., and the sneaky trickster game Fakin’ It.
90 / 10094.5
This collection includes five same-room multiplayer party games.
A trivia game YOU DON’T KNOW JACK 2015 (1-4 players).
A bluffing game Fibbage XL (2-8 players), with over 50% more questions added to the original hit game Fibbage.
A drawing game Drawful (3-8 players).
Word Spud (2-8 players).
Lie Swatter (1-100 players).
Players play using their phones, tablets, or computers as controllers.
87 / 10064.35
Shock Tactics is inspired by the space western style of Firefly and games like Jagged Alliance and X-COM. The game is set on an ancient alien homeworld, procedurally generated each time you start a new game. Shock Tactics will be released later this year on Steam for PC and be available as a digital download.
As the commander of a Strike Team, fighting for the Space Pioneers, you are the trailblazer for the first wave of explorers on a harsh and ancient alien homeworld. Other powers are trying to uncover the secrets of the planet, the ruthless Mega-Cooperation “Consortium” has already sent their mercenary forces – future conflicts are inevitable.
Your first task is to establish a base of operations, gather resources and expand your base in order to research advanced weapons or healing facilities. Lead your strike team into intense and tactically demanding turn-based fights and choose from a large variety of different skills and tactics.
Order drone strikes or demand emergency reinforcements from an orbital dropship, use explosives, cloaking devices, or even short-range teleportation. Between combat, explore the procedurally generated planet, find alien artifacts and learn how to use them, unlock unique abilities for your fellow soldiers and expand your territory to gain control over the new world.
50 / 10002.5
The Horus Heresy: Betrayal at Calth is a tactical-turn-based strategy game based on Games Workshop’s fan-favorite Betrayal at Calth board game set during the era of Horus Heresy. Gameplay includes a single player campaign and multiplayer PvP skirmish mode, both can be experienced either on PC or in Virtual Reality.
70 / 10003.5
Hello Neighbor is a stealth horror game about sneaking into your neighbor's house to figure out what horrible secrets he's hiding in the basement. You play against an advanced AI that learns from your every move. Really enjoying climbing through that backyard window? Expect a bear trap there. Sneaking through the front door? There'll be cameras there soon. Trying to escape? The Neighbor will find a shortcut and catch you.
82 / 10094.1
Sid Meier's Civilization is a turn-based strategy computer game created by Sid Meier for MicroProse in 1991.The game's objective is "...to build an empire that would stand the test of time". The game begins in 4000 BC, and the players attempt to expand and develop their empires through the ages until modern and near-future times. It is also known simply as Civilization.
93 / 100444.65
Watch Pretty Girls go wild in the all-new “Mahjong Solitaire”.
Find pairs of tiles to delete them.
Delete all tiles before time runs out to clear a round.
Once you make it to the third round, a girl in a sexy costume begins to reveal herself as you delete tiles...
As you clear stages, the girls get sexier and sexier!
80 / 10004.0
Warlords III: Reign of Heroes is a turn-based strategy game set in a fantasy universe.
The Selentine Empire has been overrun by undead and a number of warlords are fighting to determine who will control what remains of the world. Players must build armies to conquer cities and overwhelm their opponents. The game features 84 different unit types, each of which has different combat strengths, and movement points.
Players can use the random map generator to play single games, there are 12 stand-alone game scenarios, plus a campaign mode. Diplomacy is possible and the user can choose from a range of different victory conditions: Last Warlord Standing, Most Cities, Most Victory Points, Most Money.
With 100 All-time Favorites, you can rediscover your favorite classics. Choose among a great variety of board games, card games and puzzles. Have fun with your family and friends or simply take a moment to have fun and relax while playing alone.
The game is based on the board game Borderlands by Eon Productions (best known for their highly acclaimed board game, Cosmic Encounter), and was marketed with the slogan "Better than Risk!" to identify it as a global conquest game similar to Risk. It proved to be one of EA's best-selling titles of 1986. GameSpy awarded Lords of Conquest a "Gotcha" award as one of the top games of its era.
You and your opponent start by selecting countries in turn from a map. This can be randomly generated based on requested numbers of countries and volumes of water, chosen from one of the 19 predefined ones, or created using the built-in editor.
Your army possesses infantry, cavalry and a water fleet. Natural or produced resources such as gold and iron are identified - countries containing these might be the best ones to invade.You can play at 4 skill levels, and decide how big a factor luck is. With calculations settled by the computer, players can concentrate on the power games.

domain: game


Shippers who hoped the advent of big new fuel-efficient container ships would cut their fuel surcharges are being disappointed.
Those big new ships burn substantially less fuel than smaller ships, but most carriers are keeping their bunker surcharges at levels prevailing for the smaller ships, according to Drewry Maritime Research.
“Bunker surcharges should, proportionately, have been reducing faster than fuel prices because of the deployment of more efficient ships, but this does not appear to have happened for most carriers,” Drewry said in its weekly Container Insight.
Only Maersk Line, which has been deploying its new 18,000-TEU ships on the Asia-Europe trade this year, did cut its bunker adjustment factor in June, which brought overall fuel surcharges down. But even though other carriers have been deploying vessels with up to 13,000 20-foot-equivalent units of capacity, they have not reduced their surcharges proportionately, Drewry said.
As a result big shippers in Europe and North America are likely to question the way carriers calculate their surcharges and keep up the pressure on them to cut them.
But carriers will likely resist such attempts. “The fact that ocean carriers’ freight rates have been loss-making for much of this year should not cloud the issue of inflated BAFs, as this is due to other factors, even though it is easy to see why ocean carriers may see the picture differently,” Drewry said.
The pace of the introduction of the big, more fuel-efficient ships has been picking up. The average size of vessels deployed between Asia and Northern Europe increased by 8 percent in the 12 months through the third quarter of 2012 and by another 9 percent in the next 12 months, up to over 10,800 TEUs.
The change in the trans-Pacific was slightly less, where the average size increased to 6,264 TEUs by 7 percent in the 12 months between the third quarters of 2011 and 2012 to 6,264 TEUs, but only 1 percent between the third quarter of 2012 and the third quarter of 2013, up to 6,320 TEUs.