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Thursday, May 16, 2013
Monday, May 6, 2013
Peeples: Film Review - The Hollywood Reporter
The Bottom Line
The actors manage to draw a few laughs from leaden material as Tyler Perry Presents Meet the Parents.
Opens
Friday, May 10 (Lionsgate)
Cast
Craig Robinson, Kerry Washington, David Alan Grier, S. Epatha Merkerson
Writer-director
Tina Gordon Chism
Craig Robinson, whose heightened profile on?The Office has been one of the show?s better developments in recent seasons, steps up to topline a big-screen comedy with Peeples. His character is a hapless good guy, hoping to make a good impression on his girlfriend?s high-achieving family. He's a man trapped, metaphorically, in hostile territory, much as the talented Robinson is trapped in a formulaic movie.
The feature is a product of 34th Street Films, Tyler Perry?s specialty shingle, though the specialty angle is hard to figure when the material is so broad. Built to be a crowd-pleaser, Tina Gordon Chism?s directing debut is sure to click with Gatsby-indifferent moviegoers when it opens wide on Friday. More leading roles for Robinson will no doubt follow, and it can only be hoped that he?ll find better vehicles for his comedy chops.
PHOTOS: Bad Jokes and Surprising Successes: Behind the Scenes of THR's Comics Roundtable
As Wade Walker, an aspiring children?s counselor who?s working as an entertainer, Robinson delivers exuberantly stylized musical numbers that convey bizarre educational messages: He encourages kids who are long past potty training not to pee in inappropriate places. That?s one of a few loopy elements that Chism (who wrote the 2002 feature?Drumline) works into her screenplay. Another is a onetime whaling community?s Moby-Dick Day celebration (don?t ask). The performers are up to the wacko task. But one of the movie?s key problems is that it only pretends to let loose, its calculated absurdity firmly tethered to the? ife lessons that lie in wait, ready to wrap everything up all nice and warm.
The meet-the-parents premise finds Wade ready to propose to his girlfriend of a year, Grace Peeples (Kerry Washington), a New York attorney who has yet to introduce him to her folks. After she takes off for an annual family get-together in the Hamptons, Wade shows up uninvited, determined to pop the question and charm his way into the Peeples? good graces.
The instant he arrives at the waterfront mansion in Sag Harbor, it?s cookie-cutter-clear that it won?t be easy for him to achieve his goal. Cue the aggressively horny dog who complicates Wade?s entrance ? and then conveniently disappears until plot mechanics necessitate the canine?s return.
COMPLETE LIST: The Hollywood Reporter Names 2013's 35 Most Powerful People in Media
Wade?s No. 1 problem is Grace?s dad, Virgil (David Alan Grier), a federal judge who?s so outrageously overbearing, humorless, hypocritical and self-important that he might as well be wearing a sign: ?About to be brought down a peg, and taught a lesson or two about what really matters.?
As exaggerated as Virgil is on paper and in Grier?s performance, there?s psychological logic at play: It?s clear why both his daughters have hesitated to reveal much about their private lives. Grace hasn?t told him about Wade, and Gloria (Kali Hawk), a CNN reporter, is afraid to reveal the true nature of her relationship with her camerawoman (Kimrie Lewis-Davis). That it?s evident to everyone but her parents and siblings is one of the truths the film gets ? the false fronts and willful blindness that can define family.
Virgil?s openhearted wife, Daphne (S. Epatha Merkerson), might have sparked to the truth about her children, but the former pop diva is busy hiding her own secret, as is her son, Simon (Tyler James Williams). The 16-year-old, who instantly takes to Wade ? ?You sensed my swag? ? shoots music videos in his bedroom that may not be entirely believable, but they?re welcome breaks from the thoroughly unbelievable interactions among the grownups, not least of which is a ridiculous subplot involving Virgil and the town?s mayor (Ana Gasteyer).
The film?s first half is a slog as Chism sets up the minefield for Wade, with every (fully visible) mine certain to explode. The laughs that do register, in the later going, are thanks to the cast?s comic timing and delivery, with Malcolm Barrett getting to bust some moves as Wade?s joker of a brother. Melvin Van Peebles and Diahann Carroll appear briefly as the predictably youthful-wise Peeples grandparents.
As with much of the Perry studio?s output, production values are not a strong suit, though Rick Butler?s interior design is elegant and effective. But the lighting is often flat, and the widescreen format goes to waste, with a good portion of the camerawork devoted to clunky back-and-forth reaction shots. Even with its autumn trees, the lovely seaside locale (the Connecticut shore subs for the Long Island setting) look drab.
Production company: 34th Street Films
Cast: Craig Robinson, Kerry Washington, David Alan Grier, S. Epatha Merkerson, Tyler James Williams, Kali Hawk, Kimrie Lewis-Davis, Melvin Van Peebles, Diahann Carroll
Writer-director: Tina Gordon Chism
Producers: Tyler Perry, Stephanie Allain, Paul Hall, Ozzie Areu, Matt Moore
Executive producers: Michael Paseornek, Preston Holmes, Charles S. Dutton, Sherry Marsh
Director of photography: Alexander Gruszynski
Production designer: Rick Butler
Music: Aaron Zigman
Co-producer: H.H. Cooper
Costume designer: Paul Simmons
Editor: David Moritz
MPAA rating: PG-13, 95 min.
Source: http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/review/peeples-film-review-451731
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5 things to know Saturday at the Kentucky Derby
Jockey Calvin Borel greets his 2009 Kentucky Derby winning mount, Mine That Bird, with a kiss in the paddock at Churchill Downs Thursday, May 2, 2013 in Louisville, Ky. The 139th running of the Kentucky Derby is Saturday. (AP Photo/Garry Jones)
Jockey Calvin Borel greets his 2009 Kentucky Derby winning mount, Mine That Bird, with a kiss in the paddock at Churchill Downs Thursday, May 2, 2013 in Louisville, Ky. The 139th running of the Kentucky Derby is Saturday. (AP Photo/Garry Jones)
Karen Vanzant, from Brookfield, Colo., walks through the paddock with her fancy hat before the running of the 139th Kentucky Oaks at Churchill Downs Friday, May 3, 2013, in Louisville, Ky. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
A spectator holds a mint julep before the running of the 139th Kentucky Oaks at Churchill Downs Friday, May 3, 2013, in Louisville, Ky. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
A spectator checks her betting tickets after the seventh race before the running of the 139th Kentucky Oaks at Churchill Downs Friday, May 3, 2013, in Louisville, Ky. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) ? The Kentucky Derby is Saturday at Churchill Downs. Here are five things you should know before the 6:24 p.m. post time:
DOUG'S DOUBLE
Doug O'Neill is back at Churchill Downs trying to win his second straight Derby. He put unknown Mario Gutierrez on I'll Have Another last year and they won. This time, he's got another relative unknown, black jockey Kevin Krigger, aboard Goldencents. No trainer since Bob Baffert in 1997-98 has won two in a row.
DERBY TRADITIONS
If you're at Churchill Downs on the first Saturday in May, tradition calls for a mint julep in your hand and a fancy or outrageous hat on your head. Consumed early and often, the juleps are served over crushed ice in souvenir Derby glasses. Bigger and bolder is the rule for hats that often dwarf their owners. And don't forget some cash to push through the betting windows.
BO-RAIL
No jockey's been hotter in the Derby than Calvin Borel, having won three of the last six. He's aboard Revolutionary for the first time, one of five horses in the race trained by Todd Pletcher. Look for him to live up to his "Bo-rail" nickname with a rail-skimming ride.
ON A ROLL
Verrazano is the only unbeaten runner in the 19-horse field. In the last decade, three undefeated horses kept their records intact by winning the Derby ? Smarty Jones, Barbaro and Big Brown. Verrazano didn't run as a 2-year-old, a bad omen. No horse since Apollo in 1882 has won without racing as a juvenile. Verrazano is named for the bridge that links Brooklyn with Staten Island in New York City.
BACK IN THE SADDLE
Injuries weren't going to keep John Velazquez ( http://bit.ly/16A60V2 ) from riding undefeated Verrazano in the Kentucky Derby. The jockey busted a rib and his wrist in a racing accident nearly a month ago. He hustled back two days ago and rode a handful of races in preparation for the big day.
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Saturday, May 4, 2013
Acer Aspire R7: The Craziest Thing to Happen to Laptops in Years
This is either brilliant or absolutely insane. Acer's new R7 ultrabook is the weirdest change to laptop design in years.
For our hands-on look at the R7 today, head here
The R7 switches the touchpad and keyboard placement on laptop's body, with the keyboard in front of the touchpad. This is to make using touch with Windows 8 easier, with the hinge actually working like an easel, sort of like the Sony Duo 11 or an old iMac, so it can come closer to you, covering up the touchpad at times, and make itself more touchable.
The guts are standard Ultrabook. It's got a "Full HD" screen (1080p) and since it's out in May, will be shipping with third generation Intel Core chips, but will presumably get a bump to 4th gen Haswell once those are out.
Acer's design has been right near the top of the industry for a little bit now. The S7, the 13-inch but especially the 11-inch, was beautiful. It had a few usability issues, but it was hugely encouraging as far as good design coming to Windows goes. We'll get a chance to use the R7 a bit after Acer's press conference wraps up, so we'll let you know if this is a good design shift or just batshit insane, but just the creativity alone is refreshing.
Acer also announced the P3, which is an ultrabook/tablet convertible, and an update to its Iconia tablet line with a 7.9-inch IPS screen.
The R7 will be out on May 14th in the US at Best Buy. For a more detailed look, check out our hands-on here
Source: http://gizmodo.com/acer-aspire-r7-the-craziest-thing-to-happen-to-laptops-489047202
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This Lego Recreation of Fallingwater Is Your Deal of the Day
When Frank Lloyd Wright's Fallingwater was completed in 1937, it was both an artistic accomplishment and a marvel of engineering. The residence's design?set above a waterfall?is meant to evoke harmony between house and nature, and it achieves that through cantilevered floors supported by reinforced concrete, a technology that was relatively new at the time. The design was so daring that Fallingwater's engineer actually had a support wall put in?and Wright subsequently took a layer of bricks out to prove his original design was sound. This Lego recreation leaves the bricks in.
At Amazon, an 800-brick Lego Architecture Fallingwater set is $77, which is a solid 23% off the MRSP and most other stores on the internet. Waterfall and genius not included. [Amazon]
Top Deals
? LEGO Architecture Fallingwater ($77) | Amazon | Originally $100
? $25 off $100 at Toys R Us ($75) | Toys R Us via Fatwallet | Originally $100
For the Second Weekend In a Row, Best Buy's Running a Killer Apple Sale
Last Friday's deal of the day was Best Buy's promotion on iMacs, where they took $150 off a slew of 2012 iMac models. It felt like a rehash of Best Buy's MacBook Air promotion back in January
?$150 off rMBPs | Best Buy via 9to5Toys
Accessories
? Logitech G105 Gaming Keyboard w/ CoD Graphics ($27) | Amazon via Deals Kinja
Miscellaneous
See top deals.
Gaming
Today's gaming deals are courtesy of the dudes over at Kotaku's Moneysaver
360
? DMC Devil May Cry ($40) | Best Buy via Daily Game Deals | Normally $60
? Tomb Raider ($35) | Newegg via eDealinfo
? Bioshock Infinite ($45) | Amazon via Deals | Normally $60
? Xbox 360 + Darksiders II + Batman: Arkham City ($250) | Best Buy via Deals Kinja
PS3
? DMC Devil May Cry ($40) | Best Buy via Daily Game Deals | Normally $60
? Tomb Raider ($35) | Newegg via eDealinfo
? Bioshock Infinite ($45) | Amazon via Deals | Normally $60
PC
? Civ V + Xcom ($16) | Gamefly via 9to5Toys
? Far Cry 3: Blood Dragon [UPlay] ($12) | Gamefly via Digital Game Deals | Normally $15 | Use code GFDMAY20
Green Man Gaming [Steam] | Use code GMG30-BH67J-TILO5
? Bioshock Infinite ($42)
? Bioshock Infinite Season Pass ($14)
? Dead Island Riptide ($28)
? Defiance ($29)
? Defiance Digital Deluxe ($49)
Green Man Gaming [Steam]
? Skyrim ($30)
? Dragonborn ($10)
? Dawnguard ($10)
? Hearthfire ($2.50)
? Dishonored ($30)
? Dunwall City Trials ($2.50)
RIP LucasArts. 14 Star Wars games for $34 at Steam store.steampowered.com/sub/25772/
? dealzmodo (@dealzmodo) May 3, 2013
Audio
? AKG K518LE On-Ear Folding Headphones ($40) | World Wide Stereo via Edealinfo | Originally $60 | Use coupon code FLASHY
? Alto 15" Active 2-Way Speaker ($330) | Musician's Friend | Originally $400
Dumb TV ? Smart TV
? Mohu Paper Thin Leaf ($30) | Adorama via Fatwallet | Originally $40 | Use coupon code S9876543
? Happauge HD Digital Media Player ($35) | Cowboom via Edealinfo | Use coupon code hauppauge10
Physical Media
? Avatar 3D [Blu-ray/DVD] | Amazon via Daily DVD Deals
Digital Media
? Storybundle Video Game Ebook Bundle ($10) | Storybundle via Cheapskate Blog
Laptops
Not today.
Desktops
? Dell XPS with Quad-Core i5, GeForce GT 620 ($650) | Dell via Edealinfo | Originally $900 | Use coupon code BXV1FC3ZFJ95DG
? Xps One 2710 All-in-One 27" 2560x1440 Desktop ($950) | Ebay with Newegg via Ben's Bargains
Tablets
Nope.
Screens
? ViewSonic 3D Ready Projector ($200) | MacMall via Deals Kinja
? 47" Viera IPS LED HDTV ($510) | Amazon via Deals Kinja
Portables
Not today.
Camera
? Joby Gorillapod ($13) | Fry's via Dealmac | Originally $20
? Refurb Canon Rebel T3i ($400) | Canon via Ben's Bargains | Originally $500 | Price drops in cart
Bare Drives
Nothing today.
Apps
iOS
? Baseball Superstars II Pro ($0) | iTunes via Appshopper | Originally $1
? Baseball Superstars 2010 ($0) | iTunes via Appshopper | Originally $1
? Soccer Superstars 2011 Pro ($0) | iTunes via Appshopper | Originally $1
? Baseball Superstars 2011 Pro ($0) | iTunes via Appshopper | Originally $1
? Kami Retro HD ($0) | iTunes via Appshopper | Originally $3
? Zenonia ($0) | iTunes via Appshopper | Originally $1
? Lego Star Wars Yoda Chronicles ($0) | iTunes via Dealmac | Originally $1
? Oh! Edo Towns ($1) | iTunes via Appshopper | Originally $4
? Ascendancy ($1) | iTunes via Appshopper | Originally $7
iPad Only
Nah.
Android
? HDR Camera ($1) | Google Play via App-sales | Originally $3
? Walk and Text ($1) | Google Play via App-sales | Originally $1.49
? Grand Theft Auto Vice City ($2) | Google Play via App-sales | Originally $5
Mac
? Numi ($1) | Mac App Store via Lifehacker
? Tropico 3 ($15) | Mac App Store via 9to5Toys | Originally $30
Hobomodo
Go outside. Seriously. It's gorgeous out there. (YMMV)
A note on Dealzmodo: We're professional shoppers. Yes, we make money if you end up buying. That's capitalism, but we're absolutely looking out for your best interest. Read this if you want to know more
Fallingwater image courtesy Sturmvogel66/Wikipedia
Source: http://gizmodo.com/this-lego-recreation-of-fallingwater-is-your-deal-of-th-489434605
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Friday, May 3, 2013
Malaria: A vector infecting both apes and humans
May 3, 2013 ? In 2010, a study revealed that the main agent of malaria in humans, called Plasmodium falciparum, arose from the gorilla. Today, the vector which transmitted the parasite from apes to humans has just been identified. A Franco-Gabonese research consortium has determined which species of anopheles mosquitoes transfer the disease to apes. Among them is Anopheles moucheti, known for biting humans. Therefore, it appears to be the species which originally infected us through our cousins. And it could do it again today.
The same vector
IRD and CNRS researchers, in addition to their Gabonese partners based in the CIRMF in Franceville, wanted to determine the identity of the mosquitoes which transmit malaria to apes. To this end, they caught a thousand mosquitoes of the Anopheles genus, in close proximity to groups of wild or semi-wild primates. They then conducted analyses on the insects collected, belonging to fifteen different species, in order to detect which ones were infected by the Plasmodium malaria parasites. Two species of mosquitoes were thus revealed to be contaminated by these pathogenic agents. Anopheles moucheti was one of them -- a major vector for humans in Central Africa. This species is therefore both primatophilic and anthropophilic. Since gorillas are the origin of the disease in humans, this species would have enabled the transmission of the infection from apes to humans thousands of years ago.
A relatively unknown disease
Despite its major impact on public health, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, there are still several grey areas regarding the parasite and its vector. In particular, how the disease is transmitted to great apes was a controversial question until now. By analogy with the transmission methods observed in humans, scientists guessed that the mosquitoes concerned belonged to the Anopheles genus. However, they still needed to identify the species responsible for contamination among great apes, or those species that transferred the infectious agents from gorillas to humans in the past.
The same parasites
Not long ago, the evolutionary history of pathogens was also unknown. Over the last 5 years, several species of Plasmodium were discovered in our close cousins, gorillas and chimpanzees. Researchers believed that some of them were specific to humans. In gorillas, they recently described P. praefalciparum, which is the closest genetic relative of P. falciparum, the most virulent infectious agent.
Anopheles moucheti could continue to transfer parasites from one mammal to another even today. As such, apes could be a reservoir for humans. The increasingly close interaction between humans and apes, due to deforestation and hunting activities, once again raises the question of the possible eradication of the disease. Conversely, the already documented transfer of the disease from humans to apes could also occur, thereby threatening populations that are already highly endangered.
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Story Source:
The above story is reprinted from materials provided by Institut de Recherche pour le D?veloppement (IRD).
Note: Materials may be edited for content and length. For further information, please contact the source cited above.
Journal Reference:
- Christophe Paupy, Boris Makanga, Benjamin Ollomo, Nil Rahola, Patrick Durand, Julie Magnus, Eric Willaume, Fran?ois Renaud, Didier Fontenille, Franck Prugnolle. Anopheles moucheti and Anopheles vinckei Are Candidate Vectors of Ape Plasmodium Parasites, Including Plasmodium praefalciparum in Gabon. PLoS ONE, 2013; 8 (2): e57294 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0057294
Note: If no author is given, the source is cited instead.
Disclaimer: This article is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Views expressed here do not necessarily reflect those of ScienceDaily or its staff.
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Bitcoin scam turns online gamers into unwitting accomplices
It's a thoroughly 21st-century heist: An online gaming service secretly leveraged thousands of users' computers to acquire money in the form of online-only crypto-currency Bitcoin.
E-Sports Entertainment (ESEA) is an established gaming league that hosts tournaments in games such as "Team Fortress 2," "Counter-Strike" and "League of Legends." Players can compete for prizes and prestige, and as with any e-sport, must submit to running a piece of software provided by the ESEA that watches for cheating and other issues.
Earlier in the year, ESEA was experimenting with integrating Bitcoin "mining" with the software client ? meaning that the user could opt to have their machine work on the complex mathematical problems that produce the virtual currency that has been in the news so much recently.
The virtual currency is created at a set rate by its users, but takes a huge amount of computing power (if Bitcoins were easy to make, they wouldn't be worth much). Distributed networks of hundreds or thousands of computers are often made to work together, and ESEA though their client might be a good way to do that.
Ultimately, they decided not to implement it ? it was more trouble than it was worth ? but one employee appears to have decided to go ahead and do it in secret. As a result, the Bitcoin mining code ran for weeks on users' computers, running their powerful graphics cards at maximum (which can damage them) and causing crashes and other trouble.
The community was suspicious, and users examining the software closely found the hidden mining software. It was brought to the attention of an administrator, who at first said it had only run for a couple days ? but later amended this, saying it had run for weeks and mined about $3,700 worth of Bitcoins.
Higher-ups at the ESEA quickly caught wind of the story and issued a formal apology; the Bitcoins ? or their dollar equivalent ? will be donated to charity, and the ESEA will offer support to anyone whose computer was damaged.
As for the perpetrator, it's unclear what will happen: Such a serious breach of authority and trust may certainly result in dismissal, but it's possible that hacking charges could also be involved, since running unauthorized code like this could qualify as a crime. And it's not the first time that Bitcoins have been the object of nefarious acts.
The recent Bitcoin craze has garnered a lot attention for the heretofore-obscure online currency, the value of which has skyrocketed in recent months. New users, services, and applications are sprouting ? including a Bitcoin ATM.
You can learn more about Bitcoin, including how it works and why it's suddenly in the public eye, in our recent article on the topic.
Devin Coldewey is a contributing writer for NBC News Digital. His personal website is coldewey.cc.
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Thursday, May 2, 2013
The underground adventures of the Mediterranean frog Rana iberica
Wednesday, May 1, 2013
Do frogs live underground? The answer is yes, some amphibians, such as salamanders and frogs have been often reported to dwell in subterranean habitats, some of them completely adjusted to the life in darkness, and others just spending a phase of their lifecycle in an underground shelter. Up until 2010, however, no one suspected that the Mediterranean anuran frog Rana iberica - commonly known as Iberian brown frog and usually found in streams - also participates in underground adventures. A new study published in the open access journal Subterranean Biology confirms the first report of Rana iberica reproduction in a cave-like habitat, with all life stages observed in the galleries.
Serra da Estrela Natural Park is located in north-central Portugal and is the largest protected area and one of the most biodiverse regions in Portugal and the Iberian Peninsula. Several drainage galleries were created for water capture in the 1950s, even before the establishment of the boundaries of the Natural Park. It is namely in these artificial subterranean habitats that the Iberian brown frog was discovered dwelling underground by biologists.
"The unusual sighting of R. iberica motivated a series of subsequent visits that started in 2011 up until December 2012 to understand the use of this artificial subterranean habitat by this species.", explains the lead author of the study Dr. Gon?alo M. Rosa. "All life stages were observed in the gallery during the study period, particularly adults, which were observed every month of the year."
The Iberian brown frog does not only seek refuge in the drainage galleries as a sporadic visitor. During long observations, adults from the species have been noted in the galleries,often standing on the ground or in crevices, swimming underwater or even climbing up the walls. There is evidence of mating activity, and batches of eggs have been found stuck to submerged rocks in the subterranean stream. Recently hatched tadpoles were also observed, initially remaining stationary above the egg mass for about two weeks, then swimming in the streams and feeding on the dead egg mass. The galleries are used by other amphibians as well, and larvae of the fire salamander Salamandra salamandra gallaica have been recorded twice while preying on brown frog tadpoles.
The choice of the artificial drainage gallery for a habitat of the Iberian brown frog may appear odd initially. However, it seems that the animals find a refuge in the cool and humid tunnels, often containing a small stream. These artificial subterranean habitats are in fact often used as a refuge for many species. They are, for example, particularly important for the salamander Chioglossa lusitanica, an Iberian endemic of conservation concern. Scientists express their fear that such preferences for underground habitats might in fact be a sign for the ecological dangers of the dramatic climate changes experienced by the Iberian region. Monitoring the subterranean activity of various species might provide important cues for future conservation efforts.
###
Rosa GM, Penado A (2013) Rana iberica (Boulenger, 1879) goes underground: subterranean habitat usage and new insights on natural history. Subterranean Biology 11: 15?29, doi: 10.3897/subtbiol.11.5170
Pensoft Publishers: http://www.pensoft.net
Thanks to Pensoft Publishers for this article.
This press release was posted to serve as a topic for discussion. Please comment below. We try our best to only post press releases that are associated with peer reviewed scientific literature. Critical discussions of the research are appreciated. If you need help finding a link to the original article, please contact us on twitter or via e-mail.
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Source: http://www.labspaces.net/128059/The_underground_adventures_of_the_Mediterranean_frog_Rana_iberica
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Zeigler House Inn Pariticipates in New B&B Travel Video for ...
Leading the efforts to create a new Savannah lodging video Jackie Heinz, owner and innkeeper of Zeigler House Inn bed and breakfast in Savannah, served as volunteer marketing chair of Romantic Inns of Savannah. The 2-minute, mini travel film highlights various complimentary amenities found during a Romantic Inns' bed and breakfast stay. The amenities vary among a dozen small, family owned inns in the famed historic district.
Below is the press release and video. We hope you will take a look, enjoy and share your comments.SAVANNAH, Georgia (April 29, 2013) -- In a town popular for its Savannah Film Festival and Hollywood movie making, it is no surprise that standout bed and breakfasts now turn the spotlight to themselves. In The Savannah Way to Stay the Romantic Inns of Savannah LLC highlights an important, yet overlooked word that defines their generosity -- complimentary.
In just under two minutes the branded content emphasizes the high value and charm found in a dozen family owned and operated Savannah bed and breakfast inns. "Complimentary is a centric common denominator, important to each innkeeper and to each of our guests," says Jackie Heinz, volunteer chair of the association's marketing committee and owner of Zeigler House Inn. Each innkeeper chooses his/her own unique combination of complimentary offerings to be included in their lodging rate.
Below is the press release and video. We hope you will take a look, enjoy and share your comments.SAVANNAH, Georgia (April 29, 2013) -- In a town popular for its Savannah Film Festival and Hollywood movie making, it is no surprise that standout bed and breakfasts now turn the spotlight to themselves. In The Savannah Way to Stay the Romantic Inns of Savannah LLC highlights an important, yet overlooked word that defines their generosity -- complimentary.
"What a delight to be pampered in so many unexpected ways," announces Jim Carswell of Spyhop Productions, who produced and narrates the video. The association of privately owned Savannah bed and breakfasts in the National Landmark Historic District commissioned the USA travel video.
In just under two minutes the branded content emphasizes the high value and charm found in a dozen family owned and operated Savannah bed and breakfast inns. "Complimentary is a centric common denominator, important to each innkeeper and to each of our guests," says Jackie Heinz, volunteer chair of the association's marketing committee and owner of Zeigler House Inn. Each innkeeper chooses his/her own unique combination of complimentary offerings to be included in their lodging rate.
In southern, genteel ways the adjective "complimentary" is seen on-screen but never mentioned. Kudos go to the objectivity of Mari Carswell of Spyhop Productions, who pinpointed "complimentary" as the simple, memorable differentiator.
Complimentary Sweetens (or de-salts) the Deal
Business travelers estimate the value of the Romantic Inns' "complimentary" offerings would be an additional $75-$125 surcharge (nightly) at a national brand hotel. Especially for travelers with special diets, the complimentary home cooking is a extraordinarily welcome treat. It can be the deal maker, sweetening (or de-salting, de-wheating, de-lactosing) the enticement of B&B lodging in Savannah, Georgia USA.
No doorpost banners or street-side signs announce the long list of complimentary products and services at these historic lodging establishments -- each one tucked into prestigious residential neighborhoods of the National Landmark Historic District. "That would be tacky and provoke our neighbors to wag fingers, justly. Savannah's historic district guidelines won't permit it," adds Jackie.
Behind the Scenes: The By Words Are Local and Person-to-Person
"Innkeepers are connoisseurs of the arts, cuisine, literature, and well informed about what is extraordinary to do and see in and near Savannah. We wear a hat that once belonged to the fee-charging travel agent," adds Diane McCray, co-owner of Green Palm Inn, treasurer of the association and marketing committee member. "We will set up reservations to the area's top dining spots, arrange travel for sightseeing, set appointments for antique shopping, and pre-purchase special event tickets. Talking personally to a knowledgeable innkeeper is optimal efficiency."
There are more personal touches behind the scenes. "Like visiting your grandmother who insists on preparing her family's prized recipes, we are the cooks too, serving deliciousness, minus an a la carte pricing chart. Most inn owners are in the kitchen cooking personally, daily," states Diane. Before heading to the kitchen she, like most of her colleagues, has been to the grocer that carries favored brands and to the day-boat seafood dock. "On farmers' market days the innkeepers are there as well, hand selecting what guests will enjoy," she adds.
First introduced through social media -- Twitter, Facebook and the blog stream -- The Savannah Way to Stay video will be accessible on RomanticInnsofSavannah.com; BetterWaytoStay.com, a Professional Association of Innkeepers International (PAII) campaign; and on YouTube.com.
"From this day forward our Savannah, Georgia tourism messages will include a lot more of this sweet adjective -- complimentary. No more of the Scarlett O'Hara approach of thinking about that tomorrow," concludes Jackie Heinz.
ABOUT ROMANTIC INNS OF SAVANNAH
A collective marketing association of family--owned historic home inns (circa 1855-1898), Romantic Inns of Savannah LLC interprets and romanticizes southern hospitality a dozen different ways in Savannah, Georgia USA -- renown as North America's most beautiful city. Let Savannah Romance You!?" is the invitation from the non-profit organization. Situated along the southeast Atlantic Ocean coast, Savannah's National Landmark Historic District (2.5 miles) is home to the city's smallest restored home inns -- private carriage houses to 16-room European-style town homes -- that dot the prestigious, quiet residential neighborhoods. Elite among America's original 13 colonies, Savannah, Georgia is prized for its southern traditions and architecture that survived the American Civil War (1861-1865), urban and coastal landscapes, the arts, and international commerce. For more information -- romanticinnsofsavannah.com, Twitter @RomanticInns, and Facebook. Press Contact: Sandy Traub, straub@spatior.com
Copyright 2013 Romantic Inns of Savannah LLC
Source: http://blog.zeiglerhouseinn.com/2013/05/zeigler-house-inn-pariticipates-in-new.html
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The underground adventures of the Mediterranean frog Rana iberica
Wednesday, May 1, 2013
Do frogs live underground? The answer is yes, some amphibians, such as salamanders and frogs have been often reported to dwell in subterranean habitats, some of them completely adjusted to the life in darkness, and others just spending a phase of their lifecycle in an underground shelter. Up until 2010, however, no one suspected that the Mediterranean anuran frog Rana iberica - commonly known as Iberian brown frog and usually found in streams - also participates in underground adventures. A new study published in the open access journal Subterranean Biology confirms the first report of Rana iberica reproduction in a cave-like habitat, with all life stages observed in the galleries.
Serra da Estrela Natural Park is located in north-central Portugal and is the largest protected area and one of the most biodiverse regions in Portugal and the Iberian Peninsula. Several drainage galleries were created for water capture in the 1950s, even before the establishment of the boundaries of the Natural Park. It is namely in these artificial subterranean habitats that the Iberian brown frog was discovered dwelling underground by biologists.
"The unusual sighting of R. iberica motivated a series of subsequent visits that started in 2011 up until December 2012 to understand the use of this artificial subterranean habitat by this species.", explains the lead author of the study Dr. Gon?alo M. Rosa. "All life stages were observed in the gallery during the study period, particularly adults, which were observed every month of the year."
The Iberian brown frog does not only seek refuge in the drainage galleries as a sporadic visitor. During long observations, adults from the species have been noted in the galleries,often standing on the ground or in crevices, swimming underwater or even climbing up the walls. There is evidence of mating activity, and batches of eggs have been found stuck to submerged rocks in the subterranean stream. Recently hatched tadpoles were also observed, initially remaining stationary above the egg mass for about two weeks, then swimming in the streams and feeding on the dead egg mass. The galleries are used by other amphibians as well, and larvae of the fire salamander Salamandra salamandra gallaica have been recorded twice while preying on brown frog tadpoles.
The choice of the artificial drainage gallery for a habitat of the Iberian brown frog may appear odd initially. However, it seems that the animals find a refuge in the cool and humid tunnels, often containing a small stream. These artificial subterranean habitats are in fact often used as a refuge for many species. They are, for example, particularly important for the salamander Chioglossa lusitanica, an Iberian endemic of conservation concern. Scientists express their fear that such preferences for underground habitats might in fact be a sign for the ecological dangers of the dramatic climate changes experienced by the Iberian region. Monitoring the subterranean activity of various species might provide important cues for future conservation efforts.
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Rosa GM, Penado A (2013) Rana iberica (Boulenger, 1879) goes underground: subterranean habitat usage and new insights on natural history. Subterranean Biology 11: 15?29, doi: 10.3897/subtbiol.11.5170
Pensoft Publishers: http://www.pensoft.net
Thanks to Pensoft Publishers for this article.
This press release was posted to serve as a topic for discussion. Please comment below. We try our best to only post press releases that are associated with peer reviewed scientific literature. Critical discussions of the research are appreciated. If you need help finding a link to the original article, please contact us on twitter or via e-mail.
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Source: http://www.labspaces.net/128059/The_underground_adventures_of_the_Mediterranean_frog_Rana_iberica
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S&P Rates Apple (AAPL) Unsecured Debt Offering at 'AA+'
FREE Breaking News Alerts from StreetInsider.com!
Send to a FriendStandard & Poor's Ratings Services assigned Apple Inc.'s (Nasdaq: AAPL) senior unsecured notes with various maturities an issue-level rating of 'AA+' (at the same level as the corporate credit rating on the company). The company intends to use the proceeds from the proposed notes for general corporate purposes, including the repurchase of common stock.
The rating incorporates our assumption that Apple will maintain "minimal" financial risk, with adjusted leverage below 1x, and a "strong" business risk profile, incorporating market-leading products, a globally diverse customer base, and strong profitability. In addition, our stable rating outlook reflects our expectation that Apple will maintain "excellent" liquidity and significant net cash balances.
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Wednesday, May 1, 2013
This is the Modem World: Why don't I crash?
Each week Joshua Fruhlinger contributes This is the Modem World, a column dedicated to exploring the culture of consumer technology.
My first computer was a Commodore VIC-20. It raged with 3.5K of RAM, a high-speed cassette deck, and built-in BASIC. I used to copy game programs string-by-string from the back of COMPUTE! magazine -- tens of thousands of lines of code -- and small errors were not an option. One syntax error and the program wouldn't work. When I did make those errors, I'd go back, line by line, and check for differences. There was nothing -- at the time -- more annoying than seeing hours of code crash because of one bad POKE statement.
That digital fastidiousness has stuck with me since. I keep all my computers' files in order, keep operating systems updated, backup constantly to a remote storage device and quickly go after a machine that's behaving strangely. The net result, and I may be tempting fate, is that I have never had a computer completely fail in the thirty years I've been using them.
Filed under: Misc
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Trustev Tackles E-Commerce Identity Fraud With An Online Fingerprint Made From Social Signals And More
Trustev, a Startup Battlefield company presenting today at TC Disrupt NY 2013, has developed a product to tackle online fraud using an algorithmic system of social signals, behavioural data and transaction history to create a “digital fingerprint” that lets companies verify that you are who you say you are when you are buying something online. The problem that Trustev — based out of Cork, Ireland — is tackling is big, and growing bigger. E-commerce is booming, with sales topping $1 trillion globally in 2012 and still on the rise. But the market also has a dark undercurrent in the form of fraud — specifically around people using other people’s identities to purchase goods online. Currently ID fraud is a $20 billion problem and growing at twice the rate of the e-commerce market. Beyond the very obvious issue of costing companies a lot of money, and consumers a lot of pain, there is another issue: traditional methods for trying to stem the problem are based mainly around human vetting. Pat Phelan, founder of Trustev and its CEO, says that today 27% of all transactions online are referred to contact centers for review working out to 200 man-hours ever year. “At the moment, e-commerce is only 5% of all commerce, so as it grows you will run out of human beings to process all those transactions.” And that’s not to mention the fact that current systems are inefficient. “Verification is a major operational cost,” he adds. “You have major cost centers created out of people Googling names, and trying to figure out if people are who they say they are.” The social networks that Trustev tracks for identity signals include Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn as defaults. In different regions, it plans to add others such as Orkut in Latin America, V-connect (from Vkontakte) in Russia, and Sina Weibo in China. Users check in to social networks when checking out to speed up the process. Like other big data plays, the idea with Trustev is that it takes the mountain of data that is presented through these channels, and parses it and matches it up with other online activity associated with a person. This can also be used to help verify in a positive way, rather than simply to note when someone is not who they say they are. A classic example is the case of a person travelling: some payment networks, whenSource: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Techcrunch/~3/V0WLKvn7e0k/
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