Thursday, January 31, 2013

Toddler Approved!: Kindness at Home {Glittering Muffins}

Last week we kicked off the?100 Acts of Kindness Project?with our first challenge by?Megan of Coffee Cups & Crayons. This week we received our second kindness challenge (issued by?Kim from The Educators' Spin On It)!


Today Valerie from Glittering Muffins?is sharing about how her family shows kindness within their home.?


As we perform acts of kindness, one of the most important things we can remember is to focus on our own little sphere of influence (spouse, kids, parents, siblings) in addition to other people around us. Often it is easier to be kinder to the postman than it is to be kind to our child who just smeared tooth paste all over the bathroom mirror for the fourth time!

How's the kindness challenge going at your house this week?


My favorite moments this week have occurred as I have watched my two older kids play nicely together again and again. They run in circles around the living room, build forts, have dance parties, and play trains. I have been loving the simple ways that they have been showing kindness to one another- sharing toys, saying sorry, helping each other pick things up, cheering for one another, asking for things in polite ways, and saying thank you (to name a few)! Today they were also kind and helped with scrub the dishes!

What are simple ways that your kids show kindness to one another at home? Come share in the comments!

Source: http://www.toddlerapproved.com/2013/01/kindness-at-home-glittering-muffins.html

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Riverview church offers financial advice course

By LORIANNE DE LORETO | Special correspondent

RIVERVIEW If you'd like to learn how to get out debt forever and secure your financial future, Financial Peace University can show you how.

South Shore United Methodist Church, 21525 Big Bend Road, will host the series of workshops from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Sundays from Feb. 10 through April 14. The cost is $99 per household.

Financial Peace University offers a biblically based curriculum that teaches participants how to handle their money through video teaching, class discussions and interactive, small-group activities. The workshops present practical steps for getting rid of debt, planning and budgeting, spending and saving, and more.

Dave Ramsey, a bestselling author and talk show host, founded Financial Peace University in 1992 to counsel folks with financial problems. His organization came from his own personal experience of poor money management, which caused him to lose everything he owned. Now, nearly 21 years later, he has helped countless numbers of folks across the country achieve financial freedom.

Church member Debbie Van Ore, a certified public accountant for PricewaterhouseCoopers, will facilitate the workshops. She said the series is an excellent program for both married and single folks, and she has seen great success for those who have attended in the past.

Connie Bishop is one of them.

"This is the first Christmas that I will not be paying on for years to come," she said. "Not only did I have a debt-free Christmas, I was also able to keep up with paying my bills and working toward (building) my nest egg."

For more information go to www.daveramsey.com or call Van Ore at (727) 871-0031.

To register for the workshop, log on to visit www.southshoreumc.com.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/tbo/life/~3/egpejccNhW8/

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Obama pushes Congress on immigration, split emerges

LAS VEGAS (Reuters) - Just over a week into his second term, President Barack Obama took his fight for immigration reform to the West on Tuesday and pushed Congress to quickly find a path to citizenship for 11 million undocumented residents.

But as Obama praised a bipartisan immigration plan during a speech in Las Vegas, disagreement emerged between the White House and Republicans that underscored the difficulty of resolving an emotive issue that has long defied a legislative fix.

"I'm here today because the time has come for common-sense, comprehensive immigration reform," Obama said at a high school. "The time is now. Now is the time."

After years on the back burner, immigration reform has suddenly looked possible as Republicans, chastened by Latino voters who rejected them in the November election, appear more willing to accept a thorough overhaul.

Action on immigration was sidelined by economic issues and healthcare reform during Obama's first term but it is part of an ambitious liberal agenda the Democratic president laid out last week in his second inaugural address. That agenda also includes gun control, gay rights and fighting climate change.

Hispanic voters were crucial in winning Nevada for Obama in November and the crowd at the high school was supportive.

"Si se puede," yelled some, using a Spanish phrase that harked back to Obama's 2008 "Yes we can" campaign slogan. Some in the audience were brought to tears when he talked about the difficulties some immigrants have experienced.

In Washington, however, differences quickly emerged between what Obama would like and the proposals by the bipartisan "Gang of Eight" senators, whose plan is heavy on border security.

Obama pushed for a pathway to citizenship for illegal immigrants that is faster than the one the Senate group proposed.

Rather than emphasize border security first, he would let undocumented immigrants get on a path to citizenship if they first undergo national security and criminal background checks, pay penalties, learn English and get behind those foreigners seeking to immigrate legally.

"We all agree that these men and women should have to earn their way to citizenship. But for comprehensive immigration reform to work, it must be clear from the outset that there is a pathway to citizenship," he said.

For Republicans, this is a sticking point. The Gang of Eight plan envisions first taking steps to toughen security along the U.S.-Mexican border before setting in motion the steps illegal immigrants must take to gain legal status.

That difference was enough to raise concerns among Republican lawmakers who are trying to frame a package that can pass the Republican-led House of Representatives.

RUBIO "CONCERNED"

A Hispanic Republican, Senator Marco Rubio, complained that Obama's speech neglected border security and left the impression that "he believes reforming immigration quickly is more important than reforming immigration right."

"I am concerned by the president's unwillingness to accept significant enforcement triggers before current undocumented immigrants can apply for a green card," he said. "Without such triggers in place, enforcement systems will never be implemented and we will be back in just a few years dealing with millions of new undocumented people in our country."

Republicans will likely oppose any immigration plan that doesn't put border security first.

"This provision is key to ensuring that border security is achieved, and is also necessary to ensure that a reform package can actually move through Congress," said newly elected Senator Jeff Flake of the border state of Arizona.

In addition, Obama made no mention of creating a temporary guest worker program geared to the low-skilled, labor-intensive agricultural industry. Labor unions do not yet support such a program.

Another point of contention is expected to be whether same-sex couples are granted the same benefits as heterosexual couples under immigration reform - something the White House says Obama will insist upon but which the Senate group did not deal with.

Obama's speech in Nevada, coming a little more than a week after his second inauguration, reflects the growing clout of Hispanic voters, as does Republican willingness to move on the issue.

The president said that if Congress is unable to act in a timely fashion, he will propose immigration legislation of his own and "insist that they vote on it right away."

Immigration reform could give Obama a landmark second-term legislative achievement, but the White House is mindful that success on such a divisive issue will require a delicate balancing act.

The last major attempt at an immigration overhaul was done by Republican President George W. Bush in 2007. It collapsed in Congress. Obama did not follow through with a promise to seek an overhaul in his first term, fearing a repeat of the earlier debacle.

"We can't allow immigration reform to get bogged down in an endless debate. We've been debating this a very long time. So it's not as if we don't know technically what needs to get done," Obama said.

Republicans who saw their presidential nominee, Mitt Romney, receive only 27 percent of the Hispanic vote in the election loss to Obama are adamant that steps must be taken to draw more Hispanics to their party's ranks.

This could be a slow process to change hearts and minds.

"I don't know about voting for them (the Republicans) yet but they definitely are starting to talk about things we want to hear," said Maxima Guerrero, 22, a community college student in Phoenix. Originally from Morelos, Mexico, she was brought to the United States at age five.

In addition to dealing with Republican demands, Obama needs to watch his left flank, where unions worry about temporary workers' programs.

And the American Civil Liberties Union warned against an erosion of rights under plans to tighten the employment verification system that determines whether a worker is in the United States legally.

"While there are components of the Senate plan that provide millions of aspiring citizens the legal status they deserve to live, work, and raise their families free of fear, others, such as mandating E-Verify and continued wasteful and unnecessary spending on the border, raise serious civil liberties concerns," said Anthony D. Romero, ACLU executive director.

(additional reporting by Jeff Mason and Roberta Rampton in Washington and Tim Gaynor in Phoneix Writing by Steve Holland, Editing by Alistair Bell and Doina Chiacu)

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/obama-pushes-congress-immigration-split-emerges-040618099.html

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Race To Fight Breast Cancer Coming To Westport In May

WESTPORT, Conn. ? Organizers of the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure have been considering a new race in Connecticut for more than two years.

This May, the organization will host a five-kilometer race in Westport as it branches into Fairfield County.

?We had discussions about growth and we felt that we kind of maxed out in Hartford at Bushnell Park,?? said Anne Morris, executive director of the Connecticut affiliate. ?We can?t accommodate any more there, and we weren?t ready to move the venue. We had been talking about adding an event in Fairfield County for about two-and-one-half years.?

The Westport race will be May 11 at Sherwood Island State Park. The 5K race begins at 8:30 a.m. There also will a kids run, and 5K and 1.5K walks. Komen Connecticut?s primary focus is on educating men and women on the importance of early detection of breast cancer, providing money for free screening services and providing support to those who are diagnosed with breast cancer. The group's race in Hartford is scheduled for June 1.

The Westport event also will include events for survivors, including a breakfast and a parade.

?It?s like a morning-long festival,?? Morris said. ?Many of the people come out because of their own commitment to fight breast cancer. We looked at other breast cancer events in Fairfield County, and we?didn't?see many. Mother?s Day weekend is a great weekend for women and mothers.?

The race joins an already crowded recreation calendar in the spring. In Westport, the Minute Man Races, a 5k and 10K, will be April 28. SpinOdyssey, another breast cancer fundraiser in which participants ride exercise bikes, is scheduled for May 5 in Westport.? A run to support the Whittingham Cancer Center at Norwalk Hospital will be April 27 in Norwalk and Norwalk-based Lightfoot Running Club hosts its annual 10k May 12. Races in Ridgefield and Greenwich also are scheduled for the same weekend in May.

?It?s hard to project what we?ll get the first year,?? Morris said. ?We?re hoping for 2,000, but we might get 1,000, we might get 3,000. It?s hard to say. Fairfield County is different from Hartford in how you reach people. Hopefully, we?ll get the word out to a lot of people.?

Morris cited an alarming breast cancer statistic -- Connecticut has the second highest incidence of breast cancer nationwide.

?There seems to be an awful lot of breast cancer in Fairfield County,?? Morris said. ?I think there?s a real commitment to fight this disease. I?m finding that loud and clear.?

Komen For The Cure is seeking town ambassadors to spread the word about the race. Registration is available online. Runners and walkers also can form teams.

?It was time for us to come down to Fairfield County,?? Morris said. ?We?re looking forward to having a great event.?

Source: http://westport.dailyvoice.com/sports/race-fight-breast-cancer-coming-westport-may

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Just the job: Careers advice | Manchester Gazette

career advice

Jobseekers will be able to get top tips on finding work, try out skilled trades and meet local employers looking for new staff at two events to be hosted by Wigan Council.

People looking for work will be able to get free, expert advice on writing their CVs and how to handle interviews at the careers and skills fairs to be held in Leigh and Wigan. They?ll also be able to try their hand at hairdressing, bricklaying and other skilled professions. And a host of local companies looking to recruit new staff will be present and on the hunt for fresh talent.

Unemployment is in decline in Wigan Borough but council bosses want to do all they can to help those struggling to find work. They?ve teamed up with Wigan and Leigh College and many local employers to host two events aimed at offering practical advice and employment opportunities.

Cllr David Molyneux, deputy leader of Wigan Council, says: ?The employment situation in Wigan Borough is getting better but there are still a lot of people who need help finding work. These two events are designed to offer advice and the opportunity to talk to companies looking to take people on.

?I?m really pleased people will also be able to try out professions they could potentially pursue. We?ve worked with a number of training providers to offer demonstrations in bricklaying, hairdressing and other trades. Jobseekers will be able to give them a go at the events.?

The two events will be held at Leigh Sports Village on Friday 8th of February and at the DW Stadium in Wigan on Friday 15th of March. There is no entrance fee and more details can be found at www.facebook.com/wiganandleighcareers

Stephenson?s Solicitors and the Wigan Youth Zone are among the employers looking to recruit staff who will be attending the events. There will also be opportunities to meet representatives from Wigan Council who are looking to extend their apprenticeship programme. Jobseekers will also be able to sign-up for courses in maths, English and IT.

Source: http://manchestergazette.co.uk/archives/11482

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Mobile advertising company Big Mobile, Australia expands with new ...

Big Mobile image.jpgMobile advertising company Big Mobile has made a number of senior appointments and added two leading publishers to its Big Audience+ premium network, consolidating its position as the premier end-to-end mobile advertising business in Australia.

Big Mobile has added Australia's number one property website realestate.com.au, and CBS Interactive to its portfolio that now reaches 14 million Australians through more than 80 premium sites and apps across smartphones and tablets.

Meanwhile Big Mobile sales director Rob Hall has been promoted to the newly created role of managing director for Australasia, a recognition of Big Mobile's maturing and rapidly growing business, while Angus Keene a group sales manager at Fairfax Media has been hired as New South Wales state sales manager.

Hall joined Big Mobile in 2009 rising through the ranks to become Australasia sales director in the first half of 2012. He now takes charge of day-to-day operations for the business across Australia and New Zealand.

Says Graham Christie, group commercial director and partner at Big Mobile: "The continued expansion of the business in Australia and New Zealand and our plans for future growth in South East Asia means the time is right for us to put in place a dedicated leader for the local business."

Keene joins Big Mobile from Fairfax where he was most recently group sales manager of one of its cross-platform sales team. He has more than ten years experience in sales, media and management and has worked at Fairfax since 2006. He starts in March.

In addition realestate.com.au - ranked the fourth most visited mobile site in Australia by Nielsen Market Intelligence (July 2012) with a total of 3.29 million visits - is the latest high profile publisher to join Big Mobile's premium mobile advertising network.

CBS Interactive a global top ten internet player and leader in Australia for gaming, consumer technology and business IT news and information with sites including CNET, ZDNet and GameSpot, has also joined the Big Audience+ network.

Says Christie: "The scale and complexity of our premium audience reach matches the relevancy we can inject into delivering targeted advertising solutions. Our ambition for the group is simple, to continue to lead our markets in world-class mobile advertising.

Big Mobile was named 2012 Digital Services Company of the Year at the B&T Awards, the award it also won in 2010.

It has offices in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Auckland, Jakarta and is soon to open in Singapore. Advertisers it has worked with include American Express,Emirates, Jaguar, Clearasil, BT, Commonwealth Bank, and Coca-Cola.

Source: http://www.campaignbrief.com/2013/01/mobile-advertising-company-big.html

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Gabrielle Giffords appears at Senate hearing on gun violence (Washington Post)

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Source: http://news.feedzilla.com/en_us/stories/politics/top-stories/281569295?client_source=feed&format=rss

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Man shot in Alabama school bus incident

By Jeff Black and M. Alex Johnson, NBC News

WSFA.com

Multiple local and county officials were on the scene of the shootng Tuesday, Jan. 29, near Midland City, Ala.

Authorities were seeking a suspect Tuesday evening after a man was shot in an incident involving a school bus in southeastern Alabama, police and school district officials told NBC News.

Multiple agencies, including a bomb unit, were on the scene along a rural highway near Midland City, in the area of Dothan and Ozark, the Dale County Sheriff's Department said. It said that a man had been shot and that the suspect was not in custody.

Sheriff's officials and Dothan police said they couldn't immediately provide further details of the incident, including the condition of the victim. But local media, including the Dothan Eagle, reported that the victim was believed to have been the bus' driver and that a child may have been taken hostage in the incident, which began shortly after 3:30 p.m. (4:30 p.m. ET).


School officials said all Dale County and Ozark city schools would be closed Wednesday.

The Eagle quoted a woman who said her daughter told her that a male neighbor got on the bus, shot the driver and left with the child.

Michael Creel, another neighbor of the suspected shooter, told the newspaper that his sister heard gunshots so he went outside. He saw children running away from the bus.

A little girl reportedly told Creel that the suspected shooter had come on the bus and demanded that two children ages of 6 to 8 ?come with him. The driver refused, and that's when the man shot the bus driver and took off with a child, the Eagle reported.?

The man was believed to be in some sort of bunker on the scene, the paper reported. The reports couldn't be confirmed.

Law enforcement officials ?closed roads in the area.

It wasn't clear how many children had been on the bus, but Lisa Harden of the Dale County School District told NBC News that it was carrying children of all ages.

The other children were taken to a high school so their parents could pick them up, Harden said. The Eagle reported that at least seven children were seen being taken to nearby vehicles.

This is a breaking news story. Please check back for more details.

Source: http://usnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/01/29/16759153-man-shot-in-incident-involving-alabama-school-bus-suspect-at-large?lite

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Wednesday, January 30, 2013

Drones to Watch Over US Highways

Drones could help human workers safeguard the 4 million miles of U.S. highways crisscrossing the country. The flying robots could inspect bridges and roads, survey lands with laser mapping, and even alert officials to traffic jams or accidents.

One such project focused on studying the use of drones recently received $74,984 from the Federal Highway Administration and the Georgia Department of Transportation. Researchers plan to spend the next year figuring out how drones could help workers as they go about inspecting and maintaining the safety of public roads and highways.

"Drones could keep workers safer because they won't be going into traffic or hanging off a bridge," said Javier Irizarry, director of the CONECTech Lab at the Georgia Institute of Technology. "It would help with physical limitations of the human when doing this kind of work."

Georgia represents one of several states considering how civilian drones could do some jobs for? transportation departments, the police and firefighters. The state is also competing to become one of several flight-test regions for the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration ? a step in the FAA's plan to open up U.S. civilian airspace to drones by 2015.

Drones of all sizes and shapes could help safeguard state roads and bridges, Irizarry said. Small drones with cameras might take off vertically from the back of a truck to help inspect a bridge. [Video: RoboBees Design Poses Intriguing Engineering Challenges]

The larger, aircraft-size Reaper or Global Hawk drones could spend hours surveying traffic conditions or carry light detection and ranging (LIDAR) equipment that can map terrain with millions of laser pulses. That could potentially replace the expensive use of manned helicopters doing the same job.

Irizarry gave the example of the spherical drones that mapped a huge alien base in the 2012 science fiction film "Prometheus" as an analogy for how today's larger drones could aid in above-ground laser mapping. He has also enlisted the help of Eric Johnson, an aerospace engineer at Georgia Tech, to figure out the best role for drones.

"We're going to look at the different divisions that [DOT] has and see how they do things like surveying, safety monitoring or using traffic cameras," Irizarry told TechNewsDaily. "Maybe they could be using drone technology for a similar purpose."

But the human factor also matters. Georgia Tech researchers will spend the next year studying the best control schemes or interfaces for human workers to deploy drones ? probably regular video displays rather than more futuristic augmented-reality goggles or technology, Irizarry said. They'll also consider how to retrain human workers if drones end up taking over some jobs.

You can follow TechNewsDaily Senior Writer Jeremy Hsu on Twitter @jeremyhsu. Follow TechNewsDaily on Twitter @TechNewsDaily. We're also on?Facebook?&?Google+.

Copyright 2013 LiveScience, a TechMediaNetwork company. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/drones-watch-over-us-highways-155240670.html

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Shell 'not culpable' over spills

A Dutch court has rejected four out of five allegations against Anglo-Dutch oil giant Shell over oil pollution in Nigeria's Niger Delta region.

But it found a subsidiary of the firm, Shell Nigeria, responsible for one case of pollution, ordering it to pay compensation to one Nigerian farmer.

The level of damages in that case will be established at a later hearing.

The landmark case against the Anglo-Dutch firm was brought by four Nigerian farmers and Friends of the Earth.

The case is linked to spills in Goi, Ogoniland; Oruma in Bayelsa State and a third in Ikot Ada Udo, Akwa Ibom State.

The farmers had alleged that oil spills had poisoned their fish ponds and farmland with leaking pipelines.

The court said Shell was only guilty of negligence.

"The district court has established that four oil spills were not caused by defective maintenance by Shell but by sabotage from third parties," the court said in its judgement.

It said according to Nigerian law, the firm was not responsible for damage caused in this way.

However, in one case it found Shell Nigeria culpable of neglecting its duty of care and ruled that: "Shell could and should have prevented this sabotage in an easy way".

Friends of the Earth have said they are "flabbergasted" by the verdict and intend to appeal.

Source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-21258653#sa-ns_mchannel=rss&ns_source=PublicRSS20-sa

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THX releases iOS app for calibrating your home theater's visuals and audio

THX releases iOS app for calibrating your home theater's visuals and audio

Audio titan THX has released its very first mobile app, and it's aimed at helping folks fine tune their home theater experience. Dubbed "THX tune-up," the app slings videos, photos and test patterns to televisions and projectors to guide users through gauging and adjusting their kit's aspect ratio, brightness, color, contrast and tint. The solution isn't comprehensive, but it promises to work with hardware of any brand. If you don't have an AirPlay setup or cables to pipe content from your iDevice to a larger screen, the application also lends a hand when it comes to tweaking color and tint by leveraging a device's camera and a baked in color filter. As for audio, the app includes a pair of sound tests to make sure speakers are in phase and pump out the right output. THX tune-up won't be available on Android until this Spring, but it's currently up for download on Cupertino's App Store for free -- until it gets slapped with a $1.99 price tag after February 4th, that is. Hit the bordering source link to give it a spin.

Show full PR text

THX LAUNCHES ITS FIRST MOBILE iOS APP TO HELP CONSUMERS PROPERLY ADJUST AND GET THE MOST FROM THEIR TV, PROJECTOR AND SPEAKERS

THX tune-up[TM] is Available Free for One Week Worldwide, then Will be Offered at $1.99 in Select Countries

SAN RAFAEL, Calif. - January 29, 2013 - THX Ltd. today announced its first mobile app, THX tune-up[TM], which is now available in the iTunes App Store. THX tune-up is an easy-to-use, interactive app that lets the general consumer use an iOS device to adjust their TVs, projectors and speakers, to get the best performance and enjoyment from their entertainment system - regardless of brand and price.

THX tune-up arrives just in time for this year's Big Game. According to research conducted by the Retail Advertising and Marketing Association, more than 7.5 million viewers are expected to buy a new television specifically for the game.1 To help all home viewers get on a level playing field and enjoy their new or existing TVs on this big day, THX is offering the app worldwide for free for the first week of its release (January 29 - February 4, 2013). THX tune-up will then be available at its regular price of U.S. $1.99 in select countries.2

"By using the THX tune-up app, sports fans, movie enthusiasts, gamers and even reality show addicts can confirm their TV and sound system are set up correctly. THX tune-up guides consumers simply and easily through picture and sound adjustments to get the best possible entertainment experience from their home system," said Sandra Benedetto, director of product management, THX Ltd. "We also included fun stuff, like links to THX cinema trailers and our signature "THX(R) Deep NoteTM" sound that are bound to evoke envy on a newly 'tuned-up' system."

THX tune-up features
Using specifically custom designed video patterns and audio tests, THX tune-up allows consumers to check that video equipment settings are optimized based on the consumer's equipment capabilities and lighting environment, and external speakers are working in phase and are connected properly. For instance, color and tint settings are often complicated to adjust properly without special glasses or other unique equipment. THX tune-up uses the iPad or iPhone camera and a special, THX-designed built-in color filter to help consumers easily ensure colors are accurate and skin tones appear natural.

The interactive app provides users step-by-step instructions via narration and text, as well as a detailed guide on how to use all of its features, walking consumers through the following tests:

Video adjustments
Aspect ratio - ensures your TV displays shapes and sizes correctly
Brightness - makes certain shadow details and night scenes are clearly visible
Contrast - ensures that white detail is distinct on your television
Color - make sure colors are bright and vibrant but not overly saturated or cartoonish
Tint - ensures skin tones appear natural and are not too green or red

Audio adjustments
Speaker assignment - ensures that speakers are connected to the correct audio video receiver (AVR) output and intended sound is coming from the correct speaker
Speaker phase - confirms that positive and negative speaker wires are connected correctly and all speakers are in phase

The THX tune-up app is not intended to provide full calibration capabilities. For home theater enthusiasts, calibrators or installers that want a higher level of control and ability to fine-tune their system, THX has a THX Calibrator Blu-ray Disc which is given to graduates from any THX Education class, and is also available in limited quantities at industry tradeshows and events in which THX participates.

Bonus features
THX tune-up is not all about settings - THX added a number of its classic cinema features to the app that can be appreciated over and over again:
· "THX Deep Note" - the sound that made THX famous is available at the push of a button in 5.1 surround sound
· "THX Trailers" - extraordinary THX trailers (just like the ones in THX Certified Cinemas) are available in HD for users to show off their newly tuned TV and sound systems to friends and family
· "Moo Can" - users can tilt their iPhone or iPad to hear the classic "moo" sound from a popular THX cinema trailer
· "Ask Tex" - provides consumers with an easy way to get answers to any questions they might have for THX about their home theater equipment and setup process

THX and future apps
With the launch of THX tune-up, THX is laying the groundwork for partner involvement with future applications that can provide a competitive differentiator and feature enhancements for mass consumer products. With a rich history born out of George Lucas' desire to improve cinema video and audio capabilities, THX hopes to help bridge the inherent hardware capability of smart devices, TVs, speakers and overall home theater systems with content creators' creative intent to improve the home entertainment experience.

Supported devices
THX tune-up is available now for Apple iOS devices only, including the iPad 2, 3 and 4 with iOS version 5.1.1 or later; the iPad Mini with version 6.0 or later; the iPhone 4, 4S and 5 with iOS version 5.1.1 or later; and the iPod Touch, generation 4 or later with iOS version 5.1.1 or later. THX plans to release an Android version in Spring 2013.

An Apple Digital AV adapter or Lightning Digital AV adapter and HDMI cable, or Apple TV is needed to connect the iPhone or iPad to your system.

1. More than 179 Million Football Fans Gearing Up for the Big Game, According to Retail Advertising and Marketing Association. National Retail Federation research, January 24, 2013.
2. Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Singapore, Spain, United Kingdom and United States.

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Source: THX, iTunes

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/30/thx-tune-up-calibration-app-ios/

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Facebook gets ahead of Graph Search privacy panic by educating users

16 hrs.

Facebook's new search feature, still being rolled out to users, promises to be pretty nifty if you want to find friends who, say, moved to another city or use a certain doctor. But if you don't want to be found???and pestered??? the social network wants you to know there are steps you can take to remove your information from its new Graph Search.

Privacy advocates are understandably concerned about Graph Search because, like other personal information you can't hide on Facebook, this is another feature?you cannot opt out of; you can only change your settings to try to?minimize what others find out about you.

"Ultimately, Graph Search will make everything you share with the public and with friends a whole lot easier for people to find," notes security software maker Kaspersky, on its blog. (For a funny???but scary???look at how Graph Search can be used, see Tom Scott's Tumblr blog;?hat tip to NPR's On The Media.)?

On Facebook, users can find a handy Q-and-A about Graph Search and a helpful video, shared below as well, about changing privacy settings.?

Facebook wants users to believe it takes their privacy seriously, especially after a settlement last summer?of federal charges that Facebook deceived consumers and forced them to share more personal information than they had intended. As part of the settlement, the Federal Trade Commission requires Facebook to get user consent for some changes to privacy settings. Facebook is?also subject to 20 years of independent audits about privacy.

Michael Richter, Facebook privacy officer for product, writes on the Q-and-A page that "privacy works consistently across Facebook, not just on Graph Search. When you control who you share your information with, you determine who it's shared with across Facebook???including News Feed, timeline and in Graph Search."

There are also two other Graph Search info pages that are very useful, one on How Privacy Works with Graph Search and another, Graph Search Privacy. Bookmark those pages, because you'll want to refer to them often once Graph Search is completely rolled out.

In a related move this week, Facebook said its Chief Privacy Officer of policy, Erin Egan, now has an "Ask the CPO" feature on the site's "Facebook and Privacy" page, where you can ask Egan?questions. Not all will be answered, but Facebook says, "Each month, Erin will respond to some of your questions."

Here's Facebook's video that?walks?you?through?the?steps you can take to help ensure privacy when it comes to Graph Search:

Check out Technology, GadgetBox, Digital?Life and InGame on?Facebook,?and on?Twitter, follow Suzanne Choney.

Source: http://www.nbcnews.com/technology/technolog/facebook-gets-ahead-graph-search-privacy-panic-educating-users-1C8160706

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Opus Virtual Offices offers free meeting room ... - PR NewsChannel

(PR NewsChannel) / January 29, 2013 / BOCA RATON, Fla.?

Opus Virtual OfficesWhen attorneys and court reporters require an upscale location for in person client contact; when home based business owners operating from their study, mobile?entrepreneurs operating from their smartphones, or contractors working outdoors need to conduct a meeting to impress new clients, where can they go??

Renting private meeting rooms is often the only solution, but the cost can be prohibitive and the amenities can be lacking. Right now,?Opus Virtual Offices?is offering?Atlanta area professionals and?business owners an exceptional opportunity. A leading provider of?virtual office services,?Opus is providing two hours of?free meeting room?use in its richly appointed Peachtree Lenox Building location in the prestigious Buckhead district. To benefit from this special offer just click the link ?http://atlanta.opusmeetingrooms.com/specialoffer.php?

?Opus knows how important a well-equipped facility is to professionals and other businesspeople who need a premium space to draw up a contract, take a deposition, make a presentation, or anything else that helps them attract new clients and support their success,? said Yori Galel, the CEO of Opus Virtual Offices. ?We believe that once Atlanta professionals and business owners sample two free hours of Opus quality with this special offer, they?ll want to use Opus regularly.?

Atlanta is home to one of the highest concentrations of attorneys and court reporters in the nation, many of them self-employed. They and other members of the area?s business community are immediately familiar with the famed Peachtree Lenox Building with its central location in Buckhead. Its complete business center and first class meeting and conference rooms are among the finest in the city. Access to these amenities and to the Opus reputation for providing a superior low cost?virtual office solution?to professionals and businesses for over 16 years, will enhance their prestige with their own clients and customers.

No meetings in cramped offices, public places or costly hotel conference rooms. Never worrying that an important meeting will fail to impress. Opus VO?s always affordable Atlanta location is ideal for the way business is being conducted in the 21st century. And right now with the current promotion; two free hours of prime meeting room space is theirs with one mouse click:??http://atlanta.opusmeetingrooms.com/specialoffer.php

Further information is available at?www.opusvirtualoffices.com

About Opus Virtual Offices:?Opus Virtual Offices provides the most complete Virtual Office program available in the industry, with more than 400 locations in the US, giving you the corporate image you require. The Virtual Office program is the perfect office solution for all new and expanding businesses looking to gain all the resources to provide the perfect image at a low cost. Our sophisticated system has been designed to provide all the features a professional business requires without having the extreme costs that are normally associated with the operating of a business.

MEDIA CONTACT
Florence Goodman
Phone:????????? (561) 988-6900
Website:????????www.opusvirtualoffices.com

Direct link:??http://www.prnewschannel.com/2013/01/29/opus-virtual-offices-offers-free-meeting-room-use-in-atlanta-location/

SOURCE:??Opus Virtual Offices

This press release is distributed by PR NewsChannel. Your News. Everywhere.

Source: http://www.prnewschannel.com/2013/01/29/opus-virtual-offices-offers-free-meeting-room-use-in-atlanta-location/

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Crafted

Crafted

You know how they say you have to make your own path in life? Well its not like that here. We dont have a choice on who we are and where we go in life, no that decision belongs to the Leaders. In the past war was all you would see for weeks.......

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This topic is an Out Of Character part of the roleplay, ?Crafted?. Anything posted here will also show up there.

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Forum for completely Out of Character (OOC) discussion, based around whatever is happening In Character (IC). Discuss plans, storylines, and events; Recruit for your roleplaying game, or find a GM for your playergroup.

hey guy's hope you enjoy this RP but pls follow the character sheet and story

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AuroraDawn
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Saturday, January 26, 2013

Mistrial in ex-cheerleader's libel lawsuit

COVINGTON, Ky. (AP) ? A federal judge declared a mistrial in a defamation lawsuit against a gossip website filed by a former Cincinnati Bengals cheerleader who had sex with her underage student.

U.S. District Judge William Bertelsman declared the mistrial Friday after jurors couldn't reach a verdict.

Former cheerleader and high school teacher Sarah Jones had sued Scottsdale, Ariz.-based thedirty.com and its operator over two posts that said she had slept with every Bengals player and likely had two sexually transmitted diseases.

She was seeking $11 million,

The posts were unrelated to Jones' relationship with her former 17-year-old student. Jones pleaded guilty in that case in October in a deal that allowed her to avoid jail time. The two are still dating.

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/mistrial-ex-cheerleaders-libel-lawsuit-192242818--spt.html

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Wednesday, January 23, 2013

2013 economic outlook for global chemical industry (1/22/2013)


The 2013 outlook for the global chemical industry - a $3 trillion enterprise that impacts virtually every other sector of the economy - is the topic of the cover story in this week's edition of Chemical & Engineering News. C&EN is the weekly newsmagazine of the American Chemical Society, the world's largest scientific society.

Titled "World Chemical Outlook" and compiled by a team of 10 editors and correspondents, the annual feature forecasts chemical industry growth rates in various regions, including a modest 1.9 percent increase in the United States (compared to 1.5 percent growth in 2012) and a 0.5 percent increase in Europe (an improvement from the 2.0 percent contraction in 2012).

The story describes several bright spots dotting that generally overcast landscape. U.S. chemical manufacturers, for instance, can look forward to another year of low-priced natural gas to fuel their facilities and provide cheap raw materials. Producers of "fine chemicals," highly pure substances produced in relatively small amounts for medications, pesticides and other products, should do better than the industry as a whole. Likewise, makers of scientific instruments for the energy, environmental, forensics and food markets also are upbeat about 2013 sales.

Note: This story has been adapted from a news release issued by the American Chemical Society

Post Comments:

Source: http://www.cowboyeconomics.com/research/2013_economic_outlook_for_global_chemical_industry.asp

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Fresh From Its $54M Raise, Infusionsoft Acquires GroSocial, The ?Buddy Media For SMBs,? To Expand Into Social Marketing

Screen shot 2013-01-22 at 3.52.37 AMUp until recently, as far as sales and marketing platforms go, Infusionsoft has been a fairly well-kept secret. Yet, two weeks ago, the company landed $54 million in series C financing from Goldman Sachs, bringing its total funding to $71 million. With this new infusion of capital, the makers of a growing, SaaS sales and marketing automation platform for small businesses are now on track for a potential IPO in the next few years. In his interview with Alex Williams, Infusionsoft CEO Clate Mask said that the team is building "a big, independent company that we hope will be around for decades to come ... we want to be the Intuit for the sales and marketing business of a company."

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Techcrunch/~3/ZI1w2zEnrlI/

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Got the Flu? Rest First, Exercise Later, Experts Say - Health News ...

January 22, 2013

Ss36054 Got the Flu? Rest First, Exercise Later, Experts Say

TUESDAY, Jan. 22 (HealthDay News) ? Although regular exercise has been linked to a strong immune system, people with flu symptoms, such as fever, extreme tiredness, muscle aches and swollen lymph glands, should avoid physical exertion while sick and for two weeks after they recover, according to the American Council on Exercise.

With the United States battling widespread flu activity, the council issued guidelines for athletes and others who exercise regularly. Above all else, flu sufferers should get plenty of rest, the group said in a news release.

Endurance athletes, including marathon runners and triathletes, need to be extra careful, the council added. For 72 hours after a 90-minute, high-intensity endurance workout, these athletes may be vulnerable to illness. Intense workout routines temporarily elevate levels of the hormones cortisol and adrenaline, which lowers immunity, the experts explained.

For people with symptoms of the common cold, such as runny nose, headache and mild cough, moderate exercise such as walking is considered safe. The group noted, however, that it?s a good idea for people with a cold to listen to their body and reduce the intensity of their workout until their symptoms are gone.

Anyone with a cold should avoid working out at a gym or in a group environment to reduce the risk of spreading their illness to others, the council said.

More information

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provides more information on seasonal flu.

HEALTHDAY Web XSmall Got the Flu? Rest First, Exercise Later, Experts Say

Source: http://news.health.com/2013/01/22/got-the-flu-rest-first-exercise-later-experts-say/

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First Time Cruising: Explore Europe aboard the World's Best Luxury ...

Dear Luxury Travel Partner,

Plan your client's summer escape now and soon enough they will be relishing the stunning views of the Amalfi Coast, French Riviera and Costa del Sol from the plush comfort of a private verandah aboard the award-winning Crystal Symphony. On six Mediterranean journeys ranging from 7- to 12-days?including two with Saturday departures?your clients will find themselves exploring ancient ruins in Rome, Ottoman treasures in Istanbul, and iconic beaches in Mykonos. Experience the all-inclusive luxury of Crystal with Book Now Savings of up to $1,200 per person when you book your client's cruise by February 28, 2013 with fares from just $2,495!
Crystal Cruises Voyage Mediterranean Mezes V3215
Rome to Istanbul on Crystal Symphony
DATES : Jun. 27 - Jul. 6, 2013 (Days 9)
BOOK NOW CRUISE-ONLY FARES FROM : $3,850

New in 2013 for your clients to enjoy are Crystal?s exclusive Boutique Adventures?available only to our guests?offering rare experiences such as cooking lessons with a Michelin-starred Chef or a private concert and lunch at Castle of Calatabiano, both in Taormina.

View Voyage Details
Crystal Cruises Voyage Ionian Sea Interlude V3216
Istanbul to Rome on Crystal Symphony
DATES : Jul. 6 - 13, 2013 (Days 7)
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Cultured and adventurous, tailor your client's shoreside discovery to their exact wishes...an exclusive evening classical concert at Ephesus, horseback riding on the beaches of Mykonos, or a private motoryacht to the isle of Capri.

View Voyage Details
Crystal Cruises Voyage Bounties of the Black Sea V3217
Rome to Istanbul on Crystal Symphony
DATES : Jul. 13 - 25, 2013 (Days 12)
BOOK NOW CRUISE-ONLY FARES FROM : $5,510

Your clients will join renowned chef, Nobu Matsuhisa, and savor his award-winning fusion creations as they journey to Crimea? discovering an ancient sea more iridescent blue than black, and beautiful lands and mansions once host to Russia's most noble families.

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Crystal Cruises Voyage Empires of Art & Beauty V3218
Istanbul to Rome on Crystal Symphony
DATES : Jul. 25 - Aug. 3, 2013 (Days 9)
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Overnight stays in Istanbul and Sorrento allow for added time for your clients to explore places like the Blue Mosque, St. Sophia and the Grand Bazaar in the former capital of Byzantium; or hire a private car to indulge in the treasures of the Amalfi Coast, from Ravello to Positano.

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Crystal Cruises Voyage Riviera Rendezvous V3219
Rome to Barcelona on Crystal Symphony
DATES : Aug. 3 - 10, 2013 (Days 7)
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A perfect jet-set holiday...the fountains of Rome, the art of Florence, the cosmopolitan elegance of Portofino and Monte Carlo, and the fabulous wonders of Barcelona, all waiting for your clients to enjoy.

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Crystal Cruises Voyage Coastal Connoisseur V3220
Barcelona to Lisbon on Crystal Symphony
DATES : Aug. 10 - 22, 2013 (Days 12)
BOOK NOW CRUISE-ONLY FARES FROM : $5,135

After exploring the home of Picasso, Gaudi and Miro, your client can assist with the rehabilitation of marine animals in Barcelona, one of our complimentary voluntourism excursions; or, slip behind the wheel of a Ferrari to explore the French Coast from St-Tropez.

View Voyage Details
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The All Inclusive Crystal Experience? is renowned for its ultra-luxe amenities and services, as well as its unparalleled value. The casually elegant onboard ambience is enhanced with:

  • Complimentary fine wines, champagne and premium spirits
  • Complimentary gratuities for all dining, bar, housekeeping and Penthouse butler staff
  • Complimentary specialty restaurants celebrating the cuisines of Nobu Matsuhisa and Piero Selvaggio
  • Complimentary enrichment including the innovative Creative Learning Institute? with courses in language, music, wellness and wine, and the Computer University@Sea?;
  • Complimentary fitness programs with classes in yoga, Pilates, Spinning?, and so much more!
Plus, if you book your client's cruise now and pay in full 180 days prior to cruise departure, enjoy additional 2.5% savings off their cruise fare. And be sure to ask us about our attractive optional air add-ons, now available.

Book by February 28, 2013

for the best available fares and let the two highest-rated ships in the world transport your clients to the world?s most spectacular destinations. Let them begin their new story with Crystal today.
Crystal Cruises Special Offer
Book your client's cruise today via CruiseBuilder; Or call Crystal Cruises? reservation agents from Monday through Friday (6am to 6pm) and Saturday (7am to 3pm) Pacific Standard Time, at our exclusive travel agent number 800-446-6620.

Source: http://first-time-cruising.blogspot.com/2013/01/explore-europe-aboard-worlds-best.html

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Tuesday, January 15, 2013

what is asbestos cancer: ASBESTOS - Mesothelioma Care ? The ...

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How does your garden glow?

Tuesday, January 15, 2013

Nature's ability to create iridescent flowers has been recreated by mathematicians at The University of Nottingham. The team of researchers have collaborated with experimentalists at the University of Cambridge to create a mathematical model of a plant's petals to help us learn more about iridescence in flowering plants and the role it may play in attracting pollinators.

An iridescent surface appears to change colour as you alter the angle you view it from. It is found in the animal kingdom in insects, inside sea shells and in feathers, and is also seen in some plants. Iridescence in flowers may act as a signal to pollinators such as bumble-bees, which are crucial to crop production.

Understanding how petals produce iridescence to attract pollinators is a major goal in plant biology. An estimated 35 per cent of global crop production depends on petal-mediated animal pollination but a decrease in pollinator numbers across the world has started to limit the odds of pollination and reduce crop production rates.

Flowers and the animals that pollinate plants interact at the petal surface. The surfaces of many petals have regular patterns, produced from folds of the waterproof cuticle layer that covers all plant surfaces. These patterns can interfere with light to produce strong optical effects including iridescent colours, and might also influence animal grip.

Iridescence in plants is produced by nanoscale ridges on the top of the cells in the petal's epidermal surface. These tiny ridges produce structures called diffraction gratings. The particular shape and spacing of these ridges and the shape of the cells sculpt the outermost layer of the petal giving it a unique physical, mechanical or optical property. These properties interfere with different wavelengths of light creating the colour variation when it is seen at different angles. Pollinators, such as bumblebees, can detect the iridescent signal produced by petal nanoridges and can learn to use this signal as a cue to identify rewarding flowers.

The research has been published in the Journal of The Royal Society Interface. Rea Antoniou Kourounioti, a PhD student in the School of Biosciences, said: "We provide a first analysis of how petal surface patterns might be produced. Our team of researchers combined experimental data with mathematical modelling to develop a biomechanical model of the outer layers of a petal or leaf. We used this to demonstrate that mechanical buckling of the outermost, waxy cuticle layer, can create the ridge patterns observed in nature on petals and leaves. Learning more about how iridescence is produced is important for pollination of crops and also for other types of patterning in biology."

###

University of Nottingham: http://www.nottingham.ac.uk

Thanks to University of Nottingham 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.

This press release has been viewed 19 time(s).

Source: http://www.labspaces.net/126271/How_does_your_garden_glow_

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PFT: Driver, Jennings unsure of future with Packers

Houston Texans v Detroit LionsGetty Images

Tim Ryan, the former Bears defensive tackle and current FOX analyst who was the lone All-Pro voter not to select Lions receiver Calvin Johnson, says he cares more about wins and losses than catches and yards.

Although neither Ryan nor FOX?s PR department responded to requests for comment from PFT, Ryan did tell The Sports Xchange that he chose Bears receiver Brandon Marshall and Bengals receiver A.J. Green over Johnson in large part because Marshall and Green won more games.

?Of course he had a great year and he is a great receiver, but I look at more than statistics and I thought a couple of other receivers had a better season, Brandon Marshall and A.J. Green,? Ryan said. ?Johnson was targeted a lot and was often the only thing the Lions had going, but he also dropped a lot of passes and they did lose 12 games. I felt Marshall helped Chicago win games and Green helped Cincinnati win games. I think that is more important than statistics.?

But here?s the thing: Football is a team sport. Measuring a wide receiver by how many wins and losses a team has doesn?t make a whole lot of sense, because no wide receiver wins or loses a game by himself.

Yes, the Lions lost more games than the Bears and Bengals, but does anyone seriously believe that?s Johnson?s fault? When Johnson caught 10 passes for 164 yards and a touchdown against the Titans, but the Lions? defense and special teams fell apart in a 44-41 loss, was that an example of Johnson not doing enough to win? When Johnson caught 12 passes for 207 yards and a touchdown against the Vikings, but the Lions lost 34-24, was that an example of Johnson not doing enough to win? When Johnson caught 13 passes for 171 yards and a touchdown against the Colts, but the Lions? defense gave up two late touchdown drives in a 35-33 loss, was that an example of Johnson not doing enough to win?

And if we?re counting losses against individual receivers, shouldn?t we count it against Marshall that he caught just two passes for 24 yards in a loss to the Packers, and just two passes for 21 yards in a loss to the 49ers? If the Bears had won either of those games, they would have made the playoffs. Doesn?t Marshall deserve some blame for that? And how about Green catching one pass for eight yards in a loss to the Steelers, and three passes for 44 yards in a loss to the Cowboys? If the Bengals had won either of those games, they would have won their division and opened the playoffs at home instead of on the road. Doesn?t Green deserve some blame for that?

It?s also odd that, if wins and losses are Ryan?s means of measuring receivers, he chose Marshall (whose team didn?t make the playoffs), and Green (whose team made the playoffs as the sixth and final wild card in the AFC). Why not a receiver on a division winner, like Atlanta?s Julio Jones, Houston?s Andre Johnson, Houston, Denver?s Demaryius Thomas or New England?s Wes Welker?

As for Ryan?s claim that Marshall and Green were more deserving because Johnson ?dropped a lot of passes,? well, that doesn?t really stand up to much scrutiny. Although dropped passes aren?t an official NFL statistic, Stats Inc. counts them. And Stats Inc. found that Johnson and Marshall dropped the same number of passes last season, while Green dropped just one fewer. So Johnson dropped the same number of passes as Marshall while catching four more passes than Marshall, and Johnson dropped one more pass than Green while catching 25 more passes than Green, and somehow dropped passes are the reason that Marshall and Green were better than Johnson last season?

Johnson led the league in catches and broke the NFL?s single-season receiving yardage record by a big margin, and it?s silly to hold it against him that he did it while playing on a losing team. All-Pro recognition is an individual honor, and no receiver had a better individual season than Megatron.

Source: http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2013/01/13/donald-driver-greg-jennings-unsure-if-theyre-done-as-packers/related

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