Mountain Bicycles

Home Popcorn Maker

2010-12-24T15:34:00.001-08:00

Home Popcorn Maker

Shopping for a great housewarming, home or kitchen gift? Check out these sleek, practical gift ideas!

1.Oster Electric Wine Opener
This affordable tool is a great gift idea for all wine drinkers and a real hit at dinner parties. Extremely convenient and easy to use, this is probably the best wine-opening gadget on the market today. You'll find yourself opening bottles of wine just because it's so easy!

2. Salton Yogurt Maker
You only need milk and some powdered starter (or plain yogurt from the store) to make any flavor of natural, healthy yogurt in the convenience of your home. If you are looking for a gift idea for families, this is an easy, healthy, and affordable gift that everyone will have fun using.

3. Baker's Edge Nonstick Brownie Pan
I love the chewy edges of brownies, so this maze-like brownie pan is amazing. Every single slice of brownie gets those two perfect edges that make them perfectly-textured and professional-looking at the same time. A perfect gift idea for baking or cooking fans.

4. Electric Can Opener
The days of using manual can openers are over. See what you are missing with this quick, easy-to-use electric can opener. It's also a great housewarming gift idea.

5. Vinturi Wine Aerator
You don't need to be a wealthy wine aficionado to enjoy the best-tasting wine. Impress your friends with this gift idea - an affordable, easy-to-use wine aerator that will aerate your wine in a few seconds for a much better flavor.

6. Breville Compact Juice Fountain
It's easy and affordable to enjoy a fresh glass of juice every morning with this sleek juice fountain, which can churn out a glass of pulp-free juice in under 10 seconds. It's easy to use and easy to clean. If you are shopping for a fun and healthy family gift idea, this is perfect.

7. Aerobed
This is a practical gift idea for anyone who has ever needed an extra guest bed without the cost or space of a permanent new bed. It inflates and deflates quickly with the push of a button, and since it is the same size and height as a real queen bed, your guests will never know that they are sleeping on an airbed. It's also great to bring with you if you'll be a guest at someone else's home.

8: Rapid Ice Wine Chiller
Here's another great gift idea for people who enjoy wine. Forgot to chill the wine before the dinner party? No problem! This handy device will chill it for you in minutes.

9. Vita-Mix Blender
The Vita-Mix blender is the most powerful, durable, reliable blender on the market today. Like the KitchenAid mixer, it is a pricey but critical kitchen appliance for serious cooks or people who enjoy smoothies, slushies, fresh fruit juices, vegetable juices, margaritas, soups, bisques, salsas, or gravies. It's the perfect gift idea for families who want to eat healthy, or for families who want to blend organic baby food.

10. PopLite Hot Air Corn Popper
Both kids and adults will love using this fun and easy machine to make their own fresh, healthy, homemade popcorn. This fun and entertaining gift idea is a hit at parties, movie nights, book clubs, poker games, sleep overs, holiday gatherings, birthday parties, or just Saturday night get-togethers.

11. FoodSaver Vacuum-Packaging System
Keep your food fresh and airtight within your own vacuum packs. The FoodSaver machine comes with different size bags and settings to store any kind of dry or moist food. Watch the air being sucked out of the bag to create perfect airtight storage to keep your food fresh for a very long time.

12. George Foreman Next Grilleration Grill
Look, there's a reason these George Foreman grills are still popular gift ideas despite everyone's initial skepticism about celebrity-endorsed products. This grill is easy to use, easy to clean, and versatile. When you can't grill outdoors, use this machine in your kitchen to make anything from waffles and bacon to burgers and vegetables!

13. Magic Bullet Express 17-Piece High-Speed Blender Mixing System
You've probably seen this gift idea on TV. Though touted as a food processor, the Magic Bullet is most effective as an instant, one-cup smoothie maker with very easy clean up. All you do is throw your ingredients into the cup, press down to blend, then drink it straight out of the same cup. It's easy to use, easy to clean, and a great way to get your family to eat more fruits.

14. Keurig Gourmet Home-Brewing
Have you seen those fancy drink machines at work that can make coffee, tea, or cocoa with the push of a button? This is the home or small-business version that makes a great gift idea for any coffee or tea drinker.

15. KitchenAid Stand Mixers
This is an ideal kitchen gift idea for anyone who does any kind of intermediate-level cooking or baking. Perhaps the most useful, versatile tool in your kitchen, the KitchenAid mixer is essential for making everything from cakes, brownies, bread, and pastries to pasta, mashed potatoes, even ice cream.

16. Gourmet Olive Oil Sprayer
If you like using Pam or other cooking sprays instead of brushing on oil, you will love this handy olive oil sprayer. It's perfect for evenly spraying oil on everything from grilled vegetables to cake pans to garlic bread, making it a great gift idea for anyone who cooks, grills, or bakes.

17: FURminator deShedding Tool
If you have pets, you know how much fur they can shed all over your house. This wildly popular and effective tool is the perfect gift idea for pet owners who want to keep the shedding under control.

18: Hands-Free Automatic Trash Can
Hands-free trash cans are finally affordable! This is a practical gift idea because you don't have to worry about your hands being full, or the lid on the trash can getting dirty or covered in food. This sleek trash can is affordable, reliable, convenient, and clean!

19. Apple and Potato Peeler
This is a great gift idea for families with kids. If you know someone who likes apple pie, apple cobbler, cinnamon-sugar apples, or just apple slices, this is a perfect gift that's easy to use and easy to clean!

20. Rival Electric Fondue Set
Fondue sets are a big hit at parties with family and friends. This is a great gift idea for anyone who likes to host get-togethers, or anyone who likes to be entertained by their food. With this affordable set, there's no need to waste money at expensive fondue restaurants anymore.

For more useful gift ideas, see the Gift Critic's Best Gifts of the Year.

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Elliptical Exercise Machines

2010-12-24T15:18:00.001-08:00

Elliptical Exercise Machines

Dear Sara:

I am glad you've asked this question, as pains in the chest, left arm and jaw are a very common concern among people beginning an exercise regimen. The bottom line is, anyone who is planning to begin working out should get clearance from a physician before starting. Even children getting into a school sport should get medical clearance. Most importantly, those who begin a regimen and have any unexpected pains and discomforts should stop the activity and seek evaluation from a physician. You should not restart the activity until the cause of the pain is determined and measures are planned to prevent it.

Angina, or pain from the heart muscle not getting enough oxygenated blood, can present as mild to severe chest pain, a pain or numbness running up the left arm, pain in the jaw or even as a headache. Angina is typical in patients with cardiovascular disease undergoing strenuous exertion. Strenuous activity increases the heart's need for oxygen. Partial obstruction in the coronary arteries leads to less than adequate flow of oxygenated blood to the heart. The discomfort usually decreases or goes away with rest. If the heart is deprived of blood long enough, some of the heart muscle will die. This is commonly called a myocardial infarction or a heart attack. Death of heart muscle can lead to heart rhythm problems and difficulty in the heart pumping blood. The latter is known as congestive heart failure.

The typical person with cardiovascular disease and angina is in his or her 50s or older. In younger people, discomfort of the chest, the left arm, and the jaw during exercise is more commonly due to non-heart problems. Physicians will assess the young individual with these symptoms for abnormalities of the heart valves and congenital malformations of the heart. These findings are rare. Even rarer is the young person with coronary artery blockages. Young people with coronary artery disease usually have a family and personal history of high serum cholesterol or serum triglyceride or have a history of radiation therapy to chest for another disease such as a cancer.

Patients under evaluation may get electrocardiograms, ultrasound studies of the heart or exercise stress tests. In an exercise stress test, the heart performance is evaluated during exertion with an electrocardiogram, and often with ultrasound and nuclear medicine - use of traceable material injected into the blood vessels to look for blockages.

Among young people, chest discomfort during exercise is commonly due to indigestion, acid reflux, or even muscular and skeletal pain in the rib cage. Pain in the jaw can be due to tensing of the jaw or malocclusion of teeth (a bad bite). Numbness and pain in the forearm are commonly due to carpal tunnel syndrome from gripping exercise machines.

Again I stress that one should not self-diagnose this discomfort. It should be evaluated by a health professional.

Ask our expert docs a question

Dear Sara:

Again I stress that one should not self-diagnose this discomfort. It should be evaluated by a health professional.

Ask our expert docs a question

See all Details : Elliptical Exercise Machines

Wall Mount TV Stand

2010-12-06T06:45:00.001-08:00

If you are getting a new HDTV or 3D TV for Christmas, you might need something to set that TV on for viewing or you might want to mount the thing to the wall. If you do, Sanus has a few new products that might catch your eye. The company has some new basic home theater furnishings including the BFAV344 and the BFAV550 TV stands.

Both of those stands have three shelves for holding your game consoles and all the DVD players and set-top boxes that geeks tend to have in their home theaters. The 344 is a high-gloss black unit with a curved shape on the front that is designed to fit in a corner or on a flat wall. The 550 is a waterfall design which means the thing has no sides to it and comes in a chestnut or chocolate finish.

The stands will support up to 56-inch sets with a weight capacity on the top shelf of 125 pounds. The new stands can be combined with a new no-drill wall mount as well that attached directly to the back of the TV stands and can tilt for the best viewing angle. It will support TVs from 30 to 56-inches that weight up to 125 pounds. The 344 stand sells for $269.99, the 550 is $229.99, and the FMK056 no-drill wall mount is $199.99.

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Remote Support

2010-12-06T06:23:00.001-08:00

TeamViewer Arrives on Android for Small-Screen Remote Control and Tech Support

Android: Popular remote desktop service TeamViewer has rolled out a version of their viewing software that allows anyone with an Android, and a relatively decent screen, to remotely view, control, and help out on desktop system.

How do you control a remote Windows, Mac, or Linux system with a mostly touchscreen-only Android? TeamViewer's controls actually cover the issue in fairly clever fashion. You drag with one finger to scroll the mouse pointer around. Your finger point isn't exactly where the mouse pointer is—it's just kind of connected, so you can see both the cursor and your finger. Single-tapping is a left click, two-finger-tapping is a right click, and the controls for bringing up a keyboard, hitting Ctrl, Alt, and the other keys are contained at the bottom.

In other words, TeamViewer will do in a pinch when a friend or relative's system needs to be fixed right away, or if you quickly need into your own system for some files you forgot to email/Dropbox. One note: the Android version seems to require that a desktop client run at least version 6, so you may need to have others download the beta versions of their respective viewing clients.

TeamViewer is a free download for Android, but requires a "side" installation—downloading directly, and enabling non-Market installations in your Application settings. Grab it from the QR code at left, or at the main download site.

Kaleidescape Announces Cinema One, an Out-of-the-Box DVD Movie Server, Priced Below $5,000 MSRP in the United States and Canada

Company Targets Broader Market, Provides Features Designed for Young Children

SUNNYVALE, CA - December 2, 2010 - Kaleidescape, Inc., creator of the movie server product category, today announced the availability of Cinema One, an out-of-the-box DVD movie server that provides hassle-free, instant viewing and management of an entire movie collection. As the company's first system priced below $5,000 US MSRP, Cinema One brings the award-winning Kaleidescape experience to a broader set of customers. It also meets the needs of young children by automatically switching to a simplified user interface when the Child Remote is used.

"Our dealers and customers have been asking for a simple-to-install Kaleidescape System," said Michael Malcolm, Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Kaleidescape. "The Cinema One makes it possible for many more customers to enjoy the richness of the Kaleidescape experience."

"The Cinema One is the perfect system for families because DVDs offer the broadest selection of children's content," said Leonard Bellezza, President of Lyric HiFi & Video, a leading high-end audio video custom integrator in New York City for over 51 years. "With the Child Remote, even a toddler can find his own programs, and when he presses play, it starts instantly without trailers, advertisements, and menus."

Offered at $4,995 US MSRP, Cinema One is a single component movie server capable of storing 225 DVDS or 2,500 CDs - yet installs as easily as an ordinary DVD player. Cinema One is based on and replaces the Kaleidescape Mini System, and is ideal for the retail market because it eliminates the need for storage configuration.

Key Benefits

* Instant Viewing - Press play and any movie, concert, or television episode starts instantly, without the frustration of having to physically locate the disc, navigate confusing menus, or sit through advertisements. Easily browse and sort an entire collection by title, actor, director, genre, year-of-release, or running time.

* Kid Friendly - Even toddlers can find and play their own movies, and parents have complete control over available content.

* Simple Installation - Installs easily by connecting power, the Internet, and a television display. With the included Kaleidescape Remote and Child Remote, Cinema One is ready for immediate use.

* Independent Music Zones - Includes two independent music zones, enabling a movie to be watched in one room while music is enjoyed in other parts of the home.

* Effortless Expansion - For more storage or to share movies with another TV, simply add another Cinema One or a Kaleidescape player to the home network. In fact, any Kaleidescape component works seamlessly with the Cinema One.

About Kaleidescape

Kaleidescape designs and manufactures the world's leading movie servers, bringing lifestyle convenience to families with young children and movie enthusiasts. The Kaleidescape System, renowned for its intuitive user interface, presents your entire collection of movies on any TV in your home, and provides a rich, cinematic experience for the entire family. Kaleidescape's innovative products and services are protected by over 50 patents issued and pending. Founded in 2001 and headquartered in Sunnyvale, California, Kaleidescape sells its movie servers through custom installation dealers and distributors throughout the world. For more information, please visit www.kaleidescape.com.

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24 port patch panel

2010-12-05T16:32:00.001-08:00

A wildly irregular light flux flashed in the black vacuum of space. The star freighter Lightchaser careened out of hyperspace. Its six cylindrical pods whirled around the ship cylinder like a crazy roulette wheel.

Inside the ship the crew and passengers were stunned by the sudden wrenching out of hyperspace. The only lights in operation were the deep red emergency lights. The only sounds heard were the blaring ship alarm buzzers and the crackling of burning electronic components. The acrid smell of the burning components filled the air and the failure of the autograv unit left everyone and everything floating above the floor.

After another dead still minute the backup system's were engaged. The normal lighting returned, the hum of the ship's systems was once again heard, and the autograv unit activated dropping everyone to the deck. It sounded like it was raining sacks of potatoes.

Captain Kevin Morgan pulled his six-foot frame slowly to his feet. Shaking the cob webs from his head he yelled, "Damage containment, plan alpha!" He got to the command chair and scanned a general status of the major systems. The first system he checked was the hyper-drive. The antimatter activator gave out. By all calculations the ship should have vaporized. He was quite happy that it was still in one piece, but he wasn't sure why. He shook his head and cursed himself. Daugherty had told him several times to put into space dock and to have the hyperdrive overhauled. It was almost a year overdue. There was always one more run to make. The black haired brown-eyed captain was sick about what his procrastinating had done. Lightchaser was his life. He sank his military pension and his life savings into it. He talked ten investors into backing his business. If he had got the bonus on this job, he could have bought them out, but it was not going to happen.

Doctor Cynthia Kirshner picked herself up off the conference room floor. Tia was presiding over a construction planning meeting when the failure occurred. She was an astrophysicist and director of the Cent. Gov. project, Orion Watch. The Central Government of Humanity had commissioned a research station to be built and staffed at the edge of the Orion Nebula. Once construction was complete, the scientists would study the formation of stars in what was known as the galaxy's stellar nursery. She called out, "Is everyone all right?" Everyone groaned in the affirmative.

Construction Crew Chief J.D. Hayden looked up at Tia, "What the hell was that?"

"I don't know," Tia growled, "but I'm going to find out. J.D., you check our people and our equipment. Get me a damage assessment. I'm going to the bridge." She turned on her heel and her long blonde hair flashed over her shoulder like a yellow wave. Her slender form did not minimize her strength of will and when her hazel eyes were set, there was no doubt who was in charge of the project.

When Tia entered the bridge, she couldn't believe the chaos. In the best of times Lightchaser's bridge was nothing more than a gloomy gray semicircular room. On the front wall was the view screen. At the moment it was dead black, and inoperative. Three system consoles faced the screen, helm/sensors, navigation, and environment/pod control. The command chair sat on a slightly elevated pedestal behind the control stations. It had a ship wide access console, and the communication system. Tia looked around and saw the lower covers off the helm and navigation consoles. The crew members responsible for the stations were in them up to their elbows. There were components and wires strewn across the floor, and the smell a burnt electronics still hung in the air.

Doctor Richard Flores had just completed his report to the captain. Amazingly enough, he had been treating only bumps and bruises. Next Kevin got a run down from his engineering chief, Terence Patrick Daugherty. Tia stood quietly and listened. "The good news is, if we can find a handful of terra-byte PROM chips I can probably have the hyper-drive up in about an hour. The bad news is the abnormal transition out of hyper-space has made spaghetti out of our sensor antennas. The helm is sluggish and navigation is questionable. Our sensor measurements will be fragmented. It will take some work to make sense of them. I suggest we patch up the hyper-drive and nurse the old girl to the nearest space dock. Based on our last heading it should be the Talandian's Aboria Space Dock."

Considering the situation, and how they got there, the last thing Kevin was going to do was to ignore his chief's suggestion. "That sounds like our best bet. Scavenge the chips anywhere you can. Getting the hyper-drive up is top priority."

At that point Tia spoke up, "I can get you the chips, Chief, Contact my crew's chief, J.D. Hayden. Tell him to pull them from our reserve stash, but I expect them replaced when we get to Aboria."

The muscular sandy-brown haired Irishman gave the scientist a half salute, "You bet Doc, thanks a lot. You saved me a great deal of work."

Tia then turned to Kevin, "Captain, what the hell happened? I thought this crate was space worthy?"

Kevin was feeling bad enough already. He could take criticism of his actions, but not of his ship. "Excuse me Doctor. The fault was not with the ship. It was with me. I'll take full responsibility for the incident. I'll write a report to Cent. Gov. and explain the situation, but right now I must get my ship back together."

"Reports are fine for bureaucrats, Captain," Tia snapped, "but they won't get my station built."

"Excuse me Doctor, "Terry interrupted, trying to be as pleasant as possible, "but I believe you required us to leave Earth space dock before we could overhaul the hyper-drive. I don't want to sound picky, but that point is documented in our logs."

Tia grumbled, "Point made Chief. Let's forget about finger pointing. What can I do to help get this ship back on schedule?"

Kevin was about to answer when he was interrupted by Ann Benson at helm control. "Captain. We're in big trouble. We didn't just fall out of hyper-space. When the drive failed, we were yanked out of hyper-space by Merkel's Pit."

Kevin looked at his helm officer in amazement, "Are you saying that we are caught in the gravity well of a black hole?"

"I'm afraid so sir," Ann answered, "and we're going to have a hell of a time breaking out. Its tough to get proper measurements with the sensors, the way they are, but I would say the ship will experience strain from tidal effects in about twelve hours."

Kevin looked at Terry, "You had better get that hyper-drive up as soon as possible. We will try to buy some time using the sublight engines." Kevin caught the deep look of concern in Tia's hazel eyes. "Doctor, your expression tells me that this may be even worse than it seems."

Tia didn't know how to say it, so she just came out with it. "Captain. I am afraid it may already be too late. In order for a black hole to affect a ship in hyper-space the ship must lose power and the ship must be within the Burtrum Distance."

Kevin Morgan was no idiot when it when it came to interstellar navigation and hazards. He knew what Tia was getting at, and he didn't like it. "The Burtrum Distance is the point of no return."

"That's right," Tia said grimly, "A ship engaging a hyper-drive within that distance will disintegrate."

Kevin turned back to his helm officer, "Ann, double check your analysis, just to make sure the damaged sensors are not giving us faulty readings. I don't want to start getting desperate if I don't have to."

Ann checked her calculations one more time. Then she answered, "I'm sure the results are accurate. The ship was definitely in the gravity well during the transition out of hyper-space. In fact, the external force may have kept the ship in one piece. Captain, if we can't use the hyper-drive, how can we escape the black hole?"

All eyes went to Kevin Morgan. Kevin was no quitter. He limped several ships home during the Earth / Talandian War, "OK, we've heard about Merkel's Pit, and we have heard about the Burtrum Distance, now you're going to hear about the Morgan Maneuver. What is the one assumption that is made when the destructive effects of a black hole are calculated?"

Everyone shrugged, not sure where the captain was going. Kevin answered his own question, "The assumption is the ship is either not moving at all, or its trying to pull away. What would happen if a ship moved toward a black hole faster than the gravity was pulling it?"

Tia caught on, "You would negate the effects of the gravity. Since the tidal effect is just a derivative of the force of gravity, you could safely enter hyper-space even within the Burtrum Distance. That's rather clever Captain."

"Yes it's clever." Kevin responded, "but what's the chances of it working?"

Tia thought about the details for a moment. Then she answered, "It's going to take precise adjustment of the sublight engines. The gravitational force will be increasing at an exponential rate. We must be sure the tidal effect is canceled out when the hyper-drive kicks in or we will be vaporized. We have a remote programmable rover with a long range stellar antenna. We could have it attach itself to the ship's haul. J.D. can interface the remote's signal input to your sensors. That should help us balance our engines."

Kevin slapped the armrests of the command chair and stood, "That will be a big help. OK, let's get to work."

Tia had one more question, "We must engage the hyper-drive while we are moving toward the black hole. Where will the incredible combination of forces take us?"

Kevin shrugged his shoulders, "Since there is no worse place for a ship than near a black hole, anywhere will be an improvement. Let's hope we're around to figure it out."

He got full agreement from the bridge. During the next three hours the crew worked frantically to get the hyper-drive on line. During the same period Tia's crew-chief programmed the remote and sent it out of the ship's air lock. He figured out how to interface the input to the sensor control system. J.D. stood over Ann at the helm station. Ann adjusted the system controls and suddenly the main view screen came to life. The black hole gaped ahead of them like the jaws of a mythical beast. Ann looked up, flashing her big brown eyes, and smiled at J.D. She called to the captain, "Captain, we now have 80 percent sensor capability. I'm tying the new input into the sublight engine control. We should be able to negate the pull of the black hole. Of course, we will be racing toward the black hole. Eventually its gravitation force will overwhelm the engines."

"Let's hope the hyper-drive engages before then.", Kevin answered. Then he contacted engineering, "Terry, we've got sensors, and we're about ready to negate the black hole's gravity. What's the status on the hyper-drive?"

Terry Daugherty puffed as he answered. It was clear that he was working in the tight hyper-drive cylinder, "Just give me five more minutes. I want to make one more test. Reentering hyper-space is going to be a wild ride. I suggest you tell everyone to hang onto something."

During the next five minutes all stations rechecked status. The word was passed to prepare for a rough ride. Finally Kevin gave the order, "We need a major burst from the sublight engines. We got to stay ahead of the gravitational pull long enough to get into hyper-space. Do it."

The freighter's sublight engines fired up and the ship shot toward the black hole. The ship groaned and protested under the sudden acceleration. The autograv wasn't quite keeping up with the sudden burst of speed. The g-force made the people feel like they were in a runaway train. The creaks and snaps made it sound like the ship was coming apart. Ann and Tia were monitoring the gravitational pull when the remote sensors gave out under the strain. Ann yelled over the noise, "Captain, the sensors are gone again!"

Kevin yelled back, "Have we negated the pull?"

Tia answered, "We can't be sure. Based on the last readings, it should be negated by now."

"Good enough for me." Kevin yelled knowing anytime would be a guess. "Ann, engage the hyper-drive."

The young officer held her breath and pushed the panel. A massive jerk knocked the systems and the people out once again.

For the second time in one day Kevin picked himself up off the floor. He looked around at the bridge. It was in worse shape than it was before. The red emergency lights were still on and a white flashing warning message was on all consoles. He got to his chair as the rest of the crew made it to theirs. They all read the bad news together, "LIFE SUPPORT FAILURE." Kevin got on the com. link to engineering. "Terry, what's the status of life support?"

Chief Daugherty did not cheer him up, "Captain, it's dead. There is a melted piece of junk where the life support unit used to be. If we close off unneeded areas and use external equipment to circulate the air, we may last a week."

Kevin looked up at Tia. His question was so obvious that Tia answered it before he spoke. "Captain, we can dig all appropriate equipment out of the storage pods, but they weren't designed to be used in this manner. My best guess is that we may be able to add two or three days to our time. I hope that we are traveling toward a space dock, or at least a life-supporting planet."

Kevin looked at Ann, "What about it Ann? Do we have any idea where are, or where we're going?"

The young officer looked up. Exhaustion was dragging on her pixie features. "I'm sorry Captain, at the moment we are flying blind and deaf. Navigation, sensors, and communication are all down. I can't promise any kind of report for at least three hours."

"It will be longer than that." Kevin said. He turned to Tia for support, "Doctor, would you not agree that we are safely in hyperspace?" Tia nodded and Kevin continued, "Would you also agree that we are stable as long as we remain there?" Tia nodded again, then Kevin gave his order, "We did a hell of a job escaping from the black hole. We are all tired. I suggest we all get some rest and tackle our new problems in ten hours."

Kevin got no objections and the bridge was set on automatic. Kevin dragged himself back to his quarters feeling completely depressed. Forty-three people were flashing through hyper-space in a broken tin can, and it was his fault. Worries about his ship and his investment had long since disappeared. They were replaced by thoughts of the danger to his crew and his passengers. He shook his head as he reached his door. He thought to himself, "How could I be so stupid?"

"You haven't been stupid Captain, and this disaster is not your fault."

The female voice seemed to enter the conversation he was having in his mind. Shocked, his head jerked up and looked around with wide-open eyes. Standing just ahead was Engineering Technician Sharlisa Cantrel. Sharlisa was a stunningly beautiful woman with mahogany skin. Her green jumpsuit highlighted her slenderness. Her high cheek bones and bright brown eyes made many men take an extra breath. At the moment her bright eyes were darkened with concern for her captain. Kevin looked at her still surprised by her statement. "Sharlisa, how did you know what I thinking?"

The young tech was not deterred from her course. "Captain. You cannot blame yourself for this. The failure was in the activator. The subsystem is never expected to have problems. They are only checked once in ten years. There must have been a defect in the unit when it was installed. Even if we did spend time in space dock, it's likely that no one would have checked it close enough to spot the problem. The fact is Captain, if the ship was overhauled the system still would have failed, and, from what I hear, if it had happened anywhere but within that black hole we would all be dead now. It turns out. We were lucky that our schedule wasn't delayed by an overhaul. I just thought you should know." Sharlisa put her head down and began to walk away.

Kevin called to her, "Sharlisa, please wait."

Sharlisa stopped and turned toward Kevin. Kevin reached her and smiled. The relief in his eyes was what Sharlisa was hoping to see. She waited and Kevin spoke, "Thank you very much for your words. You don't know how much I needed hear that, or maybe you do. I'm not letting myself off the hook that easy, but at least now I can deal with it. Sharlisa, you answered a question that I was specifically thinking to myself. Did you read my mind?"

Sharlisa suddenly became embarrassed, "I'm sorry Captain. Sometimes I can't help it. When feelings are strong enough, my empathic capability can become telepathic. I didn't mean to intrude, but your feelings were so strong that I felt I had to help. I hope I didn't offend you."

"Not at all," Kevin answered, "I heard of people with some telepathic talent. You know, card tricks and such, but I never knew anyone who could actually sense people and read their minds like you did. It's amazing. How did you find out that you had this talent?"

Sharlisa lowered her head again and quietly answered, "It's a long story, and it's not very exciting. You must be exhausted after all that's happened. Maybe we should discuss it some other time."

Kevin sensed her reluctance and didn't push her further, "OK, but I am very interested, and I like to hear about it. Thank you very much. I didn't think I would be able to sleep, but now I'm sure I will." Kevin waved as Sharlisa left. He turned back toward his quarters ready for eight hours of solid sleep.

Sharlisa returned to the quarters that she shared with the Mary Competti. Mary took care of the ship's inventory, crew's roster, and environment control in the cargo pods. She was already in bed when Sharlisa came in, but she bolted upright at the sound of the door opening. Mary was not one to miss a news worthy event. With sparkling eyes and a big smile Mary started her questioning, "Did you see the captain?"

Sharlisa told Mary of her meeting with Captain Morgan, and how thankful he was that she approached him. When Mary then asked, "Did that make your funny feelings go away?"

Sharlisa pulled off her jumpsuit and sat on the bed. She stared off, as if her mind was trying to grasp something, and answered her roommate, "No, its still there. It's only barely noticeable." Sharlisa slapped her hands down on her mattress and tears came to her eyes. "Why do these things happen to me? People tell me I have a gift. The way I see it, I've been cursed. I couldn't have a military career. Anytime I'm in an area with more than fifty people the odds are someone's personal tragedy will come crashing into my mind. On large military ships I would be barraged with feelings. I wouldn't be able to function."

Mary came over and sat next to her friend. She patted her shoulder and tried to comfort her. "You do have a gift. You just have to learn how to control it. Didn't you tell me you had gotten a position on Home World?"

Sharlisa answered, trying to calm herself, "I thought I had found the perfect work setting on Home World. My older sister is a good friend of Regina McPherson. As you know, Regina was one of the original discovers of the Home World Legacy. I was going to spend my career studying the gifts left by the mysterious aliens. I was there about three weeks when I started hearing things. I heard the sound of children calling out from the forest. I couldn't understand what they were saying, and I knew they weren't really there, but I kept hearing them. Then I started having the same dream every night. I dreamed I was in the Hall of Unity and the aliens were there. They were small and horribly thin and their skin was pale to the point of being translucent. It reminded me of the underside of a fish. Their big black eyes seemed to be wet with tears as they removed one of the three pedestals from the testing area."

"Wait a minute," Mary interrupted, "I thought the testing area in the Hall of Unity only contained two pedestals. A representative from humanity and a representative of Talandia had to be tested. It was a requirement that had to be satisfied before the hall and the gifts were turned over to both worlds."

"That's right." Sharlisa answered, "Regina McPherson represented humanity, and Ambassador Raul represented Talandia. The test proved that humans and Talandians originated on Home World and were transplanted to Earth and Talandia when the planet became endangered. Which in turn proved that humans and Talandians are siblings of sorts. How a lieutenant from the science ship Stephen Hawking ended up representing humanity is a story in itself. You may ask why I would dream of a third pedestal being taken away? If the images in my dreams are somehow linked to this talent of mine, and that's a big if, it would seem that humanity would have another sibling in the stars that the aliens decided not to make us aware of."

Mary thought a moment then pointed out, "From what you said about their sadness it would seem it wasn't a decision that they enjoyed making. Maybe something happened to our other sibling?"

Sharlisa gave up on the speculation, "This is all silly. There was no third pedestal. The Talandian's found the sealed hall five years before I saw it and there were only two pedestals then. It doesn't matter anyway. The voices and the dreams force me to leave Home World. I took this job because it would involve contact with a small number of the people on a regular basis. The odds of getting bombarded with people's problems were small. Until we escaped the black hole, it was working well."

"That's when you started getting that nagging feeling." Mary asked.

"That's right. After that I felt the captain's depression. If he isn't the source of the nagging feeling, then I don't know who is." The women stood up, Sharlisa pulled back her blanket and climbed under the covers as Mary returned to her own bunk. Sharlisa spoke one more time to her friend and shipmate, "Mary, thanks for listening," then their quarters became quiet.

When Kevin returned to the bridge, he took charge of the effort to repair the major systems. Life support was first priority. Tia and Ann worked with the ship's computer. After two hours of work Tia turned to Kevin and announced their findings. " We used to the computer to make some projections. We are trying to get an idea of where we might be. I'm afraid we have bad news and bad news."

Kevin shook his head weakly and looked at the women, "Of course, it seems to be the only news we have. Well, give me the first bad news."

Tia took a breath and started, "The first bad news is sort of obvious. The computer projects a 99.9 percent chance that if we dropped into normal space right now, we would be at least five light years from any star."

"That is obvious, "Kevin responded, "in fact those odds are probably too low. Stars, planets, nebula, and all other matter makes up a tiny portion of the area even in the densest part of the galaxy. To randomly appear out of hyper-space near a star is just about impossible. So what's your other bad news?"

"Well," Tia answered, "Ann and I did some careful calculations. We applied all of the forces in play when we entered hyper-space. The computer projections we come up with indicate that we passed through a phenomena created by the black hole. This is all speculation of course, but it is likely that we traveled through a hyper-space tunnel. If we did, we could be more than two hundred light years from any known inhabited world."

Kevin sat in his chair and rubbed his chin. "How can we verify this theory of yours?"

"There is only one way without sensors," Tia answered, "we have to drop out of hyper-space."

"OK," Kevin answered, "the long range sensors are working well enough to do interstellar navigation." He got on the com. link to engineering, "Terry, will be going to space-normal, are the sublight engines operational?"

Terry looked over to Sharlisa and she nodded affirmatively, and he reported and he and Sharlisa began preparing for the switch over. When the bridge initiated the switch over the systems responded smoothly, but Sharlisa clamped her hands on her ears and sucked in her breath. She stumbled backwards and fell against the equipment racks. Terry ran to her side, "Sharlisa, what's wrong? What's going on?"

Sharlisa pressed her hands to her ears and cried, "Please make them stop. There're too many. Too many!"

Terry eased her down to the floor and ran back to the com. station, "Captain! Captain! There's something wrong with Sharlisa! She's in some kind of pain!"

Kevin contacted Dr. Flores, "Doctor, get down to engineering on the double. Sharlisa has had some kind of seizure. Give me a report, when you are able." Sharlisa appeared out of nowhere when he needed help. He wished he could help her now, but he couldn't leave the bridge.

Ann reported, "I'm getting sensor data. The input does not correlate to star patterns on the normal trade routes. I'm mapping in the star chart database." A few seconds later Ann reported again. This time her voice was tinted with fear, "Captain, I'm afraid is just as Dr. Kirshner and I expected. We're 214 light years from Earth and, in this direction, Earth is the closest inhabited planet. Captain, it will take us over a year to get back even if we choose the most efficient hyper-space jumps. What do we do now?"

Kevin knew he had to sound decisive and positive if he was to keep his crew going. "Well, if we can't get home, we'll have to go somewhere else. Scan the star field for star systems. Find a planet within a week's transit to support us while we make repairs. Doctor Kirshner, I'm afraid we may have to disassemble some of your equipment for parts. If you have your staff assist us, it would help. We must keep life support working as long as possible."

"Of course, "Tia answered, "I'll have J.D. work with Ms. Competti to identify equipment that may be of use. We do have one more remote rover. It can help with short range sensors, but I would suggest saving it until we are approaching a star system. I do not believe it would survive hyper-space transitions."

Ann looked up again. By the look on her face Kevin knew it was more bad news. She began to report, "Captain, the sensors can only give us sketchy information about the stars around us. I estimate that there are only three stars containing solar systems. The closest is four light-years away. We can only reach one of the three solar systems. We cannot reach two within a seven-day period. The problem is, we can't tell if any of them have an Earth type planet. The calculations indicate that we can cruise at sublight for a day before making a decision, but after a day's time geometry, and the life support system, will make our decision for us."

Kevin looked at Tia, "Doctor, can your rover help with analyzing the star systems?"

Tia shook her head, "I'm afraid not, Captain, the rover's range is extremely limited. We have long range detection equipment in the pods, but one day is not enough time to get it out, put it together, and have it operational. Our best bet is to work on the ship's sensors. Maybe we can dig a parabolic dish out of the pods and interface it to your sensor array. That my boost the sensor input."

"Excellent," Kevin responded still trying to sound positive, "we'll stay at sublight. Ann, analyzed the geometry. Try to plot a sublight course that may give us extra time if we need it."

The bridge became quiet as everyone concentrated on their tasks. After an hour Kevin took a brake and left the bridge. As he entered sick bay, he saw Sharlisa sleeping peacefully in the ward. Doctor Flores was in his office staring at his computer screen. Kevin saw the puzzled look on the doctor's face. "From the look on your face Rich, I would guess that Sharlisa's problem was not minor."

Doctor Flores looked up. He was clearly frustrated and agitated, "This is driving me nuts. I have her completely sedated and still her brain is processing input at an incredible rate. None of the senses are active. Where is the input coming from?"

Kevin had an idea, but he didn't know how or why, "Did you know that she is both an empath and a telepath?"

"She is not just an empath," a female voice answered from behind Kevin. Kevin turned to see Mary Competti enter the office, "I'm sorry for breaking into your conversation, but I thought you should know that Sharlisa's empathic talent is an order of magnitude higher than any other ever recorded. It's allowed her to help many people, but it has also made her life miserable in many ways. I suggest you look into her career. Wherever she was, she always impressed her colleagues with her talent in engineering, but her empathic sensitivity would fill her mind with the pain of people around her. She had to resign from several good positions, including a peaceful position on Home World."

Mary told the men about Sharlisa's experience on Home World. They were amazed and a little bit skeptical. Doctor Flores asked, "Do you think it's possible that her mind created these voices and dreams to give her empathic senses something to work on? If her talent is that sensitive, it might be possible that she would suffer from empathic depravation if she was too isolated."

Mary shook her head strongly. She defended her friend, "Sharlisa would know the difference. She has been on Lightchaser for over a year. During that time she did not hear any unusual voices until now. There was something on Home World. Something only her empathic senses could detect, and there is something out here. From what Terry, I mean Chief Daughtery, told me, her seizure occurred just as we came into normal space. Whatever Sharlisa is sensing it is reaching her over light-years of space."

Kevin stared at Mary for a second then responded, "Are you saying that Sharlisa is sensing a life forms somewhere in space?"

Mary nodded and Kevin rubbed his chin. Doctor Flores spoke up, "This is a bit difficult to comprehend. How could the type of emotion that empaths sense be transmitted into space?"

"I don't know, doctor, but Sharlisa screamed about hearing so many at once. Maybe it's the power of hundreds, maybe thousands of suffering people. Maybe the power of desperate emotions is additive. I don't know."

"We've got to help them." Sharlisa voice was weak, but steady.

"Sharlisa!" Mary ran to her side. "How are you?"

"Tired, but ok." Sharlisa answered, "They have realized that they made contact. They are now passing all of the energy through one being. I sense only his pleas. Captain. We must go to Belnora!"

Kevin shook his head, "Sharlisa, I believe you have a genuine need to answer this call for help, but frankly we are in no shape for a rescue mission. If we do not find help ourselves, we can be in major trouble. We have no idea what Belnora is or where it can to found."

Sharlisa answered giving her captain another reason to find Belnora, "Belnora is a planet. It's in the star system ahead of us. It's the fourth planet from their sun. The planet can provide sanctuary for us, if we can answer their plea."

"I don't know," Kevin speculated out loud, "If all the impressions are correct these life forms must be in serious trouble. That planet may not be as hospitable as we may think. Believe me, Sharlisa, I hate the idea of ignoring the pleas suffering life forms, but we have only one chance to find a safe planet or space port and we do not have the right to risk the safety of our passengers."

Sharlisa's face cringed and her eyes shut tight. A moment later she responded to Kevin's statement. "Captain. Belnora poses no danger to us. The people do not need to be rescued. They just need peace!"

Kevin took Sharlisa's hand and spoke softly, "Sharlisa, we have 24 hours to decide on a course. We must be in hyper-space, on our way to a viable planet by tomorrow or we could all die. Right now, Belnora sounds both challenging and encouraging. We may well choose it, but I have to be sure it's the right choice for us. That's my job. Do you understand?"

Sharlisa smiled and nodded her head, "Of course captain, and you understand that I am sensing thoughts and emotions from the Belnoran. The information that is passed in this way cannot be fabricated or manipulated. I sense that Belnora is very Earth-like. Captain. I've never been wrong."

Kevin patted her hand and released it. "I do indeed, and your talent may have saved our lives. I'll let you know more as soon as I can. Now I think you better get some rest."

Kevin stopped in his quarters to do a little research, then he returned to the bridge. Everyone was waiting to hear about Sharlisa's condition. Kevin told them that she was better then he related her information, "

Tia dug for more details, "You seem quite certain that Ms. Cantrel has been contacted by these aliens. It's quite a far-fetched idea."

"Not for Sharlisa Cantrel," Kevin answered, "I've had personal experience with her gift, and I've also done a little checking. Sharlisa is a 100 percent certified amazement. Every psychic institute, organization, and corner stand wanted her to join, but she refused them all. She out scored every other person claiming psychic ability by at least an order of magnitude. There is a mile long list of statements from people who swear that Sharlisa helped them through a rough emotional time, and you can add my name to that list."

Tia was impressed, but she was not finished, "If all that's true, and Sharlisa claims that this Belnora is a very Earth-like planet, then why the hesitation? Why don't we set course for Belnora?"

"Because," Kevin answered, "the alien life forms that contacted her are in extreme distress. The planet may be Earth-like, but something is causing them great suffering. Maybe their star is becoming unstable, maybe the planet's crust is shifting, or maybe a plague is sweeping the planet. Whatever it is, it may not be good for 43 humans in a crippled ship to show up there."

Tia continued to question, "Didn't the alien relate that there would be no danger to us."

"Yes, but" Kevin responded, "They could have meant that the life forms themselves would not hurt us. They may not have been speaking for what is killing them. Let's use this day we have to gather as much information as we can. It will not hurt to wait to the last minute to make a decision."

The crew worked to gather as much information as possible. The parabolic dish was interfaced to the sensor system. It boosted the long range sensor information by 10 percent. Within minutes one of the three solar systems was ruled out. Ann Benson reported to the captain, "Solar system number three contains no terrestrial planets. Sensors indicate only four gas-giants orbit that star."

"That's one down." Kevin said as an acknowledgment.

The remaining time produced some additional information, but not enough to rule out either of the remaining two systems. The final hour arrived. Kevin knew he had to make a decision. Does he choose Belnora an almost guarantied Earth-like planet with a mysterious and devastating problem, or does he go to a solar system with two terrestrial planets with no idea of their atmospheric compositions? Kevin decided to return to sick bay. Sharlisa was happy to see him and she anxiously awaited his decision. Kevin started, "Sharlisa, I need more information. Have the aliens given you any details about their suffering? Can you feel what kind of pain they in?"

Sharlisa concentrated for a moment. She explained, "They have learned not to constantly bombard me, but when I reach out, there is always a life form there to touch." Kevin stood silent as he watched her go into her mind. He was amazed by what she was doing. His amazement was suddenly tempered by sympathy as tears appeared in Sharlisa's eyes. She sobbed softly as she concentrated. After a few minutes she opened to tear filled eyes. She wiped her face, "I'm sorry for the blubbering Captain."

Kevin handed her a nearby towel, "No problem Sharlisa, your talent is incredible. They must have been relating some really terrible things."

Sharlisa used the towel then tried to tell Kevin what she was feeling, "You must understand, Captain, I'm not actually talking to the life forms. I am getting feelings and yearnings that manifest themselves into images. I'm seeing mothers crying for their children, men angry over the disaster they could not control, but mostly I'm getting a question."

"A question?", Kevin asked.

"Yes," Sharlisa answered, "If the question can be answered it seems all of the pain will ease, and they will be at peace. All they want to know is why."

"Why?" Kevin said while thinking he wasn't being much help.

"That's what I get Captain, why. I still get the impression that the planet will be very hospitable to us. We can repair our ship while we help the aliens."

Kevin got down to it, "Sharlisa I have to make a decision. I want to know if the alien's problem can become our problem. You know we cannot handle another major problem."

Sharlisa looked Kevin straight in the eye, "Captain, I don't know if you can believe me. I know I have no evidence to back me, but with all of my soul I feel that all of their suffering is happening at a level that we won't experience. Don't ask me to explain it, but that is what I feel."

Kevin took Sharlisa's hand for a moment and made his decision, "That's good enough for me. We will set course for Belnora. Are you feeling good enough to come to the bridge?"

Sharlisa smiled and agreed.

With Sharlisa on the bridge, she was able to quickly confirm the system's course to Belnora using impression of the direction of the psychic messages. Lightchaser went into hyper-space one more. In four days they approached Belnora. Tia's rover was in position on the hull of the ship. Everyone studied the planetary data as the ship entered an orbit. Concentrating on the sensor data, Ann gave a running commentary of the planet in the view screen. "There was definitely fairly advanced civilization here once, but that was a long time ago. The sensors are picking up remnants of structure all over the planet. They are in small bits and pieces. There is evidence of road systems and cities, but it's all overgrown by natural vegetation. Not being an expert in this sort of thing, I couldn't tell how long it's been since the civilization died out, but it has been a very long time."

Tia reviewed the data on Kevin's console and gave her estimate, "The civilization has been gone for at least four thousand years, probably longer. It's also no mystery what killed the Belnorans. They died of their own stupidity. Several of the population areas show slightly higher than normal radiation levels. I'm quite sure that those levels indicate that the cities were targets of nuclear strikes. These people committed the final crime. They destroyed themselves in a nuclear holocaust. Fortunately for us that was several thousand years ago; the planet has remade itself, and it is perfectly safe.

The bridge became silent and solemn for a moment then Kevin announced, "Looks good."

Everyone gazed approvingly at the beautiful blue-green planet below them. Tia was still a little troubled, "I wish I could resolve this one set of data from the rover. I have one reading of some kind of unusual weather pattern."

Kevin was about to chalk the data up to a hardware glitch when a new face of the planet moved into view. Instead he pointed to the view screen. "Maybe that has something to do with it." Everyone stared at the thin dark gray strip that ringed around the planet from north to south.

Tia looked over Kevin's shoulder and announced, "That's it. It's some kind of a dead zone. It's only a mile wide, but it circles the planet at ground level. It is consistent across all climate zones, and over the oceans. Wow. This is amazing!"

Everyone stared at Tia waiting for her to explain her exclamation.

"The dead zone, its cloud cover, and its climate just plan stops at its edges. There is no gradual clearing. Within a fraction of an inch the area goes from being totally dead to being totally alive. I've never seen anything like it, nor do I know any physical laws that would explain it."

Kevin got on the intercom and called engineering, "Terry, could you ask Sharlisa to come to the bridge please." A few minutes later Sharlisa entered the bridge. The dead zone was now in the center of the planet on the view screen. Kevin began to address her, "Sharlisa I was wonder . . ."

Kevin didn't have a chance to finish. Sharlisa moved up to the view screen and started weeping, "There they are; those poor souls. They're in there. In the dark area, I must get to them."

"That's impossible," Tia snapped preferring the provable to the metaphysical, "all indications are that the area is a dead zone. It must be some kind of freak weather belt. Nothing lives in there. The land is barren to the core. The life forms that lived on this planet totally destroyed themselves thousands of years ago."

Sharlisa turned to Tia, "Dr. Kirshner, I know you find this very hard to believe, and I can understand why. All I can tell you is that the anguish that I sense comes from that zone. It's like a ring of despair around the planet. The rest of the planet is as I predicted. You may use it as sanctuary while the ship is being repaired. The ring of despair need not concern you. I will find a way to give them their peace."

Tia was embarrassed. She did not mean to react so harshly. "Forgive me Ms. Cantrel. I had no business lashing out so. I'm sure several of us will have time on our hands while the ship is being repaired. I think I can speak for all of us when I say that we will be happy to support your effort."

Kevin acknowledged Tia's assessment and made the final decision. "Ok. We'll examine the areas close to the dead zone, first with sensors, then with scouting parties. I would like to find the optimum area fast. We only have a few days of life support left, and I would like to save some for the repair crews."

The assessments went quickly. There were thousands of miles of comfortable living area within walking distance of the dead zone. A choice was made, and the people and equipment began their trip to the surface. Lightchaser was a freighter. It was designed for planet-fall loading and unloading. The five cargo pods detached from the central ship's cylinder and were ferried to a planet by a shuttle that was stored in pod six.

This unloading job would be a little different. Any pod that was ferried to the surface would remain there. There were no booster rockets available to return it when it was unloaded. Equipment and supplies were rearranged to put the needed supplies in the number one pod. Mary Competti took charge of this task and completed it in record time.

The pod was transported to the surface. Once the pod was down, the shuttle was used as a ferry to bring down the crew. It returned to the ship to be used for emergency transport. Terry Daugherty, J.D Hayden, and Ann Benson remained onboard Lightchaser with a team of ten maintenance personnel.

The basics would not be a problem. They had enough solid dried food supplies to last for several years, and the giant storage pod was a ready-made shelter. The thirty-three personnel on the surface spent the first day rearranging the pod, unpacking equipment and scouting the area around their new home.

In was early summer in the local area of the planet. They had chosen and camp area in the southern temperate zone. The area was warm, but not extremely humid. The temperature had been ranging from the mid sixties at night, to the low eighties during the day.

Sean Seegars led a surveillance party back to camp after scouting the area between the camp and the dead zone. He was a powerfully strong black man with a keen eye and a military mind. Sean had spent ten years in the space marines. He was decorated twice during the Earth / Talandian War for heroism and leadership. Kevin had immediately made him in charge of camp security when the first shuttle run touched down. The terrain he and his party scouted was beautifully pure. They walked through miles of tall emerald green grass speckled with wild flowers. The flowers exploded in bright yellows, blues, and reds. The trees were tall, strong, and full of rich deep green leaves. The air was warm and fresh. This was something Sean really appreciated. He had never quite gotten used to spending months in ships breathing circulated air.

Sean looked up at the azure blue sky and told his squad, "I think we should rename this place Eden. It's perfect."

One of his team pointed to the black curtain of the dead zone, "Then that must be the land where Cain dwells, east of Eden."

Sean eyed the black curtain suspiciously. He didn't like barriers he couldn't see through. He got all of the sensor information on the zone, but it still made him nervous. As he released his gaze, he spotted a woman standing alone at the edge of the camp. He waved for his team to go in and he went to her.

Sharlisa had completed her duties and stood at the edge of camp in a sadly puzzled state. Sean could see that she was troubled. He walked up to her purposely making noise so as not to startle her. Sharlisa turned toward the noise and Sean spoke softly, "Excuse me Ms. Cantrel. I noticed you standing out here alone. I'm Sean Seegars. I'm in charge of security for the camp. I have been working with Mary Competti quite a bit lately. She told me how you found this place for us. It's quite a remarkable story." Sean paused then started again, "You look troubled, can I help?"

Sharlisa lowered her head almost embarrassed to be seen in her state. She answered softly, "I'm fine, Mr. Seegars. Thank you for your concern."

Sean didn't give up that easily, "I don't mean to intrude, but a blind man could see that you are bothered by something. I am head of security. Considering your talent, if something about this place is bothering you then I think I had better know about it. Please talk to me. I am seriously interested in telepathy as a form of communication."

Sharlisa's eyes brightened a bit as she looked at the strong x-marine. Then she spoke her mind, "Well if Mary has you up to date, and, if I know Mary, she has, then you know I have had actual two way communication with the inhabitants of this world." Sean nodded and Sharlisa continued, "Well the communication stopped when we landed. I can sense the pain and their misery, but no one is there to link to. They have turned me off, and I don't know why. Maybe we are not what they expected, or maybe I have done something to frighten or insult them."

Sean's mind scrambled for a comforting response. After a minute he found one, "Maybe they are surprised that we actually came. They may be wondering what to do next. I'm sure you will be contacted soon. We are the first visitors to this planet in thousands of years. We may be the first off-worlders ever to visit Belnora. They're probably scared to death. Give them time."

Sharlisa smiled a bit and thanked Sean. They returned to camp together.

Everyone had a standard dinner and settled down for the evening. Most people opted to sleep around a campfire outside as opposed to making a berth in the pod. There were plenty of materials to use for sleeping blankets. The first night seemed like an exciting adventure to everyone. As darkness closed on the camp, six campfires were lit. People looked up at the new set of stars and began creating a new set of constellations.

Sean returned to camp after checking his motion detectors. The units were normally used to guard the cargo pods against tampering. They served well as a perimeter defense. He scanned the campfires and found Sharlisa right where he expected her. While everyone stared at the sky, she kept her distant eastern vigil. Sean went to her and interrupted her gaze, "May I sit down?"

It took Sharlisa a few seconds to respond. She smiled at her new friend and made room for him. Sean sat and asked, "Still waiting for contact?"

"Yes," Sharlisa answered as she stared off eastward, "but I'm sensing something different from that place. The misery is still there, but there is also a guarded hope building in them."

Sean offered to help, "Tomorrow, I could ask the captain if I could lead a contact party to the dead zone. Maybe if we searched them out, they will be convinced that we want to help."

Sharlisa was genuinely warmed by Sean's offer, "I really appreciate the offer, but I've thought about that approach. I feel I had better wait for them to contact me."

As if on a cue an icy cold wind blew into camp. It flared the campfires and chilled the humans to the bone. Sean jumped to his feet and yelled to a tech assigned to his security group, "John, get some sensors on, I want to know what's going on!"

The wind suddenly whirled itself into a tight violent funnel that roared in front of Sean and Sharlisa. It stood directly over the campfire which was snuffed out by its force. Everyone backed away except Sean and Sharlisa. Sharlisa wouldn't go and Sean wouldn't leave her.

Kevin Morgan and Tia Kirshner alternated from watching the events outside and reading the sensor data coming in. John Thomas manipulated the security sensor net. He let out a yelp, "Wow, that ain't no normal windstorm!"

Tia studied the figures and graphs and added, "You can say that again. There's some kind of trans-planer action going on in there. It has some relationship to the energy generated when matter moves from normal space to hyper-space. It's akin to that, but not exactly that."

Kevin looked out at Sean and Sharlisa and asked, "Are they in danger out there?"

Tia looked at the captain seriously, "Captain, if the energy in that mini- tornado is released violently, we'll all be reduced to our separate molecules. I'd say we're all in danger."

The violent wind whipped at Sean and Sharlisa. They warded off dirt and debris. Their hair and clothing were lashed and they squinted through tear-filled eyes. Through it all, they stood firm.

After two minutes the eight-foot funnel emanated an eerie green glow. An image appeared in the glow. It was a male humanoid about seven feet tall. Its face seemed longer and thinner than a human's. There were other differences, but it was hard to decipher which were racial differences, and which were the results of its deteriorated state. The creature looked like it was in the advanced state of some fatal decease. It was there, but it was not real. It had no physical form.

The violent wind calmed when the alien was in full view. The humans' feelings swung from pity for the poor suffering creature, to revulsion at its sight. The rags it wore had no identifying markings of any kind. Open sores covered his hands and face. Only small patches of hair remained on its head. Its large sunken eyes were filled with tears as it raised its skeletal hands and began to speak. Sean and Sharlisa were amazed to hear the creature's raspy voice speak in Earth Common, "You have come. We have waited such a long time. Please, you must help us stop the march. You must give us peace."

Sharlisa stepped forward. She had so many questions. Now that they had arrived on Belnora it seemed that the aliens preferred verbal communication to telepathy. "We want to help. Tell us how. How can we give you peace? When my mind was touched by you, I sensed the word 'why'; do you need to know the reason for something?"

"Yes," the creature answered, its voice echoing its suffering. "Before we can sleep, we must know why. Why did we have to die?"

Sharlisa took in her breath. She had assumed she had been talking to some type of holographic image transmitted to them in some fashion. Even the creature's dreadful state didn't convince her it was otherwise. She now realized that she was talking to was not an image, but an apparition.

"You are spirit only then?" Sharlisa asked.

"We all are," the creature answered, "our lives were ripped from us in the unspeakable violence of a nuclear holocaust, and in the agonizing suffering that followed. That was several millennia ago. Our souls are trapped on this plane in an endless death march. More than a billion are trapped. You must tell us why we died. Why did it happen?"

Sean was not convinced by the statement, "Can't the souls of your military answer your questions? After thousands of years I would think they would have bared all."

"They did," the creature answered. "We have all heard the details. Our nation was called Matsura. We were the prime military power in the northern hemisphere. Kerazaw held the southern hemisphere under its influence. It was a complicated political situation. Each power influenced countries that were on the other's continent. Many crises had come and gone. The last crisis arose over a clash of naval battle groups at sea. We were at the edge, but the crisis was resolved and the military alerts were ended. Two days after the crisis ended Cappora, a city that was not far from this location, was destroyed by an unprovoked nuclear strike apparently from Kerazaw."

Sean puzzled, "You say apparently. Didn't your military track your enemy's missiles and bombers?"

"Yes, yes," The creature answered, frustration showing in its voice, "We considered our early warning system fool proof, but there were rumors that Kerazaw had developed a stealth technology that could hide their missiles and bombers from our detection devices. We considered the rumors propaganda until Cappora was destroyed. Cappora was the site of our central military command. With the central command destroyed, and the possibility of unseen Kerazawan missiles on the way, the ruling body ordered full retaliation. That was the beginning of the end."

"In the uncounted years since to last of us died and the march began, we have found out many things. The first thing we have discovered is that spirits cannot lie. Questions rippled through the long march and answers came back. When the question of why the Kerazawans destroyed Cappora was asked, the response was that they did not attack the city. Year after year went by, every possible nation, criminal organization, and terrorist group was sought out and asked. No group or individual on this planet knows who destroyed Cappora or why."

The wind once again back to pick up, and the creature called out over the roar. "I must return to the march. I was the first to leave the march. You empathy brought me to you. I do not know if I can ever leave the march again. Go to Cappora. Tells what happened to it; then come see the march. On a dark night, come to the dark area to the east. There you will see the march. Fear not. The misery is our own. You will not be affected."

The image slowly dissolved into the whirlwind and the wind died away. The camp was left in a dead silence. The warmth on the night flooded back in comforting the shivering humans. Many rethought the idea of sleeping by the campfire and began moving back into the pod. Sean was furious. He stomped toward the pod yelling for information on the creature. His fury settled down when he ran into Kevin coming out of the pod. He firmly addressed the commander, "Captain, may I officially submit my apology for the event that just occurred."

Kevin couldn't understand what was making Sean so angry, "Sean, exactly what are you apologizing for?"

Sean refused to let himself off the hook, "Captain, the security of this camp was breached. My methods of protection failed totally. My ineffectiveness has endangered everyone. I can only request another chance to right this failure. I would not blame you if you relieved me of duty, but I respectfully request another chance to clear my record."

Kevin turned back into the pod. He motioned Sean to join him. They moved to the camp's security sensors. Kevin pulled up the analysis of the whirlwind and the creature. He pointed to the graphs, "Look at that energy. It was being driven by a distinctly unnatural force. I know, you hate excuses, but in this case you will have to admit what no space marine ever wanted to admit. Sean, my friend, this time we were just out muscled. It would have been far easier to block a real tornado from entering camp. In my opinion, you handled the situation expertly. When we were still thinking it was a cold breeze, you were calling for sensor data on the phenomena. Relax, it worked out. Sharlisa got the contact she was waiting for, and we're all in one piece."

"This time," Sean responded, "what if we can't answer this creature's questions? What if it reacts violently? Could we stop it? We do have data on it now. It will be my job to devise a defense against the possibility."

"You're going to defend us against a ghost?" Kevin asked, in amazement.

Before Sean answered, Tia spoke, "Mr. Seegars, I understand your need to protect us, but it is really unnecessary. The creature had no solid form. It can't hold a weapon or even take a swing at you. The powerful whirlwind contained more energy than could be contained in the space it took up. Most of the energy was generated when the creature moved between to planes of existence. It was like moving from normal space to hyper-space. It had no more control over that energy release than we have over the light flux created by ships entering and leaving normal space. The plain facts are, we cannot in anyway affect the creature's state, and it cannot affect ours. Your defenses were not breached because, for all practical purposes, the creature wasn't really here. Consider it an unusual form of hologram communication."

"SEAN!" Sharlisa yelled in surprise, "What are you doing?"

Sean turned to see the young engineer standing behind him shooting daggers at him with her eyes. "Mr. Seegars, need I remind you that this is not a war. These people are in agony. They only want our help, but instead of thinking of how to help them, you're thinking about how to destroy them."

"Look, Sharlisa," Sean was in no mood for a lecture, "you've got your job and I've got mine. I hope we can find the answers for these creatures, but I have to think of the humans on this planet. Protecting them is my responsibility. I do not mean them harm, and from what Dr. Kirshner says, I couldn't hurt them if I wanted to."

Sharlisa wasn't satisfied. She saw the anger in him, "I saw your eyes, Sean. You were not thinking of protection; you were thinking of destruction."

Sean would not let Sharlisa walk away angry, "It is my job to protect this camp. In this position it is natural to become angry when ones defenses are breached. That doesn't mean I plan to kill everything that moves. I respect life just as much as you do."

Kevin interrupted the discussion with a peace offering, "Sharlisa, if you are going to search for information that will help these suffering souls, you are going to have to travel beyond the limits of this camp. Sean has done an excellent job securing the area around the campsite. I believe he should provide security for your expedition."

Sharlisa calmed down a bit. Her mind went back to the task of helping the people of the planet. She agreed then asked, "Captain, may I get support from someone on Lightchaser? We have to find the exact location of the ruins of Cappora. The spirit said it was nearby, and that was a military headquarters of some kind. The military may have had some operational areas deep underground. If any detailed records have survived, they will be there. The easiest way of finding the location of the city and any subterranean areas is by the matter probing sensors."

"Agreed," Kevin responded, "I'll contact the crew in Lightchaser, and have Ann work on it first thing in the morning. She can find a location while you and Sean are organizing the expedition. I thought I was going to have trouble finding things for everyone to do. I guess I was wrong."

While Sharlisa slept, she found herself in a dream. She was walking in an old style graveyard, but the graveyard was not on Earth, it was on Home World. She wore the clothes of mourning, a straight black dress and hat with a black veil. She came to a fresh grave. A funeral dirge played in the background.

While she stared at the grave, a middle-aged Talandian man walked up beside her. His golden skin seemed to shine next to his deep crimson mourning tunic. He looked at her with a tear in his eye and spoke softly. "Our brother's suffering has ended. He may now rest. Come, let me take you home." Sharlisa's dream faded before she could speak.

Just after sunrise Sharlisa and Kevin relayed their request to Ann Benson in Lightchaser. Sharlisa stepped out of the pod and stood for a moment staring at the black curtain that defined the dead zone. Sean slowly walked up, "Good Morning Sharlisa."

Sharlisa smiled, "Hi Sean," then she lowered her head a bit, "I guess I was a little rough on you last night. I'm afraid I'm a bit sensitive when it comes to these people. I felt their suffering, and I led us here. If their fate became worse because of me, I would never get over it."

Sean smiled back, "Its OK. I've been trained to take a little punishment. Besides, you were not wrong when you said I was angry. If I had the power, I would have driven that spirit off last night. I'll make you a deal. Since you can sense their feelings, I will count on you to tell me if I should worry; how does that sound?"

Sharlisa smiled at the big security officer and reached out her hand, "Sounds like a good deal to me."

Their firm handshake of agreement slowly turned into a tender holding of hands. Sharlisa could sense Sean's affection for her and her own growing affection for him. Sean didn't need empathic talent to feel Sharlisa's warmth. He just had to look into her beautiful brown eyes.

Sharlisa's voice softened when she spoke again, "Thank you, Sean. Thank you for understanding. You didn't have to give me this kind of control over you on this, but I want you to know how much I appreciate your understanding."

Sean looked down at Sharlisa and tried to make his voice as soft as he could, "I'd like to say that I would have done the same for anyone, but I know that's not true. You are special; maybe in more ways than you know."

They continued to hold hands and moment longer.

Kevin discussed activity options with Tia. "If you don't mind," Tia quipped, "I'd rather explore the planet with Sharlisa." Tia paused for a moment, then with a smile and slightly different tone in her voice she asked, "Are you coming along?"

That was the best invitation Kevin had in a long time. Kevin was happy Tia didn't have Sharlisa's talents. If she had, she had easily noticed the pleasant feelings her smile was giving him. "Yes, I do believe I will. The camp and the crew in the ship are stable. There isn't any reason for me to hang around here. Ann said it would take her about an hour to compile and transmit a map to Cappora. That will give me time to hunt up a picnic lunch for us. . . . I mean, for everyone."

The com. link buzzed in the pod. Kevin was surprised to hear Terry Daugherty's voice come through the speaker. He was clearly depressed, "It's no use Captain. We have tried everything we can think of. Life support cannot be replaced. The ship cannot be made space worthy. I'm sorry sir."

Kevin's eyes widened in shock; the same shock registered on every face in ear shot of the com. link. Kevin almost lost the ability to respond, but he pulled himself together, "OK Terry, gather your people together and prepare to come down. Set the ship's main communications to transmit a continuous MAYDAY. After you get here we'll all get together and discuss how to proceed."

Emotions in the camp were strong and mixed. They were relieved to have found a habitable planet, but they couldn't imagine being stranded forever. Sharlisa could feel it all. All the sudden yearning to see someone left at home, all of the fear of being trapped on an alien world, and she could also feel the guilt rush back over her captain. She rushed into the pod to where Kevin was standing, "NO, no stop that. This is the same incident. The cause of the incident hasn't changed from last week. You are still not at fault! Captain, it just happened."

"Maybe I didn't cause the initial problem," Kevin responded, almost annoyed that Sharlisa ease dropped on his misery, "but it was the Morgan Maneuver that destroyed the life support system."

"No," Sharlisa countered, "it was the Morgan Maneuver that saved our lives. We would have been crushed to our subatomic particles if you hadn't saved us. We're here and we're alive. We can build here. We have the tools and the materials. We owe our lives to the Morgan Maneuver and to its coolheaded creator."

Kevin grabbed Sharlisa and hugged her, "And to humanity's most sensitive creation. Your empathy found this planet, and it will calm its troubles. You have once again turned my darkest time into a new beginning." He then released her and straightened. "Well I guess solving the spirit's problem may be more essential than we thought."

"Then Terry's news has not changed your mind about the expedition?"

"On the contrary," Kevin answered, "the expedition is now more important. If this is to be our home, its former residents most have their peace. Even if I had no feeling for their plight, I would still want a resolution to their problem. If they don't find peace, I'm sure you won't find peace."

Sharlisa smiled, "Thank you, Captain. This somehow doesn't sound like a compliment, but I couldn't think of a better commander to be stranded with."

Kevin laughed as he walked back into the pod.

Sharlisa called after him. When he stopped, she almost wished, he hadn't. Her nerve to bring out one more metaphysical mystery was fading, but she had the captain's attention so she let it out, "Captain I have a feeling, and this isn't anything to plan on, but I have a feeling that we won't be here as long as we think."

Kevin smiled and said, "Sharlisa, if you have a feeling, it probably is something to plan on."

Ten minutes later Ann contacted Sharlisa. When Sharlisa picked up the com. link Ann's voice was strained, but business like. Ann asked, "Did you say that Cappora is supposed to be somewhere in the local area?"

Sharlisa could feel Ann's turmoil and she admired the woman for keeping her mind on her work. Sharlisa answered, "Yes, that's what we were told."

Ann puzzled, "That's very interesting. The sensors do not indicate the presence of any residual radiation within a hundred miles of your location. Maybe the place is not a close as your friend thought it was."

"How about material such as plastics and petroleum by-products, can the sensors find indications of those in the local area?"

"There are plastics buried in many areas around your site. The heaviest concentration is on the edge of an impact crater about twelve miles south of your location. There are also indications of partial standing structures in the area. I would have mentioned this area first, but I thought you were looking for a nuclear strike site."

The realization hit both women at the same time. Sharlisa spoke up, "Oh my God; could it be that horribly simple? Could, the city of Cappora, been destroyed by a random meteor strike? Could such a strike have been mistaken for a nuclear attack? Could a whole world have died because of a misinterpretation of one event?"

Sean had heard the conversation and grimly answered Sharlisa's rhetorical question, "Yes, it could have happened just that way. I have studied some military history. In the late twentieth century Earth was sent to the brink of nuclear war several times. During those times, fingers were poised above the launch buttons. If Moscow or Washington had suddenly exploded in a great fireball, missiles would have been launched. For all of those tension-filled years Earth had no meteor tracking system at all. They didn't even know they needed one. It could have happened on Earth, and, it looks like, it did happen here."

Ann spoke through the link, "That's awful, but it does provide an answer that will give the spirits peace. I'll transmit a map of the area with a route to the impact crater."

Sharlisa and Sean both thanked Ann for continuing her work in the light of Terry's news and the link was closed. Sharlisa was embroiled so much in her own emotions that, for once in her life, she had blocked out all of the empathic messages around her. She did not sense Sean's rising jealousy over the scene he witnessed between Sharlisa and Kevin. She paced back and forth speaking more to herself than to Sean. "OK, this could be the answer; we've got to get the map to them. If they can confirm that Cappora lies under that impact crater; we'll know were right. We must go to the march."

Sean reached out and held her shoulders and tried to calm her down, "Relax, we were planning to go there anyway, remember?"

"Yes, yes I know." Sharlisa grumbled as she tried to reach out with her empathic senses. She wanted somehow to communicate that there may be an answer soon. Her efforts failed and she frowned in disappointment.

Sean mistook her disappointed for annoyance and he released her shoulders. Sean's disappointment was clear, and he made it known verbally, "Captain Morgan seems to have far more success comforting you, than I do. Maybe I should call him over."

Now Sean had her attention and his jealousy rang like alarm bells on her empathic senses. "No, Sean no, it's not at all what you think. Captain Morgan and I were just dealing with a situation. He hugged me out of appreciation. The reason is private to him; please don't ask me to retell his private thoughts." Sharlisa reached out her hand and took Sean's and continued, "Please don't pull away from me now. I need you."

Sean held her hand for a minute; then looked around at the people sitting close and walking by. He just smiled and whispered, "We have a serious problem with privacy in this camp. You can be sure that problem will be remedied soon."

By late morning the sky had turned gray. It seemed to sense the sadness in the newcomers and tried to respond accordingly. Terry Daugherty and J.D. Hayden brought their crews down from Lightchaser. Everyone gathered in the pod just as light rain began to fall. Kevin started the meeting. "Well I guess everyone has got the word.; Lightchaser can't be fixed. It looks like this planet may be our home for a very long time. This is not going to be easy for any of us. I know many of you were looking forward to returning to family and friends on Earth. I'm sorry that this has happened to you. I'm sure we will all shed more than a few tears in the next few days. There is a chance that some ship traveling at the edge of human space may pick up our distress signal, but rescuers would be some long ways away. I'm afraid that our stay on this planet will be for years, if not forever. The plan right now is summed up in one word, survival."

"Thanks to Sharlisa, we seemed to be stranded on a very hospitable world. Sensor data and our own experience indicate that it may provide everything we need. Of course, we haven't eaten, or even seen, any appetizing native plants or animals. The stores of dried food that were bound for the Orion research station will sustain us for quite awhile, but not forever. We must learn about this environment and how to exist in it."

Kevin paused for a moment then he continued, "OK, the way I see iy; the first task will be to look over everything we have. Thanks to Mary, we have excellent inventories of the contents of the transport pods, and the items in the ships hull. We now have to study the data categorize everything based on their utility in our present situation. We will want to bring down items in quantity, but we do not want risk damage or spoilage to items. If they are not needed, they should stay in the pods. We should use the shuttle sparingly. Its fuel won't last forever. Mary, you know the inventory, please take the lead on this task. We're all at your disposal." Mary nodded sadly. Her usual bright smile was washed away like the dust in the rain.

"Since we are not in the transport and research businesses anymore, we will need input about everyone's secondary skills. Ann, could you please coordinate that effort."

Kevin listed several other tasks and appointed leaders. When all bases were covered and everyone was tasked he adjourned the meeting. Sharlisa volunteered to help Mary with the inventory, but Kevin insisted that she concentrate on setting things right for the original residence of the planet, "Like I said before. If they don't have peace, we won't have peace."

The sky began to clear as the sun set. Sean met Sharlisa at the camp's eastern perimeter. They stared at the dark wall of the dead zone. Sharlisa stared at the black curtain as she talked, "You know I am more than a little scared of that place, but at the same time I feel I already know it. The curtain will not harm us. I'm convinced of that, I just don't know if I can take viewing what's behind it."

"You are not alone in that feeling." Sean answered, "I'm not used to dealing with things I can't control, but it's got to be done. You heard their pleas. Now you will give them peace."

Sean picked up the backpack containing their gathered information. Before they could start off; they heard Kevin calling to them. "Hey, wait for us."

They turned to see Kevin and Tia walking quickly to them. When they arrived, Kevin explained, "We completed all we could do for one day. We hoped you wouldn't mind if we came along."

Without a moon, or light from cities, the group walked along in total darkness. Beams from their flashlights guided their way. Only the stars told them that the universe still existed. No one spoke. The darkness seemed to demand silence. Only the insects defied the decree, buzzing and chirping as they went about their business.

After three hours of marching the group came to a sudden stop. Their flashlight beams bounced back to them off a thick wall of fog. They stared for a moment at the barrier before them. "Well there it is." Tia announced, "All our sensor data tell us that nothing lives inside this fog. Not even a roach will break this curtain."

"A bit of a moment of truth I would say." Kevin remarked.

Sean simply stated, "If Sharlisa is saying it is safe; than that's good enough for me." He adjusted his pack and marched forward. Sharlisa was right with him. Kevin and Tia fell in behind them.

As the entered the dead zone, they could feel its icy fingers drag across the bodies. The insect chatter was gone. There was dead silence. "Brrr." Sharlisa involuntarily blurted out.

"Thirty-two degrees," Tia announced, "its the same temperature all around the world. This zone defies the nature. There is no physical law that can justify the existence of this place."

"That's because," Sean answered, "this place is not natural. Like the spirit, it may not even be technically on the planet. It may be another cross plainer anomaly."

This sparked Kevin's interest, "Are you saying that we may have entered an entirely different universe?"

"Not another universe," Sharlisa answered, "but a transition point. We may not be in a viable universe at all. Oh my," Sharlisa suddenly put her hand to her head and she stumbled for a moment.

Sean was quickly there to support her, "What wrong Sharlisa, what's going on?"

Sharlisa stood again and patted Sean's hand, "Its OK, I just had an incredible rush of empathic images. They know were coming and they are very hopeful."

They marched for ten more minutes; then the fog cleared. Up ahead a tremendous pale green glow radiated from behind a small hill. The group knew that they had reached their destination. The vast image waiting behind the hill was the march. Slowly they climbed the hill, wanting to see, and not wanting to see at the same time. When they reached the top Sharlisa spoke the only words that anyone dared utter, "My God, look at all of them!"

Before them were the spectral images of millions and millions of people. They were, as they died, starved, deceased, dress in rags. Old people hobbled along, parents wearily carried small children, and couples held onto each other. It was an unending procession of misery that ringed their world.

So much suffering, so much sadness, not even the space marine could keep a tear from his eye. From the northern horizon to the southern horizon they marched. Over land and water, nothing stopped the march. Sharlisa reached out to find one of the multitudes to talk to. After a minute a spectral image of a young woman emanated an orange glow. She broke from the ranks and glided to the shocked group of humans. She spoke with effort as if she were in pain, "You have come. Please, oh please tell me you have found an answer."

"I believe we have." Sharlisa answered. As the image's dried and sore laden face stretched into an anxious smile Sharlisa explained what they needed to know to confirm their theory. "If we showed you a map. ; could you tell us if we are correct in the location of Cappora?" The image nodded and Sean brought the map. All lights shined on the map as Sharlisa pointed to the location of the meteor impact.

"Yes," answered the image. "That's where Cappora would be. I lived in Cappora. I think that's why I was chosen to break ranks." Part of the smile disappeared from the poor creature's face. "Then you have not found an answer. You have just located the Cappora."

"No, no," Sharlisa anxiously explained, "this map shows that location was struck by a rogue meteor thousands of years ago. From the material around the crater it seems that the city was standing when the meteor hit. The answer to your question is Cappora was not destroyed by any country or group. Cappora was destroyed by an act of nature. There were no stealth weapons. The war was an accident. Do you understand? The war was an accident!"

The shock clearly registered even on the ravaged face of the image. Even as she protested she knew what Sharlisa was saying was true. "But we had astronomers and telescopes; how could no one know?"

"It was a rogue Sharlisa explained. Rogues come out of the darkest part of space. If your culture did not possess specialized meteor tracking equipment; it would not have shown itself until it was streaking through your atmosphere. By then it would look like a missile."

The image's sunken eyes opened wide as if she just had a great feeling rush through her. She began to pant. She talked through her breath. "You've done it my friend. You've ended the march. The gateway opens. I cannot express in words the gratitude that my people are feeling. The block on our feelings will be released so that you can feel the gratitude for yourself. Farewell, be good to Belnora and it will be good to you."

The female's glow changed to white and she drifted back to the march. As she touched the march more, the green glowing images turned white. The white glow erased the green glow from horizon to horizon. Each horizon and the line itself began to pulsate a blinding white light. The wind blew into a gale as the humans turned away from the light. They dropped to their knees and hung to each other. The wind roared with incredible force. It sucked the stagnant, frigid air from the planet leaving the warm air of early summer around the huddled humans. As the light intensity eased and the wind died down, Tia looked out from under the huddle. She gasped at the amazing sight, "My God, look! Everyone look!"

As they watched, a great ball of white light rose into the air. Two beams of light trailed slowly were drawing the ends of the march into the great sphere. The sphere then collapsed onto itself and it was gone.

Only darkness and silence remained. The humans could hear their own heavy breathing in the night air. Suddenly another sound was heard. "Listen," Kevin whispered. They all began to hear the chirp and buzzes of the local insects. It was only then that Kevin noticed Sharlisa lying on the ground, "Sharlisa!"

All three of her friends knelt next to her. Sean took her in his arms and rocked her, "Sharlisa can you hear me. Please hear me."

Sharlisa slowly opened her eyes and smiled at the big security officer, "I'm OK." She said softy holding on to him for a moment longer. Then she slowly came to her feet and told her story. "I watched them pass; such joy, such beauty. Their images were healed of their diseases and injuries. A billion smiling faces rushed by me, but even though they were going at great speed, I could still see each one of their happy faces. I'll never forget it."

Sean hugged her, "You did it, babe. You performed the greatest liberation of all time, and you did without firing a shot." Kevin and Tia joined Sean's hug of their hero. Tia said as she hugged her friend, "I'll never be so close minded again. We sometimes get a little cocky when we think how far we have come, but we really know very little about this universe."

Lights again appeared in the night sky. The group watched them approach from the east wondering what would happen next. After a minute or two they heard the familiar sound of the shuttle's engines. The shuttle set down on the barren land and Terry and J.D jumped out. They rushed over to them J.D. spoke first, "We saw this great light rise out of the dead zone. It looked like the entire area took off into space. We thought we had better get out here in case you needed help."

Kevin thanked them for their concern then Terry gave him the other reason they came for him. "Captain; there's a ship on the way! It should arrive tomorrow."

Kevin couldn't believe it, "A ship! How! Our first distress call won't reach habitable space for months."

"It's Talandian right?" Sharlisa asked with a smile.

"Yes!" Terry answered surprised out of his socks, "How did you know?"

"It was coming here, because there is a middle-aged Talandian on board. He felt these people's pain the way I . . "Sharlisa's voice trailed off.

Sean held her closer, "What are you thinking?"

"It's them," she said. "It's the lost children in the forests of Home World. It's the pedestal the aliens took away. Sean, these people were also our siblings. There were supposed to be three pedestals for the sibling test on Home World. In my dream I saw the aliens take one away."

"Then," Kevin said, "you have brought peace to our own people."

When the humans boarded the Talandian frigate Branz a middle-aged Talandian named Gerosk told the story that Sharlisa predicted. He convinced the Talandian fleet to send the Branz here in search of another sibling, "We found the third pedestal packed away on Home World. We knew something must have happened to them. When we came out of hyper-space near the system I could feel their suffering,; then I felt their hope and then their incredible joy. Our brother's suffering has ended. He may now rest. Come, let me take you home."

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2010-12-05T16:23:00.001-08:00

Server Farm

2010-12-05T02:48:00.001-08:00

The international cat-and-mouse game between WikiLeaks and various governments and corporations continues. In just the past few days, the site has been kicked off Amazon’s cloud-hosting platform and had its domain-name service cancelled by a second company — and even a data visualization project based on the WikiLeaks cables has been shut down. The news raises a number of questions, including: Does the world need a stateless, independent data haven to protect the kind of freedom of information that WikiLeaks represents?

Amazon removed WikiLeaks’ website from its EC2 cloud on Thursday, after Senator Joe Lieberman (I-Conn.) — the chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs committee — complained about U.S. companies helping to distribute what he called illegal documents. The web company released a statement late on Thursday saying it wasn’t pressured into removing the WikiLeaks data, but did so because the organization breached its terms of service, which require those uploading data to have the rights to publish that information, and to refrain from uploading data that could lead to personal injury (some have argued the cables could jeopardize human-rights workers and U.S. informants).

WikiLeaks moved its site back to another hosting provider — one which apparently uses a server farm deep within a Swedish mountain, similar to the fictional data warehouse in Neal Stephenson’s book Cryptonomicon. Within hours of making that move, the organization’s website was again taken offline, this time by its DNS provider, EveryDNS.com. According to the company, WikiLeaks’ website was being besieged by hackers using a distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attack, which risked affecting other customers. (WikiLeaks originally moved its site to Amazon’s servers for the same reason.) After moving its data to a server host in Switzerland, the site was back up again on Friday.

Although both Amazon and EasyDNS EveryDNS had what seemed to be valid reasons for removing support for WikiLeaks, both companies were undoubtedly also painfully aware of the mounting political pressure from the U.S. government — both from Senator Lieberman and others — to disassociate themselves from WikiLeaks or face potential legal action. While many critics accused Amazon of bowing to pressure and failing to uphold freedom of speech, the reality is that private companies are entitled to do whatever they wish in the interests of their business and shareholders (within certain limits), as Derrick pointed out in his recent post.

On the heels of the release of iOS 4.2, a new rumor claims that Apple is planning to release its next major mobile operating system update -- iOS 4.3 -- in December, with recurring app subscriptions.

Citing an anonymous source, MacStories on Tuesday reported that Apple plans to release iOS 4.3 in mid-December. The update will reportedly allow users to subscribe to content, like News Corp's purported tablet-only newspaper The Daily.

The latest report corroborates previous rumors that Apple is planning to hold a special media event on Dec. 9 to announce its subscription plans, as well as partnerships with content providers for newspapers and magazines. It cautioned, however, that the release of iOS 4.3 could be delayed due to unexpected issues that forced the delay of iOS 4.2.

The report said Apple hopes to release iOS 4.3 on Dec. 13, after its planned event. In addition to app subscriptions, the software update may also address initial issues with AirPlay.

The report also suggested that Apple's massive data center in North Carolina, the purpose of which remains unknown, could play a part in the release of iOS 4.3. It noted that Monday's release of iOS 4.2 strained Apple's systems, and the company could flip the switch on the server farm to help services like iTunes, MobileMe, activations and more.

MacStories previously reported that Mac OS X 10.7 Lion would adopt iOS interface elements, bringing improvements made in Apple's mobile operating system to the Mac desktop. In October, Apple announced that it would bring iOS features, such as multi-touch gestures and a Mac App Store, with the release of Lion next year.

Server Farm

Flat Screen TV Wall Mounts

2010-12-03T07:02:00.001-08:00

Mounting a flat panel TV securely on a wall is one of the best ways of positioning the screen at the right viewing height and angle, while freeing up valuable room space. Traditional mounts have to be drilled and screwed into a stud or brick wall in order to hold the weight of the TV. But if you’re not a DIY fan, live in an apartment where attacking the wall with a power drill isn't an option, or just think you might change your mind later about where you want to watch TV, then this no-drill TV mount kit from Sanus might appeal.

The Foundations Basic Series comprises two three-shelf AV stands – the BFAV344 and BFAV550 – which can be used in combination with the Sanus new Foundations FMK056 Mount Kit to position the TV to the desired height without drilling into the wall or taking up additional shelf space. The mount kit attaches directly to the back of the AV stands with no drilling or installation required on the wall.

The FMK056 includes a tilting mount that provides ±12° of tilt and up to 30° of swivel to help you get the perfect viewing angle or dodge sunlight reflections at various times of the day.

The BFAV344 is available in high-gloss black lacquered finish, while the BFAV550 offers hardwood front veneers that come in a chestnut or chocolate finish. Both feature a curved shape, which allows the furniture to be positioned in the corner of a room or flat against a wall.

Hiding unsightly cables is often a problem with wall-mounted TVs, too. But both furniture units have cable management holes for keeping AV cables organized and out of sight.

The BFAV344 and BFAV550 units can support TVs up to 56 inches and have a top shelf weight capacity of 125 lbs (56 kg).

The Sanus ‘no drill’ FMK056 mount sells for US$199.99, the BFAV344 costs US$269.99, and the BFAV550 is US$229.99. All are available now through specialty AV suppliers.

The FMK056 includes a tilting mount that provides ±12° of tilt and up to 30° of swivel to help you get the perfect viewing angle or dodge sunlight reflections at various times of the day.

Hiding unsightly cables is often a problem with wall-mounted TVs, too. But both furniture units have cable management holes for keeping AV cables organized and out of sight.

The BFAV344 and BFAV550 units can support TVs up to 56 inches and have a top shelf weight capacity of 125 lbs (56 kg).

The Sanus ‘no drill’ FMK056 mount sells for US$199.99, the BFAV344 costs US$269.99, and the BFAV550 is US$229.99. All are available now through specialty AV suppliers.

Weight Loss Plans

2010-12-01T21:16:00.001-08:00

What I don't understand is, why these two talented, scoring machines, can't work together? They now have a respectable team, with Lee and Biedrins down low, and the Warriors are still very young.

Both Ellis and Curry fit the Warriors' no defense, run-and-gun style of play, but the issue holds when deciding which of the two has to be the facilitator and not the scorer.

Almost by default, Curry, being the younger, more inexperienced guard, has been the "point guard" for the Warriors. He is currently averaging 5.7 (APG), but as J.A. Adande put it, "Every time he's passing the ball, I can't help thinking he should be shooting it."

There are obvious signs of Curry's potential as a young and upcoming point guard in the league, but I can't help but agree with Adande. Curry's greatest attribute is shooting, not passing.

Curry is currently averaging: 20.1 (PPG), 3.6 (RPG), and 5.7 (APG), which is fantastic for a young guard, who also has to share the ball with Monta Ellis, who is averaging: 24.9 (PPG), 3.8 (RPG), and 4.8 (APG).

Honestly, if I were the coach, I'd seriously consider either trading away one of the two, or at least find a way to maximize both Curry's and Ellis's scoring ability. The only other option would be to try putting Ellis at the point guard position and to put Curry at the two spot, which I could see working a lot better for both Ellis, Curry and the team.

The most frustrating part about this whole dilemma, is the fact that Curry is playing so well, at the point guard position, but at the same time, Ellis still seems unhappy about sharing the ball with Curry.

Though Ellis is having a crazy year statistically, it would be better for the Warriors in the long run to trade him away for more team-oriented players. The problem is, Ellis is virtually untradeable, with the six-year, $66 million contract he agreed to two years ago.

The Warriors will have to deal with this as of now, but the positive look on this whole issue is that Curry has decided to set his scoring mentality aside for the better of the team, and so far it has worked well for him.

There is hope for the Warriors; if Curry continues to grow as a point guard in this league, maybe Ellis will give this duo a chance.

Who knows, Curry may end up achieving what Coach Keith Smarts sees in him, and if he does, the Warriors may not have to worry about this Curry-Ellis dilemma.

This article is the second in a series of 12 over the next 3 weeks written by Don Tapscott and Anthony D. Williams authors of the newly released book Macrowikinomics: Rebooting Business and the World. The book is receiving a lot of buzz. Mark Parker, the CEO of Nike calls it "A Masterpiece. An iconic and defining book for our times." The Economist says it's a Schumpeterian story of creative Destruction."

The book argues that many of the institutions of the industrial age have finally come to the end of their lifecycle, and now being reinvented around a new set of principles and a networked model.

Today's blog is about rethinking health care.

*****

Now that Republicans control the House, they will try to roll back ObamaCare. The president has said, understandably, that he will resist vigorously. But for all its sound and fury, the debate over ObamaCare is distracting us from a more important discussion: the basic model of health care is no longer viable. Indeed, both parties have different views about funding models, when evidence suggests that only much deeper changes in how we manage our own health and well-being can prevent spending from spiraling out of control.

Despite the advancements of modern medicine, health care's business model has remained unchanged for centuries. It assumes that, medically speaking, physicians are smart and patients aren't. Doctors wait in their office or hospital for sick people to come to them, and doctors treat their patients and tell them what to do, one-on-one, face-to-face. If patients didn't like what their doctor told them, they could shop around for other opinions if they could afford it. Patients play little or no role in deciding their own treatments plans. As one physician puts it: "Today's healthcare institutions are like the old media: centralized, one way, immutable and controlled by the people who created and delivered it. Patients are passive recipients."

So it is no surprise that a growing number of physicians and patients want a better model of health care. They envision a system in which everyone involved, including patients, use the Web as a platform to share information, deliver care and build communities around medical interests and health goals. A main benefit, as studies show, is that when patients are more engaged in managing their own health, they are more committed to being healthy.

Users of MedHelp, a popular online health community, are able to track over 1500 symptoms and treatments on a daily basis using iPhone apps covering both general health conditions, such as weight loss and allergies, and very specific disorders, such as infertility and diabetes. If patients so choose, this information can be shared on an ongoing basis via the Internet with their doctors or caregivers.

This information continuum is much more useful than the readings taken during a visit to the doctor every one or two years. Studies show that constant attention to key indices can help motivate people to change their behavior. People who weigh themselves daily are more successful at weight loss and maintenance than those who weigh in weekly. People on the Weight Watchers diet who attend meetings and use digital tools, such as an iPhone app, to follow their points are 50 percent more successful in reaching their weight loss goals than those who don't.

Several pilot studies aimed at reducing the cost of chronic care confirm that such self-monitoring technology reduces errors, improves communication with doctors and helps patients better manage their illnesses. These advances, in turn, decrease emergency department trips, unnecessary doctor's office appointments and costly home nurse visits. Since patients with chronic conditions absorb nearly 70% of Medicare spending according to the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Studies, equipping patients with tools for self-management would not only improve health outcomes, but also reduce costs.

We also know that loneliness and isolation can be a medical risk factor, another area where the Internet can potentially help. Lonely people get sicker than the population as a whole. They suffer from a wide variety of ailments, ranging from colds to heart attacks. Lonely people with HIV respond less well to antiretroviral drugs. People who are lonely in their old age are twice as likely to develop Alzheimer's than other seniors who are socially active. Socially isolated women have a greater risk of dying once they have been diagnosed with breast cancer.

In the most exhaustive study on social ties and health to date, researchers at Brigham Young University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill pooled data from 148 studies on health outcomes and social relationships -- every research paper on the topic they could find, involving more than 300,000 men and women across the developed world -- and found that those with poor social connections had on average 50 percent higher odds of death in the study's follow-up period (an average of 7.5 years) than people with more robust social ties. The overall boost in longevity is about as large as the mortality difference observed between smokers and nonsmokers, according to the authors. And it's larger than differences in the risk of death associated with many other well-known lifestyle factors, including lack of exercise and obesity.

Of course, you can't legislate social relationships. But according to Dr. Michael Evans at St. Michaels Hospital in Toronto, doctors could do more to encourage patients to seek social support in online health care communities. What's more, he suggests that patients with chronic conditions represent an untapped workforce that is not currently engaged in improving health care. An estimated 30 percent of the American population has a chronic disease and a further 29 percent of the population knows or cares for someone who has one. Bringing these communities together over the Internet to share health care experiences and outcomes, says Evans, can help speed up research and allow superior medical techniques and treatments to spread faster.

Take PatientsLikeMe, a vibrant health care community whose members -- 60,000 and growing - suffer from debilitating chronic conditions such as ALS, Parkinson's and bipolar disorder. Members can share details of their medical history, which many do. They don't mind the loss of privacy when the alternative is to struggle in isolation with the helplessness, lack of control and fear associated with illness. Exchanging information gives them an invaluable source of support and helps them make smarter decisions. Members participate for free, but the data they contribute is rendered anonymous and then aggregated to inform research conducted by doctors, pharmaceutical and medical device companies.

This openness ultimately benefits everyone. New treatments can be evaluated and brought to market more quickly. Patients can learn about what's working and, in consultation with their doctors, make adjustments to their own treatment plans. "People think we are a social networking site," says co-founder Ben Heywood. "But we're an open medical framework. This is a large scale research project."

As the benefits of online engagement become clear, we think the time has come for every American to have their own Personal Health Pages on the Internet, including children and infants. Think of it as the patient's personal window into his or her own health and the basis for participation in a broader health social network. Adults would own and control their own data, but health care professionals (and perhaps family members) could access it as required with appropriate levels of privacy and security. It would serve as each person's portal to health care information, link them to organizations such as Weight Watchers or a local health club, and track relevant medical advancements. Much like Facebook, a patient could create a community or join medical "causes". And just like the App store, low-cost or free applications could help individuals measure their own health, do pre-diagnosis of a sick child or test for possible drug interactions.

In the Internet-centric business model, patients become more like partners -- they self-organize, contribute to the total sum of knowledge, share information, support each other, and become active in managing their own health. This goes beyond the current catchphrase of health care being "patient centric." Not only is collaborative health care focused on the patient; the patient co-creates health care and wellness, producing an outcome that is a more evidence-based and cost-effective, i.e., safer, better and cheaper.

Of course, without the buy-in of the biggest players -- namely government and insurers -- we won't be able to maximize this opportunity and more people will get needlessly sick. Harness these new capabilities, on the other hand, and the medical establishment can join with patients and other stakeholders in making the health care system work for everyone.

Follow Anthony Williams on Twitter: www.twitter.com/adw_tweets

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Buy A Qualifying Camera, Save 10% on Select Sigma Lenses

2010-12-01T14:51:00.001-08:00

10% Off Select Sigma Lenses with Combined Purchase of Select Interchangeable Lens Cameras

Shop now and save 10% on select Sigma lenses with the purchase of a qualifying interchangeable lens camera from Amazon.com. Simply add a qualifying camera and lens to your cart, and we'll automatically apply the discount at checkout.

Note: You may need to add the camera and lens to your cart separately if they are not on the same page.

Offer valid through December 20, 2010. Applies only to purchases of products sold by Amazon.com, and does not apply to products sold by third-party merchants and other sellers through the Amazon.com site. Amazon.com reserves the right to end or modify this offer at any time.

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Ab Exercise Equipment

2010-11-26T06:32:00.001-08:00

The Shake Weight is more hype than science

"The $19.95 Shake Weight involves a light dumbbell that utilizes a vibration to boost muscle growth. In principle, this back and forth motion creates reactive forces throughout your body that engage more muscles to stabilize your body (i.e., the core), but the amount of resistance and the degree of motion is really insufficient to show sustained improvements. You may experience some initial gains, but once the body adapts to that stress, no further improvements will occur using the same device. Your only option is to keep increasing the resistance or leverage, but leverage can hurt the joints," says Fabio Comana MA, MS, exercise physiologist with the American Council on Exercise.

"A regular dumbbell is more effective than the Shake Weight, training muscles to move through a range of motion, not just holding them in one position. Our muscles move joints, so train them accordingly. Besides, dumbbells are cheaper (starting at $5), and you can increase the intensity by changing up the weight without restrictions," he says.

Spot reducers aren't all they're shaped up to be

"Buying any product that promises spot reduction is like ripping up dollar bills and throwing them off the roof," says Liz Neporent, fitness expert, author and founder of Wellness 360. "It is a physiological impossibility to spot reduce. You are genetically programmed to lose fat in a specific pattern. So if you are genetically programmed to hold it in your thighs, that is the last place it is coming off, no matter how many machines you buy to work that area."

Walk away from those Skecher's Tone-Up and Shape-Up shoes

"Skechers did not get to be a big player in the retail shoe market by being bashful. However, the claims made by Sketchers regarding its Tone-Up and Shape-Up shoe lines, which cost $50-$110, totally throws truth-in-advertising overboard. No one anywhere has been able to verify the Skechers claims that these shoes actually help you 'tone up' merely by walking in them," says Mike Torchia, health and wellness expert

"This presumptive feat of shoe engineering runs counter to what every fitness professional knows: resistance exercise that places greater demands on our muscles than usual is still the only way to gain more shape and muscle tone. Of course, if you were to wear lead boots, they will shape up your legs, but they're not quite practical."

Ab toners like Flex Belts can't replace crunches

Originally built for physical therapists to help patients prevent abdominal atrophy, the $199.99 Flex Belts are now available at your local store and online. But "they will not make your total core stronger because you would need to strengthen abs and back and lessen body fat to get a stronger core. When therapists used this machine, it was primarily used as an introductory method to teach patients more effective ways to utilize their abs/lower back/core in order to build strength and build a program to burn the fat around the middle section, which would include dietary education as well as some cardio," says Jen Cassetty, New York City fitness trainer and expert.

"The belt was never meant to be a replacement and if it was, it would be a foolish one, because you can't get toned abs from short bursts of electric pulses. In addition, over time, your abs would get used to the pulses, and therefore are not working out. I actually had a member who would go home after a long day, gel and strap himself into his belt and sit and drink beer on his recliner. No lie. I had to tell him to book a training session with me if he wanted results," says Cassetty.

Drop those home edition kettlebells

Kettlebells, which start at $15 each, can be fantastic for toning but also dangerous if not used properly. "As a certified trainer, I myself had to take courses to be able to use kettlebells, but I see them being sold in places like Kmart and Target. If kettlebells are done improperly, the chances of severely hurting your back are high," says Alberto Ortiz, NASM, ACE-certified trainer and founder of Manhattan's WORK: Elite Personal Training.

"Kettlebells should be done under the supervision of a fitness expert who is certified in kettlebell training. This instructor would make sure you keep your back in safe alignment at all times, which will help you activate the appropriate muscles while not putting tension on your spine," says Ortiz.

Sauna suits can burn you

"Sauna suits, which can retail for as little as $10, are still something people revert back to from the old days to aid in weight loss. For years, athletes and exercisers used them to help them lose weight. While they do help you shed water weight, there is no evidence that suggests wearing one will increase the rate at which the body metabolizes body fat. Actually, they are a type of product that if used too much can result in cramping, fainting, dehydration, dizziness, and even heat stroke," says Jim Ryno, celebrity trainer.

Vitamin Water and other sports drinks don't deliver health

Don't be deceived by claims that vitamin and sports drinks are a healthy water substitute. "Once you put any chemical into water, it is no longer water. You must read the labels. It has less than 0.5% of vitamins, minerals, and other stuff. That is very little to be effective, give you energy and boost your immune system. You only receive 13 ounces of carbohydrates in an 8 ounce serving, and those 13 grams are all sugar -- crystalline fructose and sugar cane. A $3.50 bottle has 2.5 servings. So you will consume 32.5 grams of sugar when you drink the bottle," says Kevin Bailey, CSCS, owner of Bailey's Total Fitness, Inc.

"If you are looking to lose body fat, it will be hindered as soon as you drink one of these. Gatorade is even worse, with 34 grams of sugar per bottle. Also, if you are diabetic, these products could possibly cause more harm than good due to the drastic spike in your blood sugar levels when consumed," he says.

$400 Soloflex Whole Body Vibration can shake up trouble

"The science behind shaking your moneymaker while working out to burn more calories is dubious at best. The most credentialed expert seems to be a guy named Peter, a.k.a. The Vibration Professor. Yes, NASA uses similar technology to keep astronauts fit -- because they are in zero gravity and not able to maintain bone density! When you're here on earth in your den with something strapped around your back shaking you like an overzealous auntie, you are at risk for problems, and losing weight won't be one of them. Shaking yourself while doing anything can cause little bothersome issues like brain damage, cartilage damage and spinal damage. Like most of the medical professionals who are not, in my estimation, paid by the Big Vibe companies, I say no thanks. As babies, we can be shaken to death, so as adults, is this same behavior somehow healthy? I think not," says Sadie Nardini, creator of Core Strength Vinyasa Yoga and Ultimate Wellness Expert.

"Get your increased calorie burn from doing something tried and true, like running, walking, swimming, even, yes, I'll say it -- yoga -- a little harder for a little longer," she says.

Would you like to have these great bargains delivered right to your inbox? Join over 60,000 fellow deal seekers and subscribe to Deal Seeking Mom. Also become a fan of Deal Seeking Mom on Facebook for more conversation, additional deals and a peek at the freebies I receive in the mail. Thanks for visiting!

Black Friday kicks off the holiday shopping season, and if you shop carefully, you can get great deals, but be sure to read these Black Friday tips before you go to be sure you don't end up spending more than you intend!

Here are some of my favorite Kohl's deals. Click the button at the bottom for the full ad listing!

:: Toys & Video Games

Earlybird (3am-1pm)

Tonka Mighty 2 pk Trucks, $29.99 (regularly $59.99)

Little People Gift Sets, $14.99 (regularly $29.99)

All Day

Entire Stock Video Games for Nintendo DS and Wii, $13.99-$27.99 (regularly $19.99 - $39.99)

:: Electronics

Earlybird (3am-1pm)

The Sharper Image Literati eBook, $99.99 after $30 MIR (regularly $249.99)

:: Jewelry & Accessories

Earlybird Deals (3am-1pm)

2 ct. Stirling Silver T.W. Diamond Bracelet or black & white Reversible Heart Diamond Pendant, $99.99 (regularly $500-$575)

All Day

Giftable Genuine Gemstone & Diamond Accent Pendant or Earrings 18k Gold over Stirling Silver, $12.49 (regularly $50)

:: Homewares

EarlyBird (3am-1pm)

Reversible Down Alternative Comforter all sizes, $24.99 (regularly $99.99-$119.99)

:: Kitchen Essentials

All Day

Farberware Cooksview 14-pc.. Non-Stick Cookware Set with Double Bonus Cookie Sheets, $49.99 (regularly $119.99)

:: Women's Clothing

Earlybird (3am-1pm)

Entire Stock Mudd 5 Pkt Jeans, $15.99 (regularly $38.99)

:: Men's Clothing

All Day

Entire Stock Outerwear for men (excludes Columbia Sportswear Co, Collections & Athletics) , $23.99-$159.99 (regularly $60-$400)

:: Children's Clothing

Earlybird (3am-1pm)

Entire Stock Holiday Dresses & Collections for girls 4-16, toddlers, infants & newborns 60% off, (regularly $20-$70)

:: Exercise Equipment

Earlybird (3am-1pm)

Ab Circle Pro, $179.99 (regularly $229.99)

:: Miscellaneous

HoMedics SMB-300 Shiatsu Massage Cushion, $59.99 (regularly $119.99)

http://www.machine-rowing.net/ab-exercise-equipment/

VTech Kidizoom Plus Multimedia Digital Camera (Pink)

2010-11-05T06:12:00.001-07:00

Special Offers and Product Promotions

VTech Store

Visit the VTech Store at Amazon.co.uk to browse the rest of the range of laptops, educational games and fun toys for babies and children--all at great prices.

Technical Details

2 mega pixel camera with 2x digital zoom, 256 MB of storage (up to 500 photos), SD card slot for memory expansion and built-in flash
Also features video taking, and 5 built-in games
Connect to the TV or edit and view photos linked to a PC
Dual viewfinder and durable child friendly design with a grown up look, changeable faceplates and instant effect selector
Requires 4 x AA batteries (not included)

› See more technical details

Product Description

Manufacturer's Description

Get snapping with Kidizoom Plus! A 2 mega pixel camera with zoom: take video clips, play through 5 different games and edit and enhance your photos with fun effects, stamps and borders. Connect to a TV to view your photos and video clips on a larger screen. Also features dual viewfinders, colour screen, built-in flash, SD card slot and changeable face plates for personalisation. Instant dial selector makes selecting functions easier and quicker.

Box Contains

1 x VTech Kidizoom Plus camera Pink
2 x Interchangeable faceplates
1 x PC istallation CD-ROM with Kidizoom Plus Photo editor
1 x A/V cable
1 x USB cable
1 x Wrist strap
VTech registration card
User's manual

Flymo Scirocco 3000W 200Km

2010-11-04T06:03:00.001-07:00

Technical Details

Powerful 3000 watt motor
45 litre collection bag
12 metre mains cable
10:1 shredding ratio
200 km/hr blowing speed

› See more technical details

Product Description

Manufacturer's Description

The Scirocco 3000 is Flymo's most powerful garden blower and vacuum, making tidying up your garden an easy job. The 12 metre mains cable means that your Scirocco 3000 is ideally suited for medium sized garden areas, giving you the freedom and flexibility to move around your lawn without having to worry about running out of cable.

Spinning at 14,800 revs per minute, the 3000 watt motor makes sucking up both wet and dry leaves and other garden debris light and easy work. An impressive shredding ratio of 10:1 means you won't be emptying the 45 litre collection bag very often, giving you more time at the job in hand, and when it is time for emptying, the leaf matter will be ready for your compost heap.

Turn your Scirocco 3000 into a blower by the slide of a button and the 200km/hr blowing speed will shift both dry and wet leaves, twigs and other garden debris.

Your Scirocco 3000 comes with a handy shoulder harness for extra support and comfort, ergonomic controls that are easily accessible and a support wheel that will all help reduce fatigue and help you complete all jobs quickly, easily and with minimum effort, leaving you with more time to enjoy your garden.

You don't need to worry about maintenance or servicing when you buy a Flymo product, because they are designed to the highest standards of quality and reliability, and require only the minimum of attention to keep them working perfectly over their long life.

Product Description

POWERFUL ELECTRIC GARDEN BLOWER AND VACUUM. THE QUICK AND EASY WAY TO CLEAR LEAVES FOR A TIDY GARDEN

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K9 Advantix for Dogs Teal, 10-20 lbs, 4 Pack

2010-11-01T08:40:00.001-07:00

K9 Advantix for Dogs Teal, 10-20 lbs, 4 Pack
Other products by Bayer Healthcare Ratting 5.0 Out of 5.0 Special Offer Total New 5 Use

List Price:
Our Price:	$28.30
Price Save:


Total Price:	$28.30 at of 2010-11-01

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [amazon.com or endless.com, as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.

Buy Low Price From Here Now
K9 Advantix Teal is a once-a-month topical tick, mosquito and flea treatment for dogs between 10 to 20 pounds. It contains imidacloprid and permethrin. It also remains effective after swimming or bathing. This is the ultimate protection for your dog! Each packet contains 4 applications providing 4 months of protection.

Technical Details

- Each package of K9 Advantix for Dogs lasts 4 to 6 months (One vial per month)
- Kills 98%-100% of fleas within 12 hours - helpful in dogs with Flea Allergy Dermatitis
- Protects against deadly Lyme Disease, spread by ticks
- Repels and kills mosquitos, carriers of dangerous West Nile Virus
- Water-resistant, easy to apply formula stays on in baths or in the rain
See more technical details

"Just as I expected!" 2010-10-19
By Sandra Poore
This was fast in arriving and just as I ordered. Will use the seller again.

Images Product

Read more K9 Advantix for Dogs Teal, 10-20 lbs, 4 Pack

Ergonomic Desks - Helping You Stay Ache Free Whereas at Work Greater than half desk-sure workplace employees have the flawed desk.

2010-10-30T02:54:00.001-07:00

Nicely not completely fallacious, but lower than perfect. This then contributes to back aches, neck aches, simply to mention just a few amongst different frustrations.

Earlier than you go out and spend some of your arduous-earned cash on the newest "ergonomic desk," bear in mind this: just because a product or piece of kit is labelled as "ergonomic," it definitely doesn't mean it is really ergonomic.

Ergonomics is about the design of apparatus to be used as naturally as doable by the way in which we use our human body. Ergonomic furniture designers prioritize how our our bodies are meant to transfer, thus design tools to accommodate that. Nonetheless, our our bodies are all different. We have different heights, torso lengths, neck lengths, knee lengths etc. And people are the very things that make all the difference.

Ideally, in case you are to purchase an ergonomic desk, keep in mind the extra customized features it has, the better. That's as a result of you possibly can alter your desk features to suit your unique body.

There are a number of specifications an ergonomic desk should have to ensure that it to be a "real" ergonomic desk for you. After all, if it is a household desk and every member doesn't spend greater than two hours on it each time, your body will have the ability to alter and face up to its less-than-preferrred conditions. Nonetheless, in the event you work at your desk for greater than hours, it needs to be personalized to suit solely you.

Features of an Ergonomic Desk

1. Correct top to your working posture - or at the least be peak adjustable. (Clarification below.)
2. Sufficient house on your laptop to be place middle in relation to your body.
3. Sufficient house for a keyboard, or mouse and mouse pad to be as shut as doable to the place of your hands when you're in working position.
4. Adequate area for the other things you want, akin to telephone, a lamp, doc holder, pencils etc.
5. Clutter free for peace of thoughts when working. This helps you probably have adequate storage of drawers etc.
6. Beneath your desk, there must be enough space for a footstool, and ample space on your legs to maneuver around.
7. Glare free i.e. no mirrored surfaces or high gloss glass table tops.

A Abstract description of Ergonomic Desk Features

Learn how to determine the "appropriate top" to your desk? You determine its height by your working posture. Sit in your chair and place your fingers in your keyboard. The angle of your arms needs to be at a right angle and not less. If your arms are continually at lower than ninety degrees when working in your desk, this puts dangerous strains on your shoulders, neck and back, thereby contributing to some pains at work.

Not having enough house to center yourself and to work freely without knocking issues over is part of Desk ergonomics. In a cluttered setting and a cramped house causes further tension in your body resulting in musculoskeletal disorders.

Having mirrored and shiny surfaces on your desk appears to be like pretty, but its propensity to reflect more gentle around, it provides strain to your eyes with all that glare.

Hasbooloh BinAbdulWahab Al-Fathoni loves getting people connected to the right computer desks. Be sure to click through for great tips and resources about computer desk with hutch and white desk and office supplies.

Norton Internet Security 2010 - 1 User 3 Computers (PC CD)

2010-10-30T00:49:00.001-07:00

Norton Internet Security 2010 - 1 User 3 Computers (PC CD)

by Norton from Symantec

Platform: Windows Vista / 7 / XP

4.4 out of 5 stars See all reviews (312 customer reviews)

312 Reviews

5 star:		(195)
4 star:		(76)
3 star:		(16)
2 star:		(7)
1 star:		(18)

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RRP:	£49.99
Price:	£22.99 & this item Delivered FREE in the UK with Super Saver Delivery. See details and conditions
You Save:	£27.00 (54%)
	o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o

In stock.
Dispatched from and sold by Amazon.co.uk. Gift-wrap available.

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Order it in the next 59 hours and 17 minutes, and choose Express delivery at checkout.

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8 new from £22.99 1 used from £16.76

Flat Screen TV Wall Mounts

2010-10-29T21:04:00.001-07:00

Flat Screen TV Wall Mounts

Flat Panel Wall Mounts - They Offer Big Advantages Over Floor TV Stands

Flat Screen TV wall mounts offer you several big advantages over conventional floor TV stands. There is more work involved to set them up but you will love the final installation if you do it right. You just need to choose the right one to fit your needs and your budget.

Tips on Wall Mounting Your Flat Screen TV

Get some great tips if you're thinking about getting a flat screen TV and/or wall mount for it. Find the best location to mount it and find out what kinds of mounts are available.

How to Wall Mount Your Flat Screen Plasma TV

A plasma television set wall mount is a relatively suitable and trendy way to mount your television set to the wall. Flat screen TV wall mounts saves space in the room and avoids extra furniture. They have different options that will allow you to adjust the screen to different angles so that you can watch TV from wherever you are in the room!

Consider Installing a TV Wall Mount

Flat screen TV wall mounts are becoming the latest item on the list of common household products these days. Previously, television sets had big cathode ray tubes and had a protruded back. It was cumbersome to mount those bulky devices on the wall.

So You Need a Flat Screen TV Stand

If you are in the market for a flat screen tv stand then you will want to know what types are available so that you can make an educated purchase. There are different type of stands that you will want to consider based on cost, space, and personal style.

How To Lose Weight Fast.Leading World Trainer Exhibits How

2010-10-24T03:51:00.001-07:00

For any particular person that is attempting to reduce weight quick with a pile of fats on their belly and is seeking to shed critical weight, making an attempt to supply what the best stomach workout routines are, and that can assist drop additional pounds fast can be a daunting experience. I do know for a reality when I was chubby and carried an excess load of weight round my belly, looking for what one of the only ways to reduce weight fast,was a nightmare. Ab crunches, operating, sit ups, ab machines, a plethora of information on the internet on what the most effective belly workout routines for dropping pounds are. Go on, sort the phrases "best belly exercises" into Google and see what you get. For these who look beneath the search term "greatest stomach workout routines" you'll discover 335.000 thousand outcomes for that keyword.

Who do you imagine and where do you start? What is the quickest technique to drop pounds

This happens to be essentially the most complicated part on the place do you start and what are the best stomach exercises. Unhealthy or excess belly weight can actually be detrimental to your health. You do not have to be obese all over to truly be unhealthy. Before we go any further, lets look at a number of the downsides to excessive weight achieve or extreme stomach fat.

1. Excessive Blood Pressure. Not that many people think of this when they are consuming the following lot of take out but if you find yourself overweight with extreme body fats, this leads to high blood pressure. With high levels of body fats also comes extreme levels of sodium. How is this harmful to your health. Easy! Excessive levels of sodium causes hypertension, which in flip makes your heart work harder. 2. Cholesterol. Excessive weight gain additionally results in dangerously excessive levels of cholesterol. The typical degree of a traditional weight in a person often reads between 3.5 to 5.zero points for levels of cholesterol. Any larger than this and you would possibly be in danger of an oncoming coronary heart attack. Most medical doctors will let you know to lose weight or completely cut out fatty foods altogether with special diets for lowering cholesterol. Typically even medication. Cholesterol is a fatty substance which builds up in your major arteries which stem out of your heart. If these block up, your coronary heart stops. This could be a gradual occurrence. As your arteries slowly block up, your heart starts to work harder, finally leading to a heart attack. 3. Diabetes One other silent killer.When you would possibly have extra weight or belly fats, your body slowly turns into proof against insulin. This slows down or reduces your energy. This is why chubby folks discover it difficult to undergo their everyday lives. 4. Stroke. A stroke happens when an artery carrying blood to the brain is blocked.The human brain always wants the provision of oxygen, and if blood ceses to move, the mind space of that artery begins to die. A result of excess fats within the artery system 5. Osteoarthritis A serious killer in physique joint wear. Excess weight will always couse extreme wear in your joints. Especially your back nees and hips. 6. Cancer. It has now been proven that obese people are more suceptable to getting cancer, purely because of lack of exercise. 7. Sleep Apnea Sleep apnea can be introduced on by extreme weight. The upper the weigh, the extra severe the disease. 8. Total Physical Discomfort Most people who are chubby with loads of stomach fat are likely to feel uncomfortable. This is generally attributable to extreme fat across the human organs which constricts the organs. Usually, overweight folks tend to have respiration difficulties, which additionally severely limits the exercise potential of dropping weight. 9. Lower Again Pain. As a end result of excessive weight on the front of your stomach, your again starts to undergo from a extreme unbalance from weight to the entrance as to the back. your back muscle mass actually work collectively with your abdominal muscles for the purposes of preserving your torso good and straight. The best abdominal workout routines mixed along with weight loss help obtain this and many different benefits.

Now Some Of The Advantages To Weight Loss

A lot elevated levels of power Much decrease levels of cholesterol A lot decreased blood pressure Lowered joint pain from much less weight extra agile mobility. Well feeling of lightness. Potential to move at a lot faster rates Improved ranges of breathing. Greater ranges of oxygen, resulting in higher vitality ranges and nicely being Sleep better at night. Less again ache within the morning Much decrease levels of angina attacks, with a lot greater levels of oxygen to the center Much decreased risks of coronary heart assault or stroke. Excessive prevention rate of diabetes Better improved ranges of blood sugar. A lot decreased risks of cancer

There you would possibly have it, these are just a few reasons as to why it doesn't pay to be overweight.

Now to get again to the principle dilemma of the very best abdominal workout routines and tips on how to get started. As acknowledged earlier, there is magnitude of information on the internet on how to lose weight fast, learn how to get abs, find out how to get a six pack, learn how to get nice abs. These are folks which can be legitimately looking for info on the very best belly exercises. Nonetheless, the place do you start.

Lets Go Again To Fundamentals Shall We!

Commitment. Are you actually committed to losing weight and gaining the high benefits of being a lightweight weight human being? If not, not even one of the best abdominal exercises in the world are going to work for you. Dedication earlier than something is a will have to have for any stomach workouts to work.

Many individuals start A weight loss program only to fail dismally as a consequence of they don't keep going before the magic happens. Why? as a consequence of this can be very troublesome when your obese, due to the shortage of energy, the ache in your joints, you respiration labor. All these to many individuals are deterrents to further exercising. If you might get previous the first couple of weeks with your new habits and commitments, you will positively see improvements in fast weight reduction and getting closer to nice abs becomes a reality.

Once that is seen, there may be an on the spot uplift to continue. The more weight reduction you see, the more durable you exercise, shedding even more weight. Don't surrender when you get started. I guarantee you with the right weight loss plan and one of the best belly exercises, you will notice outcomes, and get these great abs, as well as getting ripped all over.

Keep it up, do not stop together with your new healthy lifestyle. Every part is difficult within the begging, but the pressure in your physique will subside. Once you see noticeable outcomes of nicely being, you will not need to stop.

Food plan In order to shed additional pounds and drop some pounds fast, one must have a drastic change in diet. One of the best stomach workout routines on the earth is not going to work if you don't change your diet

What does this mean. No extra quick food. Take out sizzling food incorporates plenty of trans fat that are absolutely deadly to the human physique and in addition contain a lot of artery chocking LLD cholesterol and fats which instantly just adds up on your body. Fat intake has to stop for the aim of achieving great abs and reducing weight fast. The signs of shredding weight shortly are instant. Higher bodily appearance, feeling on high of the world, vitality to do issues and be active.

Train Train is an important component in fast weight reduction and in a common total feeling of effectively being. The impact exercise has with a given weight-discount plan tremendously aids in weight reduction and reaching great abs or an superior six pack.

Now The Hammer Falls. What you should know is that you do not want the complete internet to find what one of the best stomach workouts are. You only need to use common sense. Anybody who tells you that "A" is the perfect stomach exercise or "B" is the very best belly exercise is admittedly simply attempting to sell you a gimmick and really much making an attempt take you for a ride.

To put it simply, now we have just disclosed to you that one of the best stomach workout routines are solely efficient in case you are ready to apply change.

Three Key Components Wanted For Even The Best Belly Exercises To Work

Firstly, Diet. This has to change for the needs of abdominal workout routines and general weight loss to be effective.Whether or not you like it or not.

Secondly, Workouts, That is also a must, because it significantly aids in fat burning and vastly improves health

Thirdly, Now the largest secret for the most effective abdominal exercises. Commitment. If this is missing from any of the three key parts, you are doomed to fail. There is a multitude of stomach exercises that are extremely efficient with getting a six pack when combined together with eating regimen, train, and commitment.

To learn more visit http://www.howto-makemoneyfast.com

Methods to Select a Fitness Rowing Machine - Some Considerations

2010-10-23T01:09:00.001-07:00

Health rowing machines provide a wonderful all spherical coaching which is form to the joints but gives a demanding, aerobic exercise that uses muscle tissue in both the upper and decrease body. They are excessive-priced although so it is a good suggestion to do research on the different types before you pay cash for one to ensure the machine you finish up with is probably the most appropriate for your needs. The least expensive rowing machine you will doubtless discover is approximately $500 and the priciest practically $2500 so you actually need to perceive which sort to purchase and which features you'd need.

Issues When Purchasing a Fitness Rowing Machine

Rowing machines do want various room so for those who don't have the space to depart one in place on a regular basis you could possibly acquire a machine that may be folded up and put away. You will also want fairly a big, nicely ventilated area to use your rowing machine in, ideally with room for a TV as training may be fairly boring when accomplished for prolonged periods. Quite a few machines do make various noise so if is a priority it's possible you'll wish to think about a magnetic rowing machine as these are an ideal deal quieter. If you'll use the machine every day we'd advocate a magnetic rowing machine that's intended for intense use. For rare use a hydraulic machine will be suitable as these also usually tend to be a lot smaller and more convenient to put in a cabinet to store.

Several of the less expensive rowing machine do not have computer systems for output of readings like time,stroke charge and distance. While not actually needed these are excellent ways to watch your progress and to cease you being bored throughout training. They often come as elective extras but we might advocate shopping for them as they may make your work out much more effective and enjoyable.

Variable Resistance Machines

A superb number of the rowing machines you should buy have an adjustable resistance so check the range as some are reasonably limited. A machine with a broad variety is rather more purposeful as you can effortlessly change the intensity of the workout by changing the resistance.

Extra Considerations Before You Purchase

Ensure that the foot plates and seat are completely adjustable and that you just fall inside the weight limits of the machine.

Earlier than You Buy a Machine - Attempt One Out!

Machines differ loads of their motion and in how straightforward they are to use. if you can check out some different types of rowing machines at the gym. If you're purchasing online make sure that the seller has a return coverage so that in case you find the rowing machine will not be suitable for you it can be exchanged for a distinct one.

The Some Totally different Kinds of Fitness Rowing Machines

Hydraulic Rowing Machines

These are as a rule the most cost effective machines and also are likely to be smaller which makes storage lots easier. They use cylinders filled with oil for resistance. The movement can be somewhat jerky and they do have a tendency to leak after a couple of years use. We wouldn't advocate a hydraulic rowing machine for intense, each day use.

Air Resistance Rowing Machines

In these machines air flows over a fly wheel to to supply the resistance. Although you possibly can purchase air rowing machines from round $200 we advise spending a small amount more to acquire a superior high quality machine at roughly $400. Resistance as a rule covers a broad range which actually replicates the feeling of rowing in water and resistance will increase as you row faster. Then again they do have the downside of being very noisy notably at high speeds.

Water Resistance Rowing Machines

In a lot of these rowing machines, water in a cylinder offers the resistance. They are among the larger priced machines with prices starting at within the area of $900. They offer a really clean motion which may be very corresponding to the sensation of rowing in water and you can even hear the water moving previous you as you row! They do require some upkeep nonetheless as you will have to to revive the water occasionally.

Magnetic Rowing Machine

An adjustable magnet present some resistance in these kinds of rowing machines. They're fairly small machines which makes them simpler to store than a number of the others and they are exceptionally quiet. They do not want any upkeep and impart a really smooth motion.

In Conclusion

Buying a excessive-quality fitness rowing machine is a rather large funding so you could guarantee before you purchase that you're going to use it regularly. If in any respect doable you should have used rowing machines on the fitness center so that you are aware of one of these exercise. Rowing machines are examples of fitness train machines which might be excellent buys as they offer you a very good all-round cardio exercise which tones your entire muscles on the identical time.

Visit us for extra data on exercising and a few good offers on Fitness Exercise Machines elliptical trainers, home treadmills and Fitness Rowing Machines

Columbian by Wilton 3-piece Aviation Snips Set 30676

2010-10-22T09:25:00.001-07:00

Special Offers and Product Promotions

Up to 60% Off Products to Prep for the Holidays: Prep your home for entertaining with a sparkling chandelier, a sleek kitchen faucet, or weatherproofing products to keep your home warm and toasty. We also have tools and ladders to help finish those last-minute decorating projects. Shop now.

Technical Details

Hardened alloy steel jaws
Precision machined cutting edges
Features powerful compound action

Product Description

The Columbian by Wilton 3-piece aviation snips set is specifically designed for easy multi-directional sheet metal cutting. Each tool features strong, durable hardened tempered steel jaws and incorporates an easy-to-use compound-action design for one-hand operation and easy-grip handles for comfortable use. Use the straight cutting tool (yellow handle) for making straight cuts in sheet metal. The left cutting tool (red handle) is angled for easier left-side cuts in sheet metal and the right cutting tool (green handle) is for right-side sheet metal cuts.

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Garmin nüvi 260W 4.3-Inch Widescreen Portable GPS Navigator

2010-10-21T07:45:00.001-07:00

Technical Details

GPS system preloaded with City Navigator North America NT

4.3-inch touchscreen display with 2D/3D mapping perspective

Turn-by-turn directions with voice guidance and text to speech

Rechargeable lithium-ion battery makes it convenient for navigation by car or foot

Includes JPEG picture viewer, world travel clock with time zones, currency converter, measurement converter, calculator and more

Product Description

Garmin's nüvi 260W combines the thinprofile and attractive price point of other nüvi 200-series GPS with directions in real street names and a wide screen that lets you see more of what's around you as you drive. Garmin's line on the device is that, "the nüvi 260W gives consumers the most sought-after navigation features, while eliminating many of the premium add-ons. The result is a PND that simply gets you from point A to point B – reliably, efficiently, and with style." As with all nüvis, you get Garmin reliability, the fast satellite lock of a high-sensitivity integrated receiver, a slim, pocket-sized navigator with a gorgeous display, detailed NAVTEQ maps that lets you search by name for more than 6 million points of interest like stores, restaurants or hospitals, and an easy, intuitive interface.

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Adobe Photoshop Elements 9 (PC/Mac)

2010-10-21T07:28:00.001-07:00

Special Offers and Product Promotions

Save 50% on Kaspersky Internet Security 2011 when you spend £30 or more

Save 50% on Kaspersky Internet Security 2011, 3 PC, 1 Year Subscription (PC) when you spend £30 or more on items sold by Amazon.co.uk. Here's how (terms and conditions apply).

Display your photos in our wide selection of pictures and photo frames.

Product Description

Manufacturer's Description

Adobe Photoshop Elements 9 -- The complete solution for extraordinary photos

Adobe Photoshop Elements 9 software delivers powerful yet easy-to-use editing options that help you tell your life stories in amazing ways. Make every photo look its best and quickly share your memories on Facebook*, in Online Albums and in printed photo books, cards, calendars, and more. With Adobe Photoshop Elements 9, you can enjoy a complete solution for photos whether you're using Microsoft Windows or Mac OS.

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AnySharp Global World's Best Knife Sharpener

2010-10-21T02:03:00.001-07:00

Technical Details

* Sharpens any knife with diamond precision
* Sharpens hardened knives (e.g. Global, Sabatier)
* Even sharpens serrated knives (e.g. bread knives, hunting knives)
* Very safe one handed use, PowerGrip suction attaches securely to any flat surface
* Dimensions: 60mm diameter and 60mm high

Product Description

Manufacturer's Description

Save your old blunt knives, make cutting easy again!
Whether you're slicing meat, dicing vegetables, or carving the Sunday Roast, a sharp blade makes cutting effortless. AnySharp restores a super sharp cutting edge to blunt knife blades that have dulled with use.
Works with all your knives - even serrated blades
The unique, patented AnySharp uses tungsten carbide technology to extend the life of almost any knife. AnySharp works on virtually any knife, including expensive hardened steel knives and even serrated blades (like bread knives and hunting knives), making it unlike any knife sharpener, steel or sharpening stone you've ever used.

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Olay Regenerist Daily 3 Point Treatment Cream 50ml

2010-10-20T00:10:00.001-07:00

Product Features

* Dramatically younger looking skin with Olay Regenerist Science
* Olay's first super cream, containing our most concentrated amino-peptide formula ever
* Long lasting moisture and nourishment
* Targets fragile zones around eyes, jaw and neck
* Boost results with the Olay 3 point massage

Product Description

Dramatically younger looking skin from Olay Regenerist
Olay Regenerist 3-Point Treatment Cream provides dramatically younger-looking skin around the 3 hardest to treat areas - your eyes, jaw line and neck.

Containing Olay's most concentrated amino-peptide formula and Hyaluronic Acid, it's Olay's first super-cream.

More about the amino-peptide complex
Olay's innovative use of amino-peptides is renowned. These tiny protein fragments help renew the appearance of skin cells damaged by environmental factors and free radicals. With higher levels of amino-peptides, vitamins and antioxidants, this new formula gently improves the appearance of the skin - leaving it looking dramatically younger.

The fortifying role of Hyaluronic Acid
Give your skin a lift without drastic measures New Regenerist Daily 3 Point Treatment Cream enhances intracellular hydration. Hyaluronic Acid draws moisture into individual skin cells and the amino-peptide complex locks it in, forming a hydrating meshwork that helps restore volume, shape and plumpness to over 10 million surface skin cells.

Your skin is visibly lifted and firmed, especially in the hardest to treat areas - around your eyes, jaw line and neck.

TIPS & TRICKS

- Use more product at night and massage for longer as your skin is more receptive at night time

- Once a week, as a treat, use more product than usual and take time to perform the massage with more strokes

- As you use the product every day, make sure to smooth any excess product across the back of your hand, it will hydrate and leave your skin feeling wonderfully smooth.

- Use Daily 3 Point Treatment Cream as part of your everyday skincare regime, it works well with Regenerist Cleansers and Serum

De'Longhi DEM10 Compact Dehumidifier

2010-10-18T06:06:00.001-07:00

De'Longhi DEM10 Compact Dehumidifier

Product Description

Manufacturer's Description

A dehumidifier removes the excess moisture created on a daily basis through activities such as running baths, drying laundry and using washing machines, all of which can lead to condensation, damp and mould. With the help of a dehumidifier, you can maintain a more constant level of humidity and alleviate these conditions; the higher the extraction rate, the more condensation you can control.

The DEM10 from De'Longhi is a highly efficient compact dehumidifier that can extract 10 litres (or 18 pints) of water from your environment every 24 hours. The more efficient the unit, the lower the running cost, and to optimise its efficiency the DEM10 features a humidistat, allowing you to set moisture to a comfortable level and save energy at the same time.

The DEM10 uses ecological gas R134a and collects demineralised water that is ideal for re-use in, for example, steam irons. Standing at only 42 cm high, the DEM10 compact portable dehumidifier is also ideal for rooms and houses where space is at a premium. It is quiet in operation and has a built-in carry handle to ensure it can be moved around the home with ease.

Not only great for removing moisture from the air, the DEM10 is also ideal for drying clothes. The top-mounted control panel is easy to use and has a cover for added safety, while other features include an anti-frost setting for low temperatures, a two litre tank, a tank control system, a washable dust filter and a permanent drain facility that can be installed with the supplied plumbing kit.

Box Contents
# 1 x De'Longhi DEM 10 Dehumidifier
# 1 x Full product instructions
# 1 x Permanent drain facility kit

Technical Details

* High-efficiency portable dehumidifier with 10 Litres/24 hour extraction rate
* 2 Litre tank with permanent drain facility and washable dust filter
* Compact dimensions with pull-up handle
* Electronic anti-frost setting for use in cold environments
* Ideal for drying clothes

How to Choose Your LCD Ground Stand

2010-10-18T01:57:00.001-07:00

Utilizing LCD TV Stands to Transform Your Residence With LCD TV stands, it is possible for you to to start reworking your home. You'll absolutely be happy with how fashionable your home will look with LCD tv stands. It only takes just one in every of these fashionable LCD TV stands to make your home extra trendy-looking. How one can Choose Your LCD Ground Stand LCD TVs provide great advantages over traditional field televisions. These TVs are fashionable tv sets with lucid photos and excessive resolution display and sleek design. They are ultra thin and do not occupy a lot space in your room. They are often simply supported over any furniture. LCD TV Stands - The New Answer to Widescreen Storage Liquid Crystal Display televisions or LCDs have actually conquered trendy residence entertainment. And as this pattern continues to develop and turn out to be more fashionable, storage might seem to be an issue for some. When placed in a unsuitable cabinet or in a sloppy stand, the elegant look may look like not really as elegant because it purported to be. Now, discover the best stand on your valuable LCD. The place is the Finest Place to Discover LCD TV Stands? In right this moment's market it is troublesome to not buy audio video furniture and tools at a bargain. Massive identify companies like Circuit Metropolis are both submitting bankruptcy or going out of enterprise promoting identify brand entertainment goods at a fraction of the retail price. That makes it very engaging for shoppers to exit and purchase the plasma or LCD tv they've been wanting but couldn't afford. LCD TV Stands - How Necessary is it to Decide the Proper One and The right way to Do It? If you are confused about which TV stand would fit your furniture and the place to set it to fit the whole decor, this article is made for you. As we all know to date, the LCD televisions have surpassed sales over the CRT and the Plasma televisions in all around the world. With its superior expertise in image definition, its poor power consumption and its completely different model (measurement, weight, etc.), the Liquid-crystal display television has develop into probably the most attractive piece in your home, so it needs to be harmonized with the entire room.

For more information on LCD and its products, go to www.flatscreen-tv-wallmounts.com/ for the latest design in floor and wall stand.

What is this mounting your plasma or LCD TV?

2010-10-16T05:17:00.001-07:00

In allocating the Vixen mount things, you possibly can accession appetite some first. Prices are all its actions on a difficulty that concerns every of Aloft a photochemistry novice or professional. Owning accessories affection can sometimes quantity to a backpack. I found that I can date a whole lot of house for counseling, so that you give that arise Vixen is right for you.

One essential factor to keep in mind that Vixen mounts, the precise variable with plenty of stand amended and changed telescopes. Vixen takes the bowl along with everybody accepts their designs are literally accessible from Bandy authoritative adjustments to the article with them. In addition, all measures shield adapters you may make your work free bureaucracy.

Let's Alpha anniversary of the adoption of the house owners individually:

Vixen Mini Port rise - This is by far the most effective affordable deceive Vixen mount, however don't let the crowd. That is areal deflection with the actual parts are produced deformation. This authority has an aluminum-made and may stand up to 10 kilos telescope. An actual sharp enticing buy for anyone to easily arrange and go to the mountain crest.

Base worth: $ 239

Vixen Porta II rise - After a Agnat structure as a mini-port, Port II is a step. It could possibly weigh up to 20 kilos and contains an aluminum tripod. This consequence will be more reasonably priced as the true and follows aIt's simple design. Now rather more for rookies or ignorant.

Base worth: $ 249

Vixen GP2 Equatorial rise - The GP2 sequence is due to all a budget, you possibly can apply the alternative Star S Control Guide Creator. This has prompted flooding from the easel and Star e book waived, but each choices might be confused into account. It is to assemble a proper attribution abundant, but are still very handy for charcoal and ignorant amateurs. This can be a actual emerging athletic, able-bodied work for photography.

Base price: $ 599

Vixen GPD2 Equatorial outcome - once mentioned Polaris mount, come up within the completely wonderful item purchased. There is a piece of architecture as follows Agnat GP2, but proves to be a bit 'more stable. It additionally has an alternate media and Star Guide option. If it is extra attractive to save lots of a blade or , it's possible you'll appetite with axes and sticks GP2 star, as a substitute of Facebook with the activityGPD2.

Base Value: $ 1,299

Vixen Sphinx Vixen Sphinx D rise and rise - for activities? You start your mount! The Sphinx AC media are some of the finest locations in the mountains, there is. Although the quantity is quite excessive for these brackets, particularly once you throw in a ebook Star and a tripod. The key aberration in each camps is the amount of capacity. The Sphinx can pack about 35 kg, while some "beneath the hood" improve of the Sphinx is to stop D at 50 kg backpack! As with Vixen has the perfect enhancing, these will increase are totally interchangeable with other products. Being delay evaluation, in addition to equipment you get free of charge a sure capability for change on the fly! Tripod and Starbook different to this mountain.

Base price: $ 1,999 / $ 2,899

Beyond the mountains, you're interesting components to be a bit 'dearer than any tax astronomer beginner or semi-pro capacity to mount an advantage. The Vixen Atlux rise, is the glass angel half mountains, but is just not adjacent to $ 5,000 for the expertise alone.

The Star Ebook S-Controller is without doubt one of the best articles on Again to anticipate Arcade propagandist for the mountains. Any mount Vixen, alongside the Mini and the gate cost Gate II Can seamlessly with the star guide S-controller. The result was one thing straightforward to e-book time with the star S, and optionally, analyzing the scenario at a future date.

Flatscreen-tv-wallmounts.com/ shares absolute artifact Vixen telescope Vixen line every frame. Take into account that appear all Vixen mounts with a 5-year warranty. It could be an actual strong grasp of related activities with Vixen.

Find the best deal on Vixen Mount at Flatscreen-tv-wallmounts.com/!

What is this mounting your plasma or LCD TV?

Flat Screen TV Wall Mounts

2010-10-15T23:22:00.001-07:00

Many people ask find out how to present a extra ornamental frame round their wall mounted flat-panel TV with the intention to better match their residence furnishings. While a customized cupboard maker can integrate your TV with a constructed-in bookcase or cabinetry, many people need to body a TV that is already mounted to the wall.

The primary consideration is the precise mounting hardware. The main selection in TV mounting brackets is between a low profile (skinny) mount, and an articulating or tilt mount. The articulating mounts assist you to tilt the TV and alter the viewing angle, however typically require the TV to stick out farther from the wall and will be costlier than low profile mounts. Though both will work with a frame, the low profile mounts are normally greatest for TV frames, since these mounts allow the TV to be closer to the wall and make the framed TV look like extra like framed artwork.

The next ceaselessly asked query regards how a lot of the front and side of the TV are (or should be) lined by the frame. Many assume that your complete aspect of the TV must be coated all the way to the wall, in order that not one of the mounting hardware is visible. Actually, the body ought to <b>not</b> be flush with the wall to allow ample ventilation for the TV (notably for plasma TVs, which can generate important heat). Even if a gap is current, the mounting hardware will usually not be seen from most angles.

Since wall mounted TVs are often not concealed by cabinetry or other furnishings, many people need to place a "2-method mirror" in entrance of the TV display, in order that when the TV is off, it appears to be a framed mirror, however when turned on, the TV image is seen by way of the mirror. Though this solution can create a gorgeous framed mirror when the TV is off, "2-manner" glass or acrylic can significantly alter the distinction of the TV and make it appear extra "washed out." Due to this, TV mirrors are sometimes not recommended unless the client has a pattern of the mirror, and has seen what the TV will appear to be when considered by way of it.

Some manufacturers use a typical frame for all TVs (or the identical frame for all 40-46 inch TVs, for example) that won't exactly suit your explicit TV model. There may be some gaps between the body and the edge of the TV on either side or the top or bottom. This can look odd, and will solely partially conceal the logos, border, or speakers of the TV.

Alternately, some manufacturers will customized minimize a body and mat to your specific TV model quantity, so the frame precisely matches the size of your television. The mat ought to permit the sound from any built in audio system and the distant management signal to go through. A TV Body is a good choice for turning your TV into a piece of art.

Cheap Flat Screen Tv Wall Mounts

Buy Halloween Costumes for Less

2010-10-15T06:55:00.001-07:00

If you're wondering where to buy pet costumes online, well wonder no more! I've listed five websites where you can purchase Halloween costumes for dogs, and Halloween costumes for cats.

Each site also has information about their shipping policies, return policies and any sales or discounts they may be offering. If you check any website and see specials that were not mentioned here, it's probably because they showed a time limit date that was either nearing or passed.

When you do check out these websites, you will notice that some of the costumes for dogs can also be worn by cats. Any site that didn't have cat costumes, I chose dog costumes that could be purchase in a small size, that could probably be worn by a cat.

It appears that dogs are more popular than cats, or it could be that cats are more finicky when it comes to being dressed in clothes. This is why a lot of the costumes that were chosen consists of either a collar, a handkerchief, a cape and hat, or just the hat.

Buy Costumes
www.buycostumes.com

Sizes:
Small - Medium - Large

Buy Costumes has a very nice selection for both dogs and cats, and as you can see from the listing below, the prices vary a lot... so it's your decision as to how much you want to spend on your Halloween pet costume.

This website is now running a fantastic sale on their pet costumes where they give up to 60% off on these items, and since I don't know how long it will last, you may want to take advantage of it real soon. They also have a return policy that is a 14 day, hassle free return policy.

They want you to know however, that the refund is for the cost of the merchandise only. The return shipping charges will not be refundable. Also, if you should decide to return something that your pet has used or worn and is altered or missing any items or accessories, and you don't have the original packaging or garment tag... then you will not receive a refund for that item.

Shipping rates in the States depends on the total weight of your order, and they do ship to Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, the Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico, but you need to check their shipping table for prices. They do ship large bulk wholesale orders to other countries, but please contact their wholesale department. The customer service department has extended hours for Halloween! They are now open7 days a week from 7:00am -11:00pm CDT. If you have any questions, you can e-mail them and they will answer within 24 to 48 hours.

Halloween Costumes For Dogs

Doggie Bones Pet Costume - $22.99
Playboy Cheerleader Pet Costume - $17.99
Playboy Bunny Maid Pet Costume - $17.99
Hot Dot Pet Food Dog Costume - $14.99
Biker Dog Pet Costume - $19.99
Sailor Sweetie Dog Costume - $14.99

Halloween Costumes For Cats

Lady Bug Jacket Costume - $16.99
Bloomin Snout Pet Costume - $12.99
Prisoner Costume - $12.99
Bee Pet Costume - $11.99
Frog Pet Costume - $9.99
Skull and Crossbones Glitter Tee Pet Costume - $11.99

Spirit Halloween
http://www.spirithalloween.com/pet-costumes/

Sizes:
Small - Medium - Large

I think you will love the pet costumes on this website. They are adorable, and I think you dog or cat will stand out in one of these outfits. Again, as you can see, the prices range from $5 dollars to $20 dollars, but are still very affordable for those of you on a budget.

This website is offering a buy 1 item at the published price, and you will receive a second item of equal or lesser value at 25% off the regular price. They do have sale items, but I only saw two costumes on sale, and believe your best bargain is the buy 1, get one for a lesser value.

They offer ground shipping and overnight shipping for all 50 states. However, overnight shipping is not available in all areas of Alaska and Hawaii. All APO/FPO orders and orders shipping to Puerto Rico will be shipped through the USPS. At this time, they do not ship to international addresses including Canada. Their shipping charges are based on the dollar amount of your order.

Halloween Costumes For Dogs

Rag Doll Pet Costume - $16.99
Zelda French Maid Pet Costume - $16.99
School Girl Pet Costume - $14.99
Elf Pet Costume - $19.99
Wizard of Oz Scarecrow Costume - $14.99
Zelda Punk Rocker Costume - $19.99

Halloween Costumes For Cats

Jingle Cat Collar - $4.99
Little Devil Dog Costume - $9.99
Clown Costume - $5.99
Witch Costume - $5.99
Vampire Costume - $5.99
Princess Costume - $5.99

Extreme Halloween
http://www.extremehalloween.com/pet.htm

Sizes:
Small - Medium - Large - Extra Large

Even though the prices for the Halloween pet costumes are rather high on this website, please don't discount them. At least look at the costumes and see if there is one you like. The point to remember is that you can buy it this year and let your cat or dog wear it for a few years, or at least until you think you've gotten your money's worth out of it.

Before you can return an item, you must have an authorization number, so please read their return policy before you order. Costume styles, colors & accessories do change, and since Extreme Halloween don't make the costumes, they really don't have control over any changes the manufacturers make.

Any orders that are placed from October 15th to November 1st cannot be returned. However, you may exchange items purchased during this time for items of equal or greater value. Also, their Halloween Cancellation Policy is that during their busy season, which is September and October, an order that is placed starts an automated process that cannot be canceled.

Shipping rates depend on the amount of you order, and you must have a $19.95 minimum order please. They also ship to Military APO and FPO addresses through the US Priority Mail, and international shipping is done for $50.00. International shipping is also done through the US Post Office.

Halloween Costumes For Dogs

Yoda Dog Costume - $13.95
Batman Dog Costume - $14.95
Superman Dog Costume - $14.95
Wonder Woman Costume - $15.95
Pom Pom Pup Costume - $19.95
Cow Girl Dog Costume - $19.95

Halloween Costumes For Cats

King Cat Costume - $26.95
Queen Cat Costume - $26.95
Kitty Royale Costume - $19.95
Biker Babe Cat Hat - $19.95
Biker Buddy Cat Hat - $19.95
Minnie Mouse Costume - $23.95

Costume Craze
http://www.costumecraze.com/Traditional-Costumes-Halloween-Costumes-Halloween-Costumes-for-Pets.html

Sizes:
Small - Medium - Large

The Halloween pet costumes on this website have prices that range from $7 dollars up to $25 dollars, but I think they are still a reasonable price to pay for your pet's Halloween costume. Check out all the different costumes on the website if you don't one among the outfits I listed.

This site a combination of new costumes for 2009 and old costumes that are on sale . They also offer you a 115% Low-Price Guarantee... that is, if you find something for less, let them know, and they will make up the difference.

Before you return an item, please notify them first because you will need an exchange authorization before sending your item back. Any item you return must be postmarked within 30 days of receiving them.

However, if you return your items after 30 days, you will receive your refund in the form of store credit, and if you return any items after the 30 day period, then you will be charged a 15% restocking fee. Their customer Service open Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, and when I last checked, they had a $5.99 flat rate shipping fee.

Halloween Costumes For Dogs

Dogula Dracula Dog Costume - $16.95
Dino Dog Costume - $16.95
Harem Dog Costume - $14.95
Rock Superstar Dog Costume - $13.26
Flapper Dog Costume - $15.95
Cheerleader Dog Costume - $15.95

Halloween Costumes For Cats

Cat From Hell Cat Costume - $9.99
Queen Cat Costume - $19.99
Pumpkin Costume - $6.99
Little Frankenstein Costume - $7.95
Vampire Costume - $6.99
Dog Ghost Costume - $6.99

Halloween Express
http://www.halloweenexpress.com/top-10-pet-costumes-for-2009.php

Sizes:
Small - Medium - Large

I love these pet Halloween costume! Especially the Zelda line of costumes. As you can see the prices range from low to medium to high, but I'm also sure these costumes are worth every penny. Your cat or dog will love you if you purchase them a costume from this website!

There wasn't a sale on pet costumes, but they do have a sign up for coupons and discounts offer. Now I don't know what the coupons and discounts are for, but if you're interested, try signing up and see what it's all about.

They also have a return policy, but whatever you return has to be received by them within 15 days after you receive the item, and it has to have a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) number issued to it. The item must also meet their return criteria as stated in our "No Hassle - Easy Return Policy".

All orders that are $65 or more qualifies for free economy shipping to most addresses within the continental US. Any orders that are shipped to a PO Box, Hawaii, Alaska or US Territories do not qualify for this free shipping offer. This website also offers free shipping to all APO and FPO military addresses, however, these orders are shipped through the USPS Priority Mail. Make a note that large orders going to APO/FPO addresses may not qualify for Free Shipping.

This website has international shipping, but please read their instructions on this. They use two international shippers and these company's shipping policies will determine your rate.

Halloween Costumes For Dogs

Zelda Pirate Pet - $19.99
Bad Girl Dog Costume - $9.99
Elvis Pet Costume - $22.99
Raggedy Ann Pet Costume - $14.99
Bad Boy Dog Costume - $9.99
Doginatrix Dog Costume - $12.99

Halloween Costumes For Cats

Zorro Pet Costume - $10.99
Mickey Mouse Pet Costume - $13.99
Zelda Queen Pet - $14.99
Happy Howl-oween Bandanna - $12.95
Eeyore Pet Costume - $11.99
Zelda Bee Pet - $18.99

Thank you for dropping by and reading Where to Buy Pet Costumes. The next time you're wondering where to buy Halloween costumes for your pets, please remember this article and come back anytime to get the names of the listed sites.

Before I close, there is one point I would like to make, and that is, if you're planning on buying your pet a costume for Halloween, I would suggest you do it now. When this article was written, all the items listed above were in stock, but I can't guarantee it will remain that way. Remember, you're not the only one looking for Halloween costumes for their pets. I hope you and your pet or pets have a fun time shopping for costumes, and I hope all of you have a happy Halloween!

How to Save Money Without Sacrificing Quality and Fun on Halloween

Lady Gaga Halloween Costume

2010-10-14T08:31:00.001-07:00

Lady Gaga hair dress is the easiest Halloween Costume to make. Lady Gaga showed up at New York's Oak Room recently in a dress made of human hair and she turned heads, according to PopWatch.

See Lady Gaga's Hair Dress for your Halloween Costume HERE

Now, your Halloween costume will not contain human hair, but there is enough synthetic hair out there in the form of wigs, falls, and pony tail extensions that look just as good as real hair.

The first thing you need is the hair. This is not as hard as you think it is going to be to acquire. Wigs and fake pony tail extensions are plentiful this time of year. Any discount store, beauty outlet, department store, or drug store carries these items.

You may even have a few wigs around your home or a friend or family member may have a few old ones they would be happy to give away.

Pick one color, two colors, or get real exotic and go multi colored with the fake hair. You will need four long haired wigs and four pony tail extensions for this costume.

You will also need a nude colored sleeveless leotard top and any color fish net stockings. You will also need transparent thread and a large sewing needle along with a bag of small thin elastics.

Stretch the leotard over a round laundry basket that best imitates the size of the person's torso who is going to be wearing the Lady Gaga's hair dress Halloween costume.

No laundry basket, then use a laundry hamper, waste basket, or any other cylinder shaped object that you have in your home.

Cut the hair off the wig in one inch thick bunches, one at a time. Cut one bunch, tie it together at the top with a small elastic, cut another and tie it off, continue until you have cut all the hair off the wigs. Make sure you cut it as close to the scalp of the wig to make the hair pieces as long as you can get them.

With the clear thread and needle, attach these pieces to the leotard, with just a few in and out stitches on each piece. Don't put them in a line, randomly sew them onto the leotard until it the leotard is covered with hair. You want an uneven shaggy look.

The long ponytail extensions need to be cut in 5 even pieces and tied off with elastics. Sew these pieces along the bottom of the leotard one up, one down, so the hair will fall at different lengths all over the top of the legs. Ten pieces for the front of the leotard and ten pieces for the back will do the trick. Your costume is done!

Wear the fishnets, spiked heels and the hair leotard for the Lady Gaga hair dress costume. If you want some fun accessories, try hanging a blow dryer off a belt, make earrings out of two small light combs, or dress it up with a tool belt or holster full of hair products. This is a prize winner for any Halloween costume contest!

Reference: PopWatch

http://www.buyhalloween.info/lady gaga halloween costume

US Halloween 2010

2010-10-14T06:58:00.001-07:00

Adults like to dress up for Halloween just as much as kids do. Associated Content contributors have some of the best ideas for Adult Halloween Costumes on the web. Here is your guide to finding the best AC has to offer for Adult Halloween costumes:

Sexy Halloween Costumes by William Browning
Sexy costume ideas include Indiana Jones, Harry Potter and a twist on a classic costume to make them into an adult Halloween costume perfect for the Holiday.

Men's Plus-Size Halloween Costumes: What's New in Adult Plus-Size Costumes for 2009? by Reena Das
Use this article as a guide for the best adult Halloween costumes for the Big Guy. Costume ideas include Popeye, A Knight of the Round Table and even a Captain Kirk idea. Instructions are given on how to pull off these unique Halloween costumes.

Where to Find Plus-Size Costumes for the BBW by Janelle Jackson
Janelle Jackson covers adult Halloween costumes for the Big Beautiful Woman in this article. Use it as a guide to finding where to get the perfect adult Halloween costume before the big day.

Make Your Own Princess Leia Costume by Nanette Campbell
Create this fantastic Star Wars costume and be a hit at any adult Halloween party. Campbell's article is filled with instructions on how to make a very sexy Princess Leia costume right at home.

101 Halloween Costume Ideas for Couples by 2buzy
A great list of couple costumes can be found in this guide that is categorized into sections. Adults can choose from Historic Costumes, Book Character Costumes and Generic Costumes.

How to Create a Johnny Depp Mad Hatter Halloween Costume and Makeup by Angel Vee
Alice in Wonderland has been a childhood favorite but it has characters that will be coming to life for adults in 2010. Johnny Depp will be playing the Mad Hatter and Angel Vee gives us tips and tricks on how to make this delightful adult Halloween costume.

A Spencer and Heidi Pratt Halloween Costume by Tiffany B.
Spencer and Heidi Pratt have gained popularity and celebrity status. Tiffany B. offers up tips, suggestions and ideas on how to pull off the perfect Spencer and Heidi Pratt adult Halloween costumes.

Sexy Bedroom Halloween Costumes for Men and Women by Angel Vee
Halloween night is not boring with the ideas for costumes Angel Vee delivers. Innocent Angels, Kittens and Nurses by day are transformed into titillating costumes for a naughty Halloween night.

Adult Halloween Costumes for Couples and Lovers by LIVIN
LIVIN offers up suggestions for sexy adult Halloween costumes including a Tarzan and Jane costume idea and Romeo and Juliet.

Best of AC: Sexy Halloween Costumes by Eoin ONeill
ONeill offers up a list of the sexiest, steamiest adult Halloween costume on Associated Content.

http://www.us-halloween.com/US Halloween 2010

Modular Shelves

2010-10-14T00:30:00.001-07:00

When a family moves into an unfurnished home, be it brand new or cleared out after the previous family, the more immediate furnishings take precedence. Nonetheless, long-term, if you don't consider storage space, the more and more items an individual might store away may clutter the closet, leading to serious problems in reaching what they need at a later date. This is where professional closet organizers come into play, offering more than just a more effective use of closet space to keep clothing and fashion accessories. In fact, they can eliminate the need for other furnishings, such as dressers, cabinets and wardrobes, leading to space for more essential things. Here's a look at just a couple of of your countless options.

Materials

Wire is the lowest priced and as well the simplest option for do-it-yourself installers. Standalone units are widely available, allowing a modular system for one to customize their closet, developing storage for whatever they need.

The most costly, yet appealing of the three choices, solid wood has the beauty of a high-class closet. For those with no financial issues, this is an obvious choice as it gives the look of wealth, sophistication and is the strongest of the three closet options. Yet, the number of closets remain in the dark, out of sight and this puts the main benefits of solid wood, the beauty, to waste and as such, is often turned down in preference for the Melamine option, with a wood-finish.

A resin used over particle board, Melamine usually comes in a sterile white. Be cautious to avoid the cheaper, cold-pressed melamine due to its thinner and weaker construction, even though it may be tempting thanks to its widely stocked nature at home centers. A good melamine unit would be made up of thermally-fused melamine over a three-quarter-inch particle board, giving high closet strength, which is sometimes enough to sway prospective buyers.

Wall-Hung Or Freestanding Units

The location of a closet is crucial, providing two further options. Professional closet organizers come in two main variants that can be combined at will: wall-hung or freestanding. Wall-hung units are dependent on their installation; if studs are used, they can bear heavier weights for a lot longer, which is crucial to the long-term dynamics of the closet. Modular systems are also offered by some retailers, offering portability in case the buyer wishes to move, and they are easily installed onto walls and ceilings. Also commonly available are hybrids, such as drawer units that can be placed on the floor and have hanging rods and shelves connected to provide wall-mounted options.

Call Out The Professional?

Finally, the decision to go do-it-yourself or hire a professional should be thought out. Should the installation go awry, it would likely only lead to additional costs in repairs and replacement parts. Though with a bit of knowledge, the task can be quickly done, saving costs which may have gone to a professional and putting the saved money in the direction of some new additions to the new closet. DIY involves only the basic hand tools and maybe a cordless drill. The choice of hiring a professional consultant to hire the whole process, such as choosing suitable materials, placement and construction, is also readily available.

Modular Shelves

What is K9 Advantix For Dogs?

2010-10-11T06:01:00.001-07:00

Choosing flea control products can be a little daunting if you do not know about each of the big products already. To help you decide whether K9 Advantix for Dogs is the product you need here is an introduction to its use and results.

Here are the key points you need to know about Dog Advantix...

K9 Advantix for Dogs is a topical flea control product. It is a non-prescription product available over the counter at your veterinarian's office, pet-stores or online pet pharmacies. There are several topical flea treatments available for use on dogs but Advantix is unique in offering protection against a considerable variety of pests. A topical treatment for fleas is simply one that is applied directly to the skin of your pet. Advantix needs to be applied in a few drops along your dog's spine. This allows the liquid to spread over the entire body offering protection against various insects.

This treatment destroys fleas, ticks, mosquitoes and lice.

This treatment repels fleas, ticks, mosquitoes and biting flies.

The active ingredients are imidacloprid and permethrin. These attack the central nervous systems of various insects causing paralysis and death. Because they target insect nervous systems in particular, they are generally safe used externally on our dogs.

The active ingredients remain potent for around one month, so this product should be reapplied every 30 days.

The treatment is waterproof so good for use on dogs that swim.

Dog Advantix is safe to use on puppies from 7 weeks.

Advantix is for dogs only. The active ingredients are not metabolised well by cats so it should never be applied to them as serious side effects and even death could occur.

K9 Advantix is generally safe, but side effects can occur and should be reported to your vet if ongoing. The most usual effect is a simple allergic reaction to the liquid carrier and nothing of serious concern. Pregnant and nursing bitches, and ill or seriously underweight animals should not be treated with this flea medicine without first consulting your vet.

The key point about K9 Advantix for Dogs is the wide variety of pests it tackles. If you do not experience this range of pests there really is no need to use this treatment. You could save a little money by using a topical flea treatment that targets fewer insects instead. But, if biting flies and mosquitoes are causing problems for your pet this is the only product that will help their situation.

For more information about Dog Advantix and sources of the Cheapest K9 Advantix for Dogs visit the K9 Advantix for Dogs site.

dogs advantix

Modular Office Furniture

2010-10-11T02:20:00.001-07:00

How Modular Office Furniture Can Improve Productivity and Enjoyment at Work

Modular Office Furniture can be beneficial for employers in helping to improve productivity. It can also help to create a more enjoyable work environment for employees. Here is how to use modular office furniture to gain maximum benefits.

Why Modular Office Furniture is in Style

Professionalism and efficiency are the two most important factors that one needs to keep in mind while furnishing his/her office. An office ambience that reflects these two factors can surely impress prospective customers and increase the productivity of employees. Modular office furniture is the most in style selection of late and quite surprisingly it can be afforded by people with modest budgets. The factor of affordability is accompanied with attractive designs that make modular furniture the first choice of many people.

Modular Office Furniture Advantages

Whether it is your home office or an office within a larger office building, you would like to have a work place which would inspire its employees to work more efficiently. The correct type of furniture can make a monumental difference in your office which will be realized once you change the old and dreary office furniture. So if you are setting up a new office or refurbishing the old one, modular office furniture is just the one for your office.

Office Modular

uk halloween

2010-09-08T03:45:00.001-07:00

Film4 Frightfest opened for business last night with Adam Green's Hatchet 2, the sequel to his career making 2006 retro slasher. The good news for fans of the original is it's very much more of the same; a crowd pleasing, over-the-top dose of splattery merriment. In short, the sort of film Frightfest was made for, and so it's no surprise that Green has become a permanent and much loved fixture of the event since his 2006 debut.

Hatchet 2 picks up immediately from where its predecessor left off with Marybeth (this time played by Danielle Harris, of Halloween remake fame) escaping the clutches of the deformed and furious swamp dweller, Victor Crowley (Kane Hodder), after her swamp tour is massacred. Heading back to town, Marybeth seeks out the help of the mysterious and thoroughly untrustworthy Reverend Zombie to bring the bodies of her family back from the swamp. Zombie agrees, provided she brings her uncle along too. Under somewhat false pretences, the Reverend recruits an assorted band of mercenaries to ostensibly retrieve his boat and slay Crowley once and for all. Needless to say on entering the swamp it's not long before Crowley appears to wreak bloody havoc.

For anyone not familiar with the original, there's an entertaining catch-up on Crowley's back story with Kane also starring, prosthetic-free, as his dad. It's a variation on The Burning, but also recalls countless other 80s slashers. The build-up is surprisingly restrained and Green (yes there's a director cameo too) takes his time to introduce Crowley's potential victims with some characteristically blokey humour, most notably in an inspired opening gambit involving some "found footage". But what this is really about is a succession of glorious hack and slash sequences designed so satisfy the fans, and on those it certainly delivers, with old fashioned and apparently CGI-free effects.

Hatchet was always written with a sequel in mind so there are references galore for those in the know. Green also weighs in with none too subtle allusions to his own work so far with Frozen and his Jack Chop short getting explicit nods. Where they could have appeared lame and self-serving, they just add to the atmosphere and confirm this as a raucous party movie to be reckoned with. True, a festival crowd always ups the ante in that respect, but as with the first movie it's a quintessential beers and buddies flick. Highlights include a hysterical sex scene, an enormous chainsaw and Tony Todd's much extended role. To be any more specific though would ruin the surprises.

It won't please everyone, and if you didn't like the first you won't be turned by this. Were it not for the blatantly rousing nature of Hatchet 2 you'd almost see it as a step backward after the accomplished tension of Frozen. This, though, is Green having some no-holds barred fun, and you'd have to be a pretty sour grape not to be carried away with it.

shadowman25 commented on Uwe Boll. In A Nazi Uniform. Guarding A Gas Chamber Full Of Jews.:
Sorry, A correction is needed before anyone mentions it. I meant Christoph Waltz not Christophe Gans! ...

shadowman25 commented on Uwe Boll. In A Nazi Uniform. Guarding A Gas Chamber Full Of Jews.:
This film is no more offensive than Mel Gibson's "Passion of the Christ." I think it's bold and reasonable, not to sugar coat or deny the atrocities o...

Robert commented on TIFF 2010: An Extended Clip From Matt Reeves' LET ME IN Impresses.:
"There is apparently going to be a part where we see Chloe being turned into what she is now by the original vampire. This was in the book. "-your fri...

Robert commented on TIFF 2010: An Extended Clip From Matt Reeves' LET ME IN Impresses.:
Well, thanks to replying to the one thing. Glad they cut that out. The script review and such said they wouldn't. On top of which, IMDB says original ...

Bart commented on A HORRIBLE WAY TO DIE Star AJ Bowen Considers Stabbing You In The Neck.:
I can't wait to hear all about this next week. I'm gonna have to offer to pick up Lane Hughes from the airport. I'm sending my boy to Toronto thursd...

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According to the video, he asked them. ...

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I'd prefer Zatoichi II still, to be quite honest :(...

Bob Violence commented on DRAGON DYNASTY To Release HARD BOILED On Blu-ray By Christmas?:
(also I don't think I need to add that the Shaw BDs are excluded)...

Wrenja commented on Beware The Pimp-Cat! First Images From Thobias Hoffmen's WE R ANIMALS!:
Ugh, those puppets look amazing....

Bob Violence commented on DRAGON DYNASTY To Release HARD BOILED On Blu-ray By Christmas?:
their Shaw titles are usually proper NTSC and not PAL-to-NTSC like the IVLs -- DD are clearly using the Celestial masters so I don't understand why th...

uk halloween

Halloween Costumes 2010

2010-09-08T02:46:00.001-07:00

Halloween Costumes 2010

Halloween Starts Early: These Are the Official Jersey Shore Costumes

It should be very easy to dress as your favorite Jersey Shore character. Just forget any pretensions to class, style or dignity and get yourself to edhardyshop.com. But if you're really lazy, go ahead and buy these official costumes.

Here they are, at costs ranging from $24.99 for Pauly D to $29.99 for Snooki.

Snooki (Poof sold separately!):

Click photo to enlarge

The Situation (cheap or expensive models available):

Click photo to enlarge

DJ Pauly D (Wig and headphones not included!)

Click photo to enlarge

So, yeah, if you want to see into the future to this Halloween, just imagine dozens of The Situations and Snookis stumbling through the streets, shrieking and vomiting.

Send an email to Adrian Chen, the author of this post, at adrian@gawker.com.

by BBG

DOWNLOAD: Big Boi - "Shine Blockas" (MP3)

Big Boi at Pitchfork 2010 (more by Kate Gardiner)

Forget all of that Purple Ribbon All-Star stuff and the fake-me-out "solo album", Sir Lucious Left Foot: The Son of Chico Dusty is Big Boi's first bonafide solo LP and out NOW via Purple Ribbon/Def Jam. Dig on one of those tracks, "Shine Blockas" available for download above.

With the accolades piling on and Big Boi getting more shine than the ropes around his neck, the Outkast-er will play Brooklyn Bowl on September 6th. Tickets go on sale on Friday 8/13 at noon.

The Brooklyn show is one of two Big Boi will play in NYC that week. The second takes place one day later at NYU (details TBA).

Total, Big Boi only has a handful of upcoming dates (that we can find at the moment). One other is a performance at Moogfest which is taking place on Halloween weekend in Asheville, NC...

AC Entertainment is excited to release the (still expanding) lineup of MoogFest 2010! As previously announced, this extraordinary three-day festival, celebrating the innovative vision of sonic pioneer, Robert Moog, will take place Halloween weekend, October 29-31, in Asheville, NC. Costumes are welcome. . . and clearly treats will be in abundance!

The MoogFest 2010 weekend kicks off on Friday with performances by the previously announced MGMT and Big Boi, plus Girl Talk, Panda Bear, RJD2 and others. Artists joining Massive Attack, Thievery Corporation and Jonsi for Saturday at the festival will include Four Tet, Caribou, Emeralds, and Matmos. The festival?s final day will be a Halloween party like none other, with performances by Hot Chip and Pretty Lights topping the bill.

The full Moogfest lineup, all Big Boi dates, and some videso, including a video for Big Boi's "Shutterbugg", below...

halloween costumes 2010

Blue Banana Black Elegant Slinky Wrap Dress

2010-09-03T05:22:00.001-07:00

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

I am a very happy girl! Ordered dress Friday lunchtime keeping fingers crossed it would arrive in time for Xmas girls night out the following Wednesday. So was extremely happy to receive my dress first thing Saturday morning. The dress is fabulous, a great fit and very elegant. A definite dress for all occasions.The delivery was prompt and the dress was also beautifully wrapped in gold tissue and matching ribbon and there was also the special touch of a Xmas sugar cane. I would definitely recommend this product and will be visiting Blue Banana again!

Acer Aspire AS5251

2010-08-31T16:39:00.001-07:00

Acer Begins Shipping Dual-Core Aspire Units In U.S.

The Acer Aspire One D255 dual-core PC is now shipping in the U.S.

The unit unfortunately doesn’t include the dual-boot Android/Windows operating system option that the Taiwanese version carries, but it does come pre-loaded with Windows 7 Started Edition and offers a 250GB HDD.

For $400 users also receive a 1.5GHz N550 dual-core processor, that’s in comparison to the 1.66GHz single-core processor offered on their other netbook options in the Aspire lineup.

What else will you get for the money? A 10.1″ display with 1024×600 pixels of resolution, 1GB DDR3 RAM and a six cell battery that they say will give you eight hours of battery life. The unit also offers a rather standard weight of 2.8 pounds.

Users can pick up the netbook in four colors at this time: blue, red, black and brown.

As expected, Acer has started showing off a dual boot netbook called the Acer Aspire One AOD255. It can run both Google Android and Windows 7, and comes with software called the Acer Configuration manager which you can use to determine which operating system will load.

Like other recent netbooks from Acer, the machine has 1GB of memory, a 160GB hard drive, a 10.1 inch display, and a 1.66GHz Intel Atom N450 processor. The netbok comes with a choice of a 3 or 6 cell battery.

Computer World reports that the base model with a 3 cell battery is selling for about 4300 in Taiwan at the Taipei Computer Applications Show this week,but the final price will be closer to $375. There’s no word on whether the Acer Aspire One AOD255 will be available outside of Taiwan anytime soon.

This isn’t the first time Acer has offered a dual boot netbook. A version of the Acer Aspire One D250 which could run Windows and Android was also available briefly.

via Engadget

Acer to launch dual boot Android, Windows netbook… in Taiwan
Acer Aspire One D255 netbook with Google Android unboxed – Video
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Blue Banana Ivory and Black Strappy Dress

2010-08-31T04:49:00.001-07:00

So a panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit just held, by a 2–1 vote, in EEOC v. GEO Group, Inc.

Three Muslim women employees had claimed that the religious accommodation provision of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (as amended in 1972) required the prison to exempt them from the no-headgear rule. Many employers would indeed be required to grant a religious exemption in such a situation, since usually exempting an employee from a dress code won’t impose an “undue hardship” on the employer (that’s the statutory test). Courts have set the “undue hardship” bar pretty low, so that anything “more than a de minimis cost” would constitute an “undue hardship” that the employer need not bear. But generally letting an employee wear a yarmulke, a headscarf, a turban, or a skirt (some Christian religious groups have objected to women’s wearing pants) would impose virtually no cost on the employer.

Nonetheless, in this instance the court said that accommodating the objection would indeed be an undue hardship because of prison security concerns, and that therefore the statute did not require any such accommodation in this situation. Here’s a passage from the majority opinion:

GEO’s no headgear policy must stand on the testimony of Holm and Nardolillo that (1) khimars [i.e., headscarves –EV], like hats, could be used to smuggle contraband into and around the Hill Facility, (2) that khimars can be used to conceal the identity of the wearer, which creates problems of misidentification, and (3) that khimars could be used against a prison employee in an attack. To be sure, GEO acknowledges that “there were no reports of these types of incidents at [the Hill Facility] during Warden Nardolillo’s and Warden Holm’s tenure at the facility,” but we agree with GEO that a prison “should not have to wait for a khimar to actually be used in an unsafe or risky manner, risking harm to employees or inmates, before this foreseeable risk is considered in determining undue hardship.” In other words, because “n a prison setting, the safety of the employees and inmates is of top priority .... should not be prevent from countering, through appropriate policies, the risks which might be posed by the plaintiff preferred accommodation.”

Even assuming khimars present only a small threat of the asserted dangers, they do present a threat which is something that GEO is entitled to attempt to prevent. To GEO, the fact that inmates have other clothes that could also be used to strangle a guard “does not mean that the facility would be out of line in banning something else which can also be used as such a weapon,” especially given that a khimar does not have a legitimate penological justification. It argues that unlike other clothing, “the khimar is already located about the guard’s head, virtually around the neck already.”

The arguments presented by the parties make this a close case. The EEOC has an enviable history of taking steps to enforce the prohibition against religious discrimination in many forms and its sincerity in support of its arguments against the application of the no headgear policy to Muslim employees wearing khimars is evident. On the other hand, the prison has an overriding responsibility to ensure the safety of its prisoners, its staff, and the visitors. A prison is not a summer camp and prison officials have the unenviable task of preserving order in difficult circumstances.

Thanks to How Appealing for the pointer.

She tells, “It’s a contemporary women’s line. Where Kohl’s is a lot of daywear, it’s a lot of basics. This will be more specialty basics, more of a boutique line. It will be at a higher price point. It will be very different.”

Still a ways off from launch, as the development is just getting underway, LC excitedly adds, “It’s one thing to work with a huge retailer like Kohl’s and there is so much you get to do, but there is a little more of a thrill of doing it on your own. It’s a lot more work, it’s a lot more stressful, but it’s something I love doing so I’m really looking forward to it.”

Cheap Video Games and PC Games

2010-08-25T04:20:00.001-07:00

Cliff Bleszinski, also known as "CliffyB," of Epic Games and a major figure in the PC gaming world, has made some controversial comments about the state of the PC gaming industry. Bleszinski is quoted in Gamasutra as saying "I think the PC is just in disarray." He further comments that "what's driving the PC right now is Sims-type games and World of WarCraft and a lot of stuff that's in a Web-based interface. You just click on it and play it. That's the direction PC is evolving into so for me, the PC is kind of the secondary part of what we're doing. It's important for us, but right now making AAA games on consoles is where we're at."

While one can say that he may have made these comments simply to help drive up sales on his console games, which he mentions in the quote above, does Bleszinski's statements speak the truth about a larger argument? That is, what is better, PC or console games? Besides, what is he future of the PC gaming market?

I have been enthusiastically playing console games for nearly 20 years, ever since as an eight-year-old being introduced in 1989 to a pair of mushroom-eating, koopa troopa-stomping Italian plumbing brothers named Mario and Luigi. Since that time, I have watched console gaming grow up from 8-bit games to multi-effect environments into which players are incredibly immersed. The beauty of all this? These console games can be played on self-contained systems that increasingly appeal to most every demographic imaginable. While some may laugh at the cost of buying some of today's high-end console game systems, like the Playstation 3 (which was at one point easily selling for more than $600), compare the costs of game systems to those of computers, both desktops and laptops, which can cost in the lower thousands.

And what about the idea of kids getting off the couch and getting some activity? Well, at least there are console games that young and older players alike move around having fun with their video games, including the Nintendo Wii Sports. How many PC games allow their players to do anything but sit in a chair staring at a screen?

Of course, there are many great PC games, some of which I have played myself over the years. I loved a game called Coaster, one of my earliest PC titles which I played back in the mid 90s. My father and sister are both Freecell, Minesweeper, and Riven fans, and Dad liked Doom. Sis loved the King's Quest series.

PC games have their audience, but that's just the point: PC games seem to be filing a niche role while console games are taking off. That is because console games are self-contained, portable (Traveling? Simply take along the console, some games, and a few cords and connect the system to most any relative's, friend's, or hotel's television), and offer dozens---even hundreds---of titles. Console games today are so super-powered, they can literally bring the player into the imaginary video game world thanks to dazzling special effects, ever-improving sound technology, and crisp resolution.

PC games will always have a market, but it will increasingly become a niche market that targets young adult males; meanwhile, console games will continue to reach and entertain game players of every age, including seniors, who now are looking to games like Nintendo's Brain Age to help keep their minds sharp. With the Atari, ColecoVision, Nintendo, Sega, and Playstation all major players in the console gaming market, the industry has thrived for thirty years. Meanwhile, the PC gaming market has had to work hard to keep players interested in their games over a period of time when computer operating systems have changed dramatically, making it difficult for many people who simply cannot afford to constantly be updating computer systems to play the multiple sequels that some titles, like those stemming from Myst, Doom, and King's Quest, which have been released over a number of years.

While console game systems also have over the years undergone technological changes which require players to buy whole new systems to keep playing new titles, at least once a game console and its games have been purchased, one can go back and enjoy the games practically forever.While the desktop computer my family now has is based on a platform to large too handle my decade-old, floppy-based Coaster game, I still can and do play games on our Nintendo Entertainment System, Super Nintendo Entertainment System, Nintendo 64, and Playstation 2. Ah, the joy of owning a self-contained gaming console.

Resources:

http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=17382
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2006/06/20/eveningnews/main1731356.shtml
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wii_Sports

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Knife Sharper

2010-08-22T09:05:00.001-07:00

Onions. It's enough to make you cry and if you read the ingredients of many foods, you won't be surprised how often they are used in fresh, frozen, canned, and dehydrated products - from seasonings to fast food burgers, onions make their way into nearly everything.

According to Randy Sell, a Research Associate from the Department of Agricultural Economics, North Dakota State University, onions rank in the top 10 vegetables produced in the United States. They are believed to have originated in Asia and were cultivated in the United States since 1629. Many researchers agree onions have been around for thousands of years.

Onions are not only loved world-wide, medical studies suggest they provide many health benefits. They are a natural antioxidant, and have been proven to help decrease the incidence of osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, cataracts and many forms of cancer.

Onions are best stored in a cool, dark place that is well-ventilated. It is not recommended to store them in plastic or refrigerators because it shortens their freshness. Refrigerate only after an onion has been cut open, and even then the onion does best its skin still left on.

Onions are known to produce gases when cut, creating a strong smell and have the knack for creating watery eyes. However, you should never smell an onion that has not been cut open, and that's how you know it's "good".

You can reduce the chances of tearing eyes, by running cold water over an onion before cutting it. Also save the root for cutting last, because the root end has the highest concentration of sulphuric compounds which create the gases that make you cry. Alternatively, you can chop onions in a food processor, or you can reduce the smell while cutting by using a sharper knife or simply try holding your breath.

To remove the smell of onions from kitchen utensils or your hands, simply use lemon juice or salt and rinse with cold water after washing.

If you love raw onions in your salads or adorning your burgers, you don't have to worry about onion breath if you eat parsley afterwards.

Onions come in a variety of sizes, and types each with its unique flavor and characteristics to enhance soups, casseroles, stir fry, barbecue, pasta, roasts, and an endless list of recipes. The most common onion, is the yellow variety, wrapped in paper thin layers of golden skin. Yellow onions are full flavored and versatile.

Spanish onions, which resemble yellow onions, are larger and milder than its counterpart.

Red Onions, which are also called Bermuda Onions, have a sweet yet mild taste and are both tastefully and colorfully added to salads. They are popular in many Mediterranean recipes and also commonly used in shish kabobs.

Cipollini are a white onion with a somewhat flattened bulb and have a higher water content. They are a slightly sweet onion with an almost nutty flavor, so they add an interesting flair to many dishes.

Pearl onions are small and mild and retain their shape well both when cooked slowly and pickled. They vary in color, from red, white, or yellow skinned. They are about 1 inch diameter in size.

Shallots are one of the smallest varieties of the onion family. They are an irregular shaped bulb with a shade of violet color and they separate into 2 or 3 smaller bulbs, which are called cloves. It is a mildly sweet onion with a hint of garlic taste. Shallots are firm and have intense flavor, but are not as harsh as garlic or most onions. Many chefs enjoy using shallots to flavor soups, stews, meats and sauces. Grated or finely chopped shallots provide stronger flavor, because more essences are released. If a recipe calls for one Shallot, it generally refers to the whole bulb.

Green Onions, also known as scallions are a young onion with a very slender white bulb, barely shaped into a bulb and more like a base that hasn't been fully developed. It has straight green leaves and both the white base and the leaves are edible, raw or cooked. Unlike most of its onion counterparts, the scallion is best stored in a plastic bag and refrigerated. The green leaves of the scallion can be chopped to add both color and mild onion flavor to stir fry and make a wonderful garnish to salads and meat dishes.

Spring Onions are green onions that have been harvested early. They have pear shaped bulbs that vary in color, red and white, and long green stems. Part of the bulb extends and blends into the stem, similar to green onions, except spring onions are generally much thicker in diameter. They are often used in salads and kebabs.

Leeks look like larger scallions and have an earthier and sweeter flavor than its counterpart Leeks can be sliced lengthwise and layers separated. Because they grow in gritty sand, you want to spend extra time washing them. Leeks are often used in potato and creamed soup dishes..

Cocktail Onions, are generally white small onions, such as pearl onions, that have been pickled or cured in brine and used in cocktail recipes, such as martinis. These type of onions have been called White Bermuda or a Crystal Wax.

Many of the well known sweet onions have names that reflect the region they come from. The Vidalia onion comes from Vidalia Georgia. The Walla Walla comes from Washington. The Maui comes from Hawaii. Imperial from California. Carzalia from New Mexico

The average American eats 21 pounds of fresh onions a year. Next time you are in the grocery store, check out all the marvelous onions and try something new. After all, there is truth to the old saying "Variety is the spice of life".

knife sharper

Cuisinart Elite Collection Food Processor

2010-08-20T23:56:00.001-07:00

A food processor is a necessary kitchenware item, however, deciding which brand to get can be a bit of a challenge. Two of the top models to compare prior to purchasing are the Magimix Cuisine Systeme 3150 versus the KitchenAid 12-Cup Food Processor. Where both are excellent brands, every cook has his or her preference when it comes to appliances such as food processors. For some it is reputation, for other possibly the features of the food processor are the decision making factors. At any rate, two of the top food processors to compare prior to purchase are the Magimix Cuisine Systeme 3150 versus the KitchenAid 12-Cup Food Processor.

The Magimix Cuisine Systeme 3150 is one of the most popular food processors due to its powerful motor. Though the Magimix Cuisine Systeme 3150 is a compact model, the food processor is extremely powerful and performs with the maximum performance of a full size professional food processor. Features include a number of accessories including: 3 discs, a bakery quality dough blade, a metal blade, egg whisk, spatula, grater/slicer, julienne, parmesan/chocolate, a 5, 10, and 12-cup bowl, an accessory storage box, and a recipe book. One of the key features that make the Magimix Cuisine Systeme 3150 one of the most in demand food processors is the high performance leading edge motor. The Magimix Cuisine Systeme 3150 comes with a 12- year motor warranty and is available in a variety of colors including red, black, white and chrome. The retail price for the Magimix Cuisine Systeme 3150 is approximately $349.00.

The KitchenAid 12-Cup Food Processor is of course one of the many top of the line KitchenAid products. Known for having a reputation of quality and long lasting products, the KitchenAid 12-Cup Food Processor is a 700-watt food processor designed to handle large and small jobs alike. The KitchenAid 12-Cup Food Processor comes with a variety of accessories including: a 2 and 4 mm slicing discs, a 4 mm shredding disc, 4-cup mini bowl and blade, a dough blade, a spatula, cleaning, tool, and an accessory case. The KitchenAid 12-Cup Food Processor comes with an accessory case and is available in chrome, red, white, and black. The retail price for the KitchenAid 12-Cup Food Processor ranges from $199.99 up to $229.00 depending on the color. The KitchenAid 12-Cup Food Processor comes with a 1 year warranty, and hassle-free replacement within one year of purchase.

In comparison to the Magimix Cuisine Systeme 3150 versus the KitchenAid 12-Cup Food Processor, the KitchenAid has similar features and accessories with the main difference in products primarily being in the performance of the motor, the warranty, and a price difference. The Magimix Cusine Systeme 3150 offers a 12-year motor warranty, where the KitchenAid 12-Cup Food Processor offers a 1 year warranty and product replacement.

For more information on the above mentioned products, the Magimix Cuisine Systeme 3150 and the KitchenAid 12-Cup Food Processor visit the Web sites for Chef Catalog, Cookware, Gift Collector, KitchenAid and other retailers that carry high-end kitchenware.

titleist cart bags

2010-08-18T20:12:00.001-07:00

If you are an avid golfer and a frequent traveler then you know how hard it can be to find just the right golf club travel bag. The struggle of switching your clubs between travel bags and covers can be a huge headache. That is why you need a Hybrid Golf Bag.

If you are in the market for a new Hybrid Golf Bag you need to check these 5 bags out before you take off on your next golfing vacation, or business trip.

1. CaddyDaddy All-in-one Golf Travel Bag. This golf club travel bag is the ultimate in protection for your most prized clubs. Offering the best in hard shell protection you won't have to worry about careless baggage handlers piling other luggage on top of your prized clubs. Hard shell protection guarantees your shafts won't get broken, bent or warped due to abuse. The CaddyDaddy transitions onto the golf course easily and has plenty of compartments for accessories. This Hybrid Golf Bag also allows you to store plenty of golf balls in it's cavernous and numerous pockets. This bag holds up to a 48 inch driver, and gives you room for 13 clubs. This is my personal choice for a golf travel bag and is a must have for every golfing traveler. Available at Caddydaddygolf.com for $99 dollars.

2. Callaway Golf Hybrid Golf Club Travel Bag. The Callaway Hybrid golf bag offers a hard shell helmet with internal padding for protecting your clubs in transit. The one thing I like about this golf club travel bag is its unique closure system that utilizes a cam bolt and tension latch to ensure the helmet remains in place while traveling. I found this bag to be light and comfortable but would prefer it had some type of locking mechanism. This bag also holds 14 full sized clubs and is available at ebags.com for $160 bucks.

3. Bag Boy Hybrid HCX. The one benefit of this hybrid golf travel bag is the ease in which you can carry the bag through the airport. This hard shell golf travel bag is fairly heavy, but thanks to the wheels you can relieve some of this weight. The Bag Boy Hybrid HCX also offers protection for your full-length clubs. The Bag boy gives you plenty of room for a full set of clubs. Additional room for accessories is somewhat hard to come for a hybrid golf bag. All in all you will enjoy this hybrid golf club travel bag. Pick it up at amazon.com for $140 dollars.

4. Datrek Hybrid Golf Cart Bag. If you are looking for extras on a golf bag like a beverage cooler, or water bottle, towel ring, or umbrella cords then try the Datrek. This bag offers padded carry handles and padded protection for your clubs. Find it at Home Team Golf for around $140.

5. Titleist Small Wheeled Travel Cover. My final suggestion is for the person who loves their golf bag and just wants to protect their clubs while in their standard bag. The Titleist Small Wheeled Travel cover does this. Essentially you are converting your existing bag to a Hybrid bag. Available at Golfsmith.com for about $170.

Hope these reviews help you as you look to purchase a hybrid golf club travel bag. Here's hoping you hit'em straight.

Callaway Cart Bag Deals

Mountain Bike Sale

2010-03-04T01:15:00.001-08:00

Kent Trail Machine Men's Dual Suspension Mountain Bike

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Schwinn Recumbent Exercise Bike

2010-01-26T04:13:00.001-08:00

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A Recumbent Exercise Bike Can Make a Great Gift
As everyone knows , there are numerous holiday gift ideas on the market. It is almost natural for any one to get confused as to what to buy as a holiday gift for his or her loved ones. We always care ...
Relax and Get In Shape at Home
If exercise is one of your goals then relax, get in shape and burn calories at home by using a Schwinn Recumbent Exercise Bike as part of your at- home workout!

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Mountain Bikes Frames

2009-12-31T16:25:00.001-08:00

Did you know that there are nine categories that mountain biking can be split into? Each category offers the rider a different experience either as a hobby or as a sport. The different mountain bike reviews are broken down into these categories:

1. Dirt Jumping

This style of mountain biking is known for the high jumps over manmade dirt hills. While in the air, tricks are done on the bike. Six or more jumps are usually done in one run and the jumps are close together so that the biker can get a flow going with their trick riding.

2. Cross country
In this style of mountain biking, you ride your bike up and down hills. It is not the most extreme form in the mountain biking world, but most of this type of ride is in great shape due to the long rides.

3. Cyclo cross
This biking category is a cross between mountain and road biking. The riders learn how to race on and off the course, ride obstacles, and go through rivers.

4. Downhill Biking

Racing downhill the fastest is the goal of downhill mountain bikers. The name of the game is extreme and intense riding, to help give the riders maximum excitement and thrills.

5. BMX
This style of mountain biking uses 20-inch wheels. You can very commonly see this kind of bikes at skate parks or areas with dirt jumps. These BMX bikes are made for performing tricks and doing stunts because they have a shorter wheel base and smaller wheels.

6. Trials
The bicycles used in trials do not look anything like mountain bikes. They have 20 or 26-inch wheels and they have smaller, lower frames than mountain bikes. In trials, riders jump their bikes over different obstacles. This kind of biking takes a great deal of practice, focus, and balance.

7. Freeride Biking

This type of mountain biking involves finding a path down the side of the mountain where you can use all of the terrain to do tricks, stunts, etc. This is a very popular competition, because the riders can express themselves.

8. Street and Urban Biking
Manmade obstacles, ledges, and other urban areas are what this type of biking revolves around. They will do great stunts and tricks on these manmade items, too, including grinds and stalls.

9. Single Speed
This kind of biking is done on a bicycle with only one gear and few other components. This is not to be confused with a fixed gear bicycle. The basis behind this kind of biking is simplicity. This helps the pedaling to be more efficient and the bicycle is lighter and has fewer problems mechanically.

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Mountain Bikes

2009-12-28T14:13:00.001-08:00

Full suspension mountain bikes are usually the top of the range models and every year manufacturers make better, lighter and cheaper full suspension bikes. If you are in the market for a full suspension mountain bike, read on and find out the most important factors to consider.

It is usually best to strat your search for a new mountain bike by considering the sort of riding you will be doing – what type of terrain will you cover? For typical cross country (XC) riding a full suspension mountain bike may not be necessary and the extra weight could slow you down. A hardtail bike (no rear suspension) could be a good alternative. However for downhill riding or over very rough terrain a full suspension bike would be the preferred choice.

Decide on the amount you want to spend a keep to this figure. Ideally, you should aim to buy the best bike that fits within your budget. It is often suggested that if you have less than 500 euros to spend on a bike you might want to look at a hardtail bike as full suspension models are more costly. Another option would be to look at buying a second hand full suspension bike at a reduced price.

If you determine that a full suspension mountain bike is what you need and want then consider the different frame designs. Single-pivot, sweet-spot and horst-link are a few popular designs and each has their advantages and disadvantages. The best way to truly understand the difference is to go to a few bike stores and test ride the different designs. The bike store guy will be more then happy to explain and point out the pros and cons of each design.

Don’t forget that full suspension bikes can be significantly heavier than hardtail bikes. Full suspension frames are also a little heavier and they carry more parts than hardtails.

Take a look at some online mountain bike forums, where you can learn a lot from what other riders are saying about their own bikes. You can find out many useful things from the experiences of other people.

Remember to take account of maintenance costs. Full suspension bikes will require more maintenance due to the more complex linkages involved. If you are a do it yourself type you will need a few extra tools as well.

Finally, test ride as many bikes as you can before buying. Also do not forget to test ride a full suspension mountain bike with the front and or rear shock locked out.

For a whole load more ideas about selecting the best mountain bike, visit Roue VTT, a really great website full of great articles on all aspects of mountain bikes and related equipment. Also take a look at Roue VTT which has an additional selection of useful facts and figures.

Technorati Tags: bike riding, bike shopping, cycle touring, cycling, Fitness, leisure, mountain bike, mountain bike suspension, mountain bike tyres, mountain bike wheels, Sports

Now that we are all fat and happy from the holidays, we are looking back at 2009 as we look forward to 2010.

2009 was a huge year for mountain biking (of course…I say that every year!). The industry saw new innovations and the sport continued to grow as we saw even more new riders take on the stoke of ripping up sweet singletrack. With 2010 on the horizon, there are some trends hitting the industry that started to take the mainstream during 2009 that will have an extreme impact on riders as we continue to upgrade our stables.

As you hit up 2010’s rides, gear and other mountain bike related activities, what was it about 2009 that made it so special?

Mountain Biking in 2009

2009 – The Year of the Thru Axle

What started as a trend in 2008 really solidified in 2009. What used to be reserved for 160mm forks and above has now found its way into the 140mm and below suspension fork market. The front suspension fork thru axle is now officially mainstream for riders outside of the AM/FR/DH market. As more forks like the Rock Shox Reba (80-120mm of travel) see thru axles, cross country riders are going to get the benefit of easier to use and stiffer front suspension platforms. I would expect (and this is happening) to see even wider spread adoption of the thru axle in 2010 as everyone from XC racers to full out DH riders push the industry in this direction. With weight becoming a non-issue (and actually easier to use and maintain than a quick release these days), more and more mountain bikers are going to be installing thru axle forks on their mountain bikes in 2010.

10 Speed On A Mountain Bike?!

With 2009, we saw the first (mainstream) adoption of a 2×10 setup on a mountain bike with the introduction of the SRAM XX groupo. While some of you may not believe in extending the rear cassette setup on a mountain bike to 10 gears, I do like where the industry is heading with the two ring setup up front. There will always be a need for a 3 ring setup for mountain bikers, but I have been running a 2 ring (w/bashguard) for a long time. Word on the street is that XTR is going to make the switch to 10 speed in 2010.

Armstrong vs. Weins

The Leadville 100 saw a new winner for the first time in 7 years with Lance Armstrong stopping what would have been 7 straight wins for David Weins. This comes directly after a very strong finish for Armstrong in the Tour de France and the formation of the new Radio Shack team as Armstrong positions himself for another Tour win.

5.5″ Trail Bikes Continue to Dominate…but watch out!

The 140mm travel mountain bike market continued to be the crowd favorite in 2009 as more mountain bikers are finding the benefit of having a lighter bike with a little bit more travel. Hot on the heals of this trail bike is the growing popularity of the 29er and lightweight 6″ travel bike. With mountain bikes like the Trek Remedy Carbon and the Specialized Enduro Carbon, we are starting to see longer travel trail bikes weigh in under the 30 lbs range giving mountain bikers a bigger hit bike that can still pedal.

2009 also saw massive growth in the 29er category with even more component and bike offerings. What used to be a niche segment of mountain biking has now hit mainstream and more riders than ever are adopting this bigger wheeled platform.

Give Me More Volume!

Finally! More riders are screaming for lightweight, larger volume tires. The days of 1.8 tread are looking to be a past memory as tire manufacturers are answering the needs of mountain bikers with lightweight, high volume tires for your mountain bike. Even pure XC racers are running 2.25’s these days as the rest of us enjoy a softer ride, less flatting and more grip.

What did you see in 2009?

Before we head forward into 2010…what did you see as a great advancement or failure in 2009 for the mountain biking industry?

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