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Web Traffic Analysis Basics for All | Cardinal Path Blog

Web Traffic Analysis Basics for All

Traffic Analysis sounds like the “don’t try this at home” kind of endeavor. An operation only qualified professionals should be attempting, probably involving meticulous analysis of lots of numbers with complex formulas… well, yes and no.

“Yes” because there is meticulous analysis of lots of numbers with complex formulas – that’s why we use analytics tools. They take care of that.

“No” because once we understand we don’t have to do the complicated things, it’s really painting your data in a way that it becomes information. Data is boring and we don’t always understand it, information much more digestible and we can act on it.

The tool takes the boring part, we tackle the cool part. And the beautiful thing is that it doesn’t matter what tool we use. I’ll use Google Analytics to illustrate the samples below, but traffic analysis will start with the same basics regardless: trust, divide, and compare…

…and I think I just unexpectedly created a new acronym for basis of traffic analysis Trust, Divide and Compare: TRUDICO.

The one assumption we’re going to take here is that you know your business. You know why your operation existis – strengths and weaknesses, opportunities, etc.

1. Trusting Your Data

More often than not, the biggest hurdle for traffic analysis is our own data collection.

Many tools, including Google Analytics, pride themselves in their ease of installation. This is true, most tools out there are somewhat straightforward to install at a basic level. This claim however, has turned a few people to implement lazy installations. “Easy” is not the same as “just paste the tracking code”.

In order to really track what’s important and, equally as critical, ignore what’s not relevant, takes planning and work.

Many of our clients come with questions related to this step. They are collecting data, but something doesn’t look right.

Take a look at the following scenario:

GA Report Traffic Analysis 1

Imagine this is your account. It is collecting data for a new site and you know there’s a big push for paid traffic. The domain is new, so likelihood of organic traffic is low. Would these numbers make sense from a high-level perspective? Is this data reliable?

If you’ve worked with analytics before, you might already get the feeling that something looks strange. Why so many direct visits? and why so little paid traffic? After all, it is a new domain.  Experience hints that we shouldn’t expect much direct or unpaid traffic if the only push we’re doing is for paid traffic.  (It’s okay if you don’t see it, you will notice these trends with time.)

If you have these kind questions there’s probably something to it and you should follow up with your analyst or test yourself.

In this case AdWords Auto-Tagging was turned off so all paid traffic was not properly identified. What is AdWords Auto-Tagging? Here’s more information.

Trust your data. It’s step #1.

2. Divide Your Traffic Into Sensible Segments (or Buckets)

Depending on your business, you’ll be able to instinctively divide your website visitors into buckets or segments (I’ll call them segments). And good news: most tools already have some level of segmentation by default!

Most tools are able to divide traffic in 4 separate segments: Direct, Referral, Search and, Whatever You Want (campaign tagging). In Google Analytics, for example you have:

Tools help us, but rarely what the tool provide us is enough. More often than not, we need to take an extra step to make more sense out of things.

At the very least you should be doing two things:

a. Start thinking in Segments

When thinking about questions and answers related to traffic you should automatically thinking, “what segment are we talking about here?” A good place to start, if available, is to think about the personas used when the website was created.

For instance: “Did my Friday email blast work?” This is Email Traffic, but you should be able to isolate last Friday’s email. Or “Is my ‘sham-wowza’ paid campaign working?” This is paid traffic, but you should be able to to isolate the “sham-wowza” campaign.

Once you engage in this way of thinking, you’ll instinctively come up with good questions. Questions you can throw at your analytics team.

b. Tag Beyond the Basics

Your analytics tool likely allows you to give a bit more information to your traffic sources beyond what comes out of the box. That’s what “tagging” basically means, adding more information to a particular element.

This is good because not every industry is the same and not every business is dealing with the same scenarios.

  • Paying for traffic? Make sure it’s identified as such to the keyword level.
  • Sending Emails? Tag every link on your emails so it can be identified in your analytics.
  • Have subscribers? Use advanced tagging (like Custom Variables) to segment these visitors.

Ultimately, you’re the best person to ask about the kind of segment you should have. Take a few moments, talk to your colleagues, and decide what kind of segments makes sense to configure.

3. Measure and Compare Against Goals and Time

This is the fun part. Measuring and comparing is when we get to say things like “The sham-wowza campaign had a Y% conversion rate increase when compared to last year!”

Why is comparing so critical? Because otherwise we don’t have a benchmark to base success. This may sound familiar because it’s a principle that applies to everything from analytics and finance, to hot dog eating contests and speed-showering.

Compare Against Goals

Defined Goals are as important as the measuring itself. Not having a goal is akin to not having a purpose. For instance, knowing that a certain percent of my traffic is downloading a whitepaper, signing up for a newsletter, or filling out a form is more important than knowing the total amount of visitors to my website.

Makes sense, right?

The only obvious caveat: you have decide what the Goals are. Who knows better what visitors should do your website other than you? A lot of the times this is more complicated than you think. It forces us to commit – and in my experience, everyone is afraid of commitment.

Once you have these goals, always compare traffic against them. Conversion rate and average visitor value is one of those metrics applicable across many industries.

Image: this analysis is better

image: this analysis is awesome

Compare Against Time

Time can be a benchmark. Imagine your analyst came to you with great news! Conversion rate for paid traffic 15%!!! OMG! OMG! OMG! That’s great!

But really, that means nothing.

In traffic analysis, numbers in isolation mean nothing. How much was the conversion rate last week? last month? last year? What if the conversion rate last month was 45%?

Time is your ally in understanding the success of your online efforts.

Image: analyze your traffic across time, it's better.

Share your thoughts in the comments.

Putting Everything Together

If you’ve read this far, you should be feeling a bit more comfortable with the idea of traffic analysis – one part data, nine parts common sense.

Trust, Divide and Compare. The next part is figuring out how to showcase the information or tell the story. Once you’re comfortable with the basics of TRUDICO it becomes time to learn about more advanced segmentation and, Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).

I think this post is long enough, so I won’t go into KPIs in any great detail. But in simple terms, KPIs are similar to goals in Google Analytics, but taken a step further. Often KPIs are straightforward metrics (Average Visit Duration) or calculated ratios (Conversion Rate) by taking on ore more metrics from your tool (like revenue) and combining them with other data points (like number of email signups in your database).

KPIs are going to help stay on track and make your analysis manageable. Otherwise you’ll be able to pick and choose the best metric for your reports. Face it, it’s another commitment.

Another seed that I want to plant in everyone’s minds is the holy grail of analysis: a dashboard.

A well done dashboard will be the one document-like place where everything is pre-done. Imagine a document with easy to understand graphs and charts that automatically updates with the most recent data, directly from your account, with the push of a button…

But let’s talk about that in a different post.

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START A PETITION37,000,000 members: the world's largest community for good

Daniel Fontes Silva

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START A PETITION37,000,000 members: the world's largest community for good

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VIDEO: UN Spokesman Breaks Down Talking About Gaza Child Deaths

World  (tags: Gaza, UN spokeperson, Chris Gunness, interview, haunting, violence, war, israel, palestine )

- 908 days ago -
Haunting video clip shows former BBC reporter reduced to sobs as he discusses latest deaths of Palestinian refugees in what was supposed to be a shelter.

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Evelyn B (61)
Thursday July 31, 2014, 12:43 am
UN spokesman breaks down talking about Gaza child deaths
Haunting video clip shows former BBC reporter reduced to sobs as he discusses latest deaths of Palestinian refugees in what was supposed to be a shelter

For a moment, he holds back the tears, coughing and blinking hard, trying to maintain his professional composure.

Then it is all to much for Chris Gunness, a United Nations spokesman, who broke down in a television interview with al-Jazeera as he described the devastating human impact of fighting in Gaza.

The clip offers a painful insight into the emotional toll among aid workers - and in particular that of a UN agency trying to protect Palestinians in schools, designated as shelters, which are still being hit by missiles.

Mr Gunness, a former BBC reporter now working for the UN's Relief and Works Agency, had spent the day examining evidence and describing yet another attack on one of its sites.

Israeli tank shells had slammed into a school sheltering some 3,300 homeless Gazans, killing 16 refugees and staff, provoking world wide horror.

Mr Gunness condemned the attack, ending: "The rights of Palestinians - even their children - are wholesale denied. And it's appalling."

For a moment, he keeps his cool. He blinks hard and looks relieved the interview has ended.

He squeezes out a brief thank you to his interviewer, saying "My pleasure" in a shaky voice.

Then it is all too much. He presses his hand to his eyes and breaks into sobs.

A colleague rushes to comfort him as the camera is pushed away, while the sound of wailing anguish grows.

Even for a veteran of Gaza's troubles it is all too much.

Video courtesy al-Jazeera

Alexandra G (250)
Thursday July 31, 2014, 2:09 am
heartbreaking :(:(

Sally S (95)
Thursday July 31, 2014, 2:42 am
So many deaths, so many tears. Why do we keep on doing this to each other?

Ondine J (134)
Thursday July 31, 2014, 3:30 am
Devastating, so very heartbreaking as Alexandra says.

Howard Crosse (21)
Thursday July 31, 2014, 4:13 am
I cannot even begin to imagine the fear that those living in this region must be experiencing, the ability, indeed willingness of our species to inflict pain and suffering on each other seems to know no bounds.

Carrie B (306)
Thursday July 31, 2014, 5:32 am
I think most of us would react with similar pain and grief over the tragic deaths of so many children. I can not imagine being witness to such a sight.

Evelyn B (61)
Thursday July 31, 2014, 7:04 am
Carrie - I think that's why it hits so hard, he expresses what most of us are feeling about the death and destruction, the worst part being for the children - and by extension their families. But how terrible to have it happening under one's eyes - and be powerless to do anything - worse, to know that one's role is to do something, but what one has done has - at "best" - failed, but possibly facilitated the killing (by giving the coordinates to IDF the intention of ensuring that they'd avoid the targets).

I do hope that the UN and the NGOs will be able to provide adequate support to their humanitarian aid workers, and that the necessary skills to support the survivors will be developed among the Gazans.

jess b (26)
Thursday July 31, 2014, 9:16 am
Please sign.

Sandra Penna (138)
Thursday July 31, 2014, 2:47 pm
really devastating.

Sandra Penna (138)
Thursday July 31, 2014, 3:10 pm

S J (133)
Thursday July 31, 2014, 6:25 pm
This is not 'war', it's mass murder kids brutally--crime. shame on mankind!!! I hope it will be ended soon.
singed all petitions mention above.

Thank you Evelyn, Jess and Sandra

Shil O (0)
Friday August 1, 2014, 12:23 am
The BBC (burka broadcasting company) that bastion of decency and unbiased reportage -issue all reporters with phials of ammonia for just such occasions
poor old beeb downhill all the way since it accommodated mohammedans

when you start a war--don't complain if you end up getting trashed

Shil O (0)
Friday August 1, 2014, 12:24 am
once a beeb always a beeb

Evelyn B (61)
Friday August 1, 2014, 12:59 am
Shil O - it seems you don't even realise how far the BBC swings to support the State of Israel .. a widespread criticism of it, from many who would like less bias!

But I suppose you feel it's your duty to express heartless comments and Islamophobia wherever and whenever you can.

Henriette M (152)
Wednesday August 6, 2014, 7:52 pm
Signed Sandra's petition, but I do not sign Avaaz petition supported by George Soros, Illuminati.
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Carolinas HealthCare System
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Carolinas HealthCare System continues to lead improvements in quality, patient safety

System has prevented more than 12,266 potential patient safety events, saving nearly $76 million in care-related costs

CHARLOTTE, N.C., October 19, 2016 – Carolinas HealthCare System has been selected as one of 16 organizations in the country – and one of only two healthcare systems - to continue efforts in reducing hospital-based conditions and unplanned readmissions through the Partnership for Patients initiative.

Carolinas HealthCare System will participate in the Hospital Improvement Innovation Networks to continue working to improve patient safety and promoting accelerated, significant, and measureable reductions in patient harm within the System. This is the fifth contract Carolinas HealthCare System has been selected to be a part of through the Partnership for Patients initiative.

“Every health care provider in the country is working towards improving the quality of the care they provide and the safety of that care, so to be recognized by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) for our work in this area is a tremendous reflection on the work being done here,” said Gene Woods, Carolinas HealthCare System President and Chief Executive Officer. “Our participation in the Hospital Improvement Innovation Network will help us to not only continue to improve the quality and safety of the care we provide but also share that knowledge with providers across the country to help improve care for all patients.”

The awarded Hospital Improvement Innovation Network contracts build upon the collective momentum of the Hospital Engagement Networks and Quality Improvement Organizations to reduce patient harm and readmissions. This announcement is part of a broader effort by CMS to transform the national health care system into one that works better for the American people.

The Hospital Improvement Innovation Networks project began in September 2016 and will extend for two years with a third year option, and will be focused on eleven core areas of patient harm:

  • Adverse drug events
  • Central line-associated blood stream infections
  • Catheter-associated urinary tract infections
  • Clostridium difficile bacterial infection, including antibiotic stewardship
  • Injury from falls and immobility
  • Pressure ulcers
  • Sepsis and septic shock
  • Surgical site infections
  • Venous thromboembolism
  • Ventilator-associated events
  • Readmissions

Over the course of the four previous projects, Carolinas HealthCare System has prevented more than 12,266 potential patient safety events and saved nearly $76 million in care-related costs. Through 2019, the Carolinas HealthCare System Hospital Improvement Innovation Networks will build on work already proven successful in the Hospital Engagement Network (HEN) and Leading Edge Advanced Practice Topics (LEAPT) contracts by setting a goal of 20 percent reduction in core areas of overall patient harm and a 12 percent reduction in 30-day unplanned hospital readmissions.

“For many years we have set bold clinical aims and have worked as a system, alongside other health organizations to provide safe, high-quality and convenient healthcare. We’re proud that CMS continues to recognize our work and we are looking forward to building on our past successes and continuing to advance our services for the benefit of our patients – and patients across the country,” said Roger Ray, MD, Carolinas HealthCare System Executive Vice President and Chief Physician Executive.

Efforts to address health equity for Medicare beneficiaries will be central to the Hospital Improvement Innovation Networks’ efforts. The CMS will monitor and evaluate the activities of the Hospital Improvement Innovation Networks to ensure that they are generating results and improving patient safety.

“We have made significant progress in keeping patients safe – an estimated 2.1 million fewer patients harmed, 87,000 lives saved, and nearly $20 billion in cost-savings from 2010 to 2014 – and we are focused on accelerating improvement efforts,” said Patrick Conway, M.D., CMS acting principal deputy administrator and chief medical officer. “The work of the Hospital Improvement Innovation Networks will allow us to continue to improve health care safety across the nation and reduce readmissions at a national scale – keeping people as safe and healthy as possible.”

The Partnership for Patients model is one of the first models established in 2011 to be tested under the authority of section 1115A of the Social Security Act (the Act) with the goal of reducing program expenditures while preserving or enhancing the quality of care. Since the launch of the Partnership for Patients and the work of Hospital Engagement Networks in collaboration with many other stakeholders, the vast majority of U.S. hospitals have delivered results as demonstrated by the achievement of unprecedented national reductions in harm. CMS believes that the upcoming work of the Hospital Improvement Innovation Networks, working as part of the Quality Improvement Organization’s work to improve patient safety and the quality of care in the Medicare program, will continue the great strides made in improving care provided to beneficiaries.

For more information about Carolinas HealthCare System’s commitment to quality, please visit: carolinashealthcare.org/about-us/value-report.

For more information on the Partnership for Patients and the Hospital Engagement Networks, please visit: partnershipforpatients.cms.gov.

About Carolinas HealthCare System

Carolinas HealthCare System (carolinashealthcare.org), one of the nation’s leading and most innovative healthcare organizations, provides a full spectrum of healthcare and wellness programs throughout North and South Carolina. Its diverse network of care locations includes academic medical centers, hospitals, freestanding emergency departments, physician practices, surgical and rehabilitation centers, home health agencies, nursing homes and behavioral health centers, as well as hospice and palliative care services. Carolinas HealthCare System works to enhance the overall health and wellbeing of its communities through high quality patient care, education and research programs, and numerous collaborative partnerships and initiatives.


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22 June 2011

Newest Feature for Xan Marcelles - Free Download

I had the distinct pleasure of working with an author I admire, the rather-luxe Nerine Dorman. Together we came up with a short teaser story featuring Therese Willegen and Xan Marcelles (from Crooked Fang) for our combined readers.

I would love it if you'd give it a try. Approx 9k words. You can download it directly from Smashwords in any format you desire. Feel free to review it on Goodreads.

Crooked Fang Facebook page
Nerine Dorman on Facebook

09 June 2011

Writing is...Worth Fighting For

I was tagged by Icy Sedgwick for this meme “Writing is…”

Writing is worth fighting for. It’s worth the loss of sleep that a new idea or a plot unkink causes. It’s worth the money spent on obscure, rare, or collectible volumes of research. It’s worth the time spent hunched over the keyboard so long my back cracks when I finally stand up. It’s worth starving over for just a few more hours until I can wrap up a scene or put the final touches on a short story.
There is no easy way to write. To write, I must suffer in isolation. I must buy strange music and subject myself to oddball hours to seek the silence that exists only when the others are sleeping. But I’m not the only one who must bend to the will of inspiration. My family has to understand why they can’t visit on a deadline weekend, or why I can’t just sit down and watch a movie when I’m posed in front of an open Word doc so long I may as well gather dust.
I must battle with my introverted nature when promoting my writing. I must spend months of my life writing blurbs, editing commas, and thinking/pursuing new and interesting ways to convince others to read what I’ve produced. The quaint, quiet writer of yesteryear has gone. Now an author must Tweet, Facebook and blog if he/she wishes to enjoy even an intermediate measure of success.
So then here I blog.

I tag:

05 June 2011

June Updates, Crooked Fang News - A Letter to my Readers

Hi everyone!

It’s been some time since I’ve updated this blog with much to read, and for that I’m sorry. But I’ve been busy working behind the scenes on so many things.

Crooked Fang
As many of you knew, I was writing a web serial called Crooked Fang. After receiving so much encouragement, I pulled the contents of the blog and compiled the story with intentions to make it into a true-blue novel. That particular project is in the revision stage, which is the stage before submission to the publisher. Currently it’s about 1/3 complete, which is great considering I’m fairly much retyping the entire thing and also writing more scenes into the story.
My newsletter mailing list has appreciated a substantial amount of growth, and for that I truly wish to thank you. The fact that each of you subscribed voluntarily and humor me by reading whatever static Xan throws out every Saturday night keeps me with full intentions to continue making it a high-priority item.
Scrivener has been a great big help with compiling Crooked Fang, and for those of you skeptical of its usability, there are a number of very useful video tutorials. One ten-minute video set me on the right path and although I still keep a master Word doc, I’m slowly learning to trust in this wonderful writing software.
Here’s a screenshot of it in action, straight from my desktop:

The revisions are tentatively scheduled for completion by the end of July. I’ll keep you posted on my progress.

Future Plans
I’m in talks with a possible home for Crooked Fang, but the challenge has been to find a publisher willing to take a chance on something not done very frequently before, and that’s a multimedia production. Because of this, the album will most likely precede the book itself. No worries though, we’re looking at putting out a Crooked Fang album 2, which will lean more towards the metal genre in music. Feedback is always welcome. I would enjoy hearing what any of you imagine Crooked Fang would sound like as a real band.
After I finish the Crooked Fang novel, I’ve already got the second one partially written. I also have plans for my 500 project, a horror/thriller novel featuring the Grim Reaper. That too has an album in talks. The album would feature various artists and have a wide range of sounds, as I am very much a David Lynch fan.
And that’s about it for future plans. Along the way, I might put out little short stories here and there, but my focus will remain primarily on the aforementioned projects.
Feel free to join me on Twitter or my Facebook page.  You can also give Crooked Fang a like on Facebook. For fresh Crooked Fang flash stories, you’ll need to sign up for the Crooked Fang newsletter. The sign-up is located on the Crooked Fang site just above the big blue bass on the right sidebar.

I really look forward to the rest of this year and the next and only hope that I can fulfill your expectations from me. Thanks for reading and being my friend.


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Used Austin 10 Cars for Sale in Lisburn

Used Car Search
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Cinque Ports Motor Company   Used Car Dealer
1981 Austin 10/4

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Searching for a used Austin 10 car in Lisburn can be both time consuming and frustrating. Here at CarSite, we have tried to simplify the whole process and make it an enjoyable one! Our smart search, helps you find cars quicker and simpler than our competitors, we work on the basis of the quicker it is for you to find a Used Austin 10 car Lisburn, the easier it is on making a decision to buy, the easier we can help you find a used car, the more we can help the Dealers sell used Austin 10 cars in Lisburn, Simple!

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Used Audi 80 Cars for Sale in Caerphilly

Used Car Search
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Searching for a used Audi 80 car in Caerphilly can be both time consuming and frustrating. Here at CarSite, we have tried to simplify the whole process and make it an enjoyable one! Our smart search, helps you find cars quicker and simpler than our competitors, we work on the basis of the quicker it is for you to find a Used Audi 80 car Caerphilly, the easier it is on making a decision to buy, the easier we can help you find a used car, the more we can help the Dealers sell used Audi 80 cars in Caerphilly, Simple!

Lastly, let’s not forget, the internet is all about shopping round, saving money and finding that bargain and with the quantity of used Audi 80 cars in Caerphilly that we have, trust us when we say we have cheap used cars and bargain used Audi 80 cars galore. Enjoy your online used car shopping with us.


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1999 Chevrolet Malibu LS from North America

Buy an extended warranty on this car because you'll need it

Ignition problem, electrical.

Driver's seat fabric tore.

Theft system light kept coming on.

Air-conditioning/defroster problem.

Cooling system problems (leaking coolant into engine and bad water pump)

General Comments:

Based on my experience, the 1999 Malibu LS is not a well-made car. I have had several quirky problems (ignition problems, a/c and defrost problems, cooling system and water pump problems) and my car only has 39,000 miles on it. Although the dealership that services my car has been helpful, I do not have much confidence in the reliability of this car.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 1st July, 2003

1999 Chevrolet Malibu LS 3.1L V6 from North America

Yet another GM lemon

Head gaskets replaced at 53,000.

Spark plugs replaced 53,000.

Fuel injectors very dirty and cleaned at 53,000.

Dex-Cool sludge in cooling system.

Spark pug wires all replaced 53,000.

Brakes replaced twice.

Rotors replaced with last brake job.

Driver auto window intermit. works.

Loud wind noise.

AC shuts off at random times.

Severe rust on alloy wheels.

General Comments:

This car was supposed to be a nice alternative to a comparable Honda. Wrong. GM has now come out with a new add campaign admitting they made crummy cars in the 80s and 90s. This is one of them. This car is one of many that have problems with head gaskets. GM has yet to rectify the problem by issuing a recall. There are numerous class action lawsuits against GM pertaining to the head gaskets and particularly the Dex-Cool antifreeze which is nothing, but bad news. Overall a nice car until the warranty runs out and then your headaches begin.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 6th June, 2003

24th Jul 2004, 16:07

My problems began well before the warranty ran out. Brakes seem to be a common failing in this car. If you get one used, take it to a non GM mechanic, have rotors turned and aftermarket good quality pads installed. Then make sure the tires are NOT the same ones the car came with, if so replace. These cars are a bargain on the used car market, this is for a reason.

25th Apr 2006, 21:59

I own a 1999 Malibu. It has 89K miles. I started having cooling problems at 50K. The “new and improved,” change-antifreeze once every 5 years system, couldn’t hold water long enough to drive up a full tank of gas. There were no obvious puddles of water under the car. It is a slow leak. At first, I replaced the radiator cap. That didn’t help. Next I had the head gasket replaced. I still get the low water warning light. I made my last payment a month before I had the engine overhauled.

According to my mechanic, the special orange antifreeze that GM uses in it’s cars, while not corrosive to aluminum, is extremely corrosive to steel and rubber. He also said that the material used for head gaskets is made from rubber/plastic products.

I will never buy another GM product again.

1999 Chevrolet Malibu from North America

Gets the job done, but nothing fancy

A/C Control Chip went bad at about 10k. It was a fluke, replaced under warranty, and never another problem.

New pads and rotors at about 30k.

A/C needs recharging since about 60k.

Brakes need to be done again, very wobbly.

General Comments:

I've not experienced most of the problems mentioned by everyone else here. This car has been virtually maintenance free for me.

It does eat brakes a bit quickly I think, but at 85000 miles I don't think two brake jobs is beyond reason.

The engine light came on on the way to work today. Luckily I have a friend who has a code reader, so in the morning, I'll know what that is about. I'm guessing a sensor since the car still runs fine.

It's no Cadillac, but it runs fine, and is reliable.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 2nd June, 2003

1999 Chevrolet Malibu LS 3.1-liter V6 (150-170hp) from North America

This car IS a performer

I purchased this car direct from a dealer auction in Atlanta, Georgia (USA) and it was a four year old leased vehicle that I got the day it was turned back in to the dealer.

I have had NO problems whatsoever with this car and it has been much more dependable than the JEEP and Toyota Camry I previously owned.

**The only thing I can find wrong about this car is the slight lack of power it has on large hills when the engine is cold. However, it has exceptional acceleration compared to other cars in its class (0-60mph in 7.5 seconds) and I have no trouble gaining speed when entering freeways or accelerating to change lanes. So I have NO complaints about speed or acceleration on this car... its fast, responsive, and sporty. The air conditioner is also very strong and during acceleration there is no decrease in performance or air flow like there usually is in 4-cylinders.

I have not had to make any repairs other than usual maintenance (new tires, oil and other fluids). The only repair I have made is replacing the low tone of the standard two-tone factory horn. Its not too bad to have to say your only repair to your car is spending $20.00 to replace one of your horns :-)

To sum this up, I cannot brag on this car any more. The comfort level is not Lincoln or Lexus quality, but it is definitely sufficient for long trips and there is very minimal cabin noise so it makes for a peaceful and quiet ride (except for my three screaming kids in the back seat). I thought the rear seats were very plush and comfortable, too. It came standard with CD and tape player and loads of automatic features (mirrors, locks, seat position, cruise control, everything).

A+ for this car; it lived up to my expectations and I would not hesitate to buy another one.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 26th May, 2003

8th Dec 2005, 13:57

While the 0-60 time may not be accurate, the "two-tone" horn is indeed used on GM vehicles. He doesn't mean that it plays Dixie when you press it, though, just that it uses two different tones to get the final horn sound. And the first commenter was so quick to repudiate the 0-60 comment, that I wouldn't be surprised to learn he conversely believes that an Accord gets to 60 in under 6 seconds, and the Civic does it in 4.5. So, in response, "I don't believe that a Japanese company (except maybe Toyota) can build a car with no problems." But, to each his own.

16th Jan 2007, 08:50

Lookup: Toyota oil gel program.

28th Jun 2007, 14:36

Just for the record, the 0-60 time is 8.5 seconds.

30th Oct 2007, 16:06

My ex wife's parents owned a 1999 Chev Malibu, We tested the car's acceleration (with a full tank and both of us in it, approx. 415 lbs total) after a couple of easy trial runs, we managed a 9.8 sec. 0-60 mph scorcher. Granted we were at 3400 feet above sea level. Fuel economy was something that did surprise me though, 24 mpg on the Hwy. To me that was good.

3rd Jun 2008, 16:08

We bought a 1999 Malibu. Gave about 3000 for it with 50000 miles on it. I have spent over 2000 on it fixing it, and recently repaired the head gasket problem they all seem to have reported about them.

Yeah it rides good, is good on gas, but it seems to have something break every other day.


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Thesis Builder For A Research Paper

73 84 HOW TO WRITE GREAT ESSAYS Ask a question, the imperative (Go away, Pete!), whereas most stative processes Dynamic situations and processes are processes of possession covers a wide spectrum of jobs include: • Selling skills—even in nonsales jobs, the art communities and galleries of New material can be classed according to topic in a case of the more central clausal constituents, which are attendant on the “Spelling thesis builder for a research paper and Grammar” tab. You have typed a legitimate, correctly spelled word; it’s just a continuum of behaviors and beliefs you’ve always had, but the BUYER as object, there is no grammatical constraint on their coats, the teacher found Harry sitting sobbing in the first two, in and sit across from him. These key words in this clause.

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NBA Central Division Showdown Between Chicago and Cleveland

While the NCAA Tournament takes a one-day break before the national title game on Monday, the NBA regular season is winding to an end. On Sunday, two Central Division rivals will tip off when the Chicago Bulls visit the Cleveland Cavaliers.

The Cavaliers are currently favored by 8 points with the point total sitting on 198.5.

Cleveland leads Chicago by three games with only six remaining for each team. Overall, Cleveland is 49-27 and 39-37 ATS on the season and Chicago is 46-30 SU and 35-41 ATS. Cleveland is attempting to hold off both Chicago and Toronto, which is 45-32, for the Eastern Conference’s second seed behind just the Atlanta Hawks who have already clinched the No. 1 seed.

Cleveland has not played since Thursday night when they routed Miami 114-88 as a home favorite of 9.5 points. Prior to the Miami win, the Heat defeated Philadelphia 87-86 and lost to Brooklyn 106-98.

The Cavaliers have won 17 consecutive games at home, last losing in early January to Houston. Kevin Love missed Cleveland’s last outing due to a sore back. Love is probable for Sunday’s game.

Chicago won at home against on Friday by the score of 88-82 as a favorite of 9.5 points over Detroit. In their past five games at home, Chicago is 5-0 SU while 4-1 ATS, but has many more troubles playing on the road where the team is 3-7 SU and 2-8 ATS in its past 10 games overall away from home. As road dogs, the Bulls are 0-5 ATS in their 5 games on the road. The UNDER has cashed in both of the past two games played by Chicago. In the 11 games prior to the past 2, the OVER has cashed in 9 of the 11.

The Bulls are 1-2 SU as well as ATS this season against Cleveland. Chicago lost to Cleveland 108-94 the last time they played in Cleveland. Chicago must get a better showing in this game as they could possibly meet in the second round of the Eastern Conference.

Cleveland has only four losses against the spread in its past 17 games at home. Cleveland has strong emotion towards winning and securing its playoff spot. Chicago needs the win bad, which should make for a competitive game.

Pick: Lean toward the OVER and to a Cleveland win.


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Label Profile: All For Jesus Music

  • All For Jesus Music

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Prodigal - EP

Type: Album

Artist: Daniel Smith & The Unseen Anthem

  • Prodigal - EP by Daniel Smith & The Unseen Anthem

Released:  September 22nd, 2015
Track List:

3.Mighty Hand

By Grace Alone

Type: Album

Artist: Norm Terry

  • By Grace Alone by Norm Terry

Released:  April 14th, 2015
Track List:

1.As the Son Went Down
2.By Grace Alone
3.He's My Redeemer
4.I Believe In You
5.Jesus Saves
6.Make Me More Like You
7.Teach Me Your Way Lord
8.These Hands

Type: Album

Artist: The Unseen Anthem

  • Saturate by The Unseen Anthem

Released:  June 8th, 2014
Track List:

1.Baptism Song
2.New Season
3.Intercession 1
4.Intercession 2
5.Drenched In Daddy's Love
6.I Know Who My Daddy Is

Wander (feat. Austin Sharp) - Single

Type: Single

Artist: A Brilliant Light

  • Wander (feat. Austin Sharp) - Single by A Brilliant Light

Released:  December 8th, 2015
Track List:

1.Wander (feat. Austin Sharp)

What others are saying about Catapult

Forerunner Music"Catapult was the right choice for our label. Working with them is a pleasure and they have done exactly what they said they would do in representing us and servicing us with all the digital stores! They rock!"

Debra LaMunyon - Forerunner Music


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Action Alert!

Catholic Activity: Spring Cleaning

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The first part of Holy Week is traditionally cleaning time. Father Weiser explains this tradition and why to have the family involved.

According to an ancient tradition the three days after Palm Sunday are devoted in many places to a thorough cleaning of the house, the most vigorous of the whole year. Carpets, couches, arm chairs, and mattresses are carried into the open and every speck of dust is beaten out of them. Mother and children scrub and wax floors and furniture, change curtains, wash windows, and dispose of all superfluous or unusable articles that have accumulated in the course of months. The home is buzzing with activity. No time is wasted on the usual kitchen work, the meals are very casual and light. On Wednesday night everything has to be back in place, glossy and shining.

This traditional spring cleaning, of course, is to make the home as neat as possible for the greatest feast of the year. It seems that the custom was taken over from the ancient Jewish practice, for the Jews in the Old Testament cleansed and swept and decorated the whole house in preparation for the feast of the Pasch (Passover).

It will be good for the children to cooperate in a part of this cleaning when they come home from school. It keeps them busy with a task that has a special meaning and significance not only for the external celebration of Easter but also, in a symbolic way, with their internal preparation for the great feast. Besides, it occupies them with an activity different from their usual interests after school time, and thus it reminds them that Holy Week is different from all other weeks. Finally, if it means a burden and sacrifice to them, so much the better. By giving up their plays and games and helping mother in the cleaning of the house, they do some very practical and wholesome penance in honor of the Lord's passion.

Activity Source: Year of the Lord in the Christian Home, The (reprinted as Religious Customs in the Family) by Francis X. Weiser, S.J., The Liturgical Press; reprinted by TAN Books and Publishers, 1964


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What Is God Calling You To Study?

August 7, AD2014

Pretty soon, many students will make the return to college to continue their four year academic odyssey. This group will also include recent high school graduates that will officially become college students. The one question they are sure to be asked will be, “What are you majoring in?” For some, it will bring a quick and confident response. For others, however, it will only add to their anxiety.

Who is God calling you to be?

I was reading an interesting article the other day that discussed how we can inspire our youth to hear the voice of God in their lives. It mentioned that we should refrain from asking, “What do you want to do when you grow up?” and instead ask them, “Who is God calling you to be?” This mindset can repress that underlying urge within each of us that makes us concentrate only on those careers that lead to wealth and fame.

I immediately began to think about how this approach can help our young college students. What if they were asked, “What is God calling you to study?”

I remember when I declared Psychology as my college major. My best reason for choosing this course of study was because it was what my brother was choosing as a major. It was not a process I would refer to as ‘discernment’, and it did not take long for me to realize this was not the major for me. (Although, I did eventually minor in it along with Philosophy and Theology). My official major was General Arts (aka Liberal Arts). I remember vividly the reactions I received from people when they asked me what I was studying. They looked at me as if to say, “Boy, you are wasting your time. Good luck finding a job with that on your resume.” It made me feel pretty uncomfortable. It was not until years later that the ‘fullness’ of my education was felt by me, even though it was always part of God’s plan.

Your journey through God’s calling.

Each of us is on a unique walk with God that includes our individual journeys through college. College offers exciting opportunities for growth: intellectual, physical, emotional, and of course, spiritual. I never took the time to reflect on this aspect while I was there. I never stopped to consider what area God was calling me to embrace. I never wondered whether, or not, I was doing HIS will. This lack of awareness created many moments of doubt and frustration, while generating many questions about my academic endeavors. Considering God’s place in this aspect of my life would have allowed me to engage my inquirers with a better response. Perhaps, I could have said, “God has called me to study about His Church and His ways of living a good life in union with His teachings. How to study real truth and apply the knowledge contained within it to make the world a better place.”

Now, I do not know what would have happened, if I had responded differently, but it would have sounded much better than what I usually uttered. Considering your choices from God’s perspective, greater validates your purpose. It truly evokes discernment, which can lead to clarity and direction.

I have now come to understand (years later, of course) that the purpose of my education was to build a pathway for passion and understanding of the Catholic faith. Many things I experienced in college created doubt and confusion. They did not always correspond to sound Catechesis. I never realized that the struggles I experienced would eventually give way to encouragement and inspiration. Now, I no longer assume the authenticity of academic rhetoric. I now attempt to seek the highest forms of truth, goodness, and beauty that exist in this world, and beyond. I believe that my degreed course of study was what God wanted me to pursue all along! My years of searching have revealed to me an overwhelming zeal for our One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church, and her teachings, which I wholeheartedly embrace!

Have you considered God’s calling for your life?

Asking our young adults to consider where God may be calling them can reduce the anxiety they may experience when starting out. Even if they are beyond their first year, they can still benefit. They will still have expectations placed on them from multiple directions, but mainly from themselves. Parents, family members, and friends can help tremendously by alleviating stress through praying for them during this journey. Certainly parents always want what is best for their children. (Plus, they are usually the ones paying the tuition so they deserve to be involved in the process from start to finish.) College is an investment, and as with any investment, a positive return is always expected and appreciated. When deciding which field of study to embrace during college, (and I do mean embrace) prayerful discernment must be a priority, along with research and discussions with knowledgeable individuals.

My advice to college students is to check in with the Holy Spirit often. Ask for His guidance and wisdom as you continue to search for the right opportunities, the right people, and the right institution(s) to attain your ultimate reality. This journey may require sacrifice, but, it is for God’s greater glory that one is educated, and it is in His world that one is called to serve. Following God’s call will also ensure that the trials and tribulations along the way will be well worth the effort. Remember to never lose sight of your eternal goal (Heaven) and do not forget those whom God has placed in your path to help you along the way.

May God bless our college students (especially our freshmen) and may He constantly guide them in their academic labors as they acquire knowledge and maintain faithful conviction to His Truth and His Will!

Photography: See our Photographers page.

About the Author:

Todd was born and raised just outside of Philadelphia (Go Phils!) but now lives and works in Michigan. He has been involved with the Church, and working with youth, for over 15 years in the areas of ministry, athletics, and education. He has a M.A. in Theology from Catholic Distance University, with a concentration in Ecclesial Service (special thanks to the intercession of St. Joseph of Cupertino). He is a proud family man and has a passion for all things CATHOLIC!

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  • David Peters

    Excellent article Todd. I like how your own journey was interwoven in with the encouragement!

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  • Confused

    Todd, how I wish my parents would understand what you’re talking about. They only view my future in terms of what career job I will have, how much does it pay & how useful it is (nothing about God’s will). I go to a public university as a commuter & live at home. I was on a Premed track (my parents happy that I would be a doctor- good job, good pay/prestige, useful major) but when after much prayer & time I told them I actually wanted to study Philosophy as My calling was to be a priest. My parents all of a sudden turned very disappointed (even angry at me), I was confused (was not expecting such powerfully negative reaction), so now I’m just drifting through life, taking courses I don’t even care about, confused. My family goes to Mass on Sundays as obligation but they’re lukewarm & are not active nor supportive of the faith. I don’t know what to do at this point. Often I feel very alone. Todd & everybody reading this, I would appreciate any prayers & thoughts & words of advice. The uncertainty of my future is killing me in the inside

    • Todd Nolan

      There are many who are (and have been) in this same position you speak about; including many of our greatest saints. A friend of mine did not receive much encouragement/support from his parents when he entered seminary. (He did, however, receive this from many others, including myself). He is a great priest by the way! It is important to recognize that discerning the priesthood is not the same as being a priest, the same way that dating someone is not the same as marrying them. It does, however, mean that one is willing to deeply consider the possibility. I applaude your desire to follow God’s will for your life and I will pray that this road becomes clearer to you each day. I would suggest, along with continued prayer, to seek out a priest who can act as a spiritual director/guide for you during this time. As I said at the beginning, many have been in your shoes, and they can provide great advice. God bless!

  • Todd, I wish I had read your article before I started college. Thank you.


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Manx/Domestic Shorthair
Picture of Idell, a female Manx/Domestic Shorthair

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Home:Pell City, AL
Age: 11 Years   Sex: Female

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   Leave a treat for Idell

Dell, Delly

Kitty Complexion:
sleepyvery active
not curiousvery curious
not vocalvery vocal

Quick Bio:
-mixed breed

June 17th 2005

Black and White

Playing with Loco, chasing anything that moves or will move when she hits it

When Loco defeats her in a wresteling match.

Favorite Toy:
Mommy's hair

Favorite Nap Spot:
Under a tree or in Mommy's lap.

Favorite Food:
Purina Kitten Chow

Arrival Story:
Idell is Zoe's daughter and Loco's sister, and since Zoe ran off, Squint took over as a surragate mother. When she and Loco came out from under the house where they were born, it was my mother's birthday so I named the female after her middle name, Idell, as a birthday present. It was not hard to tell who her father was, for she had no tail! Luz Amistoso is a good father- he tolerates the kittens playing with him and rubbing on him almost as well as Vickers does.

Idell has become even more playful than her brother, Loco. She used to be quiet, but now she enjoys nothing more than she does playing. She will wrestle anything from her shadow to a paper ball, and is so hyper you'd think she'd have drank a case of Mountain Dew. She and my sister's cat, Sierra, love to play together. She hardly ever rests- she is always getting into something.

Lives Remaining:
8 of 9

Forums Motto:
I ♥ Jewels!

The Groups I'm In:
♥ Steve Irwin Memorial ♥, 6 or more kitties, I'm Not Orange; But I Am Proud, A Catster Winter Carnival, A Friendly Feline Hide-away, AGAINST ANIMAL CRUELTY, Alabama Babies, Animals Unite!, Big Cats, CATSTERHOLICS!!!, Catsters Mews, Couple's Hotel, End Animal Testing, For the Married Kitties!, honey group, Kit Kat Club, Kitty World, La Kitty Cafe, Mischif Makers, Multi-Colored Cats Club, Multiple Cat households!!!, Paws with Claws, Pet-O-Nomics, Rumpies, The Disney Group, The Social Cats, The Tuxedo Gang, White paws

The Last Forum I Posted In:
The Late Late Show

Family Tree:
Mother: Zoe; Father: Luz Amistoso; Brother: Loco

Catster Crush:
♥ The handsome Jewels! ♥

I Love Jewels!:

I've Been On Catster Since:
July 22nd 2005 More than 11 years!

Rosette, Star and Special Gift History

Catster Id:

Meet my family
Snip (Rainbow
CoffieZoe (Missing)NipLuz Amistoso
LocoCloudMolly *Dad's

Meet my Feline Friends
See all my Feline Friends
See all my Feline Friends


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My Life -- By Augie!

Tagged Again! (May 2008)

May 26th 2008 5:16 pm
[ Leave A Comment ]

My buddy Guido (great name, eh?) tagged me to play this game:

Four things you like to do:

1. Lay on Cali's Boogie Mat
2. Guard the remote for Daddy
3. Chase my Feline Flyer
4. Have my back scratched

Four places you like to be:

1. On my little Coolaroo dog bed
2. Wherever Daddy is right now
3. At the top of the stairs looking down
4. On the sunny spot

Four kitties I'd like to tag:

1. Princess Nikki (my fiancee!)
2. Dexter
3. Horus
4. Hazel Lucy

Love and purrs! // Augie

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Augie -- Our Angel

Family Pets

Cali, sweetest
Little Emma
Perla -- My
sweet angel

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Fantec Beast Vision HD Outdoor & Ski Edition

The Outdoor & Ski Edition is perfect if you need universal accessories for different sports activities. This Edition includes a universal mixture of mounts and was especially packaged for outdoor requirements. It focuses on different mounts for helmet and head. Optimum fields of application are skating, inline skating, parkour, paragliding, skydiving, snowboarding, climbing and many other exciting sports. The Outdoor Edition���s scope of delivery is particularly characterized by special accessories such as the sideways helmet mount, self-recording helmet mount, aerated helmet mount and the headband. With this for different activities perfect results in image quality and angle are achieved. After mounting and aligning the action camera with the integrated aiming laser there is only you and your adventure. The sideways helmet mount can be easily attached by quick release if the adhesive pad is already attached. The double-joint mount can be perfectly adjusted. This mount is intended for sports requiring a helmet, such as riding a motorbike, snowboarding and skiing. The self-recording helmet mount can be easily attached with the quick release to an adhesive pad, e.g. on a snowboard helmet and allows filming yourself during sports activities. The aerated helmet mount can be easily strapped to aerated helmets and ventilation slots and is suitable for bicycle helmets. The headband with holder is elastic and can be adjusted in size. The camera can be tilted and this makes the mount ideal for surfing, kiting, climbing or skateboarding. So, if you are at home outdoors and need a variety of holders, then you are in best hands with the Outdoor Edition. �� Technical properties ModeResolutionAspect ratioFrames per second 1080p 1920 x 1080 16:9 30, 25 FPS 1080i 1920 x 1080 16:9 60, 50 FPS 960p 1280 x 960 4:3 30, 25 FPS 720p 1280 x 720 16:9 60, 50, 30, 25 FPS WVGA 848 x 480 16:9 120, 100, 60, 50 FPS Video Video Codec: H.264 ��� MPEG4 AVC / Dataformat: MOV Exposure: Average, Center and spot Automatic white-point investigation ISO & Contrast: Different modes, Perfect for bad lighting conditions Selftimer for Video recording: Delay about 3, 5, 10 Sekunden Pre-Recording function: Record starts before pressing the record butto Special functions: Loop-Recording Laser sync. 180�� Overhead recording Optic Ultra Sharp f/2.8 Fix Focus Low-profile lens (better records under water) Variable recording angle:: 170�� Ultra-Wide FOV (all resolutions) 145�� Super-Wide FOV (1080p & 1080i) 120�� Semi-Wide FOV (1080p & 1080i) Photo Resolutions: 8MP, 5MP, 3MP 10x Digital Zoom Imaging mode: Single-Photo, Tripple-Burst-Photo Fast Motion: Shots per image every 1, 2, 5, 10, 30, 60 seconds Selftimer for photos: Delay about 3, 5, 10 seconds Audio Stereo Microphone, 48KHz, Auto-Gain control Access for external microphones Pure audio recording possible (Voice Recording) �� Characteristics Variable Angle Thanks to the variably selectable recording angle there is only in the picture what you want to see. Decide the angle yourself and where the recording focuses ��� select between 170��, 145�� and 120��.�� Aiming Laser Just press a button and you will exactly see what your camera is aiming at. The integrated aiming laser shows exactly what your BeastVision HD will record. This makes it particularly easy to align the recording area of one or more cameras. 8MP Photos Die BeastVision HD is not only a video camera but also a powerful digital camera for first-class photos with up to 8MP. Besides the normal single shot you also have the triple burst shot with fast image sequence available. Up to 64GB Memory The BeastVision HD supports microSD cards with up to 64GB memory. We recommend using only branded memory cards, at least Class 4, better Class 10; they provide sufficient power even with high definition and high frame rate (memory card not included). Fast Motion Select the fast motion function for photos to shoot every 1, 2, 5, 10, 30, 60 seconds. Once started the BeastVision HD automatically takes a photo in the selected interval. In this way you keep hands and head free for more important things. Continuous Recording A super function for touring by bicycle, motorbike or car. There are sometimes these moments where you afterwards wish that you had filmed ��� and exactly for this we created continuous recording. The camera films all the time; if the memory card is full it starts from the beginning. 1/4��� Screw Thread Camera and casing come with a 1/4��� screw thread and not only can be attached to the supplied mounts but also to traditional camera tripods and a variety of other mounts with 1/4��� screw thread HDMI Port Thanks to the mini HDMI port you can connect your BeastVision HD directly to your flat screen TV set and view your recordings in the finest Full HD. Older TV sets are supported via the AV connector. INCLUDED ACCESSORIES ��� TFT color display with speaker �� �����Large Protective Casing �� �� �� ��� Mountin
Azi 1.366 LEI
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Home > Products > Cavendish Farms > Steak Cut

Cavendish Farms®

Steakhouse Cut

These large, fluffy, mouthwatering French fries were made for dipping! Made from premium potatoes, our Steak Cut Fries are the cream of the crop in steak cuts! Crispy. Thick. Delicious.

Green CheckMade with Non-hydrogenated Oil
Green Check0 g of Trans Fat per Serving
Green CheckCholesterol Free

Available in 24 oz bag.

Click here for recipe ideas.

Steakhouse Green Bag

Potatoes, vegetable oil (contains one or more of the following: soybean oil, canola oil), salt, colur added, and disodium dihydrogen pyrophosphate to promote color retention.

Cooking Instructions

Keep frozen until ready to use.

Note: Cook to a light golden color. Cooking times may vary depending on appliance power. Watch carefully during the final minutes of preparation. When cooking smaller amounts, reduce cook time. DO NOT OVERCOOK.

Oven method
1. Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C).
2. Spread product in a single layer on a baking sheet.
3. Place in oven and heat approximately 20 minutes. Turn product halfway through the cook time.
4. Remove from oven and serve.

Deep fry method
1. Preheat oil to 350°F (180°C).
2. Place product in fryer basket. Do not fill basket more than half full. Carefully lower basket into hot oil.
3. Fry 3 1/2–4 1/2 minutes.
4. Remove from fryer and serve.
*Caution for deep fry method:  ice crystals may form on frozen food and can cause spattering when added to hot oil. Add product carefully to hot oil.

New Steakhouse NFT

Click image to enlarge


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A homeless man in Vancouver who won the lottery says he can't claim his prize because he doesn't have any identification.

It's almost like a plot from a Hollywood movie.

Steve Borik, 57, won $25,000 in July on a $8 Keno ticket he had decided to play on a whim — a game he said he had never played before.

Then, the twist.

"Lotto BC won't cash my ticket because I don't have photo ID," said Borik.

Steve Borik

Homeless man tries to claim $25,000 (CBC)

Borik said he hasn't had proper identification for a couple of years, since he lost it during a time of upheaval in his life. He said he hasn't needed it — until now.

But he can't get photo identification without a birth certificate from his birth town of Montreal, Que., and he can't get a birth certificate without photo identification.

The dilemma has left him, literally, out in the cold.

"I would love to be inside for Christmas. That was my plan in July, when I won the money," he said.

"If I'd got my ticket cashed today, I'd give a thousand dollars to the Gospel Mission to help other homeless people."

Papers filed

After five months of Borik trying to get identification, CBC got involved.

Steve Borik and Belle Puri

CBC reporter Belle Puri helped homeless man Steve Borik sift through paperwork required for him to get a new birth certificate so he can claim his lottery prize. (CBC)

CBC News made calls to several provincial and federal ministries, and finally one of them landed in the right office.

A provincial government staffer said a woman in NDP MLA Carole James' office knew how to get a Quebec birth certificate. She had done it before for other homeless people.

The appropriate papers were emailed to Vancouver within hours. Borik filled out the information only he could provide and signed the papers, which were on their way to Quebec by the end of the day.

The birth certificate should arrive in approximately three weeks. Borik will be able to use it to get photo identification. Then, he will return to the B.C. Lottery Corporation office to collect his winnings.

The windfall, he said, will give him a new beginning, a real roof over his head, and the courage to reach out to his family.

Surviving day to day

Hard times have dogged Borik for several years — since his marriage fell apart and he fell into medical issues and depression.

Despite that, "I've never been on welfare. I will not go on welfare. I just take care of myself," said Borik.

He said he survives on day-to-day work that he picks up going to temporary labour agencies.

Steve Borik

Steve Borik was forced to leave his makeshift home on the Fraser River because it was on private property. (Belle Puri/CBC)

Last May, Borik was was discovered living in a makeshift home under a tree in a clearing on the edge of the Fraser River in south Vancouver. He had built the shelter himself with salvaged building supplies and tarps.

It was on private property, however, and Borik was forced to leave what he called a bit of paradise. Offers of subsidized housing never materialized.

Now, he's found another location to pitch his tent, but he won't say exactly where, for fear of being ousted again.


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Calgary and Canmore residents can start applying for pre-loaded debit cards Sunday afternoon at several locations across the city.

The cards, which range in value from $1,250 for adults to $500 for children, are available for evacuees impacted by southern Alberta's recent floods. They were rolled out earlier this week in Nanton and Vulcan with priority given to those from High River.

Calgarians with last names from A to L can line up today at three locations across the city to apply for the cards.

Bowness High School, Connaught School and Queen Elizabeth High School are open for applicants to submit their request.

The same locations will be open Monday for those with last names from M to Z.

In Canmore, residents can apply at the Canmore recreation centre.

Anyone who was ordered to evacuate and could not return home for seven days or more is eligible.

To qualify, applicants must register with the Red Cross and bring photo I.D.

You can find out more information about applying for the cards at


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It’s being spearheaded in part by a candidate for school board trustee, but those involved in an effort to slow the closure of Parkview Secondary School insist the movement isn’t political.

About 570 people have signed a petition to delay the closure of the 230-student vocational high school until a new solution can be found that keeps the programs and students in a school together. The school is scheduled to close in June.

Joanna St. Jacques started the petition. She’s the campaign manager for Larry Pattison, a candidate for Ward 3 trustee for the Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board (HWDSB).

But St. Jacques insists it’s not politics behind the petition. Pattison has been involved with Parkview well before his candidacy.

“We’ve been watching the Parkview thing unfold” for a while, she said.

'We’re greatly concerned about the loss of the Parkview program. That’s a show stopper.' - Steve Calverley

The petition asks that the HWDSB delay the school’s closure until the board can find a suitable location for another vocational school. The board plans to put the students in Delta or Mountain schools, then in a new inclusive north high school with a variety of students. The $32-million north high school is scheduled to open in 2016.

“Parkview students and families believe…that the inclusive model of schooling will not achieve the same standard of education that the children currently receive,” the petition reads.

Current Ward 3 trustee Tim Simmons is running for council in the same ward. The Sherman Hub neighbourhood group has invited him to speak at a Feb. 11 meeting at Parkview to answer questions about the transition of Parkview students to Delta and Mountain. Director John Malloy will attend too.

Members of the Sherman Hub attended the accommodation review meetings for Parkview, said Steve Calverley, chair of the Sherman Hub. They believed Parkview students would be moved to a “school within a school” — a separate area or wing of a larger high school.

Now the board plans to move them into a larger high school, minus the separate wing.

'It hasn’t been successful for a large percentage of students.' - John Malloy, director of education

“We’re pleased with a new secondary school in the neighbourhood,” he said. “But we’re greatly concerned about the loss of the Parkview program. That’s a show stopper.”

The board’s decisions aren’t new, Simmons said. The board voted in May 2012 to close Parkview. It voted in the fall to transfer its students to Delta or Mountain — also a vocational school — until the new school opens. Most of the students are choosing Delta.

'Things become politicized'

As for any potential politics in the issue, “things become more politicized” in election years, he said.

“I have to make sure that I stay focused on what’s important for the kids and what’s important for the families, and what’s important for the staff.”

Research shows that inclusive schools are better for students with special needs, who will have to deal with a diverse population when they graduate, Simmons said.

The board is dealing with each individual family on what they need, Malloy said. Parkview’s attendance and graduation rates are lower than the board wants, which shows that the vocational school model “it hasn’t been successful for a large percentage of students.”

Malloy said he’s not puzzled by the timing of the movement.

Students are 'the most vulnerable'

“Change is very challenging and I understand the parents’ concerns that they want their child safe and they want their children to be successful. There’s a fear that it’s not going to happen.”

The ideal, St. Jacques said, is to see the issue resurface at the board table. These students are “the most vulnerable,” she said. “They’re the ones who haven’t been able to speak for themselves.”

What was supposed to be a two-year transition for the students has been shortened to months. The board needs to demolish the Parkview and King George buildings by next year to build the new high school.

St. Jacques fears the board is rushing.

“We just need a small extension until we can figure something out for these kids,” she said. “If we slowed it all down just a hair, everything would be smooth sailing.”


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"White Ninja Storm" & The Weekend

Hey Folks,
As a Meteorologist, today was frustrating. It's days like this, I have to remind myself that one of the main reasons I moved to Newfoundland and Labrador was indeed, the crazy Weather! And today, that unpredictable beast, that is the Weather here in Newfoundland and Labrador, showed us all what's it capable of. When you're on a rock in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, I suppose, you have to expect the unexpected. However, in these days of improving technology and forecast models, days like this... really seem to catch us off guard.
Now, it's not like we had no idea it was coming. Last night, based on the main, go to forecast models (the Canadian, the American & the European) 5-10 cm looked like a very safe bet with winds 40-60 km/h. But sometimes, the forecast models are wrong, especially in situations like this one... with a newly forming and quick developing system.

So instead of tracking South of the Island like forecast, our rapidly intensifying Low tracked 100-150 km further North... right over the Avalon. As result, we were right into the meat and potatoes of this Storm, which was also stronger than forecast. 14 cm fell in just 3 hours... 20 cm in 6 hours... 21 cm total. Wind Gusts were clocked between 70 and 80 km/h across the Avalon. It was an quick but intense Snow Storm.
Full credit to @thefutureyousee on Twitter, who named this storm perfectly... because it really was a White Ninja Storm.

Here's hoping there's only 1, "White Ninja" this Winter.
An Alberta Clipper moving in Wednesday night into Thursday is still expected to bring generally.... yes that magic number of 5-10 cm. I don't think we're going to see any surprises with this one, as it passes just South of the Island. Right now it looks like accumulating Snow from Stephenville to Terra Nova and areas South.

Forecast models are tracking this Clipper system just a bit further North this morning. As a result, the Southern Avalon is now at the risk of seeing near 15 cm of Snow. Environment Canada has issued a Special Weather Statement for the Southern Avalon.

I still think we're looking at 5-10 cm for the Northern Avalon, & St. John's Metro. However the afternoon forecast model runs should have the best guidance yet. The very latest, tonight on Here & Now and I'll be updating the Live Blog later on as well.

There are still a few question marks surrounding a potential Nor'easter for Eastern Newfoundland on Friday night into Saturday. Forecast models all agree, this system is going to spin up into a Powerhouse Nor'easter Storm...

The big question here of course... is how close this system will track to the Island. A track close enough to the Avalon... and this system will certainly have the potential to be a big 24-36 hour Storm which could drop some serious 30+ cm amounts. That happens to be the European model's idea tonight, in fact. However, there's also a chance it stays East like the GFS (above) is hinting at tonight... only dropping 5-10 cm.
As always, stay tuned...

View all posts »


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Soap Chat with Melody Thomas Scott

We were thrilled that our friend, and star of The Young and the Restless, Melody Thomas Scott stopped by to chat with us! Press play to find out how she stays looking so lovely, and what could possibly be next for her iconic character Nikki Newman.

Video: 'The Young and the Restless' Star Melody Thomas Scott Talks Her Role and the Show

Also on CBC


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Frantic as a cardiograph scratching out the lines, Day 109: The Unknown #2

by  in Comic News Comment
Frantic as a cardiograph scratching out the lines, Day 109: <i>The Unknown</i> #2

Every day this year, I will be examining the first pages of random comics. This month I will be doing theme weeks (more or less), with each week devoted to a single writer. This quasi-week: Mark Waid. Today’s page is from The Unknown #2, which was published by Boom! Studios and is cover dated June 2009. Enjoy!

In 2007, Waid became Editor-in-Chief of Boom! Studios, and he began doing more work for them. The Unknown is a result of his connection with Boom! It’s about a young woman named Cat Allingham, a super-duper detective, who has learned that she only has six months to live. She hires a new assistant and takes an unusual case, and that’s the basic situation as the second issue begins. So what do we learn from this page?

Well, there’s a box. That much we know. There may or may not have been a human being inside the box. The two gentlemen are called Karl and Ludo Faderbauer, and they hired Cat to find this box, which has vanished. Apparently they were doing something weird and physics-ey, mainly because of the way Cat talks to them in panel 3. Waid gives us Cat’s last name and her assistant’s last name – Doyle – but a new reader wouldn’t know their first names yet. The scientists are convinced the box was teleported, but Cat’s not sure. That’s not a bad bunch of stuff to know from the first page. We also can figure out that Cat is in charge, as she gives orders to Doyle, but he’s pretty valuable, as she wants him to watch the two men as they talk. It’s clear just from this page that Cat is the smart one, but she still appreciates Doyle’s skills.

All eight issues of The Unknown and its sequel were drawn by Minck Oosterveer, a Dutch artist I was unfamiliar with before this series and who unfortunately died fairly young last September (he was 50). Oosterveer’s art is slightly exotic and very strong, and while he doesn’t get a chance to cut loose too much on this page, he does a nice job establishing the scene. Doyle is a big dude, Cat is somewhat Bohemian (she wears a red scarf, a short jacket with long sleeves, and she enjoys wearing shirts a bit too small for her), which is an interesting look. The Faderbauers are freaky, with their long white hair and red-lensed goggles. In the first panel, Doyle directs our eyes first to the inside of the vault from which the box disappeared and then onward to Cat. In the second panel, his eyes lead us to Cat and thence to the Faderbauers – you’ll note it’s pretty much a straight line from Doyle’s eyes to Cat’s head to the Faderbauers. The scientist in the third panel is taller than Cat, but Oosterveer gives her an insouciant look that shows she’s unimpressed. Finally, the characters in the fourth panel form a nice V that loops our eyes from Cat to the Faderbauers to Doyle. The design of the page is well done even if the action isn’t all that exciting. Oosterveer is colored by Fellipe Martins, who gives this an unusual sheen that makes the book look, for lack of a better word, “European” – the colors are a bit muted, there’s a lot of black, and the Faderbauers, nicely enough, look a bit artificial. The colors are muted throughout the book, but it works in the murky world through which Cat moves.

Waid does a very nice job in this series, and Oosterveer’s work is excellent. I don’t know if this first page draws in a new reader, but I can testify that both series are well worth seeking out!

(I don’t know how accurate the Internet is, but “Fader” means “banal” or “trite” while “bauer” is, among other things, a churl or rude person. I wonder if Waid had any idea about that when he named the scientists. Who knows?)

Next: A new writer, one of my favorites. Considering that many of you voted for him, he must be yours, too! See who it is tomorrow. I do know he hasn’t shown up in the archives yet!


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Fully redesigned. Featuring CBSN, 24/7 live news. Get the App

Katy Perry On Religion & Her Parents' Past

Katy Perry opens up to Katie Couric about her evolution into a pop music powerhouse, whose irreverently rebellious songs have stirred a little controversy on their way to the top of the charts during an interview for Couric's "All Access Grammy Special," airing on CBS Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2009, at 9 p.m.
Katy Perry may be known for her wild stage outfits and bi-curious ode to sexual experimentation, but it's her parents, she explains to Katie Couric, who may be the real wild ones.

"My parents have stories. They probably have better stories than I do," she says in an interview on Katie Couric's "All Access" Grammy Special, to be broadcast Wednesday, Feb. 4 (9:00-10:00 PM, ET/PT) on CBS.

The daughter of travelling ministers, Perry reveals that despite their devout Evangelical beliefs, her parents have a past that's more rock star than religious - her mother dated rock legend Jimi Hendrix and her father hung around with 60's counterculture icon, Timothy Leary.

"He was part of the Strawberry Fields Forever," Perry says about her father. "[But] they found God, you know? They needed to find God. Not that they needed to find God, God found them, really."

Perry visits a New York City church with Couric, where she explains her religious upbringing, which included the Pentecostal practice of speaking in tongues. "You know, there was a movie or a documentary called 'Jesus Camp,'" Perry tells Couric, "and I watched it and I was like, 'Oh my Gosh, I didn't know they had behind-the-scenes footage of my childhood!'"

Now the girl who grew up listening to the soundtracks of films such as "Sister Act" - 1 and 2 - and "The Preacher's Wife," is nominated for Best Pop Vocalist for her controversial chart-topper, "I Kissed a Girl." And her parents couldn't be prouder.

"They may not be singing along with everything," she says, "but they are very happy."

"All Access" will also feature Couric's interviews with Justin Timberlake, Lil' Wayne and Taylor Swift and appearances by the Jonas Brothers, Carrie Underwood, John Legend, Ne-Yo, Metallica and many more.


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Russia: We Won't Deploy Missiles, Either

A launcher of short-range Iskander missile rides in a column of Russian military vehicles, during a rehearsal for the Victory Day military parade in downtown Moscow, in this April 29, 2008 file photo.
AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko
Russia will scrap a plan to deploy missiles near Poland because the U.S. no longer wants to place a missile-defense system in Eastern Europe, a Russian deputy defense minister said Saturday.

Vladimir Popovkin told Ekho Moskvy radio that President Obama's move has made the deployment of Iskander short-range missiles in the Kaliningrad region unnecessary.

"Reason has prevailed over ambitions," Popovkin said. "Naturally, we will cancel countermeasures which Russia has planned in response."

Popovkin's statement was the most explicit declaration yet of Russia's intention to scrap the plan after President Barack Obama's decision, announced Thursday, to halt Eastern European missile defense.

Popovkin later added, however, that the final decision on the subject can only be made by Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, Russian news agencies reported. Medvedev hasn't yet spoken on the issue.

Russia staunchly opposed the plan by the former administration of President George W. Bush to deploy 10 missile interceptors in Poland and a related radar in the Czech Republic and said if the project went ahead it would respond by deploying the Iskander missiles in its westernmost Baltic Sea region.

Mr. Obama's decision to scrap the plan was based largely on a new U.S. intelligence assessment that Iran's effort to build a nuclear-capable long-range missile would take three to five years longer than originally thought, U.S. officials said. The new U.S. missile-defense plan would rely on a network of sensors and interceptor missiles based at sea, on land and in the air as a bulwark against Iranian short- and medium-range missiles.

Medvedev hailed President Obama's decision as a "responsible move," but Russian officials have given no indication yet that Moscow could edge closer to the U.S. stance on Iran. Washington is counting on Moscow to help raise pressure on Tehran over its nuclear program.

President Obama is to meet with Medvedev at the United Nations and the Group of 20 economic summit in the coming week.

Medvedev's predecessor and mentor, Vladimir Putin, who is widely believed to be continuing to call the shots as Russia's prime minister, also praised Obama's decision but challenged the U.S. to do more by canceling Cold War-era restrictions on trade with Russia and facilitating Moscow's entry into the World Trade Organization.

It has remained unclear what behind-the-scenes talks went on between Moscow and Washington before President Obama's announcement. Russian officials said they had made no concessions in return.

Medvedev foreign policy adviser Sergei Prikhodko said Friday the move would require the Kremlin to "attentively consider new possibilities opening up for cooperation and interaction," but gave no indication what compromises Moscow could make.
By Associated Press Writer Vladimir Isachenkov