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|7 years ago :: Sep 07, 2011 - 11:46AM #11
The Episcopal News Service (and, no, I don't just hype faith-based publications :-) is reporting on the degree to which churches in the area are partnering to gather household and personal items for people displaced by the fire.
One clergy person lost her home; apparently the lost-house count is rising by the hour. There are also fears of the fire spreading into the downtown area of Bastrop. There is the very real fear that one of our Beliefnet members will lose his home.
Episcopal Bishop Andy Doyle says the Diocese of Texas is mobilizing to offer aid in dozens of ways. "Our folks are under a lot of stress out there, across the diocese," he said. "Anything they need, we are looking for ways to help them." A diocesan communications officer agreed: "We always have fires, but this is the worst it's ever been, I think," he said in an interview yesterday.
Several congregations have converted parish halls into temporary storage for personal items and furniture for people displaced by the fires, and even shelters for those who've lost their homes.
In Austin, one church reports being overwhelmed with donations for fire victims: the church is filling up its parish hall with donations of all sorts—furniture, household goods, clothing, nonperishable foods and toiletries—and will transport those to local distribution centers.
More at the linked article, above. It's great to see the community coming together.
Merope | Beliefnet Community Manager
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|7 years ago :: Sep 07, 2011 - 1:01PM #12
It doesn't help that Perry cut the firefighting budget by 75 percent this year. Funny, then, that he's going to seek federal aid, isn't it?
On the other hand, maybe now he can hire minimum-wage immigrants to fill the ranks of firefighters.
Texas cut fire department funding by 75 percent this year
Under Gov. Rick Perry (R) this year, Texas slashed state funding for the volunteer fire departments that protect most of the state from wildfires like the ones that have recently destroyed more than 700 homes.
Volunteer departments that were already facing financial strain were slated to have their funding cut from $30 million to $7 million, according to KVUE.
The majority of Texas is protected by volunteer fire departments. There are 879 volunteer fire departments in Texas and only 114 paid fire departments. Another 187 departments are a combination of volunteer and paid.
For that reason, aid from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) could be more important than ever to the state where wildfires have recently been raging.
At a press conference Monday, Perry promised to seek federal disaster relief and said that FEMA would be in the state by Wednesday.
1. Extremists think that thinking means agreeing with them.
2. There are three sides to every story: your side, my side, and the truth.
3. God is the original nothingness of the universe.
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|7 years ago :: Sep 07, 2011 - 3:29PM #13
Thoughts and prayers for all affected by these terrible events.
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|7 years ago :: Sep 07, 2011 - 3:56PM #14
Glad you linked that story for us, Merope.
That's one thing that is a real benefit about living in the Plains States. People still largely have that homesteader attitude about looking out for each other and helping generously when disaster strikes neighbors.
That's not to say that people elsewhere are uncharitable in catastrophes, but rural people in the Central U.S. in particular still make it a point to get to know their neighbors and to be willing to help as needed. Maybe I'm just fanciful, but I like to think that their doing so is a legacy from the days when being a good neighbor was essential for homesteaders' survival.
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|7 years ago :: Sep 07, 2011 - 4:31PM #15
For those who have faith, no explanation is neccessary.
For those who have no faith, no explanation is possible.
St. Thomas Aquinas
If one turns his ear from hearing the Law, even his prayer is an abomination. Proverbs 28:9
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|7 years ago :: Sep 07, 2011 - 6:29PM #16
Why am I not surprised that Perry decided to cut volunteer fire department funds so drastically?
Nevermind, I guess, that volunteer departments are literally all many Texas communities have for fighting more ordinary home and business fires.
Guess Perry wants to encouarage insurers' raising premiums and cancelling policies thereby assuring that they'll increase their profits.
I swear Texas hasn't had a competent governor since the late Ann Richards.
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|7 years ago :: Sep 07, 2011 - 9:01PM #17
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|7 years ago :: Sep 07, 2011 - 9:16PM #18
Some of you may have noticed my absence since Sunday. One of my daughter lives 8 miles east outside of Bastrop, and was in one of the first area to be evacuated. She, her husband and my grand-son got out safely, but still do not know about their homestead. They live in the Lost Pines of Texas. As you might imagine a pine forest in this drought is just a fire waiting to happen.
I was born in Bastrop County in the town of Smithville which is the direction the fires have been heading, and I have other relatives in Bastrop and Smithville. My family has lived in this part of Texas since the 1850's so living there is not something new to my family. Yes, there is growth, but then there is growth in many areas of this state.
There is a map and a list of homes which officials know have been destroyed, but the list is not complete, so our family waits for news. We are grateful our children and family are safe. That is what is more important than anything, their lives. The fire has claim two men in different areas, so it has become a killer. It is the largest fires in the history of Texas. There were fires all over Texas this week-end with the exception of west Texas with one in the panhandle.
While some states are flooding Texas is in a serious drought all over. Nature cannot be controlled is the bottom line I do believe.
My mother recently told me about a cedar tree which self ignited due to the heat and type of tree. She also lives down south 20 miles from Smithville. I had never heard of this happening. We have been dealing with over 100 degree days in the Dallas Fort Worth area all summer. Finally a cool front has moved in and we are only in the 90s, but the weather forecast is calling for the 100s to come back.
I just came on to check my messages which had been backing up since Sunday. It is hard to focus on moderation when I have concerns about my family. I have been on the computer with Twitter and Facebook open pretty much non stop since Sunday. After a serious lack of sleep I did sleep 10 hours last night and awoke at almost noon. Who says the body can't catch up on lost sleep? Mine doesn't know that and finally it said enough.
Please hold good thoughts for those in the fire areas, and if you pray say a prayer for all those who have lost their entire world as so many only had a very short time to get out of their homes. Just imagine you have 5 minutes to leave, what would you grab for to take with you?
My heart is heavy for those who have lost so much and grateful the loss of lives has been so few.
Peace on Earth,
Love one another,
Beliefnet Community Wide Moderator ~ Peace Love Stardove
People change for two main reasons: either their minds have been opened or their hearts have been broken.
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|7 years ago :: Sep 07, 2011 - 9:18PM #19
I also heard the governor has cut and run to be in the debates tonight. This after saying "lives are on the line"... right Gov.
I am seriously rolling my eyes!!!
Beliefnet Community Wide Moderator ~ Peace Love Stardove
People change for two main reasons: either their minds have been opened or their hearts have been broken.
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|7 years ago :: Sep 08, 2011 - 12:44AM #20
Thank you so much for checking in here. I've been worried about you because I know you live in Texas, but it's such a big state that I was hoping you weren't anywhere near the fires.
I send prayers and well wishes for you, your family and friends, and your homes...
-- Claudia
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The Arizona Cardinals will be playing with a weakened roster Sunday and with one player carrying a heavy heart.
Earlier this week the Cardinals notably had 16 players on their injury report as they began preparations for Sunday's game against the Dolphins. Then things got worse:
Running back Beanie Wells, a vital part of what Arizona's running game, was placed on injured reserve. The Cardinals had been 7-3 in games Wells carried the football at least 17 times.
Friday's injury report showed fewer injuries but some of the players listed are significant. Defensive tackle Darnell Dockett is doubtful with a hamstring injury. Tight end Todd Heap is doubtful with a knee injury.
Strong safety Adrian Wilson (ankle/groin) leads a list of six players who are questionable. This team is hurting.
In more ways than one.
Last night running back Alfonso Smith left the team so that he could attend his mother's funeral in California today. Smith rejoined the team this week after Wells was placed on IR. He tweeted that he will fly to the funeral and return in time for Sunday's game.
Regardless is expected to appear in a backup role and on special teams.

subset: commoncrawl


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Robert Pires says Andres Iniesta is Barcelona's best player and not Lionel Messi.
The Spain midfielder has finished in second and third place behind the Argentine in the race for the Ballon d'Or in 2010 and 2013.
And while both players have played influential roles in firing the Blaugrana to the top of La Liga this season, Pires has singled out Iniesta for special praise.
"For me, Iniesta is the best player at Barca," Pires told La Xarxa Radio. "We always talk about Messi, but without Iniesta Barcelona are a different team.
"He is the master of the team. He is the one who sets the pace for the whole team. He plays very easy."
The former France international also spoke kindly of former team-mate Cesc Fabregas, who has been in fine form at Camp Nou after a difficult start to the season.
"For me, the success of Cesc has been no surprise. He is doing every well and is a fixture in the side, and has been scoring a few goals."


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Nessa 9 years ago on 02/28/09
Maybe there's a thread like this already, if so, oops.
I had a dream the other day where I was just walking around downtown NYC and Dia came up to me and started screaming at me, spitting on my face in verbal rage. But nothing she said made any sense at all.
So I'm like, "Dude, Dia, words are coming out of your mouth but they make no sense, what is wrong?"
She continues on screaming and I am beyond flabbergasted. She starts pointing at shit and screaming and I tell her again that I don't understand her. She fucking explodes. All over me. It was like the dino in Jurassic Park who sneezes on the little girl, it was so gross. When I look back up to the street Tim Gunn comes up to me with a little tissue and dabs me. He says, "Awww, well that is terrible. India does that sometimes, you may need a double shower hun." Then Tim Gunn drops the tissue in disgust and asks me, "Where's Andre?"
WTF. Are you going to be on Project Runway or some shit Dia?
Horse's Ass 9 years ago on 02/28/09
Equipped: Devo Hat named "I wanna be your time bomb, baby!"
we use to have a thread about "Dreams about Xantar" which became more open ended at the end about dreams with any OBers.
Noi made it a while back I think. I couldn't find it.
TheVegetarianZombie 9 years ago on 02/28/09
Equipped: Konoha Ninja Forehead Protector named "I really hope they don't make me an ANBU..."
Creepy Stalker huants all my dreams
Moderator Pete Says:
momomomocide 9 years ago on 02/28/09
Equipped: Gloomy Bear Plushie named "FACE-NOM-NOM-NOM"
I've had 2 dreams about Tom Weiser since joining OB. I think I posted about both of them in the Thunderdome because I was so bummed that the world is not more like in my dreams.
Walter! 9 years ago on 02/28/09
Equipped: Apple named "Orange you glad I didn't say banana?"
I only dream about Xantar.
Laurette 9 years ago on 02/28/09
Equipped: Your very own cow named "Hardington Edgewood Graves III"
I had a dream that Gavin got mad at me and cut my hair all wonky. When I got upset at him though, he felt bad and told me he'd take me to get it fixed by someone.
Bad Wolf 9 years ago on 02/28/09
Equipped: Mario Plushie named "It's a'me, HobbitGuy!!! WOO HOO!!!!"
I had a dream where John told me I couldn't date Hero anymore because my membership had expired. I was like, "What the hell? I'm a lifetime member?", and he was like, "No, the membership for dating him!". Since it was a dream, everything of course makes sense even if it doesn't, so I was like, "Oh, well how much?" , and he was like, "You can't afford it", and walked off. I was really pissed off at him, and then I started crying. Then Xantar came, and he was like, "U mad?" and I nodded, so then we went off somewhere and drank lots and lots of booze.
The rest of the dream consisted of continuing to booze with Xantar, Vasha was bellydancing but then turned into some sort of snake coming out of a basket being lured by a flute player, apple being the captain from "I was Kidnapped by Lesbian Pirates from Outer Space", and KitKatBar being nomad's pimp on a street corner. At some point or another Billy was in a fight with three random people, all dressed up as Prince Zuko from Avatar trying to fight for the role. I'm probably missing a LOT more, but I just woke up and have such a hang over right now.
Longest fucking dream EVER.
...Oh, and I had this shit last night, too.
I suppose that these are the sort of dreams I should expect to get what I get when I get drunk off of Korean wine, Sake, beer, and Irish cider.
Horse's Ass 9 years ago on 02/28/09
Equipped: Devo Hat named "I wanna be your time bomb, baby!"
Dream Xantar is a asshole.
Moderator fukkake Says:
Nurse Chapel 9 years ago on 02/28/09
Equipped: Lightsaber named "for trick-or-treating with Logan"
I have a recurring dream in which I'm playing D&D with Hugh Laurie.
last night, Xantar and Ulyth were there as well.
and of course, lots of booze.
mheart 9 years ago on 02/28/09
Equipped: Loose Socks
I had a dream that I was in a city getting shot at and then some of the ATL OB people were like Bri over here!! And then I was running from the dude with the gun and then I woke up.
Um, I have also had some incredibly steamy dreams about particular OBers, although I don't wanna say who! One of those dreams ended with some old ladies chastising us for doing it in public and for throwing my underwear onto a water fountain. Hee!
Major G 9 years ago on 02/28/09
Equipped: Flux Capacitor named "GREAT SCOTT!!"
Weirdly enough, I just had my first last night. Annastasia came on by to visit me and a couple other guys from OB that I can't place right now. Anyway, as we're riding in one of the guys' car, we're just kind of chatting it up about life, but she's wearing some kind of skimpy outfit. Whether it's a nightgown or some kind of schoolgirl outfit, I don't remember exactly. All I do remember is that she wasn't wearing any panties.
Nothing really happened, though.
(s)Aint Chimo 9 years ago on 02/28/09
Equipped: Yummy Ice Cream named "I can make you ice cream We could be a sweet team"
So far I've had dreams with Gavin, Anti, MPsy, piroko_chan, and chenzan in them. I've met everyone IRL except for piroko.
Gavin and I helped make breakfast for a gangload of OBers that were in a crazy huge white kitchen, the only ones I could make out were Anti and MPsy. piroko_chan was riding a bike in a BMX course, and chenzan and I were talking in a pool in a hotel, like at a con.
You people...infecting my dreams...
AngelMeatPie 9 years ago on 02/28/09
Equipped: Ein Plushie named "STFU"
I have had some fucked up dreams with you bitches in them...perhaps I will try to remember them later.
Fflewddur Fflam 9 years ago on 02/28/09
Equipped: Tentacle named "Like I could... Take On The World!"
apple said:
I was going to say the same thing about myself.
Ratnax 9 years ago on 02/28/09
Equipped: Kiss from Cowy~Chan! named "From Argentina having love"
the dreams about xantar thread was my favorite thread whenever I'm about to put a gun in my mouth I just load that shit up.
Moderator mheart Says:
SwingBlade 9 years ago on 02/28/09
Equipped: Poke-ball named "Where I hide my porn."
A couple months ago I dreamed I went on a date with TSRH. I recall the rest of the dream being kinda weird, but the date itself was pretty nice. We went to some Italian place and there were baguettes and we had a very nice time.
fukkake 9 years ago on 02/28/09
Equipped: Cockblast of Vengence named "Crotchfire!"
I did have a dream with Pat/Xantar in it.
Pat was all decked out in his DBZ clubwear and we were supposed to be going for hoagies at a local deli that were "bangin' good". For some reason we had to dress up for it because the hoagies were THAT good. This would be fine except that Kyle/Xeno decided that he was giving up sandwiches and taking up drinking.
Ulyth 9 years ago on 02/28/09
Equipped: Servbots named "The Rost Boys"
I had a dream with Pam in it. For like an hour we were laying in bed watching TV or something. Then she turns to me.
And laughs at my cock.
For the rest of the dream.
Ellouis Heart 9 years ago on 02/28/09
Equipped: Gloomy Bear Plushie named "slut muffin!"
I had a dream that _ was talking to me in his outfit in his latest FOPS.
visuophile 9 years ago on 02/28/09
Equipped: Fire Flower
I had a dream last weekend or something that I was watching movies with Dia and having girlie talk about boys. Never having spoken to her, like, ever, I thought that was weird. I was probably on OB just before going to sleep. Or maybe I subconsciously want to be her best friend? Or something? hmmm...
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Ahhhh?..Christmas! For most of us it?s all about traditions. Jason and I haven?t established many traditions in our family of three because we are fluid like that. The only one really is BBQ ribs on Christmas Eve and this was established early in our marriage due to tiredness of turkey or ham this time of year. However last night, a new tradition was started. ;)
Our sexy friends Ross and Rachel came over last night for dinner and Christmas cheer. Dinner, wine, presents and teasing conversation was the order of the evening. I was patiently waiting for the adult playtime that we were all so desperate to start. The teasing glances and sly touching was all getting to us. I took it up a notch when I stole Ross to go to a nearby friends house to get my daughters new bike. As we were driving there, the desire was becoming more intense. After picking up the bike and heading back to the house, I quickly pulled off the road onto a vacant dirt road, killed the engine and pounced on Ross. My mouth suddenly found itself around his ever growing cock. His beautiful cock was standing so tall it was a pity it had to go to waste. Unfortunately the road I turned off of is very busy, so we didn?t want to draw any unwanted attention. Heading back to the house, I knew the night would end on a happy note.
After getting the kids all snuggled in their beds, the patient waiting began. ?Please let them fall asleep quick? is what we all were thinking. About 15 minutes later and a quick check on the now sleeping kids, I grabbed Rachel?s hands and guided her to the bedroom. As many of you have read in our blogs, we have been with Ross and Rachel many times, but believe it or not, I?ve never had any alone time with Rachel. When we got to the bedroom, we didn?t waste any time? Rachel and I exchanged soft kisses; letting them trail down the neck to the cleavage and back. She gentle removed my top and expertly removed my bra. Now when it comes to being with a woman, I am usually the aggressor. But tonight, Rachel was having none of that.
Rachel gently pushed me back on the bed and raked her fingers gently down my body. Every nerve of mine was on fire and begging for more. She lovingly caressed my body with her soft hands and planted little kisses all over me. Removing my jeans (no underwear, of course), Rachel caressed and kissed her way up my thighs making me groan and ache for more. Damn this girl was good! She teasingly licked with the tip of her tongue on my outside pussy lips; never touching the middle. This was driving me insane and she loved every minute of it. She gets this sexy evil knowing look that would make any person quiver with anticipation. Thoroughly enjoying her delicate touches, it took me completely by surprise when she forcefully used her whole tongue and licked me from my ass upwards and locked on my clit. OMG, I almost orgasmed right then! Knowing she found my spot, she worked her magic tongue all over and around; making me gasp and moan all at the same time.
While I love her fingers pulsing in my wet pussy, I knew she had brought a toy that I absolutely love. Men, here is a gift that keeps on giving; a glass dildo with gradually bigger bulges. I?ve learned to love this glass dildo; it?s an amazing feeling. Rachel warned me that it was cold from being in the car, but I was not prepared for ice. Holy shit the damn thing was cold, yet strangely arousing at the same time. Between the hotness of her mouth and tongue on my clit, and the cold glass dildo pumping in and out of me, it wasn?t long before I was pushed over the edge and screaming aloud. God, I love this girl!
After coming down, I jumped up anxious to bury my face in her sweet pussy. Rachel has a pussy that I could eat for hours. Mmmmm?. I wanted to do to her what she just did to me, so I kissed my way up her thighs, licked all around her swelling clit and then dove in. LOL, she had the same reaction I did; sheer delight. I worked her clit over real well for awhile and sensing her building orgasm, I reached for the glass dildo and gave her what she gave me! After screaming aloud and letting her relax for a minute, I dove at her pussy again. I myself normally can?t stand that because it?s too sensitive, but Rachel loved being pushed over the edge again. With a sly little giggle, I laid my body on top of her and we tasted each others pussy on our lips.
Knowing that Rachel had another toy with her made me get just a bit wetter. I?ve never used a double ended dildo before and was anxious to try. Rachel whipped this extra long dildo out and gave a little giggle. All the while I?m thinking, what have I got myself into. After applying a little lube, she inserted one end into my waiting pussy and inserted the other into hers. We got into a scissor position and started pumping towards each other. Heads thrown back, playing with our own clits as we pumped this pink dildo between us was one of the hotter moments in my life. It was like a porn movie come to life. After riding the pink dildo for awhile, I think it was silently decided that we needed the real deal. I ran into the living room to get our men toys and they were waiting patiently on the couch for us. Ross practically ran at me, tackled me on the bed and went straight for my pussy! As you can well imagine, the rest of the evening was filled with moans, yells, giggles and sexy sounds.
The night was one I?ll definitely remember for a long time to come. It was a very sexy night with very sexy friends. I think Jason and I found a new Christmas tradition. I love having friends like this?..it makes life so much fun!


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Blue Raven offers "Service in a Box" iPod, iPhone repair
Blue Raven has introduced its new Mail-In Service and Repair Kits for the iPod and iPhone. The Kits are designed to offer a flat-rate for iPod and iPhone service and repairs so consumers know the cost up front. Each kit includes a pre-paid shipping label and a box to mail the product to Blue Raven for repair; the company is promising a three-day turnaround on repairs, and will return the device by way of a two-day freight service. In addition, both iPod and iPhone service includes a free battery replacement. "This service greatly simplifies the iPod/iPhone repair process, making it incredibly easy and fast for consumers to repair out-of-warranty iPods and iPhones," said Blue Raven's President Glen Kashgegian. "Blue Raven has been repairing MP3 players, including iPods, since they were first launched, and have the most experience with repairs and spare parts. This service covers everything, short of user abuse, to provide the consumer with essentially a like-new iPod for much less time and money than the alternatives." Three different versions of the Mail-in Service and Repair Kits will be offered, including the iPod Service and Repair Kit for $130, the factory iPod Replacement Battery Kit for $60, and the iPhone Cracked Screen Repair Kit for $130. The iPod repair kits are available now at national retailers; the iPhone kit will be available in January.
Fastmac expands iPod repair program to include iPod classic, nano 3G
Fastmac has expanded its "Just Say No To Crack" iPod rehab service to include Apple's iPod nano (with video) and iPod classic. The program offers repair and replacement of scratched or cracked iPod LCD screens, either as a Do It Yourself (DIY) kit with tools and instructional videos, or via a same-day mail order service provided by Fastmac directly. The service uses only Apple original parts to guarantee quality as well as fit and compatibility. DIY kits for the iPod nano and iPod classic are priced at $50 and $60, respectively, while the 24-hour installation service is available for an additional $40.
Fastmac expands iPod rehab program for 2G iPod nano
Fastmac has expanded its "Just Say No To Crack" iPod rehab service to include Apple's second-generation iPod nano. The program offers repair and replacement of scratched or cracked iPod LCD screens, either as a Do It Yourself (DIY) kit with tools and instructional videos, or via a same-day mail order service provided by Fastmac directly. The DIY kit is priced at $50, while the 24-hour installation service adds an additional $40.
Fastmac expands iPod LCD service for iPod minis
Fastmac has expanded its "Just Say No To Crack" iPod LCD program to include service for iPod minis. The service, which offers same-day iPod LCD screen replacements, is already available for 4G and 5G iPods and iPod nanos. The program offers repair and replacement of scratched or cracked iPod LCD screens, either as a Do It Yourself (DIY) kit with tools and instructional videos, or via a same-day mail service. Fastmac uses only Apple original parts to "guarantee quality as well as fit and compatibility." Prices start at $30.
Fastmac expands iPod LCD repair service
Fastmac has expanded its "Just Say No To Crack" iPod repair service to include same-day LCD display replacements for fourth-generation iPods. Already available for fifth-generation iPods and iPod nanos, the repair service offers replacement of scratched or cracked iPod screens, either as a do-it-yourself kit with tools and instructional videos, or via a $39.95 same-day mail order installation service provided by Fastmac directly. 5G iPod screens cost $49.95, iPod nano screens cost $39.95, and 4G iPod screens cost $29.99.
iPodJuice offers replacement batteries for 5G iPods
iPodJuice has added battery replacement kits for fifth-generation iPods. The company is offering a 550 mAh battery ($24) for 30GB iPod models and an 850 mAh battery ($28) for 60GB and 80GB models. iPodJuice also offers the batteries in complete replacement kits—with an iOpener installation tool, mini screwdriver, and detailed color instructions—for $5 more. You can also send your iPod into iPodJuice to have their technicians perform the battery replacement for as little as $20. In most cases, batteries are replaced the same day that they are received and shipped back to the customer on the following business day, according to the company.
Fastmac announces "Just Say No To Crack" iPod LCD Rehab Program
Fastmac today announced its new "Just Say No To Crack" iPod rehab program featuring same day LCD replacements for iPod 5Gs & nanos. The new program offers repair and replacement of scratched or cracked iPod LCD screens, either as a Do It Yourself (DIY) kit with tools & instructional videos, or via a same day mail order service provided by Fastmac directly. According to Fastmac, the program uses only Apple original parts to guarantee quality, fit and compatibility, and is available now with special introductory pricing that starts at $39.95. Each screen carries a 1-year warranty and a 30-day money back guarantee.
iPodResQ offers repair services for 2G iPod nano
iPodResQ has begun offering its full line of services and repairs for the second-generation iPod nano line. iPodResQ, which offers next-day turnaround and nationwide pickup and delivery, said it carries a full-line of 2G nano repair parts, including batteries and LCD screens. Their service begins with packaging material that is delivered to the customer's doorstep overnight, which is then picked up for overnight delivery back to the iPodResQ service center. iPodResQ will receive the nano, perform a diagnosis the same day, and contact the customer to discuss the repair.
DLO debuts Care Kit for iPods
Digital Lifestyle Outfitters has announced its Care Kit for iPod, a surface restoration and daily cleaning product for iPods. The $30 kit includes three cleaning solutions with separate cloths for heavy scratch removal, fine scratch removal, and daily cleaning. "The DLO Care Kit brings back that like-new look to your iPod," says DLO. "The full 3-step process can restore a heavily-worn or lightly scratched iPod or iPod nano to its previous glory."
Apple posts iPod 'Five Rs Assistant'
Apple has added a new online support service that aims to solve common iPod problems using one of five recommended solutions—Reset, Retry, Restart, Reinstall, or Restore. Called "The Five Rs Assistant," the automated service walks you through the steps to fix an ailing iPod until one of the "Five Rs" works for you. In addition, Apple has also updated its iPod+iTunes Service & Support page.
Newer Technology offers performance battery for 4G iPods
Newer Technology has introduced the NuPower 1350mAh Lithium-Polymer replacement battery for the 40GB fourth-generation iPod and all iPod Photo models. The NuPower 1350mAh is the highest capacity replacement battery ever for the fourth-generation iPod, and delivers up to 150% more run time than the original stock battery. It is priced at $30 and comes with non-abrasive nylon installation tools and free, online step-by-step installation videos.
iFixit offers free iPod disassembly guides, iPod parts
iFixit, a company known for its do-it-yourself Mac computer repair guides, has posted a series of free iPod disassembly guides online. iFixit has also announced a large iPod parts store with over 100 parts and upgrades. iFixit has guides covering first through fifth generation iPods, the iPod mini, the iPod shuffle, and iPod nano.
Sonnet drops prices on replacement iPod batteries
Sonnet Technologies has reduced prices on its line of high-capacity replacement iPod batteries. The company is now offering batteries for first through fourth generation iPods and iPod minis for $20—a reduction of $10 to $20. Each battery "provides significantly longer playtime than the original battery it replaces," and comes packaged with all of the necessary tools to open the iPod case and replace the battery, as well as a CD-ROM with installation instruction videos.
ColorEnvy offers iPod front-panel refurbishing service
ColorEnvy has announced an iPod front-panel refurbishing service. "Do you have a badly scratched front panel, can't watch videos or view your pictures? ColorEnvy can get rid of those nasty scratches on your iPod and make the front panel look like new again," says the company. "ColorEnvy uses the latest technology and newest techniques to apply a flawless finish to your iPods front panel… we will remove the scratches and apply a scratch resistant coating to keep it looking new." The refurbishing service costs $20.
NewerTech Polish Kit restores scratched iPods
Newer Technology has introduced the NewerTech Clean and Polish Kit, which is designed to remove scratches and restore color to used iPods, iBooks, and other plastic computer components. The $18 kit includes a Heavy Scratch Remover solution, Fine Scratch Remover solution, and Plastic Clean and Shine protection polish. A polishing cloth and step-by-step instructions are also included.
"The NewerTech Clean and Polish Kit utilizes advanced chemistry bonds to remove heavy scratches, abrasions, fine marks and delicate cuts from virtually all plastics and acrylic surfaces without unsightly filling," says the company. "The scratch remover elements also restore faded and discolored plastic. A state-of-the-art, Level 3 plastic polish leaves a lustrous shine that resists fogging, repels dust, resists fingerprint marks, and eliminates static."
iPodResQ offers iPod nano battery upgrade service
iPodResQ today announced that it is now offering an iPod nano high-capacity battery upgrade service. The company said it will install a new battery that offers an approximate 10% increase in play time for $64. The service includes a custom "iBox
OWC expert replaces iPod batteries blindfolded
An Other World Computing manager showed off his battery upgrading skills at this year's Macworld Conference and Expo by replacing iPod batteries while blindfolded on the show floor.
"Nobody could come close to topping the standing room only crowds generated by Jamie Dresser, Product Manager and New Product Development," said OWC. "With his eyes completely covered with a seamless blackout blindfold, Dresser took iPods from audience members and went through the intricate technical process of opening the iPod casing without damage, removing the fading manufacture's battery, installing a higher capacity NewerTech NuPower replacement battery, and sealing the casing to a like-new appearance in perfect working order."
'Most-abused iPod Giveaway' to be held at Macworld Expo
Applesauce Polish, which makes a microfinishing product for the iPod, has announced the "Most-Abused iPod Giveaway" as part of its participation at this week's Macworld Expo in San Francisco. Anyone who stops by its booth with an iPod in bad shape will be eligible for the grand prize drawing of a 4GB iPod nano to be held Friday, January 13 in the Apple Specialist Theater in Booth 2225 at 3:30 p.m. Applesauce Polish will also be showing off its Scratch Removal Kit for iPod, which "restores the shine and removes scratches from the plastic front and display, and the metal backing of all iPod models."
PodShop offers new version of iDrops
PodShop is now offering a new version of its iDrops, the all-in-one cleaning, polishing, and scratch removing solution designed for use on the plastic surfaces of Apple's iPod and select Macs. The new iDrops feature improvements throughout the entire product, including updated iDrops solution, bottle, dropper, and label. The iDrops sell for $15. PodShop also announced today that they will be offering free worldwide shipping through December 21st.
Tokyo Apple Store opens iPod Bar
Apple's flagship retail store in Tokyo's Ginza shopping district recently opened up an iPod Bar. Similar to the Genius Bars at Apple Stores, the iPod Bar offers customers iPod help and technical support at a friendly walk-up bar area. Gadget blog Gizmodo has photos of the new iPod Bar and comments: "I imagine the iPod Bar staff are basically logo-t-shirted, restart-button-combination-pushing monkeys, since most common iPod problems (frozen/won't turn on, etc.) can be fixed in this way apart from serious hardware-related problems."


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March 15, 2005
WINTER SPRINGS, Fla. - Yale shot a 315 in the final round of the Peggy Kirk Invitational at the Tuscawilla Country Club and finished in a tie for seventh place with a three-round total of 953. Jessica Shapiro was Yale's medalist. She shot a 73 in the final round to finish with a 230.
Host Rollins College cruised to a 22-stroke victory, topping second-place UNC-Greensboro 901 to 923. Southern Illinois placed third (928), followed by Florida Southern (932), Bradley (942) and Lynn University. Iowa finished tied with the Bulldogs.
Yale's Cindy Shin tied for 17th with a 234, January Romero tied for 23rd (236), Ellie Brophy tied for 41st (243) and Lauren Ressler was 61st (252). Lindsay Hong tied for 36th (241) and finished strong with a 78 in the second and third rounds.


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OutputAttribute Class
Defines the metadata attribute that task authors use to identify task properties that output data from the task.
Assembly: Microsoft.Build.Framework (in Microsoft.Build.Framework.dll)
The MSBuild engine will only allow task properties marked with this attribute to output data from a task. Project authors can only use properties marked with this attribute in the Output element of a project file. All other task properties are treated as inputs to a task.
For more information about using attributes, see Extending Metadata Using Attributes.
The following example shows the code for a task that creates one or more directories.
using System; using System.IO; using System.Security; using System.Collections; using Microsoft.Build.Framework; using Microsoft.Build.Utilities; namespace Microsoft.Build.Tasks { /* * Class: MakeDir * * An MSBuild task that creates one or more directories. * */ public class MakeDir : Task { // The Required attribute indicates the following to MSBuild: // - if the parameter is a scalar type, and it is not supplied, fail the build immediately // - if the parameter is an array type, and it is not supplied, pass in an empty array // In this case the parameter is an array type, so if a project fails to pass in a value for the // Directories parameter, the task will get invoked, but this implementation will do nothing, // because the array will be empty. [Required] // Directories to create. public ITaskItem[] Directories { get { return directories; } set { directories = value; } } // The Output attribute indicates to MSBuild that the value of this property can be gathered after the // task has returned from Execute(), if the project has an <Output> tag under this task's element for // this property. [Output] // A project may need the subset of the inputs that were actually created, so make that available here. public ITaskItem[] DirectoriesCreated { get { return directoriesCreated; } } private ITaskItem[] directories; private ITaskItem[] directoriesCreated; /// <summary> /// Execute is part of the Microsoft.Build.Framework.ITask interface. /// When it's called, any input parameters have already been set on the task's properties. /// It returns true or false to indicate success or failure. /// </summary> public override bool Execute() { ArrayList items = new ArrayList(); foreach (ITaskItem directory in Directories) { // ItemSpec holds the filename or path of an Item if (directory.ItemSpec.Length > 0) { try { // Only log a message if we actually need to create the folder if (!Directory.Exists(directory.ItemSpec)) { Log.LogMessage(MessageImportance.Normal, "Creating directory " + directory.ItemSpec); Directory.CreateDirectory(directory.ItemSpec); } // Add to the list of created directories items.Add(directory); } // If a directory fails to get created, log an error, but proceed with the remaining // directories. catch (Exception ex) { if (ex is IOException || ex is UnauthorizedAccessException || ex is PathTooLongException || ex is DirectoryNotFoundException || ex is SecurityException) { Log.LogError("Error trying to create directory " + directory.ItemSpec + ". " + ex.Message); } else { throw; } } } } // Populate the "DirectoriesCreated" output items. directoriesCreated = (ITaskItem[])items.ToArray(typeof(ITaskItem)); // Log.HasLoggedErrors is true if the task logged any errors -- even if they were logged // from a task's constructor or property setter. As long as this task is written to always log an error // when it fails, we can reliably return HasLoggedErrors. return !Log.HasLoggedErrors; } } }
Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP SP2, Windows XP Media Center Edition, Windows XP Professional x64 Edition, Windows XP Starter Edition, Windows Server 2008 R2, Windows Server 2008, Windows Server 2003, Windows Server 2000 SP4, Windows Millennium Edition, Windows 98
The .NET Framework and .NET Compact Framework do not support all versions of every platform. For a list of the supported versions, see .NET Framework System Requirements.


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How to Change the Air Filter on a Troy-Bilt EdgerLength of clip: 1:17
This video will show you how to replace the air filter on the Troy-Bilt edger. Depending on your model, the instructions in this video may vary slightly. Always be sure to check your operator's manual for detailed instructions.
- Step 1
Remove the spark plug ignition wire.
- Step 2
Open the air filter cover by depressing the tab on the side.
- Step 3
Remove the air filter elements.
- Step 4
Seperate the foam element from the paper element.
- Step 5
Wash the foam element in liquid detergent and water. Allow it to dry thoroughly.
- Step 6
Never use gasoline or low flash-point solvents for cleaning the air cleaner element.
- Step 7
Apply a few drops of clean engine oil to the foam element and squeeze out the excess oil.
- Step 8
Assemble the paper and foam elements.
- Step 9
Insert assembled air filter element.
- Step 10
Close the air cleaner cover.
- Step 11
Reattach the spark plug ignition wire.
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Great tits but holy shit look at the size of that cock! :O
she sucks
Hello Dave coming UK can I fuck Jessica for you
That cock is huge, would love to suck it.
Jessica, slow down!!! A cock is not a jackhammer. Vary your technique. Use both hands. That's a man sized cock, make the most of it.
what a gorgeous fat penis. I would love for him to use my mouth as his cum bucket
Like to see him blow in her mouth or arse fuck her,she needs to do better than that. BORING
beautiful fat cock
definately an awesome cock, think he goes both ways? :)
Wow, great tits you're one lucky man
To her you're an expert and sensual of art the blowjob, you would like to ask a question: if you change your partner, the cumshot change of flavor, color and density?
She is so hot, I accidentally shot every single drop into my face.
Wow that cock is huge, it turns me on and makes me envious at the same time. Would like to fuck that hot babe too.
Bien rica la mamita lastima que su bellesa y su culo le sirve solo para puta yo me como uma igualita a esa solo q mas culona ante todo tienes el culo riquisimo el q te culea no te merece te partiera el culo en su lugar para q dejes de ser puta cabrona
Great sucking you dirty cumslut! :-)
I think I am not the only male who wants to slurp the warm mess.
Nice and spunky, i'd clean it up
you go girl. nice video. please do more of them.
Big Tits, I wolud love to cum on your tits
I love when my man cums on my tits
jessica needs to show hwr face and look at the camera once in a while during blowjob for better impact
Average tits and more hand job than blow job. She went through the motions on this one.
holy shit she looks like my ex too! Exactly
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great cum shot on those smokin hot tits
se ve que es bien caliente, fogosa , pasional mmmm que rico...
Perfect tits, perfect girl for fucking
I want to feel that cock inside my wet pussy !
This is more a handjob than a blowjob..
Wow she looks identical to my Ex...I wouldn't be suprised if it was her haha
at least she does good cum on tits videos, each of her faciel video have baaad ending :P
this girl should do some tit fucking videos, she has amazing boobs
Not bad. But the guy makes the common amateur mistake of going a bit too close with the camera.
More videos please! She is so HOT
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awesome tits. quality head too.
that was actually a nice cock and cumshot too bad she didnt do much to deserve it
She's so fucking hot.
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gwhite73Budding Enthusiast
Content count17
Last visited
About gwhite73
Profile Information
Ford Model
Fiesta Mk7 - 2012 (1.4 tdci 68)
UK/Ireland Location
Mk7 Air Con Stopped Working
gwhite73 replied to gwhite73's topic in Ford Fiesta ClubHi Thanks for replying No I don't think I've ever had it topped up. I agree with you the noise sounded like something was seized. Based on that do you think it's fixable or would I probably need a new compressor? Thanks!
Mk7 Air Con Stopped Working
gwhite73 posted a topic in Ford Fiesta ClubHi I have a 2010 Mk7 1.4 diesel and I was driving on the motorway for about 2 hours yesterday with the air con on. Everything was fine until I got off the motorway and noticed a stange noise. It sounded like a grinding noise. I pulled over and revved the engine and the grinding sound got worse as the revs increased. The noise appeared to be related to the air con as when I switched it off the noise went away, but came back once I switched it on. At this point I noticed I wasn't getting any cold air anymore. I switched the engine off and left it for a while and now the grinding noise seems to have stopped. But when I switch A/C on, the fan comes on but I don't hear the "click" of the compressor coming in, and I don't get any cold air. Does anybody know what could be wrong? People have suggested it needs re-gassing but it sounds more serious than that to me. thanks!
gwhite73 started following Car Starting Prob, Mk7 Air Con Stopped Working, Rust On 3 Year Old Door Frame?!! and and 7 others
Lenny reacted to a post in a topic: Rust On 3 Year Old Door Frame?!!
Rust On 3 Year Old Door Frame?!!
gwhite73 replied to Zippy999's topic in Ford Fiesta ClubHe did name the dealer. You can't work out his play on words?
Quick Clear Windscreen
gwhite73 replied to CheeseMonkey's topic in Ford Fiesta ClubThe heated windscreen is for removing frost from the outside of the windscreen. For condensation on the inside of the windscreen, set the blower all the way to the right so that the AC comes on. The dehumidified air that the AC provides will clear the condensation much faster than without.
New Fiesta 1.0 Start/stop 5 Door Titanium Build Omissions?
gwhite73 replied to BHeart's topic in Ford Fiesta ClubAgreed. I don't think it would be a wise move to go kicking up a fuss with the dealer just because ETIS says it doesn't have a particular feature that is we all know is standard. Wait until the car arrives, check it, and if it's fine, no problem. If it isn't then cross that bridge if and when you come to it.
Mystery Mp3 Tracks
gwhite73 replied to Badger53's topic in Ford Fiesta Clubthis sounds like a wind-up
Spongy Brakes
gwhite73 posted a topic in Ford Fiesta ClubHi I have a 2010(60) 1.4 tdci mk7 and I've noticed that I seem to have to press the brake a lot further before the brakes react than what I do in similar new cars. In fact I test drove a 62 plate b max the other day and my head hit the steering wheel when I braked! The braking effort seems fine it's just that the first half of the pedal seems to do nothing whereas other cars seem to react even if you push the brake pedal a millimeter. I've recently had new pads which hasn't seem to have made any difference. Does anyone know what might be wrong? I've just had a service 3 weeks ago and the cars still under warranty Thanks
Auto Locking Doors?
gwhite73 replied to The Dark Knight's topic in Ford Fiesta ClubNot much help for us guys unfortunately, but it looks as though foreign spec Fiestas do have an auto lock option. At 0:37 the doors are unlocked (the little orange LED is out), but when he drives the car forward and the speed goes up (albeit on axle stands), at 1:29 the doors look like they've locked themselves? I guess there would be completely different modules/software for these cars though, and I suppose there's more hijackings in Mexico.
Mk7 Oil Leak
gwhite73 posted a topic in Ford Fiesta ClubHi i took my 2010 1.4tdci Mk7 in for it's third service recently and was told they had spotted an oil leak. Apparently it's from a washer of some sort, but i've now been told it's in an inaccessible place and they'll need the car for 2-3 days as the "engine needs to be stripped down" Any idea what part they might be referring to? I've not seen any leaks under the car cheers
Fiesta Zetec S Rapid Series Of Clicks Under Bonnet When Turn Off Ignition
gwhite73 replied to Spangles11's topic in Ford Fiesta Clubit only does that if you turn the dial all the way to the demister setting. if you leave it one notch before , you still get air blowing towards the windscreen but the AC doesn't activate.
Fiesta Zetec S Rapid Series Of Clicks Under Bonnet When Turn Off Ignition
gwhite73 replied to Spangles11's topic in Ford Fiesta ClubMine's a 1.4 tdci and does it too -- it's definitely not the metal 'pinging', it sounds in too much of a rapid sequence for that. I think it sounds like relays resetting or something like that http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h73iNUNOhPU Listen to this video, when the guy shuts the engine off you hear the same noise I think it's normal - nothing to do with the AC though as mine has been off for ages edit: video doesn't seem to be working try this youtube.com/watch?v=h73iNUNOhPU
Car Starting Prob
gwhite73 replied to Daniel Peters's topic in Ford Fiesta ClubAlso if you hold the accelerator all the way down it doesn't put any fuel in at all, supposed to be for if the engine was flooded, so it'll never start if you have the accelerator pushed all the way - no fuel is getting in.
Fiesta Mk7 / Mk8? Heaters Poor
gwhite73 replied to j200shx's topic in Ford Fiesta ClubI too notice the same with my 1.4 tdci, I have to have the heat set on maximum and the blowers on at least 2 or 3 to get any sort of decent heating out of it. Perhaps it's the diesels that seem to suffer from this? In my old Mk6 petrol it would be roasting if you had the heat on full. The air con doesn't seem to blow as cold as it did in the Mk6 either...
fingers crossed the re-greasing will fix it for you - eventually i had the steering knuckle where the column goes into the floor replaced, but the problem's fixed anyway.
i have the same problem on my 2010 mk7 too, in my experience ford won't want to do it under warranty as they class it as an "adjustment" and adjustments are only covered for the first 12 months (apparently) and not for the entire 3 year warranty they quoted me £49 to grease the steering column as per the t.s.b. i took the car back to the garage where i bought it (not ford) and got them to grease it instead - this did not fix it. ford have advised them the next step is to replace the steering knuckle at the bottom of the column (where it goes into the floor) and fingers crossed this will fix it. it seems a very common problem with the mk7.


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This encompasses Medano Beach from the centre near Club Cascadas. It takes in the famous 'Lands End' rocks which are the furthust south point of the Baja Peninsula extending down from California. The state is Baja California South, or BCS for short. The climate is very temperate because of its latitude and its location on the west coast. There is very little rainfall.
Cabo San Lucas used to be a sleepy fishing village but that changed at least in part because Bing Crosby built the Hacienda Resort to host his friends, and the Banks off the Pacific coast became famous for its sport fishing - marlin, dorado, sailfish, tuna.
It is now a thriving port of call for many cruise ships plying the West Coast from San Diego and San Francisco south. Airline connections are excellent with direct flights from many places in USA and Canada, and to the mainland of Mexico.


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The next episode of The Tales from Dunwall series is out for Dishonored, this time, focusing on a young boy who gets a visit from the Outsider, the same entity that gives Corvo the powers players will get to use in the game.
Entitled "The Hand that Feeds," this second episode shows how a bullied boy in Dunwall reacts to his new found power. If these webisodes from Psyop are indeed being added to the canon of Dishonored, then Corvo was not the first to get these powers, setting up the possibility of games with different main protagonists if Dishonored turns out to be successful enough to become a franchise.
The first episode was released yesterday and, assuming the timing stays the same, the final short segment should hit tomorrow. Dishonored is scheduled to come out October 9 on PC, Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3.
BOOM video 13902


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15-node-cluster with HHD 8GB RAM and 4 core CPU. During initial loading, I have 1 k "sets" ops/ per sec for each node. Some of the nodes in cluster consume all the CPU resources
Memcached (200%~250%), beam.smp (100%~150%). We only have compaction running, no views, rebalance. It's just a Key-Value load.
I am using couchbase-python-client to do the multi-set loading.
I attach the log from the node which suffers from this issue.


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Next Varsity tournament is at Fairmont High School on Saturday, March 2.
The Mt. Lake Christian Speech Team competed at MSU on Saturday, Feb. 23. They won the competition coming in first place and bringing home the Small School Sweeps Trophy.
Small school is defined as 20 or fewer entries. MLC had 11 entries. As a team, MLC earned eight firsts in preliminary rounds which added to a total team score of 73.
Individual Varsity results:
Davis Harder (Mt. Lake) fourth place prose
Elijah Stoesz (Mt. Lake) fourth place info and fourth place great speeches
Alex Hu (Mt. Lake exchange student from Taiwan) third place info
Caitlyn Smith (St. James) sixth place extemporaneous speaking
James Hamm (St. James) seventh place humor
Individual Novice results:
Josh Raabe (Mt. Lake) third place novice
Also competing were Rachelle Adrian and Ben Mayo.
The Junior High speech team will compete on Thursday, Feb. 28, at St. Peter.
Next Varsity tournament is at Fairmont High School on Saturday, March 2.


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The Prosperity Cemetery Association will hold its 118th Annual Meeting and Decoration Day on Saturday, May 11, at the Prosperity Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church in the Yukon community.
The meeting will start at 11 a.m., followed by a business meeting and the election of officers for the coming year.
Speaker will be Pastor Ed Keith of Behany Presbyterian Church in Elkton and First Presbyterian Church of Petersburg. There will be a potluck lunch after the meeting, and everyone is invited.
Donations for the upkeep of the cemetery will be accepted at that time or can be mailed to Prosperity Cemetery Association, 233 Henry Thompson Road, Taft, TN, 38488.


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Abbeduto receives $2.6 million grant from NIH to study language learning in fragile X
Leonard Abbeduto, director of the UC Davis MIND Institute, has received a more than $3.5 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to conduct an examination of the development of language among individuals with fragile X syndrome, the leading inherited cause of intellectual disability and the foremost single-gene cause of autism spectrum disorder.
Abbeduto will lead the five-year-long multi-site study, which will explore language development in a group of adolescent and young adult males with fragile X syndrome, the factors that affect their language development, and the consequences of language impairments for independent functioning in adulthood.
"Parents often ask what the future may hold for their children with fragile X syndrome. This study will help us answer that question by providing information on language skills and independent functioning in adulthood. The study also should give us clues about treatments and therapies that could improve outcomes for people with fragile X syndrome," said Abbeduto, who also is Tsakopoulos-Vismara Endowed Chair in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences.
Abbeduto is an internationally respected expert on the behavioral growth of individuals with intellectual disabilities, particularly their development and use of language. He is the author of numerous studies on the development of language in children and adolescents with fragile X syndrome. The newly funded research will extend that work into adulthood.
The study will focus on a group of 15- to 22-year-old males with fragile X syndrome. It will explore the effects of behavioral, environmental, and biological factors on development of language among these individuals, as well as how linguistic impairments affect adult outcomes, such as independence and participation in the community. The study also will examine how language development in fragile X differs from that in autism spectrum disorder by collecting data from a comparable group of males with autism.
Study sites for the research will be the UC Davis MIND Institute in Sacramento, Calif.; the Department of Psychology at the University of South Carolina in, Columbia, S.C.; and the New York State Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities in Staten Island, N.Y.
Fragile X syndrome results from a genetic mutation, a trinucleotide (cytosine-guanine-guanine) repeat expansion in a stretch of DNA on the X chromosome. People normally have five to 45 CGG repeats in this region, but the number of CGG repeats can expand beyond normal as the DNA is copied from mother to child. Fragile X syndrome results when the three nucleotides repeat more than 200 times.
The gene involved in fragile X disorders codes for a critical brain protein known as the fragile X mental-retardation protein (FMRP). This protein normally acts as a brake on the production of other proteins associated with learning and memory. When more than 200 CGG repeats are present, the gene for FMRP tends to shut down, resulting in an overproduction of the other proteins. The brain develops too many connections, or synapses, which often are immature and weak.
The resulting cognitive effects range from learning disorders to severe intellectual impairment and often include autism, epilepsy, anxiety disorders and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Affected individuals tend to have associated physical anomalies, including an elongated face, prominent ears and enlarged testicles, as well as connective-tissue abnormalities and mitral-valve prolapse.
Abbeduto became director of the UC Davis MIND Institute in August 2011. He is the recipient of the 2010 Enid and William Rosen Research Award for outstanding contributions to understanding fragile X syndrome from the National Fragile X Foundation. He is a fellow of the American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities and the author of more than 100 research papers, books and book chapters and has made numerous presentations throughout the nation and the world.


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China's ICBC Leasing places order for 50 Airbus A320 Family aircraft
Emerging lessor enhances portfolio with eco-efficient Airbus aircraft
ICBC Financial Leasing Co. Ltd. (ICBC Leasing), has signed an agreement with Airbus for a total of 50 A320 Family aircraft, including 30 A320ceo and 20 A320neo.
The aircraft purchase agreement was signed at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing by Li Xiaopeng, Senior Executive Vice President of ICBC and Chairman of ICBC Leasing, and Fabrice Bregier, President and CEO of Airbus. It was a part of a series of Europe-China agreements signed in the presence of visiting German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao.
"We decided to order more Airbus A320 Family aircraft, not only A320ceo but also A320neo, to enhance our portfolio in anticipation of increasing demand of the aviation markets in China, Asia Pacific region and the world as well. The order indicates that leasing companies are playing a more important role in the aviation sector," said Li Xiaopeng, Senior Executive Vice President of ICBC and Chairman of ICBC Leasing.
"We are delighted to see ICBC Leasing placing another order for the world's best selling single-aisle aircraft. In particular, the order for 20 A320neo makes ICBC Leasing the first Chinese customer for the fastest selling aircraft, which offers a 15 per cent fuel burn reduction. We are proud to support the growth of Chinese leasing companies with our eco-efficient aircraft," added Fabrice Bregier, Airbus President and CEO.
By the end of July 2012, there were over 700 A320 Family aircraft in operation with 15 Chinese airlines.
As of today, more than 8,500 Airbus A320 Family aircraft have been sold and more than 5,100 delivered to over 365 customers and operators worldwide, making it the world's best selling commercial jetliner ever. With proven reliability and extended servicing periods, the A320 Family has the lowest operating costs of any single-aisle aircraft. The A320neo is a new engine option for the A320 Family entering into service from 2015 and incorporates latest generation engines and large "Sharklet" wing tip devices, which together will deliver 15 percent in fuel savings. The A320neo has over 95 percent airframe commonality making it an easy fit into existing fleets while offering up to 500 nautical miles (950 kilometres) more range or two tonnes more payload at a given range.


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Latest Features
NHL Playoff Game Night: 5/4/11 Capitals at Lightning
Better team on ice sweeps best team on paper.
Tampa Bay Wins the Series 4-0
Dwayne Roloson allowed 3 goals on 36 shots for the victory. He gave the Caps a glimmer of hope with a pretty bad goal allowed to Erskine, but the Lightning just weren't losing tonight. Not with the way that the Caps were playing, at least.
First Period
12:37 TB Malone (3), Lecavalier (7), St Louis (7)(PP)
18:30 WSH Sturm (1), Arnott (4), Ovechkin (5)(PP)
Second Period
04:41 TB Bergenheim (6), Moore (5), Downie (9)
12:34 TB Bergenheim (7), Moore (6)
13:40 WSH Erskine (1), unassisted
Third Period
05:07 TB Bergeron (1), Downie (10), Purcell (9)(PP)
16:52 TB St Louis (6), Purcell (10)
17:54 WSH Carlson (2), Laich (6), Arnott (5)
Sean Bergenheim, Dominic Moore, and Steve Downie were the game's three stars. As of this post, Bergenheim (Thor!) is tied for the league lead in playoff goals at 7 along with teammate Martin St. Louis and a couple of others. That guy's motor has been an inspiration to the team all season long.
If I'm not mistaken, this was the first time in the entire playoffs the Lightning actually led a game in shots on goal. Go figure.
If you were to write a textbook on how to rob a really good hockey team of their belief, confidence, and will to fight, you might write 4 chapters of it about this playoff series. By last night, in Game 3, it was pretty clear that the Capitals' team concept was coming unglued at the seams, and tonight they played 60 minutes of turnover riddled, undisciplined, awful hockey. They were surrendering great chances to the Lightning at an alarming clip right from the opening moments of this game, and it became very clear very quickly this was going to be the Lightning's night. Even dead dragging tired against a very talented roster the team that adheres to their system is always going to beat the team that is out there playing like 19 individuals. Always.
With their victory, the Lightning complete a season where they took revenge on every single team in the Southeast Division one-by-one. They swept the Atlanta Thrashers with 6 regular season wins. They doomed the Florida Panthers to the worst record in the Eastern Conference with a late season victory. And, they held the Carolina Hurricanes out of the playoffs with a victory in the last game of the regular season. The only Southeast Division team they hadn't mastered in the regular season was the Washington Capitals, and it looks like they were just saving the worst humiliation for last by sweeping the team that had amassed the best regular season record in the Eastern Conference.
On paper, the Capitals should have won this series and many pundits were picking the Caps to breeze past the Lightning in 5 or 6 games just as they did the New York Rangers. However, in this series, the Lightning had just the right mix of great goaltending, great coaching, and opportunistic goal scoring to plant, cultivate, and harvest the seeds of doubt in the Washington locker room. It was complete, systematic, and thorough, and the end result will be, I suspect, the firing of Bruce Boudreau and a fairly significant shake up of the Capitals roster. Boudreau lost his team because, I suspect, deep down his team knew Boudreau was getting owned by Guy Boucher. He'll never admit it in public and I never expect to ever hear him crow about it, but Boucher had a master plan going into this season and he exposed Boudreau with ruthless precision as an empty 3XL shirt behind the Capitals bench. I'm hard pressed to think of another time when an NHL coach outdid another NHL coach this badly over the course of a series. Wow.
And now, the Lightning will get some richly deserved rest. It's critical. Martin St. Louis looked like he was going to pass out after Game 3 during interviews in the locker room and the team looked gassed during several junctures of tonight's game. Unfortunately, with Boston pulling into a 3-0 lead against Philadelphia, it's looking like the Lightning might only get a few days respite for their effort, unless the Flyers find a pulse very quickly. In any event, at least the Lightning will get a few days off to hopefully get Simon Gagne and Pavel Kubina healthy and ready to go for the next series. The Eastern Conference Finals are going to be a momentous challenge for the Lightning, because although the Caps were the best team in the East on paper, you can be sure the best 2 teams in the East on the ice are going to be squaring off in the next round.
Blair Jones was -1 with 2 shots and 1 hit in 7:09. He earned a little promotion to play some minutes on Vincent Lecavalier's line and drew rave reviews in the few shifts he was out. He's given a tired team some energy and some edge when they needed it. Very good.
Box score and extended statistics from NHL.com.
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A Tap on the Glass - Vol. 48 - The Seduction of Potential
Our organization is in the midst of a "performance review" of people in key positions as we prepare for some upcoming new opportunities, and it reminded me of something that happened during a coaching workshop I attended a couple of years ago. A manager stood up in the session and asked how to handle an underperformer.
While the manager shared in great detail the challenges she was having with a salesperson she hired several months ago, what I noticed was the reaction from the audience! Their heads were nodding up and down in agreement, as if she was sharing not just her story but everyone's story.
She told an all too familiar tale of a new, promising hire with incredible potential who wasn't working out. A candidate with a wonderful resume, great background, stellar references, and a seemingly positive attitude, whose experience seemed to be a perfect complement to the new position.
The manager explained how this promising young superstar became one of her biggest disappointments, frustrations and expense. And it wasn't as if she just called it quits after a few weeks and fired this person. Like most managers, she invested precious time trying to turn the person around. The more time she invested in supporting and training this person, the more her expectations were shattered.
This manager was (in her mind) stuck. She didn't know what to do. The new hire was costing her money, time, selling opportunities and resources.
She ended her story with what sounded like a desperate cry for help, "what should I do?"
The room became very silent. It was clear that all of us, managers and business owners, were gripping the edges of their seats, waiting, anticipating a magnificent piece of brilliance, a solution to this common and painfully eternal dilemma.
The response from the trainer struck a chord in many of us and I still recall it. It was, "Do not be seduced by the ether of potential."
Ok, face it. We are often seduced by the potential we believe we see in others. We see potential in the people and opportunities, all around us. We see potential in our new hires and untapped potential in our veterans. It's hard not to get comfortable with the promise of that potential.
We believe that, if we give them just a little more time, resources, training, attention, they'll finally live up to their potential. We believe our employees when they tell us, "Just give me a few more weeks. I'm about to close in on two big sales. Yes, I know my performance has slipped, but as I told you, those problems that have been distracting me are no longer there."
We think, "Okay, if they really could turn it around that would make my life so much easier. After all, it sure beats the painful and time-consuming process of having to recruit someone new, let alone having to figure out how to cover a territory with no salesperson!"
Ironically, it costs more in time, money, resources, internal conflict and lost sales to keep someone like this on your team. And, you'll have less time to focus on growing your business and on the people who are performing.
That's when it happens. The seduction begins. You begin making decisions based on your emotions, feelings, hopes and unrealistic scenarios, rather than on the facts and what is best for you, the company and frankly, the person in question.
The seduction of potential clouds your better judgment. If you're looking for evidence of this, just glance over at the people on your team today. When dealing with an underperformer, how many times have you thought, "Just one more week. He'll turn it around. I know he can do it. If he just follows the program. Just let him get through this next project. I hope he brings in some new business soon."
I'm as guilty of it as anyone. We have hired people based more on their potential than their achievements and then have tried to develop the potential we see in them. After all, the goal of management is to make your people more valuable. The key here is investing your time in making the right people more valuable. Otherwise, it's a time-consuming and exhausting exercise in futility. We've had our share of failures and success.
Potential is based on something that you have not seen yet nor have evidence to support. Potential resides in the future, and unfortunately you can't build a business on potential. If hiring decisions are based on people's potential, and the candidates haven't been living their potential by the time you meet them, what makes you think they are going to start living it once you hire them?
You may be good at managing your people, but NOBODY is that good.
Either people strive to live their potential each day or they don't. It is what it is.
It's management's responsibility to ensure each person on their team has the systems, tools, resources, training and coaching that allows them to do so.
Hey, I'm all for continued improvement…..BUT, the difference between working off potential and lifelong improvement is this: With potential, you're looking for something that you have not seen yet nor have evidence for. With lifelong improvement, you're working with a known quantity and have the empirical evidence (possibly from past experiences) that supports your belief that turning this person around is truly possible. You have the verification, commitment and evidence that the situation can be made better.
The real problem is, the best managers wind up collapsing potential with possibility. So, I guess what truly seduces you is the potential of possibility.
What's missing for managers is certainty. It's the uncertainty, the unknown, the fear that paralyzes managers who have to decide whether to terminate someone or invest time into turning them around. Managers rely more on their fear based gut reactions than on the facts and those gut reactions sometimes steer you in the wrong direction.
Having certainty and confidence in their people supported by evidence of their capabilities is a healthier, more productive model when creating new possibilities. It's healthier for the company and it's actually healthier for the employee.
I think this is what the trainer referred to as "authentic human potential." The certainty comes from having a defined coaching program. Once you have a structured coaching program that sets expectations and holds people accountable on a daily and weekly basis, you no longer have to decide to retain or terminate them.
Underperformers will make that decision for you, based on the defined set of criteria, goals and measurable action steps they need to take to demonstrate their commitment to their position and to dramatically improve their performance. If everyone is being honest and are confronted with the fact that they're not measuring up, then most necessary changes become amicable.
If you are responsible for hiring, developing, and managing a team, what process do you have in place to leverage their strengths from the time of hire through their first 30, 60, 90, even 120 days? Would having a New Hire Orientation Program for every hire that details the measurable steps to take and the objectives they need to reach during this timeline help you and your team? Wouldn't this simplify your life dramatically? Now that you have a proven process documented, either the new hire is sticking by the program and achieving the expected results, or not. There's no room for you to be seduced by the potential of possibility. There's no probation or need to wait for the year-end performance appraisals. It's something to think about, isn't it?
You can now run your business or manage your team with greater efficiency.
Once these processes are in place, you'll be able to get back to doing what every manager is destined to do in the first place: make your people even more valuable.
Thanks for reading.


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Or: The Tastiest Pre-Owned Analogy You'll Ever Read
We're firmly of the opinion that there's nothing wrong with the pre-owned market, even as publishers can't decide whether to kill off used games with online passes or lick serious retailer rim with pre-order bonuses. The internet is awash with half-hearted analogies likening games to used cars, movies and music to prove their point (we've certainly tortured the odd metaphor ourselves) as pundits desperately wonder what on Earth to compare the evolving games industry to. With next-gen consoles and a digital-only future on the horizon, the issue of whether used games have a place in the new world order has never been a fiercer talking point.
Personally, however, I tend to abide by one simple rule. A tenet to live by, a fundamental truth that explains why, in the grand scheme of things, pre-owned games have every right to exist.
Videogames are not sandwiches.
A sandwich, no matter how delicious it is, has to be literally consumed. You'll engage your maxillofacial muscles, reduce the moist bread and filling into bite-sized chunks, before enjoying the glorious taste sensation and calorific content. Sandwiches have little intrinsic value (beyond a particularly lovely four-level club I still fantasise about to this day), and once you've eaten it, it's gone forever.
Sandwiches therefore don't cost very much, because you have to destroy them to enjoy them. There's no pre-owned sandwich market, because such a thing would be pointless. And unhygienic. Deeply, deeply unhygienic.
As we've already established, however, videogames are not sandwiches. They're not destroyed in the act of consumption, instead, they persist eternally as a work of art with massive intrinsic value. If you buy a boxed game, it's also a physical commodity; a tangible thing that has both real and artistic value even after you've played it. As opposed to a wrapper full of crumbs and bits of picked-out tomato. You wouldn't sell your crusts, but why shouldn't you be able to lend or sell your games to whoever you see fit?
So, sandwiches are out as a decent analogy here. As are, I'm afraid, used cars and movies. They both have their merits, but they're very different markets, and much more established than our young and ever-changing industry. However, there's one form of media that has a lot to teach the publishers of today.
Videogames are not sandwiches. But they have a lot in common with books.
Like games, books don't spontaneously combust after you finish the final chapter, and you certainly don't have to eat them. Once you're done with a novel, you can lend it to a friend or sell it on at a boot sale without ripping out the last hundred pages until the new owner pays $10 to Penguin. Their publishers don't ask you to sign up to a subscription service, create an account or otherwise inconvenience yourself with DRM. After all, it's a work of artistic expression that will last as long as the ink remains unfaded, the same as a physical copy of a game. It's your property, yours to do with as you see fit.
Books also have a successful digital market that mirrors the digitally-downloaded games scene. If you have a Nook or Kindle (for the record, other e-Readers are available), you can pay for a digital copy of a book that's often tethered to an account. Like games, you'll pay for the convenience, and won't mind that you're not receiving a physical copy. But if you decide to buy an actual, physical book, you're buying an object that can later be sold off at a second hand bookshop... or perhaps, given to your kids years down the line. Again, they won't have to pay for an online pass to read it.
The pre-owned market will have to adapt to many changes over the coming years, the switchover to fully-digital future chief amongst them. We're not sure whether used games as we know them actually can survive, and last year's European court ruling muddies the water yet further.
But until we actually have to start putting our games between two slices of bread and scoffing them down with a light smearing of mustard, we're not entirely sure why we shouldn't be able to sell them on. Stop grasping, dear publishers, and actually give us a reason to buy them new instead.
Gosh, but I'm so damn hungry. I should really stop writing articles at lunchtime. Stay tuned next week for "Why Videogames Are Like Brazilian All You Can Eat Steaks" [NO, go have some lunch Jon - Ed].


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Redemption (US - DVD R1 | BD RA)
Lionsgate announces the Blu-ray and DVD release of Jason Statham's latest...
Starring: Jason Statham
Released: 24th September 2013
Further Details:
Lionsgate will be releasing
Redemptionon Blu-ray/UltraViolet and DVD/Ultraviolet combo packs this September 24th. The film is written and directed by Academy Award® nominated writer ( Dirty Pretty Things) and stars Jason Statham. The Blu-ray will feature 1080p, 2.40:1 video and DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 English sound. The DVD will feature anamorphic 2.40:1 video and Dolby Digital 5.1 English sound. The only extra will be a making-of featurette.
Quote: Joey Jones (Statham) comes home from the Afghan war a shattered man. Broke, homeless and lost in a haze of drugs and alcohol, he attempts to piece his life back together with the help of Sister Cristina (Buzek), a nun who works at an inner-city parish. Joey's expert training as a soldier marks him as a valuable asset to the mob and he soon finds himself employed with the dark web of London's criminal underworld. When Joey finds out his girlfriend was brutally murdered by ruthless kingpins he seeks revenge, even if the path promises to destroy him completely.
News by Gabriel Powers
Existing Posts
I saw this via an iTunes rental. It is a good, dramatic, and emotional film with a great performance by Statham. He really shows his range, especially with the romantic plot. The film didn't blow me away, but I would say it's worth a rental. It is very well shot and directed, but the story is not as tight as it could have been. It's got a lot of plot elements weaving through it as the film takes place over like ten months, but I enjoyed it. This is not a bad way to occupy 100 minutes of your time. I do wish the DVD had a little more bonus content to offer. Just something more to entice my purchase. As it is, I'd wait for a discounted price.
Is it any good.....?
I am really looking forward to Fast 7 with Statham, that is gonna be great.
I am really looking forward to Fast 7 with Statham, that is gonna be great.
Well from what I've heard, the term "Hummingbird" is British slang for a grunt in the military. So I guess the studio decided to change it because numerous people either wouldn't get the reference or be turned off altogether by it. It's a shame because "Redemption" is such a generic title.
Eh? Why the name change?
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"If you live outside the UK, the first Adventure Game will be available to purchase in early July," the Beeb notes, promising "We will have more information shortly on release dates and where you can buy them." This decision is most probably due to the fact that the BBC is publicly funded in the UK and often licenses the worldwide rights.
Coming from Broken Sword 4 co-developer Sumo Digital with help from Broken Sword creator Charles Cecil and several of the folks behind the popular sci-fi television show, the four episodes see The Doctor and Amy facing foes including Daleks and Cybermen.
The arrival ahead of its planned June 5 launch is "an almost-final version" released for testing purposes, the BBC told MCV, and "there may be some minor tweaks coming."
Having had a bash myself, I can say it'll leave many gamers griping about shallowness and stealth sections but positively thrill their offspring with its convincing Who flavour.


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WASHINGTON – Congressman Adam Kinzinger (R-Channahon) Wednesday was named Vice-Chair to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs' Subcommittee on Terrorism, Nonproliferation and Trade.
The House Committee on Foreign Affairs, chaired by Congressman Ed Royce (R-CA), considers legislation that impacts the diplomatic community, which includes the Department of State, the Agency for International Development, the Peace Corps, and the United Nations.
The Subcommittee on Terrorism, Nonproliferation and Trade has oversight and legislative jurisdiction over U.S. efforts to manage and coordinate international programs to combat terrorism, as coordinated by the Department of State and other agencies, and efforts to bring international terrorists to justice.
"Now more than ever, it is critical that we remain vigilant in our efforts to protect the United States from those who would cause her harm," said Kinzinger. "The Subcommittee on Terrorism, Nonproliferation and Trade is on the frontline of that battle, and I'm honored to have the opportunity to serve as Vice-Chair."
Congressman Kinzinger represents the 16th District of Illinois and serves on the House Committee on Foreign Affairs and the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. He is a veteran of the United States Air Force and currently serves in the Air National Guard.


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No Charges Resulting From NJ Boy With Gun Photo
Police in southern New Jersey say they are not filing charges against a man who says he believes an online photo of his young son with a rifle led child welfare workers and police to the family's home.
Police in the town of Carneys Point said Wednesday that they went to the home of Shawn Moore with caseworkers last week after getting a tip that his 10-year-old son may have had access to guns and ammunition.
Moore says he believes the response was due to a photo he posted on Facebook of his son Josh holding a .22-caliber rifle that looks like a military-style assault rifle.
Moore says the gun was a gift for the boy's upcoming 11th birthday.
Carneys Point is about 30 miles southwest of Philadelphia.
(Copyright 2013 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)


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"I am still smiling ear to ear from a wonderful Waterfront Park weed-pulling Earth Day event!" writes Marge Gale of Hood River.
"The stars and moons all aligned to make for a perfect day filled with wonderful community members helping to beautify the park and all her many plots.
"I felt like a happy bee buzzing from plot to plot, totally energized by all the smiling faces and hard work happening all around. We had previous adopters mixed with new adopters mixed with high school students, mixed with new folks in town, mixed with folks just out enjoying the park — it was just so lovely!
"I know that we all are busy and have 10 things pulling us in different directions at the same time, so to see those who made the choice to come and love the park and care for the plots, well, that just makes this Adopt-A-Plot gal dang teary and proud and joyful.
"Thanks so much to all who gave their time on Earth Day. I am especially thankful to Nate at Dog River Coffee for the generous coffee donation along with a hearty thanks to Subway for their cookie donation.
"A big shout out of thanks to Kristen and Drew at Humbleroots Nursery in Mosier, 503-449-3694."
Anyone interested in adopting a plot may contact Gale at 541-386-6135 or firstname.lastname@example.com.
On April 19 at 1:30 p.m., Providence Down Manor held a "'90s Celebration" to recognize each of the 38 residents who are 90 years or older.
The residents put on skits, sang and shared stories. They also watched "Steamboat Willie," a 1928 animated film that introduced the world to Mickey Mouse, to reminisce in the "good ol' days."
Author Paula Friedman of Parkdale writes, "As it tends to be, the Hood River/mid-Gorge area was enormously neighborly recently, with the Hood River News, Waucoma Bookstore, the Hood River Library and a wonderful bunch of book-loving friends, neighbors and other readers all providing encouragement and support for my April 1 reading from "'The Rescuer's Path,' my new novel of love, politics and family.
"Also, thanks to the News for the important coverage of the Whistling Ridge appeal, and to Kirby Neumann-Rea for his delightfully informative article on the impending State Street construction and other traffic projects."
Hood River Valley High School is looking for adults interested in sharing information on life beyond high school — with a focus on careers.
The first HRVHS Career Fair will be held May 2, 1-3:30 p.m. in the commons area. Adult volunteers are being sought to provide career insight.
Employers, individual career representatives (doctors, firefighters, nurses, small business owners, engineers, etc.) and trades people (plumbers, beauticians, wind energy technicians, etc.) are encouraged to bring their personal employment knowledge to the students attending the fair.
Career opportunities in the Gorge are the focus. Volunteers will meet students one-on-one during the casual event. Contact Wendy Herman at 541-387-5034, ext. 1, or firstname.lastname@example.com for more information.
Look for a "Connect the Dots" global day of action on climate change on May 5 starting at 9 a.m.
Gorge area residents are invited to join with thousands of communities around the world to "connect the dots" between climate change and extreme weather conditions.
Participants will meet at the park and ride lot in Hood River (Highway 35 and State streets across from China Gorge) at 10 a.m. Those of all ages are welcome. For more information visit climatedots.org.
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The 20th season of children's theatre at ASU will open with Two Dumb Dogs by Edith Weiss. Ferdo and Floof are two not-very-bright-dogs – well, at least to some people. Constantly getting into trouble with their owner Roger, due mainly to their desire to break his rules, the two dogs decide to run away and seek fame and fortune on their own. Charming, adorable, and enchanting!! Ticket prices are $5 in advance and $7 at the door. To order tickets- Call 972-ASU1 or online at tickets.astate.edu Reservations are highly recommended.
Show times:
June 19th - 10am and 2pm
June 20th - 10am and 2pm
June 21th - 10am and 7:30pm
For more information contact Angie Smith at firstname.lastname@example.com or 870-972-2037


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Former All-Star Hideki Okajima will attempt to return to the major leagues with the Oakland Athletics, who signed the Japanese reliever to a minor league contract that includes an invitation to spring training on Tuesday.
Okajima spent five seasons with the Boston Red Sox from 2007-11 and was an integral part of that team's run to the World Series title during his debut campaign in the majors. The left-hander went 3-2 with a 2.22 earned run average and five saves over 66 appearances that year, earning a spot on the American League All-Star squad for his efforts.
The 37-year-old compiled a 17-8 record with a 3.11 ERA over 261 games with the Red Sox, but was released in May of 2011 after struggling in seven outings that year. He signed a minor league deal with the New York Yankees in January of 2012, but failed to make the club in spring training and returned to his native Japan to join the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks.
Okajima also pitched 12 seasons in the Japanese League from 1995-2006 before his tenure with the Red Sox.


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Travis Baker started riding moto for fun at 4 years old. He is third generation racer in his family and he only starting racing at the age of 12 on 80's. He got hit with the moto bug and has raced ever since.
Multi-time Amatuer Champion
2010 Rookie Professional Year
Top American, MX2 MMoto 1 at 2010 USGP


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Franklin & Marshall 5, Swarthmore 4
Franklin & Marshall defeated No. 21 Swarthmore College 5-4 Saturday afternoon in Centennial Conference (CC) men's tennis action. The Diplomats (5-6, 4-1 CC) took two of the three doubles points from the Garnet (9-8, 3-2 CC), while the two sides both captured wins at three singles spots. F&M's No. 4 Nolan Bacchieri overcame a first-set defeat to claim a three-set win over Swarthmore's Max Kaye 4-6, 6-3, 6-2 to seal the F&M victory.
Gettysburg 7, Ursinus 2
Gettysburg won the bottom five singles competitions to close out a 7-2 victory over visiting Ursinus College in Centennial Conference men's tennis action Saturday afternoon. Gettysburg (6-5, 2-3 CC) picked up its second consecutive conference win as senior Mike McLaughlin closed the day with a three-set win over Evan Lord at second singles (6-2, 4-6, 7-5. The victory marked the 75th of McLaughlin's collegiate career, tying him with Brandon Cutter '98 for fourth-place on the program's all-time list behind Joe Mesmer '80 (90 wins), Jim Breck '80 (88), and Wes Bartlett '94 (78).
Johns Hopkins 9, Haverford 0
The Johns Hopkins men's tennis team earned its fourth shutout of the season with a 9-0 win over visiting Haverford Saturday in Centennial Conference action. The Blue Jays are now 9-4 overall and 6-0 in the conference, while the Fords fall to 7-5 on the season and 4-2 in the conference. Senior Jacob Barnaby tied the school record for career conference doubles wins in the match, he now has 26 career doubles wins in Centennial Conference play.
Washington College 8, Dickinson 1
Visiting Washington College won all three doubles matches and the bottom five singles matches to post an 8-1 Centennial Conference men's tennis victory over host Dickinson this afternoon in Carlisle, PA. The Shoremen improved to 6-4 overall and 4-1 in conference play with the win, while the Red Devils fell to 6-6 and 3-3.


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Submission + - China Telco Replaces Cisco Devices over Security Concerns (morningwhistle.com)
hackingbear writes: China Unicom, the country's second largest telecom operator, has replaced Cisco Systems routers in one of the country's most important backbone networks, citing security reasons [due to bugs and vulnerability.) The move came after a congressional report branded Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd. and ZTE Corp. security threats in the United States, citing bugs and vulnerability (rather than actual evidence of spying.) Surprising to us, up to now, Cisco occupies a large market share in China. It accounts for over a 70 percent share of China Telecom's 163 backbone network and over an 80 percent share of China Unicom's 169 backbone network. Let's wait to see who's the winner in this trade war disguised as national security.


text: so i got a single trigger frame and a classic grip and it looks like they were powder coated(from factory?)...i got most of the stuff off but has anyone sent these parts in for ano? the aluminum doesn't look like it was made with higher grade aluminum like the recent frames that ive seen Luke and others make. Or will my only option for these be new powder coating at this point? thanks


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A rematch of the Eastern Conference finals is on tap Tuesday evening, as the New Jersey Devils host the New York Rangers in the first meeting between the clubs this season.
The Devils ousted top-seeded New York in six games last spring to earn a trip to the Stanley Cup Finals, where they were dispatched in six games by Los Angeles. Prior to battling in the playoffs, the Rangers and Devils split six regular-season meetings in 2011-12.
Although they haven't played since Saturday's win in Tampa, the Rangers had a busy off day on Monday. New York traded Mike Rupp to the Minnesota Wild for fellow forwards Darroll Powe and Nick Palmieri and also recalled a pair of players from the club's AHL affiliate.
Rupp, who won a Stanley Cup title with New Jersey in 2003, had no points and 12 penalty minutes in eight games for the Rangers this season. Powe also had no points in eight games with the Wild, but he adds value as a penalty-killer and could be in the lineup for head coach John Tortorella on Tuesday. Palmieri has spent the entire season with Minnesota's AHL affiliate in Houston and he'll be sent to the Rangers' minor league team in Connecticut.
Also on Monday, the Rangers recalled forwards J.T. Miller and Brandon Mashinter from Connecticut while sending winger Benn Ferriero to the AHL club. Miller, the 15th overall pick of the 2011 draft, was the leading scorer for Team USA in its gold-medal run at this year's World Junior Championships and he could make his NHL debut on Tuesday.
The Rangers enter this matchup with the Devils having won three of their last four games. Most recently, the Blueshirts were 3-2 winners over the Lightning on Saturday, as Carl Hagelin's third-period goal proved to be the difference for the visiting club. It was Tampa Bay's first home loss of the season.
Derek Stepan and Rick Nash each scored once, while Taylor Pyatt added a pair of assists for the Rangers. It was just the second goal of the season for Nash, who was acquired over the summer in a blockbuster trade with Columbus.
"It always feels good to score, but mainly it was the win that felt the best," Nash said. "It was a big win."
Martin Biron got the start in place of Henrik Lundqvist and stopped 30 shots to earn the victory. Lundqvist is expected to start on Tuesday and he is 25-11-5 with a 1.79 goals against average in 41 career games against the Devils.
On the injury front, Rangers captain Ryan Callahan is expected to miss a third straight game with a shoulder injury.
The Devils ended a four-game losing streak in their last outing, posting a 3-0 road win over the New York Islanders.
Steve Bernier scored two goals for Jersey and Johan Hedberg made 22 saves for the 22nd shutout of his career.
All three of New Jersey's goals came late in the third period, beginning with Bernier's power-play tally with 3:54 left. Bernier made it 2-0 just 70 seconds later and David Clarkson sealed the win with an empty-netter.
"We're going to have to have contributions from all kinds of different people," Devils head coach Pete DeBoer said. "It's nice to be able to get the win."
Martin Brodeur is expected to be back in net for the Devils on Tuesday. The 40-year-old backstop began the season 3-0, but has yielded a total of 14 goals in going 0-1-2 over his last three outings.
Tuesday's tilt kicks off a three-game homestand at the Prudential Center, where the Devils are 2-0-1 on the season. Jersey has also won three of its last four home games against the Rangers in the regular season. The Devils went 2-1 against New York at the Rock in last year's playoff series.


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IRONMAN History: 1970s
1978 – IRONMAN is Born
During an awards banquet for the Waikiki Swim Club, John Collins, a Naval Officer stationed in Hawai`i, and his wife Judy, began playing with the idea of combining the three toughest endurance races on the island into one race. He decided to issue a challenge to see who the toughest athletes were: swimmers, bikers, or runners. He proposed combining the 2.4-mile Waikiki Rough Water Swim with 112 miles of the Around-Oahu Bike Race and finish with the 26.2-mile Honolulu Marathon Course. On February 18, 1978, 15 competitors, including Collins, came to the shores of Waikiki to take on the first-ever IRONMAN challenge.
1979 – IRONMAN Gets Noticed
A ten page article on the second IRONMAN triathlon, written by Barry McDermott, is featured in Sports Illustrated. This introduced IRONMAN to an incredibly large audience, generating publicity, intrigue and overall curiosity.