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|View Poll Results: Critique of Episode 23
|10 out of 10 : Near Perfect...
|9 out of 10 : Excellent...
|8 out of 10 : Very Good...
|7 out of 10 : Good...
|6 out of 10 : Average...
|5 out of 10 : Below Average...
|4 out of 10 : Poor...
|3 out of 10 : Bad...
|2 out of 10 : Very Bad...
|1 out of 10 : Torturous...
|Voters: 109. You may not vote on this poll
|Thread Tools
|2012-12-09, 02:25
|Link #81
I find the monsters actually darkened the room by their numbers very funny.... C'mon, who ever spread about this quest is a big liar....
But... its a good place to grind and level up... oh.. there is no leveling up here...
|2012-12-09, 02:57
|Link #82
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2004
personally i wouldn't mind seeing kirito own with everyone else watching open mouthed but this is nice too. And gah, what a cliff hanger! I was this close to reading the LN after watching that.. I couldn't help myself after last week's drama and read ahead and I felt i didn't enjoy this ep as much as i probably could have if I saw it fresh.Must.. not.. read ahead.. again…
I didn't realize kirito's shoes are magnetic to stones O.o, he was standing upside down with his wings retracted near the end. lol
|2012-12-09, 03:51
|Link #83
Junior Member
Join Date: Dec 2012
I found this ep very entertaining. Of course the raid didn't turn out as I imagined it would be from the novel, but still pretty good. I'm guessing the Giga Drill and the reused scenes are because they are saving the budget for what's to come.
|2012-12-09, 03:52
|Link #84
Graphic Designer
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Vancouver, British Columbia
Age: 26
Nice nice, not bad at all. Everything felt pretty focused overall and it was enjoyable. Also, I shall give my props to everyone that was involved with the BGM, since that was pretty damn awesome.
|2012-12-09, 03:53
|Link #85
Goat Herder
Join Date: Jun 2008
Age: 30
For that magic attack of Kirito's I noticed that his eyes were colored gold again, just like when he defied SAO's system and took out Heathcliff. I guess that he was transcending the game's rules again--ALO was made from SAO, after all, so presumably the same exploits are still there.
|2012-12-09, 04:00
|Link #86
a random Indonesian otaku
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Xanadu
Age: 26
why everyone give too much expectation about this episode?
I think it's already awesome enough... how long do you think Kirigaya siblings must sulk out and get depressed over this matter?
the way they settle it is good enough... duel... and both of them are intending to lose...
that hug scene (and should be kissing scene but they don't do it!) is really touching....
for Recon, I feel sad for you.... you confess your feeling in worse situation... and your sacrifice didn't really give much impact (but maybe you can win Lyfa's heart slightly by doing that heroic action)
Alicia is here again!!!! (and Sakuya too)
and they really spare enough time to picture that epic battle....
Kirito-Lyfa combi attack.. and finally that combined sword (damn! I prefer dual sword!)
for that door... talk about that cheating head GM... He really never intend to let players to finish the game... make me feel RAGE!
|2012-12-09, 04:09
|Link #87
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2009
Age: 25
The drama and confession felt so forced.
Also the way that characters look i.e. very young adds silliness to the episode.
ALO part of SAO anime turned out much worse than the first part turning the whole series into generic mild-fantasy anime.
|2012-12-09, 04:35
|Link #88
President of TecoT
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Singapore
|2012-12-09, 04:36
|Link #89
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2004
Anyone know if it's the sound director's job do decide which part of Yuki's BGM goes to which scene or is that the music composer's job? Yuki's music is great but effort is still needed to make it shine by placing them in the right locations of the anime, and i think whoever did that in SAO done a brilliant job all throughout.
|2012-12-09, 04:38
|Link #90
President of TecoT
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Singapore
|2012-12-09, 05:23
|Link #92
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2011
I read something interesting recently that some how relates rather well to Suguo. It was a phsycologist that explained the behavior of some recent scandal involved people in the US. He said that it's common that high achivers are risktakers that believe that they are in control of reality as none of their plans has ever failed. This fits in rather well with Suguo as he deffinitly comes up with risky and potentially high profit plans while firmly beliving in his own infalliability.
It's kind of amusing that Suguo, who is in fact a very realistic character as he is far from unique in the real world, is considered by many a cartoon villain. While the villain with a complex background that somehow explains why he has to commit crimes to save his crippled little sister, is far more fictional and just made up as to make it easier for the audience to relate to them. Most people don't have delusions of grandeur and thus find someone like Suguo hard to understand, but that doesn't make him unrealistic, just different from most people.
|2012-12-09, 07:25
|Link #93
Graphic Designer
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: In the distortion of space and time..
I say, by far, this is the BEST episode in the Alfheim Online. I seriously couldn't help but shake with excitement as I saw this. I can't wait for next week! Go Kirito! To Asuna!
|2012-12-09, 07:51
|Link #94
Moe Kyun~!
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Philippines
|2012-12-09, 09:55
|Link #95
Deadpan Rambler
Still, I have a feeling that Asuna is finally demoted to a damsel-in-distress… But at least she didn't forced to move to another castle. (like Super Mario Bros!) Don;t you agree?
|2012-12-09, 12:45
|Link #97
Let's Puppystyle!
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Best Place In The WORLD
Age: 26
So another thing that bothers me:
1) This is the second time Kirito has used someone elses' item.
a) Can you freely pick up other peoples' swords and what not and use it against them/against someone else? Or do you have to be in a PARTY of some sorts in order to "share" weapons like that.
b) If not a party, and you can freely take enemy weapons, is the enemy allowed to do something cheap like "unequip" item from menu? Or is it temporarily blocked due to the enemy taking your sword? And say you get killed, does that mean you lose your highly-valued item? Seems rather dangerous, I'm leaning towards option A to be more on the fair side.
c) Back to point A) and how Kirito got Sugu's sword again, does it disappear when the owner of said item is no longer in the same "lobby"/dungeon as the other party member who is wielding the sword?
I ask because Kirito got Sugu's sword to break through and got to the top, but when he pulled his sword out, it was just his own. I was seriously hoping he'd be able to go double swording to find Asuna, as well as it being a symbolical representation of Sugu supporting him on his way up.
Anyway can't wait for next episode to see how Admins take care of the situation. Really not sure how they're going to cram saving Asuna, getting evil boss-megane-bro to fess up to his evil mind-controlling schemes, and finally, the most important detail:
How the hell are they going to get Asuna to wake up? Was never once stated that just by finding her/evil boss dude, they could actually wake her up. With ALO bound to be closed up to some extent (maybe) if the whole mind-controlling scheme leaks out, when will the next "--O" game come out? I'm sure there will be (in order for Kirito to figure out away to save Asuna), but I wonder if the author will address such an issue, as this is two games in a row that someone has messed with real life humans. (time gap perhaps? poor asuna)
Still hoping Kayaba will make a nice return at some point down the road to aid Kirito in saving Asuna. The man "had things to do".
|2012-12-09, 12:51
|Link #98
Endless Sorceror
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Wisconsin
Guessing here, but I assume that items, including your party members an enemies weapons are meant to be freely manipulateable in the VR environment. So you can toss an ally a sword, or knock an enemies out of his hands.
I'd also assume the items are still bound to each player though, and return after some time if not specifically traded.
|2012-12-09, 13:02
|Link #99
Let's Puppystyle!
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Best Place In The WORLD
Age: 26
By the way, can't help but share this, Yui's scenes are always too cute:
Spoiler for gif for size:
Also, found this hilarious cross-over from Jormungand:
Spoiler for gif for size - Jormungand Crossover:
|2012-12-09, 13:18
|Link #100
U mad?
Join Date: Apr 2012
If the mind controlling scheme comes to light, RECTO will likely go bankrupt like Argus did, and the amount of VRMMO players will decline.
Exactly how did you think of a next '--O' game, where Asuna will be imprisoned (again)?
The reason she is in ALO is because her fiancé is locking her up, in the game his department produced, as to allow no objections to his marriage into the Yuuki family.
If Kirito successfully logs out Asuna, she won't magically transfer into another game without reason, unless another villain we never heard about spontaneously decides to redirect Asuna to his VRMMO game for some grand evil plan, it is very unlikely Asuna will be imprisoned again after the ALO arc.
|Thread Tools


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Makeover Pizza Pasta Salad Recipe
5 4 4
This remake of a recipe cuts the fat in half, reduced the calories and cholesterol by a third and reduce the sodium by a fifth. Yet there's still plenty of flavor in this dish to please your family's palate.—Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Greendale, Wisconsin
Recommended: 67 Healthy Comfort Food Recipes
VERIFIED BY Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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- 8 ounces uncooked spiral pasta
- 1/2 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1/3 cup water
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup red wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper
- 1-1/2 cups halved cherry tomatoes
- 3/4 cup shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese
- 3/4 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup sliced green onions
- 1/2 cup sliced turkey pepperoni (about 1-1/2 ounces)
- Cook pasta according to package directions. In a small saucepan, combine cornstarch and water until smooth. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 1-2 minutes or until thickened. Remove from the heat; stir in the Parmesan cheese, vinegar, oil, oregano, salt, garlic powder and pepper. Drain pasta; rinse in cold water
- In a large bowl, combine the remaining ingredients. Add pasta and dressing; toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. Yield: 7 servings.
Originally published as Makeover Pizza Pasta Salad in Light & Tasty June/July 2003, p16
Reviews forMakeover Pizza Pasta Salad
My Review
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Average Rating
Reviewed May. 13, 2014
"I added chopped red, yellow and orange peppers. My whole family liked this salad."
Reviewed Jan. 13, 2014
"Instead of fresh tomatoes, used canned diced."
Reviewed Mar. 29, 2009
"What a yummy, unique salad! I left out the cheddar cheese and used all mozzarella cheese and it tasted great!~ Theresa"

subset: commoncrawl


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TRAINING: I train twice a day and do strength and conditioning between those training sessions. Depending on the day, I box in the A.M. and wrestle at night. Other days can consist of Muay Thai in the morning and BJJ at night. It always seems like there are not enough hours in the day but I manage to fit everything in. It makes for a busy week! Check out my website ChrisCamozziMMA.com for more training updates, videos and blogs about my camp!
Thoughts on upcoming opponent, Nick Catone? Nick has been out from fighting for a while, but I expect him to come ready. He's a good wrestler and decent boxer, but I think I'm better all around. My wrestling has improved a ton and I think I can take him down if I want or keep it standing. I always try to bring a fast-paced fight, so we will see how he adjusts to that. I'm just looking to put wins on my record and Nick is the next guy I have to beat to do that. I have all the tools on my side and I'm ready to take home one of those bonuses.
When and why did you start training for fighting? I started training at Gumm MMA in the summer of 2005. I had just finished up playing Rugby at Fort Lewis College and I needed something to keep me busy. I wrestled in high school and thought I would give grappling a try. I found out Gumm MMA also offered kickboxing, and as a kid I always wanted to try boxing and since MMA is the modern day boxing I went that route. I started training kickboxing and BJJ with Brad Gumm and never left. I was hooked on it immediately.
What ranks and titles have you held? BJJ purple belt, VFC Middleweight Champ, RMBB Middleweight Champ, Tap or Snap middleweight Champ, Kickdown light heavyweight Champ, EFX Middleweight Champ
Do you have any heroes? I have a lot of idols or people I admire. I regret to say I have not met any heroes other than those serving in the Military.
What does it mean for you to fight in the UFC? It means everything to me. This is a goal I have had since I was a kid watching the original UFC. My friends and I used to rent the tapes and watch all the fights. It is a dream come true and I always said I would do anything to fight in the UFC. I plan on staying here for a long time.
Did you go to college and if so what degree did you earn? I went to Fort Lewis College for a year but lost interest in it.
What was your job before fighting? I have had every crappy job you can think of. I never found anything I enjoyed doing until I got into MMA. Before I got on the show and before I started fighting pro I was a bouncer at some clubs in downtown Denver. A couple years ago I hooked up with the MTX Audio Fight Team and they pay my bills and allow me to pursue this full-time.
Specific accomplishments in pro competition? I still hold 4 of the 5 titles I have won. The 5th title I vacated when I moved to Middleweight.
Favorite Grappling technique: D'arce Choke
Favorite Striking Technique: Knee
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Temps were actually above freezing for most of my run and the sun was shining, so today's run felt rather inviting.
Roads were in much better shape with snow than I had expected. Still, I stuck with a loop that's nearly three miles long in Sanford since it had light traffic and low speed limits. Ran that a few times and headed back to the school. Kept the pace very easy with the goal to get in the miles.
Quads are feeling pretty sore. I'm convinced that's due primarily to running on snow coated roads. That slight skid seems a likely culprit for giving the quads a beat down. Still, nothing bad, but might need to cut back the mileage tomorrow to give them some more rest. Will make that call tomorrow.
Ran 11.5 miles @ 8:13/mile pace.
Paved roads, some patches of slush.
Moderately hilly.
Mid to lower 30s, sunny.
Saucony Kinvara, long tights, windbreaker, short sleeved shirt, beanie, gloves.


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Journal porcupine8's Journal: Slashdot and the Social Sciences 1
Argh. I know that if you are reading this, you are probably some kind of scientist or engineer, if not by trade then at least in mindset.
You are probably not a social scientist. I am. There are not many of us on Slashdot. So please, take a moment and let me explain a bit about our work to you:
It's true, correlation does not imply causation. However, not every SS study is a correlative study. There actually are ways to measure causation. Even ones that don't require a perfectly randomized full experiment, which is very hard to do when dealing with human subjects and nearly impossible to do if you're trying to find out how things work in the real world rather than how they work within a particular laboratory setup. There are many methodological and statistical techniques for piecing apart the likelihood of a correlation pointing to causation.
In addition to that, plenty of studies that do not measure causation don't claim to be. Now, the press release put out by their university might. The random blogger who posted about it might. But that doesn't mean that the authors actually claimed to find causation with methodologies that can only find correlation. Generally, that kind of thing gets mentioned in the peer review process.
So please, the next time you see a psychology/behavioral/education/other social science study on Slashdot, do not automatically cry "Correlation does not imply causation!!" without even reading the paper or understanding their methodologies or what they actually did or did not claim. And REALLY do not use this as your entire justification for declaring the study completely illegitimate. You just sound like a creationist who has wandered into a discussion of evolution and yelled "But what about entropy???"


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I was at otis' house on Friday for a Kathryn Kennedy vertical tasting dinner he threw for a few board members. Not having any KK wines, I brought a white. The 2003 Willi Schaefer Gracher Domprobst Spatlese #10 (TN here). The conversation that night got me thinking about the ageability of the 2003 German vintage.
I won't pretend to know the answer. Only time will tell for sure. However, I do have an opinion and it is that they will age well. Here is the basis for my opinion.
The argument I hear most often to support the claim that the wines won't age is that they lack acidity. Clearly, 2003 was a low acid year; but, lets keep in mind that vintners were allowed for the first time ever to acidify wines. Thus offsetting a bit of this concern.
More importantly though is the misperception that low acid German Riesling will not age. I do not see any historical proof to support this claim. First, there has never been a year like 2003 (at least not in anyone's memory). 2003 had more sun than any vintage in over 100 years. The years 1921, 1947 and 1959 had the next most sunshine; but, 2003 still had about 100 more hours of sun than any of them. Each of those years produced extremely ripe grapes with low acids. Now I have not had wines from any of those years; but, they are all reported to have produced classic wines which aged very well. Another ripe vintage with low acidity was 1976. I have tried some of these wines and they are holding up very well. I do not think there is much dispute over the quality or longevity of the 1976 vintage.
Second, from what I have read, riper vintages which produce wines with higher must weights (like 2003) compensate for lower acidity levels. If a young 2003 is voluminous, rich, balanced and loaded with fruit, my opinion is that it should age and perhaps longer than even some so called classically styled vintages.
Anyone else care to share their opinion?
I've read about many wines in the 2003 vintage having excessive amounts of sulpher dioxide (SO2). Would this affect the ageability of the wines?
I just bumped this thread for you. It has to do with Sulpher among other things.
To answer your question though, I do not think sulpher will disporportionately affect aging. Sulpher has always been present in young German wine. Of course a vintage like 2003 might show more sulpher. However, this sulpher has a historical tendency to subside in the wines as they age. I see no reason why it will not subside in the 2003 wines.
Not to nit pick but it is written sulphur or sulfur, not sulpher.
"There's an awful lot of wine, but there's a lot of awful wine
-Life's too short to drink bad wine!"
The Muller-Catoirs, Donhoffs, JJ Christoffels and JJ Prums will all age fine. Darting over-acidified. I haven't tried enough of any of the other producers to come up with an opinion, but those who knew how to adjust acid levels came out fine and with good agability, imo.
"What contemptible scoundrel stole the cork from my lunch?" -- W.C. Fields
I like SO2.
Well, that explains that C- I received in Chemistry in 10th grade.
Otis opened a bottle of 1976 Weingut Hessisches Winkeler Jesuitengarten Riesling Spätlese from the Rheingau last week and it made my think of this thread. I thought I would repeat some of the comments I made in my TN of that wine in this thread.
This was a very interesting wine to try. not only because it had aged very well and was of good quality; but, also because it had something to say about the 2003 German wines which are still on the market. 1976 was a very hot year with which produced wines marked by low acidity. Although not as hot as 2003 it is very similar. Since 1959, only the 2003 vintage has seen hotter weather than 1976 in Germany. Many pundits have espoused the theory that 2003 wines will not age because of low acidity. My response is to have them try a wine from 1976 (even a wine which is not from one of the top producers like this wine) and see if ripe German wines with low acidity can age or not. They can. As a result I have bought quite a few 2003 German Rieslings without fear that they will fall apart after 10 years. 2003 is a one of a kind vintage which will be talked about for decades to come and I recommend that anyone interested in German wines pick up whatever deals on 2003 wines you can find.
I'm no expert on German riesling, but Clare Valley, which is one of the premier sites for Australian Riesling, is regarded as having a warm to hot climate. The best producers from there have their rieslings last 30+ years in good vintages. Of course for Clare valley the better vintages tend to be cooler rather than hotter.
It was my Uncle George who discovered that alcohol was a food well in advance of modern medical thought. - P. G. Wodehouse
Thanks for the thread VM. Wanted to alert folks that Premier Cru has some INSANELY LOW prices on 03 Christoffels right now. If you have any interest, I'd check it out.
Veni, Vidi, Biberi . . . .
I believe that most of us have already. The Christoffels are now in stock at PC.
I love Willi's wines, my friend turned me on to his wines a few months ago and I can't get enough of them. Haven't had a bad bottle yet, I know this doesn't answer the ? but I just had to say how much I liked them. Cheers!!
Lifes too short to drink bad wine!!
Bumped to answer a question in another thread.
Interesting thoughts here. Count me as one of those who is generally anti-'03.
VM, based on the recent reccomendation you gave me, are you taking the stance that 03's have aged well? To date, I'm king of leaning towards drinking them young-ish and fresh, and I'm not a huge fan of petrol aromas when they dominate.
My opinion that 2003 Rieslings will age very well has not changed. I have tried 5 2003 Germans over the last 2 years and did not detect any sulfur problems in them. The only wine which showed low acid was the Prum Spatlese. Here are my notes:
2003 Müller-Catoir Haardter Herrenletten Riesling Spätlese - Germany, Pfalz (8/11/2012)
Opened before dinner. Light yellow color. Notes of apple and similar quality as before. Moderate sweetness. 92 points.
2003 Dönnhoff Oberhäuser Leistenberg Riesling Kabinett - Germany, Nahe (5/27/2012)
Last bottle. No formal notes. 91 points.
2003 Joh. Jos. Prüm Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Spätlese - Germany, Mosel Saar Ruwer (9/29/2011)
Joh. Jos. Prüm Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Spätlese Vertical (Otis' house): Opened my first bottle of this at Otis' house as part of a vertical. Didn't think this was showing as well as the 1987, 1999, 2001, 2005, 2007 or 2009. It was the sweetest of the group in my opinion but suffered from the low acid that was prevalent in the 2003 vintage. Apple notes. 89 points.
2003 Dönnhoff Norheimer Dellchen Riesling Auslese - Germany, Nahe (9/10/2011)
This bottle was a gift. WA98. Took this bottle to a friends and drank it next to a 2003 Donnhoff Kab. Rich a lush with a lot of depth. The color was starting to get a deeper yellow. Still a very young wine. Notes of chamomile, slate, honey and ripe apples. Full mouth feel. 96 points.
2003 Dönnhoff Oberhäuser Leistenberg Riesling Kabinett - Germany, Nahe (9/10/2011)
Not as fresh as it once was but certainly in it's drinking window. Consistent notes. 90 points.
This is a small sample size. However, as I mentioned to Brashley in another thread, I am planning on opening about a dozen 2003's next year to check on the vintage at 10 years old. I'll have a better idea of how the vintage is doing a year from now.
Did you buy the 2003 Prum Auslese I told you about?
As of today, no. I will grab one next time I'm in that area if they still exist.
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I need your help..
I need your help..
Hey, I'm sorry if you guys have been approached by a million people new to this needing help... but I really have no idea what I'm doing.
I'm 21, currently in college in Oklahoma, and recently got interested in this whole lifestyle. I'd love to get further into it, but since there are so many "experts" today, I don't even know where to turn. I found this website, found a few of you women that have completely inspired me, and decided you were the ones I'd love to get some counsel from, if you'd have me.
I'm 5'1", hover around 132#. I'm on blood pressure medication (which I hate) and thyroid meds. I recently enlisted my cousin to "train" me, but I don't think he understands exactly how serious I am about going for this. We're currently doing 4 sessions a week, one being mainly cardio, stretching and such the rest of the time.
I have the summer (3 months) to make as much progress as possible before I get back into school and schedule gets really difficult. I see a lot here about supplements, but I have no idea what to take or stay away from with my medication.
I've been reading a lot on here lately, and am trying to take it all in, but I still don't understand a lot of it. I don't even exactly know what I'm asking, or what TO ask, other than...
I have no idea what I'm doing, I know nothing about any of this, and I'm incredibly interested in all of it. Anybody that wants to help or give me some advice will be completely appreciated.
First of all, right now you do not need to worry about taking any supplements. Those will come in later, once you have gotten into the roll of things and know what you are doing.
What do you eat every day? Diet is the most important part of making any progress with fat loss or gaining lean muscle. You need to be getting a good ratio of Lean Protein (chicken, beef, egg whites, cottage cheese), Healthy fat (cheese, egg yolks, olive oil, unsweetened coconut, avocado) and Carbs (mostly veggies). You should calculate what your maintenance calories are by looking up a calorie calculator. If you want to maintain your weight/body fat you should eat however many calories will keep you maintaining. If you want to lose some fat you should then subtract 200-500 calories from your maintenance level.
What kind of weight lifting routine you do will depend on what your goals are. Circuits and supersets are good for fat loss as well as full body routines that incorporate compound movements such as squats, deadlifts, clean and press, rows, dips, pull ups, chin ups, push ups, bench.
All you need to know to achieve your goals
You have a timeframe (i.e. 3 months), now you need a SPECIFIC goal (and it needs to be measurable and achievable).
As for supplements, you don't need any right now, not even the basics really (you can start using them once you've been training for a little longer); aside from a multivitamin.
LOSING FAT INFORMATION ©Rosie Chee
Ok, I am going to assume that you know nothing. Please dont take this personally; its just easier for me to explain everything from scratch, if you know what I mean. Hope this all helps you.
LOSING FAT Part 1 (Goals)
The first thing that you need to do, BEFORE you look at diet and exercise, is to set some goals. Look at what you are now, and what you want to be. Your end goal can be WHATEVER you want, because, as long as you give yourself a realistic timeframe to achieve it in, you can achieve ANYTHING that you want! Once you have set your long-term goal, then you need to set smaller goals these are your short-term goals that will help you get there. Goals should be SMART goals.
LOSING FAT Part 2 (Diet)
Losing fat is really easy. The FIRST thing you should look at is your DIET (which I explained to you), since fat loss depends 90%+ on what you put in your mouth and when.
1. First, you need to work out what your MAINTENANCE calories are (There are various methods and equations that you can use to calculate this (there is an estimation method in post #2 at Help determine my calories, but remember that is is only an ESTIMATION and often calculations UNDERestimate Maintenance; most take into account current body mass, height, and activity level). Then, to lose fat, you need to make sure that youre having up to 500 calories LESS than maintenance. Depending on how fast or slow you lose the fat, you can adjust and tweak your calorie intake each week.2. Eat every 2-3 hours after waking. This helps keep the metabolism going throughout the day, as well as keeping insulin levels stable (so, you can see that 3 meals is simply NOT enough, even small portions).
3. EVERY meal should have complex carbohydrates [CHO] (i.e. kumara, rice, oats, etc.), QUALITY LEAN protein (chicken breast, fish, tuna, salmon, lean beef, egg whites, etc.), and FIBROUS CHO (i.e. vegetables, green ones in particular).
4. Drink 4.5 litres of water per day. This will help keep the system clean.
5. It has been proven that TWO servings of DAIRY per day helps lose MORE fat than if one avoids it altogether.
6. Do NOT avoid fat (The only fat she should be avoiding is Saturated fat and Trans fats). You NEED fat in your diet, as fat plays major roles in energy metabolism and other parts of your body (Wardlaw & Hampl, 2007). Make sure to have at least 30 grams of GOOD fats (i.e. flaxseeds or flaxseed oil, fish oils, peanut butter, nuts - especially almonds and walnuts, hempseed oil, olive oil, etc.) per day (i.e. this is ~2 tbsp of flaxseed oil or peanut butter).
7. Dont drink tea or coffee. Try drinking GREEN tea instead; it helps with thermogenesis, and is especially good if you take it one hour before doing cardio first thing in the morning.
8. Dont drink alcohol. Alcohol has NO nutritional value and is full of calories.
9. Minimize adding salt to food. Instead, flavour a meal with herbs and spices (i.e. ginger, cumin, cayenne pepper, curry powder, chilli powder, and garlic all help thermogenesis a bit).
10. The only sugar needed on a regular basis is the NATURAL sugars found in food; these are mostly found in fruit. Too much sugar plays havoc with insulin levels and these should be as stable as possible throughout the day. The best time to be having sugar is straight AFTER a RESISTANCE workout, when the body is trying to replenish muscle glycogen stores (Burke, 2006).
11. Do NOT avoid CHO. You NEED at least 50-100 grams of CHO per day for your body to burn fat effectively. A good guideline is to have at least 1 gram of CHO per kg of body mass per day as a MINIMUM (Burke, 2006).
12. Eat most food as 'natural' as possible. This means fresh fruit and vegetables, meat, grains, etc. Try not to eat too much packaged food, as it is full of extra calories and sugar.
13. Most importantly, remember that it IS OK TO CHEAT every now and then. Actually the body NEEDS cheat meals and day. By throwing all the guidelines I have just mentioned above out of the way and having a day where you eat what you want it helps, and will also help prevent your body from going into starvation mode (where the body battles you to hold onto the fat as much as it can). If you prefer NOT to cheat, then adding in 1-2 higher CALORIE days (i.e. go up to Maintenance, or even Bulking, or even slightly higher), with the extra calories coming from quality COMPLEX CHO, you should be ok.
Supplements should NOT be a big deal, as most fat loss can be done through simply eating the right food at the right time. And unless everything that youre doing is already done to ensure the maximum results in the timeframe that you want to achieve it in, and then supplementation should not be the focus. However, there ARE a few supplements that I think are important to any regime:
1. A multivitamin. (Although you should be eating as much of a variety of food as possible, in order to meet the RDI/AI of most nutrients from actual food).
2. Creatine monohydrate. Creatine helps the body to recover faster, as well as aiding in increasing strength levels and lean body mass [LBM].
3. Flaxseed/Hempseed/Fish Oil. This is the GOOD fats. Flaxseed or Hempseed oil is great with breakfast or in protein shakes.
4. Protein Powder. This just helps for the in-between meals, or after the gym, and to make sure that you get enough protein in (You should be having 1-1.5 grams of protein per pound of body mass per day; this is so that muscle loss is prevented, and can even assist in small gains in LBM).
Apart from these 4 base supplements, you dont need a lot (supplements are just a way for companies to make money. You can do everything without them!). And forget about using fat-burners or thermogenics; they are a waste of time unless you are ALREADY lean and are looking for that extra edge to lose the last 1-2% bodyfat (i.e. like a fitness competitor, etc.)
LOSING FAT Part 3 (Exercise)
You will lose fat by dieting alone, but not as effectively as you would using a calorie controlled diet AND exercise plan. If you just dieted, you would end up as a smaller version of yourself right now. Exercise helps you to build muscle (which helps you to burn more calories and lose more fat in the process), as well as helping you feel good about yourself, and providing a way to distress.
The best exercise programme for losing fat is one that includes weights, cardio (mostly in the form of high intensity stuff), and some flexibility (just to help your joints).
Resistance Training
Since you are a beginner, start off with 2 days per week (and graduate to 3-4 days after 4-6 weeks). I would recommend full-body sessions in a circuit style fashion, as these will not only increase your cardiovascular fitness, but your muscular endurance and strength, and help burn fat faster. Exercises that you should be doing are multijoint, compound exercises, as they use more than one muscle, and are the most effective for not only building muscle, but also in burning fat, because they are recruiting more of your body to perform the exercise than isolation exercises (these are a waste of time unless you are looking for a pump close to competition, really). The best compound exercises that you can do are the squat and the deadlift, as they use pretty much EVERY muscle in your body. Other compound exercises that are good to include are the power clean, bench press, shoulder press, pull-ups, dips, as well as calf raises (the only isolation exercise thats really good). You should never spend longer than 45-50 minutes in total lifting (i.e. your session should take that long from the time you walk in to the time you walk out, excluding if you do a warm-up and this is strictly your own preference); otherwise you become too catabolic and end up losing muscle. You also need to change your weights programme around slightly every 4-6 weeks, just so that your body does not get used to it and stop adapting. This can be as little as changing the order of exercises in a session or the number of sets and/or reps that you do for an exercise (and it only needs to be one exercise changed at a time, small adjustments over the weeks).
Heres a sample circuit:
This is a very basic routine, designed to get you 'used' to resistance training again, whilst also targeting your goals, and is ok to start with. After 4-6 weeks you will need to change your programme.
Instructions: Do an easy 10 min warm-up. Select weights that you can do for said reps on each exercise (but not too much more), and use these for the entire session. Complete exercises in order from 1-8, with minimal recovery (ideally it should be moving from one exercise to another; but since you are a beginner 30-60 seconds will be ok). At the end of one set (i.e. 1-10) rest for 1-2 minutes, and then repeat. You can increase to 3 sets after 2-4 weeks (or as you see fit). Stretch full-body for 5 mins after session. This should take ~45 minutes in TOTAL. Every week your weights should increase (i.e. not on ALL sessions, but keep weights the same for a week, and increase as you can for the next week's sessions), so that you keep challenging your body.
1. Dumbbell/Barbell Squats 2 x 12 (changing stance can change which muscle are targeted more: narrow stance hits quadriceps more, wide stance hits gluteals and hamstrings more; sumo stance hits gluteal and adductors more, etc.)
2. Dumbbell/Barbell Romanian Deadlifts 2 x 10
3. Calf Raises (on a step) 2 x 15-25
4. Pull-Ups 2 x as many as possible (with a minimum of 6 reps; when you've done what you can then go to the Lat Pull-Down, and finish the set there)
5. Push-Ups 2 x as many as possible
6. Dummbell Shoulder Press - 2 x 12-15
7. Dips 2 x 12-15 (do as many as possible as you can with your bodyweight; when you've done what you can then go doing Bench Dips, and finish the set there)
8. Crunches 2 x 50
I highly recommend getting a personal trainer, so that you can be shown the correct technique (very important) for each exercise. Also so that they can be there with you for your first few sessions, to determine starting weights, as you get acquainted with resistance training. They're also good for motivation, support, and ACCOUNTABILITY.
Be sure that you ALWAYS use good form for EVERY exercise; otherwise you are putting yourself at risk for injury. All reps should be CONTROLLED and with good form (dont cheat). Its not about how MUCH you can lift, but how WELL you lift. You WILL get stronger as you keep at it (although maybe not so much when trying to lose fat, but this depends on the individual).
Make sure that you have a protein shake with some simple sugar (i.e. fruit smoothie with ice and protein powder is great here) as soon as possible after your resistance training, and then a PROPER meal (i.e. including ~50 grams of complex CHO, ~30 grams of protein, fibrous CHO) about 30 minutes after your post-workout shake.
Long, slow cardio burns calories, yes, but you are doing that for a long period of time. The most effective way to burn fat through cardio is to do a) Interval training (i.e. efforts), or b) do your cardio at a HIGHER intensity (i.e. just going out and running as fast as you can over a certain distance, instead of 45 minutes at a 60% HRmax). Forget about the Fat Burning Zone; the harder you work during cardio, the more fat you lose. When I first attempted to lose fat (and I still do this NOW) I did something called Guerrilla Cardio (GC). It is tabata intervals done sprinting (instead of on a bike). All you do jog lightly for 4 minutes as a warm-up; then you do 8 x 20 seconds hard-out-as-fast-as-you-can sprints/efforts, and jog easy for 10 seconds after each one; finishing with a 4 minutes easy jog cool-down. I do GC (or variations of it; now I increase how many efforts I do, and sometimes do up to 32) 3 days a week, with a rest day between each one, as it is very hard and takes a lot out of you. If you do this, and you are doing weights and eating to lose fat, then you will most definitely see results. If you feel that you NEED to do MORE cardio, you can do brisk walks every other day, or perhaps a run (but no MORE than 30 minutes; after 30 minutes of running you are very catabolic and are likely to lose muscle, which you dont want to happen). Skipping, stair sprinting/running, or rowing, are the next highest calorie burners after sprinting. Some people will tell you that you need to be doing 2 hours of cardio a day, or double cardio sessions, to lose fat, but as long as you are eating RIGHT, doing weights 2-4 times per week, doing cardio 3 or more times per week for 12-30 minutes per day (depending on the intensity; the higher the intensity the shorter you do it for!), and allowing your body to RECOVER (this is VERY important; if you do TOO much, then your body wont be able to recover properly and you wont get the results you want, since your body only adapts and gets results in the RECOVERY time!), then you will lose fat!
Just stretch for 10-20 minutes per day, preferably AFTER you have done either cardio or weights, while your muscles are still warm. This just makes sure that you can move freely and easily.
Remember that MORE is not always best! You want maximal results for minimal time. You also need to remember that some of this is experimental, and about finding what works best for YOU, since everyone is different and responds differently to diet and exercise.
I also suggest that you actually look around and do some personal research for yourself. Educate yourself on training and diet. And if you get a personal trainer, then get them to tell you WHY they give you what they do; you should ALWAYS know WHY you are doing what you are doing, and it should always have a purpose towards your end goal.
Writer Athlete Coach
Think like a Champion. Train like a Warrior. Live with a Purpose.
Thank you guys so much.
About my diet: I actually stick to what's been said above pretty well, due to the whole blood pressure ordeal with my doctor. I drink caffiene-free tea, no soda, no coffee. No extra salt or sugar added. In the calorie calculator, here's what I get:
1791 Calories/day
Fat Loss:
1433 Calories/day
Extreme Fat Loss:
1074 Calories/day
I think I need to work on portion size, and having smaller meals throughout the day instead of the main 3.
As far as goals, I'd love to set one but I don't know what I can realistically expect.
I'm taking Omega-3's daily (doctor had me on it already), and I got some protein powder because I know I have a hard time getting enough. I also got a multi-vitamin.
To give you an example of what type of training he's got me doing, here's the schedule he's given for Friday & Monday.
Bench - 4 sets of 10
Tricep Dumbell Isolation behind head - 4 x 12
Tricep Extension 4 x 10
Tricep Dips 3 x 6
Bicep Curls 3 x 10
Pull Ups 4 x 8
Shoulders 4 x 8
Crunches 100
Obliques Machine (Far corner next to crunches) 3 x 20
Squats of some kind - 4 x 12
Leg Extension - 4 x 10
Leg Curls 4 x 12
Lunges 4 x 15
Calf Raises 3 x 15
Cardio 10 Minutes
I'd love to be as educated as I can about all this, and am wanting to take a class at the university here if I can. It's just hard to find information online geared toward someone that wants to know the "why/how things work" aspect without being educated on any of it at all yet. I just need to be asking more questions I guess.
Thanks again
Training Recommendations
I would never recommend going below 1200 cal/day. And if you were at 1200 cal/day, not staying there for very long.
IMO, calorie/carbohydrate cycling: 3-4 days lower than maintenance calories/lower carbohydrate (but never lower than 50-100 g/day) and 1-2 days of higher then maintenance calories/high carbohydrates (pretty much cheat days where you eat what you want) is the best nutrition method to achieve fat loss.
I would start at only 200 cal/day less than maintenance (i.e. 1550-1600 cal/day), and then adjust as necessary at the end of each week based on your results.
Remember that the faster you lose weight/fat, the less likely it is that it will stay off. And you want it to stay off.
Re strength and endurance gains; this depends on what you want, and will vary from person to person. However, gains should be made every week, provided that your training is set up so.
You only need to do 2 days a week. Using an Upper and Lower Body split is fine.
However, re training I would recommend:
Monday - Lower Body
Tuesday - HIIT Cardio
Wednesday - DAY OFF
Thursday - HIIT Cardio
Friday - Upper Body
Saturday - HIIT Cardio
Sunday - DAY OFF
Lower Body
BB Squats - 4 x 8-12 (you can use front or back squats, wide or narrow stance)
Alternate BB/DB Lunges 4 x 10-15 per leg
Standing Calf Raises 4 x 15
Abs (a total of 100 reps using any exercise)
Upper Body
BB/DB Bench Press - 4 sets of 8-10
Pull-Ups 4 x 6 (do what you can by yourself, and then go onto the assisted pull-up machine and complete until you get 6 reps)
Seated DB Shoulder Press 3 x 10
Dips 3 x 6
BB/DB Bicep Curls 3 x 10-12
Crunches 4 x 25 (i.e. a total of 100 reps per session)
HIIT Cardio (can be done running, cycling, on the rower, etc.)
a. 4 min easy (i.e. warm-up)
b. 8 x 20 sec efforts/10 sec easy
c. 4 min easy (i.e. cool-down)
Writer Athlete Coach
Think like a Champion. Train like a Warrior. Live with a Purpose.
With 11 weeks until September, and using 2 lbs/week as a goal, I come up with 22 lbs. That would put me right at 110. Honestly, getting down to 115-120 would make me happy, as long as I was beginning to see muscles. Of course I'm sure by that point I'll be addicted and will stop at nothing.Re weight/fat loss, realisticaly, through diet and training alone you can safely lose 1kg (i.e. 2.2lb) and/or 0.5% BF per week. Find out where you are now. Know what you want to be at. Calculate the weeks to get there using that as a guideline.
It's my cousin, who coaches during the year, and does PT during the summer. Which makes it an awkward situation to question him, but I definitely will if I'm getting the wrong training. We started a week ago.If he's a doctor (i.e. a medical professional and not a fitness professional) then he's NOT the person who should be giving you a training programme.
What does HIIT mean? Or does that just refer to the way you outlined?You only need to do 2 days a week. Using an Upper and Lower Body split is fine.
However, re training I would recommend:
Monday - Lower Body
Tuesday - HIIT Cardio
Wednesday - DAY OFF
Thursday - HIIT Cardio
Friday - Upper Body
Saturday - HIIT Cardio
Sunday - DAY OFF
Lower Body
BB Squats - 4 x 8-12 (you can use front or back squats, wide or narrow stance)
Alternate BB/DB Lunges 4 x 10-15 per leg
Standing Calf Raises 4 x 15
Abs (a total of 100 reps using any exercise)
Upper Body
BB/DB Bench Press - 4 sets of 8-10
Pull-Ups 4 x 6 (do what you can by yourself, and then go onto the assisted pull-up machine and complete until you get 6 reps)
Seated DB Shoulder Press 3 x 10
Dips 3 x 6
BB/DB Bicep Curls 3 x 10-12
Crunches 4 x 25 (i.e. a total of 100 reps per session)
HIIT Cardio (can be done running, cycling, on the rower, etc.)
a. 4 min easy (i.e. warm-up)
b. 8 x 20 sec efforts/10 sec easy
c. 4 min easy (i.e. cool-down)
I would recommend knowing what your BF% is, and setting a goal from there (i.e. if you're 20% BF, aiming to get to say 15% BF or something), instead of focusing on a weight.
If you only started a week ago, then it is ok. However, would still change the exercise order and take some out. As I mentioned in my long post, isolation exercises are a waste of time; doing compound, multijoint exercises are better for gaining muscle mass and burning fat.
Writer Athlete Coach
Think like a Champion. Train like a Warrior. Live with a Purpose.
Finding out body composition
There are various methods of finding out your BF%.
The gold standard is underwater weighting, but is not very practical and expensive.
Many people use bioelectrical impedance scales or handheld devices, but this is the most INaccurate way of gauging your body composition, since it can change based on varaity of factors (i.e. hydration levels, time of day, whether just ate or trained, etc.); and results can be out by up to 10% BF.
Others use a single ACCUmeasure caliper skinfold; this is generally inaccurate as well, but can be used as a reference if you cannot do anything else.
The method I would recommend is having a 6-8 skinfold caliper test done. Ideally, the person doing the test should be ISAK qualified, since this would mean that they KNOW what they are doing, and should be fairly accurate (with only a small percentage of error, and be accurate to within a 1-3 % BF). They should first make marks as to where the skinfolds will be taken from. Next they will do each skinfold once, in a specific order (triceps, subscapular, biceps, iliac crest, supraspinale, abdominal, thigh, calf). Then they will take the skinfolds again. Sometimes they may take some skinfolds three times (if the first two are not within a certain % of each other). They will then use a calculation to determine your BF% (using the sum of 6 skinfolds - all, excluding biceps and abdominal). If they don't follow those steps, then they're not really doing it properly and your results are likely to have a greater degree of error.
Writer Athlete Coach
Think like a Champion. Train like a Warrior. Live with a Purpose.
Writer Athlete Coach
Think like a Champion. Train like a Warrior. Live with a Purpose.
WHOOOAAAA... thats a lot of info on this page... its all just a headache
I've been using vastmuscle.com for 2 years now and am in the best shape of my life. Its always updated so you have a new workout every few weeks. They have exercise and dieting information to make sure you do it the right way. They have a great beginners section and ladies corner.
Try it out... couldnt hurt
Just FYI from a nosy ready, the creatine for most people is per that person's makeup. A lot of people go for creatine and it's hard on the kidneys. If this person is taking meds for thyroid and pressure, it's already taxing her filtration, the creatine might affect that. It might not, not a doctor but that creatine is like a caberet. BYOB.
I went back and looked at a picture I'd taken the day I started this. I didn't think I'd made all that much progress, but after looking back, I'm pretty happy about it.
First picture is June 1, second is today, July 16.
Looking Great!!! How is your blood pressure now that you have incorporated new diet and exercise into your daily life?
Well, I've been feeling a lot better just in general. My blood pressure #'s haven't changed, but they've been fine lately due to my medication. I'd like to get off of that, though.
Team APPNUT
Writer Athlete Coach
Think like a Champion. Train like a Warrior. Live with a Purpose.
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GST: What not to Learn from Europe?
Published on Fri, Apr 20,2012 | 14:33, Updated at Fri, Apr 20 at 14:41Source : Moneycontrol.com | Watch Video :
In an interview to The Firm, Richard Baxter- Managing Director, Alvarez & Marsal Taxand UK, talks about the emerging trends in Goods and Services Tax in Europe, the GST implementation challenges for India and what principles should India not pick up from the EU GST regime.
Watch the accompanying video for the full interview..
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Taiwanese companies will see their earnings increase this year and next year, according to research released by Bank of America Merrill Lynch.
The US bank forecast that Taiwan's overall corporate earnings will grow 18 percent this year and 10 percent next year, with a dividend yield ratio of 3.5 percent.
"The macro outlook has been unexciting in Taiwan, but we expect companies under our coverage to continue to see double-digit earnings growth," said Katherine Hu (胡傳祥), a Taipei-based equity strategist at Merrill Lynch.
The discrepancy occurs because most exporters' earnings and production are generated outside Taiwan and do not translate into domestic wage increases to help domestic growth in consumption, Hu said.
For individual sectors, Hu expects another strong year for Taiwan's semiconductor industry, while Apple Inc's supply chain moves away from South Korea — which means that Apple's expansion of product lines will benefit its Taiwanese suppliers.
Moreover, a further opening up of local financial and wealth management products is likely to generate higher earnings for banks and brokers this year, with margins in the chemical industry also expected to rise moderately this year, she said.
Taiwan's airlines are also forecast to benefit from the recovery of cargo shipments, led by the US, and local cement demand and supply might continue to improve, she added.
With the US economy turning for the better, Taiwan's exports will gain momentum this year to help fuel local GDP growth, Switzerland-based UBS said on Saturday in its latest report on the Asia-Pacific economic outlook for this year.
Taiwan could post a 4 percent growth in GDP this year, UBS forecast. Compared with the GDP growth rates of the other Asian Tigers, Taiwan's is predicted to be second only to Singapore's 4.5 percent, on par with Hong Kong's 4 percent and ahead of South Korea's 3.4 percent, according to UBS.
Barclays PLC has also expressed optimism about Taiwan's economic growth for this year, saying the export-oriented economy will benefit from an increase in investments in production equipment and material in the bellwether electronics sector.
In a recent research report, the British bank said Taiwan's current account surplus for last month slowed from November last year as local manufacturers raised their investments in production equipment imports, with capital goods imports up 24.7 percent year-on-year, while the local manufacturing activity continued to expand in the month.
The bank said the increase in capital goods and expansion in production activity showed the local manufacturing sector holds a positive attitude toward global demand this year.
Last month, Taiwan's imports grew 10.1 percent from a year earlier, compared with a 1.9 percent year-on-year decline in exports in the month, due to an increase in capital goods purchases.
According to the Chung-Hua Institution for Economic Research (中華經濟研究院), the country's purchasing mangers' index rose to 53.6 last month from November's 52.
However, Gordon Sun (孫明德), director of the Macroeconomic Forecasting Center at the Taiwan Institute of Economic Research (台灣經濟研究院), said that the US economy could be overshadowed by political struggles in the first half of this year as the US Congress could renew a fight over the debt ceiling.
As a result, Taiwan's exports to the US, which accounted for 10.7 percent of total outbound sales last year, are likely to remain slow until the second half of next year.
Sun said that many Taiwanese exporters are pushing to sharpen their competitive edge by working with strategic partnerships to penetrate the global market, adding their efforts are likely to pay off in the second half of this year or in the first half of next year.
He said that many Taiwanese manufacturers are turning to value-added products which emphasize services to attract buyers, while others have shifted attention from the US and Europe to target emerging markets. Sun said he expected such policy changes would start to benefit the local export sector in the second half of this year.


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text: Meta Rate My Team PokéBase - Pokémon Q&A Login Register All Activity Questions Unanswered Tags Users Ask a Question Rules Chat What´s an easy way to identify a Pokémon that is not Legit? 0 votes 1,072 views I´m currently trading Pokémon and I don´t want to be cheated. easy way identify legit asked Jun 7, 2012 by ANTIK What Do You Mean? commented Jun 7, 2012 by Overload Please log in or register to add a comment. Please log in or register to answer this question. 2 Answers 3 votes Pokeball: If you get a blastoise that comes in any ball besides pokeball then it is fake because blastoise can only be available in a pokeball If your pokemon knows a move that it cannot learn (besides egg moves) then it is fake. So if your blastoise knew fire blast it is fake but if it knows hydro pump then it is real. Look where it is caught. I once got a lv 100 shiny pokemon but it said it was caught at route one at that level. If it says anything like that then it is also fake. Look at the stats. Go here to view all the pokemon. Click on the name to view there stats. If the pokemon you got has stats that are higher then it is also fake. Hope I helped! answered Jun 7, 2012 by mechacharizard Just a note: It is a little different for Pokemon received through events. commented Jun 8, 2012 by Sam Sam Sam Sam It helps a lot! Thank you very much. commented Jun 12, 2012 by ANTIK Number 1 won't work anymore, because in X and Y hatched Pokémon come in the same ball as one of the parents. commented Nov 4, 2013 by ZigzagoonLinoone Please log in or register to add a comment. 0 votes Also with black and white if a pokemon is not legit it won't let it be traded, this also happens with event pokemon. it might say one of the pokemon in the other players party cannot be trade or something along those lines. answered Jun 13, 2012 by totodileISaBOSS Please log in or register to add a comment. Related questions Is there a way to... modify the nature for event Pokemon? Is there an easy way to find rare Pokemon? Which is the most easy way to get an Masterball? What does oduer sleuth and identify do? OHKO and identify moves on Snorlax? OHKO and identify move combos? How do you get a ditto really easy in platinum without trades. Is it possible to get darkrai outside of mystery gift in pokemon platinum in a legit way? Useful Meta Posts How to change your username How to add a user avatar Why was my post hidden? The points system Question etiquette Flags vs Downvotes Anime FAQ


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Norm Saibil is a veteran banking and financing lawyer and managing partner of the Montreal office of Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP. Saibil was recruited to lead the charge when Blakes, a law firm with roots in Toronto and long-time offices in Calgary and Vancouver, decided to open an office in Montreal in 2001.
This past week, Blakes announced that Saibil will now be passing the job of management of the Montreal office to litigation head Robert Torralbo as of June 1.
What are the skills needed to be a financing lawyer?
Common sense. All you need is common sense and experience.
Common sense meaning what?
Nothing is complicated. You have to apply yourself.
When I first started, and this was 1971, at any one time I was doing 200 files for the Bank of Montreal and you learn pretty quickly when you are doing that. You just learn it on the job. They weren't all big financings, billion-dollar deals -- $100,000, $200,000, a million. Although the first financing I had, I was helping on the Churchill Falls (hydroelectric plant) financing – it was $800 million, which was huge at that time. So you learn. That is what it is all about.
Is there a favorite deal that you worked on, like acting for the international banking syndicate in a US$1-billion financing for Canadian National Railway Company?
Funny, that you mention that. That billion-dollar deal was in 2005. That is one of my favorite deals because I have been doing this for years, the CN work -I have been acting for their lenders (counsel to the syndicate). We are doing a refinancing for CNR right now, but it is going to close in the next few weeks, so we can't talk about that one.
What is your secret of your success?
You can't publish it because if you do, then it won't be a secret anymore. I will tell you what the secret of my success is. It is a given that you have to have the knowledge or the expertise, but the secret is doing it - being there for the client.
A mistake that a lot of lawyers make is they get a file, let's say a financing. They start it off and then they give it to juniors to do and the week before the closing they are not as familiar with the file and the junior are there and that is when all the tough stuff happens in the last week. That is what lawyers do, the senior partners in a lot of firms – and I am not dumping on anybody, I've seen it happen over and over again. They get the file because they are the senior guy and they are known and then they get juniors to do it and that is fine, because it is efficient, but when you come to the closing, the last part, that is when people wake up and say, 'what about this?' and 'what about that?' and 'I want that changed.' And that is when you need the senior guy and that is often when the senior lawyer on the other side is not there. I don't do it that way. I stay more involved and in the last week I am there every day and I am answering the questions because that is when it is important, that is when they need me and that is what I think has helped make me be very successful. I pay a lot of attention to what the client needs and wants and when they want it. I know some lawyers that do it exactly the way I do it, and it makes a big difference.
How did you first connect with Blakes?
I was minding my own business at BLG (Borden Ladner Gervais LLP and its Montreal precursor firm, McMaster Meighen) for about 30 years and I got a call one day from a headhunter saying there was a firm coming to Montreal and they were interested in speaking. I said: 'I am just not interested and, in any event, if they wanted to speak to me they should call me.' They persisted, not the headhunter, but the firm. I started talking to them and I was really impressed. I thought it was a good change and it was a challenge, so I decided to do it. I am happy I did it. It was a great experience. We have gotten up to about 70 lawyers and I have hired every one of them, so it has been great fun for me. It is all about finding the right people.
What was the challenge of a firm coming from Toronto and setting up in Montreal?
The challenge was to make it work. I was fine where I was. Everything was perfect there and I was the managing partner and it was great. The challenge was can you can take an unknown firm, a Toronto-centred firm, I guess, and establish them in Montreal, and not just have a few people, but really build it into what the firm had in Calgary and Vancouver, the way they had done it there many years before. And it meant finding the people, being able to deliver the service, integrating into the firm as a whole, since Blakes is a very integrated firm, getting to know new people, to some extent getting to know new ways of doing things. So it wasn't for sure it was going to work, but it did work, and so we met the challenge, the whole gang.
At the beginning there were three of us: myself, James Papadimitriou and Michael Bantey. They were my partners at BLG. The interesting thing was I had no idea that they were being hired by Blakes. Each of us had our own separate private conversations with Blakes and we only found out right at the end - because Blakes did not sort of want to raid another firm and hire a bunch of lawyers or anything like that, so what I was told was, 'there will be you and we will find one or two other guys as well to start up the office,' and it was only at the very end that they revealed who the other people were. It was the same for me and James and Michael. It was a surprise, I can tell you that. The plan was to hire a few lawyers each year. At the beginning it was like four or five lawyers a year and more recently it has been three or four lawyers every year. One of the key guys who came on very early was Robert Torralbo. We started in September of 2001 and he came on in December and I have known him forever. We were partners a long time ago. It was just natural for him to take over as managing partner. He is a natural leader.
What was it like competing against established firms that were here?
Those firms were really good to us because right from the beginning even though we were only three lawyers, or five or eight, those other firms treated us like we were Blakes in Toronto. They treated us like a mature senior firm in Montreal. We had the respect and the cooperation from those firms and I really appreciated that.
How did you get into law?
I wasn't going into law. I went to commerce at McGill and I got my bachelor of commerce and I was headed straight for business administration, an MBA, and in the last month you could still apply to law school and my father said to me, 'you know, why don't you just get a law degree because it helps you to be more logical and think better and then you'll do your MBA.' So I applied for law school at the very end and at that time you needed a bachelor of arts to be a lawyer, not a bachelor of commerce, but I applied to go for the education, and not to become a lawyer because I couldn't anyway because I did not have a bachelor of arts and so I went to law school and when I graduated, they changed the law, just at that time, and you could become a lawyer with a B.COMM. You didn't need a BA anymore and suddenly I had an offer from McMaster Meighen, which was the oldest law firm in Quebec at the time. Actually my sister was friendly with one of the senior partners there so that is how they knew me. The rest is history. I liked it. I never got my MBA and I have been fooling around with law every since.


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Cracks in Republican unity on tax rates
Conservative congressman backs deal with Obama
(REUTERS) — Republican unity against raising tax rates for the wealthy began to show cracks on Wednesday after a conservative congressman said he would back an agreement with President Barack Obama to raise rates on the rich but extend tax cuts for income below $250,000.
With Congress scrambling to avert a series of tax increases and spending cuts due to kick in at the end of the year – known as the "fiscal cliff" – Congressman Tom Cole said Republicans should approve a deal ensuring 98 percent of Americans do not suffer a tax increase that endangers the economic recovery.
With the lower tax rates enacted a decade ago under Republican President George W. Bush due to expire on December 31, Obama and his Democrats have pushed to extend the lower rates for most Americans while letting rates rise for wealthier taxpayers.


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Just curious.
Not Me
Coachella will leave me broke
Both Coachella and Bonnaroo
Just curious.
i voted coachella will leave me broke meaning that if i had the money i would go to bonnaroo, but if i could only choose one i'd choose Coachella.
Why have sloppy seconds when Coachella has it all.
Whiskey Sour
2 oz blended whiskey
Juice of 1/2 lemon
1/2 tsp powdered sugar
1 cherry
1/2 slice lemon
Shake blended whiskey, juice of lemon, and powdered sugar with ice and strain into a whiskey sour glass. Decorate with the half-slice of lemon, top with the cherry, and serve.
Maybe I would go if it wasn't in lame Tennessee.
im not going to bonarroo
IG: jclarosphoto for nature, amnesiacphoto for concerts
I've already been to this years Bonnaroo...It called the last 3 coachellas.
lollipops and crisps
As much as people say Coachella is better, big bad Bonnaroo has one killer line up this year. Shit, they got the police.
The Bonnaroo lineup has bands that play every festival know to man every year. Its far from unique. The Police is nice but they are doing a major tour. I have seen all the bands on the Bonnaroo lineup that I like a few times each. I have never seen the Happy Mondays, JAMC, or Crowed House, or Jarvis Cocker.
I mean seriously I don't need to see the Flaming Lips do the same set I have seen them do 3 TIMES this year.
Plus the Dodgers play the Angels at Dodger stadium 15, 16, &, 17 and that trumps Bonnaroo.
Yeah I do believe I will be going this year. I went to Coachella last year & had a blast so I'm up for something different. Bonnaroo bound.
Bonnaroo is a lot like coachella in the sense that you have to go to really know. it's a different festival as far as vibe and scenery and to an extent bands but you can tell they are changing their tune. Don't knock it unless you have been there to experience it first hand. it's different. not really better or worse, but different.
both! but I won't make it to either
Well Justin Timberlake is from Tennessee so it must be a good place, right?
I'm originally from South Carolina and I have lived in California for 8 years. There are fucked people in both places.It's the South, what do YOU think?
TEnnessee has to be boring...Al Gore is from Tennessee.
lollipops and crisps
In Tennessee you can drink and drive if your not drunk I think and you can carry a gun. Not sure about all that and I ain't googling it but it very well could be true.
id love to visit tennessee
You wanna go to Graceland dontcha.


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Japan's industry bureaucrats once guided the nation's world-beating drive to export cars and electronics.
Now that Toyota and Sony have been household names across the world for decades, the government wants to make sure the rest of the world buys Japanese sake, sashimi and anime.
The "Cool Japan Fund," was set to launch yesterday and aims eventually to use about US$1 billion of mostly public funds to boost distinctive food and drink, fashion, animated and live-
action movies and other such "soft" exports.
Although conceived before Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe took office in December last year, it fits his theme that "Japan is back."
Some experts question the need for taxpayers to pump money into private companies. However Nobuyuki Ota, chief executive of Cool Japan Fund Inc, said it made sense for the government-dominated effort to pick winners among companies keen to expand abroad.
"A state-backed fund can do what private investors cannot," Ota, a former fashion executive who brought Issey Miyake designs to the world, told reporters.
"Private investors sell their assets once their investment targets becomes profitable. We can be a long-term investor because it takes time for those small companies to grow," Ota added.
As disputes with neighbors like China and South Korea simmer, Abe's government is keen to exploit chances to project Japan's popular cultural wares.
The expected adoption soon by UNESCO of Japanese cuisine: washoku — as an "Intangible Cultural Heritage" is the latest example of Japan's "soft power" push.
The Cool Japan Fund starts with ¥37.5 billion (US$371 million) — ¥30 billion from the government and ¥7.5 billion from 15 companies, such as airline ANA Holdings Inc and advertising giant Dentsu Inc.
The fund will swell to ¥60 billion by March and eventually reach ¥90 billion by March 2015, said Yoshiaki Akamatsu, an official at the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), which is overseeing the project.
However, if these businesses getting public support are worthy, the question arises, why do they need public backing?
Such "public-private" funds are in fact public and they face a conflict between policy goals of promoting chosen firms and the need to maximize returns,
private-equity consultant Joji Takeuchi said.
"The fund idea is created by the government, most of the money is provided by the government, the government raises funds from the private sector and the government assembles the fund managers," Takeuchi said.
"Investments from the private investors are very small and are nothing more than a token of their support for the government initiative," Takeuchi added.
Abe's government, which has pumped more than US$3 billion into state-linked funds investing in Japanese companies, expects annual returns of 7 percent to 9 percent from the Cool Japan Fund, a person directly involved in the project said.
However, Takeuchi said by e-mail that returns in the high single digits would not be considered sufficient "considering the complications and potential conflict inherent in the public-private structure."
The fund's remit, according to its Web site, runs from anime and other comics to movies, TV program, games, fashion and local products such as lacquerware, beauty products and food.
Its aims are broader than investor returns.
"It is difficult to preserve local culture without injecting government money," Ota said. "Local manufacturers are shrinking, and many young people leave for bigger cities. Once the older generations die, there will be no one who would take over that. I wonder what will happen to Japan 100 years from now."


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quote:Originally posted by KilvanIncredible write up Paul, thank you very much for doing this. It is a shame really that Cale's quest to shut the rift is likely reaching an end.By the way, were you familiar with all the contestants Cale fought? Cause I sure wasn't. From the commentaries, all your write ups seemed to be spot on for both personality and fighting style.
quote:Originally posted by Lord Karsus-Don't know who that character is, but based on the short descriptions on the website itself, it seems like Cale and Kylar Stern are pretty similar.
quote:Originally posted by FellfireFrom what I've read it seems as if it's to be soft Jedi Reborn Revan, not Darth Revan. I believe it's Kylar Stern up next.
quote:Originally posted by FellfireI believe it's Kylar Stern up next.
quote:Originally posted by HawkinsHmm, looking at the line-up, the only time I will have a hard decision is if Cale eventually ends up opposite Revan.
quote:Originally posted by Wooly Rupertquote:Originally posted by Lord Karsus-I don't even know who half of these people are...Well, Erevis Cale is a rather popular character appearing in most of Paul Kemp's FR novels...
quote:Originally posted by Lord Karsus-I don't even know who half of these people are...


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I often read articles that keep mentioning that online gambling could be the Zynga (ZNGA) salvation. It won't happen and can't happen and seems to be a marketing ploy. Perhaps in 10 years after all of the State and Federal laws change, online gambling might happen for Zynga.
Scooped by
Carl Zide
onto Poker & eGaming News


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CUMBERLAND, Md. (AP) — Allegany County officials are in the early stages of developing solar energy system regulations.
Local media partners report that a proposed solar energy facility in the county has prompted local officials to start working on regulations.
David Dorsey, the county's acting planning director, says it's preliminary work.
Details about the proposed energy facility haven't been defined, and no formal sit plan has been filed.
E. William DuVall, the chairman of the county's Planning and Zoning Commission, says the idea involved a solar energy facility of roughly 25 acres between Midland and Lonaconing.
While details are few, the county has no guidelines in place for dealing with solar energy systems. As a result, local officials asked Dorsey to draft some regulations.
(Copyright 2013 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)


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Ruth L. Buckloh, 100
Ruth L. Buckloh, 100, of 5160 Erastus Durbin Road in Coldwater, passed away at 5:03 a.m. Monday, Feb. 4, 2013, at the Gardens at Celina.
She was born on Aug. 19, 1912, in Mercer County, to the late Thomas George and Edna (Thomas) Fireoved.
On Feb. 15, 1941, she married Harold W. Buckloh, who died on March 26, 1993.
Ruth is survived by her four children, Don and D. Jane Buckloh of Shelburne Falls, Mass., Jane and James R. Mustard of Celina, Ann and Tom Stafford of Springfield, Betty and Jon Clouse of Coldwater; nine grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; a brother; two sisters-in-law.
She was preceded in death by two brothers; a sister-in-law.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Friday at the Lehman-Hogenkamp-Dzendzel Funeral Home in Celina, the Rev. Allan Brown, officiating.
Burial will follow in Swamp College Cemetery in Celina.
Friends may call from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday and one hour before services at Lehman-Hogenkamp-Dzendzel Funeral Home in Celina.
Memorial contributions may be made to the State of the Heart Home Health and Hospice.


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Gotta love O'Reilly readers. Every time I publish one of my crackpot QuickTime or JavaScript experiments, you send me dozens of ideas for variations. In this article, I'll expand on the QuickTime poster movie trick, show you how to present multiple movies on a single webpage without bogging it down, reveal how to launch a movie in fullscreen mode, and even show an easy way to play a sequence of movies automatically.
Before we get started, test to see if QuickTime is installed on your computer. Version 7.2 just came out this week; it adds several security fixes and one long-requested feature. However, there have been reports of problems on some computers, so you may want to wait until the dust settles.
One of the most elegant techniques for embedding movies in webpages is with a poster movie, typically a single frame or a short looping segment sized to the same horizontal and vertical dimensions as your feature movie. Poster movies stake out space for other movies without gobbling up the bandwidth you'd need to embed the main movie. When a visitor clicks the poster, the main movie replaces it in the browser window and starts loading. On YouTube, default poster movies show up as a blurry mess with the triangular Play button inside. With the techniques I'm about to demonstrate, you can use a crisp, beautiful image instead and avoid the blurry mess.
Fig. 1: Drag a background image and a movie onto QTBridge Stampot and the program generates an elegant poster movie, complete with hand cursor. The left image shows the movie before it's clicked; the right shows it during playback.
As you can see in Figure 1, Stampot uses a text box for the poster movie, though, not an image, so there's room for improvement. If you have QuickTime Pro, you can open the poster movie and paste a correctly sized image into it, but let's examine the JavaScript approach, which allows more options. (Incidentally, Stampot triggers the hand cursor by inserting a sprite track into the poster movie. QuickTime guru Steven Gulie offers some premade sprites on his site, but I haven't found any that simply trigger the hand cursor.)
Basically, my poster movie technique wraps an image file in one div, which is visible, and Apple's QuickTime embedding JavaScript in another div, which is hidden. When you click the trigger image, an inline JavaScript command hides its div and unhides the movie player div. The code looks like this:


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MACHESNEY PARK (WIFR) -- Detectives are working into the weekend to help find a local woman who went missing nearly one week ago.
A group of about 40 volunteers spent the day searching the neighborhood in Machesney Park where Katrina Smith's car was found on Tuesday night. Smith went shopping Monday and hasn't been seen since. Friends, neighbors, even total strangers have been handing out flyers with Smith's photo. Her brother took charge of the search efforts on Sunday after flying in from Oklahoma on Saturday night.
"It definitely hurts inside right now that I don't know where my sister is at but being in the military for 18 years, I know right now I need to be the leader of the family and focus on helping directing the efforts of these people to the appropriate areas," says Chad Kaltved.
The Winnebago County Sherriff's Department had a boat on the river on Sunday searching the shoreline but found no sign of Smith.


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Story highlights
- Jeffrey Bellin: Until recently, Florida's self-defense law included a "duty to retreat"
- In 2005, Florida overrode law enforcement objections, adopted a "stand your ground" rule
- Bellin says that even on a sidewalk, people may defend themselves with deadly force
- He says "Stand your ground" may ultimately decide outcome of Trayvon Martin shooting
The tragic killing of Trayvon Martin and the initial decision by the police not to arrest George Zimmerman for that killing have focused public attention on Florida's "stand your ground" law.
According to police, Zimmerman claims self-defense, but many observers can't understand how a grown man with a gun can plausibly claim that he was forced to kill a teenager armed only with some candy.
If that's the law of self-defense in Florida (and elsewhere), these observers argue, the law needs to change.
The law of self-defense is at its core about reasonableness. If a person reasonably perceives a serious threat of harm, and uses reasonable force to meet that threat, the law justifies even deadly force, and it does so even if it turns out that the perceived threat was illusory.
People have differing views of what's reasonable and, as a consequence, self-defense laws (which vary by jurisdiction) have always attempted to further define the concept. Until very recently, Florida's definition of reasonableness, as in many states, incorporated a longstanding principle, the "duty to retreat."
This principle required that someone who found themselves in a violent confrontation had to try to defuse the situation and retreat "to the wall" before resorting to deadly force.
In other words, deadly force was only permitted as a last resort. The basic idea was simple: If more people backed down, retreated or stepped aside, fewer people would be killed.
The "duty to retreat" also made it easier for prosecutors to prove that a killing was not in self-defense. The facts that can be proven are often murky (particularly when of the two people who know what happened, one is the defendant and the other is dead) and prosecutors could often, by pointing to a defendant's failure to retreat, obtain a conviction even without establishing the precise facts.
In American jurisdictions there has long been an exception to the duty to retreat called the "Castle Doctrine." As then-Judge (and later U.S. Supreme Court Justice) Benjamin Cardozo explained in 1914: "It is not now and never has been the law that a man assailed in his own dwelling is bound to retreat. If assailed there, he may stand his ground and resist the attack. He is under no duty to take to the fields and the highways, a fugitive from his own home."
In recent times, "stand your ground" laws extended this concept in many states beyond the home to any place where a person might lawfully be found, such as a bar or a public sidewalk. Florida's version enacted in 2005 (over the objection of many in law enforcement) is one of the most far reaching.
The law states that a person "who is attacked" anywhere he is lawfully present has "no duty to retreat and has the right to stand his or her ground and meet force with force, including deadly force if he or she reasonably believes it is necessary to do so to prevent death or great bodily harm."
Importantly, a person cannot invoke this provision if he is "engaged in unlawful activity" or "initially provokes the use of force against himself." Finally, in Florida, once self-defense becomes an issue at trial, the prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant did not act in self-defense -- a heavy burden.
This is the legal backdrop against which Florida's prosecuting authorities must assess all claims of self-defense, including Zimmerman's. In an ideal world, law enforcement would make this assessment by thoroughly investigating the case and, after determining the provable facts, comparing those facts to the law.
Critical to this determination will be evidence reflecting: how the confrontation began and how the suspect acted after the confrontation (prosecutors often look for actions such as flight or a cover-up that indicate a "consciousness of guilt"). Perhaps most critically, investigators will compare all the evidence (physical and otherwise) with the suspect's statement (if any) about what happened.
If the investigation reveals sufficient evidence for a reasonable jury to conclude that Zimmerman was not acting in self-defense (as Florida law defines that concept), he can be prosecuted. If not, charges are unwarranted.
Depending on the facts that ultimately emerge, the "stand your ground" law may ultimately control the legal outcome of the Trayvon Martin case. If, as a result, Florida's citizens and legislators (and those in other states) see that law in a new light, they can change the law, perhaps leading to fewer tragic outcomes in the future.
For it may (as many suspect) be the case that Zimmerman was not forced to kill Trayvon Martin. But in a state like Florida with a "stand your ground" law, that is no longer the standard for determining whether someone acted lawfully in self-defense.
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BALTIMORE — Forget the American League Manager of the Year award. Bobby Valentine should be honored by the International Brotherhood of Magicians.
The Red Sox beat the Orioles, 6-5, Wednesday with a lineup that included a bottom three of Daniel Nava, Scott Podsednik, and Kelly Shoppach.
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Diane Cannon and Dave Lewis Sr. of Wyanet were united in marriage Feb. 14 in Princeton.
The bride is the daughter of Robert and Helen Jackson of DeKalb. The groom is the son of Melvina Lewis of Princeton and the late Frank Lewis.
After a wedding trip on the island of Aruba, the couple is making their home in Wyanet.
Dave is a grain farmer and Diane is employed with Colonial Healthcare in Princeton as its business office manager.
A wedding reception to honor the couple will be held at their home in Wyanet in May.


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And just as dirty!
We started EJ on food recently, as well as some formula bottles in addition to the breastfeeding. (I'm having a hard time coming up with words right now, as EJ is in his Excersaucer beaming smiles and bellylaughing at me. Wipes coherent thought right out of ones head.) The result has been generally good – and I'll spare you the details of baby constipation and the wonders of pureed prunes – but it sure has been absurdly filthy.
Quite aside from the stickiness and stench of oozing rice cereal and prune mixture in various states of digestion from both ends, formula spit up is considerably grainier, smellier, and stain-ier (yes, I just made that up) than breast milk. Add in George's fetish for EJ-licking and I've just about given up on the wee one clean. It's impossible.
(He's making eyes at me from behind the lizard puppet as I type. We cannot contain our love for each other right now.)
So, while I've been watching my tiny beloved gleefully roll around in his own filth, I've been working on this:
1 body, 1 sleeve, and 1/8th of a sleeve of o w l s (raveled here)
I know it looks like a heap of knitted nothing right now, but I'm just about to the interesting part, which is comprised of a yoke of cabled owls, with little button eyes. Instead of a pullover, I've decided to make it a cardigan by way of steeks, nevermind that I've never steeked anything before. I just know that it will get considerably more use as a cardigan, and I'll cross the steeking bridge when I get to it.
(I just released myself from a series of gooey baby kisses, such as they are. More like face grabbing and cheek chewing, but it was done with love.)
It's time for me to go, my sweet pile of poop and drool is ready for a nap. Next time, hopefully a steeking chronicle.
Manise #
EJ looks just like his mama- in looks and not in "filth". :-) He's so cute I could eat him up! Nice job on the sweater- love the cabled owls and their wee button eyes. Hopefully EJ won't be trying to eat them.May 12, 2009
Jayme #
EJ is absolutely adorable. I love that wide eyed happy little smile. He looks like he's completely overflowing with joy, nice work mama.
I HAVE to make my little one (18 months) an O W L S for next winter. She has an adorable stuffed owl that she sleeps with and she'll grab it and say "hoo, hoo". We also have owls in our neighborhood and she's starting to recognize a connection between real owl noises and her owl. …Maybe I'll make myself one too…Time to go stash diving.May 13, 2009
He's so cute! I do recall also that formula poop was not as "nice" as breast milk poop. Funny, huh? But now we have a puppy and the discussions are all about poop and what they eat all over again.May 15, 2009


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join a household account
Has someone invited you to join their account? Lucky you! Joining under another person's account may mean less cash out of your pocket.
(Know that all driving is billed to one account — so, if your housemate Willy invited you, then Willy will pay for your Ziptrips with his credit card. What a pal!)
Sound like you're in the right place?Then enter the email address of the Zipcar member below. Once you apply, and the member gives us the stamp of approval, you'll get your very own Zipcard.


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"If we do art trying not to offend anyone, then it is no longer art but meaningless, thoughtless fluff."
commenting on the Jan. 2 sltrib.com article, " 'All Shook Up' too racy for district; Herriman High show canceled"
"Absolutely no connection between him going to work for a firm that regularly represents Bank Of America? I call BS!"
commenting on the Jan. 2 sltrib.com article, "Lawyers question Shurtleff's 180 in foreclosure case: Outgoing Utah A.G. says there's no link between his support of BofA settlement and his new firm having bank as client."
"Frankly, as long as Utah remains a GOP stronghold, federal legislators will pay more attention to the needs of swing state Nevada."
Susan in the Pink Hat
commenting on the Jan. 2 State of the Debate blog post, "Editorial Sampler: Water wars ..."
"GOP, if Hatch doesn't have your back, you know you're doing something wrong."
Latter-Day Dude
commenting on the Jan. 1 sltrib.com article, "Hatch only Utahn in D.C. to back fiscal cliff deal"
"The Republican Party, and their cheerleaders at Fox and on AM radio, is a much greater threat to the U.S. than Iran is."
commenting on the Jan. 2 Steven Lobell commentary, "To attack or to deter a nuclear Iran?"
"Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, and wine unto those that be of heavy hearts. Let him drink, and forget his poverty, and remember his misery no more. Proverbs 31:6-7 (KJV)
commenting on the Jan. 2 San Jose Mercury News editorial, "How to die"


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NCEAS launches invasive plant research project for undergraduates
NCEAS launches an invasive plant research project through the Center's Synthetic Undergraduate Networks for Analyzing Ecological Data (Project SUN).
Applying the principles of NCEAS' success as a pioneer of ecological synthesis, Project SUN offers undergraduates the opportunity to participate in collaborative research in partnership with students from other universities.
Through Project SUN, undergraduate students in ecology are introduced to the benefits of synthesis by engaging in actual research experience.


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Want to remind yourself or a friend about this program? Fill out this simple form and klru will email you a reminder on the day that it will air.
Cincinnati, Hour Three
series: Antiques Roadshow
air date: 4/16/13 1:00 AM
ANTIQUES ROADSHOW explores the craftsmanship of Cincinnati carved furniture. Then, it's off to the races with a trophy from the 1908 Belmont Stakes and an early 20th-century toy horse and buggy, to highlight just a few discoveries. Others include a French advertising poster and an impressive bust of Abraham Lincoln, valued at $5,000-$7, 000.
WARNING: Email reminders for this program have already been sent out. Your reminder may not reach the intended address in time for this program's airing.
Back to TV Schedule


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When Obstructionism And Arbitrary Executive Military Power ConflictComments
The former can go away for a bit.
To clarify my post from last week, the delegation of military policy on the part of Congress isn't unlimited. Presidents have a very wide range of action when it comes to having the military do things. On the rare occasions on which the president gets to the left of Congress on civil liberties, Congress can normally be counted on to bestir itself for some rare action to oppose it.


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I must express my thanks to Joan Wickersham for her perfect insight into the complicated nature of grief ("Grief disorder?" Op-ed, Feb 8). Of course we are individuals, and loss affects and tempers each of us in unique ways. To expect a uniform progression through the grief is not only unrealistic but delusional.
Two years ago I lost my mother, the woman who not only tolerated all my typical selfishness through teenage years but found it in her heart to continue to love me and her other children with a fierce dedication that was truly a gift. She was my mentor, confidant, and friend.
Over those first few weeks of intense pain, I remember crying so hard I honestly thought I might have a heart attack. My husband tells me that over the last few months, my sadness has lightened, and I've found it's been OK to see pictures and bits of video of my mom, looking both young and healthy.
I am blessed to have the support of a close-knit family, dear friends, and a group of middle-aged female co-workers who were similarly experiencing the loss of their own parents. We are all bound by these common and universal experiences and all unique in our responses to them.
The writer is a nurse practitioner.


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Motorists will begin traveling on the newly constructed outside lanes of I-85 North from just north of N.C. Highway 150 to I-85 Business Loop this weekend.
Motorists will begin traveling on the newly constructed outside lanes of I-85 North from just north of N.C. Highway 150 to I-85 Business Loop this weekend.
The traffic shift will start at 8 p.m. Saturday and end by 11 a.m. Sunday.
To move traffic safely and efficiently, crews must close lanes on I-85 North, as well as several ramps, including:
• The entrance ramp from I-85 North to I-85 Business Loop; and
• The entrance loop and exit ramp at I-85 North and Belmont Road.
The ramp closures will not take place at once. They will occur one after another during the traffic shift period, starting with the I-85 Business Loop entrance ramp. The closures will be lifted as soon as permanent striping work is complete.
Motorists traveling on I-85 North who want to access I-85 Business Loop during the closure should exit the interstate at the Linwood Exit (Exit 88), turn left onto Hargrave Road and take the I-85 Business North entrance ramp.
Drivers on I-85 North who want to access Belmont Road (Exit 86) while the ramp is closed should exit approximately one mile south at N.C. 150 (Exit 84) where they will turn left onto N.C. 150, cross over the interstate, turn right onto Old Salisbury Road and turn right onto Belmont Road.
Motorists who want to enter I-85 North from Belmont Road (Exit 86) during the loop closure should travel north on Clyde Fitzgerald Road and turn left onto Hargrave Road where they can access I-85 North at Exit 88.


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THE man who robbed the Black Hill Post Office at gunpoint on Tuesday remains on the run.
Police say the hunt is still on for the gunman, who held up the Peel Street store about 4pm on Tuesday.
Ballarat Criminal Investigation Unit Detective Sergeant Steve Howard said police had reviewed CCTV footage of the incident
Detective Sergeant Howard said the car, a gold-coloured Ford Falcon sedan, was stolen between midday and 3.45pm from a car park on Anderson Street in Ballarat. Anyone with information can call Ballarat Criminal Investigation Unit on 5336 6080 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.