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make a difference by Christmas shopping {gift guide}
Christmas means so many things. Christ's birth, family, friends, cookies, twinkling lights . . . commercialism. With so much greed surrounding us, how do we participate in the joy of gift-giving without causing harm? Although I have, year after year, found myself drawn to the convenience of shopping on Amazon, I'm choosing something better this December. If you'd like to join me, here are some options for making a positive difference this Christmas, simply by doing your holiday shopping.
1. Fair Trade
Make sure the people who made your gift are respected and paid fairly for their hard work by choosing items that are Fair Trade certified. From a bag of coffee to a coffee table, you can find a Fair Trade option for just about anything! Check out this handy gift guide if you're not sure where to begin.
Gift ideas for bookworms, bloggers, and writers:
Fair Trade notebooks, chocolate, tea, coffee, or comfy socks.
2. Local
Instead of joining the crowds at WalMart or scanning page after page on Amazon, take a stroll down Main Street or check out a holiday craft fair and support your neighbors.
Gift ideas for bookworms, bloggers, and writers:
Locally made snacks or candy, a book from the local bookshop, notecards from a local artist . . . the options are endless!
3. Recycled
While you're browsing local shops, craft fairs, and Fair Trade stores, look for items that are made with recycled materials. Like-new used items can make great gifts, too! By choosing recycled gifts, you're helping keep useable materials and products out of the landfill.
Gift ideas for bookworms, bloggers, and writers:
Used books, recycled paper notebooks or stationery, a recycled materials pencil bag, or recycled cotton socks.
4. Homemade
Making something yourself ensures that you know exactly what went in it, plus it can be fun, comes from the heart, and might even save you money! There are countless tutorials and recipes online for creative homemade gifts.
Gift ideas for bookworms, bloggers, and writers:
Hot chocolate mix, homemade candy, bookmarks, or a box made from an old hardcover book.
5. Donate
For the person who has everything, a wonderful option is to donate to a nonprofit organization in their honor. Many organizations offer a printable gift card for the person in whose honor you donate, but you can also write a message in a Christmas card made by a local artist!
Gift ideas for bookworms, bloggers, and writers:
Donate to your local library, New Community Project's Give a Girl a Chance program (girls' education), Mennonite Central Committee (choose "Education"--or any category!), Books for Africa, or Room to Read.
I highly recommend going to brick-and-mortar stores, but if you prefer shopping online, here are a few options that fall under one or more of the above categories:
Amazon Smile -- still Amazon, but a portion of what you pay is donated to an organization of your choice
Better World Books -- online bookstore that donates one book for every book sold
Booksavers -- nonprofit used bookstore
Heifer International -- nonprofit organization focused on ending hunger and poverty
Ten Thousand Villages -- sells only fair trade items (TTV has physical stores too--see if there's one near you!)
labels: holidays, random shenanigans, seasonal
now what? {publishing tips}
Perhaps you just won NaNoWriMo, or maybe you've been laboring over your manuscript for months, but the result is the same: a glorious, complete novel that you're ready to share with the world! First, congratulations! Writing a novel is no easy feat! Second, don't publish it yet. There are many steps to publishing a book, and completing the first draft is really just the beginning!
I haven't finished my novel yet, so I'm not writing from the experience of a published author, but rather as a beta reader and professional editor who has done her research. Despite having participated in two NaNoWriMos, I still have not written 50,000 words--though I reached my personal goal of 25,000 last year, I only penned 10,000 this year. I'm still satisfied, though, because that's far more than I wrote all year! But I digress.
Publishing a book is a process--a journey, if you will--that does not end with the triumphant clicks of a keyboard that set "the end" at the bottom of your last page. It's going to take some time. You've been laboring over this beautiful manuscript for countless hours, so it only makes sense to ensure that it's in its best possible form before launching it into the world.
I know you're itching to publish this masterpiece, but please, please, please don't take any shortcuts. I've read too many self-published books that had great potential but weren't great novels, because they lacked proper editing. It breaks my heart to see them, because I know the effort that went into writing those books, only to have them fall flat for want of a little more attention.
So, it takes time. It also takes some financial investment, and I know as well as anyone how hard this is, being on a very tight budget myself. But if you go through the proper steps, you will eventually sell books, which will bring in some money. There are also ways to do this more cheaply, especially if you are self-publishing. If you have the money, though, I highly encourage you to hire professional editors, and not just because I am one myself. I want your novel to shine!
The Chicago Manual of Style is an extremely helpful tool to have around during the editing process (the 16th edition is the most recent), and I also recommend taking a look at Joel Friedlander's 10 Things You Need to Know About Self-Publishing. Although the former is an investment, the latter is available as a free pdf.
And now, here are five steps to take before publishing your novel. Don't rush, avoid those tempting shortcuts, and make sure you do these in order!
1. Take a break
You've just spent a lot of time with your novel, and it's hard to edit a manuscript with your eyes glazed over. Let it sit for a week--or four-- while you take care of all those things you neglected while writing. Clean the house, spend time with family and friends, or work on a different writing project. Just don't touch this one.
2. Self edit
Before you have others look at your manuscript, edit it yourself. This may involve some extensive rewriting, especially when you're working with a first draft. Get the story where you want it and edit for structure, flow, and mechanics. Take a break between drafts (see above) so that you can tackle each one with fresh eyes. And yes, you should go through several drafts!
3. Developmental edit
If you can, hire a professional developmental editor. This person will help you further polish your story, catching plot holes and other things you may have missed. If money is tight, you can look for editors just getting their foot in the door who are willing to look at your manuscript for very cheap or perhaps even for free.
You can also send your manuscript to beta readers, though I recommend doing this in addition to--and not in lieu of--developmental editing. Have the professional editor look at it first, make the necessary changes, and then hand it off to a team of beta readers.
4. Copyedit
A copyeditor will check your manuscript for proper style, mechanics, and, depending on the level of copyedit, organization and presentation. Again, hire an experienced professional if at all possible, but know that you can find an amateur to do the work more cheaply if you need to.
5. Proofread
This is the absolute final step before your book is published. If you make any changes after the proofread, you risk introducing more errors that will most likely end up in the published version, so please make all changes before sending your final draft to a proofreader!
Also, make sure your book is in the proper format--check spacing, alignment, paragraph formatting, chapter headings, etc. Have all elements of the book laid out exactly how you want them to be published, from front matter to back matter, and then send the whole thing to a professional proofreader.
And then, publish your book.
From the Editor's Desk {Tip of the Week}
editing your novel
After writing a novel comes editing. After typing "the end," start with self-editing, and finish with professional proofreading. For all the steps in-between, read the list in the blog post above. :)
Need an editor? Check out www.serenaedits.com.
I offer copyediting and proofreading services for everything from blogs to books!
I refuse {poetry thursday}
This winter I refuse to be unhappy.
I refuse to sit inside, wrapped in melancholy,
longing desperately to be Somewhere Else
while all around me beauty
waits to be noticed, acknowledged:
snowflakes falling silently,
glorious dust from heaven piling softly
on the ground, clinging to branches,
sliding--zip!--off the roof
as if to carry my human filth away;
boots critch-crunch through quiet woods,
accepting the sap lines' invitation
to solve their tangled maze,
breaking the rules--perhaps there are none, here--
by ducking under and stepping over,
stopping to wonder at a felled tree
whose white-capped, tumble-down pieces
could be cushioned stools or
a long-forgotten ruin,
then turn, look up the hill:
Is it possible I live
in a canvas castle in the woods?
labels: original poetry, poetry thursday
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Duke the springer spaniel
by Julie
Duke loves going for walks, chewing on bones, playing with toys and gets so excited to go in the car! He will be a year on August 3, 2015.
Join in and write your own page! It's easy to do. How? Simply click here to return to More of Your Springer Spaniel Pictures.
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subset: commoncrawl


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Live from E3: Meet the new Batman: Arkham Origins, same as the old Batman
The Denver Post was at E3 in Los Angeles all last week, covering the latest in video games.
Batman: Arkham Origins
Platform: Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Wii U, PC
Release Date: Oct. 25, 2013
Q's thoughts: The Batman Arkham series has been a success the past few years and, like any franchise owner, Warner Bros. is milking it as much as they can. While Batman: Arkham Asylum and Batman: Arkham City were both developed by Rocksteady Studios, Batman: Arkham Origins is developed by Warner Bros. Games Montreal. This had some fans concerned (especially since Batman voice actor Kevin Conroy wasn't in the game either), but don't fret Bat-fans, it's not too bad.
I got my hands on the game at E3 last week and it sticks with the formula that made the series a success. The game takes place about five years before Arkham Asylum and features a younger Batman. The gameplay is almost exactly the same as in previous games, as well as the gritty, dark look of the city and the characters.
I played through feeling like it was just another chapter of Arkham City. That's how familiar it is. For some people, this is a good thing. For people who get bored quick, or if you were hoping for a bunch of new abilities or moves, there isn't much to see.
Batman has all his familiar gadgets with a handful of new ones, but the only one I got to use is a Remote Claw, which can fire across two points and make a line to walk on. I can also fire it at enemies, which hangs them up to the nearest perch, or ties them up with another enemy momentarily (or, if there are explosives nearby, smashes them into those). It's a pretty cool gadget that you'll be having fun with.
There's also a new crime reconstruction ability that Batman has in the game, in which he investigates a crime scene, collects clues and replays the entire incident to find out what his next mission should be. Without spoiling too much, I was investigating a crashed helicopter that looked like it was shot down. But as I investigated and replayed the incident, I found out that there was a well-known DC Comic character who I would eventually have to go after.
There are new characters in the game, like Black Mask, and returning characters such as the Joker. Plus there are new enemies with new abilities, like some thugs who have some martial arts training, which make some of the fights more interesting. All in all though, it looks like fans of the Arkham series won't be disappointed in this prequel.


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Scene Assembly Manager provides a complete workflow for using scene assembly in Maya.
Using scene assembly out of the box is very complicated and is a multi-step process, which calls for automation because it requires setting up and defining different versions of assets before they can be used efficiently.
The Maya bonus tools features the Pipe Assembly Manager (or PAM) which greatly simplifies the process of creating scene assembly representations and definitions through a simple interface.
However, the initial version of Pipe Assembly Manager had platform specific issues and lacks some practical functionality, such as the support for proxies and VRay. The current state is unknown, but since bonus tools are not supported the chance for further development is small.
Scene Assembly Manager is build upon the basic idea of how to approach the concept of scene assembly used in Pipe Assembly Manager but featuring a better and more stable workflow which is necessary for production usage.
Maya versions 2013.5, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2016.5 on OS X, Windows 64 bit, Linux 64 bit.
Please see the general install guide.
evalDeferred("dockControl -e -r samDock");
Project oriented database
All assets, representations and definitions are stored in a subfolder of the current project as a simple database. Assets can be added and removed and are separated by the categories 'character', 'environment' and 'prop'.
Easy creation of representations
For each type of representation you can choose between various options and save/export types, animated and static. Also the exported time range can be easily defined through the UI, rather than always using the time slider range.
Automatic creation of definitions
The tool automatically builds a definition by default. You can also choose to add the representations to an existing definition or to only create the representation files but leave the definition untouched.
Export of mesh objects only
When creating representations Scene Assembly Manager always only exports meshes. If necessary, the lowest common parent node is used to export. This reduces the number of unnecessary nodes when exporting i.e. to an Alembic file, which can happen if the entire hierarchy of a character is selected containing not only the character mesh but also the rig with all controls.
When re-creating representations, you can decide to overwrite the existing or to create a version. Making versions is the default. This works with representations, definitions, shading and script files.
Export of shaders and attributes
When exporting to Alembic or exporting the current scene state as a representation, shader assignments and attributes are exported as well if needed. Especially when writing to an Alembic cache it makes most sense as it is able to receive shading, in contrast to the GPU cache.
VRay support
Almost all VRay custom attributes are exported (subdiv, displacement, roundCorners, etc.) as well as any connected VRayDisplacement nodes and their attributes. All information is stored in a mel script which gets applied after importing the alembic the cache into a new scene. Fur is currently not supported.
Version 1.2, updated 2015-05-28
There is a great introduction to scene assembly by Ashraf Aiad on vimeo. (right-click link to open in new window)


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2018 Audi RS8 Side Wallpapers is free HD wallpaper. This wallpaper was upload at December 17, 2017 upload by admin in Audi.
Download by size:Handphone Tablet Desktop (Original Size)
In May 2012, Audi trademarked the "RS8" nameplate, confirming that the Audi A8 will get a much more powerful version at some point. In early 2013, Ingolstadt likewise verified it will introduce more RS models starting with the RS7. Quick forward to 2015 and the RS8 is still a secret, which implies it's about time we start hypothesizing a bit about this future sports high-end sedan. That Audi has yet to verify the RS8 isn't at all surprising, as it is likely we won't see it in car dealerships until the next-generation A8 arrives. With the full-size sedan set to go on sale for 2017 model year, the RS8 will not be here till the 2018 model year.
2018 Audi RS8 Exterior
Picturing exactly what the 2018 Audi RS8 will look like is not extremely challenging: simply take a Prologue Concept, understood to sneak peek the next generation of large Audi sedans and include some aggressive RS aspects. Try to find sporty front and rear bumpers, a high-gloss black front grille with the RS-style honeycomb structure, a brand-new diffuser, and brand-new exhaust outlets. The roofline ought to be sleeker than on current A8 and S8 models. Audi will likewise use a brand-new car integrated with red brake calipers for an even more aggressive look.
2018 Audi RS8 Interior
For the interior, Audi will attempt to combine high-end with a severe stylish feeling. There will be great deals of carbon-fiber and aluminum trim elements used, sports seats covered in black Alcantara and leather with contrasting red stitching, plus, obviously, a smattering of RS8 badges. Anticipate to find some cues from the Prologue Concept also, but a less futuristic dashboard and center console. Still, the constant horizontal lines are likely to stay to make the cabin feel larger and more large.
2018 Audi RS8 Engine
The engine to be used in the 2018 Audi RS8 is still a secret; still, I can guess quite accurately on that. Currently, the most effective A8– the S8– is powered by a 4.0-liter, twin-turbocharged V-8 engine with an output of 520 horsepower and 481 pound-feet of torque, suggesting that the RS8 version needs to provide a bit more. There's also the possibility of Audi dropping a Bentley-sourced, twin-turbo W-12 engine under the RS8's hood. This powerplant inspires both the Continental and the Flying Spur, producing as much as 616 horses and 590 pound-feet of twist in the 2016 Continental GT Speed.
2018 Audi RS8 Release Date and Price
Discussing pricing at this moment, when the 2018 Audi RS8 is still a rumor, resembles hunting deer with rubber arrows, however if there's one thing I ensure, is that the RS8 will become the most expensive vehicle in the A8 lineup. The 2018 Audi RS8 ought to make its launching quickly. It will show up on the marketplace in 2018.
Back To 2018 Audi RS8


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Fly Ash
The following is an excerpt from the Western Region Ash Group website: "fly ash is the very small particle mineral residue that results from the burning of powdered coal in utility boilers. The individual particles are very small, like talcum powder, and are carried up and out of the boiler in the flow of exhaust gases leaving the boiler after the coal is consumed. Hence the term "Fly Ash". The Fly Ash particles are removed from the stack gasses using Electrostatic Precipitators, Flue Gas Desulphurization (FGD) systems or Bag Houses and are collected and stored dry for recycling.
"Fly Ash is a pozzolan: a silica, alumina, and calcium based material which, in the presence of water, will chemically combine with the free lime contained in the fly ash and produces a cementitious material with excellent structural properties.
"Fly Ash can be used as a direct replacement for Portland cement in making concrete, in addition to many other applications."
Benefits of using fly ash in concrete:
- Pozzolanic properties reduce need for cement
- Spheres act like ball bearings, increasing workability
- Fills in voids with cementitious material and acts as filler, reducing
total surface area to be covered with cement
- Increased strength with age


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Berlitz is now an Accredited Centre of the Instituto Cervantes, exclusive in the Balearic Islands. We offer Spanish courses at all levels, both in intensive group (max. 6 students) and one-to-one courses. In class, as well as improving your general Spanish, you will also be preparing for the official DELE exams. For information about prices and course availability, feel free to visit our website http://www.berlitz-madridnorte.es/ or to contact us
We offer students a free placement test, personal advice for their language needs and a certificate of attendance on completion of their course. Our technology room has internet access and our whole centre is air-conditioned. Visit us and study in a nice atmosphere, we are open from Monday to Friday, from 8 am to 9.30 pm.


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Date Added
Job Type
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Locum Tenens assignment available in Salt Lake City, Utah. Board certified and Utah licensed required. Locums to permanent option. Fantastic pay!! When not working, enjoy this beautiful and vibrant destination where there is plenty to do for everyone!
How to Apply
If you are interested and would like more information, please contact Katt Cannon at 615-878-2880 x233 or email us at email@example.com regarding job number UT403L


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You are currently browsing the monthly archive for July 2009.
The process of placing order with Infinity Logo Design is simpler than you have imagined. For your convenience, we are giving step by step description how the process works.
Step One: Fill out the application form and select your suitable package
Our application form is easy and simple and is divided into two parts. In the first part you are require to give very basic detail about yourself such as your name, contact number and postal and email address etc. The information provided by you will be used for future correspondence. Second part of the application is very crucial. Here you will be given a list of packages. Select one that is most suitable for you. Read the rest of this entry »


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The championship game will be broadcast on WLFM-FM 91.1. To listen to the webcast, go to: http://www.lawrence.edu/sorg/wlfm/main.html
Championship Game Saturday, Feb. 26
Lawrence University 82, Ripon College 77 (OT)
The tournament winner receives an automatic berth into the NCAA Division III Tournament. NCAA tournament pairings will be announced on Sunday, Feb. 27. The NCAA tournament selections will be made at 9:30 p.m. Central time.
Semifinal Games Friday, Feb. 25
Lawrence University 87, Carroll College 76
Ripon College 75, Lake Forest College 60
Midwest Conference Website
To reach the official Midwest Conference website, go to http://midwestconference.org.
MWC Tournament information
Admission is $3, with children 5 and under free, but crowds will be limited to the first 1,350 fans.
Parking is available in front of Alexander Gymnasium, but this area will fill up fast. Additional parking is available on East South River Street and in the east lot of the First Congregational United Church of Christ, 724 E. South River St.
Concessions (soda, water, candy, popcorn, hot dogs) will be available inside Alexander Gymnasium.
Programs and Lawrence basketball yearbooks will be on sale inside Alexander Gymnasium for $1.
Conference tournament T-shirts and Lawrence University clothing will also be on sale inside Alexander Gymnasium.


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All autographed lots in auction are accompanied with a SIG Auctions Letter of Authenticity and are guaranteed to pass James Spence authentication (JSA). In addition to our Letter of Authenticity, some of the lots may include James Spence Auction Letter of Authentication (ALOA-see image below), James Spence Certificate of Authenticity (COA), James Spence Letter of Authenticity (LOA), or additional Letters of Authenticity from third-party companies such as Upper Deck Authenticated, Steiner, Mounted Memories, PSA, etc. If additional authentication is present, it will be noted in the lot description. It should be noted that certain large lots may contain a small number of clubhouse, fake, or autopen signatures, which should be considered part of the lot and are non-returnable or refundable in-part, or in full. Any lot won in auction may be submitted to James Spence Authentication for Certificate of Authenticity (COA) or Letter of Authenticity (LOA) by SIG Auctions on the buyer's behalf. Any lots won in auction and submitted through SIG Auctions will receive a 25% discount over standard submission rates listed
James Spence Authentication 3223 N.W. 10th TerraceSuite 604Fort Lauderdale, FL 333091-954-380-8670 IMAGE2 firstname.lastname@example.com://www.spenceloa.com/
James Spence has the universal respect and approval of auctioneers, dealers, and collectors worldwide with his accurate authentication expertise. A third generation autograph collector, his knowledge and exposure has its roots in over thirty years of hobby experience. Spence is a 1982 graduate from Iona College of New York with a double major in International Business and French. A New Jersey native, he has opined for virtually every major auction house in the country. The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the United States Department of the Treasury (IRS) have depended on Spence as their sports authentication adviser and asked for his assistance during past investigations. Law enforcement and insurance carriers have placed their trust in Spence to assist in their analysis. Mr. Spence has successfully completed certification in Forensic Document Examination. Dealers have also relied on his knowledge, experience and integrity for some of the highest valued, historically significant and rarest signed artifacts in existence. Countless collectors have sought the reassurance that their investments will retain marketability when the time is right to divest of their holdings. It has long been the industry's choice to secure a James Spence Authentication Letter of Authenticity.
Signed Sealed and Delivered Ltd.6025 Edgemoor Dr Suite BHouston, TX 77081713-664-7498 http://www.signedsealeddel.com/
Music industry autograph authenticator, collector and expert Roger Epperson, has an extensive background as a full-time dealer in the collectibles industry. Roger is the only dealer in the world that deals exclusively in music related autographed collectibles. His narrowed focus has established him as a valued and respected collector and authenticator for all genres of contemporary music. Roger is the full time music autograph authenticator for JSA since 2006.
Zarelli Space Authentication Steve Zarelli is a recognized authority in the field of astronaut autographs. His findings have been published in the definitive space collecting reference Relics of the Space Race, and he has contributed articles to the UACC's Pen & Quill magazine, Autograph Times Magazine, and the UACC signature study Neil Armstrong: The Quest for His Autograph. Zarelli Space Authentication provides authentication consulting services to James Spence Authentication (JSA), Sportscard Guaranty Authentic (SGC), PSA/DNA Authentication, as well as numerous dealers and collectors worldwide. Steve Zarelli has been an active member of the Universal Autograph Collectors Club for 15 years; he previously served as the Ethics Chairman and currently sits on the UACC Board of Directors. www.SpaceLOA.com Mounted Memories offers an ironclad guarantee assuring the absolute authenticity on all of their hand-signed memorabilia. And, for your added protection, a certification card verifying its authenticity accompanies each item that explains the process of how to check the items authenticity online. Each item is signed in the presence and witnessed by a Mounted Memories agent and a tamper proof serial numbered hologram is than installed on the item and kept in their online database. The bottom line is you can rest assured that you've gotten the real thing. www.mountedmemories.com Schwartz Sports is a full-service sports memorabilia and marketing company. All Autographs Guaranteed 100% Authentic and come with a Certificate of Authenticity (COA) and tamper proof holograms affixed to the Certificate of Authenticity and the item from Schwartz Sports. www.schwartzsports.com. Schwartz Sports was recently purchased by Dreams Inc owner of Mounted Memories. All Schwartz Sports products will come with a lifetime guarantee of authenticity backed by Mounted Memories. Upper Deck authenticity has been a central theme to Upper Deck products since the company's inception in 1988. Upper Deck expanded the company's focus on authenticity to include fine autographed sports memorabilia backed by a patented five-step authentication process which guarantees fans are receiving genuine autographs. The heart of the five-step process is the company's policy that an Upper Deck representative must witness each autograph signed. Today Upper Deck dedicates more resources than any other sports collectibles and memorabilia company to ensure the authenticity of its products. www.upperdeck.com Tri-Star numbered and authentic hologram affixed to all items signed at Tri-Star shows and private signings. The opportunity to go online and verify the authenticity of the signature. Just enter the Tri-Star authentic hologram number on the item into the computer by going to www.tristarauthentic.com and you will instantly see the date and location of when and where the autograph was obtained and more. Steiner Sports each and every hand-signed collectible that carries a tamper-proof hologram is witnessed by a Steiner Sports representative. Once the collectibles have been autographed, they are cataloged and inventoried. Each hand-signed collectible is examined for quality and signature condition. If the collectible meets the Steiner Sports standard of excellence a tamper-proof Steiner Sports hologram is affixed to the product. www.steinersports.com PSA/DNA years of expertise and knowledge in the trade have established an impeccable reputation for providing professional, unbiased, expert opinions.
SIG Auctions 1801 West Rose Garden Lane, Suite 5, Phoenix, AZ 85027
© Software Copyright 2004-| SimpleAuctionSite | All rights reserved.


text: i have been a pretty happy VM customer but i am sick of my motorola triumph and hardware issues. I have gone through 3 replacements. Also for the last 1-2 months i have always 1-2 bars of reception and 100-300 kbps download, 800 kbps upload, all month. I am thinking of going to Straight talk because i see people in my area getting speeds of 2-3 mbps data. But that company has its problems too. should i be getting better speeds? is it a phone problem? should i wait for new phones and hopefully the 4g from VM? im in NYC btw


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Throughout the home remodeling process, Capital Construction focuses on all levels of professionalism. From our introduction meeting with you up until the last nail, shingle, or piece of siding goes up on your home. We want to make sure you're getting the best service possible and with Capital we are able to deliver that.
Roofing Contractors Cohasett MA
Experience a roofing experience that you will tell your friends about with Capital Construction. Our roofing contractors are all licensed, insured, friendly and most importantly, skilled. Explore our roofing options:
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Coat your home with a siding solution that you are proud about. At Capital Construction Contracting we transform home with new siding. Old siding on a home has so many downfalls and with a new installation you can truly bring your home back from the dead! Explore our siding options:
Decking Contractors Cohasset MA
A backyard deck in Cohasset can elevate your living, relaxing and hosting space by ten fold! At Capital Construction Contracting we have decking solutions that will take your house to the next level. Explore our decking options:
Learn more about how Capital Construction Contracting can help you! We can be contacted today over the phone at 1-617-319-1225 or through our online contact form.


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"Fernando Alcántar has been on a remarkable journey that could easily have cost him his life. But as we learn in this challenging memoir, he has fought his way to the other side and came out whole with a clear understanding of his sexuality, his spirituality, and his mission in life. Fernando is an inspiration!" —Eric Marcus, co-author, Coming Out to Play (with Robbie Rogers) and Breaking the Surface (with Greg Louganis)
In this exceptionally moving and soul-searching memoir, Fernando Alcántar recounts his incredible journey from poor Catholic boy on the dusty streets of Mexico to globetrotting missionary and high-profile Christian leader in the United States—where he eventually left his celebrated life behind to advocate for the liberating power of reason and equality. With heart-wrenching honesty, he shares stories of trauma, tragedy, prejudice, uncertainty, survival, and, ultimately, discovery. In the process, he gives a voice to thousands who are hiding in the shadows, afraid to publicly question their religious or sexual identity for fear of isolation and retaliation. He also makes a call for tolerance and understanding, while heralding the natural beauty of human qualities like courage, kindness, and love.
Although Alcántar's story is a highly personal one, history shows that the best way to chart any new journey is to first see how others have traveled before—whether to avoid their missteps or to uncover a well-trodden path. So join him on his fascinating and enlightening journey of adventure, celebration, despair, reflection, and, finally, liberation. You will discover that his is not simply a Mexican story or an American story, a heterosexual's story or homosexual's story, a Christian's story or an atheist's story. Rather, his is a universal story—one uniquely about and for our times.
"Each one of us who has trudged the dusty trail from faith to reason
has a fascinating saga to relate, but none of them is more poignant
than Fernando Alcántar's...
I can guarantee you that his story has the ring of truth.
It is honest, exciting, informative, moving, and courageous.
As you read it, you may visit locales that seem familiar,
but I can promise you will also be taken places you never imagined visiting."
Dan Barker, Co-President of the Freedom from Religion Foundation
Fernando shares, with heart-wrenching honesty, his difficult journey through religion and the ultimate fall from faith. Born into Catholicism, becoming a globetrotting missionary for one of the largest evangelical colleges in the country, becoming a denominational leader in Mexico and the US, his eventual crisis of faith and time in Mormon Utah are all chronicled in his journals of internal process, doubt and enlightenment which takes you first circle to the cross and back.
Fernando opens up about the most difficult and personal secrets of his life. From memories of abuse as a child, to times of reckless debauchery as a teenager, to stories of tragedy that almost cost him his life as an adult. Poverty, gangs, mental illness, and near-death experiences shape his life and define his need for belonging. This is a journey with casualties, but also a journey of endurance with a a stubborn hope in humanity and a never-ending hope in the future, even when light seems dimmest.
Fernando shares his coming of age curiosity and his lust for life in this inspiring saga. This is first and foremost a story of life, love, and stubborn faith in humanity. From exploring the world's cultures, adventures in the wild outdoors, pursuing a restoration with his past, experimenting with his sexuality, and seeking inner peace after the storm, this is an edge-of-your-seat story that will make you believe again that it is worth it to throw caution out the window and live live to the fullest.
"This is as much an adventure and coming-of-age story as it is a coming-out story (both gay and atheist). It clearly shows how sincere and fervent religious belief erodes when logic and clear thinking creep in. Beware, Christian fundamentalists—this book is dangerous to your beliefs, but is a secular blessing to the rest of us." —Linda LaScola, co-founder, The Clergy Project; co-author, Caught in the Pulpit: Leaving Belief Behind


text: Each Spring the streets of downtown Westfield are transformed into a marketplace of over 300 vendors, arts & crafts, delicious festival foods, non-stop entertainment, kids rides and activities. Downtown Westfield is a shoppers dream. The event is celebrating its 25th year and is free to attend. It's a fun day for the whole family.


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8 Marla Plot For Sale , Block C , " CORNER PLOT" The plot is situated close to Education, Residential and commercial hubs of the city. The corner plot is facing a wide road and large integrated townships nearby. The use of the property is its strategic location with schools, Atm, Banks, retail outlets in proximity. It is an ideal investment for any individual. Residential located on the main road and with all modern amenities. Please feel free to contact us if you have any queries or would like an inspection.
Read More...
Rana Rashid Ahmad
Property Address:
B-17, Islamabad
Office Address:
1:00 AM to 1:00 AM
|Property ID: 988
|Type: Plot
|Status: Sell


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Lace is so on trend this A/W however it can be quite tricky to pull off. That's why we love these banded lace pattern tights - subtle lace designs repeated from toe to thigh will complete your outfit with feminine edge. And will look at home as much in the boardroom as on the town.
One Size - Fits up to hip 107cm(42") & Height up to 178cm (5'10")
Matte Finish & Reinforced Toe.
Fabric Content: 78% Nylon, 21% Elastane, 1% Cotton
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EDUCATIONExpected 2020 · MA Modern Middle Eastern & North African Studies | University of Michigan (Ann Arbor, MI)
2018-19, 2019-20 · Foreign Language and Area Studies (FLAS) Graduate Fellow
2015 · BFA Theatre Arts · BA Arabic Studies | DePaul University (Chicago, IL)
2012 · Theatre Studies Merit Scholarship
2011 · Theatre Studies Talent Scholarship
· Illustrator: The Specimen's Apology (By George Abraham) - Sibling Rivalry Press, 2019
· The Opening - Tosh Fesh, December 2017
· Baddawi - Just World Books, April 2015. (Korean: Hudd Books, Seoul, 2016; Arabic: Kalimat Group, Sharjah, 2017; French: Steinkis Editions, Paris, 2018.)
· Single Issue Voter – South Side Weekly, The Comics Issue, July 2019
· The Sardine Tin – Mizna, The Palestine Issue, February 2019
· Border Diary – The Believer Magazine, August 2018
· Excerpt from Baddawi (Italian translation) - Internazionale, Numero 1237: Racconti, foto e fumetti dalla Palestina. December 2017/January 2018
· We asked 11 artists from around the world to make cartoons about resistance – The FADER, May/June 2017: The Diaspora Issue
· Same old, same old: Palestinian-Americans on the meaning of Donald Trump's Presidency – Harper's, April 2017
· Hisham and Mounis: from besieged Gaza to US immigration jail – The Electronic Intifada, Feb 2016
· Smuggling books across the border: PalFest 2015 – The Electronic Intifada, June 2015
· The Illustrated PEN: Excerpts from Baddawi – PEN America, Apr 2015
· Excerpt from BDS: What it is, why it matters - One of My Kind (OOMK) Zine Issue 2: Print. Autumn 2013.
· Excerpts from Baddawi - World War 3 Illustrated, #44 The Other Issue, Feb 2013
· Banksy's hotel undermines Palestinian efforts to narrate their own history – Muftah, March 2017
· "Beyond Ritual and Recitation" - Being Palestinian: Personal Reflections on Palestinian Identity in the Diaspora, Edinburgh University Press, January 2016
· Freedom and Imagery: A discussion on Charlie Hebdo – Red Wedge Magazine, Feb 2015
2018 · Art of Leila Abdelrazaq - West Shore Community College, Scottville, MI
2018 · Justice and Return: Art and Comics of Leila Abdelrazaq - Rockford University, Rockford, IL
2016-17 · Drawing in the Diaspora: Comic Art & Graphic Novels by Leila Abdelrazaq - Arab American National Museum, Dearborn, MI
2016 · Baddawi: Identities in Transit - APEX Gallery at South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, Rapid City, SD
2019 · Halal Metropolis - Various locations throughout S.E. Michigan
2019 · Overlooked - Greater Reston Arts Center, Reston, VA
2018 · We Shall Be Monsters - A.M. Qattan Foundation, A.M. Qattan Cultural Centre, Ramallah, Palestine
2018 · Projections - Detroit Grinds/Cass Collective, Detroit, MI
2017 · Take Care of Your Self: A transcultural art event - MDM: We Are The Medium, Studio Bliss Boutique, Montreal, QC
2017 · Commonwealth: Water For All - The Queens Museum, New York, NY
2017 · Over the Rainbow: Babycastles x Art Palestine International - Babycastles, New York, NY
2016 · Arab Comics in the Curriculum: the AUB Libraries' Collection - American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
2016 · Comix Creatrix: 100 Women Making Comics - House of Illustration, London, UK - Feb-May 2016
GRANTS & RESIDENCIES2019 · Room Project Summer Fellow. Room Project, Detroit, MI
2019 · Arab American National Museum Artist in Residence. Dearborn City Hall ArtSpace Lofts, Dearborn, MI
2018 · Art Matters Grantee/Fellow
2018 · A.M. Qattan Young Artist of the Year Award Fianlist Grant & Residency. Fondazione Pistoletto, Citadellarte (UNIDEE), Biella, Italy
2017 · Tosh Fesh Artistfund Grant for the creation of The Openinig.
AWARDS & HONORS2018 · Finalist: Young Artist of the Year Award (A.M. Qattan Foundation) (For "Still Born")
2017 · Best Museum Exhibits of 2017 (For "Drawing in the Diaspora" at the Arab American National Museum), Detroit Free Press
2015 · Shortlisted: Palestine Book Awards (For Baddawi)
2019 · Billy Ireland Cartoon Library & Museum. Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
2018 · Image and Imagery Conference. Brock University, St. Catherines, ON
2018 · Forum Series. Rockford University, Rockford, IL
2018 · Glasgow Comic Con 9 Panels Industry Day, Glasgow, UK
2017 · Symposium on Comics, Culture, and Society. University of Illinois at Chicago Asian American Resource and Cultural Center, Chicago, IL
2016 · Cartoon Art Museum/California College of the Arts, San Francisco, CA
2016 · Refugee Stories from the Middle East Seminar for K-12 Educators. New York University, New York, NY
2015 · Symposium on Arabic Comics. American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
2015 · Palestine Festival of Literature. Bethlehem University, Bethlehem, Palestine
2018 · Panelist: Divide & Conquer: Creating Feminist Spaces Within the Comics Community. Comique Con, Dearborn, MI
2018 · Panelist: Single-Author Storytelling. Glasgow Comic Con, Glasgow, UK
2017 · Moderator: Art Creates Change: Joe Sacco in Conversation with Leila Abdelrazaq. Ontario College of Art & Design (OCADU) in collaboration with the Toronto Palestine Film Festival. OCADU, Toronto, ON
2017 · Panelist: Hala Alyan & Leila Abdelrazaq. Palestine Festival of Literature in collaboration with the Toronto Palestine Film Festival. TIFF Bell Lightbox, Toronto, ON
2017 · Panelist: Comics as Resistance. Chicago Alternative Comics Expo (CAKE), Chicago, IL
2017 · Panelist: Breaking the Panel: Women of Color in Comics. Chicago Teen Lit Festival, Columbia College Chicago, Chicago, IL
2017 · Panelist: Self Publishing for Activism. The Logan Center at the University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
2016 · Panelist: Permission Not Granted: Women of Color and the Politics of Zines. Chicago Zine Fest, Chicago, IL
2015 · Panelist: Palestine Book Awards Night With Shortlisted Authors. London, UK
2015 · Panelist: Arab American Women in Comics. Comique Con, Dearborn, MI
2019 · Envisioning SWANA Futures Workshop. MOVE Summit. Dearborn, MI.
2019 · Political Poster Making Workshop Series. The Media Majlis at Northwestern University Qatar. Doha, Qatar.
2017 · Invention and Iconoclasm: Arab American Nostalgia and its (Dis)Contents. DIWAN: A form for Arab Arts (MOVE Summit), Dearborn, MI
2016 · Comics & Zine Making Workshop. Radius of Arab American Writers (RAWI)/Mizna Gathering 2016, Minneapolis, MN
2016 · Three-Day Comics Workshop. Palestine International Book Fair with The Tamer Institute, Ramallah, Palestine
2016 · Zine Making Workshop with Chicago Zine Fest. MCA Prime Time, Museum of Contemporary Art, Chicago, IL
2015 · Arab Feminist Organizing: Art & Activism. Allied Media Conference, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI
CLASSES TAUGHT2019 · Dearborn Comix Workshop, Maamoul Press
2017 · Saturday Morning Zine Club, Spudnik Press
2016 · Saturday Morning Illustration Club, Spudnik Press
2015 · Saturday Morning Comix Club, Spudnik Press
COLLECTIONSResist Together Print: Arab American National Museum, Dearborn, MI
AWARDS JURIED2018 · Ignatz Awards
2017 · Palestine Youth Movement, Ghassan Kanafani Resistance Arts Scholarship
2017 · Leeway Foundation, Transformation Award


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Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone is a popular summertime attraction. Visitors who come to see Old Faithful and the beautiful panoramas of this famous U.S. national park during the summertime will most likely have to endure traffic jams and view the geysers, falls and mountains while elbow to elbow with other camera-toting tourists. After Labor Day, but before the roads close for the winter, visitors can enjoy much quieter conditions. It is true that weather can be unpredictable after Labor Day in Yellowstone, but 60- and 70-degree daytime highs are not unheard of in September (and maybe even into October). Cheaper off-season prices are another reason to come to Yellowstone in the autumn. Winter sports season is not yet in full swing, so hotels and resorts in the area generally offer their lowest prices of the year in the fall. One possible drawback of autumn travel in Yellowstone is that many amenities (including campgrounds) inside the park are closed after the summer peak season ends.


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Blue Planet Garden
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Blue Planet Garden is dedicated to bringing you the finest organic seeds, elite garden tools and supplies. We offer only NON-GMO, 100% certified ORGANIC seed and we have a preference towards heirloom cultivars and open-pollinated varieties.
Botanical Interests Quality Seeds
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Including our English line of seeds, we offer over 700 varieties of seeds for the home gardener, 50 of which are organic, ALL of which are untreated. No GMO's. www.gardentrails.com sells our seed - FREE color plant tags when you visit this site! Also available at other sites - visit our home site for additional info or call us at 800-486-2647 if you are a retailer and would like wholesale info. Reasonably priced packets (unlike other organic wholesalers) and high quality seed.
Ferry-Morse Seed Company
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Ferry-Morris's line of certified organic vegetable, flower and herb seeds, Source of Nature, contains 80 varieties which are open-pollinated and guarantees that no toxic chemicals were used to produce the seeds.
Filaree Farm Organic Seed Garlic
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Organic Seed Garlic, We offer over 100 unique strains for backyard gardeners, commercial farmers and seed nurseries - Learn the culinary, horticultural and botanical characteristics of garlic
Green Space Design Seeds
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ORGANIC SEEDS - Flowers, Herbs and Vegetables. Hand picked, processed and packaged on Cortes Island British Columbia.
Handy Pantry Distributions
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Manufacturer of organic home sprouting supplies, organic, non hybrid seeds.
Harris Seeds
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Since 1879 Harris Seeds has carried a full line of high quality products for gardeners and growers, including vegetable and flower seeds, transplants, bulbs, plugs and liners, including many Harris exclusives... A complete line of seed starting, gardening and growing tools and supplies, greenhouses, and decorative planters.
High mowing Seeds
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Supplier of 100% certified organic seeds to wholesale and commercial growers. Retail seed rack program available to natural food retailers and garden centers. Mail-order to home gardeners.
Johnny's Seeds
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Johnny's Seeds operate our own certified organic trial and research farm here in Albion, Maine for seed production and to grow, breed, and evaluate over 4000 new and experimental varieties each year.
Mumm's Sprouting Seed
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Sprouting information and organically grown seeds for sprouting, for home and commercial sprouters.
New England Seed Company
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Shop online for garden seeds. Over 350 varieties of annual and perennial flower, herb and vegetable seeds.
Oak Tree Seeds
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Seller of Organic and Heirloom seeds for the home grower. Specializing in hard to find Organic and Heirloom seed.
Organic Gardening Catalog
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The Organic Gardening Catalogue contains nearly 400 certified organic vegetable and herb seeds, plus a complete range of soil improvers, fertilizers, composts, natural pest controls, tools, books and much more.
Organic Seeds
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Find organic seeds for many vegetables and herbs, including tomato, eggplant, lettuce, radish, basil, chives, corn, muskmelon, mustard, kale, and squash.
Sow Organic Seed Co.
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Online catalog offering certified organic, open pollinated seeds.
Territorial Seed Company
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Territorial Seed Company has been helping gardeners grow organically since 1979. Their catalog has a huge assortment of certified organic vegetable seeds, many grown at their own certified organic farm.
Windmill Point Organic Farm
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Located near Montreal, Canada, we offer a wide variety of organic seeds, grape vines and trees. Visit our Web site to see the variety of heirloom tomato seeds and Montreal Melons or our Asian pear trees or visit us at our weekly farmers market to buy your fresh produce.
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For the past several weeks, I have been keeping up with a story that is just starting to develop in the Midwest. Most attention is currently focused on the Mississippi River; massive floods, which experts are claiming to be all-time record breaking, have prompted the U.S. government to blast open levees in Missouri in order to alleviate swelling pressure. The Mississippi River has always been a threat to the security of the valleys through which it runs; at an astounding 2,348 miles long, the Mississippi River is the largest river system in the United States. Its drainage area, covering about 40 percent of the country, originates in Lake Itasca, Minnesota, and flows slowly southward passing through 31 states. Also, it should be noted that most of the states along the Mississippi River are commonly referred to as farm country. Nearly one million acres of prime farmland is at risk of being destroyed. More importantly however, the fertilizer that these farms have loaded onto their property, just in time for the growing season to resume, is now being carried off downstream.
Scientists have cautioned that fertilizer runoff from the flooded farms along the Mississippi could cause more problems than the flooding itself can impose. As the components of fertilizer move downstream – notably the two primary components, nitrogen and phosphorous – contain nourishing qualities, thereby intensifying the growth of microbes found in water; which in turn eat away at oxygen producing plants. Subsequently, the water is depleted of oxygen and many ecosystems are disturbed. However, and even more significantly, nitrogen and phosphorous levels in drinking water increase to harmful levels. In particular, elevated levels of nitrate, a derivative of nitrogen, are known to cause "gastrointestinal irritation, dizziness, severe abdominal pain coupled with vomiting, bloody diarrhea, physical weakness and/or convulsions, collapse and possible coma. Small, repeated oral doses and chronic exposure to nitrates have been known to cause depression, headache, weakness and mental impairment (Livestrong 2010)."
Much of the Midwest gets its water from rivers that branch off of the Mississippi River. With this in mind, scientists have been closely monitoring whether the floodwaters indicate elevated levels of nitrate. Currently, water-treatment plants filter out nitrate to keep within government limits, but John Downing, a professor at Iowa State University specializing in inland-water issues urges that "the faster the water moves across the land, the more sediment [consisting of] nitrate and other pollutants it picks up." This in turn, will make it more difficult to filter out toxic substances from the drinking water.
Chemistry managers from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have been closely monitoring nitrate levels of water filtered in the city. I am happy to report that as of right now, cities along the river do not appear to have elevated levels of nitrate in their water supply. However, with the river still a few weeks away from cresting in the delta, monitoring should be increased substantially. If necessary, a temporary drinking water ban should be put in place for those people — especially pregnant women and infants — who are more susceptible to nitrate poisoning. It is usually better to be overly cautious than not safe enough, especially when it comes to the welfare of citizens.
Works Cited:


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DEAR ABBY: We rented a car while we were on vacation. Most of the newer cars have all kinds of high-tech equipment and devices � different kinds for different models of vehicles.
DEAR ABBY: We rented a car while we were on vacation. Most of the newer cars have all kinds of high-tech equipment and devices � different kinds for different models of vehicles. The problem is the instruction booklets that describe how the equipment operates are never provided with the cars. It�s dangerous to try and figure out how the equipment operates by trial and error while starting to drive an unfamiliar vehicle. Why don�t the rental agencies provide the instruction manuals, or at least a pamphlet summarizing the procedures? Surely not many people would steal them, since they�re just using the cars for a short time. Also, it would be helpful if the rental agencies would include an inexpensive ice scraper with every car in appropriate areas of the country, so customers could clean their windshields and avoid the hazard of obstructed vision. � CAR RENTER IN CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA.
DEAR CAR RENTER: What you�re describing is also true with loaner cars that are offered when a vehicle is being serviced. I am pretty sure the reason those items are not provided is fear that they would be stolen. However, I agree that knowing how to operate the radio, heating, air-conditioning and street map functions on the newer cars can be confusing � which is why you should ask to have the pertinent pages of the manual photocopied so you can refer to them as needed. (The technologically inclined can Google the make of car and ask �How to turn on the radio,� etc. because the information is available online.)
DEAR ABBY:My best friend died from the flu in November. She was only 63 and had been my friend for 23 years. She died because she was stubborn and insisted to all her friends � myself included � that she was �fine� and didn�t need to see a doctor or go to the emergency room. We had all threatened to come and drag her to the doctor or the ER or call 911, but because she insisted she was getting better, we took her word for it. Now we�re kicking ourselves for not getting her the help she obviously needed. Abby, please tell your readers that when a friend or family member is sick enough to cause this kind of concern, to ignore the person and get her (or him) to a doctor! I will miss my friend every day for the rest of my life because I can no longer call to say good morning. Her name was Abby, too, and she was the best friend I�ve ever had. � DEVASTATED IN TARZANA, CALIF.
DEAR DEVASTATED:I�m sorry for the loss of your friend. But none of you should blame yourselves for what happened to her. She made an unwise choice. It is not unusual for people who experience serious symptoms to go into a state of denial (�Let�s wait,� �It will pass,� etc.). But unless your friend was experiencing extreme respiratory distress or an unusually high fever, she might have recovered from that virus without intervention. P.S.I can�t help but wonder if your friend got her flu vaccination last fall when they started being offered. While it�s not 100 percent effective for everyone, it is effective in many people. I get one every year, and it�s worth discussing with your doctor.
A THOUGHT FOR THE DAY, COURTESY OF BENJAMIN FRANKLIN: �He who falls in love with himself will have no rivals.�
Write Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.


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This is a delicious snack or dessert and only 1 PointsPlus!
- 1 cup of cleaned grapes
- 1/4 cup of Cool Whip Free
- Mix the grapes and Cool Whip and enjoy!
You can also add nuts or other toppings, but make sure to count the points!
I could definitely eat that :)ReplyDelete
Two ingredients = deliciousness :)ReplyDelete
Hmmm...doesn't initially sound appealing...but I do love me some cool whip...I'll have to try it some time :)Thanks for the idea.ReplyDelete
Yum--looks like what I had tonight, except instead of Cool Whip it was greek yogurt. I'll have to try that sometime!
If that ain't easy...I don't know what is. :) Looks very yummy. Totally going to try this myself.ReplyDelete
Grapes and Cool whip... I would've never thought to put those two things together for a simple dessert or snack. Great idea!ReplyDelete
There was a gal at school that brought a WW dessert that everyone loved - 2 boxes sugar free cherry jello, 1 c. boiling water, 1 can cherry pie filling (no sugar added or sugar free or something like that - Comstock brand), 1 can diet coke - everyone loved it and I believe she said it was 1 pt. per serving as well.ReplyDelete
Had another thought - there is a WW recipe for a great cake and it is only 3 ingredients - 1 spice cake mix, 1 regular size can pumpkin, 1 can 7-up - this is really good. I would try to find a gluten free mix but the pumpkin is a vegetable. Sorry I can't do better than this but I do know this recipe is correct and it is very good.ReplyDelete
So simple, yet so yummy looking! Thanks for the great idea Alissa!ReplyDelete
Yum! This is one of my favorites! My roommate in college use to make it with cream cheese sour cream, cool whip etc. So I started doing this and she started liking it better. Also congrats on the weight loss.


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WordPress Theme Shops that I Trust
I dislike lists from the bottom of my heart. I have "never" even made a shopping list. And here I am listing WordPress Theme Shops. You might wonder why?
Well, from time to time people don't like my themes (go figure why) and they ask where else they could find good and solid themes. That's why I have started to gather WordPress Theme Shops list. You might wonder who can get to the list?
- I know them from somewhere and I trust them.
- I like their designs and code.
- Most of the theme shops are also authors in WordPress.com which means that their theme has been been reviewed very closely.
- Just because I can.
WordPress Theme Shops
I still don't like lists. But here it is. There is one catch though. I want to interview other Theme Shop owners to have more info about them. Stay tuned because I'll link the interviews in the list also. It's interesting to see how many theme shops owners decline to answer just because I'm asking.
- Themehybrid: Interview in article Best Support Ever.
- Themetry: Interview in article Mathematical Precision to Detail.
- Anariel Design: Interview in article WordPress themes with Human Touch
- Audiotheme: Interview in article Perfect Themes for Artists and Musicians.
- Pro Theme Design: Interview in article Designs Pro WordPress Themes
- Organic Themes
- DesignOrbital
- PixelGrade: Interview in article Bold and Beautiful Themes.
- Themes Kingdom
- Elmastudio: Interview in article Beautiful and Creative Themes.
- churchthemes.com: Interview in article Themes for Churches.
- Array Themes: Interview in article Lot More Than Just Okay Themes.
- UpThemes
- The Theme Foundry
- Automattic
- Pixel Union
- DevPress: Interview in article Long Live the High Quality Themes.
- Obox Themes
- Slocum Themes
Don't feel bad if you're not on this list. I might remove or add new theme shops. But there is absolutely nothing you can do to get on the list.
I also considered having separate domain for the WordPress Themes Shops but there is no monetizing plans for the list. It is for fun and reference to people who ask me about WordPress Themes.


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August 27 2004
For Immediate Release
Online Console Gaming Pioneer Poised to Further Consumer Adoption
FOSTER CITY, Calif., August 27, 2004 - On August 27, 2002, Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. introduced PlayStation®2 online console gaming to the masses, pioneering the new frontier of the interactive gaming experience. Forging this new growth area within the industry and setting an example to follow, the company is now poised to bring even more consumers online through compelling first and third party content this holiday season.
With the largest and most loyal installed base at more than 27 million, or one out of every four U.S. households, Sony Computer Entertainment America is best positioned to bring online console gaming to the mass market, and envisions the online arena as one that should be open to and enjoyed by all. PlayStation 2 is the only online offering on the market that offers both analog and broadband connectivity - a strategy that continues to pay off with more than 38 percent of consumers still playing via their dial-up connection. With a registered online user base in North America of more than 1.4 million, consumers have cast their vote for PlayStation 2 online, and continue to thirst for this new compelling experience that takes gaming to a whole new level. Just two years after its launch, the company has built the largest online console gaming community, and continues to add 1,400 new registered users each day, and up to 50,000 each month, equivalent to a sell-out crowd at a Major League Baseball game.
Consumers Crave Online Console Gaming Experience
Compelling Online Content is Key to Driving Consumer Adoption
"Two years ago, we paved the way by taking creative risks for the industry to follow," said Andrew House, executive vice president, Sony Computer Entertainment America. "Going into year three, we will continue to innovate through our online content offerings, and will embark on a series of initiatives that include enhanced community building and moving toward the monetization of the online initiative."
Another key factor to the success of PlayStation 2 online is the broad third party publisher support. At the time of launch, a selection of Electronic Arts' EA SPORTS franchises were exclusively available online for PlayStation 2, giving consumers the opportunity to play these popular sports franchises online in the comfort of their living rooms. Today, EA is the leading independent publisher with more than 20 PlayStation 2 online titles, which includes their EA SPORTS lineup as well as franchises from additional key genres such as action adventure, racing, and more. This holiday, EA will launch a fresh new batch of online titles for PlayStation 2 including: Need for Speed Underground 2, NASCAR® 2005: Chase For the Cup, Tiger Woods PGA TOUR® 2005, NCAA® March Madness 2005, NBA Live 2005 and Burnout®3: Takedown.
"As long time partners of Sony Computer Entertainment America, it was a great partnership to work with them during the launch for PlayStation 2 online," said Chip Lange, Vice President EA Nation for Electronic Arts. "We believe that the investment we are making in online will pay off as we head into the future, and we've already seen the benefits; online elements extend the value-proposition of a game for consumers, as well as the life of the game itself."
The Madden NFL Football franchise from Electronic Arts has driven mass-market consumers to PlayStation 2 online. Madden NFL 2004 sold more than 3 million units on PlayStation 2 alone, more than any other console, and has inspired the largest third party online community. With the recent launch of Madden NFL 2005 , which sold 1.3 million copies in its first week of release, EA expects to see even more consumers logging-on to experience real-time football gameplay than ever before.
Holiday 2004 Brings Fresh Wave of PlayStation 2 Online Options
In November, Sony Computer Entertainment America will deliver online gameplay for the first time in an action platform game with Ratchet & Clank®: Up Your Arsenal, the highly anticipated third installment of the Ratchet & Clank franchise. This holiday season also marks the debut of Gran Turism 4, the fourth installment of the worldwide blockbuster-selling Gran Turismo series, for the first time featuring an online mode, sure to bring the most authentic driving simulation experience to a whole new level. Additional first party online offerings this holiday season include Killzone and Hot Shots Golf® FORE! With this fresh new line-up of online-enabled software titles, Sony Computer Entertainment America anticipates a surge in online activity over the holidays.
The Future's so Bright�.
"More than ever, gamers prefer the thrill of networking player to player competition over player versus console," said Richard Doherty, Envisioneering. "Online capability is no longer a feature, it is the future of gaming. "In the coming year, Sony Computer Entertainment America plans to make a series of announcements regarding new content extensions, the evolving business model of online console gaming, and how online gaming as the new frontier fits into the long-term strategy for the PlayStation platforms.
About Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc.
Recognized as the undisputed industry leader, Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. markets the PlayStation family of products and develops, publishes, markets and distributes software for the PS one game console and the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system for the North American market. Based in Foster City, Calif. Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. serves as headquarters for all North American operations and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.
Electronic Arts, EA, EA SPORTS, and John Madden Football are trademarks or registered trademarks of Electronic Arts Inc. in the U.S. and/or other countries. NFL. NASCAR, Chase for the Cup, Tiger Woods, PGA TOUR, NCAA, March Madness, and NBA are trademarks of their respective owners and used with permission. 2004 Criterion Software Limited. Burnout is a registered trademark and Takedown is a trademark of Criterion Software Limited. All rights reserved. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.


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The Tories have pledged to assist homeowners planning to make energy-efficient home improvements if they are elected.
The Tories have promised to support homeowners who make eco-friendly improvements to their properties by teaming up with major high-street names to offer deals and save money on bills in the future.
Grant Shapps, the shadow housing minister, said that making the energy-efficient changes, like replacing old inefficient windows with double glazing, will help to bring down heating bills over time and the party hopes to improve 25 million properties under the scheme.
"All you will see is lower bills with zero upfront cost. Under a Conservative government you will not have to imagine this scheme because the likes of Marks & Spencer and Tesco are already interested," he said.
The shadow minister added that the scheme is a no-brainer because it allows the work to be paid for from energy bill savings.
In other news, the Independent recently reported on the savings which can be made through eco-friendly improvements, like installing double glazing.
Anglian Home Improvements have launched their own Window Scrappage scheme that gives you the opportunity to scrap your old windows for money towards new efficient double glazing.
Anglian Home Improvements specialise in Double Glazing and high quality replacement windows and have been trading since 1966.


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Powered by natural pressure and electromagnetic force, high pressure solenoid valves are also easily operated by remote devices that activate the solenoid coil, making high pressure solenoid valves extremely useful for operating potentially dangerous machinery or inaccessible lines.
Numerous applications for high pressure solenoid valves include controlling fluid flow in and out of automatic transmissions, regulating pressure in piping systems, boosting water supply pressures in supply mains in order to supply water for fire fighting, allowing high rise buildings to overcome pressure loss as the elevation increases, and maintaining water supplies in supply tanks and water towers. Water pressure reducing solenoid valves, in particular, contribute to environmentally friendly companies by reducing water pressures since high water pressures waste water.
Installed in systems immediately following the water meter for commercial buildings, residential homes, manufacturing plants, warehouses and more, typical industries that benefit from the use of high pressure solenoid valves include petroleum, chemical processing, food and beverage, pharmaceutical, and metallurgical.
High pressure solenoid valves function to reduce fluid or gas pressure through a variable flow area inside the valve that allows for a permanent pressure drop across the valve. The high pressure solenoid valve typically consists of a spring-loaded, heat-resistant diaphragm that is connected to a device that regulates the valve's flow opening. The incoming fluid pressure reacts against the diaphragm's force in order to achieve force equilibrium.
The high pressure solenoid valves may be either a normally closed (NC) valve or a normally open (NO) valve. In an NC valve, a plunging pin or rod within the valve is held blocking the passage of air or fluid by a solenoid coil; the air or fluid pressure coming into the valve helps keep the valve shut as long as the pin blocks the passage. In order for gas or fluid to flow through the valve, an electromagnetic charge activates the solenoid coil, which lifts the plunger out of the passage and allows flow through the entire valve. NO valves are the opposite; they remain open until the solenoid is activated and pushes down the plunger, blocking flow and creating pressure to keep the valve closed.
In addition, pressure control solenoid manufacturers make two main types: direct-acting and pilot-operated. The more popular of the two, direct-acting pressure control solenoids have a plunger that is in direct contact with the in-flow opening in the valve body, or orifice. This plunger is used to open and close the orifice, which permits or hinders flow. The pilot-operated high pressure solenoid valve works with a diaphragm rather than a plunger, using differential pressure to control the flow of gasses or fluids.


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Smooth, supple lips with Lip Sleeping Mask
Lip Sleeping Mask
""The NEW sleeping mask for the lips removes old skin cells from the lips, leaving them supple and smooth.""
Are your lips too chapped for a lip balm to handle?
1. Are they covered in old skin cells that won't go away?
2. Are you too lazy to carry a lip balm with you everywhere you go?
3. Extremely dry lips
4. Those who wear lip makeup frequently
Special care using Lip Sleeping Mask!
Vitamin C-rich Berry Mix ComplexTM, containing raspberry, strawberry, cranberry, blueberry extracts erases dry, flaky dead skin on the lips during the night to realize smooth and supple lips the next morning.
1. Berry Mix Complex?
Berry extracts rich in vitamin C and anti-oxidants act on dry, rough lips, making them smooth and supple.
Hyaluronic acid mineral network forms a moisturizing film to help lock-in active ingredients and the skin to absorb and retain moisture through the night.
3. Sweet and fruity berry fragrance
Sweet and relaxing fragrance that smells so delicious, it reminds you of real berries.
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Choose from a fantastic range of Glasgow city centre hotels catering for all budgets and visitor type. Whether you're seeking a luxury independent boutique hotel or a quality international chain hotel with function rooms and spa leisure facilities, you'll find them in Glasgow, a city renowned for its exceptional choice of world class hotels and quirky boutique hotels.
Stay in one of the grand central Victorian hotels in Glasgow near the two central railway stations and top shopping and dining areas around Merchant City and Buchanan Street or book one of the fabulous luxury boutique hotels around the Glasgow School of Art, with hotels here featuring in-house gyms, chic bars and romantic brasserie restaurants.
Find lavish luxury modern hotels around Kelvingrove Art Gallery with views of the River Kelvin and elegant Victorian hotels around the Botanic gardens on the western edge of the city. Book a budget chain hotel on the outskirts, conveniently placed for M8 and M74 motorway links. 4 and 5 star hotels are numerous around the city centre, with a fantastic choice of luxury spa leisure hotels ideal for business and leisure available along the Clyde riverside near the Science Centre and on the edge of the city centre conveniently adjacent to the M8.


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SPOILER WARNING: The following contains major spoilers for "Captain Britain and MI:13" #1.
A new Battle of Battle of Britain has begun in the Marvel Universe. The invading Skrull Empire has launched an all out attack on England, and the country's only hope is for their super powered champions to band together and fight back. In "Captain Britain and MI:13" #1, on sale now, writer Paul Cornell and artist Leonard Kirk chronicle the emergence of this alliance. CBR News spoke with Cornell about the issue and the remaining chapters of the ongoing series' introductory "Secret Invasion" tie-in arc.
"Captain Britain and MI: 13" #1 opens with an enigmatic narrator prophesizing, "The hero will return. The sword will be drawn again. The land will be healed." Cornell plans for the narrator's identity to be one of the book's initial mysteries.
After the first scene, in which Pete Wisdom and John the Skrull confront a Skrull infiltrator in the British government, the action takes to the skies where Captain Britain engages two Super Skrulls in an aerial dogfight, one with the combined powers of the Legion of Monsters and another with the abilities of the Champions of Los Angeles. Subsequent scenes see the cast go toe-to-toe with other equally impressive Super Skrulls, some with the powers of heroes including the original Avengers, the Defenders, and Squadron Supreme.
"These are mostly teams from my growing-up years with comics," Paul Cornell told CBR News. "I loved the Legion of Monsters issue of 'Marvel Premiere' (mainly because Man Thing was one of my favorite characters as a kid, I kind of identified with him--yeah, I know, for most kids it's Wood God.). I first encountered the Champions in a spinner rack when I was on holiday in Bognor Regis (alongside Kirby's '2001', with Machine Man's first appearance), because the newsagent comics choices on the south coast were out of step with what we got at home. And then had to have every issue, because I'd been there early on and they were thus just for me. And the dynamic Defenders have always been my favorite thing."
Captain Britain's aerial battle with the Super Skrulls was witnessed by Dr. Faiza Hussain, a new character who made her debut in issue #1. "She's our 'you're starting just where she is' person," Cornell said. "And she's a big fan of British superheroes, so I can mention Lord Hawk and the Pendragons and Digitek. You know, like when Kitty Pryde joined the X-Men and swiftly became beloved? I'm aiming for that. She's very brave, she talks too much, and she and the Black Knight swiftly start looking after each other."
When readers first meet Faiza in "Captain Britain and MI:13" #1, she's just an ordinary human doctor, but in her final scene in the issue, she's blasted by a Skrull device that will turn her into something extraordinary. "That's a full on superhero origin, as Faiza herself would want it, True Believer!" Cornell remarked. "All is revealed next issue."
During World War II, young Jacqueline Falsworth was bitten by her uncle, the Nazi vampire, Baron Blood. The attack left Falsworth in need of a blood transfusion, which was provided by the original Human Torch. The transfusion endowed her with super speed and she became the hero known as Spitfire. Since than, Spitfire has used her powers to fight for her country, but in "Captain Britain and MI:13" #1, she exhibits new vampiric abilities which seem to indicate her uncle's bite had a greater effect on her than readers previously thought.
"This is a new development in that she's decided to let it out a little since the Skrulls invaded," Cornell explained. "It hasn't been a struggle before, just something she could do, but didn't. Now it's going to get a bit more complicated, because she's taken her first step along that path."
If England is to survive the Skrull onslaught, its superheroes need to work together. Captain Britain and Pete Wisdom know this and in issue #1 they have a conversation which helps them reconcile some of their differences. "I'm just fed up with superheroes bitching at each other," Cornell remarked. "In this situation, it makes sense for two such dutiful characters to work on the same side. And they're going to continue seeing the good sides of each other. Pete's grown up a lot lately, tragedy will gradually do that to you. He's a very good leader, and Cap knows one when he sees one. Pete's the leader, Cap's the inspiration."
If the ending of "Captain Britain and MI:13" #1 is any indication, Wisdom and Captain Britain's new found camaraderie may be short lived. In a literally explosive cliffhanger, Captain Britain is caught in the blast of a missile the Skrulls fired at the Siege Perilous, a gateway to the mystical realm of Avalon. Cornell could only comment cryptically on Captain Britain's condition in issue #2. "His condition is--extraordinary," the writer said.
The Skrulls' attack on the Siege Perilous is the opening salvo in their assault on Avalon, where they hope to take control of one of Britain's most powerful natural resources, magic. Upcoming issues of "Captain Britain and MI:13" will take the team to the frontlines in Avalon. It's here where Pete Wisdom and John the Skrull run into, Tink, their teammate from the incarnation of MI:13, which appeared in Cornell's "Wisdom" mini-series. Cornell hinted that Tink won't be entirely happy to see her former comrades.
Avalon, also known as Otherworld, is where Captain Britain received his powers but the Black Knight also has connections to the realm, specifically the Island of Avalon. In the past, Black Knight wielded weapons bestowed upon him by the fabled Lady of the Lake, who calls the island home. It's ties like these that have many fans wondering if the Black Knight will be leaving his current location of London and joining his team mates when they travel to Avalon.
"We're going to keep several different battlefronts in mind, and the characters will be moving back and forth between them," Cornell explained. "We'll be taking a look at Dane's past as the series continues. My view on character continuity is: it all happened. I don't start at tabula rasa. But I'll only go there if there's story to be had."
In "Captain Britain and MI: 13" #2, the legendary sword Excalibur reemerges. "That is indeed the sword Excalibur on the cover (I like to refer to this as an 'Excalibur crossover'.)," Cornell stated. "It's there standing in for the Sword in the Stone, there to achieve something important in terms of this team and destiny and things."
The destiny of Cornell's team also includes encounters with fellow British heroes Captain Midlands aka Sid Ridley and Union Jack aka Joe Chapman. "One of the great things about this title is that, because all British superheroes are de facto part of MI-13, we can visit disparate parts of the Marvel UK scene without it being a big deal," Cornell said. "Joe (not 'Joey', who's called Joey? Okay, kangaroos in Aussie, but apart from that...) is going to want to check in with [his former girlfriend Spitfire] soon. Because they parted amicably, and that's still fine with him. Right?"
If readers thought "Captain Britain and MI:13" #1 was a wild ride, Cornell cautions them to fasten their seatbelts because they haven't seen anything yet. "We are the rollercoaster of the big dumb fight/intelligent character conversation interface. You just wait until you've seen all of Leonard's pages colored. Woo!"
Now discuss this story in CBR's Marvel Comics forum.


text: SVA's Summer Residency Program welcomes artists, designers and creative thinkers from across the globe to join an ever-growing community reaching far beyond the contours of New York City. We are proud of our diversity and aim to foster an environment of support and solidarity. Our new Fertile Ground Series highlights alumni, faculty and friends of the Summer Residency Program on their home turf, a fertile ground for creativity and community.


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Exporters & Traders Compress & Warehouse Company
Extraco began its cotton compress and warehousing business in Waco on July 12, 1902. Today, the company has evolved into the largest and most comprehensive independent financial institution headquartered in central Texas.
Extraco (an acronym for Exporters and Traders Compress) exceeds $1.3 billion in assets, enjoys 120,000 customers in 15 locations, participates in hundreds of volunteer community leadership roles, and, most importantly, employs close to 375 central Texans.
The company conducts business in 13 central Texas communities and offers trust, insurance, financial services, mortgage and a wide variety of traditional consumer and commercial banking services.
Over the last decade, Extraco, now in its third generation of family management, has developed a complete one-stop financial center vision that offers a superior customer experience, along with products and services that evolve around the stages of life.


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DetectMiner is a simple but clever browser extension for Google Chrome that tells you if the current page is using your computer to mine cryptocurrencies.
✓ It does not get in between your requests and the server.
✓ It does not block any outgoing request. Just warns you visually if the current page is using your browser and CPU to mine crypto.
✓ It does not only detect suspicious outgoing connections but also suspicious loaded Javascript, even if the source URL is a custom one that is not in the filters.
* Open source list of filters
* Discerns three levels (no mining, may be mining, is mining for sure)
* Detects suspicious WebSockets connections
* Detects suspicious Javascript files in the page
* Detects suspicious Javascript files load dynamically
* Detects suspicious Javascript objects and functions
* Saves state between tabs
* Updates on tab reload
* Beautiful, simple and at-a-glance information
* Lightweight
Source code and more info at: https://github.com/chipironcin/DetectMiner


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Perhaps you want to heat areas of your home that are too cold. Perhaps you want to be able to reduce the temperature of your central heating system and need to supplement this heat. In either case a space heater may be the answer to your problem.
For space heating you can use either wood, gas or electric units. Electric space heaters are the most common form since they are easy to use and portable.
If you plan to run your space heater constantly the radiator type heater is a safe form of additional heat for a limited space. It does not heat up as quickly as some other heaters so is not a good choice if you want to quickly warm up a room. If you have a room you use often and need additional constant heat then the radiator type heater is a good choice. The surface of the radiator type heater does not get as hot as some other space heaters. This type heater is probably less apt to cause burns or fires.
If you need to quickly heat up a room you will want to use a convection heater. These units have a wire or ribbon type heating element and a fan to move the heat into the room. Best used in seldom used areas these units can cause a fire or burn since they get pretty hot. Another type convective heater uses oil which will put heat into the air. The oil type heater heats up more slowly than the wire type heater and does not become as hot on their surface and does not have as big a fire danger as the wire models.
The radiant heater is used more to warm a person or object rapidly. They are slow to warm a room. These too get hot enough to start a fire or cause a burn.
A heater which combines both radiant heat and convection heat is a good choice.
Space heaters usually use between 600 and 1,500 watts of power. The higher the wattage the more power is used and the more heat is provided.
The biggest danger from a space heater is fire or carbon monoxide poisoning. The carbon monoxide poisoning danger is eliminated by use of the electric heater.
Heaters can be purchased with timers, temperature controls and automatic controls which shut off the space heater if the unit is tipped over.
Some things to consider when using your electric space heater are never operate your electric space heater using a household extension cord. If you blow a fuse or your circuit breaker trips your space heater is drawing more power than is available at that circuit. Coming in contact with your heater with clothing or curtains or papers, etc. can cause a fire. It is a wise idea to have a smoke detector in the room where you are using your space heater.
You can purchase space heaters in a wide range of prices, sizes and styles. Prices start around $40 and range upward to around $125. By following safety precautions you can enjoy the additional source of heat your space heater can provide.


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Skype today released a new beta – Skype 5.5 – and a good thing about the new version is that it doubles as a Facebook Chat client.
Simply connect your Facebook account with Skype – you can do this from within the Skype desktop software itself – and it will then show you a list of all your Facebook friends in a new "Facebook" tab. If a friend is online, click her name and choose "send an IM" to start a Facebook chat session.
You no longer have to keep switching to the Facebook tab to see if a friend is online or if he or she has responded to your message – the notification now appear in the system try. And Facebook chat with Skype supports smileys (emoticons) too.
If you have been looking for a way to chat with your Facebook friends outside the browser, Skype is quite good an option. The chat feature is however only available in the Windows version of Skype at this tiem.
Related: See alternative clients for Facebook chat (including Firefox Sidebar)


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SHAC (School Health Advisory Council)
Mission Statement
The mission of the Royal Independent School District SHAC is to advocate for a healthy environment, promote school health and safety, encourage maximum academic potential and healthy life long practices throughout the district and community.
SHAQ FAQ's
What is a SHAC?
A SHAC is a group of parents, community members, and school employees working together to improve the health of all students and families through the coordinated school health program. The majority of SHAC members must be parents who have children currently enrolled in the district and are not employed by the school district. All board appointed members are provided with an orientation and each member has an opportunity to contribute and bring suggestions regarding school health issues to the district.
Why do we need a SHAC?
It's a Texas law.
School plays an important role in teaching healthy habits.
Healthy homes and healthy schools support healthy children.
Healthy children learn better.
What does a SHAC do?
A SHAC can have a variety of roles. Members work together to give recommendations and provide support to all of the eight interacting components of the Coordinated School Health Programs (CSHP) as listed here:
•Physical Education
•Health Education
•Nutrition Services
•Health Services
•Healthy and Safe School Environment
•Counseling, Psychological, and Social Services
•Staff Wellness Promotion
•Family and Community Involvement
How can I help?
If you are interested in making a positive impact on the future health of our children and their families by serving on the Royal ISD SHAC, please contact Donna Wilcox at (email@example.com) or by phone at (281) 934-8394.


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JUST four members of Congress were notified in 2002 when the
It's logical to ask, so what if it was only four members? If they objected to the program, why didn't they take steps to change it or stop it? Maybe they should have tried. But as a practical matter, there was very little, if anything, the Gang of Four could have done to affect the Bush administration's decision on the enhanced interrogation techniques program. To stop it, they needed the whole Congress.
The framers of the Constitution gave aggregate, not individual, powers to the legislative branch. For the Gang of Four to have waved their arms and yelled at mid-level C.I.A. briefers, or written harsh letters to the president and vice president, would have been useless. Four members do not have the ability, on their own, to bring the great weight of the constitutional authority of Congress to bear.
There are C.I.A. "covert action" activities — like the detention and interrogation program — that because of their significance, and risks, require participation from both the White House and the Congressional intelligence committees in their initiation and oversight. The National Security Act defines covert action programs as those designed "to influence political, economic, or military conditions abroad, where it is intended that the role of the
The C.I.A. is prohibited by law from conducting covert action activities without express presidential approval — and this is not a requirement that the agency takes lightly. The National Security Act also requires that when the president approves a covert action program the two Congressional intelligence committees shall be "notified." The committees do not have disapproval power, nor can they force changes at that time. But the law does require the executive branch to provide timely, written notice to the full committees — which together consist of fewer than 40 members — of the plans.Continue reading the main story
It is unlawful for the executive branch to limit notification, as it did here, to the Gang of Four. There is no such entity recognized in the National Security Act. Federal law does provide, however, for notification of fewer lawmakers than the full intelligence committees, but only when "extraordinary circumstances affecting vital interests of the United States" are at stake. Under those very limited situations, the notification may be to the "Gang of Eight," which includes the majority and minority leadership of the House and Senate, in addition to the intelligence committee leaders.
It should be noted that there is a legal argument that the interrogation program was merely foreign intelligence "collection," and not "covert action" at all, because it was used to elicit information that already existed in the minds of the detainees. In that case, there is no exception in the law for Gangs of Four or Eight, and every member of the two committees should have been notified.
What it boils down to is this: many of the laws mandating Congressional notification of covert action programs were enacted after the Senate's Church Committee hearings in the late 1970s had revealed widespread abuses by the intelligence agencies domestically and overseas. The House and Senate intelligence committees — created at that time — were designed to be the "eyes and ears" of the full Congress on significant intelligence activities. These committees were entrusted with the faith of the American people to oversee aggressive intelligence operations done in all of our names, and to ensure that they are necessary, effective and consistent with American laws and values.
But the narrow Gang of Eight exception, or worse, the Gang of Four, has swallowed up the notification rule. This is a trend that began before the Bush administration, and the types of programs about which the Church Committee was most concerned now receive the least oversight — in many cases, no oversight — by Congress. It is reasonable for us to wonder how many other covert action programs the Bush administration kept from the committees.
One might ask whether it was just too risky to share information about the interrogation program with so many members of Congress. Isn't four better than 40, if we must keep this secret? It is true that the Gang of Eight exception was included in the law to give some flexibility, in a subset of cases, to the executive branch to limit the number of legislators who receive a notification, at least initially. Sometimes, for example, if an operation is imminent — like the capture of an al Qaeda leader — short-term security may require it to be held very closely.
But there is nothing in the legislative history of the Gang of Eight exception that supports the use made of it by the Bush administration — to shield, indefinitely, a politically controversial program from Congressional scrutiny. The exception has been abused to the point where it no longer has meaning, and Congress should examine whether it should be clarified or even eliminated.
If we do keep it, Congress should spell out in detail the very limited circumstances in which a Gang of Eight briefing may be given, and permit such secrecy for only a limited time. Only short-term operational security — not a controversial policy choice — should justify a temporary close hold.
Of course, the real reason that notifying four members of Congress was better than 40 to the Bush White House is crystal-clear — to eliminate political pushback. Check the box that Congress was informed just in case, someday, the program becomes public and things get rough. But do so in a way that the legislative branch is not in a position to cause any trouble.
In Article I of the Constitution, the framers gave Congress two extraordinary powers over the executive branch — the power of the purse and the power to make laws. It is unconstitutional for the executive branch to spend one dime on a program for which Congress has not appropriated funds. And if Congress passes a law forbidding the executive branch from engaging in an activity, it must stop, or people go to jail.
But four members cannot stop financing and ban activities on their own — that takes the whole Congress. So what might the four have done? They could have demanded that the full committees receive the briefings and that more information be provided. If the White House objected, they could have told their colleagues anyway. The committees then could have put a classified budget provision in the intelligence authorization bill for fiscal year 2003 cutting off money for the program, or delineating how the C.I.A. must treat detainees.
The speech and debate clause of the Constitution shields senators and representatives from civil and criminal liability in the performance of their legislative duties. It would have protected those members if they had decided to march down to the House or Senate floor and denounce the Bush administration for engaging in torture, though that approach not only could have harmed C.I.A. operations, but also surely would have been political
But would the full committees — or even the full Congress — have taken action to stop the enhanced interrogation program if they had been informed of it in 2002? Admittedly, the memory of 9/11 was very raw then and we cannot know if things would have turned out differently.
We do know, however, that the full committees weren't briefed on the C.I.A. detention and interrogation program until 2006, on the same day that the program was made public by President
Even if the results had been the same, we would now at least have the cold comfort of knowing that our constitutional system of checks and balances had been put into play before a program that risked our fundamental values was carried out on our behalf. The framers of the Constitution never intended for small numbers of legislators to be culled from Congress and expected to act as a check on the excesses of the executive.Continue reading the main story