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Step back in time a few years and enjoy clean, old-fashioned outdoor fun at Abbey Farms. Unique – no haunting themes, no electronic games, no gimmicks, just clean old-fashioned outdoor fun for everyone. Enjoy three seasons of fun; fresh produce in summer, Pumpkin Daze in fall and U-pick Christmas trees in winter. Shop their fresh bakery goods, cider donuts, and other seasonal delights. Looking for a unique venue for that special occasion? Visit their new rustic-chic barn, the Nagel Emporium.
Ackerman Sports & Fitness Center
88,000 sq. ft. multi-use facility: 40-yd. x 40-yd. indoor turf field; 3 basketball courts with wood floors; rock-climbing; Bulls/White Sox Training Academy batting cages; multi-lane running track; multi-purpose rooms; 7,000 sq. ft. fitness center.
CITY:Glen Ellyn
A fun and exciting play land offering 10 inflatable play structures, four party rooms and two age-appropriate play areas.
Two full-sized rinks are open for year-round skating. All Seasons also offers a game room, ballet room, pro shop and party room.
Aloha Falls Miniature Golf & Games
Seasonal facility offering outdoor miniature golf, a retro arcade, cafe and bar from spring to fall. Miniature Golf offers two Hawaiian-themed courses that offer a relaxing easy round of mini-golf on the Beach Course or an adventurous and difficult round on the Waterfall Course. Retro Arcade has over 100 of the favorite console games from the 80's and 90's with 10 screens devoted to classic console games and two 90" projection screens with modern consoles. Cafe & Bar features a few unique options including the Volcano Dog, and a Chocolate Avalanche ice cream float. Craft beers and sangria also available for the big kids!
Apple Orchard Golf Course is a nine hole, par three, public course located at 692 W. Stearns Rd. about 3/4 mile east of Route 59 on Stearns Road. Other features include a clubhouse equipped with snacks, beverages, beer, restrooms, golf accessories and indoor/outdoor sitting areas. Rental golf clubs and pull carts are available for a slight fee.
Ten-acre horse farm offers hayrides and riding lessons, plus a petting zoo, exotic animals and even a monthly line dancing event.
The challenging 18-hole layout spans 90 acres of superbly manicured fairways and greens with 14 beautiful lakes to negotiate during a round. Features clubhouse, snack bar area, pro shop, and patio area.
CITY:Arlington Heights
Arrowhead provides extraordinary facilities, spectacular views and customized services. The Clubhouse accommodates from 20 to 300 guests and is the perfect site for private parties, corporate meetings, trade shows, team building or wedding receptions.
All new tropical-themed water park with water slides, wading pool, unique circular drop slide, children's spray ground, locker rooms, concession stands, and more!
Let Aurora Skate Center share the joy of roller skating in a family-friendly environment. They pride themselves with offering something for everyone, from the little ones to adults who have been skating for years. Home of the Aurora 88s, Aurora Skate Center takes pride in their professional-quality hardwood maple "floating" floor. On Mondays they host a live organ-music dance session with Frank Pellico, organist for the Chicago Blackhawks, playing the only triple-deck Hammond X-66 Pipe Organ (w/ 26-ranks of pipes) in the country. See Friday and Saturday night on the "Daily Calendar" for "Fresh Fridays" and "Old vs. New School Saturdays!" See their web site for more events and details.
Aurora's Zagster Bike-Share Program
The City of Aurora and Zagster, Inc. launched a new bike-share program that will provide Aurora visitors with a convenient, affordable and healthy way to get around town. 18 cruiser bikes are available at three downtown stations for riders to use for on-demand, local trips. Stations are located at RiverEdge Park - 360 Broadway Ave., Aurora City Hall - 44 E. Downer Place and Santori Public Library of Aurora - 101 S. River Street. This initiative creates new opportunities for visitors to experience the Aurora Area from a different vantage point and see it in a whole new light.
Azoosment Park at Santa's Village
Azoosment Park at Santa's Village is an amusement park/petting zoo. Unlimited pony rides and amusement rides with one paid admission.
CITY:East Dundee
This 18-hole course features a practice range, pro shop, snack shop and banquet facilities. Bartlett Hills Golf Club & Banquets is also an award-winning wedding venue that can accommodate up to 230 of your friends and family.
A 32-acre park built in cooperation with Batavia Park District, the city of Batavia and the Batavia Riverwalk Committee. Park your bikes by the Depot Museum and stroll the boardwalks through the wildflower garden.
As the centerpiece of downtown Batavia, the Riverwalk extends along the Depot Pond and Fox River to a north point pavilion, where grand views of the Fox River are available.
DuPage County, Chicago's Western Suburbs - Ten minutes from O'Hare, Bensenville Park District offers everything for your leisure, fitness & banquet needs. From the outstanding White Pines Golf Club to the award-winning Deer Grove Water Park, come and enjoy a variety of activities, parks & events.
Beverly Lake Forest Preserve Trail is perfect for hiking and biking. The five mile out and back trail located near Dundee that features a lake and is rated as moderate. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.
CITY:Hoffman Estates
Bicycle/Hiking Trails - Aurora
More than 35 miles of scenic trails, from Aurora to Crystal Lake, pass through scenic landscapes. Active travelers enjoy biking, hiking, jogging and cross-country skiing. Nature-seekers enjoy bird watching and tranquil vegetation. Routes include the Fox River, Virgil Gilman and Red Oak Trails, and the Illinois Prairie Path.
Bill's Friendly Christmas Tree Farm
Cut your Christmas tree in a backwoods setting. We have many trees, including Norway, white spruce and blue spruce. Family owned and operated. Trees up to 23 feet tall.
Nestled on 54 scenic acres, Blackberry Farm is a family-friendly destination that features unique play areas for all ages, live animals, amusement rides, and a living history museum that brings Aurora's history to life through demonstrations, exhibits and extensive artifact collections. Blackberry Farm is fun for all ages and is a great choice for your wedding, company picnic, birthday party or family reunion. All attractions are included with daily admission. Enjoy unlimited rides on the train, hay wagon, pedal tractors, paddle boats, carousel and ponies. Ice skating rink in winter when weather permits.
Blackwell Forest Preserve in Warrenville, Illinois, has everything an outdoors fanatic could want. Hikers, bicyclers, horseback riders and cross-country skiers can enjoy more than 6 miles of turf and limestone trails, including a convenient route to the Illinois Prairie Path. Trails around the McKee Marsh area feature two observation decks, a bird blind, and signs that describe the history and ecological significance of the marsh.
If you enjoy challenging greens and a not too overbearing of a course, you have come to the right place. Bloomingdale Golf Club offers an enjoyable challenge for golfers of all levels.
Bolingbrook Golf Club combines the elements of a world-class facility and championship golf. Featuring an Arthur Hills and Steve Forrest designed golf course, a learning academy, clubhouse with lounge, two full-service restaurants, and banquet facilities.
Providing over 2,100 opportunities for recreation. Relax, have fun and embrace the power of recreation.
Offering good par fours with difficult par threes, this course is architecturally classic and slightly rolling, with medium-size greens.
Boone Creek consists of three unique 9-hole courses that can be combined to make up three different 18-hole courses, allowing you to play a different course while visiting the same location. Boone Creek Golf Club has a natural setting with a number of wetlands and creeks that are home to a variety of wildlife including frogs, beavers, snapping turtles, wood ducks, deer, cranes, and red-tail hawks. Our golf course has large and undulating greens that provide some of the best putting surfaces in McHenry County.
Situated on 45 beautiful acres, this nine-hole, 2205-yard, Par 32, executive length course offers the perfect course for a quick round of great golf.
Bowes Creek delivers a private club experience to the public golfer! It offers annual memberships for a day, or just enjoy Porter's Pub - an English inspired eatery.
Enjoy bowling as well as karaoke every Friday and Saturday.
Brae Loch Banquets and Golf Club
The golf course has 18-holes and it is a par-70 course. Brae Loch Banquets feature a bright space in a country setting overlooking the fairways at the Lake County Forest Preserves Brae Loch Golf Club. A fine balance of food, location and people are the three ingredients that an event at Brae Loch brings together for a truly memorable experience. The banquet facility comfortably seats up to 165. The menu includes appetizers, entrees, and desserts that are almost too beautiful to eat, but too wonderful to skip.
Bridges of Poplar Creek Country Club
The 18-hole "Poplar Creek" course at the Bridges of Poplar Creek Country Club facility in Hoffman Estates, Illinois features 6,108 yards of golf from the longest tees for a par of 70 . The course rating is 70.2 and it has a slope rating of 126 on Blue grass.
CITY:Hoffman Estates
There's more than 200 beautifully landscaped acres to explore at Brookfield Zoo. Highlights include dolphin shows at Seven Seas, ape encounters at Tropic World and the chance for kids to dress up and play veterinarian at the Hamill Family Play Zoo. The zoo also offers an old-fashioned carousel and a wide variety of shopping and dining options.
Bowling, cosmic bowling, video arcade, Pizza Hut Express and more.
Brunswick Zone offers bowling, billiards, Laser Tag, an arcade/game room plus meeting space for corporate parties, team-building and special events.
CITY:Carol Stream
DuPage County, Chicago's Western Suburbs - Brunswick Zone in Naperville offers bowling, billiards, an arcade/game room, Laser Tag, Bumper Cars plus meeting space for corporate parties, team-building and special events.
Built in 1965 and purchased by the village in 1977, the Buffalo Grove Golf Club is one of the finest municipal facilities in the area. The course features bent grass greens that are complemented with bluegrass fairways and tees. A mix of mature trees, sand and water will challenge shot-making abilities of all skill levels. Buffalo Grove Golf Club can be played from 6883 yards to as short as 5983 yards. The course offers three sets of tees; the choice is up to you. Course amenities include a driving range, chipping green, putting green, locker rooms, and a full service restaurant.
CITY:Buffalo Grove
62 vehicle sites. Seasonal.
Burnidge/ Paul Wolff Campground
Playground and fishing. 9 miles of hiking trails.
The Busse Woods Trail system is located within Ned Brown Forest Preserve, a 3,700-acre property in the western suburbs. There are 11.2 miles of paved trails for cyclists, equestrians and pedestrians. The main loop is nearly 8 miles, circling some lakes and meadows, while a couple of much shorter side loops will take you to the north and south end of the forest preserve. The Busse Woods Trail connects with the Schaumburg Bikeway on the west, and on the north, Busse Woods links to the Rolling Meadows Bikeway system. Some key features of the forest preserve include fishing, boat rentals and a small herd of captive resident elk. The trails are open from sunrise to sunset.
CITY:Elk Grove
STEM - robotics, engineering and building with LEGO is what you will find at the C&A Robot Factory. Classes include having fun learning with LEGO machines and robotics, LEGO Mindstorms. Classes can also be provided at a company or school site. Have a birthday party at C & A or we can do in home parties. Also try one of the camps we offer including LEGO Machines and Robots, stop motion movies, etc.
Nature center, nature trail and dog park. Free admission, cost for some activities.
CITY:Wood Dale
In 1919, when the North Shore Channel was new, and the area surrounding it was largely unusable, some progressive and creative leaders of Evanston and Wilmette joined together with a vision for a golf course — not just any golf course, but one tailored to wind through our communities and provide a unique public golf experience.
Canoe & Pedal Boat Rentals: Pottawatomie Park
Enjoy the scenery from the waters of the Fox River! Rentals Mid-May through Mid-August. All rentals launch from the River View Miniature Golf Complex within Pottawatomie Park. Deposit required. Children age 15 and younger must be accompanied by an adult (age 18+). All rentals are subject to safe river & weather conditions. Sorry, no boat rentals on July 4th.
CITY:St. Charles
Set among mature oak and hickory trees, lakes and streams, this full-service event facility with 27 holes offers both 18-hole and 9-hole play, and is recognized as one of the best public courses in America.
This 500-acre park offers vast formal gardens, picnic grounds, a top-ranked public golf course and two museums: Robert R. McCormick Museum and First Division Museum. Enjoy a wide variety of programs and events throughout the year, such as festivals, lectures, concerts and workshops.
Stay active! This award-winning parks & recreation agency offers over 400 acres of parks, 5 miles of paved trails, 3 recreation centers, free special events & hundreds of recreation, dance, gymnastics, summer camp, sports & fitness & active adult programs.
CITY:Carol Stream
Whether it be for your wedding reception, a round of golf, fine dining, quick lunch or Sunday brunch, Carriage Greens Country Club is one of the finest entertainment and banquet facilities in the Chicago area. Boasting an ever expanding wine list, paired with any of the delicious menu items, and great service makes The Sandtrap Grill a unique dinning experience in Darien, Westmont, Lemont and the surrounding western suburbs.
Come see all the Cary Country Club has to offer from our rolling hills to our magnificent vistas! Come enjoy the spacious deck while enjoying lunch, dinner or a beverage of your choice. Cary Country Club offers golfers an array of shots and beautiful backdrops.Looking forward to seeing you soon!
Cemetery Trail in Palos lives up to its name with narrow tracks that snake through dense foliage. A must ride for any thrill-seeking trekking enthusiast.
CITY:Willow Springs
DuPage County, Chicago's Western Suburbs - Jump in to summer fun at Centennial Beach! Featuring four acres of grass and trees, a sand beach, water play features, an NCAA/U.S.S.-approved diving complex, this historic beach is a place the whole family can enjoy! With water depths ranging from zero to 15 feet, the facility caters to swimmers of all skill levels. Combined with a playground, Frisbee® Area, shallow end slide, concessions stand and Beach store, Centennial Beach is the perfect way to beat the summer heat. Named "best public place to swim" in 2008 by Fox News Chicago viewers in an online poll!
The Cernan Earth and Space Center of Triton College features a variety of earth and sky shows, children's shows, laser light shows, earth and space exhibits, a membership program and the Star Store gift shop. Visit our website for more information on events and hours.
CITY:River Grove
This championship 18-hole golf course with 6,950 yards offers bent grass fairways, and beautiful rolling hills and vistas. Power carts are required Friday through Sunday and holidays.
Enjoy the delightful rural atmosphere at this semi-private facility located near the banks of the Fox River in lovely McHenry. Accept the challenge to play the longest hole in Illinois, measuring over 700 yards.
One of Oak Park's finest showplaces, the 12,000 sq. foot mansion was designed in 1913 by one of Frank Lloyd Wright's most accomplished students. Reminiscent of a sprawling and historic English country home, it is fittingly situated in Oak Park's historic district. Surrounded by 2 acres of beautiful gardens, a greenhouse and charming coach house, it is available for special events including weddings, corporate meetings, fundraisers, and memorial services.
CITY:Oak Park
The Chicago Botanic Garden opened a little more than 40 years ago as a beautiful place to visit, and it has matured into one of the world's great living museums and conservation science centers. Each year, nearly one million people visit the Garden's 26 gardens and four natural areas, uniquely situated on 385 acres of land on and around nine islands. Six miles of shoreline extend along 81 acres of water, including the Great Basin, North Lake, and Skokie River Corridor. The Garden also has a renowned Bonsai Collection.
The Chicago Botanic Garden Loop offers a moderate level of difficulty to those wanting to experience quiet beauty in far north Cook County. The 385-acre garden is home to 2.4 million plants and is one of the most visited gardens in the country. Hiking will take you 4.5 hours and with almost 7 miles of trails, mostly paved you will get to experience both the lagoons and the Botanic Garden.
Chick Evans is a short 5,691 yards, yet satisfying, 18-hole course located in the northern suburbs. The course is named after Chick Evans who in addition to being the first amateur golfer to win both the U.S. Open and the U.S. Amateur Open, founded the Chick Evans Scholarship program for caddies. The Chicago River cuts right through the center of the course offering beautiful scenery and a formidable obstacle for golfers who play here.
CITY:Morton Grove
Poured concrete ramp for launching boats. Can be used by power boats up to 22 feet, sailboats 15-22 feet, and personal watercraft.
Columbia Woods Forest Preserve
Offers places to fish and picnic. Canoe access. Biking. A host for "A River Thru History" each September, where you can step back 200 years into Chicago's past with a festive gathering of fur trappers, settlers, craftsmen, and entertains along the banks of the Des Plaines River.
CITY:Willow Springs
Plays host to community festivals in Hanover Park.
CITY:Hanover Park
Dive into this beach-themed water park with 2 tall tube slides, drop-slide, diving well, walk-in swimming pool, splash 'n spray playground, sand play area and café. Locker rooms, showers & family restrooms. Available for group rentals for 50-1500 people.
CITY:Carol Stream
Over 45 exhibits of native Illinois wildlife and domestic farm animals; tree-shaded picnic area - seating for 300; "Exclusive Use" facility rentals; private party room; open year-round.
Good old-fashioned family fun.
At Countryside Golf Club, play two challenging, award-winning 18-hole golf courses. The Prairie course, with bentgrass tees, wide-open greens and sand bunkers offers golfers a chance to challenge their game. The Traditional course, with bentgrass tees and tree-lined fairways, offers golfers scenic and challenging rounds of golf. Also try out the driving range.
Coyote Crossing Mini Golf Course
Professionally designed 18-hole golf course. Putt around a waterfall, through a cave, over a river and under rocks. Coyote Crossing is a great place for birthdays, rentals, picnics, company and other group outings.
CITY:West Chicago
Crane's Landing Golf Course at Lincolnshire Marriott Resort
Crane's Landing Golf Course offers 18 holes of par 70 championship golf. This challenging, mature course is set amid a beautiful rolling landscape that's a pleasure to play for everyone from beginners to scratch golfers.
Creek Bend Nature Center features interpretive displays and hands-on exhibits. All the exhibits you loved at Tekakwitha Woods have been relocated here, including Prairie Ecology, with the bison and biodiversity components, and the ever-popular Clams-Eye View of the Fox River. There are separate rooms for classes and a lab. There's something for any nature lover at Creek Bend Nature Center, from bird watching to guided nature hikes, nature programs and self-guided activities.
CITY:St. Charles
Cross-Country Skiing & Snowshoeing at The Morton Arboretum
Explore a winter wonderland at The Morton Arboretum, where you'll find 3.5 miles of groomed ski trails. Bring your own or rent a pair of snowshoes or cross-country skis (in children's and adult sizes). Ski trails are open when there are four or more inches of snow on the ground.
Cruisin' Waves is proud to present to the public Go-Float electric boats. The Go-Float Electric Boat Company is based out of Fergus Falls, Minnesota and is another fine example of a manufacturer that makes a great product that is "Made in America." Open daily (weather permitting). June - Sept.
Danada Equestrian Center welcomes visitors of all ages to learn about riding and horsemanship through hayrides, group barn tours, riding lessons, summer camps for kids and its annual Fall Festival.
Located in Palatine, IL, Deer Grove Forest Preserve has trails that offer a moderate level of difficulty. At almost 10 miles in length, the hiking trials make Deer Grove worth a visit. Split into two very individual sites connected by paved and unpaved trials, the east preserve features open wetlands surrounded by old fields and an in-progress savanna and prairie restoration. The west side is wilder, the forest denser and crisscrossed with footpaths along the rolling terrain. Quite woodlands, white-tailed deer and a completely different experience await the hiker on the west side. Both paths are equally enchanting.
Deerfield Golf Club and Learning Center
The beauty of Deerfield Golf Club extends far beyond the greens of our golf course. Let your guests enjoy the beauty of our clubhouse with breathtaking views of the golf course. The Deerfield Golf Club offers excellence in scenery, cuisine and service, whether the occasion is a golf outing, private party or anniversary celebration.
Deerpath Golf Course in Lake Forest opens for play in March and closes for the season on or about December 15. This 18-hole public course, measures 6,255 yards with a par 70 and 5,487 yards with a par 72 for women. The course has spectacular mature trees, high quality naturalized areas and beautiful water features including ponds and streams. The Deerpath Golf Academy offers the finest golf instruction on the North Shore. Golfers of all abilities will realize immediate and sustainable improvement for a lifetime of better golf.
CITY:Lake Forest
Dempster-Greenwood Street Beach
Sand beach used for launching small carry-in crafts. Lockers and racks available to store crafts on site.
Located in southeast Lake County near Vernon Hills, this crushed gravel surface trail is perfect for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and cross country skiing. The trail offers a medium level of difficulty as it winds alongside tree-laden riverbanks, through dense bottom-land woods, adjacent to ponds and over footbridges. This trail links the Half Day Forest Preserve to the Wright Woods Forest Preserve spanning nearly the entire length of Lake County.
CITY:Vernon Hills
The Aquatic Center features a zero depth pool with play equipment, a water play structure, drop slide and diving board. You'll also find lockers/showers and a concession stand.
Dick's Sporting Goods - Schaumburg
Dick's Sporting Goods leads more athletes to victory by providing the edge they need to perform at their peak. They offer a deep assortment of sporting goods and apparel for baseball, football, hunting, golf, fishing and more.
Didier Farms offers a variety of vegetables and flowers in our greenhouse this spring, and our farmers market in summer. U-pick opportunities are plentiful throughout the summer, weather permitting. During our Pumpkinfest, the last week of September and all of October, we offer hayrides, pony rides, corn maze and an exotic zoo, in beautiful Lake County. Also enjoy the Buffalo Creek Mining Co, pony & camel rides, Animal Land, Pumpkin Playland, kiddie rides, Parakeet Encounter, Pig Races (Sat, Sun & Mon) Pumpkin Patch Café, homemade apple cider & pumpkin donuts made daily. Antique tractor display, fall produce, birthday parties and school groups by reservation only.
This year-round rowing center features a boat launch on the North Shore Channel and two indoor rowing tanks with a training center.
A 61-mile hiking, biking and nature trail follows the bed of a long-gone railroad. It's one of the nation's first linear recreation trails and a model for others in the United States.
EagleRider Motorcycle Rentals and Tours
EagleRider is the largest motorcycle rental and tour company in the world. Rent a Harley Davidson for a day or a week and experience the open road!
Eaglewood Resort & Spa offers a luxurious retreat whether you arrive for a conference or relaxing getaway. The architecturally stunning resort, constructed in Frank Lloyd Wright- influence Prairie-style architecture, features upscale hotel accomodations, luxurious amenities, sophisticated technology, and a myriad of recreational options.
A public park with lighted softball/baseball fields, basketball courts, playground, skateboard park, volleyball courts, tennis courts, dog park, fishing pond with a pier, shelter, walking trail, restroom.
CITY:St. Charles
Outdoor ice skating; new refrigerated skating system; warming shelters available.
The Elmhurst Park District exists to provide opportunities for the enjoyment of residents and visitors, particularly those opportunities that people cannot supply for themselves. With facilities like the Elmhurst Art Museum, a skate park, two swimming pools, several fitness & recreation centers, over twenty neighborhood parks, and miles of bike paths and trails, the Elmhurst Park District will satisfy the needs of any audience.
Enchanted Castle Restaurant & Entertainment Complex
Chicago's premiere entertainment complex! 60,000 sq. ft. of fun featuring: indoor go karts, laser tag, bumper cars, 200+ games, mini golf, Kid's Quest Softplay plus a 625-seat restaurant w/ great food and song (karaoke)., Sir Bounce-A-Lot Jumpland coming this summer! Great team building and corp. events for up to 1,800.
Elgin's finest 40-lane bowling center.
Built on the grounds of the Ladd Arboretum in 1974, the Evanston Ecology Center serves as the education nucleus of the arboretum. An area of natural beauty, the arboretum stretches along a three-quarter mile segment of McCormick Boulevard on a narrow, 23-acre strip of reclaimed land that follows the diagonal course of the North Shore Channel. The Evanston Ecology Center offers many programs throughout the year such as an Easter egg hunt, community plays, and musical performances. Many are free.
Bring your dog to Evanston's Dog Beach! Admission restricted to dogs with a "dog beach season token".
Named "Chicagoland's Best Rainy Day Activity Site" by Chicago Magazine, the Exploritorium is much more than an indoor playground. It is a place where children and adults can come and explore together through interactive play. Make-believe in our costumed dress-up area, run your fingers through our water play area, make music, play with trains, and experience new heights in the two-and-a-half story maze of tubes and tunnels.
A tranquil oasis where history melds with nature and design. This historic garden affords the opportunity to experience the uniqueness of Japanese gardening and enjoy a moment of harmony with nature.
Whether you're interested in science or just fishing in the ponds near the buffalo herd you're welcome at Fermilab. Take a self-guided tour of the laboratory, the Art Gallery and science and educational displays. View the grounds from the 15th floor observation area. Visitors may also visit the Lederman Science Center. Performing arts and lectures. Groups welcome by appointment. Public tours are offered every Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. and as part of the Ask-a-Scientist event on the first Sunday of each month.
Beautiful park along the Fox River & Ferson Creek offers picnic sites, shelter, playground, fishing and and canoe launch.
CITY:St. Charles


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Thirty minutes north of Omaha, outside Blair, Nebraska, the aroma of steaming corn—damp and sweet—falls upon my car like a heavy curtain. The farmland rolls on, and the source of the smell remains a mystery until an enormous, steam-belching, gleaming-white architecture of tanks and pipes rises suddenly from the cornfields between Route 75 and the flood plain of the Missouri River. Behold NatureWorks: the largest lactic-acid plant in the world. Into one end of the complex goes corn; out the other come white pellets, an industrial resin poised to become—if you can believe all the hype—the future of plastic in a post-petroleum world.
From This Story
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The resin, known as polylactic acid (PLA), will be formed into containers and packaging for food and consumer goods. The trendy plastic has several things going for it. It's made from a renewable resource, which means it has a big leg up—both politically and environmentally—on conventional plastic packaging, which uses an estimated 200,000 barrels of oil a day in the United States. Also, PLA is in principle compostable, meaning that it will break down under certain conditions into harmless natural compounds. That could take pressure off the nation's mounting landfills, since plastics already take up 25 percent of dumps by volume. And corn-based plastics are starting to look cheap, now that oil prices are so high.
For a few years, natural foods purveyors such as Newman's Own Organics and Wild Oats have been quietly using some PLA products, but the material got its biggest boost when Wal-Mart, the world's largest retailer, announced this past October that it would sell some produce in PLA containers. The move is part of the company's effort to counter criticisms that it has been environmentally irresponsible. "Moving toward zero waste is one of our three big corporate goals for the environment," says Matt Kistler, vice president of private brands and product development for the retailer. Wal-Mart plans to use 114 million PLA containers a year, which company executives estimate will save 800,000 barrels of oil annually.
To make plastic packaging and containers from a renewable resource that can be returned to the earth as fertilizer sounds like an unmitigated good. Selling fruits and veggies in boxes that don't leach chemicals into landfills sounds equally wonderful. But PLA has considerable drawbacks that haven't been publicized, while some claims for its environmental virtues are downright misleading. It turns out there's no free lunch after all, regardless of what its container is made of, as I learned when I tried to get to the bottom of this marvelous news out of corn country.
At the NatureWorks plant in Blair, I don a hard hat, earplugs, gloves and protective eyewear and swear that I will snap no photographs. What can be revealed by my hosts is revealed: corn kernels are delivered and milled, dextrose is extracted from starch. Huge fermenters convert the dextrose into lactic acid, a simple organic chemical that is a by-product of fermentation (or respiration, in the case of the lactic acid that builds up in muscle tissue after intense activity). Industrial lactic acid is derived from many starchy sources, including wheat, beets and potatoes, but NatureWorks is owned by Cargill, the world's largest corn merchant, and so its lactic acid comes from corn. The compound is converted to lactide, and lactide molecules are linked into long chains or polymers: polylactic acid, PLA.
I did get a chance to see and touch the obscure object of my desire when some liquid PLA, with the color and shine of caramelized sugar, burst from a pipe and solidified in flossy strands on the steel-grated floor. The next time I saw the stuff, in a box in a warehouse, it had been crystallized into translucent white balls the size of peas: PLA resin. In the hands of fabricators, the pellets would be melted and reshaped into containers, films and fibers.
Though the polymer, because of its low melting point, doesn't yet have as many applications as does the far more common plastic polyethylene terephthalate (PET), used to make soda bottles and some polyester fibers, the company has plans, as a large banner in the office proclaims, to "Beat PET!" In some ways, corn plastic is clearly easier on the environment. Producing PLA uses 65 percent less energy than producing conventional plastics, according to an independent analysis commissioned by NatureWorks. It also generates 68 percent fewer greenhouse gases, and contains no toxins. "It has a drastically different safety profile," says NatureWorks operations manager Carey Buckles. "It's not going to blow up the community."
For retailers, PLA has a halo effect. Wild Oats was an early adopter of the stuff. "Our employees loved the environmental message of the containers, that they came from a renewable resource, and our customers had a strong reaction when we told them they were compostable," says Sonja Tuitele, a Wild Oats spokesperson. The containers initially boosted the company's deli sales by 17 percent, she says, and the chain now uses six million PLA containers a year. Newman's Own Organics uses PLA packaging for its salad mixes. "We felt strongly that everywhere we can get out of petroleum products, we should," says Newman's Own CEO Peter Meehan. "No one has ever gone to war over corn."

subset: commoncrawl


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Vice City Power Corporation
From Grand Theft Wiki
The Vice City Power Corperation is a power company in Grand Theft Auto: Vice City that is mentioned on the radio station VCPR by Jonathan Freeloader. It most likley owns the Gas Works in Vice City in GTA III Era, which are also mentioned on VCPR. It is one of the sponsores of Enviromental Week along with the Maibatsu Corporation. This is an inside joke as these two companys produce lot of pollution.


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'Affordable Underground Furniture': D.I.Y. Coffin Clubs Catch On in New Zealand
February 25, 2017
Lipase is a protein (enzyme) released by the pancreas into the small intestine. It helps the body absorb fat. This test is used to measure the amount of the lipase in the blood.
A sample of blood will be taken from a vein.
Do not eat for 8 hours before the test.
Your health care provider may ask you to stop taking medicines that may affect the test, such as:
You may feel slight pain on a sting when the needle is inserted to draw blood. There may be some throbbing at the site after the blood is drawn. Veins and arteries vary in size so it may be harder to take a blood sample from one person than another.
This test is done to check for disease of the pancreas, most often acute pancreatitis.
Lipase appears in the blood when the pancreas is damaged.
In general, normal results are 0 to 160 units per liter (U/L).
Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different labs. Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your test results.
Some laboratories use different measurements or may test different specimens.
Higher-than-normal levels may be due to:
This test may also be done for familial lipoprotein lipase deficiency.
There is very little risk from your blood taken.
Other uncommon risks may include:
Forsmark CE. Pancreatitis. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman's Cecil Medicine . 24rd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Saunders Elsevier; 2011:chap 146.
Tenner S, Steinberg WM. Acute pancreatitis. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Brandt LJ, eds. Sleisenger and Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease . 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Saunders Elsevier; 2010:chap 58.


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Higher and Higher
May 23, 2007 by Bryon Powell · 4 Comments
I forgot to mention one aspect of my workout last night – my runner's high DURING the workout. While I've had many runner's highs over the years, I cannot recall ever having had one during a workout. After 6 miles or so, I was not my normal self. I wold find myself looking around, staring at the sky as if it I'd never seen the sky before and it was the most beautiful thing I'd ever seen. I was dazed, but not confused. Fun stuff. Before you try some long speed work, just remember that the first one's always free… and then it'll cost ya. ;-)


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Academic Paper
|Between learning and playing? Exploring learners' perceptions of corrective feedback in an immersive game for English pragmatics
|Linguistic Field:
|Applied Linguistics; Pragmatics
|Subject Language:
|This paper aims to provide a rationale for the utility of corrective feedback (CF) in digital games designed for language learning, with specific reference to learners' perceptions. Explicit and elaborate CF has the potential to increase learners' understanding of language, but might not be found useful in a game-based learning environment where the primary focus for the learner is on meaningful interaction and experiential learning. Also, as CF can be perceived as a measure of performance, it could harm learners' perception of competence. Eighty-three learners of English as a foreign language participated in a mixed-method experimental study that aimed to first explore the perceived usefulness of, and preferences for, explicit and implicit CF in an immersive educational game, and to secondly chart the relation between learners' perceptions of CF as they pertain to three individual difference factors related to learners' self-perception, namely intrinsic goal orientation, perceived competence and game experience. Survey and interview data showed that CF was found to be generally useful. A regression model indicated that the three measures of self-perception affected learners' perceptions of explicit CF positively, and that there was no impact on perceptions of implicit CF. Further, learners reported having enjoyed the implicit CF, although they did not find it particularly useful for learning. These findings indicate that the type of CF should be considered in the design of effective and enjoyable educational games.
This article appears IN ReCALL Vol. 24, Issue 3.
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GBX Leather Wingtip Oxford
Sorry, this item is sold out!
Looks like you've got more shoe shopping to do - have fun!
Looks like you've got more shoe shopping to do - have fun!
Item # 261656
Keep your look cool while wearing the leather wingtip oxford from GBX. This lace up brings you rugged durability, without sacrificing style or comfort.
- Leather upper
- Wingtip round medallion toe
- Cushioned leather lining
- Padded leather footbed provides all day comfort
- Synthetic sole
- Imported
By: SilverRaven70
Location: West Sacramento
February 24, 2013
Hubby Loves Them
"I bought these shoes for my future hubby to wear for the wedding. We will be getting married in July and as soon as they showed up he put them on and fell in love with them. He said they were very comfortable, the size and fit is just perfect."
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Location: OH
February 05, 2013
"I can't vouch for longetivity because just got but they run perfect for my wide foot and I did not have to order wide width and very comfy when I tried on---they are a keeper!!!! The only reason I would not rate it 5 star is haven't really worn much yet to see how they hold up"
By: VickieT
Location: Atlanta
January 17, 2013
for my husband
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Location: Bemus Point, NY
December 11, 2012
Relaxed Kool!
"Really comfortable. Has burnished finished, looks lived-in vintage. The Wingtip is what won me. Great shoes!"
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P.O. Box 111
Forest City, IL 61532
NOTICE - Prior to igniting any prescribed fire a horn will sound 3 times to notify any person within the burn unit they must exit the area within 45 minutes. A second horn will sound three times 15 minutes after the first, indicating 30 minutes to exit area. In addition, notification to the public will be reflected in handouts, hunter fact sheet, hunter windshield card sign-up web page, Sand Ridge State Forest web page, and Sand Ridge telephone answering machine.
For those who think central Illinois
is one big corn field, Sand Ridge State Forest will come as a pleasant
surprise. The forest is an island in a sea of agriculture. Just minutes
southwest of Peoria, this 7,200-acre forest, the largest of Illinois' state forests,
boasts sweeping expanses of native oak-hickory woodland, extensive
pine plantations, sprawling open fields, grasslands and completely unique sand
prairies. For a refreshing,
invigorating taste of unspoiled nature and an opportunity to experience
truly unique environment, Sand Ridge State Forest is ideal.
The area is the result of a prehistoric dry
period when more desert-like conditions existed. Today it remains one
of the few places in Illinois that supports an intriguing variety of plants
and animals more associated with the southwest than the Midwest,
including badger, silvery bladderpod,
pocket gopher and
prickly pear cactus, to
name a few.
The raw, undeveloped expanses of hardwood
and pine blanketing the panoramic vistas contain miles of outstanding
hiking, backpacking, snowmobiling and horseback riding opportunities.
Hunting of deer, turkey, pheasant, quail, dove and squirrel is permitted.
A hand trap shooting facility and an archery range are available.
For the dedicated outdoors person this is an island of opportunity to experience the diversity of Illinois. For
the day visitor, the forest offers picnic facilities and the chance for immersion in nature in the Henry
Allen Gleason Nature Preserve. Enjoy the pristine sand prairie
in a protected area closed to vehicles, domestic animals and hunting.
A bird watcher's paradise, Sand Ridge State
Forest also is an important nesting area for a great variety of neotropical
migratory birds, such as ovenbird, indigo bunting, veery and scarlet tanager.
Fifteen thousand years ago the flood waters
of the last glaciation period receded down the Illinois River valley leaving
a vast deposit of sand from near Pekin to past Beardstown and as far west
as San Jose. A subsequent period of extreme dryness and warmth invited
plants and animals of the southwestern states to extend their range. Shifting
winds sculpted 100-foot-high sand dunes evident today as the now wooded
ridges for which the forest is named.
In 1939, 5,504 acres of this forested tract
was purchased by the state to be managed by the Division of Forestry as
an experimental forest. The Civilian Conservation Corps planted pine trees
to control erosion and demonstrate the viability of growing a commercial
tree crop in sandy soil. The current 2,492 acres of pine plantations produce sawlog-size timber for Illinois' future needs. The native
oak-hickory forest is selectively utilized for a firewood
cutting program. Firewood collection is allowed at specific periods during the year.
In 1971, the Division of Land Management
took over management of the site and the area became known as Sand Ridge
State Forest. Today, the forest covers 7,500 acres--3996 acres of native
oak-hickory forest, 2,492 acres of pine and the rest in open fields and
sand prairies.
What better way to spend the day than to
load up the car with the family for an old-fashioned picnic. The Turkey
Pass Picnic Area is located on Cactus Drive just north of Pine Campground.
Tables, grills, water, a shelter and pit-vault toilets are provided. Groups
of 25 or more must have a Group
Use Permit or may reserve the shelter using Reserve America.
If you and your family are interested in
a rustic setting for camping, Pine Campground is the place for you. It
contains 27 Class "C" sites featuring water, pit-vault toilets,
fire pads, and a place to park two vehicles. Oak Campground provides open
space, water, pit toilets and council rings for organized group camping. Horseman's Park offers a staging area for equestrian
camping and horseback riding activities, and has hitching rails, water, pit
toilets and a shelter area. Oak Campground and Horseman's Park have shelters and campsites
that can be rented by using the Reserve America Web site. If you are unable to reserve a campsite for the date you want, contact the site at (309) 597-2212 or by email. Back-country camping
is available at 12 primitive sites along 55 miles of trail providing a true
wilderness camping experience. Users must obtain a permit from the forest
headquarters prior to back-country use.
Groups of 25 people
or more must obtain a Group Use
Permit from site staff. Activity
Permits are required whenever a non-traditional use of any facility
is requested and/or any activity that might increase potential liability
to he Department.
Pine Campground Photo
Campgound Photo Gallery
Horseman's Campground Photo Gallery
Horseman's Park Campground offers Class C
camping for the equestrian community. The 50 miles of trails and more than 120 miles of fire lanes offer the average equestrian excellent opportunities
(Equestrian Regulations).
For a horse to cover all the trails and fire lanes, it would take a good
weekend's worth of riding. Fire pads, hitching rails, picket-line posts
and pit-vault toilets are provided for visitor use. A shelter
for day use can be reserved using Reserve America.
Day use for the equestrain community is provided
at Mockernut Meadow Day Use Area, which has fire pads, tables
and teathering posts. The brome grass provides a great cover for horses
and sand to meet the day-to-day demand. Water buffalo keeps the horses
watered and a hand pump across the road to the south provides water for
human consumption. Horses are not allowed in the hand pump area.
Forty-four miles of marked trails, ranging
from 1.5 to 15 miles each, and 120 miles of fire lanes offer unequaled
opportunities to the hiker, backpacker, horseback rider or snowmobiler.
A person can take advantage of 26 miles of
designated trails when there's at least 4 inches of snow. The trail head
is located at the Oak Campground and the trail is
open 24 hours a day.
An abundance of deer, red and gray fox, coyote,
squirrel, raccoon, quail, pheasant, woodcock and dove make this an ideal
location for hunting. Check the Sportsman's Digest and the Annual Digest of
Hunting & Trapping Regulation for requirements and shooting schedules.
Sand Ridge Hunter Fact
Sheet | Oakford Hunter
Fact Sheet
Ridge Sportsman's Digest | Oakford
Sportsmen's Digest | Sparks Pond
Sportsman's Digest | Henry Allen Gleason Sportsman's Digest | Revis Hill Prairie Sportsman's Digest | Windshield Card Web Page | Controlled Hunting Web Page
A hand trap facility is open all year, except during
the upland game season, for visitors interested in shooting trap. Rifles
and handguns are not allowed on the hand trap range. Remember to put spent
shells and other liter in it's place. Register at the forest headquarters
and check the regulations before shooting.
From the west, east or south: Follow IL Rt
136 to Mason County Road 2800E and turn north. Continue in a straight
line for about 6 miles, through the village of Forest City. This road
will turn to the west and become Mason County Road 2300N and will lead
you directly into the forest. From the north, follow IL Rt 29 south out
of Pekin to the Manito Road, turn west and go to Manito, about 20 miles.
In Manito, watch for the sign for Mason County Road 2500N and again turn
west (right). In about 6 miles you will have entered the forest. From
either entrance, follow our clearly marked signs to the facility or destination
of your choice.
For more information contact site personnel
at Sand Ridge State Forest, P.O. Box 111, Forest City, IL 61532 or by
phone at 309-597-2212 or by fax at 309-597-2240 or by email.
For Your Information
In 1962, a forest fire burned more than 1500
acres of Sand Ridge. Please be very careful with smoking materials and
campfires. Report all fires to the forest headquarters immediately. The
fire lanes and trails are closed to all motorized traffic.


text:
Flight Schedules from Tashkent to Dusseldorf
Find cheap airfares for flights from Tashkent to Dusseldorf. Use Wego.com to search and compare low airfare airline tickets for Tashkent to Dusseldorf flights on various international airlines. FInd last minute flights and the latest low airfares for this route. Compare cheap Tashkent to Dusseldorf flights at a glance and get the best deal for your trip.
Besides Dusseldorf flights, find cheap hotels and quality accommodation in Dusseldorf with Wego. Search and compare Dusseldorf hotels online to book your ideal travel accommodation.


text:
Was this photo helpful? {{ voteCount + ' other' + (voteCountOthers == 1 ? '' : 's') }} found this helpful
Botox was administered to the lower forehead. This allowed by a "chemical brow lift". Her cosmesis is improved.
By uploading this photo, Gregory Pippin, MD has agreed with RealSelf.com policy that they've secured proper patient consent.


text:
Impo Wind Wedge Boot
Sorry, this item is sold out!
Looks like you've got more shoe shopping to do - have fun!
Looks like you've got more shoe shopping to do - have fun!
Item # 228246
Get carried away in this wedge boot from Impo! The Wind is a trendy casual boot, perfect for the fall season!
- Faux suede upper
- Faux shearling trim
- Can be worn cuffed or uncuffed
- 14" shaft height, back lace up
- 15" calf circumference
- 3" crepe wedge
- Synthetic sole
- Imported
By: redbone42
Location: Georgia
January 12, 2013
"I ordered the tan ones and they are perfect. Great style and I love the lace on the back. They are so comfortale, I ordered a bigger size than what I normally wear because I wasn't sure about the Impo brand so they were a slightly bigger than expected but that's ok because I'll offset that with some insole inserts. So they should be fine. But overall, I love the color and they match perfectly with my new Prada bag! I'm actually thinking about ordering the black ones as well. Couldn't be happier!"
By: VixenMama
Location: Virginia
January 08, 2013
Good Wedge boot for the $
"This boot was on sale so I grabbed it. I bought a size bigger than my regular so I would have room for my thicker boot socks and that was a good move. Not sure if they run small but the larger size worked well for me. Pretty neat that it was versatile with a turned down contrast cuff. Overall a great affordable find."
By: Fhamilton
Location: Michigan
December 08, 2012
Wedge Boot
"I needed wedge boots because of healing from a broken ankle. these are perfect. Not too tight and plenty of room."
By: LisaF37
December 07, 2012
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text:
NASF Management Conference Attracts 80 Finishing Executives
8. March 2013
The 2013 NASF Management Conference in Key West in February attracted more than 80 finishing industry executives, owners and managers. Blair Vandivier from Asterion was the chairman of the event this year.
Attendees enjoyed a variety of sessions, with topics ranging from the economic outlook for finishing and manufacturing, current and future business perspectives, and an overview of the latest trends in technology and materials.
For 2014, the NASF Management Conference moves to the Sheraton Maui on Kaanapali Beach in Hawaii for another round of presentations and networking opportunities with executives from some of surface finishing's most successful and influential companies.Mike Kelly from ASKO Processing will be the event chair.
For more information on the 2014 NASF Management Conferenc, please CLICK HERE.


text:
As we continue on our journey forward in time, the seventh part of our 10 Part Series on the Battle Streamers of the Marine Corps takes us up to and through World War II and the awards handed out for service during World War II and immediately following World War II. Because the war took place in a number of different locations, many awards were created to recognize service in differing regions of the world. While World War I was fought nearly exclusively in Europe, World War II had a number of different theaters to include the American Theater, European Theater, and Pacific Theater. Follow along as we cover each theater and the awards associated with service in each.
American Defense Service
Established in 1941 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, the American Defense Service streamer was awarded to units that "performed military duty between September 8, 1939 and December 7, 1941." These dates signify the period of World War II in which the United States had not formally participated. On December 7, 1941, Japan attacked the United States in the famous Attack on Pearl Harbor. After the attack, the United States became heavily involved in the war and subsequent service streamers were created to commemorate those campaigns.
American Campaign
Established in 1942 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, the American Campaign streamer was awarded to units who served in the American Theater during World War II. The American Theater consists of North and South America as well as the neighboring islands in the region. The vast majority of the action during World War II took place in Europe and Asia; however many well known battles did take place in the American Theater, including the Attack on Pearl Harbor, the Aleutian Islands Campaign and the attacks on Newfoundland. To receive the award, a unit must have served with the American theater between December 7, 1941 and March 2, 1946 and met one of the following criteria:
-On permanent assignment outside the continental limits of the United States
-Permanently assigned as a member of a crew of a vessel sailing ocean waters for a period of 30 consecutive days or 60 nonconsecutive days
-Outside the continental limits of the United States in a passenger status or on temporary duty for 30 consecutive days or 60 nonconsecutive days
-In active combat against the enemy and was awarded a combat decoration or furnished a certificate by the commanding general of a corps, higher unit, or independent force that the Soldier actually participated in combat
-Within the continental limits of the United States for an aggregate period of 1 year
European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign
Established in 1942 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign streamer was awarded to units that "had performed military duty in the European Theater (to include North Africa and the Middle East) during the years of the Second World War." The majority of the conflicts during World War II occurred in the European Theater and US Marines were instrumental in securing victory on the European front. Known as the EAME streamer for short, the award is given to units who served between December 7, 1941 and March 2, 1946 assuming the service took place between the following locations:
-West boundary – From the North Pole, south along the 75th meridian west longitude to the 77th parallel north latitude, thence southeast through Davis Strait to the intersection of the 40th parallel north latitude and the 35th meridian west longitude, thence south along that meridian to the 10th parallel north latitude, thence southeast to the intersection of the equator and the 20th meridian west longitude, thence along the 20th meridian west longitude to the South Pole
-East boundary – From the North Pole, south along the 60th meridian east longitude to its intersection with the eastern border of Iran, thence south along that border to the Gulf of Oman and the intersection of the 60th meridian east longitude, thence south along the 60th meridian east longitude to the South Pole.
Asiatic-Pacific Campaign
Established in 1942 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign streamer was awarded to units that "served in the Pacific Theater from 1941 to 1945." The United States Marine Corps participated in 50 campaigns in the Pacific Theater. Therefore, the streamer is adorned with eight silver stars and one bronze star. Each Silver Star signifies six awards of the streamer and each bronze star signifies an additional award. Some notable campaigns that occurred in the Pacific Theater include the Battle of Midway, Wake Island and Guadalcanal.
World War II Victory
Established in 1945 by an Act of Congress, the World War II Victory streamer was awarded to units "for service between 7 December 1941 and 31 December 1946." Originally called the "Victory streamer," the award was issued to units, both active duty and reserve, who served between the dates listed above. In an interesting twist, despite the namesake, some units received the award without actually participating in World War II. This is because President Harry Truman did not declare an official end to war until the end of 1946, even though the war ended on September 2, 1945. Therefore, receipt of the award does not necessarily signify that a unit fought in World War II, but instead was a part of the military at some point prior to December 31, 1946.
Navy Occupation Service
After the close of World War II, much like after World War I, United States troops occupied regions of Europe and Asia to enforce post-war sanctions and ensure stability in the region. While the streamer is a Navy award, it can be "issued to Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard personnel who participated in the European and Asian occupation forces during World War II, and following the close of the World War II." Because forces occupied regions of Europe and Asia, two service clasps bearing the name of the region are authorized for attachment if a unit served in that region. If a unit served in both regions, both clasps are authorized.
Follow along next week as we move forward in time to cover the National Defense Service, Korean Service, Armed Forces Expeditionary, Vietnam Service, Southwest Asia Service, and Kosovo Campaign streamers. Be sure to check out the previous editions of our series below as well!
Tyler Berg
Tyler has over ten years of experience in the military and tactical industry. The son of company founder Steve Berg, Tyler grew up assisting with the business and absorbing everything about the industry. Having recently graduated from college with a degree in Business and Communications, Tyler has joined our team full time. Follow Tyler as he shares fresh perspectives on everything from military history to cutting edge tactical gear.


text: Well he went and done it! Kishimoto has offed the last Sanin. I get it was Tsunade's turn, but jeez! Why like that? Orochimaru didn't lose any limbs! And Jiraiya was noble but messed up at the same time. I actually kinda liked the idea of Tsunade being the only one left. But at the same time, if she she did die, I would be okay with it. But, getting her body smashed in half after getting saved by Dan seems like a waste at this point. Why save her from dying if not even really twenty chapters later you're gonna smash her in half with a big ass tree? Don't mind me for real, I'm just venting.


text:
These scented paintballs are perfect to make the world smell better.
Tag your opponents with these scented balls and you can track them down with nose.
High quality - made in USA
RED color: Apple Scented Paintball
YELLOW color: Buck Lure Scented Paintball
GREEN color: Cedar Scented Paintball
Review (0)


text:
July 14, 2016
New CDC MMWR report on antibiotic-resistant gonorrhea includes concerning findings for azithromycin - one of two drugs in the only recommended treatment regimen Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), July 14, 2016. On July 14, 2016 CDC, On July 14, 2016, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) MMWR report titled Neisseria MORE
March 24, 2016
Update: Meningococcal Vaccine Recommendations March 18th, Chicago Department of Public Health. The Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) is investigating a new case of invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) caused by Neisseria meningitidis serogroup C reported in March 2016, 9 months following the last case tied to a Chicago-area outbreak of serogroup MORE
March 4, 2016
Updated HHS Pediatric Antiretroviral Treatment Guidelines Released >Panel on Antiretroviral Therapy and Medical Management of HIV-Infected Children. Guidelines for the Use of Antiretroviral, Department of Health and Human Services. Updated March 1, 2016 The HHS Panel on Antiretroviral Therapy and Medical Management of HIV-Infected Children announces MORE
February 1, 2016
U.S. Food and Drug Administration, January 28, 2016 The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today approved Zepatier (elbasvir and grazoprevir) with or without ribavirin for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotypes 1 and 4 infections in adult patients. Hepatitis C is a viral disease that causes inflammation of the liver that can lead to MORE
January 29, 2016
Updated Guidelines for the Use of Antiretroviral Agents in HIV-1-Infected Adults and Adolescents U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), January 28, 2016 The HHS Panel on Antiretroviral Guidelines for Adults and Adolescents announces the release of the updated What's New in the Guidelines. Additions and revisions are also highlighted in yellow MORE


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Followed by 4 Tea Drinkers
Harney & Sons The Store 415 followers
The tasting room and retail staff of Harney & Sons love sharing their tho...
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<strong>Are you a company or tea blender on sites like Adagio that would you ...
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Apps for Food & Drink. Substitutions. Conversions. Recipe Timer.


text:
A New Hampshire High School has published in their yearbook the photos of two teenagers accused of murder. Should they have?
Should the Pakistani cab driver from Watertown MA held in conjunction with the Times Square bomber be deported?
Al and Tipper Gore say there is "no cheatin" as they say in Nashville. Do you believe them?
Should Don't Ask Don't Tell become a law of the land
Who do you have more faith in: Obama or British Petroleum?
How do you think the Obama Administration's handling of the Oil spill compares to the Bush Administration's handling of Katrina?
How should the President spend Memorial Day:
Do you agree with Massachusetts Governor Patrick that criticism of the President is tantamount to sedition?
Gov. Deval Patrick has traded his caddy for a hybrid SUV. Which car do you think suits him more:
Would you pay $20 for a movie ticket?


text:
News Posts
Film: Reefs Illuminated Premiering Sunday, April 14
by AMNH on
For an evocative look at a glowing underwater world, come to the Museum to see Reefs Illuminated, set in the remote South Pacific coral reefs of the Solomon Islands, which premieres at 11 am this Sunday, April 14, during the Milstein Science Series: Island Life program. Watch the trailer.
Ask a Paleontologist: Where Are the Museum's Dinosaur Fossils Kept?
by AMNH on
Museum Research Associate Lowell W. Dingus, Ph.D., takes viewers behind the scenes to a "library of dinosaur bones" and explains how these fossils are stored, in a video.
Creatures of Light App Nominated for 2013 Webby People's Voice Award: Vote Now
by AMNH on
The Museum's popular, free Creatures of Light iPad app has been nominated for a 2013 Webby People's Voice Award, in the Mobile & Apps: Education and Reference category.
Video Series about Hall of North American Mammals Is Webby 2013 Honoree
by AMNH on
This week, a 16-part series of Museum videos documenting the comprehensive restoration and conservation process in the Bernard Family Hall of North American Mammals was recognized as an Official Honoree for the 2013 Webby Awards.
Whales Exhibition Features Intricately Carved Feast Dish
by AMNH on
A story from the Kwakwa̱ka̱'wakw peoples of the Pacific Northwest Coast—roughly 20 diverse communities united by a common language—inspired this exquisite carved feast dish, which is featured in the special exhibition Whales: Giants of the Deep, now open at the American Museum of Natural History.


text:
FIREHouse is a collaboration between
the Fire and Environmental Research Applications Team (FERA) of the USDA Forest Service Pacific Northwest Research Station, Pacific Wildland Fire Sciences Laboratory;
the University of Washington;
the National Park Service;
the Bureau of Land Management – Alaska Fire Service;
the US Fish and Wildlife Service; and
the National Biological Information Infrastructure (NBII).
The NBII is a broad, collaborative program that provides increased access to data and information on the nation's biological resources.
Funding for FIREHouse has been provided by the Joint Fire Science Program (JFSP) and NBII.
FIREHouse is coordinating efforts with the Fire Research and Management Exchange System (FRAMES) project team.
Content on FIREHouse will provide substantial contributions to the Northwest Fire Science Portal and the Alaska Fire Science Portal.


text:
By WILLIAM SHARPCastle Dale
Darwinists must feel like an endangered species. How else to explain their name calling and threats of court protection to ensure their survival? It's obvious they have little confidence their theory can survive open debate when they are fighting so aggressively against one small statement presented in Senate Bill 96. SB 96 if passed; "shall require that instruction to students on any theory regarding the origins of life, or the origins or present state of the human race, shall stress that not all scientists agree on which theory is correct". (See SL Tribune articles "Buttars Bill is an embarrassment", "Panel OK's Bill etc 1-18-06" and several others.) Going so far as to call the "bill an outright lie" and "ignorance" Tribune articles have argued time and again that no credible scientists disagree with evolution in one breath and in the next admit that evolution is a "widely accepted theory-though one that is constantly evolving�our understanding is still incomplete, there is considerable and productive debate about processes of evolution". There is sure a lot of demand for our theory only, when so much uncertainty is evident to anyone who has studied the history of the theory of evolution.
Actually the obvious lies being presented are coming from evolutionists in their frightful defense of their ever-changing theory. Claiming that "no credible scientists disagree with evolution" must come as quite a lie to chemist and five time Nobel nominee, Henry "Fritz" Schaefer of the University of Georgia, who has stated "Some defenders of Darwinism, embrace standards of evidence for evolution that as scientists they would never accept in other circumstances." Schaefer is one of the many distinguished scientists joining the rapidly growing roster of hundreds of scientists signing a statement, termed "A Scientific Dissent from Darwinism" These scientists have uncovered numerous scientific and historical errors, exaggerations and omissions in the various theories of evolution.
Of course evolutionists try to brand any scientist who disagrees with them as a creationist (always hoping the ACLU can then have any of their arguments thrown out on separation of church and state grounds), they want people to think that the only criticism of Darwin's theory today is from religious fanatics.
True the numbers of scientists who question Darwinism is a minority, but it is growing fast. This is happening in the face of fierce attempts to intimidate and suppress legitimate dissent. Young scientists are threatened with deprivation of tenure. Others have seen a consistent pattern of answering scientific arguments with off the cuff attacks attempting to stigmatize all critics-including scientists-as religious 'creationists'. These are excellent examples of viewpoint discrimination.
A Zogby poll released Sept. 24, 2001 showed an overwhelming support of 81 percent for the position that when scientific evidence supporting Darwin's theory of evolution is presented; scientific evidence against it should also be presented. From the rising debate taking place all across the nation its clear this support is growing. This is the American way, the pros and cons, both sides of the story, not letting only one side have all the say in an argument which so deeply impacts the entire society.


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Berkley Havoc Bobby Lane's Craw Fatty
Pro designed to help you catch more bass, Berkley is releasing their brand new line-up of Havoc baits to coincide with 2011 Bassmaster Classic on the Loisiana Delta.
The Berkley Havoc Lane's Craw Fatty - measuring in at 4" - was designed by top Bassmaster Elite Series veteran pro and flipping master, Bobby Lane. It features a fatter body for a bigger profile, which means it also attracts bigger bass. Extremely versatile as well, you can flip it, Texas-rig it, or put it on a jighead.
"The Craw Fatty has bigger ribs and a wider body to increase action and trigger more bites, and the thinner design in the body will result in flawless hook sets. You can flip it, pitch it, punch it, rig it on a jig, Texas-rig it, or Carolina-rig it." - Bobby Lane
12 Colors
More From Berkley Craws
Customer Reviews
Comments: Great bait at a great price! I'm a big Bobby Lane fan so that doesn't hurt this review either. Wide and thin body with pinchers that swim good. Bass crush this when they see it.
From: Nicoh: Jasper Florida 2/14/17
Comments: Great bait, price is perfect for everyday use, I stop using flipping jigs and seem to scratch out a good limit and good size bass, match up with a flipping hook and 20 pound big game line, manly for close range pitching and flipping.
From: Cndguy83: Nw lots 2/2/17
Comments: love this bait,used it for spawn & still using it when season almost over for us up in Canada, watermelon candy & green pumpkin green purple are my go to, one last note the black-blue silver fleck seems like a dark purple but still getting them to bite all that matters.
From: Cndbass: Ontario, Canada 9/4/16
Comments: I started using this bait in early summer last year. I was sceptical at first cause I have never tried a bait like this one. I was astounded by the fish it attracted I couldn't throw this thing 5 times without at least getting a bite. I have caught a numerous amount of bass and northeren pike on this bait. It straight up catches fish I deffinetly recommend using this bait!
From: Lukkes: WI 4/7/16
Comments: These baits are great!! I fish them Texas rigged with a bullet weight. The best colors in my opinion are red black flake and watermelon candy. Just drag these on the bottom and u will catch fish.
From: Grant: Oshkosh, WI 8/11/15
Comments: What a awesome bait! One of the best craw style baits I've ever used. When these are in the water as a jig trailer, the claws flare up and out and it looks like a defensive craw, it looks really realistic.
From: Andrew: VA 11/27/14
Comments: this bait has produced all year for me, from opening day on jig trailers to texas rigging it this baits produced. the action is great and couldn't be a better or more vercitial bait.
From: Schmacker: USA 10/11/14
Comments: Great alternative to the biffle bug. Rig it on a hardhead and its game on. The only negative is that the claws tear off easily, but that is a flaw for the entire "flapping claw" genre. Great fish catching bait as a jig trailer as well.
From: Billy: Washougal, WA 8/9/14
Comments: This is the best craw bait on the market. The wider body gives it a large profile in the water that will get you some big bites. The slim body allows you to get flawless hook up's and it comes in all the great colors you need. The only problem with the bait is the nose were you put the hook in is almost to thin so it rips on the first fish you catch. If you are going to get these make sure you buy in bulk because your going to go through a lot. This is by far one of my confidence baits.
From: Joe: CA
Comments: Hands down. BEST flippin/pitchin bait ever created. Berkley and Bobby Lane nailed it with this one. My favorite color is the green pumpkin blue flake. This thing is a Bass magnet.
From: Gary: PA
Comments: Best Flippin/Pitchin Bait EVER made! Please dont ever stop carrying these! I LOVE the Green Pumpkin Blue Flake.
From: GR: PA
Comments: Great craw for a jig trailer or flipped T-rigged into any type of cover. Presents a big profile, but the thin body gives a lot of room for hooks to penetrate the big girls bony jaws. The claws don't flap wildly, but they "wave" and shake very well for when the fish are tucked in tight and wary to come out and play. Blk/Blue is my go to for dirty water and grn pmpkn works well in stained/clear. And at $3 a pack, you won't go broke.
From: AJ: Whitehouse Station, NJ
Comments: This is one of the best craws I have ever used. I have a lot of craws but whenever I need a bite I go to this bait in the black blue fleck. One of the big advantages is the hook set. You don't have to set the hook as hard because it has a thin body. Great price and great bait.
Comments: Really like these fatty's the only complaint is the packaging. I got my pack and the claws were all crimped and one claw was completey off
Comments: The action on this bait is great, but the claws fall off so easily. i went through 5 baits before i got a bite. they fall off from just casting and when i opened my pack, there was already a claw off. if you decide to fish these, buy a bulk quantity because youll find yourself switching them out every 10 minutes.
From: Bryce: Orange County, CA
Comments: I recentently tried these out on a local bass lake and it looks great in the water. I caught a few 2-3 pound bass on it. My only complaint is that I had pickerel rip the claws off.
From: Taylor: Vermont
Comments: Awesome bait my favs r black/blue,black/red,and watermelon candy for sight fishing and punching and surprisingly skips like a dream!!! hope this helps
From: John: KY
Comments: These are the best craws baits I have used so far, perfect for bed fishing. I go through about 2-3 packs every time on the water. Only down side is the claws rip off easily, if a pan fish grabs the claw its gone. Berkley needs to make the claws a little thicker so they dont rip as easily.
From: James: NH
Comments: I love this bait. its great for flipping and pitching wood,seawalls,rocks everything this lure has bulk action and has good weight and its very durable too ive caught many bass on this bait.
Comments: Great trailer for a flippin jig
From: Bo: McLean, OK
Comments: I love this bait, I got it in black blue flake recently and it has great action and works very well as a jig trailer
From: Joe: NY
Comments: Great Product! Great trailers as well and the flat body design gives then a sertian flaping action when twitched if Texas Rigging it! 9/10 only complaint is that it falls apart after thre or four fish.
From: Samuel: Crystal, MN
Comments: Great jig trailers, and flipping baits.They are very durable and will last all day with one or two. Claws give out great vibration. You will get some monsters with these.
From: Cobi: MI
Comments: I tossed this for the first time on a 3/4oz punching set up. Lure was very durable as I caught 8 fish on just 2 lures. On this day this lure out fished my buddy's brush hog. He said the size difference was probally the bigest factor and though I can agree with that I would say the action played a part as well.
From: Brian: Quincy, MA
Comments: This is a great craw! i like it because it is a different profile than your chigger craw,paca craw ...etc it has a wide thin body and a little bit smaller pincers. Great change up from your standard craws
From: Matt: MN
Comments: cought a fish on this thing in 5 mins of fishing it
From: Patrick: NC
Comments: Great bait. Comes through heavy cover very well
From: Don: Michigan
Comments: great bait. caught a lot of fish on the black and blue on a local lake. will be buying more.
From: WI
Comments: Not much scent. I actually dont think it has any. Thats cool though, the package doesnt say anything about scent anyways. I pitch these and have been catching fish on them form day one. I do black/red flake.
From: Meatwad: Out of crawskis
Comments: Still haven't caught a fish on this bait yet but it has great action. The bass where I fish just don't like it for some reason. Definitely wouldn't try to persuade someone not to buy it though as I'm sure it's working for most folks.
From: Mike: Jackson, MO
Comments: I threw this bait while fishing a nice lil bed fish. He was quite the fiesty lil bugger and was pullin all the craws off mine and my buddys baits. We proclaimed this fish as "The Craw Burglar." This bait unfortunately fell victim to the fish. Went through two of these baits and didnt get the fish. Finally stuck him on the sweeeeeett beaver. But i still like this bait!
From: Joshua: Menifee, CA
Comments: extremely durable have great action this is one of my favorite craws
From: Geren: Kansas City, MO
Comments: Great looking lure, saw it at the northwest sports show. fish bit it and held on until the showman noticed and yanked it from his mouth.
From: Erik
Comments: It is definitely very durable but it's a shame it doesn't have any scent.
From: Daniel: Phoenix, AZ
Comments: Excellent Bait. Will be buying more. Has action similar to a Pacacraw
From: Skye: Virginia
Comments: these are the best craw ive used! i caught a 6 first cast! there very durable and great colors
From: Payton: Newnan, GA


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Mia Allison Flat
Sorry, this item is sold out!
Looks like you've got more shoe shopping to do - have fun!
Looks like you've got more shoe shopping to do - have fun!
Item # dsw12prod4020039
This adorable printed ballet flat from Mia is cute as can be! With its fun animal print and string tie bow, darling details on the Allison add feminine flair to your casual wardrobe.
- Leopard print calf hair leather upper
- Contrast trim
- String tie bow accent
- Synthetic sole
- Imported
By: ginger468
Location: San Diego
March 17, 2013
Super cute and comfy flats!
"I have been looking for a cute animal print flat for a while now and these are perfect! The red accent and bow totally make the shoe and I've already got a ton of compliments on them. They go great with jeans and t-shirt but also look great with that little black dress. I wore them to work as well with a pencil skirt and dress shirt and they were a fun addition to an otherwise average work outfit. The best part is how comfortable these are! I always have to break in new shoes but not these! They were perfect from the first time I wore them and they did not stretch out which is great. I am a size 8 and they were true to size. I highly recommend these shoes!"
By: BethShoe
Location: Santa Monica
February 01, 2013
So cute and comfy
"Love them! They are really cute and the red detail puts them over the top. I ordered online and one came darker then the other. I woudl exchange in store, but I rather have them with defect then risk not having them available at the store. Look more expensive then they are."
By: chrismarie23
Location: Ohio
January 18, 2013
Surprisingly Comfy, VERY cute!
"Despite the fact that there were only a few reviews on this shoe at the time, I decided to take a chance and order them anyway....and I'm glad I did! They are very cute, just as pictured, and fit true to size. I typically wear an 8 and was tempted to purchase a 8.5, but the 8 fits perfectly. My feet run average length, and perhaps a bit wide, but these fit great! I was expecting the quality to be just 'ok' (lets face it, I wouldn't be wearing this every day anyway), but I'm happy with the quality, I think it's pretty good. Now I've only worn them once, and I wore them to the office in which I typically sit on my butt most of the day, but I was shocked that my feet didn't hurt and my heels didn't have blisters at the end of the day. My old flats still give me blisters, so I was expecting the same, especially with new shoes. But no blisters here. The shoes ARE pretty comfy, but could have a little more padding, hence the 4 stars instead of 5. But just use and insert, and they're perfect. HIGHLY recommend!"
By: lizzy3179
Location: orlando fl
January 12, 2013
Just ok
"They are cute but are lighter in color than in the picture. Not very comfortable, got blisters on the back and side of my foot."
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Top Definition
the first flush in the morning that wakes up everybody in the house.
I heard a morning flush at 5 AM and now I can't sleep.
by ghwajoigjweiowtuwe January 09, 2010
The Urban Dictionary Mug
One side has the word, one side has the definition. Microwave and dishwasher safe. Lotsa space for your liquids.Buy the mug
The Urban Dictionary T-Shirt
Smooth, soft, slim fit American Apparel shirt. Custom printed. 100% fine jersey cotton, except for heather grey (90% cotton).Buy the t-shirt


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Moral Grammar and Intuitive Jurisprudence: A Formal Model of Unconscious Moral and Legal Knowledge
John Mikhail
Georgetown University Law Center
July 20, 2008
THE PSYCHOLOGY OF LEARNING AND MOTIVATION: MORAL COGNITION AND DECISION MAKING, D. Medin, L. Skitka, C. W. Bauman, D. Bartels, eds., Vol. 50, Academic Press, 2009
Georgetown Public Law Research Paper No. 1163422
Could a computer be programmed to make moral judgments about cases of intentional harm and unreasonable risk that match those judgments people already make intuitively? If the human moral sense is an unconscious computational mechanism of some sort, as many cognitive scientists have suggested, then the answer should be yes. So too if the search for reflective equilibrium is a sound enterprise, since achieving this state of affairs requires demarcating a set of considered judgments, stating them as explanandum sentences, and formulating a set of algorithms from which they can be derived. The same is true for theories that emphasize the role of emotions or heuristics in moral cognition, since they ultimately depend on intuitive appraisals of the stimulus that accomplish essentially the same tasks. Drawing on deontic logic, action theory, moral philosophy, and the common law of crime and tort, particularly Terry's five-variable calculus of risk, I outline a formal model of moral grammar and intuitive jurisprudence along the foregoing lines, which defines the abstract properties of the relevant mapping and demonstrates their descriptive adequacy with respect to a range of common moral intuitions, which experimental studies have suggested may be universal or nearly so. Framing effects, protected values, and implications for the neuroscience of moral intuition are also discussed.
Number of Pages in PDF File: 74
Keywords: cognitive science, moral grammar, moral heuristics, intuitive jurisprudence, legal realism, legal formalism, appraisal theory, deontic logic, tort, battery, negligence, Hand Formula, calculus of risk, unconscious inference, Kant, Savigny, Brentano, Frege, Bentham, Mill, Goldman, Terry
JEL Classification: D63, D64, K00, K13, K14
Date posted: July 23, 2008 ; Last revised: December 29, 2008
Suggested Citation
Contact Information


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Culprit T-Rex Worm 10pk
The Culprit T-Rex Worm delivers an amazing twitching action, and is deadly on a variety of different rigs. Culprit recommends rigging it weightless and fishing it on top, occasionally allowing it to sink seductively in hot spots to create a predatory strike. Available in a variety of colors, the Culprit T-Rex Worm features the perfect combination of length, shape and density to come alive in the water!
4 Colors
More From Culprit Soft Plastics
Customer Reviews
Comments: The T-rex is a great bait. It has it all. You can shakey head it you can drop shot it you can rig it wacky. I LOVE IT!!! Hawg-gobbler guide service approved!!!
From: Bo Berry: Giddings, TX
Comments: This is a great little finesse worm. I just fish it on a shakey head or wacky worm if its tough. Great action and each worm lasts through several fish. Gotta try these!
From: Sam: Knoxville
Comments: WOW what a bait. The T-Rex is the most addicting bait I have ever used. I cannot help myself everytime I hit the water I throw the T-Rex or the T-Rex Jr. I use this bait on my shakey head and on my drop shot rig. My favorite color is Green Pumpkin Orange.
From: Bill: Defuniak Springs, FL
Comments: Throw this on a shakey head and you will not be disapointed. This is an over all amazing bait that will catch you big bass in most conditions. Such a simple bait, yet such a top preformer...I always have one tied on, no matter what. GET THESE!!!!!!
From: Jake: Saugus, MA
Comments: Love these worms on a shakey jig. The tail action does it all. Also try them texas, carolina, or wacky rigged. I like the junebug and green pumpkin/watermelon. A fish catching worm. Get you some!
From: Kenneth: MS
Comments: Excellent Shakey Head Worm. Realistic appeal and even petty colors! check em out
Comments: Words cannot describe how amazing this worm is.. You can C-Rig it, T-rig, wacky, dropshot, ANYTHING.. But my favorite way is shakey head... Best Color is Smoke Purple Flake.. BUY THEM NOW!
From: Kory: Boston, MA


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i happen to own a samsumg laptop of model np300e5c aocin. the num pad isn't functioning. please help.
I have a Samsung NP355E5C-A01AU Notebook running Windows 8. Whenever I press 0 on the number pad it responds with right click. Num lock is on, I have pressed function, I have cleaned under the key, tried updating the driver and also tried remapping the key with a third-party program but nothing works. The 0 key on the top of the keyboard still works but it is impractical to use that all the time. Please help.


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Still blaming poor SAT scores on test-takers?
SAT reading scores for 2011 high schools grads fell to their lowest point in history. The College Board attributes the decline "to the increasing diversity of the students taking the test," notes the New York Times. But that argument was effectively dismissed by E. D. Hirsch when scores were announced last year.
"The standard explanation is that our test scores have declined chiefly because of a demographic broadening of the test-taking base. This claim ignores compelling contrary evidence. During the period of the big drop, from 1965 to 1980, verbal scores in the state of Iowa – 98 percent white and middle class – dropped with similar sharpness.
What changed, Hirsch noted, had less to do with the demographics of the test-takers "than the anti-intellectual ideas that fully took over first teacher-training schools and then the teachers and administrators they trained. The result was a retreat from a knowledge-based elementary curriculum — as researchers have shown by analyzing the severe watering down of American school books in the period 1950-to the present. The decline of the elementary curriculum coincided with our sharp decline in verbal ability and test scores."
A sloppy workman blames his tools. Or in this case, test-takers.


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Post Overalls's old school label. Nifty letter-spacing.
Text by Pete Anderson
Photos by Albert Thomas.
Looking around (capsule)--hell, looking around the streets of Soho--it's pretty clear that the vintage American clothing is a dominant theme of men's clothing. It hasn't always been that way. Post Overalls's (or Post O'Alls's) Takeshi Ohfuchi has been hunting down and collecting old American clothing for decades, and designing new classics since 1993. As we talked at capsule, he admitted that there were a few years when it wasn't worth coming to such shows, but shifting trends didn't change his vision of authentically detailed, eclectically fabricated clothes rooted in American workwear. "I always wear what I like to wear in the season, within our context." Ohfuchi's Fall/Winter 2010 collection shone in the Puck Building's bright, spare setting. On a rack of dozens of shirts, washed plaids stand out. Ohfuchi said he's stayed away from plaid in the last few years. "We did lots of plaids in the early seasons, then stripes and solids for years. Now, those plaids start looking fresh to us again."
Takeshi and I discussing the finer points of fabric and pattern.
Takeshi himself wears vintage glasses in olive green, a black work shirt, black pants and black birkenstocks. The only flash of color is at his watch, a vintage automatic with a ribbon band that would make many styleforum members jealous. He asked about my own Seiko dive watch, and we talked briefly about value in watches--I think he'd fit right in on the forum. Post Overalls has some standard season-to-season shapes that are updated with different fabrics, stitching, and other tweaks. Among them is the engineer's jacket (same since 1993), cruzer jacket, and royal traveler vest. Next fall some pieces, including the vest, will be available in a blue/white cotton fabric traditionally used for quilting. Ohfuchi is particulary excited about that--"We did some quilting last year, and this year we have more. These are Thinsulate lined, warm, and light--they give us some new dimension." Although definitely on the eclectic side, I think pieces in that fabric can be wearable as layers.
Quilted blue royal traveler vest. Would look excellet under an unlined olive wool jacket.
Red cruzer. Note a long-sleeved jacket in quilted fabric on the right.
Post's work shirts have a vintage cut and details that Ohfuchi tries to keep as true-to-original as he can. In the soft washes and contrast stitching, I see a homemade appeal. The oversized, shallow donut buttons are made from natural freshwater pearl, a material that, in the mid-20th century, was cheaper than traditional mother of pearl and was used mostly on workshirts and pajamas. Today most workshirts use plastic, which lacks the translucent, reflective quality of Post's buttons. Takeshi also has specific ideas about shirt collars. "We use simple collars. Open collars, now you would call them camp collars," which fold open at the top button rather than standing tall on the neck. Most of the details are simple on Post Overalls pieces--not a lot of functionless accessorization. Takeshi explained, "To me, wrinkles are accessories." One shirt featured two layers of the same fabric sewed together to form a double layer. The fabric was gossamer light and the overall effect was of gauzy, wrinkled comfort.
The layered plaid fabric has an almost abstract look on this CPOST cut shirt, rather than straight plaid. There's also a sweet striped chambray on the rack.
Feeling Takeshi's material.
Another CPOST shirt in plaid.
Post Overalls trousers.
Ohfuchi's fall collection also includes a number of bags. Messenger bags in various canvas tones, totes in bright melton wool with canvas handles, and another model of tote, available in fabrics including the blue/white quilt, features handles of the polyester webbing used in seatbelts and nautical settings. "All of the bags [at (capsule)] are from our old designs. We have been doing similar stuff for years, thus we have so many variations in similar range. We keep bringing back old styles from time to time."
Messengers, totes, and more totes.
Wool tote with canvas handles and button pocket.
Quilted totes.
Takeshi takes a meta approach to retro--not only is he resurrecting old styles of American clothing, but old styles from his own design archives. Rather than a lookbook, Takeshi and Katsu Naito were distributing a Post Overalls "Lookback"--featuring photos and descriptions of seasons past--including shirts from 1993, which were exclusively cut as pullovers/popovers, and a shirt charmingly archived as "(around 2000?)" loosely based on a 1970s Wrangler rodeo shirt.
Takeshi and I take a look back.
I also had an opportunity to do a little Q+A with Gary Drinkwater, of Drinkwater's in Cambridge, about Post Overalls. Gary's a Boston men's clothing veteran and a friend of the forum.
SF: How long have you been familiar with Post O' Alls? How long have you carried it?
GD: It's been on my radar for a while but I've really only started following them closely for the past 3 years. We're now working on placing orders but expect that this will be our second season--F/W 09 was our first season with it. I didn't buy it very deep but did fairly well with it. SF: What appeals to you and your customers about the line?
GD: On a selfish level, it merchandises and works well with Engineered Garments that Drinkwater's has carried for almost 6 years now. On a more personal and aesthetic level I feel that it holds true to the clean, simple, sensibility of workwear. Takeshi's fabric choices elevate the garment to a "design" level, giving it streetwear/fashion appeal. Drinkwater's customers span a wide age range but the line's simple sensibility translates across disparate groups and demographics. What I've heard from them is that it is hardwearing while still being fashionable-and-fashionable without being too aggressive.
SF: How do you feel it's changed over time?
GD: I don't think it's changed, it seems that they've remained very true to their origins. That being said, I'm not sure if this observation is more about my eye slowly becoming used to seeing it or if it's a reality but it seems as though some of the details (e.g., contrasting stitching) feel as though it's become softer or at least less conspicuous.
SF: Takeshi is an interesting guy. Do you share his interest in vintage American stuff? Are you a collector yourself at all?
GD: In addition to being interesting, I find Takeshi to be amazingly detail-oriented (as are Daiki Suzuki from Engineered Garments and Yuki Matsuda from Yuketen) and have a love for the genre they work with allowing them to be the forefront of this wave in fashion. I'm not much of a collector in this respect—I lean to vintage fountain pens and watches—other than Pendelton shirts. And even then I only have about 50. However, being a product of the 60's, I have original experience with these vintage inspirations before, much to my mother's chagrin.
SF: Thanks Gary! Post Overalls is carried at Context Clothing in Madison, Wisconsin, and Drinkwater's in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Fred Segal Trend will be carrying the spring line and Barneys New York will be stocking Post Overalls soon.
Trousers and shirts. Nestled in there somewhere are pinpoint oxfords in pale 1980s blue, pink, and yellow.
Katsu using workwear to do real work... on his blackberry.


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15 holiday gift ideas for her
Whether she is your mother, sister, wife, or best friend, the lady in your life is going to need an excellent gift this year. Here are some ideas specially for woman. From the delicate to the practical, there is something for every girl in your life. Next
Carry-on suitcase
Smarter Travel has rounded up the best carry-on suitcases for all occasions. This lightweight 21-inch case is universal for many travelers and needs, especially the traveling woman.
DIY herbal tea kit
For the herbal tea lover, this kit takes tea to a whole new level. It provides the tools needed to grow peppermint, chamomile, and lemon verbena, and empty tea bags for the homegrown herbs. The organic honey is a complement to the completed tea blends.
$100 from Williams-Sonoma Next
Happiness Project journal
This journal allows the gift reciever to document her life for five years with just one sentence a day. Based on Gretchen Rubin's Happiness Project concept, the journal creates a five-year time capsule.
$17 at Barnes and Noble Next
Whipped shea butter
Every woman can always use more beauty products, especially shea butter in the dry winter months. This lavendar whipped shea butter is handmade by a local company, Urban Kitchen Handmade, and is being featured at the Downtown Boston in Downtown Crossing during the month of December. They also make artisan soaps, soy candles, and spa salts.
Recycled glass decor
New Hampshire-based artisan, Amalia Flaisher paints warm and inviting scenes on various recycled glass objects. From her versitle vases for $42 to her creative wind chimes for $32, Sand and Water Creations in Glass products make a uinque gift for any woman. Flaisher will also be featured at the Downtown Boston in Downtown Crossing through Dec. 13.
Lighthouse box of chocolates
Salem-based Harbor Sweets offers several choices for gift boxes featuring their signature Sweet Sloops, a sailboat-shaped almond buttercrunch with white and dark chocoloate and pecans. The holiday lighthouse is one of the best sellers, as it is uniquely New England.
$27.50 from Harbor Sweets Next
By-the-cup coffeemaker
Sometimes a whole pot at once is just too much. This by-the-cup coffee maker keeps coffee warmer longer than most pots as you can dispense as much coffee is needed at a time.
$200 from Williams-Sonoma Next
Hot cocoa pot
The holidays wouldn't be complete without a steaming mug of hot cocoa. But what mother wants a mug when she can have a whole pot to share with the family? This pot makes the hot chocolate inside its chamber with an internal whisk.
$35 from Williams-Sonoma Back to the beginning


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JLo: be inspired
January 10, 2012 22:01:09 Posted at January 10, 2012 22:01:09 Photos:
Wenn, Splash
Wenn, Splash
Shaki presented at the FIFA Ballon d'Or gala in Zurich last night, presumably because she's dating her Sunshine Gerard Pique, with whom she was seen arriving earlier in the day. Wearing a ...leopard print tutu? I'm into it. I'm into THEM. As you know.
And it's another example of what exactly Jennifer Lopez is doing WRONG. I don't care about the age difference. I care about the status difference. And the hot difference. Why can't JLo find a hot Spanish championship footballer?
Casper Smart is not Gerard Pique. Please.
I actually like the breast points on this dress. On Shakira. I mean, I can't really see Shakira in drapey Lanvin, you know what I mean?