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The Weirdest Stories Where God Is An Actual Character
Plenty of science fiction and fantasy stories have angels and demons wandering around. Or minor deities, like Glory in Buffy. But a few stories dare to introduce THE God. The Judeo-Christian Supreme Being. Here are the absolute wildest stories where God makes an appearance.


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'Tis the season … to be on guard. Unfortunately, the lowlifes of the world use December as prime stealing season.
A Dublin Police Services officer told me that the incidents of home, car and mail burglaries are definitely up across the city. Whether it's thieves breaking into your home, following behind your mail carrier and stealing mail from the mailbox, grabbing delivered packages off your front porch or, in the case of my oldest son, from his parked car, law enforcement officials are telling everyone to be especially alert this time of year.
There are a variety of different tips available from numerous websites that can be quickly found through a search. In addition to those, I thought it might be helpful to add a few of the less obvious ones I've come across.
Check your social media settings. If you're one of those people obsessed with telling the world where you are 24 hours a day via Facebook or Twitter, either stop it at least in the month of December, tell everyone where you've been after the fact or make sure that only your real Facebook friends can see your posts. Law enforcement warns that some more sophisticated thieves are social media-savvy and look at your unguarded posts to know when you are and are not at home.
Adjust your home phone volume. If you are going to be away from your home for an extended period of time, consider lowering the volume of your home phone. If it's a listed number, thieves can call it from outside your home and will wait to hear if you answer. If they can't hear the phone ring, they may be a bit more hesitant to break in.
Signature required. With more and more of us shopping online, there are more and more thieves grabbing delivered packages off the porch. One option to consider is working with the main delivery companies — UPS, FedEx and the U.S. Postal Service — to adjust the way you receive your packages.
UPS has a free service (basic service is free, advanced options are fee-based) called My Choice. By signing up, you can get delivery alerts, require signatures for delivery or have your packages sent to the local UPS center for pickup. FedEx has a mobile system for package management, while the USPS is a bit more rudimentary. One option to consider if you are concerned about theft of USPS mail and packages during the holidays is to put a temporary hold on your mail delivery and pick it up at the post office. Yes, I know this would be a major hassle, but it is an option.
Finally, think like a burglar. If you had to find a way to break into your house, how would you do it? Are the locks old and flimsy? Are your doors and windows always closed and locked when you leave? Are your bushes or shrubs so high that they would provide a great place for a burglar to hide when trying to pry open your windows? Do you have an alarm system, not a highly visible alarm monitoring sign in the front of your house? Do you take the time to turn the alarm system on when you leave for work or to run errands?
Unfortunately, thieves are all around us, but you can reduce the number of incidents and maybe even help send a few of these bad apples to nearby Santa Rita Jail by being alert in your neighborhood, calling the police if you see unfamiliar people acting suspiciously and taking some proactive, common-sense actions.
Changing of the Guard: The recently elected members of the Dublin City Council were sworn into office last week. Former school board member David Haubert, incumbent Kevin Hart and re-elected Mayor Tim Sbranti all took their oaths of office.
Leaving the council after being termed out was Kasie Hildenbrand, who was recognized at the meeting for her service to the city.
Hildenbrand was active in promoting or supporting a variety of initiatives, including the building of new parks such as the Dublin Heritage Park & Museums, as well as affordable housing and pro-business initiatives, including spearheading Dublin's All America City designation.
"One of the things I will take from my time on the council is coming to love this city even more than I did when first elected. To represent the residents was a privilege and to take part in a variety of regional and local organizations confirmed to me that Dublin is truly the best place for me to raise my family and live."
Contact Alan Elias at email@example.com.

subset: commoncrawl


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Notice to Members 04-17
NASD Revises NASD Sanction Guidelines
This Notice advises NASD members of modifications to the NASD Sanction Guidelines (Guidelines). NASD is modifying General Principles Nos. 1 and 3 of the Guidelines to emphasize its commitment to imposing sanctions in disciplinary actions that are designed to modify the behavior of respondents and to deter future misconduct in the securities industry. The modifications also clarify that NASD may—in egregious cases—suspend or bar a firm from engaging in one or more areas of business. The changes are effective as of March 15, 2004, and apply to all actions as of that date, including pending disciplinary cases.
General Principle No. 1 and General Principle No. 3, as modified, may be read in their entirety in Attachment A to this Notice.
Questions concerning this Notice may be directed to Carla Carloni, Office of General Counsel, Regulatory Policy and Oversight, at (202) 728-8019.


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Hop over to here: on this page can you buy accutane over the counter in the uae top article.
-- Faith on the Field --
Various stories found in today's media highlighting how God is using players and other baseball personnel. Click for the stories below:
NOTE: Have you seen a story in the news regarding the service of an individual in Baseball Chapel? Please send the link to the story to Rob Crose: firstname.lastname@example.com


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A1C Should i get worried about this CODE
The A1C test gives you a picture of your average blood glucose (blood sugar) control for the past 2 to 3 months. The results give you a good idea of how well your diabetes treatment plan is working.
In some ways, the A1C test is like a baseball player's season batting average, it tells you about a person's overall success. Neither a single day's blood test results nor a single game's batting record gives the same big picture.
These are some ways the A1C test can help you manage your diabetes:
- Confirm self-testing results or blood test results by the doctor.
- Judge whether a treatment plan is working.
- Show you how healthy choices can make a difference in diabetes control.
How Does it Work?
Hemoglobin, a protein that links up with sugars such as glucose, is found inside red blood cells. Its job is to carry oxygen from the lungs to all the cells of the body. Glucose enters your red blood cells and links up (or glycates) with molecules of hemoglobin. The more glucose in your blood, the more hemoglobin gets glycated. By measuring the percentage of A1C in the blood, you get an overview of your average blood glucose control for the past few months. Your doctor should measure your A1C level at least twice a year.
What is eAG?
Your health care provider may report your A1C test result as eAG, or "average glucose," which directly correlates to your A1C. eAG may help you understand your A1C value because eAG is a unit similar to what you see regularly through self-monitoring on your meter. A1C is reported as a percent (7% for example) and eAG uses the same units (mg/dl) as your glucose meters.
What's Your Number?
The American Diabetes Association suggests an A1C of 7%, which is an eAG of 154 mg/dl, but a more or less stringent glycemic goals may be appropriate for each individual.
Use the converter below to translate your A1C percentage into an eAG number, or vice versa.
What is the Difference Between eAG and the Average on My Monitor?
However, eAG is not the same average glucose level as the average of your readings on your meter. Because people with diabetes are more likely to check their blood glucose more often when they are low (for example, first thing in the morning and before meals), the average of the readings on their meter is likely to be lower than their eAG.
Monitoring measures your blood glucose at a moment in time, whereas eAG/A1C represent an average of your glucose levels 24 hours a day, including times when people are less likely to check their blood glucose (for example, post-meal periods of higher blood glucose).
Source: Diabetes.org


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Destination: IRONMAN Japan
Featuring a breathtaking course that captures the natural beauty of Lake Toya on the northern island of Hokkaido, IRONMAN Japan has become a must-do event on the IRONMAN circuit.
By Emma Bishop
Japan has a long history with IRONMAN, dating back to 1985 when it became the second international IRONMAN event (after New Zealand). The new location is breath-taking and the Japanese remain absolutely passionate about IRONMAN. The inaugural race sold out in just five days. If you are looking for a new IRONMAN challenge and a chance to explore a new location and experience a different culture, then be warned that entries are now open and the race is likely to fill up fast.
During the winter Hokkaido is a picture-postcard vision of snow-covered mountains dotted with ski resorts. Once the snow melts away, though, the countryside reveals lush scenery and perfect racing temperatures.
With destination races in Asia often known for their extremes of heat, Toya provides some respite with temperate climes, countered by some testing climbs on the bike.
The Course
The Swim
For the less enthusiastic swimmer this is an inviting swim environment—with flat, clear and 'drinkable' water. The swim (one long lap and one short lap) takes place in pristine Lake Toya with the majestic Mt. Yotei in the background. Water temperatures in August/September are approx 22 degrees Celsius, so wetsuits will be allowed.
The Bike
It is a challenging ride. After heading out of T1, you feed out onto the road rounding the lake edge. You want to make the most of this 30 km 'warm up' before you make a sharp right hand turn that signifies the start of a 120 km loop. This is where the climbing starts. While it is not the Alps or the Pyrenees, the climbs are long, which you'll realize as Lake Toya is left far behind and replaced with the snow capped Mt. Yotei as a constant companion.
The roads are smooth and enable strong riders to make the most of the rolling descents. It is not a technical course—you can see where you are going and how the road lies. On the return there is a super-fast downhill section over a bridge.
The Run
You will get off the bike probably still a little awestruck over the scenery, but hopefully excited and ready to run. The clean air, climate and environment in Toya beckon you. The route is flat along a closed-tarmac road around the foreshore of the lake. A canopy of trees on each side offer lots of shade. The two-lap run features a wonderful scenic backdrop.
Each night through the summer there's a fireworks display from a boat on the lake. If you happen to be coming up to the finish line alongside the lake during this time, or heading out for your second lap of the run, be prepared and expect some extra goosebumps and rush of adrenalin.
Getting There
The nearest airport is Shin Chitose near Sapporo which is 135 km from Lake Toya. It's a fabulous airport—make sure you allow ample time when flying out to work your way through their gourmet food halls.
For those contemplating a rental car for the scenic drive to Lake Toyako Onsen, remember that an international driver's license is an absolute requirement. This can be easily acquired before leaving your home country.
The train is a simple option. The public transport system in Japan is fantastic—clean, on time and organized. The JR line is linked to the airport so, after you clear immigration and collect your baggage, head down to the train stop. At the stop there is a foreign tourist ticket office with extremely helpful English-speaking staff. It takes around an hour to get to Toyako. The only downside with taking the train is you are not guaranteed to get a large bike box on board. There is also a public bus from Sapporo to Toyako Onsen that takes 2:45.
The easiest option is to take the official IRONMAN Japan bus transfer from Shin Chitose to Toyako. You must register and pre-book your place—all details on booking costs, deadline and schedule will be posted on the official website closer to race date.
Toyako was the venue for the G8 Summit a few years ago—those world leaders must have known something about this stunning place. The lake has a host of lakeside hotels nestled on its shores. Accommodation is traditional in style and very 'generous' sized rooms (for Japan). There are plenty of accommodation options—mostly hotels in the three to four star range, as well as Bed and Breakfast options known as Ryokans, along with small lodges known as minshuku.
The town is renowned for its numerous hot springs so, at breakfast or the buffet dinner, do not be too surprised to see the locals turning up for dinner in their bathrobes.
Japanese food around Toyako is available in abundance. If you would rather play it safe and save the gourmet adventure for post-race, there are several mini marts and food stores around the village. Japanese love their convenience foods, including traditional rice balls, noodles and sushi as well as European options of breads and pastries: pizza, cheese buns, fried chicken and sandwiches that should satisfy the fussiest palate.
In the hotels a typical buffet breakfast offers traditional rice and vegetables, along with all the other western staples of toast, eggs and sausages and cereals. Fresh fruit is limited.
Useful phrases
Rule No. 1 for getting around Japan is knowledge of a few simple phrases which will make life easier:
Hello - (konnichiwa)
Goodbye - (sayōnara)
Good luck - (gambatte ne)
Excuse me - (sumimasen)
Thank you - (arigatō gozaimasu)
Cheers - (kanpai)
Japan was the second international IRONMAN event licensed in 1985, following after New Zealand.
Dave Scott and Julie Moss won the original event held at Lake Biwa, near Nagoya. There was a three year hiatus until it returned in 1988 until 1992 and then again from 1995 to 1997.
Dave Scott and Peter Kropka dominated the men's event in those years, with Scott recording a remarkable 8:01.32 in 1989 over Scott Molina, while Moss finished third overall. In those nine years the women's title was shared by Paula Newby-Fraser, Heather Fuhr and Moss. The event resurfaced as Ironman Japan in 2001 on the island of Fukue-jima.
After Japan's Yoshi Tamura and Yoko Okuda won the 2001 event, there were a number of different winners from both home and abroad including Yoko Hori and Naomi Imaisumi in the women, while Kropko, Lothar Leder, Jason Shortis and Chris Lieto all won before Australian Luke McKenzie won back-to-back in 2008 and 2009.
The planned 10th anniversary was thwarted when a spread of foot-and-mouth disease in the country forced the cancellation.
It took a further two years for the event to make a third resurrection to the stunning surrounds of Lake Toya in the northern Japanese island of Hokkaido. IRONMAN is confident that the event is here to stay and looks forward to making IRONMAN memories for the next 30-plus years in Japan.
The Region
Hokkaido is better known as a winter sports resort. The 1972 Winter Olympics were staged in Sapporo and there are a number of ski resorts in the region. However, once the snow thaws, it leaves an absolutely stunning sporting playground.
August provides some of the best weather of the year in the area, with high temperatures in the mid-20s (Celsius). The air can cool after the sun sets, so plan for a thermal top if you are going to finish in the dark.
The region offers some of the best cycling—not just in Japan but throughout Asia. Most roads are reasonably quiet and the drivers very courteous. The only challenge is to keep your eyes on the road with the magnificence of the scenery.
Nearby Niseko, a well-known winter resort, offers lots of fun with white water rafting, mountain bike trails and excellent restaurants and accommodation.
Niseko is also one of the prime bases for local triathletes in the region who are passionate about the sport.


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Minding the Gap
September 15, 2010
Sometimes it's a desire to do good in the world or to satisfy a simmering wanderlust. Other times it's a way to save money for college or to take care of a sick parent. Or it may simply be an effort to avoid some kind of scholarly burnout.
Whatever the reason, growing numbers of students of all backgrounds who have been admitted to Amherst are choosing to defer their schooling and spend several months working, volunteering and traveling, among other activities. And the consensus among these undergraduates and the college's admission staff is that "gap years" are time well-spent.
Read more about Minding the Gap


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|Contact Us: (585) 663-4444
Taxi, Medical Transportation & Airport Service in Rochester, NY
The mission of Hummingbird Taxi Service is to provide the very best service to Rochester, New York passengers and to do this with the utmost regard to each customer. We strive for perfection and in doing so accomplish excellence in quality service and customer care. How do we achieve this? First and foremost by considering every rider as part of our family, and secondly by providing safe and very clean vehicles, and lastly by providing respectful well trained and courteous drivers.


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7-25-09 Canal Park
I decided to make a trip to Akron OH today. The reason was two fold. One, I found someone willing to part with 4th row Dave Matthews Band tickets. Two, the Altoona Curve (Pirates AA affiliate) were in Akron for a weekend series.
I began by visiting a hotel in Akron OH to buy the DMB tickets. I didn't buy the tickets off just any DMB fan. I bought them off a professional softball player. Her name was Nicole Trimboli, and she is one of the stand outs for the Chicago Bandits pro softball team. They had a series against Akron's pro softball team. If you're not a softball fan, you've probably heard of one of her teammates – widely regarded as the most popular softball player of all time – Jennie Finch.
I didn't meet Finch, but I met some of her teammates, one of whom I sold DMB tickets to.
Upon arriving at Canal Park, there was no batting practice, so I searched beyond the left field fence and found three baseballs.
One was a Major League Baseball, well used. (And no, it doesn't count in my official collection – only balls at MLB games do – regular and post season).
I then watched the Altoona Curve warm up, and snapped some photos of the Pittsburgh Pirates top prospects.
Jose Tabata stretching:
Gorkys Hernandez chats with his girlfriend:
Pedro Alvarez signs a baseball for me. That's right! I got him to sign an Arizona Fall League ball that I had with me.
During the game, we sat down the right field line, because all of the sections were basically empty. I was hoping to get a game ball. I wouldn't have to wait long.
Up stepped the #1 prospect in the Cleveland Indians system, Carlos Santana.
Santana had 117 RBI last year, and already has 70 RBI this year.
Santana dug into the box and lauched a deep fly ball to left field. It was a three run home run. The ball bounced off a concrete walkway behind the left field wall, took a huge hop into some trees and disappeared.
I didn't wait. I left the stadium and ran the entire way to the area behind the left field wall to claim the ball. I looked in the trees and the area behind the wall. I didn't see it. Then I checked the water.
There it was.
It was floating towards a 20 foot high water fall.
If I didn't act fast, the ball was a goner. It was about 15-20 feet from the falls when I got to the scene. I grabbed onto the railing, laid flat on my stomach and reached as far down as I could into the canal. I was just barely able to grab the ball.
It was a perfect Eastern League ball, what I had been after all day.
It was also my first game home run ball of the season. Although it won't count in my major league official stats, it's still a keeper.
Hopefully Carlos Santana becomes a star for the Indians in a year or two.
I stayed outside the park for an inning and a half, hoping to get another homer. (If I wanted to, I could watch the entire game outside the park for free, and have almost a 100% chance of getting any home runs that came out.)
I re-entered the park, buying the cheapest ticket.
A few action shots:
Jose Tabata
Pedro Alvarez (doing a Derek Jeter'esque time out request)
Pedro would take the next pitch deep. The ball cleared both bullpens and hit just below the scoreboard in right center field. It had to be about 450 feet or more. It was a bomb.
Alvarez congratulated at home plate:
Pedro Alvarez now has 20 HR and 70 RBI's this season.
The Pirates home run leader is Garett Jones with 10, and the RBI leader is Andy LaRoche with 37.
Needless to say, I can't wait until Pedro Alvarez is on the big league club.
Here's a look at today's baseballs:
And the sweet spots (I decided to number minor league baseballs in black ink. I do all baseballs obtained at MLB games in blue ink)
And by the way, since I mentioned Jennie Finch, how about a run down of the top 100 female athletes of all time? I got these from the bleacher report
100. Ashley Harkleroad, tennis
99. Christa Alves, surfer
98. Candace Parker, basketball
97. Anni Friesinger-Postma, skater
96. Sandra Gal, golf
95. Jeannette Lee,
94. Katarina Witt, skating
93. Kari Traa, skiing
92. Hope Solo, soccer
91. Biba Golic, ping pong
90. Mia St John, boxing
89. Gretchen Bleiler, snowboarding
88. Logan Tom, volleyball
87. Erin Phillips, basketball
86. Hannah Teter, snowboarding
85. Kimberly Lansing, poker
84. Missy Gibson, surfer
83. Ashley Constantine, surfer
82. Kiira Korpi
81. Kajsa Bergqvist, high jumper
80. Jennie Finch
79. Sasha Cohen, figure skater
78. Christina Vukicevic, hurdles
77. Amy Acuff, high jump
76. Lolo Jones, hurdles
75. Dallas Friday, wakeboarder
74. Gabrielle Reece
73. Vera Zvonareva, tennis
72. Jamie Sale, skater
71. Trish Stratus, WWE Wrestler
70. Clair Bidez, snowboarder
69. Victoria Azarenka, tennis
68. Allison Baver, speed skater
67. Alina Kabaeva, gymnast
66. Misty May, volleyball
65. Ana Paula Mancino, volleyball
64. Lacy Schnoor, freestyle skiier
63. Amanda Beard, swimmer
62. Lara Gut, skiier
61. Natalie Gulbis
60. Linn Haug, snowboarder
59. Milene Domingues, soccer
58. Juliana Veloso, swimmer
57. Victoria Vanucci, tennis
56. Daniela Hantuchova, tennis
55. Laisa Andriolo, soccer
54. Danica Patrick, NASCAR
53. Caroline Wozniacki, tennis
52. Tatiana Grigorieva, pole vaulter
51. Bianca Cruz, softball, and Jason Pridie's girlfriend
50. Liv Boeree, poker
49. Tanith Belbin, ice dancer
48. Ashley Force Hood, NHRA Funny Car driver
47. Maria Verchenova
46. Claudia Toth, curling
45. Anna Rowson, golf
44. Stephanie Rice, swimming
43. Maria Kirilenko, tennis
42. Alona Bondarenko, tennis
41. Kristi Leskinen, freestyle skiier
40. Michelle Waterson, karate
39. Maria Sharapova, tennis
38. Ashley Massaro, pro wrestler
37. Jenn Brown, softball
36. Miesha Tate, MMA
35. Allison Stokke, pole vaulter
34. Torrie Wilson, WWE WCW Wrestler
33. Anna Kournikova, tennis
32. Gina Carano, MMA
31. Nastia Liukin
30. Zlata, gymnast
29. Blair O'Neal, golf
28. Jennifer Barretta, pool
27. Heather Mitts, soccer
26. Anastasia Luppova, billiards
25. Taira Turley, football
24. Tapai Szabina, handball
23. Kyra Gracie, Jiu-Jitsu and grappler
22. Bia Feres and Branca Feres, swimmers
21. Lindsey Vonn, skiier
20. Anastasia Ashley, surfer
19. Alex Morgan
18. Sophie Horn, golf
17. Brie Bella and Nikki Bella, wrestlers
16. Sara Galimberti, track
15. Maria Kanellis, WWE
14. Amanda Coetzer, tennis
13. Lokelani McMichael, surfer and triathlete
12. Anna Semenovich, ice dancer
11. Melanie Adams, Pole Vaulter
10. Tania Archer, sprinter
9. Stacy Keibler, WCW and WWE Wrestler
8. Ana Ivanovic, tennis
7. Lauryn Eagle, pro boxer
6. Kim Glass, volleyball
5. Leryn Franco, javelin
4. Shanelle Loraine, billiards
3. Malia Jones
2. Niki Gudex, cyclist
1. Alana Blanchard, surfer
Hopefully that makes this entry a little more interesting, since it was a minor league game I attended.
Minors Statistics:
Minors Game: 4 balls (3 hit, 1 thrown)
Minors Season: 6 balls (5 hit, 1 thrown)
Minors Career: 6 balls


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If you're an iPhone owner who has upgraded to the new(ish) 2.0 firmware since it was released in July, there's a good chance you belong to the "insanely long backup" coalition when you plug your iPhone into the computer. And if you're not, you've at least heard about it. It seems that the new firmware, coupled with a new version of iTunes and the App Store, have made for a perfect storm of lengthy iPhone backups when you decide to sync, making syncing a little more of a pain in the ass than usual.
Although there are a few tips and tricks to reduce this problem, the ultimate trick would be to make it go away altogether. One iPhone user appears to have found that magic trick, but it doesn't work for everyone. Scott Paterson wrote on his blog yesterday that, after researching the issue for some time, he came across the suggestion that his USB hub could be at fault. Indeed, Paterson was plugging his iPhone into a Belkin USB hub, but when he plugged it directly into the computer, the sync completed in "about 5 minutes." (Presumably, syncs through the USB hub took quite a bit longer.)
As for me, I already plug directly into the computer and have never had very long sync times in the first place. However, Daring Fireball's John Gruber says that he tried plugging into the computer instead of a hub, and it worked for him in reducing sync times. On the other hand, when we had our own David Chartier test it out, plugging his iPhone directly into the computer didn't do anything for him. Your mileage may vary, but it's at least worth a shot.


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Winter Fairy Tale15:06
winter fairy tale photos by loretoidas I'm going to the snow on the weekend, I've only ever been to the snow twice in my life. One...
Any tips on taking pictures at the snow? Has anyone tried Lomo photography at the snow? I think the Diana Mini will be really hard to wind on wearing gloves, I have enough trouble winding it on without gloves!
35 comments
Maybe I haven't spent much time in snow, but I'm pretty sure it's customary to pretend to be in Narnia. Customary...or just fun :PReplyDelete
@Rellacafa ~ haha so true!! or make snow angels :)ReplyDelete
So cute!ReplyDelete
I miss the snow. I only played in it twice in my entire life. :(
oh so day dreamy beautiful!ReplyDelete
Ahh these stunning pics make me wish it was winter!ReplyDelete
THE FASHION SMOKE x
Great photos. Looks like from snow, magic land. Beautyful blog!ReplyDelete
really magic post ♥!ReplyDelete
I've taken some photos in the snow using a Diana camera and can confirm that it's near impossible trying to wind on wearing gloves!ReplyDelete
Such soft and dreamy pics! in our area we are buried in snow from December until March so I can't even imagine not having it. It is magical though when it's calm outside and it falls down in big puffs. : )ReplyDelete
I've got a giveaway today if you want to pop by...
I used to live in the north of sweden so I had to shoot in the snow quite often. The one thing to remember is to make correct exposure, the camera will want shorter shutter times because it's fooled by the white light from the snow.ReplyDelete
They inspire me.ReplyDelete
ive been following this blog for like a year now, and you still blow me away. the posts bring me so much inspirationReplyDelete
thank you for that
brrrr we just started summer here! i don't want to think about cold & winter just yet.ReplyDelete
ohhh have fun in the snow!! look fwd to seeing your photos! i love snow but i'm with you there, i've gone skiing once and that would be my last one too i'm just crap at it!ReplyDelete
I cannot waaaaait to go to the snow this year! Truelly, I SUCKED when I first started snowboarding, but once you have atleast two days after another at the snow, it actually becomes achievable! The first day, you fall on your face a million times....and the second day you actually learn something hah!ReplyDelete
Can't wait to see you photos and hear about your experience :)
Ahh these make me soo depressed that the sun is shining here :(ReplyDelete
Those photos are really magic!ReplyDelete
gorgeous photos!ReplyDelete
- AnonymousFriday, June 25, 2010
Love the snow and the pink!ReplyDelete
Gorgeous, gorgeous photos!ReplyDelete
tweet tweet tweet
What amazing pics! I've visited her flickr page and I'm so amazed! Fantastic! thanks for sharing them with us!ReplyDelete
These are beyond lovelyReplyDelete
ahh those photos make me want to have a fantastical party in the snow! it's like a fairytaleReplyDelete
i've never seen snow myself (but i'll probably will this august, yay!) so i'm affraid my only advice will be: snow, omg! have lots of fun! :)ReplyDelete
oh, yes. beware of all the light reflecting from the snow!
AH I LOVE SNOW!ReplyDelete
Hahaha I love that you left out the second time....wasn't that when you had to go to Canberra or something? Lissy was not.impressed.
Have fun! Last time I went I got a cold and had to stay inside in the spa all weekend! Ha.
No playtime for me!
@Kelly ~ haha yep that was the time I didnt realise I was going to the snow...so completely didnt pack the right things. I don't like surprise snow trips. hahahaha.ReplyDelete
just what i needed to make my chilly day seem more magical!ReplyDelete
thank you!
The candles in the trees are so lovely!ReplyDelete
Such magical photos!ReplyDelete
this is gorgeous! :)ReplyDelete
Wow, these do look great. I'm sure you will have fun, and might even ski. I don't remember how to photograph anything in snow as I was 8 when I last saw it. But make sure you keep your camera dry!ReplyDelete
My gosh, I adore these photos! I'm so jealous of your snow trip. Grass is always greener. Have a great time!ReplyDelete
these images are deliciously cold for me on such a hot summer day...ReplyDelete
Like a fairytaleReplyDelete
So dreamy and wonderful
- AnonymousThursday, July 01, 2010
be careful with the light, at least with digital cameras, i don't know anything about lomo photography. anyway. it is very bright outside when it snows. okay bad tip but anyway ;pReplyDelete


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include-book read the correct files
Major Section: BOOKS
The certificate (see certificate for general information) of a certified file is divided into two parts, a portcullis and a keep. These names come from castle lore. The keep is the strongest and usually tallest tower of a castle from which the entire courtyard can be surveyed by the defenders. The keep of a book is a list of file names and check sums used after the book has been included, to determine if the files read were (up to check sum) those certified.
Once the portcullis is open,
include-book can enter the book
and read the event forms therein. The non-
local event forms are
in fact executed, extending the host theory. That may read in other
books. When that has been finished, the keep of the
certificate is inspected. The keep is a list of the book names
which are included (hereditarily through all subbooks) in the
certified book (including the certified book itself) together with
the check sums of the objects in those books at the time of
certification. We compare the check sums of the books just included
to the check sums of the books stored in the keep. If differences
are found then we know that the book or one of its subbooks has been
changed since certification.
See include-book to continue the guided tour through books.


text:
April 15: Officers followed up on a juvenile rape case. Officers conducted a civil standby and return of property.
April 16: Officers responded to a donkey at large on Walnut Street.
April 18: Officers responded to a pack of dogs at-large.
April 19: Officers responded to a suspicious person selling door-to-door without a permit. Officers served a search warrant for a child in need of care case and placed two juvenile males in protective custody.
April 20: A report of vandalism was taken.
April 22: Officers conducted a search warrant — two adults were arrested and children were placed in protective custody. A theft report was taken. Officers served a search warrant, placed four juveniles in police protective custody, and sent one juvenile to Juvenile Corrections in Junction City.
April 23: Officers transported three juveniles to juvenile corrections from the Sheriff's office.
April 24: A report of criminal damage to property was taken. Two bicycles were found and returned to owner. A stolen camper was reported and officers apprehended suspect; it turned out to be a civil case.
Thursday: Officers served a search warrant and transported one female to jail. Officers conducted a traffic stop for a car seat violation.
Friday: Officers assisted with a suicidal person; the subject was transported to St. Luke hospital. Officers assisted Sheriff's office with a search warrant and transported arrestee to jail. A report of vicious cat was taken.
Saturday: Officers assisted sheriff's office with a fight at the jail. Officers picked up lost property and attempted to return it to the owner. Officers arrested a driver for transporting an open container of alcohol. Officers assisted sheriff with fatality accident.
Officers conducted: 4 search warrants, 11 arrests, 21 traffic stops, 2 battery cases, 2 assaults, 2 disorderly conduct cases, 1 domestic battery, one sexual battery, 2 cases of criminal threat, 11 cases of possession of marijuana, 10 cases of possession of methamphetamines, 11 cases of possession of drug paraphernalia, and 1 case of criminal possession of a weapon.


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Community Developments Investments (August 2013)
Community Reinvestment in Indian Country
Ammar Askari and Vonda Eanes, Community Affairs, Office of the Comptroller of the Currency
The Community Reinvestment Act of 1977 (CRA) provided a framework for financial institutions, state and local governments, and community organizations to jointly promote the provision of financial services to all members of a community, including residents of low- and moderate-income (LMI) neighborhoods.1
Financial institution regulatory agencies (agencies) issue regulations that explain a financial institution's obligations under the CRA and how the agencies evaluate the financial institution's performance. The regulations describe the types of activities that qualify for CRA consideration, including those that meet the definition of community development (CD), such as lending, investment, and services in LMI areas or distressed or underserved nonmetropolitan middle-income geographies. A financial institution may undertake various types of CD activities, depending on factors such as its size, location, capacity, and opportunities to lend, invest, and provide services.
There are several broad categories within which CD activities fall, and most of them apply to large parts of Indian Country. The following questions can help determine whether an activity qualifies for consideration under the CRA:
- Does the banking activity serve LMI individuals or benefit LMI areas?
- Does the activity serve an economic development purpose?
- Does the activity serve distressed or underserved nonmetropolitan middle-income areas?
- Is the bank's CD activity innovative, flexible, complex, responsive, extensive, or not provided by other sources?
- Are the beneficiaries of the activity located in the financial institution's assessment area, or within the same state or region as the assessment area?
To answer these questions, financial institutions and their Native American customers need to understand what, exactly, is involved.
What Is an LMI Area?
A geographic area is considered LMI based on definitions provided in the CRA. A low-income census tract has a median family income (MFI) of less than 50 percent of the MFI for the metropolitan statistical area (MSA) or the statewide nonmetropolitan area where the tract is located; a moderate-income tract has an MFI of 50 percent to less than 80 percent. (A middle-income tract has an MFI of 80 percent to less than 120 percent, and an upper-income tract has an MFI of 120 percent and above.)
What Is an Assessment Area?
A financial institution's assessment area(s) is generally based on the location of its deposit-taking facilities. The assessment area is the geographic area within which bank examiners evaluate a financial institution's record of helping to meet community credit needs. The areas typically follow the boundaries of a metropolitan area or political subdivision and must not reflect illegal discrimination or arbitrarily exclude LMI areas.2
What Are Small, Intermediate Small, and Large Banks?
The vast majority of national banks and federal savings associations (collectively, banks) are divided into three categories by asset size: small, intermediate small (ISB), and large. The agencies publish annual adjustments to these asset size thresholds.3 As of January 1, 2013, a small bank is one that has assets of less than $1.186 billion on December 31 of either of the prior two calendar years. ISBs are a subset of small banks. An ISB is a small bank with assets of at least $296 million as of December 31 of both of the prior two calendar years. Large banks are those with assets of at least $1.186 billion as of December 31 of both of the prior two calendar years.
What Is a Community Development Activity?
A bank loan, investment, or service has a purpose of community development if it supports one or more of the following:
- Affordable housing for LMI individuals.
- Community services targeted to LMI individuals.
- Economic development by financing businesses or farms that meet certain size requirements.
- Revitalization or stabilization of LMI areas, designated disaster areas, or distressed or underserved nonmetropolitan middle-income areas.
- Activities that meet certain "eligible uses" criteria in designated target areas in conjunction with the Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP).4
A bank can fund a variety of community services through CD loans or investments or may provide a more limited range of services directly. CD services that a bank provides directly must generally be related to the provision of financial services. This includes, for example, providing technical assistance on financial matters to nonprofit, tribal, or government organizations serving low- and moderate-income housing or economic revitalization and development needs.5
Activities are considered to promote economic development if they support permanent job creation, retention, or improvement for LMI people, or if they support permanent job creation, retention, or improvement either in LMI geographies or in areas targeted for redevelopment by federal, state, local, or tribal governments.6
Activities that help to attract new or retain existing businesses or residents are considered to revitalize or stabilize an LMI, disaster, or distressed or underserved nonmetropolitan middle-income area. Bank examiners presume activities help revitalize or stabilize an LMI geography if the activities are consistent with a federal, state, local, or tribal government plan for the revitalization or stabilization of the LMI geography.7
What Are 'Distressed or Underserved' Areas?
A distressed area is a nonmetropolitan middle-income area that meets one or more of the following conditions:
- Unemployment rate at least 1.5 times the national average.
- Poverty rate of 20 percent or more.
- Population loss of 10 percent or more between the previous and most recent decennial censuses or a net migration loss of 5 percent or more over the five-year period preceding the most recent census.8
An underserved area is a nonmetropolitan middle-income area that meets criteria for population size, density, and dispersion that indicate that the population is sufficiently small, thin, and distant from a population center that the tract is likely to have difficulty financing the fixed costs of meeting essential community needs.9
The agencies publish updated lists of distressed and underserved nonmetropolitan middle-income geographies annually.10
How Does the CRA Apply to Government Guarantee Programs?
A bank can receive consideration under the CRA for participating in loan guarantee programs designed to help meet the credit needs of LMI individuals, small businesses, or small farms in Indian Country. The following are a few examples of some of the loan guarantee programs:
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's Section 184 Indian Home Loan Guarantee Program is available to enrolled members of federally recognized tribes or for tribally designated housing entities. The program encourages lenders to underwrite mortgages in Indian Country. Most banks receive CRA consideration under the lending test for home mortgage loans originated under this program. An ISB may choose to have home mortgage loans that have community development purposes evaluated as community development loans if these loans were not reported by the bank under the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act (HMDA).11
The U.S. Department of the Interior's Office of Indian Energy and Economic Development administers the Indian Loan Guarantee, Insurance, and Interest Subsidy Program (ILGP). This program provides up to a 90 percent guarantee on a qualifying loan's unpaid principal balance and is open to federally recognized American Indian tribes or Alaska Native groups, individually enrolled members of such tribes or groups, or a business organization with no less than 51 percent ownership by American Indians or Alaska Natives. In general, banks may receive CRA consideration for small business loans originated under the ILGP for loans in amounts of $1 million or less, or for loans greater than $1 million that also have a community development purpose. As with home mortgage loans, an ISB has the flexibility to choose to have a loan of any amount that has a community development purpose considered as a community development loan.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Rural Development's Business and Industry (B&I) Guaranteed Loan Program can help lenders finance tribal and tribal member businesses, both on tribal trust land and off the reservation, in rural areas that have populations of 50,000 people or less.
Large banks evaluated under the lending, investment, and service tests may receive consideration for innovative or flexible lending practices by participating in these programs. For all banks, home mortgage and small business loans generally must be located in a bank's assessment area(s) to receive consideration. The regulations do provide some flexibility to consider loans based on borrower characteristics beyond the assessment area. Community development loans must be located in a bank's assessment area(s) or the broader statewide or regional area that includes the bank's assessment area(s).
Tribal nations have experienced high levels of unemployment and poverty along with low levels of access to capital and economic growth for decades. Nevertheless, where there is a challenge, there is an opportunity. Banks can lend, invest, and perform community development services successfully in Indian Country. In addition, several federal programs are designed to reduce the banks' risk of doing business in Indian Country.
Banks that invest and lend in Indian Country have a real opportunity to garner CRA consideration. In doing so, not only do banks help their bottom lines, they also help one of the most disadvantaged populations in the United States to grow and prosper.
Banks that have further CRA-related questions should contact the OCC supervisory office in their region.
Contact Ammar Askari at email@example.com; contact Vonda Eanes at firstname.lastname@example.com .
2See 12 CFR 25.41 (national banks) and 12 CFR 195.41 (federal savings associations).
3See OCC Bulletin 2013–3, "Small and Intermediate Small Bank and Savings Association Asset Thresholds Regulatory Revision" (January 25, 2013).
4For the definition of community development, see 12 CFR 25.12(g) (national banks) and 12 CFR 195.12(g) (federal savings associations).
5See 75 Federal Register 47 (March 11, 2010), "Questions and Answers on Community Reinvestment (Q&A)," page 11650, 12(i)-3.
6Ibid, page 11646, .12(g)(3)-1.
7Ibid, page 11647, .12(g)(4)(i)-1.
8Ibid, page 11647, .12(g)(4)(iii)−1.
10See the FFIEC Website for current and historical lists.
11See "Q&A," page 11648, .12(h)-2.


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Summer: Thistleworth Activity Camp
Monday 22 July to Friday 30 August
At Thistleworth we understand the pressure that working parents face during school holiday time when there is a need to balance childcare with busy work schedules. That's why we offer a flexible approach that allows your children to enjoy fun activities in a safe and…
07511 886971
Adult & Junior Tennis Coaching @ St. Mary's Lawn Tennis Club
St Mary's is a small friendly tennis club in Isleworth, West London. We pride ourselves on being one of the few tennis clubs in England with real European clay courts, as played on in Monte Carlo, Roland Garros, Rome and the National Tennis Centre, Roehampton.…
020 8847 0157 020 8580 0668
Wycombe House Tennis Club - Adult & Junior Coaching
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A small friendly tennis club in Isleworth – Hounslow – West London, just a stones throw from the Gillette Corner on the A4. We are the tennis section of the Wycombe House Sports and Social Club in Isleworth. We now have 4 Matchplay II carpet…
Thistleworth Tennis Coaching
We are a friendly welcoming club that offers tennis to players of all ages and abilities. A full tennis coaching programme is available from the clubs LTA qualified coaching team. Group lessons start from £7. Juniors sessions are Wednesday after school and Saturday mornings, adult sessions…
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Visit the website for what's on and where.


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Back to All Events
Earlier Event: May 22NO LESSONS - Memorial Day Weekend
Later Event: May 30Andy Hofer - Illusionist and Mentalist
Spring 2015 Calendar
Use this calendar to view all rehearsals, group classes, recitals and special events for CSPA students and staff.
Upper Westchester's largest music school, CSPA, is dedicated to providing a dynamic environment to engage the youth and adults of the Hudson Valley in developing their musical talents. Our goal is to cultivate a love and knowledge of the performing arts at both the pre-professional and recreational levels.
The Cortlandt School of Performing Arts | 24 Old Albany Post Rd, Croton-on-Hudson, NY, 10520, United States


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Only hotels in 14805 zip code are listed below. Search for cheap and discount hotel rates in Alpine, NY for your upcoming leisure or conference / group travel. We list the best 14805 hotels and motels so you can review the Alpine hotel list below to find the perfect lodging. Hotels in Schuyler county and area code 607 are also listed.
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A recent study on the AAFP's Americans in Motion-Healthy Interventions(www.annfammed.org) (AIM-HI) program showed clinically significant before and after improvements in outcomes for patients in 21 U.S. family medicine practices using the AIM-HI program.
The study's original intent was to compare two methods of implementing AIM-HI tools to see if practices using an "enhanced" AIM-HI program were more successful than practices using a traditional AIM-HI program. In the enhanced program, physicians and office staff used AIM-HI tools to make personal changes and create a healthy environment. In the traditional practice approach, physicians and staff members were trained and asked to use the tools with patients.
Although the study, which appears in the July/August Annals of Family Medicine, was unable to demonstrate that clinician and practice behavior changes translate to changes in patient behavior, the study did show that the AIM-HI program generated clinically significant changes in body mass index (BMI) and fitness level across the entire study population.
"In our direct measurement of BMI and fitness level, 16.2 percent of patients who completed a 10-month visit and 10 percent of all patients enrolled lost 5 percent or more of their body weight," the study authors wrote. "Similarly, 16.7 percent of patients who completed a 10-month visit and 10.3 percent of all patients enrolled had a two-point or greater increase in their fitness level. One hundred ten patients (29.2 percent of those who completed the 10-month visit, 18 percent of all enrollees) had either lost 5 percent or more of their body weight and/or increased their fitness level by two or more points."
Investigators provided all practices with AIM-HI tools, including a fitness inventory, fitness prescription, and a food and activity journal as part of the fitness intervention. All staff members and clinicians in enhanced practices were trained and encouraged to become familiar with the tools, to use the tools to make their own personal lifestyle changes, and to create a fitness culture within their own practices.
Traditional practices also were trained in the use of the AIM-HI tools and encouraged to use them with patients, but clinicians and staff members were not instructed to initiate practice-level interventions.
Investigators said the one significant difference between the two groups was a decrease in the systolic blood pressure numbers for enhanced-practice patients.
"Both groups showed greater changes at four months than 10 months, though statistically significant improvements were seen in multiple measures at 10 months in each group. Self-reported eating behaviors scores improved consistently from baseline to four months to 10 months in both groups," the authors wrote. "As a whole, enrolled patients showed significant, albeit small, changes in most areas."
Principal investigator, Wilson Pace, M.D., a professor in the family medicine department at the University of Colorado-Denver, said the study indicates that the AIM-HI tools can be successfully integrated into family practices in various ways. "Offering help for behavioral change using the AIM-HI tools to interested patients can result in worthwhile improvements in weight and physical fitness," he said.
Related ANN Coverage
AIM-HI Online Tool Uncovers Nutrient Deficiencies, Opens Lines of Communication
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The Cleft Lip and Palette Association (CLAPA) are holding their first ever residential weekend in Northern Ireland.
Running from Friday May 1 to Sunday May 3 at the Crawfordsburn Activity Centre, Bangor, CLAPA say the weekend is all about "having fun."
It also gives young people born with a cleft, the chance to meet with others who have the same condition, and doing so in a safe and fun environment.
The weekend is primarily aimed at children and young people born with a cleft from Northern Ireland, aged 9 to 15 years old.
You can get more information, including an application form at www.clapa.com/news/event/2068


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Many thanks to all those who attended my talk at the Percona Live
London 2012 conference!
I did put the location in the last slide, but just in case you missed the last slide (or missed my talk) you can find them here:
I did receive a couple of questions afterwards (in the hallways of the conference) that made me realize that I forgot to clear up a couple of things.
First of all the essence of shifting the data ownership of a specific GID towards a specific datacenter and ensuring data consistency also means one Erlang process within that very same datacenter is the owner of that data. This does also mean this Erlang process is the only that can write to the data of this GID. Don't worry: for every GID there should be a process that is the data owner and Erlang should be able to cope with the enormous scale here.…[Read more]


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Hercules came to Comic-Con.
Dwayne Johnson made an unannounced appearance Thursday inside the San Diego Convention Center's largest exhibition hall.
He slapped high-fives with fans and announced a free, advanced screening of his latest movie, "Hercules."
Johnson, who plays the title character in the film, said he booked three San Diego theaters for the special screening and invited everyone in the exhibition hall.
"Hercules" opens Friday.


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Do you have video in your class? Planning to host a Functional Threshold Power (FTP) or Threshold Heart Rate Field Test soon?
Here are two great videos for running a 20 minute field test for FTP or threshold Heart Rate.
My club just got bikes with this capability. This is a great resource! Thank you!


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Diablo II
The Ranking
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After possessing the body of the hero who defeated him, Diablo resumes his nefarious scheme to enslave humanity by joining forces with the other Prime Evils, Mephisto and Baal. Only you--armed with all-new weapons, spells, and armor--will be able to determine the outcome of this final encounter. As one of five distinct character types, explore the world of Diablo II--journey across distant lands, fight new villains, discover new treasures, and uncover ancient mysteries, all in the quest to stop the Lord of Terror, once and for all.
Release Date: July 26, 2000
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Inside the GOP's immigration push
House Republican leaders are within weeks of releasing their principles for immigration reform — a blueprint that will detail positions on everything from border security to legal status.
The document, which has been kept under wraps until now, will call for beefed-up border security and interior enforcement, a worker verification system for employers and earned legal status for the nation's undocumented immigrants, according to multiple sources familiar with the discussions. It will also call for reforms to visa programs and a system to track those in the country legally.
Story Continued Below
The draft principles will also include a promise that immigration reform will be done on a step-by-step basis and will foreclose the possibility of entering into conference negotiations using the Senate's comprehensive package — pledges that could soothe some Republicans.
( QUIZ: How well do you know John Boehner?)
Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio), who is driving the process, wants these principles released before President Barack Obama's State of the Union on Jan. 28.
The secret talks are taking place even as leaders doubt that such efforts will be fruitful, in part because of opposition from conservatives who sank the prospects for reform last year. That dynamic hasn't changed. But Republicans think stating their position is important and could help chart a path forward for reform in 2015 after the midterm elections.
There are some signs that top Republicans are taking the process seriously. There have been discussions among senior Republicans about trying to trade some form of legalization for increased state and local enforcement of immigration laws — a move, depending on how it's crafted, that could run into resistance from Democrats.
Beyond top GOP leadership, the discussions also include senior members of the Judiciary Committee and pro-immigration reform Republicans like Reps. Paul Ryan of Wisconsin and Mario Diaz-Balart of Florida.
( Also on POLITICO: Bob Goodlatte pushes immigration solution)
The most recent set of principles was discussed Wednesday morning during a meeting of Boehner, Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-Va.), Majority Whip Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) and Republican Conference Chairwoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers of Washington.
Immigration reform is an issue fraught with land mines for Republicans. Public polling shows hefty support for cleaning up what most consider a broken system. But among a House Republican Conference that has had difficulty rallying around complex legislation, the issue has run into resistance. If Republicans ignore the issue, they risk the wrath of Wall Street, Main Street, K Street and Silicon Valley.
The 2014 push, though, has its skeptics. Oregon Rep. Greg Walden, who chairs the National Republican Congressional Committee, said he thinks the political climate is more difficult this year.
"I think so," he said, when asked whether it will be more difficult in 2014 to pass any pieces of reform. "It doesn't mean there aren't things we need to do, but I think it's been made more problematic because now people can say the president waives parts of laws he doesn't like. And he has."
Among rank-and-file House Republicans, there is an appetite to take up immigration reform despite skepticism about whether consensus on the issue is possible.
"Politically, it has always been a very difficult issue — very difficult, very controversial, very emotional, very difficult issue," Diaz-Balart said. "So it's a big ask, but I think there's a lot of people here who are willing to do what they believe is right for the country even above personal, political considerations."


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The Olympic Delivery Authority has installed vertical axis wind turbines in London's Olympic Park after plans to place a single, giant wind turbine fell through. The London 2012 Olympic Games has received some flak for not meeting its green targets and failing to be the 'Green Olympics' that it promised to be, but the installation of the seven qr5 turbines suggests that Olympic organizers are still attempting to meet their sustainable goals.
Vertical axis wind turbines work differently to conventional three blade turbine and are actually deemed to be more efficient as they don't require power or a minimum wind speed to start. The original Olympic plans discussed the potential installation of a large wind turbine at the Stratford park site, but it never happened. Now the smaller vertical wind turbines are stepping in to fill the renewable energy void that it has left.
The seven qr5 turbines are being provided by British wind turbine manufacturer Quiet Revolution, and although there is no official statement from either the company or the Olympic Authority on their installaion, it is know nthat the turbines stand 18 metres tall and can provide up to 7,500 kWh of power a year.
Speaking to The Guardian, a spokesman for the Olympic Delivery Authority said that the wind turbines each cost £40,000, but are expected to pay for themselves within 12 years. "Sustainability has been designed into the project from the beginning, and as a result the ODA will significantly exceed its 50 per cent target to reduce the carbon footprint of the construction of the Olympic Park," he said.
"These seven turbines serve a valuable dual function by providing 40 per cent of the energy for high-powered streetlights as well contributing to the overall renewable energy target. The turbines are connected to the Park's energy supply, which feed renewable energy into the Olympic Park energy network during the day, which offsets power used by the lamp at night."
via The Guardian


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Ed Jodlowski named new Olympia High School principal
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26, 2014]
STANFORD — The Olympia Board of
Education approved the appointment of Ed Jodlowski as the new
Olympia High School principal for the 2014-15 school year. Mr.
Jodlowski comes to Olympia from Illini Central and has 24 years of
experience in education.
"I am very excited to have
the great opportunity to come home and lead the Olympia High
School," Jodlowski said. "It is a dream to return to Olympia."
He taught at Olympia from 1990 to 2001 and was an instructor in
curriculum and instruction at Illinois State University from
1999-2000. From 2001 to 2008, he taught language arts at Lincoln
High School, and he currently serves as principal at Illini Central
as well as director of teaching and learning.
[to top of second column]
Mr. Jodlowski shared: "What drew me back to Olympia was the
collegial atmosphere that exists. I longed to be a part of it once
again. There is just something special about the entire Olympia
organization that I look forward to serving."
[Information from
Olympia High School website]
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Mesoraco blasts Reds past Rangers in 11
ARLINGTON -- The Reds didn't celebrate scratching out a victory over the Rangers as much as breathe a sigh of relief on Saturday night.
In a game filled with flaws, the Reds pulled out a 6-4 win on Devin Mesoraco's two-run home run in the top of the 11th inning. The victory kept them 4 1/2 games behind the super-hot first-place Pirates, who defeated the Brewers, 2-1, in the National League Central.View Full Game Coverage
ARLINGTON -- The Reds didn't celebrate scratching out a victory over the Rangers as much as breathe a sigh of relief on Saturday night.
In a game filled with flaws, the Reds pulled out a 6-4 win on Devin Mesoraco's two-run home run in the top of the 11th inning. The victory kept them 4 1/2 games behind the super-hot first-place Pirates, who defeated the Brewers, 2-1, in the National League Central.View Full Game Coverage
"Much needed, big time," Reds manager Dusty Baker said of the win. "We made a bunch of mistakes, but we kept fighting and fighting. That's all that matters -- we got a win."
For a team that lost six of its previous seven games, it was a night that began optimistically. Shin-Soo Choo snapped Cincinnati's 22-inning scoreless streak by hitting the first pitch of the game for a home run off Rangers starter Nick Tepesch. Brandon Phillips made it 2-0 in the second inning when he hit a bases-loaded RBI single that ended an 0-for-18 team streak with runners in scoring position.
And Reds starter Mike Leake was sharp again, giving up only one hit over his first three innings.
"We definitely needed this one," Mesoraco said. "This would have been a real hard one to lose. Leaker threw great. He's done what he's been doing all season. He's thrown the ball as well as anybody in the league. He deserved better than what he got."
In the ugliest fashion, Leake lost his lead in the bottom of the third. It took three errors in the inning to make that happen, including two from first baseman Joey Votto.
Engel Beltre hit a routine one-out grounder to first base that Votto flubbed for his first error. After a Leonys Martin single put runners on the corners, Ian Kinsler hit a grounder to Votto. His throw to the plate was in the dirt and got away from Mesoraco for his second error and No. 10 of the season as Beltre scored.
Next, Elvis Andrus bounced a ball to shortstop Zack Cozart, who made a throwing error to third base as Martin scored. Nelson Cruz's sacrifice fly gave Texas a 3-2 lead, and all three runs against Leake were unearned.
"Leake pitched his heart out," Baker said. "Usually when that happens, when a guy is the recipient of bad things happening behind him, he loses his cool and composure. And he didn't. He's come a long ways. He's really matured right in front of our eyes."
On the inside, Leake wasn't pleased with the errors, but he showed no emotion throughout the inning, or the innings that followed.
"There's nothing positive that comes out of showing a reaction," Leake said. "You've just got to do your part and keep getting bad swings on balls."
Cincinnati's defense entered the night with second-best fielding percentage in the National League. No team in the Majors had a three-error inning since the Nationals on July 15, 2011. It hadn't happened to the Reds since May 5, 2006.
"Our guys work on it big time," Baker said. "We take pride in defense. It was just a bad night. Anybody can have a bad night."
Leake just went back to work and retired eight in a row until giving up back-to-back doubles in the sixth, including an RBI ground-rule double by Cruz. He finished with seven innings and one earned run, one walk and four strikeouts.
In his last nine starts, Leake has a 1.31 ERA. It was his second straight no-decision, but who got the victory definitely trailed in importance to getting a team win.
"We just needed to get off of that little spell," Leake said. "It was nice to get another win, even though it doesn't seem like anybody is excited. It's just a matter of getting back on track and getting a few in a row to get a little more confidence back."
In the Reds' fifth, three straight hits, including Cozart's RBI double to the gap in left-center field, chased Tepesch with no outs. Xavier Paul's one-out RBI single with the bases loaded off Ross Wolf gave the Reds a 4-3 advantage. Jack Hannahan then grounded into a 4-6-3 double play.
The Reds were 3-for-12 with runners in scoring position and stranded nine runners. They also struck out 12 times.
Reds lefty reliever Manny Parra pitched a perfect bottom of the ninth and retired the first Rangers batter in the 10th. Right-hander J.J. Hoover (1-5) took over and worked out of a jam with runners on the corners and two outs to get his first win of the season.
Texas reliever Kyle McClellan entered in the 11th and hit leadoff hitter Todd Frazier on the back with a 1-2 breaking ball. Mesoraco, who was 0-for-4 with three strikeouts, followed by pulling a 1-1 fastball well over the left-field wall for his fourth homer.
"Baseball is a crazy game. Sometimes when you're struggling, you try harder," Mesoraco said. "But in reality, you should try less. When you go up there and you're grinding and trying to get a hit, most of the time you're not going to do it. I think it's just a matter of going up there, relaxing and staying within yourself."
The win leaves the Reds with a 2-5 record on their road trip with one game left, but they have a chance to take the series on Sunday with another victory.
"Every streak starts with one," Baker said. "You've got to get one before you get 10, six or whatever. Definitely, I believe one game gets you going. And that way you win it can get you going sometimes, too."
Mark Sheldon is a reporter for MLB.com. Read his blog, Mark My Word, and follow him on Twitter @m_sheldon.


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Latinos overwhelmingly favor allowing women in the military to engage in close combat.
According to a new Quinnipiac poll, 83 percent of Hispanics think women who want to serve in ground units that engage in close combat should be allowed to do so, while just 14 percent said it should not be allowed.
The Pentagon announced last month that women can now take on combat positions. Women were previously banned from such roles. Support for this idea is as high as it was when the ban was first lifted.
According to Pew Research Center, Hispanic men and women make up similar shares - 12 percent and 13 percent, respectively - of all men and women in the armed forces.
"But the number of Hispanics enlisting in the active-duty force each year has risen significantly over the last decade," notes Pew. "In 2003, Hispanic women and men made up 11.5% of the new enlistees to the military; just seven years later, in 2010, they made up 16.9% of non-prior service enlisted accessions."
Three-quarters of those surveyed in the Quinnipiac poll support allowing women to serve in close combat, but whites and blacks are less likely than Hispanics to favor this. A full 10 percent fewer whites – 73 percent – think women should engage in close combat, and 80 percent of blacks feel the same way. Support for the idea is highest, at 86 percent, among Democrats, and lowest, at 63 percent, among Republicans.
Hispanics are more divided over whether allowing women into combat situations will help or hurt the military's effectiveness.
Just under half of Hispanics think it will enhance effectiveness, while just more than a quarter think it will compromise it. Fifteen percent said it would do neither, and 10 percent said they did not know or declined to answer. A majority of blacks and Democrats think the presence of women will enhance effectiveness. Republicans are most likely, at 46 percent, to think it will compromise effectiveness. Interestingly, women are more likely than Democrats, blacks and Hispanics to think their presence would compromise military effectiveness.
Only about one third of Hispanics favor reinstating the draft, but if it were reinstated, 45 percent of Latinos would favor drafting women as well as men. Just shy of half – 49 percent – said they would not want women drafted. Only men are more likely than Hispanics to favor reinstating the draft. Republicans, Democrats, independent voters, women, whites and blacks are more likely than Hispanics to oppose the idea.


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Alcohol is *NOT* a stimulant, it is a nervous system depressant! In fact, research has shown that moderate doses may be used in insomniacs to improve sleep.
20 Ways to Beat Insomnia and Get Better Sleep
In the busy and driven world that we live in, one of the things that really seems to suffer is a good night's sleep, regardless of our age. Unfortunately, these sleep deficits are not without their own share of adverse health consequences. Lack of sleep causes our bodies to react negatively, elevating our stress hormone levels and predisposing us to a wide range of disorders which include depression, heart disease, diabetes, and hypertension.
In fact, there are some prominent schools of thought that believe sleep to be the single biggest factor that influences our longevity. It therefore goes without saying that we should all be taking the proper steps to ensure we are getting enough rest. After all, our lives could depend on it. So with this in mind, here are some simple and straightforward suggestions to assist you in getting a good night's sleep.
1. Use your bed for what it was intended for.
In other words, only use your bed for sex and sleep, and partake in other activities, like reading or paying bills, in other places.
2. Avoid caffeine in the evening.
Indulging in caffeine in the morning is fine, but remember that it can stay in your system for up to 20 hours.
3. Do not drink excessive fluids before bedtime.
It may force you to get up in the middle of the night to use the bathroom.
4. Avoid long naps during the day.
They can throw off your bedtime rhythm. If you have to squeeze in a short snooze, take a power nap of 10-15 minutes.
5. Get plenty of exercise, making sure to avoid strenuous exertion near bedtime.
Morning and afternoon workouts have the most benefit for sleep.
6. Be wary of OTC medication.
Certain drugs, like antihistamines and cold medicines, can make you feel groggy and tired. Check the labels and speak with your pharmacist or doctor.
7. Make your bedroom environment as comfortable as possible.
This means choosing a good pillow and mattress, as well as being selective as to who gets to share your bed with you, i.e., pets and kids.
8. Certain foods are believed to help sleep.
These include warm milk and chamomile tea. However, avoid excessive consumption.
9. Be regular.
Go to sleep and wake up at the same time each day to condition your body to the routine.
10. Avoid alcohol.
Alcohol consumed within an hour of bedtime disrupts the second half of the sleep period, and continued nighttime consumption increasingly disrupts sleep.
11. Go to bed when you're tired, and turn out the lights.
If you can't fall asleep, don't force the issue. Get out of bed and do something to make you drowsy, then get back in bed and go to sleep.
12. Reduce your screen time before bed.
This includes computers and TV. Try to avoid having a TV in your bedroom and falling asleep with it on.
13. Select a ritual.
Relaxing bedtime activities like taking a bath or listening to music can help you drift off to dream land.
14. Set your body clock.
Exposure to proper amounts of bright light (like the sun) during the day may help suppress our body's production of melatonin (a sleep-inducing hormone), thus making sleep easier in the evening.
15. Leave your worries for waking hours.
Perhaps easier said than done, but try not to stress about your daily worries once your head hits the pillow.
16. Avoid harsh alarm clocks.
When they jar you awake, they can leave you feeling drowsy and irritable. Instead, try a gentler alarm or soft music.
17. Do not sleep in.
As tempting as it may be, sleeping late is like a nap and can throw off your body's rhythms, making sleep the next night even harder.
18. Pay attention to your snoring.
It could be a sign of another problem, including sleep apnea, which can lead to health problems, not to mention compromise your sleep.
19. Meditate.
Certain meditative techniques can quiet your mind enough to allow you to fall asleep.
20. Use sleeping pills as a last resort.
Consult with your doctor before taking any sleeping medication, which can have adverse interactions with other medication.
Editor's note: Alcohol tip has been revised based on reader feedback.
This is a post from our sister blog, Healthy Theory. Visit Healthy Theory for more health tips and news.
Disclaimer: The links and mentions on this site may be affiliate links. But they do not affect the actual opinions and recommendations of the authors.
Wise Bread is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.
I have found that alcohol brings a deep sleep but only for several hours. Then the old eyeballs pop open and stay that way til it's time to get up.
I would love to see that research. Alcohol is a depressant, and like most depressants, after the depressant affect wears off, you become more alert. That's why the article stated that it interferes with the "second" half of your sleep cycle, not the first. That's why after drinking alcohol you may "pass out" but wake up about 4 hours later and are unable to fall back to sleep.
This works the same way having too much of a stimulant may work for a few hours, but them you crash and want a nap. That is why coffea, or coffee, is recommended for insomnia in homeopathy. At first, you are more alert, but when you crash, you'll sleep like a baby.
Quit trying to go to sleep! Trying will never work.
Thinking about a task or problem will keep you awake. Since you cannot think of two things at the same time change your thoughts to something pleasant and peaceful, real or imaginary, dull and stationary. A peaceful walk by a calm lake with still waters, or a speck on the wall.
And if that can't be done get out of bed and do an easy crossword, watch some dull, quiet, stupid TV, with or without a light snack. Even an hour or two seems unacceptable, but if deep sleep comes for the remainder of the night it's worth it.
Quietly relaxing in the latter part of the evening is most helpful in preparing for a restful sleep. Exercise, physical or mental, is stimulating and if done approaching bedtime might put you in a wide awake state that will not unwind easily.
i do all sorts of things on my bed from sleeping to writing uo blog posts to watching movies,music everything. its amazing that most of the time(apart from last night)i have a good nights sleep. i think is that most of the time i say a short prayer to God in heaven thanking him for the ended day, it seems to work. sometimes i even drink very strong coffee and still sleep. the only thing that seems to keep me drifting off is loud irregular noises just before i drift off, like a neigbour playing loud music or something like that.i like the post btw
Once I started to pay attention to how caffeine was affecting me, I began to sleep much better. If I have tea in the morning and at around 3:00pm (when I really want a nap!), I sleep just fine. If I have a serving at lunch as well, I have a terrible time getting to sleep. I was unaware of this for a very long time; I drank tea early enough that I thought it wouldn't affect me 8 hours later. But it is the amount that really gets me.
Also, I find that it helps to do my face-washing and tooth-brushing an hour or so before I go to bed. If I do these just before, it wakes me up!
Sadly, there are some types of insomnia that none of these will work for. My boyfriend has a circadian rhythm disorder that causes him horrible insomnia, and nothing seems to help.
I've been taking 200mg of SamE this winter to help combat SAD, and I've found that I've been sleeping more soundly as a side effect.
Yes, I also found this hard to take seriously because of the alcohol mistake. Definitely not good for sleep but definitely not a stimulant. The best help for me is a rich full day and an "oh well" attitude at night.
The rule for sports is no more exercise 4 hours before you go to bed. But yes exercise is a good and healthy way to sleep better and it's just healthy really :)
The post said:
Exposure to proper amounts of bright light (like the sun) during the day may help suppress our body's production of melatonin (a sleep-inducing hormone), thus making sleep easier in the evening.
This doesn't make sense - I think instead of "suppress" you probably meant "stimulate." Yes?
No. You dont understand how chemicals and the body works.
By suppressing melatonin during the day, you feel it more at night (through increased sensitivity and upregulation)
sensitivity analogy example: if one day you wait 12 hours after waking up to drink your first cup of coffee, youll feel it stronger than if youd spaced out the cup throughout the day. By abstaining from caffeine your sensitivity to it increases.
regulation analogy example: if you take testosterone all the time, your body starts making less of it naturally. likewise, if you SUPPRESS melatonin during the day, you get a bigger dose of it at nighttime- your body releases more of it at once.


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Sixteen-year-old Gabriel Aguilar of Chicago, an avid shopper, prefers to patronize specialty shops such as Urban Outfitters or Forever 21 for party and hang-out-with-friends apparel.
Sears? Not a chance.
"Every time I think of Sears, I think of a washing machine," he said. "They barely have clothing in their commercials, and I never see their commercials on the things that we watch."
But when the high school sophomore learned that Sears soon would be offering skinny jeans branded with pop star Adam Levine's name, his interest was sufficiently piqued — enough that he said he'll be checking out the goods.
Sears and a number of other department stores are hoping they can convince Aguilar and other young shoppers that they're worthy of a second look, and, ideally, their lifelong loyalty. They're beefing up mobile shopping tools and bringing in more affordable, fashionable merchandise as well as signing up celebrities to sell their wares.
The goal: winning over a coveted generation of those born after 1980 who spend about $430 billion annually on discretionary items, according to the Boston Consulting Group.
"Right now, all retailers are going after the millennial customer. They have to, because it represents the future of their business," said Carol Spieckerman, president and CEO of Newmarketbuilders, a retail consultancy.
Late last year, Macy's rolled out more than 20 brands, including lines inspired by Madonna and her teenage daughter, Lourdes Leon, known as Lola, and Marilyn Monroe aimed at the younger set, which the company acknowledged cares about "trends, style and value."
In February, Nordstrom revamped its trend-driven Savvy women's department, bringing in new merchandise and lowering the average price point to $50 from about $100.
"We thought we had the opportunity to be more relevant to that truly trend-driven customer who wanted us to be more accessible in price, and that was a hurdle for us before in that department," said Nordstrom spokesman Colin Johnson.
This month, Sears launched a business unit dedicated to signing up celebrities to sell their wares, including trendy dresses and jeans. First on its list: pop stars Nicki Minaj and Levine, who moonlight on the popular TV shows "American Idol" and "The Voice," respectively.
Retail experts say department stores have a ways to go. They have never "owned" the millennial customer, who has typically been the primary focus of specialty shops such as H&M and Old Navy with their cheap-chic merchandise. A recent report by WSL Strategic Retail, a New York-based consultancy, found that 79 percent of millennials shop at specialty stores and 52 percent shop at department stores.
Celebrity branding isn't new. Designers have long competed to win the affections of Hollywood stars. But the embrace of social media among millennials has opened up new opportunities for retailers to capitalize on celebrities' star wattage.
Sears, which has been suffering from sluggish sales for years, has seen some success recently selling apparel with celebrity headliners such as actress Sofia Vergara and the Kardashian sisters. With Minaj and Levine, officials are seeking to capitalize on the mix of music, fashion and Hollywood.
"Any retailer that taps into that celebrity taps into their transmedia presence — online, radio, TV, movies, Twitter, everywhere," Spieckerman said.
Still, Spieckerman and other industry watchers are predicting it will be an uphill climb for Sears, which is better known for its home appliances than its fashion offerings.
Sears' customer is not a fashion customer, according to Roseanne Morrison, fashion director of New York-based retail consultancy Tobe.
"They are trying to envision themselves in different milieus to make it happen. So I don't know. It'll be a big challenge for them," she said.
Retailers also have to do more to keep millennials coming back, said Wendy Liebmann, CEO of WSL Strategic Retail. The clothing and the in-store "experience" have to be right, she added.
"There are just too many places for younger consumers to shop," Liebmann said.
Macy's has created entire divisions devoted to young shoppers: Its Mstylelab is dedicated to customers ages 13 to 22, and Impulse is aimed at 19- to 30-year-olds. It has created private (Macy's-only) labels such as urban-inspired denim line G-Star Raw and the skateboarder-driven Comune to draw in millennials with varied interests. And it also has the likes of Taylor Swift, P. Diddy and Justin Bieber selling its merchandise.
"We're a destination for prom and for the first interview suit," said Martine Reardon, Macy's chief marketing officer. "It's the 14- to 30-year-old and every year between that's important."
Macy's is also using promotional events, such as a recent book-signing with Bravo TV executive and talk show host Andy Cohen, along with other "retail-tainment," to create excitement in the store.
Still, there are exceptions.
Elizabeth Barton, 25, isn't looking for celebrities and glitz. The Chicago executive recruiter likes new clothes and prefers Nordstrom over H&M, where she was snapping pictures of herself trying on sunglasses in front of a mirror on a recent afternoon.
"I assume celebrity brands aren't well made, and they aren't catered to my taste anyway," she said. "My style is quality over quantity. I'd rather have one nice pair of jeans and one nice purse than a bunch."
Discerning millennials like Barton are what Nordstrom was gunning for when it overhauled its trendy women's department. The goal was to lure younger customers in search of quality with a nod to their limited budgets. The move wasn't so much a change in strategy as a realization that it wanted to be the retailer of choice. "We thought we had an opportunity to be more relevant to that truly trend-driven customer who wanted us to be more accessible in price, and that was a hurdle for us before in that department," said Nordstrom spokesman Johnson.


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Army Pfc. Tristin T. Hood has graduated from Basic Combat Training at Fort Leonard Wood, Waynesville, Mo.
During the nine weeks of training, the soldier received instruction in drill and ceremony, weapons, rifle marksmanship qualification, bayonet combat, chemical warfare, field training and tactical exercises, marches, military courtesy, military justice, physical fitness, first aid, and Army history, traditions, and core values.
Hood is the daughter of Francis and Pratrica Hood of Cape Coral.
She is a 2012 graduate of Mariner High School, Cape Coral.