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Invented over 100 years ago by Thomas Edison as a non-polluting and non-consumable alternative to Lead Acid Batteries using no heavy metals! Now manufactured once again worldwide after lead acid battery companies closed Edison's Plant in 1972.
We have sourced NiFe at a competative rate at a little over double our cheap lead acid range and similar to our Rolls battery prices. This makes them a very viable option for long term off grid solutions.
You need 10 cells to make up a 12V bank, 20 cells for a 24V bank and 40 cells for a 48V bank
They have low operation cost, low self-discharge, long cycling life and environmental-friendly. They can withstand deep discharge, wide temperature variations, mechanical & electrical abuses and still show excellent and reliable performance over a long period. The operation life of solar Ni-Fe batteries is 30-40 Years, the working temperature range can be -40°C to 60°C, which is also the longest life battery for the PV system.
For more information on the advantages of NiFE batteries please read our info here
Optional Auto Watering System
Optional LED fluid level indicator
These have a long lead time as they are made to order and shipped over to us, please allow 2 months for delivery, but for a battery that will out live any other battery if your deciding to go down this route its definitely worth the wait and this is the reason we can keep the prices low.
320W JA Solar Panels Mono Percium - All Black Half Cell, 1689 X 996 X 35mm
Half Cell Advantages
Supplied with 1000mm output cables and QC4.10 connectors (connects to MC4s)
Percium Cell
The latest in mono cell technology with passivated backside, local BSF and 4 Bus Bars from worldwide PV Cell leaders - JA Solar
First to reach >20.6% average cell efficiency in mass production
More Power Per m²
JA higher efficiency module type specially designed for UK rooftop market.
Maximise the kWp installation on the roof
Homogeneous Black Mono cells.
Black Frame for anti-glare and pleasing appearance.
Lower System Cost
Reduced installation and BOS cost
Excellent Low-light Performance
Enhanced spectral response at longer wavelength boosts low-light performance, which can produce more than 1% additional power compared with conventional module at system side.
High Reliability
Passed "3xMCS" TÜV SÜD Thresher Long life Accelerated Stress Tests.
Full range of PID-resistance tests
Harsh climate environment endurance tests
Full set of long-term reliability tests
Manufacturing inspected and certified by leading institutes such as PI-Berlin, Franhoeffer, Sgurr, OST and Solar-IF
100% in-house automatic manufacturing
2X 100% EL inspection ensuring defect-free production
Over 500MWp of JA Solar panels installed in the UK. 10GWp Worldwide.
Other Features
Positive power tolerance: -0~+5W
Modules binned by current to improve system performance
Excellent mechanical load resistance: Certified to withstand high wind loads (2400Pa) and snow loads (5400Pa)
Use with Tracer MPPT's - for a single panel on a 12V system you can use a 30A MPPT with this panel.
This listing is for 1 panel, simply select how many you need in the quantity. There is NO MINIMIUM Order.
7 Features In One Device
1. Cover current consumption
2. Charge batteries
1. Cover consumption with your inverter (any brand)
2. Cover your additional consumption with the VFXR (in cooperation with any brand)
3. Charge your batteries
4. Sell not consumed power to the grid
5. Cover consumption with the grid
6. In case of grid failure, switch to batteries without interruption
7. Cover consumption with solar power (even with small inverters)
8. Take additional power from the grid to double the output of your inverter
9. Cover consumption with solar power
10. Connect to the grid when batteries are low
11. Cover consumption with the grid
12. In grid failure, switch to solar system
The latest, most advanced features on the industry's most trusted and proven platform—that's the essence of OutBack's new FXR Series of Grid/Hybrid inverter/chargers. Capable of off-grid or grid-connected operation in a single model, the FXR Grid/Hybrid inverter/chargers provide system designers with unprecedented flexibility and compatibility for nearly
any power conversion scenario.
The new FXR features and technologies on the acclaimed FX platform include:
FXR inverter/chargers can be paired with a MATE3 to add OPTICS RE to monitor and control system performance from any location. Available in power ranges from 2000W-3000W, multiple units may be stacked and connected with other OutBack Power electronics for more seamless system integration and the ability to function in a wide variety of applications, and system sizes. Up to nine inverters can be combined in a 3-phase system with the 12V, 24V or 48V models, and up to 30kW in a grid-tied 24V or 48V system. The exclusive modular system architecture means that increased power output is just an additional FXR inverter/charger away.
Available in sealed or vented units with NEMA type 1 die-cast aluminum chassis designed to operate in the harshest environmental conditions such as high temperatures, humidity or corrosive salt air, the FXR's continue in OutBack's tradition of absolute dependability in mission critical installations no matter how harsh or challenging the conditions.
Please Note: The new VFXR range only work with a Mate 3 (the standard Mate or Mate B will not work with them)
Info and Specs on Outback site
These are the best charge controllers on the market, they are solid, reliable and what we use for The Bimble Inn.
The FLEXmax family of charge controllers is the latest innovation in Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) charge controllers from OutBack Power Technologies. The innovative FLEXmax MPPT software algorithm is both continuous and active, increasing your photovoltaic array power yield up to 30% compared to non-MPPT controllers. Thanks to active cooling and intelligent thermal management cooling, both FLEXmax charge controllers can operate at their full maximum current rating, 60 Amps or 80 Amps respectively, in ambient temperatures as high as 104°F (40°C).
Included in all of the FLEXmax Charge Controllers are the revolutionary features first developed by OutBack Power, including support for a wide range of nominal battery voltages and the ability to step-down a higher voltage solar array to recharge a lower voltage battery bank. A built-in, backlit 80 character display shows the current status and logged system performance data for the last 128 days at the touch of a button. The integrated OutBack network communications allows FLEXmax series Charge Controllers to be remotely programmed and monitored via a MATE system display and provides unrivaled complete system integration.
FLEXmax MPPT Charge Controllers are the only choice when you demand a high performance, efficient and versatile charge controller for your advanced power system.
|Recommended PV Max
|Absolute Max
Click here to Download Owners Manual
|FLEXmax 80 Specifications
|Nominal Battery Voltages
|12, 24, 36, 48, or 60 VDC (Single model - selectable via field programming at start-up)
|Maximum Output Current
|80 amps @ 104° F (40°C) with adjustable current limit
|Maximum Solar Array STC Nameplate
|12 VDC systems 1250 Watts / 24 VDC systems 2500 Watts / 48 VDC systems 5000 Watts / 60 VDC systems 6250 Watts
|NEC Recommended Solar Array STC Nameplate
|12 VDC systems 1000 Watts / 24 VDC systems 2000 Watts / 48 VDC systems 4000 Watts / 60 VDC Systems 5000 Watts
|PV Open Circuit Voltage (VOC)
|150 VDC absolute maximum coldest conditions / 145 VDC start-up and operating maximum
|Standby Power Consumption
|Less than 1 Watt typical
|Power Conversion Efficiency
|97.5% @ 80 Amps in a 48 VDC System - Typical
|Charging Regulation
|Five Stages: Bulk, Absorption, Float, Silent and Equalization
|Voltage Regulation Set points
|10 to 80 VDC user adjustable with password protection
|Equalization Charging
|Programmable Voltage Setpoint and Duration - Automatic Termination when completed
|Battery Temperature Compensation
|Automatic with optional RTS installed / 5.0 mV per °C per 2V battery cell
|Voltage Step-Down Capability
|Can charge a lower voltage battery from a higher voltage PV array - Max 150 VDC input
|Programmable Auxilary Control Output
|12 VDC output signal which can be programmed for different control applications
(Maximum of 0.2 amps DC)
|Status Display
|3.1" (8 cm) backlit LCD screen - 4 lines with 80 alphanumeric characters total
|Remote Display and Controller
|Optional Mate or Mate2 with RS232 Serial Communications Port
|Network Cabeling
|Proprietary network system using RJ 45 Modular Connectors with CAT 5e Cable (8 wires)
|Data Logging
|Last 128 days of Operation - Amp Hours, Watt Hours, Time in Float , Peak Watts, Amps, Solar Array Voltage, Max Battery Voltage Min Battery Voltage and Absorb for each day along with total Accumulated Amp Hours, and kW Hours of production
|Hydro Turbine Applications
|Consult factory for approved Turbines
|Positive Ground Applications
|Requires two Pole Breakers for switching both positive and Negative Conductors on both Solar Array and Battery Connections (HUB-4 and HUB-10 can not be used for use in positive ground applications)
|Operating Temperature Range
|Minimum -40° to maximum 60° C
(Power capacity of the controller is automatically derated when operated above 40° C)
|Environmental Rating
|Indoor Type 1
|Conduit Knockouts
|One 1" (35mm)on the back; One 1" (35mm) on the left side; Two 1" (35mm) on the bottom
|Standard 5 year / Available 10 Year
|Weight - Unit
|12.20 lbs (5.56 kg)
|- Shipping
|15.75 lbs (7.10 kg)
|Dimensions - Unit
|16.25" x 5.75" x 4" (41.3 x 14 x 10 cm) -
(H x W x D)
|- Shipping
|21" x 10.5" x 9.75" (53 x 27 x 25 cm)
|Remote Temperature Sensor (RTS), HUB 4,
|Menu Languages
|English & Spanish
The new MATE3 System Display and Controller makes it easy to program and monitor a complete OutBack Power System. An intuitive and integrated system configuration wizard makes system setup and programming quick and seamless.
The ability to set unique multi-level user passwords allows the user to secure critical system settings from unintended changes, while still allowing open access to necessary functions.
The MATE3 is packed full of features to make system management simple. The easy-to-read graphical LCD display is backlit for dark operating conditions. Improved tactile buttons and a user programmable "favorite" key give you immediate access to the features you want, while an intuitive scroll wheel interface allows for easy adjustment of system setpoints. Expandable SD card memory allows you to increase data logging capacity as well as upgrade units in the field.
A built-in clock and calendar function enables timer-based programming of inverter and charger operation. All of your settings are stored in permanent memory to eliminate the need to reprogram in the event of a system shutdown or battery replacement. The MATE3 is an Internet enabled device – simply connecting to the Internet will allow full remote system.
By adding the Mate Controller you can also use the outback inverters as a off grid/grid hybrid system allowing you to use the power from your batteries primarily and switching to use the grid when your batteries are low, thus minimising your use of the grid and ensuring you get the best use of your renewable power set-up, and yet never run out of power. Or you can configure an automatic generator start from them if needed.
6mm² Solar Cable - Price is per meter, simply select the quantity as the number of meters you want.
Double Insulated UV protected solar cable
Max load: 70A in air
Our solar cable is ozone resistant according to BS EN 50396
UV resistant according to HD 605 S2 and is tested for durability according to EN 60216
Flexible tinned copper conductor
Class 5 flexible tinned copper conductor
Halogen-free cross-linked compound
Halogen-free cross-linked, flame retardant compound
Sheath Colour
Panel mounted hydraulic-magnetic type circuit breakers that can be used for DC sources, inverters or load circuits.
The HUB-4 communication manager allows the MATE to control and monitor a maximum of four OutBack products. The inverter/chargers can be operated in a stacked or independent configuration, and OutBack MPPT charge controllers can also be used on any of the four available ports of the HUB-4. Future OutBack products will also be compatible with the HUB-4. The HUB-4 manages both the inter-inverter communications and the MATE-inverter communication. The HUB-4 also can be used with the X-240 autotransformer when series stacked to allow full surge and continuous AC load capacity of each FX to be available on either of the 120 VAC output circuits. When two or more FX inverters are stacked in a parallel or series configuration, the system automatically turns off any excess slave inverters to save power and maximize conversion efficiency. This power save system is fully automatic and works with or without the MATE connected to the system One or two MATE system controllers and displays can be connected to the HUB. One Mate is allowed to program the systems while the other MATE is able to only control and display the system operation. When using a single MATE with a HUB-4, programming can be locked out by moving the MATE from the 1st MATE port to the 2nd MATE port once programming has been completed. The maximum distance from the HUB-4 to the power conversion product should be under 10 feet. OutBack includes two 3 foot long and two 6 foot long CAT5 cables standard with the HUB-4.
STÄUBLI MC4 Solar PV connectors - Pair of Y Branches
Connect your solar modules together with ease using these safe and durable MC4 connectors. This pair of "Y" shape connectors (one in a male to female, female configuration, and one in a female to male, male configuration) will allow you to connect panels or strings of panels together. If you need to connect 3 panels together then it is cheaper to use 2 pairs of these than to purchase a 3 way splitter (its about 1/3 of the cost to use these)
Product information:
|Technical data
|Connector system
|Ø 4 mm
|Rated voltage
|Rated current
|Rated impulse voltage
|12 kV
|Ambient temperature range
|Upper limiting temperature
|105 °C (Stäubli)
|Degree of protection, mated unmated
|Overvoltage category/Pollution degree
|Contact resistance of plug connectors
|≤0.5 mΩ
|Safety class
|Contact system
|Contact material
|Copper, tin plated
|Insulation material
|Locking system (UL)
|Locking type
|Flame class
|UL recognized component, in accordance with UL 6703
Panel mounted hydraulic-magnetic type circuit breakers that can be used for DC sources, inverters or load circuits.
16mm cable - for Large Charge Controller to Batteries - 2 Meter leght with M10 Lug
You will need 2 cables per charge controler (Pos & Neg). The Lugs are on 1 end only as the charge controllers have bare wire connectors.
If you need longer lengths please let us know
MC4 Solar Connector - Price is per MC4 pair simply select the quantity as the number of MC4 pairs you want.
These are the standard connectors used on most solar panels.
TUV certified, brand new, water /weather proof rubber seal that can ensure excellent electrical contact for life time service.
The metal pin is made from high quality machined copper and sealed tip (compare to the cheap sheet metal pin) that can ensure excellent electrical contact for life time service.
Build in press tabs for easy disconnect, no tool is needed. 25A max load.
Wires should be crimped or soldered into the pins and care should be taken to get the correct pin into the correct connector. Once the pin is pushed into the connector it is difficult to remove without the correct tooling.
MC4 Main Technical Specification:
Maximum Current: 25A
Maximum voltage: 1000V
Contact resistance:≤5mmΩ
Maximum operating humidity: 5% -95% (No condensation)
Temperature: -40 ℃ ~ +90 ℃
Waterproof Grade: IP67
Flame class: UL94-V0
Connecting cable specifications: 2.5mm2 4mm2 6mm2
Test voltage: 6.6KV (50Hz, 1min)
Metal materials: nickel copper
Insulation material: PA12 * 1988HB
Lock mode: Self-locking
Security Level: Class ‖
Insertion force:≤50N
Withdrawal force:≥50N
MC4 Features:
Shell has a strong anti-aging, anti- UV capability; found in outdoor use under harsh environment requirements; according to different needs can be arbitrary and used in conjunction with a variety of cell junction box; all connections are using press-fit connection;
35mm Cable - Use for connecting Batteries to Inverter
You will need 2 cables, 1 for Positive and 1 for Negative
If you need a longer cable please let us know.
A small, low cost multimeter supplied with test leads, perfect to help you setup and test your solar installation.
DMM Functions: DC Current, AC/DC Voltage, Diode, Resistance
No. of Digits: 3.5
DMM Response Type: Average
Display Count: 1999
Range Selection: Manual
Voltage Measure DC Max: 500V
Voltage Measure AC Max: 500V
Current Measure DC Max: 5A
Resistance Measure Max: 2Mohm


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This is part two of a two-part piece. Part one can be found here.
By ALAN NICOL, Executive Member, AlanNicolSolutions
On the sacrificial project, direction and decisions will change as the leaders change. On the recipient project, leader personalities are most likely to inquire about and challenge the decisions and directions already in place. The result is change and waste in both projects as the newly adjusted teams reformulate before settling into a new rhythm.
When we make changes and trigger the reset process we sometimes react to the slowdown by adding even more resources in a mistaken belief that more people and resources will speed up the development. That belief holds true until you reach the correct number of resources. When we exceed that number, we slow things down again as we try desperately to communicate and keep resources busy instead of focus on what really needs to be done.
So, when we put too many resources on a project that is behind schedule, not only do we slow down our behind-schedule projects, we are not using those resources where they could be more effective. If we stole them from other projects that could be progressing, but are now crippled, we just created more zombie projects.
Finally, the least considered, but most damaging impact of the living-dead projects is morale. No one wants to be assigned to the doomed project. We like to succeed. We hate to fail. We hate being set on a course of failure that we cannot control. So, our people who realize they are on such a course take action to change course.
When we can't get the project we are on properly prioritized or resourced or otherwise enabled, we decide to save ourselves. We beg, plead, argue, or, in some cases, manipulate until we get assigned to something else. Therefore, our own personnel become part of the phenomenon of changing resources and plans that propagates the undead curse.
Sometimes, when we can't find a better future inside the organization, we look for better prospects outside the organization. Unfortunately, it is our best and brightest people who are most likely to find opportunities elsewhere. How much is an experienced and creative person worth to future products and business? How much is lost in the way of development productivity and replacement process by the unexpected loss of valuable personnel?
In short, the zombie projects, those that are not set up to truly succeed and are also not put to a merciful death, negatively affect everyone in the organization in some way. Even the leadership wastes time. Every manager has sat in a meeting unproductively asking and answering questions concerning the zombies.
What is that project worth? Why is it behind schedule? Why is it in testing when this other project could be in testing? Who is leading it? Do we need a more competent team to get it back on track? Can we take resources from it for other projects? Who allowed that to happen? Isn't that the same report we had last month? Why isn't it moving forward? What is the problem?
The questions go on forever without meaningful resolution and, once cursed, there are only two solutions that will save the project and the business from further torment. We can properly resource and prioritize the project, set it up for success and leave it alone so it can finish, or we can kill it.
Chances are the reason it is lingering in a state of half-life is because it just isn't important enough to share the queue with the other projects and opportunities. That means that a merciful death is the right thing to do. When you decide on euthanasia, be compassionate.
It is very, very important to remember that as much as we have talked and decided for the business in terms of efficient use of "resources," those resources we are discussing are people! Those people have bled and struggled to succeed in spite of our leadership failure. Some of them still believe in the project and the solution they strived to develop.
When we callously announce that the project our people have devoted themselves to is officially dead, we not only kill the project, but we kill morale. We may as well say to our people, "We don't care, go ahead and find someplace else to work." We spend so much time grooming our people to fit in the culture, to understand the processes, to work well as teams. To be callous, we don't want to waste that effort. In true leadership terms, we value our teams more than that.
When we announce the decision to execute the zombie we must be compassionate. Accept blame for not setting the project on a course of success; do not let the failure fall on the project team that devoted itself to success in spite of us. Acknowledge the innovation, creativity, effort, and devotion of the team members. Thank them for it and ask their forgiveness as they re-devote their efforts to different projects.
It may be that we don't see clearly the harm that the on-going, never successfully finishing, marginally important projects, cursed to a neither living, nor dead, fate have on our business, our teams, and our overall performance. Maybe we just don't have the courage to tell the teams and believers that they are working on a doomed project. Many times we fall into the trap of convincing ourselves that we must finish what we started just to get something, anything for our efforts.
Whatever the reasons, we harm our organization in numerous ways by letting the undead, zombie projects to consume our energy and resources. We also risk the curse of "undeath" to spread to other projects or business units. The damage easily grows.
We must learn to recognize the zombie projects and either lift the curse that afflicts them, or put them to a merciful death. Take some time this week and look at your project portfolio. If you see a zombie on the list, work with your leaders to do the right thing. Your leaders and your personnel will thank you in the end, and your business will be healthier.
Stay wise, friends.
What's your take? Please feel free to comment below!

subset: commoncrawl


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Hofstra trains teens in 'mini medical school'
Hofstra medical student Kevin Smith, demonstrating how to transport a patient with a broken limb, first gave his listeners a technical explanation of how to create a splint. Then, he delivered this simpler description: "You want to make a leg sandwich."
That was all it took to get a rise out of a group of nine high school graduates during a recent session on emergency medical techniques.
The eager students, mostly 18-year-olds, had a barrage of questions: "If they dislocate something, do you want to put it back into place first?" No. "Do you give pain medication?" Depends. "What do you do if you can't lift the patient?" Ask for help.
Smith, who has completed two years at Hofstra North Shore-LIJ School of Medicine and is an emergency medical technician, volunteered to host the students in a scaled-down version of his own hands-on medical school curriculum.
The "mini medical school" is part of the growing Medical Scholars Pipeline Program, a monthlong summer session that the medical school operates to encourage academically talented and economically disadvantaged students to become doctors.
"I think it is very important to expose students to medicine at an early age to see if it is something they want to do," said Smith, 25, of Carle Place. "And the real way to test my skills is to teach it to someone else."
The competitive program gives Nassau County students from the Hempstead, Uniondale and Westbury school districts, as well as students from public and parochial schools in Queens, a chance to learn about the medical field. The mission is to boost the number of physicians who are minorities by giving the students a competitive edge while still in high school.
"We say, 'We want to take you from 11th grade and deliver you to the steps of medical school,' " said Gina Granger, the program's coordinator.
The nation is expected to confront an overall shortage of physicians over the next decade, and there's an even greater need for diversity in the physician workforce, experts say.
In 2012, the enrollment in U.S. medical schools was 6.8 percent black or African-American, 8.8 percent Hispanic or Latino, 22.4 percent Asian and 59.3 percent non-Hispanic white, according to data from the Association of American Medical Colleges.
"People do better when doctors come from their culture and their background," said Dr. Lawrence Smith, founding dean of the Hofstra North Shore-LIJ School of Medicine and physician-in-chief of the North Shore-LIJ Health System. (He is not related to Kevin Smith.)
Now in its fourth summer, the pipeline program has 61 students, many of whom have attended previously. The youngest students accepted are rising high school juniors, and they can continue until they reach their college junior year.
More than 100 students apply yearly for about 20 open spots, and about 70 are interviewed in person. The medical school budgets about $30,000 for the program, Dr. Smith said, and there is no cost to the students. The program receives grants from the Gateway Institute for Pre-College Education, Uniondale High School and United Healthcare.
The students get SAT coaching and CPR training. They work with medical school faculty mentors to conduct scientific research projects, and complete a clinical rotation at Franklin Hospital Medical Center in Valley Stream, an affiliate of the North Shore-LIJ Health System.
"I want to be a neuro-radiologist," said Gilbert Tagufa, 18, who graduated last month as valedictorian of Uniondale High. "That's someone who images the brain and makes diagnoses."
Tagufa, whose parents emigrated from the Philippines in the 1980s and are nurses -- as are his two older sisters -- will begin his undergraduate degree next month in Hofstra's Honors College.
"Before coming into this program," he said, "I didn't even know that profession existed."
Not all of the students decide to become doctors at the end of the program, which includes a session on other health care professions.
Jada Grace, 18, of Hempstead, initially thought that she wanted to become a pediatrician. Returning for her third summer, she is proud to say she will head to the University of Hartford next month to start an accelerated, seven-year program in physical therapy.
"I decided that I didn't want to spend my career diagnosing what was wrong with patients," Grace said. "I wanted to really be a part of helping them recover."
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Hibiscus tea is a caffeine-free herbal tea made from the flowers of the Hibiscus sabdariffa or from the sepals of "Roselle" plant. The benefits of hibiscus tea have been well known in traditional medicines for centuries, and science is increasingly providing support for this age-old wisdom. From lowering blood pressure to its impressive antioxidant capabilities to providing support for pregnant women, the benefits of hibiscus tea are enticing people all around the world to try this aromatic, delicious, healthful flower tea.
Health Benefits of Organic Hibiscus Tea
Lowers Blood Pressure
Numerous human studies have indicated that hibiscus tea can significantly lower blood pressure. The sabdariffa extract of Hibiscus has been compared to the drug captopril, and was found to be equally effective. Also, a 2004 study has validated that a daily cup of Hibiscus tea lowers blood pressure by dilating the blood vessels with very minimal side effects.
Immune Against Pregnancy
Hibiscus tea delivers some potential benefits to pregnant women. The flower tea is said to be in high in antioxidants, especially flavonoids. These special compounds helps fighting damage of the cells that may lead to degeneration and disease in the body. Consuming a significant level of antioxidants helps strengthen the immune system and keeps the mother and baby healthy and strong.
Weight Management
Previously, we studied about how antioxidants prevent damage in our bodies — which means that antioxidant is not just beneficial for pregnant women, but also helps with weight loss management. Drinking hibiscus tea every day is a very simple way to add antioxidants to your diet. Check out how hibiscus tea helps in weight loss.
Decreases Cholesterol Diabetes
The herbal tea is quite an effective choice for people with high cholesterol and diabetes, who usually tend to be at increased risk for high blood pressure. Studies have proven that consuming about two cups of hibiscus tea every day helps diabetics lower their blood pressure levels. Furthermore, they provide even more benefits by improving the levels of cholesterol. The flower tea, according to a research, shows that it can increase "the good" (HDL) and decrease "the bad" (LDL) in diabetics patients. More info on how hibiscus tea lowers blood cholesterol.
How To Make Hibiscus Flower Tea?
The key to making a cup of hibiscus tea is to find a strength to your liking.
Bring water (48 ounces) to boil, turn off heat, add three tablespoons of hibiscus flowers and two cinnamon sticks in the boiling water. Cover and steep for ten to twenty minutes.
Pour the tea into the container you desire, add 1/8 cup of sugar to it, an orange slice and serve over ice. You can also garnish every cup of glass with a lemon slice. Find out where to buy hibiscus flower tea.
Video on How to Prepare a Healthy Hibiscus Tea
The post Hibiscus Tea – The Easiest Remedy To Stay Healthy appeared first on Hibiscus Tea.


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Life in the Upper South...
Gray's Inn, also known as Stagecoach Inn, sits near the junction of Highways 181, 79 and 41 just west of Guthrie, Kentucky.
This area is known as "Tiny Town", because of the cluster of gas stations and other businesses around the intersection, I suppose. It's located on the Kentucky - Tennessee state line, and Tennesseans come there to buy Kentucky lottery tickets. (This was true particularly before Tennessee recently started its own state lottery.)
I have learned everything I know about Gray's Inn from the historic marker on the property and from the internet.
The historic marker notes that Gray's Inn was built in 1833 as a stagecoach stop by Major John P. Gray, the man who founded Elkton. The National Park Service adds that the inn served several stage lines. I think it's likely (I am guessing) that stagecoaches from Nashville, Bowling Green, Elkton and Hopkinsville met here.
According to various internet sources, the inn was one of the stops along the Trail of Tears, when the last of the Cherokee Indian lands were seized and the Cherokees were forcibly removed to Oklahoma. We can be sure that if anyone from the group stayed in Gray's Inn, it was the military escorts. The Cherokees would have camped nearby.
It is said that White Path, a Cherokee chief who was near death, drank from the well and blessed its sweet water. He named the well "Utok Amawah" which means "well of sweet water". A few days later at Hopkinsville, KY, White Path died. His grave is located on a small knoll above Little River, across from Belmont Hill, on the site of the Trail of Tears Park in Hopkinsville.
The National Park Service notes that the inn was used as a Civil War hospital, according to local oral tradition. It also provides the following cryptic note: "Possibly birthplace of African blackface minstrel." That statement seems to suggest that early minstrel shows were performed there, and that possibly, this was the first place that they were ever performed.
At any rate, it's a handsome old house and a long and interesting history and tradition is associated with it. It's a reminder that Tiny Town has been a busy crossroads for a long time.
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Revlon ColorStay Makeup for Normal/Dry Skin 30mL - #220 Natural Beige
No beauty kit is complete without a quality foundation! Revlon's best-selling ColorStay makeup delivers demi-matte coverage that lasts all day long, yielding a smooth, flawless finish every time. This ultra lightweight formula has created specifically for normal to dry skin, with hyaluronic acid for optimal hydration and moisture balance.
- Revlon ColorStay Makeup for Normal/Dry Skin 30mL
- Shade: #220 Natural Beige
- Wears for up to 24 hours
- Buildable to full demi-matte coverage
- Smooth, flawless finish
- Hydrating hyaluronic acid
- Lightweight, oil-free formula
- Broad spectrum SPF20 protection
- Pump bottle for mess-free application
- Please note: this product must be used within 24 months of opening
- Country of origin: USA


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Car Accidents
Car accidents are a frequent occurrence on today's busy roads. Accidents of this type can both stressful and time consuming to sort out so it's important to appoint the right legal representive. We operate a No Win No Fee service and can arrange everything from replacement vehicle to compensation and rehabilitation.
Our job as your conveyancing solicitor is to oversee the legal process in either the sale or purchase of your property. Our experienced team of property solicitors will take the stress out of the transaction allowing you to concentrate on the more important things in like moving home.
Work Accidents
Do you know where to turn in the event of accident at work? Your employer has a duty of care to provide you with a safe environment to work in. If you have been involved in an accident at work through no fault of your own, then our legal team are here to help. We can assess your work accident and advise you of both your rights as an employee and any compensation that you may be entitled to.
Medical Negligence
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Sickness And Absence Claims Newcastle
An employee who is absent due to sickness remains an employee until either they resign or the employer dismisses them. Their sickness absence does not affect their entitlement to holiday pay. They are not required to work, but do have a duty to remain contactable by the employer and to keep the employer informed.
An employee who is absent due to sickness remains an employee until either they resign or the employer dismisses them. Their sickness absence does not affect their entitlement to holiday pay. They are not required to work, but do have a duty to remain contactable by the employer and to keep the employer informed.
An employer is entitled to require the employee to notify them by a particular time if they are going to be off sick. An employer is entitled to ask for a self certification form if the employee's sickness lasts more than 3 days and for a doctor's note if it lasts more than 1 week.
If an employee's contract does not provide for them to be paid whilst off sick then they are entitled to Statutory Sick Pay from the 4th day of sickness absence for a period of up to 28 weeks (after which they need to claim Incapacity Benefit). An employer is entitled to seek information from an employee about their sickness and require them to attend meetings (if the employee is well enough to attend a meeting).
If an employee has a disability, the employer should consider whether there are any "reasonable adjustments" which can be made which would enable the employee to return to work. In appropriate cases these might include allowing the employee to work from home or temporarily altering the working hours or allowing a "phased return" to work.
An employee who is off sick can still be dismissed and that dismissal will be fair provided the employer has a fair reason and acts reasonably by following the correct procedure. and in particular dismissal on the grounds of "Capability." To dismiss fairly it is normally necessary for an employee to be invited to a meeting. This should still be done, but in many cases the employee will be unable to attend a meeting. The employer should consider alternatives such as:-
- Postponing the meeting if the employee is likely to be well enough to attend a meeting in the near future.
- Arranging a home visit to meet at the employee's home (this would normally be presented as an option to the employee)
- Allowing the employee to send someone on their behalf to attend the meeting
- Conducting the meeting by way of a telephone call.
An employee who is off sick for a prolonged period of time can be fairly dismissed if they are unlikely to be well enough to return to work within a reasonable time. What amounts to a reasonable time depends on the nature of the job, the specific difficulties encountered by the employer in covering for the absence and the size and administrative resources of the employer. However, even where an employer is easily able to cover the absent employee's work and even where it costs the employer nothing to keep the job open, an employer is not expected to have to keep the job open indefinitely.
In some cases, the employee's sickness absence may have been caused by the employer, for example due to an industrial accident or industrial disease. This does not mean that the employer cannot fairly dismiss, although if the employee is claiming damages for the injury in a Court case they will also be able to claim their loss of employment if they are dismissed. In cases where the sickness absence is caused by the employee's treatment at work, the employer will be expected to investigate this and seek to resolve this before considering dismissal.
An employee who has frequent short term absences can be dismissed fairly even if no one absence would be long enough to justify dismissal on its own. Before an employer can dismiss for this reason the employee needs to be told what level of sickness absence is not acceptable and given the opportunity to improve their sickness absence levels.
The employer should investigate whether or not the employee has a disability. If so, then it might be a "reasonable adjustment" for the employer to discount any sickness absences which are related to that disability. Some employers have a sickness absence management procedure which states the level of sickness absences which can be tolerated and provides a series of warnings to operate if the rate of sickness absence does not improve. The final stage is dismissal. This has the advantage to both parties of making it clear the levels of sickness absence which can be tolerated and the consequences of sickness exceeding those levels.
No Win No Fee
No Win No Fee arrangements (or Conditional Fee Arrangements; CFAs) ensure that if you do not win your accident claim, you do not have to pay your solicitor a fee. Insurance will cover you against the other side's costs and expenses. If you win your no win no fee claim, you should receive your compensation free of any deductions, as your solicitor's costs should be paid by the other side.
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"Sorry mate, I didn't see you."
The words you are likely to hear after an accident involving a motorcycle.
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Posts Tagged 'the'
Fishbowl America Round-Up for July 9th:
- John McCain Kicks Librarian Out of Town Hall Event – From Tuesday's Denver McCain town hall meeting, where a 60-year-old librarian was fined and kicked out for holding a sign that said "McCain=Bush."
- Top Democrat May Back New Offshore Drilling – A top U.S. Democratic senator said in a newspaper interview published Wednesday that he would consider supporting opening up new areas for offshore oil and gas drilling.
- Meet The Obamas – The Obama Family sits down for their first television interview.
- LGBT Adults Read, Respond To More Blogs Than Heterosexuals – According to a recent national survey conducted by Harris Interactive®, gay and lesbian adults online are reading more blogs than their heterosexual counterparts.
- Milestone Gay Film "The Boys in the Band" To Be Released On DVD November 11 – One of the most iconic (and impossible-to-find) films of gay cinema will finally be released on DVD November 11th. The Boys in the Band was released in 1970, and over the years has been both reviled and revered by gay viewers.
- Brea Grant Moves Quickly On "Heroes" – As if Heroes wasn't already one of the most inspired shows on TV: The producers of the hit series have announced that they're adding the gorgeous Brea Grant to the cast for next season. Grant, who you may recognize from her guest spots on Friday Night


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I would like to put up more than I did last year. By putting up more food I will reduce the miles our food travels, I'll know exactly where the food came from and what's in it. This will contribute to a lower food budget and a healthier diet. All good things right?
I have divided my Plan to Preserve into five steps:
- Decide what we would actually eat by looking at my notes from what we put up last year and what we would have used if we had it
- Calculate quantities that we would conceivably consume in a year's time
- Check and see that we have the capacity to can, freeze or store all this bounty
- Make a chronological list of when these foods are ready to preserve
- Put it all together and make a calendar of foods with their quantities and check it every couple weeks as the season progresses to make sure I'm on track
Let's get started.
Step 1: Make a list of what we would eat if I take the time to put it up.
I guess I'm getting a little ahead of myself. First I should look at what I did last year:
5 dozen ears of frozen cut corn (frozen in September gone by November)6 pints of frozen sliced strawberries (we've got 1 pint left in January)
3 pints of frozen wild raspberries (untouched, I think the seeds are throwing me)
8 cups of sour cherries (Put up in June, made into 2 pies for dad over the summer)
8 pints of grape jelly (made in September, mostly gifts we kept 1 quart)
15 meals worth of pesto (put up in August and September, we have 10 left)
12 pints of tomato sauce (using about a half pint a week for pizza sauce)12 quarts of dill pickles (down to 8 quarts)4 quarts of dehydrated cherry tomatoes (3 quarts remaining)
Sweet peppers, frozen choppedI am beginning to wonder if this plan is a little overly ambitious, but that is what the next steps are for; to make sure I have the time, space and jars to put up all this food. Part 2 and Part 3 can be found here.
Apples, dehydrated
Peaches, dehydrated
Dill pickle relish, can
Kale chips, dehydrated
Beet chips, dehydrated
Butternut squash, dry storeGarlic, dry store
Limoncello, Italian lemon liquor
Mustard, can
Enchilada sauce, can
Herbs (Basil, thyme, rosemary, parsley), dehydrate
Apple sauce, canWild Grape Jelly, can
This post was featured on Simple Lives Thursday.


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On January 26, New Delhi will host Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev at the Republic Day celebrations. India and Kazakhstan first established diplomatic relations following the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. Nazarbayev made his first official visit to India in 1992, and in 2002, following his second visit to New Delhi, then Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee attended the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia (CICA) summit in Almaty. At that time, Nazarbayev's efforts in defusing India-Pakistan tension (emanating from the 2001 Parliament attack) were roundly praised. After the defeat of the NDA in the 2004 general elections, contacts between India and Kazakhstan, at the head of state level, have tapered off, until now.
India's strategy towards Central Asian countries has been no different than its strategy towards African nations, and can be only summarized as "playing catch-up with the Chinese". In this new "Great Game" of the century, India is consistently assuming the role of "Johnny-come-lately" to China in Central Asia. Indeed, China already has a fairly robust multi-dimensional relationship with Kazakhstan, as it does with other CIS states, on account of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) membership. Kazakhstan is the largest country in Central Asia and shares borders with Russia, China, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, and Kyrgyzstan. President Nazarbayev is a Soviet-era leader who maintains fairly rigid control of the state, despite it being a democracy, by letter of law. Weary of China and Russia's undue influence in the SCO, Kazakhstan has pitched for a full Indian membership in the council. India's trade with this bludgeoning economy stands at a paltry $128 million (2007), contrasted against China's $6 billion (2005) economic engagement with this Central Asian republic. This idle wasting of time is a shame, considering Kazakhstan's phenomenal economic growth since the 2000s, which includes a staggering average GDP (absolute) growth of 9.5% from 2004-2007.
Kazakhstan's strategic location along the Caspian Sea is hard to overemphasize. The Caspian Sea has the world's third largest oil reserves, by some estimates, containing 200 billion barrels of oil, and 236 trillion cubic feet of proven natural gas reserves. Cognizant of the desperate energy situation in India, Oil and Natural Gas Limited (ONGC) is seeking a 40% share in Kazakhstan's Satpayev oil exploration sector (with Russia's blessing) in the Caspian, after getting outbid by China National Petroleum Corp (CNPC) for the acquisition of the oil company PetroKazakhstan.
However, Nazarbayev's chief mission in New Delhi will be to ink a deal to export uranium, in the wake of the end of "nuclear apartheid" against India. India's own uranium reserves stand at about 115,000 tons, most of which is low grade. Kazakhstan is currently the second largest producer of uranium, producing about 12,000 tons (2008); the country is likely to overtake Australia as the single largest producer of uranium by 2011. For India, inking the nuclear deal is a consummation devoutly to be wished. While nuclear energy constitutes only 3% of our total energy production, this figure will likely increase to 25% by 2050, as India seeks to reduce its reliance on "dirty" coal. India has already inked similar deals with Canada and France.
India should also continue to boost cooperation with Kazakhstan on the regional security front. The Kazakhs have expressed a desire to establish a naval fleet to guard its interests in the Caspian. They have looked to India for assistance and we have been happy to oblige, much to the chagrin of Russia. As I will point out in a later article, India's engagement with Central Asia is going to ruffle feathers in Moscow and put us at odds with Russia; as a country with growing economic and political clout, India must at once expect this to happen, and at the same time not be hindered in our quest to establish new alliances despite the grievances/protests of our old allies.
Yet another important dimension of engagement on security should be partnering on intelligence gathering and counter-terrorism issues. Uyghur warriors, many of whom come from Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, have been fighting Chinese rule in Xianjing province. Although present on a smaller scale, there is a growing component of Uyghur and Uzbek fighters in Osama bin Laden's International Islamic Front (IIF) terror umbrella; that many of these fighters have seen action against Pakistani forces in South Waziristan should be a matter of interest to India.
India's growing population and economy need sustainable sources of energy — the problem of inadequate power supply is already acute, and will likely get worse if remedial measures aren't taken and alternative sources aren't identified posthaste. In doing so however, both India and Kazakhstan need to not neglect other equally important areas of mutual interest. In this regard, our very one-sided, military dominated relationship with Russia should serve a reminder on how not to go about forging new partnerships.


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Penner, Martin (1849-1928)
Martin Penner: minister and farmer; born on 25 November 1849 in Margenau, Molotschna Colony, Russia, to Peter and Katharina (Rempel) Penner. He was the second of five brothers born to his father's second wife. Martin was baptized on 24 October 1871 and married Aganetha B. Toews (1854-1928), daughter of Peter W. and Aganetha (Barkman) Toews, on 11 December 1871 in Rosenfeld, Borosenko, Russia. The couple had thirteen children, ten of whom lived to adulthood. The Penners left Russia for Canada in July 1874.
Martin grew up in a large family. His father married five times and had 25 children, only twelve of whom lived to adulthood. Martin was 6 years old when his mother died, but he soon had a new stepmother to look after him. When Martin married Aganetha Toews at age 22, his father had already married for the fourth time.
Aganetha grew up in the same area as Martin and his siblings. In the late 1860s, both the Penner and Toews families moved to Rosenfeld in the Borosenko area, and Martin and Aganetha were neighbours for some years. They married on 11 December 1871 and settled on a farm in Rosenfeld. Their first child, a daughter, was born in 1872 but died the next year.
As political conditions in Russia threatened the Mennonites' privileges, many Mennonites began to consider emigration. Martin and Aganetha's fathers, Peter W. Toews and Peter Penner, were involved in helping the Rosenfeld villagers sell their property in preparation for the move. They settled in Blumenort, Manitoba (East Reserve), Canada in 1874 .
Martin Penner and his family were among the second group of Kleine Gemeinde immigrants to arrive in Manitoba. Martin filed for two homesteads, one in 1874 and the second in 1878, but the family lived in the village of Blumenort. There, Martin established a sawmill, using his father's steam engine for power. He also became involved in the community, serving on the local school board.
Martin bought a large plot of land to farm in the Greenland area, near Ste. Anne, Manitoba in 1891. They did well on their new land, and soon the farm was one of the largest in the community.
Besides his work as a farmer and businessman, Martin was a devout member in the Mennonite church. In 1881 he experienced a conversion experience as a result of John Holdeman's revival meetings, was baptized into the Church of God in Christ Mennonite, and elected as a minister weeks later in 1882. He travelled from congregation to congregation, preaching, visiting in homes and overseeing the work of the church. He also wrote theological articles for the church paper, the Botschafter der Wahrheit. In 1928, Aganetha's health began to fail, and she died on 26 June 1928. A little over a month later, Martin died 38 days later, on 6 August 1928 in Greenland, Manitoba.
Martin Penner was a dedicated farmer and a committed minister.
Penner, John G. "Rev. Martin Penner (1849-1928), Greenland." Preservings No. 11 (December 1997): 85-87.
GRANDMA (The Genealogical Registry and Database of Mennonite Ancestry) Database, 5.03 ed. Fresno, CA: California Mennonite Historical Society, 2007: #5783.
|Susan Huebert
|Date Published
Cite This Article
MLA style
Huebert, Susan. "Penner, Martin (1849-1928)." Global Anabaptist Mennonite Encyclopedia Online. 2007. Web. 13 Jul 2020. https://gameo.org/index.php?title=Penner,_Martin_(1849-1928)&oldid=118587.
APA style
Huebert, Susan. (2007). Penner, Martin (1849-1928). Global Anabaptist Mennonite Encyclopedia Online. Retrieved 13 July 2020, from https://gameo.org/index.php?title=Penner,_Martin_(1849-1928)&oldid=118587.
©1996-2020 by the Global Anabaptist Mennonite Encyclopedia Online. All rights reserved.


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The self-described "king of all media" is the top choice of "American Idol" producers to replace Simon Cowell, according to a report.
The New York Post claims Howard Stern is in negotiations to replace Cowell, who is leaving the show in 2011.
Stern's current contract with Sirius XM Radio is due to expire next January, and he has hinted on his show that he is open to other offers.
Local news from across Southern California
The Post quoted a source connected to the hit TV show, as saying "Idol" bosses think Stern would be even nastier than Cowell.
But apparently the shock jock is not ready to jump ship from Sirius just yet.
He is reportedly reluctant to commit to a TV show that would require him to tour the country as a judge and spend a good part of the year in Los Angeles.
Stern currently has a $100 million a year contract with Sirius XM, while Cowell was paid $50 million a year as an "Idol" judge.
If Stern does go on "Idol," he would join new judge Ellen DeGeneres and returning judges Kara DioGuardi and Randy Jackson.
Thus far, comments from show fans to websites running the Stern-Idol story have been anything but positive.
One told the Los Angeles Times' blog that Stern would be like fingernails on a chalkboard. Another claimed he would be too nasty and crass for mainstream America.
And while some claimed it would be a good move, most of the comments from people who swore they would no longer watch the show if Stern moved into a judge's seat.


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Will the nation's fledgling biodiesel industry be forced to shut down when most of the country is returning to work from the holidays on Jan. 4?
That's a real possibility if Congress doesn't act to extend the biodiesel tax incentive before its scheduled expiration date of Dec. 31, according to biodiesel industry supporters such as the National Biodiesel Board and the American Soybean Association.
The NBB and ASA have been urging their members and supporters of biofuels to contact their senators and representatives to ask them to extend the biodiesel tax credit beyond the current expiration date.
"It is imperative that Congress extend the incentive before adjourning for the year," the American Soybean Association said in an Action Alert distributed to members Dec. 16. ASA asked members to support legislation introduced by Sens. Charles Grassley, R-Iowa, and Marian Cantwell, D-Wash., to renew the $1 per gallon credit.
ASA and National Biodiesel Board leaders had asked congressional supporters to include the legislation in the Department of Defense Appropriations bill. But the latter was passed by Congress without such an amendment.
Grassley accused the Obama administration and Democratic congressional leaders of failing to back up their rhetoric in support of "green" jobs.
"It seems like nearly everyone in the administration is touting the benefits of green jobs and a clean energy economy," he said. "It's astonishing, then, that this Congress will head home for the holidays while thousands of green energy workers receive pink slips and furloughs."
The biodiesel tax credit is essential in maintaining the competitiveness of this clean-burning, domestically produced green fuel, supporters say. The tax credit exists to offset the higher cost of producing biodiesel compared to petroleum diesel. Without the tax credit, petroleum marketers will be unwilling to purchase the more expensive biodiesel, and demand will vanish.
"In 2008, the biodiesel industry supported more than 51,000 green jobs," Grassley said in a speech on the Senate floor. "Because of the downturn in the economy and the credit crisis, the biodiesel industry has already shed 29,000 green jobs."
ASA and NBB officials said the loss in revenue from extending the tax incentive will have little impact on the federal budget deficit or tax revenues since many biodiesel facilities will be shuttered if the credit expires.
"Since it was enacted in 2004, the biodiesel tax incentive has allowed the nation to reap the economic, energy security and environmental benefits associated with commercial scale production and use of biodiesel," said Manning Feraci, an NBB vice president. "Allowing the credit to lapse will compound the already daunting challenges facing the industry."
On the farmer side, failure to renew the biodiesel tax incentive could reduce prices paid for soybeans by 25 cents or more per bushel.
Cantwell and Grassley's bill is S. 1589, the Biodiesel Tax Incentive Reform and Extension Act of 2009. The bill would extend the credit for five years and restructure it as a production excise tax credit. Congressmen Earl Pomeroy, D-N.D., and John Shimkus, R-Ill., have also introduced H.R. 4070 in the House.
"As time is running out on the Congressional calendar, Congress is also considering legislation that would provide a one-year extension of the existing biodiesel tax incentive," the ASA said. "Either way, a strong show of support is necessary if we are going to successfully extend the biodiesel tax incentive beyond the end of this year."
Proponents say there's little doubt about what will happen in the industry if the credit goes away.
"Without an extension of the tax credit, all U.S. biodiesel production will grind to a halt," said Grassley. "No one should be surprised by the upcoming expiration of this tax credit. It was extended most recently in October of 2008. So, we've known for 14 months that it would need to be extended by the end of 2009."
Democratic leaders of Congress apparently believe they can extend the tax provisions retroactively sometime early next year. "But retroactivity doesn't help the U.S. biodiesel market from grinding to a halt on Jan. 1, because without the incentive, biodiesel will cost much more than petroleum diesel."
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WASHINGTON, May 9 (UPI) -- Burt Bacharach and Hal David received the Gershwin Prize in Washington Wednesday in recognition of their decades-long songwriting collaboration.
Bacharach and David -- whose hit songs include "Do You Know the Way to San Jose," "Walk on By" and "(There's) Always Something There to Remind Me" -- join previous Gershwin recipients Paul Simon, Stevie Wonder and Paul McCartney in receiving the honor for their lifetime achievement. The Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song is named for George and Ira Gershwin, brothers who wrote American songbook classics such as "I Got Rhythm," "But Not for Me" and "Embraceable You," as well as the opera "Porgy and Bess."
David, 90, was unable to travel to Washington for the presentation due to a recent stroke, The Washington Post reported. Bacharach, 83, was there to hear a roster of artists, including Wonder, Sheryl Crow, Lyle Lovett, Michael Feinstein, Mike Myers and Diana Krall, perform some of their hits.
President Barack Obama presented the award to Bacharach and David's wife Eunice during the latest in a series of cultural events titled "In Performance at the White House."
"Even though Hal cannot be here with us, this celebration is for him," the president said.
"Burt and Hal racked up Grammys and Oscars and have been honored by numerous lifetime achievement awards," Obama said.
"And today, more than 55 years after their first songs hit the airwaves, these guys have still got it. Alicia Keys and John Legend are recording their songs. Burt is appearing on 'American Idol' and 'Dancing with the Stars.' And in 2004, Burt and Hal worked with Twista, Kanye West, and Jamie Foxx to get back to No. 1 with a slow jam medley," the president said to laughter from the audience in the East Room. "So these guys can work with anybody."
"In Performance at the White House -- Burt Bacharach & Hal David: The Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song" is scheduled to air May 21 on PBS.


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Another great recipe from Linda Weeks.
Try these easy treats that are perfect for any summertime event.
Cheese Krispies
6 ounces sharp cheddar cheese
1 stick margarine
1 cup all purpose flour
1/2 cup self rising flour
1 cup rice krispies
In a large saucepan over low heat, melt margarine and cheese together. Remove from heat and add flour. Mix thoroughly. The mixture will be stiff. Add rice krispies. Mix well. Roll into small balls and place on a cookie sheet lined with parchment. Bake at 325 degrees for 14-15 minutes. Let cool. Enjoy with fresh fruit or a bowl of chili.


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Thank you Aline for sharing your brilliant dissection and expert analysis of songs in what I agree is by far one of the greatest soundtracks of our times!
Lagaan… The sheer sound of the word expresses the substance and the magnitude of Ashutosh Gowariker's film, and truth be said, the soundtrack is as magnificent as the viewing experience.
Yes, thunder never sounded so human and humans never sounded so thunderous. The opening Ghanan Ghanan sets the tone for the film plot as clouds start to gather much to the joy of Champaner villagers, while an all-star rainbow of vocal hues makes its appearance on the music canvas: Alka Yagnik's smoothness, Udit Narayan's radiance, Sukhwinder Singh's warmth, Shankar Mahadevan's poignancy, Shaan's zest. Considering myself a voice maniac, I never tire of savoring this song as a particularly luscious treat. However, concentrating solely on the voices would be a pity. Ghanan Ghanan also introduces a playful dafli, a droning synth, pounding drums and crystalline strings. This is the next best experience to actually feeling rain droplets falling on our ears!
Following such a magnificent opening, a rhythmic Mitwa progressively conveys courage and hope through the growing and exuberant use of bass drums, a deliciously folksy violin, a subtle ghatam and the lively use of wind instruments, an ektara and synth strings. Alka Yagnik's deep voice and Udit Narayan's uplifting timbre accurately reflect the song's mood, adding strength to the respective scene in the film.
Radha Kaise na Jale is a particularly eloquent example of how A. R. Rahman's orchestration talent can make listeners travel through time and space. With eyes closed, where else could this song take us? Well… the countryside, during Holi of course, where Krishna, Radha and the beautiful Gopis dance with the birds whistling in the background. Asha Bhosle's teasing vocals particularly shine against bells galore, tabla, dandiya stick and a flute that guides her through the song, culminating the lovers' mischievous interaction with a beautiful display of bhimpalasi raga.
O Rey Chhori features the film's main trio, each singing their respective declarations of love and I must confess that I have rarely found a musical love triangle so interesting. The song's forte lies in the transitions between an Eastern upbeat theme strewn with the sound of dry bells and light drums and a Western honey-sweet tune, complete with harp, violins and operatic voices. Javed Akhtar's lyrics are equally expressive in both languages, with a noteworthy portrayal of Elizabeth's romantic fantasies, making Vasundhara Das' transparent interludes blend in beautifully with the main couple's sweet talk.
What is left to be said of Chale Chalo, a classic that is capable of stirring the blood of any listener throughout the world, regardless of whether they understand Javed Akhtar's otherwise brilliant lyrics? Humming, stomping, snapping, clapping, banging… even the cello and the dulcimer sound like percussions, chiming in to build up the Lagaan team spirit. The catchy song curiously seems to echo what the epic Lagaan film making experience must have been by reflecting the powerful magic of a joint belief in one goal, with A.R. Rahman himself giving this hymn its main voice.
The album suddenly moves into a softer note, mirroring Elizabeth's prior declaration of love with a brief Waltz for a Romance. The track sounds exceptionally authentic, making us reminisce some of Hollywood's most memorable Western classical and baroque-style film compositions.
The previous Western track gives way to its Indian counterpart as A.R. Rahman's talent for devotional songs gives birth to the gem O Paalaanhare. Lata Mangeshkar is a brilliant choice for the song, given the purity of her voice. (The version of the song in the film includes Sadhana Sargam providing vocals for Gauri.) The bhajan builds up softly with a measured use of the tabla, cymbals and temple bells, ultimately falling into Udit Narayan's soulful rendition of part of the Lagaan theme chorus. The moving melody elevates the soul in prayer, leading the listener to sympathize with the villagers' plea.
The Lagaan main theme crowns this scintillating soundtrack with a perfect mix of grandeur and serenity… of East and West combined. I have no qualms in saying that I believe this track somehow captures the universal essence of music itself. Its brain stimulating melody, the combination of seemingly improbable instruments together in the same piece (sitar, cymbals and church organ, anyone?) nevertheless achieving amazing harmony... It is simply magnificent. R. Prassana's spine tingling string arrangements deserve a special mention as they transport the listener to unprecedented heights. Anuradha Sriram's voice gently brings us back to tranquility with her earthy and melodious hum, closing an absolutely monumental soundtrack.
The film Lagaan: Once upon a Time in India was certainly meant to become a landmark in Indian cinema. The challenge of composing an equally brilliant music was successfully achieved when the Mozart of Madras concocted this "sound feast". Lagaan's music contributed to make the film shine and vice versa, therefore both the film and its music are bound to continue gathering applause from viewers and listeners alike, regardless of their cultural and musical background. This timeless tour de force by A.R. Rahman and his outstanding musical team (a special mention to the late H. Sridhar, sound engineer, who worked not only on the soundtrack but on the film's sound in general) may be put up there with the very best soundtracks of all time, even several years after its release.
Thank you deeply theBollywoodFan for creating this brilliant space and for allowing me the opportunity to contribute to it.


text:
There was (and still is) a weird quirk with the success of Android. Despite dominating the market share battle with Apple, it was still behind Apple in web traffic usage for years.
According to the latest data from Pingdom, that's no longer the case. Android is safely beating Apple in smartphone web traffic market share. For Apple, this is yet another depressing chart showing that it's been smoked by Google's smartphone operating system.
However, before Google does too big a victory dance, there's one thing worth noting. Android is 37 percent of smartphone web traffic, but its overall sales market share is closer to 65 percent worldwide. So, there is clearly still a big gap between purchases and usage for Google that it needs to address.
Source : Business Insider SAI February 2013


text:
The German playmaker produced another subdued display in the 5-1 trashing at Liverpool on Saturday, when he again drifted in and out of the match.
Some Gunners fans and pundits alike are starting to become impatient with the 25-year-old, who arrived from Real Madrid in a much-heralded £42.5million deal on deadline day in September 2013.
Ozil's last eight appearances have returned only two assists and no goals.
However, Wenger is in no doubt the midfielder has all the qualities needed to develop his game in the Barclays Premier League, with another stage set to showcase his talents on Wednesday night when Manchester United come to the Emirates Stadium.
"Ozil feels the pressure of course, because he knows a lot is expected when you are a big transfer
There is a big expectation level, but he should not worry about that, just play in the team and enjoy it, give his best
That is the best way to deal with it," said Wenger.
"But on the other hand, you must say he doesn't come from a small club - he comes from Real Madrid where the pressure is always huge as well, so he is used to it."
Ozil, of course, is not the first player who might need time to adapt to the hustle and bustle of the English top flight, and Wenger stressed everyone must be patient.
"He thinks it is more physical here for sure and he works on his body strength to deal with it," said the Arsenal boss.
"He needs understanding, because he always wants to do well.
"He is not a guy who doesn't care, his style can sometimes look like that, but he is really the opposite character.
"He cares about the game, he wants to do well and needs more support."
Ozil marked his arrival with a superb strike in the Champions League win over Napoli at the Emirates Stadium on October 1, but has not found the net since early December, which is now some 11 appearances ago.
Wenger accepts that is an area where the German could sharpen up.
"You want the guy who plays behind the striker to score some goals and sometimes he is too obsessed with making the perfect pass when he could take a shot at goal," he said.
"(He can improve) by practising on it and convincing him by showing him situations where he can shoot more, and he will do that."
While debate over Ozil's form continues to be centre stage, Wenger maintains "we have not to be focused on one player" as Arsenal look to respond against an indifferent United side.
Defeat at Anfield on Saturday lunchtime saw the Gunners later knocked off the top of the table by Chelsea, although title rivals Manchester City also dropped points in a goalless draw at Norwich.
"It is a good opportunity four days later to respond straight away and that is what we want to do," Wenger said.
"After that I can talk and talk and talk, but it is action that will decide."
Source : PA
Source: PA


text:
Annozilla 0.3.5 released
Annozilla 0.3.5 is released, mainly for compatibility with Mozilla 1.2 beta, but I encourage all users of 0.3 releases to upgrade, as it fixes a bug whereby some annotations would sometimes not be displayed.
This release is not compatible with Phoenix; this is expected to be (partially) addressed in the forthcoming 0.4 release.
Countdown to 0.4
Here's a list of what needs to be done before releasing Annozilla 0.4:
This is the the Annozilla project, designed to view and create annotations associated with a web page, as defined by the W3C Annotea project. The idea is to store annotations as RDF on a server, using XPointer (or at least XPointer-like constructs) to identify the region of the document being annotated.
The intention of Annozilla is to use Mozilla's native facilities to manipulate annotation data - its built-in RDF handling to parse the annotations, and nsIXmlHttpRequest to submit data when creating annotations.
To use Annozilla, you will need to install the code, get set up with a user account with an annotation server (e.g., the W3C test server), and then you should be ready to go.
You can also see some screenshots - examples of Annozilla in action, and its integration with Mozilla. Currently there are screenshots for either the current released version, or the proposed new version which will be included in the forthcoming 0.4 release.
Please use the bug reporting mechanism or the mailing list to discuss Annozilla.


text:
Olive bread swirls
Nutrition and extra info
- Freezable
Nutrition: per serving
- kcal258
- fat10g
- saturates1g
- carbs38g
- sugars1g
- fibre3g
- protein6g
- salt1.05g
- 500g strong white flour, plus extra for rolling
Flour is usually made from grinding wheat, maize, rye, barley or rice. As the main…
- 1 tsp salt
- 7g sachet easy-blend dried yeast
Yeast is a living, single-cell organism. As the yeast grows, it converts its food (in the form…
- 6 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, plus a little for brushing
- small bunch of basil
Most closely associated with Mediterranean cooking but also very prevalent in Asian food, the…
- 170g pitted black olives (about 200g unpitted weight)
- 1 garlic clove, crushed
- 4 tinned anchovies (optional)
Silver, slender salty little fish found mainly around the Black Sea and the Pacific and Atlantic…
- 50g pitted green olives
In a large bowl, mix the flour, salt, yeast, 1 tbsp olive oil and 300ml warm water, to make a soft dough. Knead by hand for 10 mins or with the dough hook in a food processor or mixer for 5 mins. Put the dough back in the cleaned out mixing bowl, then cover the bowl with oiled cling film. Leave to rise for an hr in a warm place until doubled in size.
Meanwhile, make the filling. Discard any tough basil stalks (leave tender ones on) and put in a mini food processor or hand blender beaker with the black olives. Add 4 tbsp olive oil, the garlic and the anchovies, if using. Whizz to a rough paste.
Heat oven to 220C/200C fan/gas 7. Line a shallow baking tin about 30 x 20cm with non-stick paper. On a floured worktop, roll out the dough to a rectangle roughly 30 x 40cm. Spread the olive paste all over and arrange the whole green olives in a line down one of the short edges. Roll up the dough like a Swiss roll, starting at the short olive-encrusted end to make a sausage shape.
Cut the dough into 12 slices, then carefully lift each one into the tin, to make 4 rows of 3 swirl shapes. Lightly brush all over with the remaining olive oil. Loosely cover with cling film, then leave to rise for 20 mins or so, until slightly puffed up and filling the tin. Cook for 20-25 mins until golden, then leave to cool in the tin.
Recipe Tip
Getting to the partyMake the bread swirls up to 24 hours ahead and store at room temperature, or make up to two months ahead and freeze in a plastic freezer bag. Defrost before serving. Transport them, in the tin, covered with cling film. Warm for 10 mins in a 200C/180C fan/gas 6 oven.


text:
A Variance permits variation from specific standards contained in the Mono County General Plan. Variances are issued by the Planning Commission in cases where an applicant can clearly demonstrate that special circumstances – other than financial hardship – related to the property deprive the property owner of privileges enjoyed by others in the vicinity and in an identical land use designation. Special circumstances are typically related to the property's physical characteristics such as its size, shape, topography or surroundings. A variance shall not be granted for uses or activities not permitted in the vicinity or in an identical land use designation (see Mono County General Plan Land Use Element, Chapter 33 and Government Code § 65906).
The timeframe for processing depends on the level of environmental review required. Projects Categorically Exempt under the California Environmental Quality Act can be processed in one to two months, while those requiring a Negative Declaration or Environmental Impact Report (EIR) will take longer. The average variance process takes three months.


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Go Back To: Introduction
ESPN's Steve Phillips recently wrote an article about how the Reds could build a new Big Red Machine. While I appreciate his efforts, his article consisted of simply shifting around the MLB roster to create a more talented team. However, in this day and age, building a sustainable dynasty will by and large be accomplished through decisions that do not involve the make-up of the 25-man roster. There is so much that goes on below the surface of an MLB team, that the 25 man MLB roster is really just the tip of the iceberg. The substance is under the surface and not easily seen.
While I certainly didn't agree with Phillips' take on rebuilding the Reds, I do enjoy the topic, so I thought I'd take on the task of rebuilding the Big Red Machine myself. Let's see if I can put together a slightly more insightful plan than the esteemed Mr. Phillips.
Lessons Gleaned from the MLB "Cold War"
I recently read an article about the Yankees and Red Sox and how they were running their ball clubs. Suffice it to say, I was pretty well blown away. The Yankees and Red Sox like to talk about themselves as "Nations" for marketing purposes. The new push for the "Red Sox Nation" and the Yankees contention that they are essentially America's Team" are examples of how they want their organizations to be viewed by the public. However, a closer look reveals that this is NOT how they view their OWN organizations.
The front offices of the Yankees and Red Sox do not view their teams as nations, but rather as Multi-National Corporations. These two organizations view themselves as Global Brands and they are running their business in that spirit. Judging by the strategic moves they have undertaken to position themselves in the market, these two teams are playing for keeps. If other teams want to remain competitive on the field, then they'll have to step up to the plate off the field.
In that spirit, let's look at how we can begin to build a new Big Red Machine in a few "easy" steps.
Step 1: Establish a Team Owned Regional Sports Network, which is Essential to Build the Brand and Increase the Revenue Stream.
A significant portion of a team's revenue is generated by its local television contracts. In the usual scenario, a team will sell the broadcast rights to its games to a cable channel, who will then have the sole right to broadcast the games to the local public. The cable channel will then sell advertising during the games to recoup their investment. Under this scenario, the revenue garnered by the team from selling the broadcast rights is subject to revenue sharing.
So, if the team sells the rights for $50M, then a portion of that is paid to MLB where it is pooled together and divided out into equal shares for distribution to all 30 MLB teams. That way, all teams benefit to a certain extent from the Yankees massive local television revenue. While this provision has had a significant impact on the small market teams, it has also had some ancillary effects. Like any business, the BoSox and Yanks are not fond of having to give up some of their revenue to their competitors. Accordingly, they are now constantly searching for new revenue streams that are not subject to the revenue sharing provisions of MLB.
However, some teams have found a new way to increase revenue from local broadcasts without a corresponding increase in revenue sharing. These teams have now begun to buy and run their own regional sports networks, which generate additional revenue for the team that should outpace the additional costs that come with it. Nine different teams have gone this route, including the Yankees (32% of YES), Mets (66% of SNY), Red Sox (80% of NESN), Orioles (88% of MASN), Indians (100% of SportsTime Ohio), Cubs (25% of Comcast SportsTime Chicago), White Sox (15% of Comcast SportsTime Chicago), Nationals (12% of MASN), and Giants (25% of FSN Bay Area).
For MLB financial purposes, these broadcast companies are treated as separate entities from the team. As such, the team still nominally sells the broadcast rights to its broadcast company and the revenue earned from the sale of those rights is still subject to revenue sharing. However, all other revenue generated by the team owned cable channel is NOT subject to revenue sharing. Accordingly, instead of the cable channel selling advertising during the games, the team now sells advertising time during the game and all revenue generated from advertising sales is kept free and clear of revenue sharing. In addition, the team could also sell advertising during non-game programming, which is additional revenue garnered from owning the network.
Benefits to the Reds of Having their Own Regional Sports Network
In addition to these immediate revenue benefits, the team would also benefit from the ability to build the Cincinnati Reds brand. If the team owns the channel, then they are free to create 24 hour a day Reds programming. Televise old Big Red Machine games, interview current players, show the ballpark and the surrounding communities, develop kids programming, showing instructional programs that teach the fundamentals, etc. The possibilities seem endless. It's difficult to imagine a better tool for building fan loyalty and bringing in new fans than a 24-hour a day Reds channel. By creating an outlet solely for the Reds, the team could really ignite the passion of the fan base and increase interest in the organization, both of which would only help with ticket sales and ratings for telecasts.
While the difference in population means that the Reds television network would never be as successful financially as the YES network, there would still seem to be a real opportunity to increase the revenue flow and create a stronger financial foundation on which to build the baseball team. In addition, the Reds could strengthen loyalty among existing fans and tap into that segment of the market consisting of non-fans. Starting their own network would likely increase revenue to the organization and help the Reds develop the team brand.
Final Thoughts
Despite all the talk about the curse, the Red Sox have really only been cursed by mismanagement over the years. However, that's all changed, as the Red Sox now have very savvy management in place, who have built a foundation for the organization that is as solid as the Rock of Gibraltar. They are very sound financially and they use their solid financial position to acquire a consistent flow of revenue to support the MLB roster. They can readily convert their substantial revenue stream into assets to help them win at the MLB level. As it stands, they have waves of talent in the minors just waiting to roll up to the majors. This enables them to better survive bad contracts, injuries, or the aging of the team, as they are always ready to bring up more youthful, cost controlled talent.
Establishing a strong financial foundation is a big key in building a sustainable dynasty, which is why the Reds should invest in their own television network. That would be a very strong first step towards improve their chances at having a consistent winner in Cincinnati.
Go To: Step 2


text:
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Democrats are using one of Barack Obama's strong suits, that voters believe he understands the problems of ordinary people, to trump his weakest suit, the economy.
Michelle Obama played those cards with force in a speech declaring that after four years as president, her husband is still the man who drove a rust-bucket on early dates, rescued a coffee table from the trash and knows the struggles of everyday Americans because he lived them in full.
"I have seen firsthand that being president doesn't change who you are, it reveals who you are," the first lady said to lusty cheers Tuesday night in a deeply personal, yet unmistakably political testimonial highlighting the Democratic National Convention's opening night.
Bill Clinton, the last president to preside over sustained economic growth and a balanced budget, gets the star turn Wednesday night in a speech placing Obama's name into nomination — a high point in a checkered relationship between two men who sparred, sometimes sharply, in the 2008 primaries, when Clinton was supporting wife Hillary's campaign for the nomination.
Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney, the career venture capitalist, appeared nowhere in Mrs. Obama's remarks. But there was no mistaking the contrast she was drawing when she laid out certain values, "that how hard you work matters more than how much you make, that helping others means more than just getting ahead yourself."
Such subtleties were otherwise missing from the stage as speaker after speaker teed up to take a strip off Romney and the Republicans, answering the catcalls of last week's GOP convention in kind. The party's up-and-coming Julian Castro, mayor of San Antonio, Texas, captured the tone in branding Romney a millionaire "who doesn't get it." Said former Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland, "If Mitt was Santa Claus, he'd fire the reindeer and outsource the elves."
Polling gives Obama a consistent advantage over Romney as the more empathetic and in-touch leader. But the sputtering economy is the topmost voter concern and Obama's highest mountain to climb after more than 42 months of unemployment surpassing 8 percent, the longest such stretch since the end of World War II. No president since the Great Depression has been re-elected with joblessness so high.
A new report found manufacturing activity declined for a third straight month. The Treasury Department announced Tuesday that the government's debt passed $16 trillion. And the latest unemployment report, coming Friday, offers more potential fodder for Romney's case against his rival's stewardship unless it shows marked improvement. The GOP candidate took a few days' hiatus from the campaign trail, preparing in Vermont for three fall debates with Obama that could prove pivotal in this close election.
Recalling life before Washington, Mrs. Obama spoke of the "guy who'd picked me up for our dates in a car that was so rusted out, I could actually see the pavement going by through a hole in the passenger-side door." She described a marriage of kindred spirits, both from humble roots, and said the president's work on health care, college loans and more all come from that experience. "These issues aren't political" for him, she said. "They're personal."
"Barack knows what it means when a family struggles," she said. "He knows what it means to want something more for your kids and grandkids."
The first lady took the stage as the most popular figure in this year's presidential campaign. Michelle Obama earns higher favorability ratings than her husband, Romney, his wife, Ann, or either candidate for the vice presidency, according to the latest Associated Press-GfK poll. And views of Mrs. Obama tilt favorably among independents and women, two focal points in her husband's campaign for re-election.
Obama watched his wife's address back in Washington, two nights before his own convention-closing speech in the 74,000-seat Bank of America stadium, if uncertain weather permits the outdoor venue. He closed a pre-convention tour of battleground states in Norfolk, Va., dispensing a case of White House-brewed beer at a fire station and summoning a crowd at Norfolk State University to resist apathy and make sure to vote.
Republicans are "counting on you, maybe not to vote for Romney, but they're counting on you to feel discouraged," he said. "And they figure if you don't vote, then big oil will write our energy future, and insurance companies will write our health care plans, and politicians will dictate what a woman can or can't do when it comes to her own health."
Romney-bashing was the order of the night in Charlotte.
"Trust comes from transparency and Mitt Romney comes up short on both," stated Senate leader Harry Reid. The Nevada senator darkly surmised that "we can only imagine what secrets would be revealed" if the wealthy Republican candidate released years of his tax returns. But, notably, Reid dropped his unsubstantiated claim that Romney had avoided years of tax liability.
Democrats roared when the late Sen. Edward M. Kennedy was shown mocking Romney in their 1994 Senate race. "On the issue of choice, I am pro-choice, my opponent is multiple choice," the late senator said as cheers grew louder. Romney once supported abortion rights, now opposes them, and has been criticized as a flip-flopper on a number of issues.
Castro, the first Hispanic chosen to deliver a keynote address, recalled Romney's support for mandatory health insurance when he was governor of Massachusetts, and his opposition to that federal mandate in Obama's health care law. "Gov. Romney has undergone an extreme makeover, and it ain't pretty," he said.
In convention floor interviews, delegates said Obama had made a clear difference in their lives over four years.
Wisconsin delegate Kaeleen Ringberg said the president's health care law extended her insurance and student loan aid kept her debt manageable. "I just graduated from college — I'm 23 — and I can stay on my parents' health insurance for another three years while I try and make my way in the world," she said. "That has helped me a lot, brought me a lot of security. I might not get a good-paying job for a while, but at least I have my health insurance."
Woodward reported from Washington. Associated Press writers Jennifer Agiesta and Jack Gillum in Washington, Matthew Daly in Norfolk, Va., Steve Peoples in Ohio, Kasie Hunt in Vermont, , Thomas Beaumont in Des Moines, Iowa, and Ken Thomas, Matt Michaels and Jim Kuhnhenn in Charlotte contributed.
Mrs. Obama: Husband knows what struggle means
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Democrats are using one of Barack Obama's strong suits, that voters believe he understands the problems of ordinary people, to trump his weakest suit, the economy.


text:
I hope this isn't too Edgy.
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text:
RECIPE OF THE WEEK – Spooky Punch
RECIPE OF THE WEEK – Spooky Punch
For the ice cubes:
2 packages gummy bear worms
1 (32-ounce) container cranberry juice
For the shrunken head straws:
6 plastic drinking straws
6 pitted prunes
18 whole cloves
1 cup white chocolate chips
1/4 cup sweetened flake coconut
For the punch:
3 (12-ounce) bottles strawberry smoothies
2 quarts orange juice
3 cans lemon/lime soda
For the ice cubes:
Stick 1 gummy worm in each cube, with half of the worm hanging out. Pour cranberry juice into the ice cube trays. Place in freezer 2 hours before mixing the punch.
For the shrunken head straws:
Push a straw up through the center of 1 prune where the pit used to be, so it sits one-third of the way down the straw. Repeat with remaining prunes.
In a small bowl melt the white chocolate chips in the microwave for 45 second at 15-second intervals stirring between intervals. Take 12 cloves and dip the round ends into the melted chocolate. Place on a plate lined with waxed paper and allow chocolate to set about 15 minutes.
Meanwhile using a small brush or toothpick coat the top part of each prune with melted white chocolate. Carefully sprinkle the coconut on top of the white chocolate to resemble hair. Repeat with the remaining prunes.
Stick 2 white chocolate-coated cloves into each prune to create 2 eyes. Place 1 undipped clove into each prune under the eyes to resemble a nose.
For the punch:
Pour the strawberry smoothies, the orange juice and the lemon/lime soda into a large punch bowl and stir.
Take the gummy worm ice cubes out of the freezer, and add half of them to the punch. Place remaining cubes into glasses and fill each glass with punch using a ladle.
Recipe courtesy of Sandra Lee, 2008
Read more at: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/sandra-lee/spooky-punch-recipe.html?oc=linkback


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Chief Keef Celebrates His Daughter Kay Kay's 1st Birthday
Chief Keef's debut album "Finally Rich" in stores today
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