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Cookie Policy for Tottering-by-Gently
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Cookies help us plan the content and layout of our site and recognise returning visitors that have been to our site before. They therefore play an important role in helping us to enhance the usability and performance of our site to improve your visits.
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More Info
Provato PR-208 Performance Touring
- Part Number: 24635019
- Service Description: 88 V
- Sidewall: BW
- Load Range: B (4 Ply)
- Treadlife Warranty: 50000 miles
- Type: Passenger
Out of Stock
Our inventory changes frequently so please check back soon.
Some tires may be discontinued and not available.
Don't worry, we have more tires in this size. OutOfStock $0 View all P195/60R-15 Tires
Provato PR-208 Performance Touring Overview
The PR-208 Performance Touring from Provato is a touring tire that gives drivers all season comfort and reliability.
Features & Benefits
- Non-directional design for ease of tire rotation, leading to better wear and longer performance
- All season design for comfort and reliability
- Speed rated for many of the finest European, Japanese, and domestic automobiles fitments
- Radial Steel Belted Radial Construction for greater durability and performance
Tire Specifications
PR-208 Performance Touring Tire Specifications
|Max. Load
|Inflation Pressure
|Tread Depth
|Rim Width Range
|Sect. Width
|Tread Width
|Overall Diam
|1,235 lbs
|44 psi
Purchase includes the Provato PR-208 Performance Touring tire only. The wheel rim shown in the picture is not included. Picture provided is a stock picture from the manufacturer and may or may not reflect the actual product being ordered.
All Provato PR-208 Performance Touring tires are continuously developing with manufactured improvements. With that said, Simple Tire and the manufacturers have the right to change these tire specifications at any time without notice or obligation.
If you have any questions, please email us at email@example.com
Please Note: Specifications of the Provato PR-208 Performance Touring tires shown above are listed to be as accurate as possible based on the information provided to us by Provato tires.
Available Sizes & Prices
No Similar Tires available
Treadlife Warranty
PR-208 Performance Touring Treadlife Warranty
This product is covered by a 50,000 mile manufacturer's treadlife warranty.
Merchandise covered by a manufacturer's warranty is sold with the warranty by the manufacturer extended to the purchaser. We will be happy to assist in obtaining fulfillment of a manufacturer's warranty. Other than applicable manufacturers' warranties, there are no warranties, express or implied, including any warranty of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.
The only tires SimpleTire can warranty are brand new defects (meaning that they have not been mounted or driven on). Any bead damaged will be void of any warranty claim. Any other adjustments should be taken to the nearest authorized dealer for that manufacturer.Sometimes the manufacturer also provides a treadlife warranty and mileage rating. Please be aware that not all tires hold a mileage warranty from the manufacturer. Different tire models, even from the same manufacturer, may or may not come with a treadlife warranty.
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subset: commoncrawl


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Now that I'm stuck at home for a few months (again), I'm eating breakfast more. Breakfast is usually some sort of potatoes and soft boiled eggs, but now sausage is being added since I made two pounds of it. Oops, I didn't think about how much two pounds of sausage is. The good news is that I put it in the freezer, in little patties, so I can remove portion sized pieces and not waste it.
My sister Dana and I like to put maple syrup on our sausage. Is that weird? I don't care if it is weird, it's delicious. I went ahead and put the syrup into the sausages here, but I still like to drizzle some on top since I really like syrup. Like that scene in Elf where Will Farrell asks for the syrup to put on his spaghetti, and then pulls some out of his sleeve. Except I don't put syrup on pasta.
Blueberry Maple Breakfast Sausage
Blueberry Maple Breakfast Sausage
This takes maybe 5 minutes to throw together and will feed you for a while. Recipe can be halved, and adjusted to your preferences.
2 lb ground pork
1/4 c maple syrup
1 c blueberries (I used frozen), chopped up
1/2 t salt
1/4 t pepper
1 T sage, chopped up if fresh (or more to taste)
1 t chili flakes (optional)
Mix everything together, then form into patties. Two pounds of meat makes about a dozen and a half small patties. Fry as many as you need, with a tiny bit of oil in a pan over medium heat (about 10 minutes). Freeze the rest, layered in between wax paper until hard, then transfer to zip lock bags or wrap individually (or in pairs) with plastic wrap. Thaw in the fridge overnight for the next day's breakfast. Serve drizzled with syrup.


text: Greatness goes beyond expectation at UTSC. This is a place where diversity fuels innovation. Where ideas don't stop at the borders of our beautiful, tree-lined campus. Discover our globally-renowned academic excellence, experiential learning opportunities, collaborative spirit and transforming research partnerships. Discover a campus filled with energy, culture and world changing ideas and facilities, including the extraordinary new Toronto Pan Am Sports Centre. For more information visit the Undergraduate Education website.


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1. 1901-Columbia (State of Panama) - November 20 to December 4 - U.S. forces protected American property on the Isthmus and kept transit lines open during serious revolutionary disturbances.
2. 1902-Columbia - April 16 to 23 - U.S. forces protected American lives and property at Bocas del Toro during a civil war.
3. 1902-Columbia (State of Panama) - September 17 through November 18 - The United States placed armed guards on all trains crossing the Isthmus to keep the railroad line open, and stationed ships on both sides of Panama to prevent the landing of Colombian troops.
4. 1903-Honduras - March 23 through 30 or 31 - U.S. forces protected the American consulate and the steamship wharf at Puerto Cortez during a period of revolutionary activity.
5. 1903-Dominican Republic - March 30 through April 21 - A detachment of marines was landed to protect American interests in the city of Santo Domingo during a revolutionary outbreak.
6. 1903-Syria - September 7 through 12. U.S. forces protected the American consulate in Beirut when a local Moslem uprising was feared.
7. 1903-04 Abyssina- Twenty-five marines were sent to Abyssinia to protect the U.S. Consul General while he negotiated a treaty.
8. 1903-14 Panama - U.S. forces sought to protect American interests and lives during and following the revolution for independence from Colombia over construction of the Isthmian Canal. With brief intermissions, United States Marines were stationed on the Isthmus from November 4, 1903, to January 21 1914 to guard American interests.
9. 1904-Dominican Republic - January 2 through February 11 - American and British naval forces established an area in which no fighting would be allowed and protected American interests in Puerto Plata and Sosua and Santo Domingo City during revolutionary fighting.
10. 1904-Tangier, Morocco - "We want either Perdicaris alive or Raisuli dead." A squadron demonstrated to force release of a kidnapped American. Marine guard was landed to protect the consul general.
11. 1904-Panama - November 17 through 24 - U.S. forces protected American lives and property at Ancon at the time of a threatened insurrection.
12. 1904-05-Korea - January 5, 1904, through November 11, 1905 - A Marine guard was sent to protect the American legation in Seoul during the Russo-Japanese War.
13. 1906-09-Cuba - September 1906 through January 23, 1909 - U.S. forces sought to restore order, protect foreigners, and establish a stable government after serious revolutionary activity.
and one more just to round out the list….
14. 1907-Honduras- March 18 through June 8 - To protect American interests during a war between Honduras and Nicaragua, troops were stationed in Trujillo, Ceiba, Puerto Cortez, San Pedro Laguna and Choloma.


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I'm glad I was already mid-editing my LinkedIn profile. I have a new honour to add – I just won the Nobel Peace Prize.
Yes, it's official. The European Union has just been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for 2012.
Of course, much like when Obama won, this has met with derision from many. I'll admit, the announcement bemused me for a moment. But I do believe that this prize is merited.
The Prize is awarded to the person or organisation that has "done the most or the best work for fraternity between nations, for the abolition or reduction of standing armies and for the holding and promotion of peace congresses". Most EU Council meetings have at least an element of this – they are strongly akin to the Peace Congresses of the pre-war period…and to see 27 national leaders, all of whom lead countries which have previously been embittered by conflict with the others, in peaceful negotiation over their disputes, as opposed to armed conflict, is surely a sight for sore eyes.
Europe – a continent at war for centuries – is now in a state of perpetual peace. Because of the EU and its forerunner, the European Coal and Steel Community, war on this continent is unthinkable.
The EU's normative agenda has spread from those original six Member States, down the Iberian peninsula into former fascist states, across Central and Eastern Europe's former Communist dictatorships, and now is working its way across the war-torn Balkans.
As Liberal Democrat MEP Ed McMillan-Scott said,
"The Nobel Peace Prize for the EU is recognition of the transformative power of the European project that brought a war-torn continent back to prosperity and through its enlargement process helped to spread democracy and freedom to the former Soviet bloc and is a model for reform worldwide.
"MEPs now have a decisive say on the EU's international trade agreements and democracy and human rights are a cornerstone of our approach.
"In the latest survey of 25,000 European citizens by Eurobarometer, spreading democracy and human rights across the world was seen to be the most important task of the European Union.
"We must take this award as an encouragement to stand up for our values and redouble our efforts. We are grateful to the Nobel Committee on behalf of our constituents who must share in this award. At least we will be able to collect the award, unlike other prize winners in the past such as Andrei Sakharov, Aun San Suu Kyi and most recently Liu Xiabao."
Related articles
- European Union wins Nobel Peace Prize for uniting continent (euronews.com)
- Nobel Peace Prize awarded to EU (bbc.co.uk)
- Who should collect the Nobel Peace Prize on behalf of the EU? (jonworth.eu)
- Text of the 2012 Nobel Peace Prize announcement (theglobeandmail.com)
- The EU Was A Brilliant Choice For The Nobel Peace Prize (businessinsider.com)


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Panasonic's designers cooked up this concept camera that users wear like a set of behind-the-head earbuds. I like the fact that it packs wi-fi, letting your smartphone record or stream everything your third eye is seeing.
But apparently it only works with terrible, terrible haircuts. Hopefully they'll work this kink out if it ever comes to market, or at least only require it be used with like a faux-hawk or something.


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The next time you buy a bag of Lay's potato chips, go online and find out exactly where they came from. It's possible thanks to Frito-Lay's new "chip tracker."
All you do is find the product code on the bag and go to www.lays.com. You enter the code and your ZIP code, and the Web site tells you where the potatoes were grown and where the chips were manufactured.
It's all part of Frito-Lay's new "Home Grown" marketing campaign. The company has manufatcuring facilities in 18 states and potato farms in 27 states.
U.S. & World
The day's top national and international news.
"I think people feel good knowing that what they spend their hard-earned money on also contributes to a farmer in their state or folks that have great jobs in their state," said Frito-Lay executive Dave Skena.


text:
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Your Kentwood City Properties agent draws from the largest and most comprehensive network of available properties. Our access to the market is enhanced by membership in the Metro Area Associations of Realtors, Colorado Association of Realtors, National Association of Realtors, Denver Metro Commercial Association of Realtors, Metrolist, Christie's International Real Estate, Leading Real Estate Companies of the World, and Who's Who in Luxury Real Estate.
Our Brokers average nearly 20 years in real estate and have sold every property type in virtually every neighborhood. This high level of experience allows the brokers to guide clients throughout a purchase with consummate skill.
Repeat business and referrals constitute more than 90% of Kentwood's annual sales, which for 10 of the past eleven years has exceeded $1.1 billion.
Our office is conveniently located at 1660 17th Street, directly across the street from Denver's Union Station. We are open 7 days a week and available to share our in-depth expertise specific to your community.
Kentwood has been synonymous with Denver real estate for more than 30 years. Count on the highest level of personal attention from results-driven professionals.
In short, when you hire Kentwood you receive all of the knowledge, experience, and resources of our entire company.


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Houston — The prefect of the Vatican Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith in a Saturday address in Houston called for a "culture of communion" and the continued path toward reunification.
"Christ's prayer 'that they all might be one' underscores the imperative of seeking full visible unity among Christians," Archbishop Gerhard Muller told a symposium marking the first anniversary of the Catholic church's U.S. ordinariate for former Anglicans.
The Houston-based Ordinariate of the Chair of St. Peter, headed by Msgr. Jeffrey Steenson, sponsored the symposium with the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston.
Sessions, which were held in Houston at the archdiocese's St. Mary Seminary, explored the ecclesiology, evangelizing and liturgical missions of personal ordinariates created by the Vatican for former Anglican groups and clergy seeking to become Catholic.
While fully Catholic, the groups in an ordinariate retain aspects of their Anglican heritage and traditions. Similar to dioceses, though national in scope, ordinariates were authorized by Pope Benedict XVI in a 2009 apostolic constitution, "Anglicanorum coetibus."
"The Ordinariate of the Chair of St. Peter serves this vision of unity by making it possible for groups of Anglicans to enter into communion with the Catholic Church while preserving elements of the distinctive Anglican spiritual and liturgical patrimony," Muller said in his keynote address.
"It can certainly be said that, in creating this new structure, the Holy Father was responding to a movement of the Holy Spirit. It is the Spirit that draws the disciples of the Lord together, fashioning them into the ecclesial body of Christ," he added.
Muller's attendance marked his first official visit to the United States since his appointment as prefect in July 2012. His message hit on Vatican themes of Christian unity and the new evangelization.
The first ordinariate was established in England and Wales in 2011, then in the United States and Canada in January 2012, and in Australia last June.
"Last year, Cardinal William Levada, my predecessor as prefect ... told the clergy of the Ordinariate of Our Lady of Walsingham (in England) that 'Anglicanorum coetibus' was very much 'the pope's project,'" the archbishop said. "I have come to understand how true that is. You are very much in his thoughts and prayers."
In attendance were dozens of parishioners from Houston's Our Lady of Walsingham Catholic Church, located a few minutes' drive from St. Mary Seminary. The parish is the seat of the ordinariate; it was established in 1984 as an Anglican-use parish under a pastoral provision of the Blessed John Paul II.
Muller noted that the ordinariate leadership has a "delicate but all-important task to both preserve the integrity of your parish communities and, at the same time, help your people integrate into the larger Catholic community." This he said, creates a culture of communion -- "communion with the bishops of the church, communion with the local diocese and parishes, communion with the Catholic faithful, and bonds of charity and friendship with those still separated from the church."
The Ordinariate of the Chair of St. Peter includes 30 priests -- all former Anglicans who have completed an approved formation program -- and about 1,600 people in 36 communities across the United States and Canada, most of whom became Catholic within the past year.
Muller acknowledged that for some, the path to full communion with the Catholic Church has not been easy.
"I am well aware that many of you have experienced conflict and division in the years leading up to your decision to seek full communion with the Catholic church," he said. "We must be reflective about these experiences, discerning carefully that they do not overly influence our attitudes toward ecclesiastical authority or church life.
"It takes a great deal of courage to be Catholic and so I say to you: Be courageous," he continued. "Be courageous in maintaining the vibrancy and orthodoxy of your faith in the Catholic church. Your loyalty to the Holy Father and your commitment to seeking the truth has brought you this far and will sustain you, and will also serve as a powerful encouragement to those 'born' into the Catholic Church to rediscover her beauty and the consistency of her teaching. Your 'youthful enthusiasm' is a great gift."
He urged the former Anglicans to "be courageous pioneers of communion, placing the diversity of your gifts at the service of the universal church."
"The distinctiveness of your traditions and manner of prayer and worship are no obstacle to true unity in the church," he said. "But courage in maintaining these traditions also recognizes that, for them to be a true enrichment to Catholic life, you will need to win the trust and confidence of the local Catholic community."
Muller suggested that "a robust engagement with the pastoral and charitable initiatives of your Catholic and Anglican neighbors will not only redound to the glory of God and actually strengthen your ordinariate parish, but provides an example of diversity grounded in the unity of faith which furthers the new evangelization."
Other speakers included Steenson; Cardinal Daniel DiNardo of Galveston-Houston; Cardinal Donald Wuerl of Washington, ecclesiastical delegate for the U.S. ordinariate; Msgr. Steven Lopes, a San Francisco priest on staff at the doctrinal congregation and secretary to the commission preparing liturgies for the ordinariates worldwide; and Bishop Kevin Vann of Orange, Calif., ecclesiastical adviser for the Catholic church's pastoral provision which since 1980 has allowed married Episcopal priests to become ordained diocesan Catholic priests.


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Hi Tyll,
Happy halloween and thank you so much for that Parrot Zik review! I've been waiting on it with baited breath before purchasing a new set of headphones.
I've specifically been waiting for your review as, of all of the reviewers available online, yours are the most useful and interesting I've come across; you've obviously got all of the technical and audiophile stuff in hand but remain useful and understandable for those of us who lack the audiophile ears but want something more useful than a cnet review.
I'm new to commenting and I don't want to muck up any thread so please feel free to delete this if its out of place here... I wanted to ask a couple of questions of you.
I've just stepped into a work role that requires a lot more travel, both plane and train, and need a set of earphones that block out noise, sound good (both these functions are very important to me) and are comfortable for long periods.
One of your comments stated IEMs are best for blocking background noise. The Jerry Harvey site claims -26 dB of isolation for their custom-mades. Shure claims "up to 37 dB of isolation" (but the sensaphonics site doesn't seem to state explicitly what their custom-made-for-shures achieve). Other reviewers suggest the JH's will achieve -35 to -40 dB of isolation. I'm not really good at reading your graphs, and can't seem to find any for the isolation values of these IEMs I've listed here, but will they achieve -26dB across the 'brown noise' range that you describe is descriptive of plane/train background noise? Or is it more?
I can't seem to find details anywhere on exactly how much better IEMs are at isolation in a travel environment than are noise cancelling headphones. Can you help?
And if i can stretch your advice to being a bit more personal to me... I'm no audiophile, but I'd like to get a better ear, and I can tell the difference between really bad headphones and the better ones but I would struggle to describe it. I'd say I have an okay ear but am definitely no audiophile. I listen to artists like Leonard Cohen, JJ Cale, Fleet Foxes and some classical. I tend to like systems more that are good with base and are on the warm side.
I'm happy to spend extra cash (cash isn't really an issue) to get the best option for this specific purpose of travel, but don't want to be a fool and spend extra cash on something that I won't be able to hear the difference on.
So here is my main question for you: Should someone with an okay ear and looking specifically for headphones for travel purposes go with these Parrot Ziks you've reviewed here (based on your comments that the noise canceling isn't far behind the Bose QC15's but the sound is better) or should I shell out more for the IEMs Shure SE535 ($800 total if I go with the sensaphonics which requires audiologist visit) or Jerry Harvey JH13 or JH16 ($1250 total with audiologist visit).
If the SE535s (at twice the price of the Ziks) or the JH's (at three times) are going to make me that much happier and will probably last much longer, I'll gladly do it, but I don't want to be the auditory equivalent of the tool who buys a Ferrari but isn't good enough a driver to handle or enjoy it. And if the JH's are worth the cash, do I read correctly that you prefer JH13's to JH16's?
So I guess I'm asking, 'What's your Wall of Fame for the traveling man with the average ear'?
Thank you again for all your help and great reviews. Much appreciated.


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|Recently created in the south of the island of
Phuket, The Aspasia is a stylish boutique resort reflecting an
unusual retro-deco design with hints of Mayan style architecture.
The muted yellow and green hues of the buildings blend exotically
with the colours of the lush forest that sweeps down to Kata Beach.
Each secluded apartment has stunning sea views, and guests only have
a two minute walk to the white, sandy beach below.
With the accent firmly lying on tranquility, comfort and contemporary style, The Aspasia Phuket offers a choice of superior accommodation and facilities that includes restaurant, a wine and cigar shop, two swimming pools, a gymnasium, business centre, meeting room, high-speed wireless Internet access and spa. Original paintings and antiques are displayed in the spa, restaurant and lobby, complementing the style of decor. There is easy access between the twelve buildings and facilities forming the resort. The property is set amongst beautifully landscaped gardens, filled with colorful tropical planting.
|All accommodation at The Aspasia Phuket incorporates
exquisite interior design and selective use of imported top quality
fixtures and fittings. The retro-deco theme of the resort permeates
through the interiors of the luxurious suites and rooms, creating a
blend of subtle style and spaciousness. Interior decoration reflects
muted earth tones and natural shades that contrast tastefully with
the brown and black retro-deco furniture. High-speed Internet access
is a feature in all the accommodation. Suites and rooms situated on
a higher elevation, overlook the colorful roof gardens on the lower
buildings, and have beach and sea views. The lower units have views
of the verdant forest and fishing boats on the inlet running into
the sea below.
1 Bedroom Grand Sea View Suite
1 Bedroom Grand Suite encompass an area of 145 square metres. The bedroom is furnished with a king-size bed, writing desk and fitted wardrobes and cupboards.
Leading off the bedroom is an en suite bathroom fitted with a large Jacuzzi and circular shower room. A guest powder room leads off from the entrance area. The roomy open-plan living space includes a fully-equipped kitchen, dining table and chairs and a plush settee and armchairs forming a relaxation area. Glass doors lead onto the spacious private terrace. For couples desiring a romantic holiday hideaway, accommodation in an 1 Bedroom Grand Suite will satisfy their every need.
2 Bedrooms Grand Sea View Suite
Our 2 Bedroom Grand Suite provide 210 square metres of sublime space occupying one entire level of a three storey building and commanding spectacular views of the glittering bay beneath. These luxury suites have two bedrooms; the master bedroom has an en suite bathroom comprising a large Jacuzzi and circular shower room with a double basin vanity unit. The guest bedroom has its own private entry and a separate shower room. You can prepare your own meals and drinks in the fully-equipped kitchen, which is part of the open-plan dining and living area. There is a large outdoor terrace that can be divided into two. With such a generous amount of space and facilities to please everyone, the 2 Bedroom Grand Suite provide ideal family accommodation.
|At Malina's, an all-day bistro, bar and bakery,
indulge in a choice of innovative mouth watering Western cuisine, or
selected Thai and regional specialties. In the cigar and wine shop,
a range of quality wines is available from the Old and the New
World. Our cigars are all high quality selected Cuban and South
American imports. The rooftop cocktail terrace is an idyllic setting
to socialize under the stars and moonlight. One can arrange to hold
private functions, such as birthday parties and business receptions
and our chefs will be delighted to discuss and plan menus according
to your wishes. Room service is available during restaurant opening
hours. You can also arrange for our culinary staff to prepare and
cook meals, barbeques or cocktail parties in the privacy of your
|Business Centre
The business centre offers a convenient solution for guests needing to attend to business commitments. Services including computer, printer, fax machine and wireless Internet with high speed access are at your disposal to ensure that business can run smoothly even when you are away from home. The air-conditioned meeting room, situated next to the business center, has all the facilities and equipment necessary to conduct business meetings in style and comfort. The room is capable of accommodating up to a maximum of 60 people.
|Thai Cooking Class
To learn all of the secrets in preparing traditional Thai cuisine, we welcome you to join us in Malina's restaurant for our Thai Cooking Class. You will learn how to prepare the ingredients and cook all of the dishes which you will then the menu have 5 courses, 1appitizer 1 salad 1 soup 1 main and 1 dessert, 2 hour/class. Enjoy for lunch or dinner, along with a refreshing herbal drink. You'll also receive a course certificate, recipes and a souvenir. Enjoy for lunch or dinner, along with a refreshing herbal drink. You'll also receive a course certificate, recipes and a souvenir.
Available Monday - Sunday, from 12 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Fruit Carving Lesson
There is a long tradition of fruit carving in Thailand, especially in the presentation of food for the Royal Family. Fruit carving is also used when giving food offerings to Buddhist monks, or when entertaining special guests.
Though our instructor is an experienced fruit carver, the lesson is suitable for beginners as it starts with the basics. The attraction of Thai cuisine lies not only in the wonderful tastes and flavors, but also in the artistic presentation.
Available Monday - Sunday, from 12 a.m. - 8 p.m.
|Aspasia Spa at The Aspasia Phuket
At the exclusive Aspasia Spa, highly experienced therapists are on hand to pamper guests with a choice of massage styles and treatments. The spa incorporates three individual rooms and one stunning double room, with every emphasis on calmness and relaxation. Contemporary abstract artwork by local artists, displayed in the treatment rooms and the relaxation area, blends in with the decor of the spa which encompasses natural tones of sea blue, jade green, mellow orange and ruby red. These colours are complemented by smooth wood, steel and bamboo fittings in the treatment rooms. The rooms are fitted with hand basins and a shower, and the spacious double room has two deep Jacuzzis and a beautifully decorated private bathroom. As you lie on a massage bed, meditate on tiny fish swimming in a glass bowl placed under the headrest and allow the stresses and strains of everyday life to be smoothed away. With mellow music, tropical plants and floating candles contributing to the ambient atmosphere, the spa experience at Aspasia Phuket is certain to add a new dimension to your well-being. Our therapists are trained to ascertain any particular health problems that guests may have before the massage takes place, so that treatments are suitable for your physical condition. After rejuvenation, you can sip a healthy drink in the soothing atmosphere of the Spas plush seating area or linger awhile in the scented air of the outdoor herb garden. A specially selected range of natural beauty products is available for guests to purchase. These include locally made massage oils, soaps, shampoos and scented candles. The products are beautifully packed, making perfect gift choices to take home for your friends and family.
|The smallest of Phukets three main tourist beaches, Kata Beach remains picturesque and unspoiled. The beach itself is wide, gracefully curved, and bordered by hills, forest and low-rise structures. The sand is a sparkling white and the waters are perfect for swimming. A vibrant coral reef lies at the north end and stretches out toward Poo Island, about half a kilometer offshore. There are abundant dining, bar and tour facilities in the locale. The beach is served by local tuk-tuks and taxis and a regular daily bus service to and from Phuket Town.


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Carving Up RIM Is an Unappetizing Prospect
Investors counting on a breakup to unlock Research In Motion's true value best not get their hopes up. Though RIM has already appointed bankers to review its strategic options — which one analyst infamously described as "sell, break up or die" — selling off the company for parts or in its entirety at this point in time would be a daunting undertaking. And, in the end, it might not even be worth it.
Credit Suisse analyst Kulbinder Garcha recently took a look at RIM's prospects for selling off all or part of itself, and concluded that at this point pulling off either would be a nightmare. "Any deal for [the] company is highly complex in our view, requiring simultaneous management of a declining business, as well significant restructuring, and as such an acquirer maybe be best advised to wait for [the company] to shrink meaningfully before making any potential move," Garcha theorized, adding that he's not sure there's anyone out there who could turn RIM into a winning play.
"A break up is possible," he said. "[But] we question the quality of the underlying patent portfolio and also believe that converting RIM's existing network operations center for other OS platforms may require a high level of effort for minimal functionality improvement."
That might be so. Thing is, RIM has a user base of about 78 million. And that has to be attractive to companies that don't have the time or inclination to build their own smartphone business, but are looking to be a player in the space. But the risks are significant. There would clearly be a bevy of platform and network operations issues to be dealt with, as Garcha noted. And beyond that, the stink of Hewlett Packard's $1.2 billion acquisition of Palm still hangs heavy in the air. Who in their right mind would want to risk reprising that?
What happens in the meantime? Here's Garcha again: "We believe that a combination of the late arrival of BB10 devices, as well as a fiercely competitive environment, hinders RIM's ability to turnaround its handset business and estimate its global smartphone share declining to 2.5 percent in 2013."
(Image courtesy of Estancia Beef)


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Flights to Australia with Qatar Airways
Explore a world of natural and cultural riches when you travel to Australia with Qatar Airways. With some of the planet's most fascinatingly diverse landscapes, a highly developed economy and a friendly and warm population, the country is sure to present a variety of attractions for every kind of traveller.
From the glittering ultra-modern cities of Melbourne, Sydney and Adelaide to the white sandy beaches and vast tracts of untouched and often unexplored outback, Australia is a fascinating country and a unique travel destination. An ideal destination for adventure-seekers on one hand and a magnet for art lovers and foodies on the other, the country delivers a captivating experience suitable to any budget, taste, age or interest. Whether your passion is for fishing, sailing or scuba diving, or you prefer a pleasant afternoon wandering around in a shopping mall, you will not be disappointed.
One of Australia's natural wonders is the famous Great Barrier Reef in Queensland, one of Australia's natural wonders and the world's largest coral reef, while other reefs can be explored at Fraser Island, the MacKenzie Falls and the Blue Mountains. In the heart of the continent you'll find beautiful sites such as Uluru, an enormous sandstone, formerly known as Ayer's Rock, and its smaller cousin Kata Tjuta. While in the centre of Sydney you can enjoy exceptional music at the Sydney Opera House, or take a boat tour around the bay to take in this busy city in a new perspective.
Australia is a large country, from the vast expanses of its oversized landscapes to the welcoming attitude of its inhabitants. Although in sheer size it rivals the United States, it has one of the lowest population densities on the planet. The Australian lifestyle is laid back and relaxed, and business meetings tend to be a little less formal than in other countries. Whether you're here for business or pleasure, fly to Australia with Qatar Airways and discover how the cultural diversity and buzzing art scene, outdoor activities and liberal thinking have all helped make Australia what it is today.


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Planning to do some heritage touring in the Shenandoah Valley? Looking for that one-of-a-kind stop to make your itinerary complete? Consider Dinosaur Kingdom in Natural Bridge, VA. Here's a description from RoadsideAmerica.com:
As the tour begins, visitors are asked to imagine themselves in 1863. A family of Virginia paleontologists has accidentally dug a mine shaft into a hidden valley of living dinosaurs. Unfortunately, the Union Army has tagged along, hoping to kidnap the big lizards and use them as "weapons of mass destruction" against the South.
Finally, a site where I can indulge my affinity for prehistoric reptiles and my interest in history at the same time. There are more details and photos available here.


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Sanders helps Bucks beat Lakers 113-103
Bucks end four game losing streak
Larry Sanders scored 13 of his career-high 21 points in the third quarter and the Milwaukee Bucks rallied to beat the Los Angeles Lakers 113-103 on Thursday night.
Sanders was 8 of 11 from the floor and had 13 rebounds. Ersan Ilyasova and Brandon Jennings each had 20 points, Monta Ellis added 18, and Marquis Daniels had 16 to help the Bucks snap a four-game losing streak.
Kobe Bryant led the Lakers with 30 points, leaving him four points behind Wilt Chamberlain (31,419) for fourth place on the NBA's career list. Dwight Howard had 15 points and 15 rebounds, and Steve Nash scored 16 points.
The Lakers are eighth in the Western Conference, a half-game ahead of Utah for the final playoff spot. Milwaukee is eighth in the Eastern Conference, seven games ahead of Philadelphia for the final spot.
Ellis scored eight points for Milwaukee during a late 12-3 run, making it 102-92 on a running in the lane. The Lakers turned it over on the next possession, and Daniels raced down the court and dunked to make it 104-92 with 4:12 left. The Lakers never got closer than eight the rest of the way.
The Lakers' last gasp came early in the fourth. Antwan Jamison scored twice and Howard dunked in a miss to help the Lakers regain the lead at 83-82. The teams exchanged the lead four times before Jennings' 3-pointer at 8:23 put Milwaukee ahead for good.
The Bucks started turning it around in the third, using a 19-8 run to close the quarter with 82-77 lead.
Daniels stole an inbound pass from Bryant under the Lakers' basket and passed to Sanders, who dunked to give Milwaukee a 70-69 lead with 4:23 left in the third. Sanders dunked his way to nine points during the surge. The rest of his points came on a hook shot and a free throw.
NOTES: Bucks coach Jim Boylan quickly dismissed any drama surfacing with the benching of Jennings in Wednesday night's game against Philadelphia. "We haven't talked about it," Boylan said before the game. "It's time to play." ... Lakers forward Metta World Peace had surgery Thursday on a torn meniscus in his left knee. He was injured in Los Angeles' loss to Golden State on Monday night and is expected to miss at least six weeks. ... The crowd cheered when the public address announcer said that Marquette beat Miami to advance in the NCAA basketball tournament.


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- This event has passed.
Castle Christmas
December 14, 2019 @ 5:30 pm - 10:00 pm
An event every day that begins at 5:30 pm, repeating until December 31, 2019
Drive through Castleton Village, filled with over 2,000 holiday displays and thousands of colorful lights, creating an unforgettable experience. Open every night, Thanksgiving through New Years, 6:00pm-10pm. FREE, and donations are gratefully accepted. If you are bringing a commercial bus, please call the Office at (918)687-3625. Thank you!
Take a train ride through the Village, or ride the ponies (all weather permitting)! Stop inside The Castle for the Christmas Shoppe, free family movies, unique merchants, and the Cafe. Make ornaments in Santa's workshop and warm up by the fireplace. All of this Open November 29th- December 1st, December 6th-8th, and 13th-31st. Check our Calendar for the list of activities available on each night.


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♡ 20% off *everything* this weekend! ♡code: WEEKENDONLY20Ends Sunday! 11:59pm ET
Featured Bride: Denisse, Photo Credit - Annie Randall Photography.
FREE SHIPPING on US standard orders!
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As hair trials, dress fittings and weddings are postponed and rescheduled, we are offering free return shipping in the US + extended return windows (beyond our typical 30 days) for all of our customers.For domestic returns, you can print out a free return shipping label at your convenience here.If you think you may need a little more time to make a decision, please email us at email@example.com and we're happy to take care of you and extend our returns window.
International customers can mail back returns to: Dareth Colburn10 Federal StreetSte 400Salem, MA 01970Refunds are issued 5-7 business days after your return has been delivered to our office.
How do I make an exchange?
We understand that after trying on one accessory, another may catch your eye instead. If you would like to exchange an item, simply make another purchase for a new item and send back the item you are looking to return with the information listed above. Once we receive your returned item, your credit card will be refunded within 2-3 business days.
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Crafted using only the best materials, our accessories are made with a high grade of crystals with more facets to maximize brilliance. The difference in sparkle is visible!


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After the recent profit warning turbulence and bickering among the group's executives, one of Kaeser's main concerns is "to restore inner calm" to the company, he said in his first comments as CEO. He knows Siemens well, having started at the company's components division back in 1980 and worked his way up the ladder to the post of chief strategy officer in October 2004. He became chief financial officer in May 2006, which he has held until now.
But despite his history with the company, it remains to be seen whether his perceived weakness - a financial rather than an engineering background - can be overcome. He at least seems to have taken the first step of recognising the problem. Speaking at the release of Siemens third quarter figures for fiscal 2013, he said: "There will be closer monitoring of what the various company sectors are getting up to, including the technical analysis and feasibility in order to better understand and assess earlier where risks lie."
Under his predecessor Peter Loescher, Siemens' recommended slowing the Energiewende the switch to increasing reliance on renewable energies by setting a target of 40% share of renewables electricity by 2030 instead of the current 50% — which would help Siemens conventional power station sector. Replacing the German feed-in tariff support system — which has allowed the growth of a strong turbine manufacturing sector — with wind project auctions, the winning bidder touting the cheapest electricity price. There is little indication of whether or not Kaeser shares this opinion.
Kaeser's underlying attitude towards offshore wind, a sector where the company is dominant, appears broadly supportive. In April this year he told the Rheinische Post newspaper that "offshore turbines can in principle deliver electricity at competitive prices." The problem was the cable connections to shore which "are currently much too expensive". But he also revealed a lack of detailed knowledge of Germany's renewable energy support system, claiming instead that in subsidies for renewables, Germany "will pulverise EUR 400 billion over a 20-year period that would be better spent on education, innovation and securing Germany's wellbeing."
It remains to be seen how Kaeser will reconcile his sharp criticism of German support for renewables with his willingness to provide a financial contribution to the 468MW Cape Wind offshore wind station in Massachusetts to enable it to qualify for US government support - a project that is to use Siemens turbines.
Kaeser was also forced to deny Siemens was unable to cope with major projects, despite belated completion of major orders for offshore wind converter platforms, marine cable connections, and high-speed trains. "This has not to do with project management but other things," he said.
But he conceded: "When it comes to new business activities we need to ask: Is this something we can do, and what is it that we can contribute?"
Commenting on the offshore converter platform delays, he said: "From today's perspective, it would have been more sensible to join forces with the builders of oil platforms than do the work and shoulder the risk ourselves. We need to first take stock and carry out careful planning before we undertake such contracts."
In terms of the wind sector, the company's weaknesses in terms of onshore may need to be addressed. This is especially true of the company's home market where it is practically non-existent in terms of market share. In the coming months Kaeser may need more than financial nous and inner calm.


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OIC is hiring an Emergency Management Program Specialist 3, who will be responsible for the agency's emergency preparedness and for building and maintaining strategic partnerships to minimize impacts to agency business and consumers resulting from major emergencies and disasters. The Emergency Management Program Specialist 3 is the agency's expert in all matters related to continuity of operations, emergency management planning and interacting with state and federal emergency management agencies and programs.
The person in this position is responsible for agency disaster recovery, and providing day-to-day operational support and assistance for facilities as well as serving in a back-up capacity for telecommunications and facilities matters.
Required qualifications include a bachelor's degree; and three years' experience working with government statutory and/or regulatory requirements, emergency management planning and exercises. Desired qualifications include experience working with state and federal emergency management agencies, experience developing continuity of operations plans and experience working with decision-makers. This position is open until filled.
View the full job description or apply: Emergency Management Program Specialist 3
Wednesday, July 9, 2014
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New and Used Chrysler, Dodge, Ram Dealer in Portsmouth, NH - Serving Manchester, NH, Haverhill, MA, Exeter, NH & York, ME
Looking for a New Chrysler, Ram or Dodge in Portsmouth, NH ? You've come to the right dealership! At Port City Chrysler Dodge we provide everything automotive, with great prices and customer service. With a new or used Chrysler, Dodge or Ram from Portsmouth, NH's Port City Chrysler Dodge you'll get a reliable and stylish new car at a price you can afford.
Imagine driving a stylish and sporty Chrysler, Ram or Dodge in Portsmouth by this afternoon! Port City Chrysler Dodge has the inventory to get you on the road and into the perfect vehicle. Our Chrysler and Dodge car dealership is stocked with all of the latest models including the new Chrysler Pacifica,Ram 1500 , 2500 , Dodge Grand Caravan, Challenger, and many others. Get a great deal on a Chrysler, Ram or Dodge vehicle in Portsmouth by calling or visiting Port City Chrysler Dodge in person. We serve the Exeter, NH, Manchester, NH, York, ME and Haverhill, MA areas, for all your new and used car needs.
Searching for a used car? Start and end your search with Port City Chrysler Dodge and save thousands. With a huge selection of low-priced, high-quality vehicles, we are certain that we can locate a used car that suits your taste. Our greater Portsmouth, NH, used car inventory has cars, trucks, SUVs and vans by many of today's top automakers. If you have not been able to locate a specific new or used car in Portsmouth, NH we are at your service. Complete our no-obligation CarFinder form and we will alert you by email when a matching vehicle arrives at our Portsmouth, NH, Chrysler, Ram and Dodge dealership.
More About New and Used Cars by Chrysler, Dodge, and Ram in Portsmouth, NH
our financial experts at Port City Chrysler Dodge answer your questions
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Port City Chrysler Dodge thanks our customers for making us such a successful Portsmouth Chrysler and Dodge dealership. We're dedicated to providing the best service possible, you'll find this evident in our everyday work. Learn more About Port City Chrysler Dodge, and come visit our Chrysler Dodge dealership at 155 Greenleaf Ave, Portsmouth NH.
Port City Chrysler Dodge is a Portsmouth NH new and used Chrysler, Dodge, Ram dealership serving York ME, Haverhill MA, Manchester NH and Exeter NH.
155 Greenleaf Ave Portsmouth, NH


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|Elmo's World
|Written by
|Mo Willems
|Directed by
|Ted May
|Singing, Drawing & More!
| First Appearance
Episode 3859
|Guess what Elmo's thinking about today?
|Elmo has a crayon and scribbles on the screen. A montage plays of children drawing and finger painting.
|Dorothy's Question
|Dorothy has a decoration of a drawing on an easel. She wants to know how other people draw.
|The Noodle Family
|Mr. Noodle draws in the air with his finger, gets a crayon, draws in the air with the crayon, and gets a paper, and stands on the paper drawing in the air. He bends down, draws around his feet on the paper, and does a somersault.
|Kids and Baby
|Kids show how they finger paint or draw. Elmo draws a picture of a baby and wants the baby to keep the drawing.
|Elmo's Question
|Elmo asks the viewer to help him count how many CGI drawings fit on a refrigerator. After the quiz, a drawing of an elephant smashes the refrigerator down to the ground!
|Elmo asks questions about what can draw and what can't. Baby Bear appears to draw a person.
|Elmo's friends Kirk, Sally, and Erica draw the same tree in three different media: marker, crayon and paint.
|TV Cartoon
|The Drawing Channel shows a daisy explaining how she can be anything, keeping her glasses and bow in every shape. Coming up next: The Man Who Drew Too Much, followed by The Nancy Drew Mysteries with Drew Barrymore.
|Elmo talks about three drawings of his on a refrigerator he also drew.
|Tickle Me Land
|Dorothy imagines Elmo in the pictures on his refrigerator, showing his head on animated drawings of a barnyard, a flying bird, and a cow jumping over the moon.
|Home Video
|Elmo talks about the drawing he made of his mommy and daddy hanging on the wall of his room.
|The Drawing Song
|A blue crayon writes "DRAW" on the side of the piano, and while Elmo sings "The Drawing Song," the blue crayon bounces in similar fashion to a "bouncing ball."
- The easel in Dorothy's fishbowl is seen before Elmo tells what he is thinking about today.
Community content is available under CC-BY-SA unless otherwise noted.


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Unlike 2K Marin's previously announced XCOM shooter, which sparked tempers among longtime fans for turning its back on the series' cerebral roots, this title is a full-on strategy game that puts players in command of a global anti-alien defense force. XCOM's leader needs a worldwide perspective where threats are identified, populations reassured, and national leaders mollified – but a tactical mind is just as critical considering every shot XCOM's soldiers fire on the battlefield is under the player's turn-based control.
"It's been a dream of ours to recreate X-COM with our unique creative vision. We're huge fans of the original game and it's a once in a lifetime opportunity to re-envision a game that is as beloved as X-COM," said Steve Martin, president of Firaxis Games. "We were careful to keep XCOM: Enemy Unknown true to the elements that made X-COM such a revered game while delivering an entirely new story and gameplay experience for both die-hard X-COM fans and newcomers to the franchise."


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EZ - Blow [Minneapolis/New York Unsigned Artist] [Artist Submitted]
This is the 2nd single off the "BOSS-LIFE" mixtape dropping in December of 2012.
twitter @EZOfficial
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With regards to Ijaazah, should the student approach the teacher or vice versa?
Assalamu 'alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh
With regards to Ijaazah, should the student approach the teacher or vice versa? To obtain an Ijaazah, is reading the Qur'aan to the accepted standard sufficient or is knowledge of Tajweed rules also a consideration?
Can an Ijaazah be given to a student who reads excellently but has an intermediate level grasp of the rules?
Jazakallahu khair
Wassalamu 'alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh
Wa alaikum assalaam wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh
Definitely the student should approach the teacher. It should not be expected that the teacher would approach a student for obtaining an ijaazah.
In general, when getting an ijaazah in the recitation of the Qur'an, it means that one reads correctly and understands the application of the rules at a superior level. In many cases, tajweed knowledge is examined, and if found deficient, is reviewed with the student and a test given to make sure they are at the level required. Those who have ijaazah are carrying the Qur'an as revealed to the Prophet Muhammed, peace and blessings of Allah upon him, and have the license to pass it on to others. It is expected that those with ijaazah have full knowledge of tajweed and is application in recitation so that they can explain this theory to their students and correct any theory misunderstandings.
The student would need to improve their knowledge of the rules to reach the level of mastery in order to have a strong ijaazah.
We will add that not all sheikhs and sheikhas have the same standards as to what is required in tajweed theory, but almost all require a thorough knowledge of the subject.
Wa iyyaakum
Wa assalaam alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakaatuh
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The Government's Help to Buy Scheme is designed to help home-owners and new buyers onto and up the property ladder with a new generation of affordable mortgages.
It's a popular scheme in 2014 – and it's easy to see why. With just a 5% deposit of the property's purchase price, home buyers can now more easily stop renting – and join the ranks of happy home owners in the UK.
How does Help to Buy work?
The scheme is simple, but effective. It offers two options – one for those who want to keep their mortgage payments down, and one for those who can afford larger mortgage repayments every month.
Let's take a look at which might suit you best:
Help to Buy option one – I want to keep my mortgage payments down
If you're keen to keep mortgage repayments down, this option can help. All you'll need is a minimum of 5% deposit. The Government will provide a loan of 20% of the purchase price, leaving you to secure a 75% mortgage. The loan provided by the Government can be paid back at any time – or on the sale of your home.
This option expands on the First Buy scheme, which was previously targeted just at first-time buyers. Now – it doesn't matter if you've previously owned a home!
Help to Buy Option Two – I can afford bigger repayments, but only have a small deposit
If you've only got access to a small deposit for your new home, but could afford to make larger repayments on your property, this could be for you!
As with the previous option, you'll need a minimum 5% deposit to qualify. The Government will then guarantee a proportion of your mortgage – encouraging mortgage providers to give you a far better deal. This is of course available to first-time buyers, as well as previous home-owners.
Help to Buy Eligibility
The scheme is designed to put property ownership within the grasp of many who would otherwise be unable, however admission to the scheme is dependent on a few factors. The property you're hoping to purchase must be less than £600,000 in value, and you must not own any other property at the same time as purchasing your new home through the scheme. Although the above provisos are important – it's imperative to note that there are more to take account of! Full lists of terms for participation in the scheme can be found at the official scheme website here:
Which banks are members of the scheme?
Many large mortgage providers have chosen to support Help to Buy – so there are plenty of banks to choose from when applying for your mortgage. These include:
- Bank of Scotland
- Aldermore
- Barclays
- Halifax
- Natwest
- Santander
- Virgin Money
- Lloyds
A lot of excellent resources have been produced to help buyers to get to grasp with their options, and to understand what it can offer them. We've collected a few of the most useful resources here, so you can see whether it would be a good fit for you.
This resource gives a clear overview of the Help to Buy scheme, and sets out the requirements for eligibility for Help to Buy, as well as NewBuy schemes.
Money Saving Expert – Mortgage Schemes
Money Saving Expert is a great resource for impartial advice about Help to Buy, setting out pros and cons about each option.
For a no-nonsense, clear and direct overview of the programme, take a look at Which's guide.
You may have noticed that we have a Help to Buy Calculator on our site! Take a quick glance at the sidebar when browsing our property listings, and you can quickly calculate what deposit you'd need to own your new house under the Help to Buy Scheme.


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I will feature the 5 giveaways over the next few weeks to thank you for supporting us!
So let's get to it! For the 1st giveaway I can't help myself....I love this new arrival! It's a tabletop dressfrom with a wood base and a canvas body with a Paris stamp. I love it!
To get a chance to win, be a follower of the blog and leave a comment. That gets you one entry...if you post the button below on your blog and link back to this post you get two more entries for a total of 3 chances to win!
I will announce the winner for this giveaway on Monday, April 5th, and announce the 2nd Giveaway at that time!! Thanks for always supporing us!


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Bormann's Last Gasp
Aftermath: Martin Bormann and the Fourth Reich
Martin Bormann is certainly very hard to kill. For nearly thirty years he has been neither proved dead nor proved alive. There is evidence of his death in Berlin on May 2, 1945—but it is the evidence of a single witness who perhaps thereby sought to protect a friend. There is also evidence that he escaped to Italy—but it is equally inconclusive. And there have been rumors—but so far they have been rumors only—of his survival in South America.
In all these years, the only solid piece of evidence to appear has been Bormann's diary of his last weeks in Berlin. I am satisfied that this document, which was produced by the Russians, is genuine; but the circumstances of its discovery are obscure, and it is not very informative, for it ceases with the word Ausbruchsversuch—the attempted escape from the Bunker. It is possible that Bormann discarded this document in his flight to safety; but it is equally possible that it was taken from his unrecognized body. Apart from this one document, the only additional evidence comes from the mere passage of time: for the very fact that, in nearly thirty years, no evidence of Bormann's survival has been found is itself of some force. It is easier to generate a myth about a man who is really dead than to conceal, for so long a period, and from a vigilant world, a man who is really living.
Recently two attempts have been made to solve this problem finally. First, in November, 1972, Mr. Ladislas Farago published a series of articles proving, to his own satisfaction, that Bormann was still alive in South America. Then, a few days later, the West German authorities produced a skull which they declared to be that of Bormann and which proved, to their satisfaction, that he had died in Berlin in 1945. They haughtily declined to notice Mr. Farago's evidence of survival, and he, equally haughtily, rejected their evidence of death.
Mr. Farago's evidence, as published in the popular press, was not very convincing. It consisted of confident assertions based on documents allegedly abstracted from Argentine government files. These documents, not being available for inspection, could not be tested and no responsible authority admitted their authenticity. In addition, Mr. Farago's argument was damaged by an unfortunate gaffe. His articles were illustrated by an alleged photograph of Martin Bormann in conversation with an Argentine security officer, Juan José Velasco. In fact it was soon revealed that there had been (in Mr. Farago's words) "a bona fide case of mistaken identification." The person identified as Bormann was in fact not Bormann at all but "a highly respected Buenos Aires schoolteacher named Nicolas Siri," who highly resented the insinuation. I am satisfied that Mr. Farago was not responsible for this mistake and indeed sought to prevent its publication. However, the episode has some significance, to which I shall return.
The evidence of the German authorities for Bormann's death in 1945 is at first sight much stronger.…
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The Levis 510 jeans are the ultimate skinny jeans. We believe these to be a staple in every mans wardrobe. Cut in a contemporary style, the Levis 510s are infused with stretch for that extra mobility. Levis have recently upgraded the fit of the 510 jeans for a slightly lower rise and smaller leg opening for a leaner, cleaner look.
Since its introduction in 1873, Levis have been synonymous with the word jeans. The Levis brand stands out for the same three things it stood for 140 years ago, that is craftsmanship, innovation and sustainability. With that in mind, Levis is a really remarkable brand. Its unsurpassed craftsmanship, quality engineered denim and the devil in the detail all flow together to maintain Levis iconic status.
If you mention the name Levi's Strauss to anyone you meet, Im sure everyone would recognise it in relation to denim or jeans.
Founded in 1853, Levi's are considered to be the pioneers of denim jeans using rivets to reinforce the seams and make them more durable for farmhands and cowboys. Since then, youll struggle to find a pair of jeans by any brand who dont use rivets and the same techniques as Levi's did all those years ago.
Going from strength to strength through the 20th Century, Levi's jeans became a fashion icon and were endorsed by celebrities such as James Dean, Marilyn Monroe, Bruce Springsteen and more recently Barack Obama and Steve Jobs. Whatever the occasion, there is a pair of Levi's to suit everyone.
Browse our selection of Levis shirts and jackets, designed to compliment the classic Levi's jeans.


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the result? it worked. just a little tricky.
here's what i did- i scrubbed the squash well and baked it in the oven until half cooked, then cut off the top and scooped out the seeds with a long spoon. stuffed it and baked it until done.
the result? i loved it- the flavors were great and the butternut flavor got inside the whole thing.
you can use your favorite stuffing or use my black eye pea one below-this one is vegetarian. i have another one HERE too that has meat or you can always add meat to this one if you want it, but i don't think it's necessary.
1 large butternut squash, baked whole
1 C Dried Black Eye Peas (soaked and cooked) or 1.5 Cups cooked
1 small onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
7 mini peppers (about 1 cup chopped)
2 TBSP coconut oil
1 cup organic carrots, chopped
1.5 tsp rosemary
1 tsp sage
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp ginger powder
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
1/4 cup broth
1/3 C dried cherries
1/3 C slivered almonds
Bake your butternut squash at 400 degrees F until it is halfway cooked (approximately 30 minutes, depending on the size). Here's the tricky part- you're going to want 2 halves to stuff, but each half will need a slice to put on top after you stuff it. So- Remove from oven and cut off the neck leaving part of the neck closest to the bottom on to save as a top for the lower part. Carefully cut off a slice from the bottom half and save it. Scoop out the seeds. With the top half: cut off a slice from the top and save, then scoop out the middle using a strong spoon.
Saute your onion and garlic in oil until soft. Add in carrots, peppers, dried cherries, and your spices and cook a few more minutes. Add in broth and black eye peas and simmer a few minutes. Turn off and stir in your slivered almonds. If the stuffing appears too dry, add in some more broth.
Stuff the stuffing into your squash, and replace the top and secure with toothpicks. If you have leftover stuffing, stuff whatever other veggies or fruit you have laying around. Bake in 350 degree oven for approximately 45 minutes or until squash is tender.
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text: Terrance (A13822974) is a 1–2 year old lovable, terrier/pit mix that weighs approximately 38 pounds. Terrance passed tests for all types of aggression and gets along well with other dogs and cats. For more information or to adopt Terrance, email firstname.lastname@example.com or visit him in person at the Philadelphia Animal Care and Control shelter at 111 W. Hunting Park Ave.


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I just realized that this is my 50th post! I am definitely going to do a giveaway, but I'll post it under separate cover. No, this isn't a shameless ploy to get you to come back ... it's just that it's Sunday night and I am physically exhausted. I figured this can wait another day or two!
Any good ideas for what to give away? I have some thoughts already, but I am open to suggestions.
I also realize that I've slacked off on posting new pictures of Clancy. I promise to get some pictures of the big guy up soon. As a teaser, he's literally doubled in size since we got him 3 weeks ago, and he's fitting in with the family splendidly.
Last weekend:
This evening:
See what I mean??!


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Avoiding trouble with wage-hour law
Picture yourself in this situation: You're a grounds manager, minding your own business, busy with the work you need to get done. One day, you're unexpectedly contacted by a U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) Wage-Hour Division investigator, who says he wants to audit your pay records to determine your company's compliance with the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).
"What you don't want to do is panic, turn over boxes of records or begin offering explanations to the investigator," says attorney Chris Robinson of Fisher & Phillips LLP in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., who specializes in wage-hour law.
"Ask how long the investigation will take, then politely put off the investigator as long as possible. This will give you time to prepare. That preparation should include getting professional advice on the scope of your liability and the authority for the investigation," he says.
Even more important, Robinson says, is that you don't wait for an investigator to show up at your door — rather, become familiar now with how the FLSA affects your operation and what you must do to comply.
In recent years, more and more landscape contractors, turf managers and other grounds maintenance professionals have been caught off guard when contacted by DOL, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) or other federal government enforcers. Sometimes, these contacts have come from private attorneys, worker advocacy groups, unions or others, alleging potentially costly violations of federal employment laws governing such issues as child labor, wage-hour law, immigration, sexual harassment, discrimination or OSHA compliance.
In response to this increasing liability, Robinson and several partners from Fisher & Phillips LLP, a nationwide law firm that represents management, assisted Gempler's, Inc. (Belleville, Wis.) in producing a 134-page guide entitled Labor Law Compliance: A Working Guide for Ag/Hort Employers, which includes brief synopses of these federal laws and regulations, guidance on how to comply and checklists in English and Spanish.
In the guide, Robinson spells out some of the common ways in which grounds managers and other agricultural and horticultural employers get into trouble with federal wage-hour law. These include failing to pay employees for all "hours worked," illegally taking deductions from pay and failing to pay piece-rate workers the equivalent of the required hourly minimum wage each pay period.
The Fair Labor Standards Act requires employers to pay employees for all "hours worked." This includes the time spent traveling from work site to work site during the workday. Whether or not you have to pay workers for the time spent traveling to and from a work site at the beginning and end of the day depends on whether the transportation is optional and on whether any "work" is being performed before, during or after that time, Labor Law Compliance notes.
"If your employees receive work-related instructions before using optional transportation ("optional" meaning completely voluntary on the part of the employees), or if they engage in such activities as loading tools onto the truck or van — or receive work-related instructions during the trip — that converts the time to 'hours worked,' and the FLSA requires you to pay them for their entire travel time," Robinson says.
You may also find yourself in trouble under the FLSA for failing to pay your workers for the time spent "waiting" — such as waiting for the rain to stop before beginning work outdoors that day. Courts have found such "wait time" compensable under the FLSA if the time spent waiting is primarily for the benefit of the employer, versus the employee having the time to effectively use for his or her own purposes, Robinson says.
Managers may also get into trouble under the FLSA for deducting certain items from employees' wages that result in wages dropping below the required hourly minimum wage that pay period. Charges for employer-required transportation; required uniforms; or tools, gloves or other materials necessary for employees to perform their jobs may not be deducted from employees' pay if these deductions bring wages below the required hourly minimum wage that pay period, Labor Law Compliance notes.
Reminder: The current required federal minimum wage is $5.15 per hour. But be sure to also check your state minimum wage, because it may be higher than the federal requirement.
The FLSA does allow deductions from employees' wages for certain items, regardless of their impact on the minimum wage. These include Social Security, Medicare, garnishments, federal and state income taxes; third party deductions authorized by the employee (such as voluntary insurance premiums, union dues and church or charitable contributions); certain types of customarily provided meals, facilities and lodging, as long as they don't exceed the reasonable cost or fair market value; advances against earned wages; and the actual cost of daily transportation (but only when employees know the location of the work site, when alternate sources of transportation are available and when employees are not required to use the employer's transportation but rather use it for the employees' own convenience).
"Be sure to keep good written records, including receipts for items for which deductions are made," Robinson says. "Also, be sure to get written, signed authorizations from employees, in a language they understand, for any deductions from wages beyond those required by law."
In recent years, more and more costly class-action lawsuits have been filed against agricultural and horticultural employers for the alleged failure to pay "piece-rate" workers the minimum wage as required under the FLSA.
An important point stressed in Labor Law Compliance is that you must be certain that any workers who are being paid by the piece rate are receiving at least the required federal hourly minimum wage each pay period (or your state-required minimum wage, if it is higher).
You must keep accurate records that can prove you have done this. Also, be certain you are keeping all of the specific detailed records required by the FLSA. Federally required payroll records should be kept for three years. Be sure to also check any state requirements in this area.
Barbara Mulhern is the editor of Gempler's ALERT, the newsletter of Ag/Hort safety and employment law compliance, and Labor Law Compliance: A Working Guide for Ag/Hort Employers, both published by Gemper's, Inc. (Belleville, Wis.).
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For the longest time, the idea of having cameras on all modes of public transportation seemed out of reach. But in an age where every rider has a camera on their person, why can we not have cameras on all train cars and buses?
The last two administrations in City Hall have been clear that they are not enthusiastic about adding more police to the NYPD force. If that is the case, then there needs to be added investment in technology.
Along with ramping up technology to record criminal activity on buses and trains, there needs to be heightened minimum sentences for people who assault bus drivers and transportation personnel. The Long Island Railroad and Metro-North railways take a pretty definitive stance on any kind of harassment toward their employees; the city needs to do the same.
Many of us have had run-ins with difficult city employees, but there is never a situation where assaulting a bus driver or train operator is acceptable.
This is an opportunity for the new team in City Hall to take a tough stance on what is a consistent problem in certain parts of the city. While public transportation serves all New Yorkers, it is the life blood for the poorest in the city, and there is no reason for government not to empathize.
We need cameras on all buses and train cars. If we want all parts of the city to feel a sense of equity, then the time is now to make that a priority, and among other ambitious public policy goals, this is very possible.
Gentrification is part of NYC
In the last 20 years, we have seen Brooklyn experience a rebirth, as young professionals have moved in and made the borough a more sought-after destination.
In 1996, I thought about buying in Brooklyn much to the surprise of family. For $60,000, I could have bought what now costs north of $250,000. The borough has changed. It has gotten trendier. It has gotten more expensive.
When film director Spike Lee rails against gentrification, he claims to be defending a way of life (a culture) that is now threatened by hipsters moving into areas like Fort Greene. Change is one of the few things New Yorkers can count on.
When Ozone Park and Richmond Hill went from predominantly Italian and Irish to Latino and Guyanese neighborhoods, it was just New York being New York. Those who complained about the change in culture were sometimes criticized as racist. Is that not what critics like Lee are doing right now? They complain that their way of life has changed because people who are different are making them uncomfortable. How is it any different?
Make no mistake, I would love to go back in time and get that condo for $60,000; I am not in a position to gobble up Brooklyn real estate since prices have shot up. But being a New Yorker is a lot like being a Yankee fan; the team changes from year to year. Everyone else hates you. You win a lot, and it is expensive.
If you cannot handle all of that, you can either move out or live with it. This gentrification is part of the reality of living in a city that is in a constant state of change.


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Celebrating illustration, design, cartoon and comic art of the mid-20th century.
Friday, May 09, 2008
Frank Reilly: "could teach a wooden Indian to paint"
Dean Cornwell, who painted the illustration below, was Frank Reilly's friend, neighbour and one-time mentor. In the introduction to the Frank Reilly School of Art brochure Cornwell writes:
"I don't think there has ever been a time when so much garbled double talk has been peddled about Art and so little Art produced. Doesn't it make sense to you that what a student needs most is to learn to use his tools, to understand thoroughly nature's complications by controlled means of artistic simplifications. This to me makes sense."
Where is one to find a teacher in the midst of all this confusion?... One who teaches the student to draw, paint and compose well."
"Frank Reilly is one of the few people I know who paints pictures, illustrates both editorially and for national advertising and who by his own choice decides to teach as well. Frank teaches because he likes to teach and his extensive knowledge of Art and its craft, is why he teaches so well. I've often said, Frank could teach a wooden Indian to draw and paint, provided of course the wooden Indian wanted to paint."
And those were not just hollow words. The Frank Reilly Art School brochure shows page after page of students who had gone on to successful careers.
Kent Steine, the author of Step-by-Step magazine's 'Masters' series article on Frank Reilly tells me in a recent email, "Everyone I have ever talked with about Mr. Reilly, has a very deep and committed reverence for him. From my own teacher, to Doug Higgins, Jack Faragasso, Candy Rodriguez, Sol Korby, Jerry McConnell, Gerald Ellison, and James Bama, who attended during the time my teacher was there ('46-'49), all, credit Mr. Reilly for their success in art, and life."
"They were more than just his students. . . they were like his children. As a matter of fact, during the days of ASL's Summer home at Woodstock (built by the CCC in the 30's), the students would spend days drawing, painting and picture making, and nights having cookouts and conversation with Mr. Reilly and his wife."
When I realized that Leonard Starr had attended Reilly's school, I asked David Apatoff if he would see about getting Mr. Starr to comment. David graciously sent back Mr. Starr's remarks:
"Reilly was the best teacher I ever saw-- the only one who was really worthy of the title, "teacher." My teachers at Pratt were all tired re-treads, who were interested in 2 dimensional design but couldn't teach you how to draw. They would walk around the room and remind you that the human hand has 5 fingers. I learned far more from the Famous Artists School training materials."
"Then one day when I was 27 I was talking with Dean Cornwell at the bar at the Society of Illustrators. I was already doing well as a professional artist but I still felt I had real gaps in my learning. Dean told me that he was "impressed with the work that Frank Reilly's kids are doing." So I went to Reilly and he took me on as a student."
"Reilly taught that drawing was a matter of "relationships"-- from the neck to the hip bone, from the tip of the shoulder to the groin, he showed us how everything combined to make the figure come alive. Kids always start out making the figure lean to one side or the other, but Reilly showed us how to nail that figure down: "at least one of those legs must be supporting the weight of that body." He was just remarkable. I never left a class without learning something new. I wish he had been my teacher starting in high school, then I would really have been able to draw. He was better than George Bridgman (who Reilly dismissed as "an anatomist.") Unlike Bridgman, Reilly taught you in a way that made the anatomy naturally go where it was supposed to go."
"When you are an art student, you always think you have made 100 mistakes. Reilly taught us that there are really only about ten mistakes. He would criticize just one student each session, but make everybody listen because we all made those ten mistakes, and we could all benefit from hearing the critique. Reilly used to say, "I can teach you the nuts and bolts, but I can't teach you to be creative. If you are creative, you will be able to put these nuts and bolts to work."
We began this week with some remarks from Doug Higgins, who was Frank Reilly's drawing and painting monitor during the time he studied with Reilly in the 1960's - and I'd like to return to Doug as we conclude this week's look at Frank Reilly:
"I was a student in the night class of his private school… the Frank Reilly School of Art in New York City," writes Doug.
"He would lecture on Tues. and Thurs. evenings. The lectures would start with something humorous and included many illustrations of the material on the blackboard. The next day at lunch hour… I was working as a low-level commercial artist at the Prudential Ins. Co. in Newark, NJ, I would carefully transcribe my lecture notes. After a year and a half or so my notebook was stolen out of my beat up old Corvette convertible in Manhattan's Greenwich Village. They sliced through the plastic rear window. I was devastated but it turned out to be a benefit because when I began again I had a much better understanding of the information."
"For the first time in my life I became a dedicated student and came to believe that if I learned what he was teaching I would have a chance at a career in art. It was an honor and a great help financially when he appointed me monitor, first in the drawing and later in the painting class. A monitor paid no tuition, called the poses, kept order, started off new students and locked up the school."
"I never missed a night in the over four years I was with him up until his untimely death. The night before he went into the hospital he said, "Well, good night, Hig." and I had to help him find his coat. I stood in the darkened hallway and watched him slowly walk to the elevator and disappear inside. I never saw him again and the only testaments I can offer are this book and the life he gave me that I have loved."
*My thanks to Tom Palmer, David Apatoff, Kent Steine and Doug Higgins for providing all the material for today's post.
My Frank Reilly Flickr set.
4 comments:
Frank Reilly articles were a lovely and interesting read, and Ken Riley' as well (Violent City' art is great).ReplyDelete
thanks for sharing that Leif!
- Anonymous11:34 AM
"Reilly taught us that there are really only about ten mistakes."ReplyDelete
-Do any of Reilly's books teach these ten mistakes?
- Anonymous5:22 PM
My father always credited Frank Reilly and Dean Cornwell with being influential in his work. I'm glad to see others giving Reilly his due.ReplyDelete
- Anonymous1:42 PM
Frank Reilly was not only a great teacher, he was a true inspiration to others. In the photo of Mr. Reilly demonstrating to his students, you will see my father (African American gentleman) in the front. My father became Mr. Reilly's friend, monitor, and assistant. I attended Mr. Reilly's funeral. I was just a baby at the time.ReplyDelete
I have many stories to share along with photographs. I plan to share them shortly.


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for OSR Discussion & Play-by-Post Games
Tamerlaine wrote:Gormlaith makes a face the others know all to well but she holds her tongue while Cauley stays quiet.
Nilog ambles up to the goblins and speaks in their profane tongue, his posture and manner suggesting he's in charge of them and their ultimate outcome. At first there are vehement shakes of their heads and as the stunted hobgoblin continues, each of the goblins slowly nod their head in turn. Nilog turns to the party with a crooked leering smile. "it is done. They agree to follow me but I must pay for their allegiance. The silver will help, many thanks. I will await your return."
klarkash-ton wrote:"I believe the deal was for 100 silver. Lets get it done, I'm itching to get back to a warm bed and refreshing ale. Gormlaith, you took a good hit for the team back there, I'm buying!"
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State Roundup: La. Panel Kills Health Exchange Plan
News outlets report on a variety of state health policy issues in California, Colorado, Kansas, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Oregon and Utah.
New Orleans Times-Picayune: Louisiana Senate Panel Sinks Plan To Set Up Health Insurance Exchange
[W]ith a decisive 8-1 vote late Tuesday evening, the Louisiana Senate Finance Committee buried a bill that would have set up a body of elected and appointed officials to craft the exchanges that are an anchor of President Barack Obama's health insurance overhaul. With the death of Senate Bill 744, Louisiana remains one of a handful of states that have refused to set up their own exchanges, with Gov. Bobby Jindal punting the job back to federal government that he accuses of taking over the American health care system (Barrow, 5/15).
Reuters/Chicago Tribune: In Abortion Move, Kansas Pharmacists Can Refuse Some Prescriptions
The Republican governor of Kansas has signed a law allowing pharmacists to refuse to fill prescriptions for drugs they believe may induce abortions, a move opponents said could hinder some women's access to birth control. Governor Sam Brownback's office said on Tuesday that the bill "gives more legal protection to Kansas health care providers who refuse to participate in abortions" based on their conscience (Murphy, 5/15).
Kansas Health Institute News: New Law Extends Legal Protections For Refusal Of Abortion-Related Care
Current law already prohibits forcing health care providers to participate in abortions and protects from lawsuits those who refuse to participate. SB 62 extends that liability protection to all medical care facilities, administrators and governing boards. ... Brownback also signed House Bill 2631, which will allow dental hygienists with a Level III Extended Care Permit to provide more types of care to underserved patients. Procedures allowed under the new permit include certain types of temporary fillings, smoothing chipped teeth, adjusting dentures and applying local anesthetics (5/15).
The Associated Press/Washington Post: Utah Technology Director Resigns In Wake Of Data Theft At State Health Department
Utah's chief technology officer has resigned following the theft of hundreds of thousands of online medical records from state computers by unknown hackers (5/15).
Kaiser Health News: Attention Health Care Shoppers: Colorado's Price List For Procedures
Shopping for the best price for a given health care need is nearly impossible. Unlike shopping for other big ticket items, there's no place to compare prices. Providers often can't, or won't, quote a price for a given procedure -- different people are charged different rates based on what kind of coverage they have, or whether they have coverage at all (Whitney, 5/16).
Boston Globe: Mass. Health Insurers' Earnings Fall Off
After registering sharply higher earnings in 2011, the state's nonprofit health insurers posted falling operating income -- and in two cases, operating losses -- for the first quarter of this year as they handled more medical claims. The early months of the year typically bring more claims. People delay elective procedures until after the holidays and insurance companies have to make payments for supplemental Medicare policies until members meet their deductibles and government funding kicks in. But another factor affected health insurers' finances in the first quarter of 2012: mounting pressure to hold down premiums (Weisman, 5/15).
Fox News: I'm Paying For What?! Mandated Health Insurance Benefits
Ten states require health insurance plans to cover antipsychotic drugs. Nine states say health plans must cover bone marrow transplants. Clinical trials for cancer patients are required benefits in 29 states. Those are just a few examples of state health insurance mandates. As of Dec. 31, 2011, states had enacted 2,262 such laws, according to the "Health Insurance Mandates in the States 2011" report by the Council for Affordable Health Insurance (CAHI) in Washington, D.C. (Marquand, 5/15).
KQED: Cash-Only Practices: Better For Patients Or Just Better for Doctors?
Some primary care doctors around the Bay Area are converting to cash-only practices, rather than taking insurance payments. Doctors who choose this model are leaving some of their patients behind. ... [Dr. Samir Qamar:] "We don' think primary care needs insurance. I think it's ridiculous to pay $500 a month to be treated for a sinus infection every spring. Insurance should be saved for the catastrophes" (Menghrajani, 5/15).
The Philadelphia Inquirer: Court To Hear Appeal Of Pa.'s Risperdal Lawsuit
Johnson & Johnson's courtroom fights over Risperdal resume in Philadelphia on Wednesday, when Commonwealth Court judges are scheduled to hear an appeal of decisions to dismiss Pennsylvania's 2008 lawsuit that alleged the company fraudulently profited from sales of the antipsychotic drug through the Medicaid program. While Pennsylvania's case did go to trial in Philadelphia, it did not get far. In 2010, a Philadelphia judge threw out the lawsuit, which sought to show that J&J had tricked the state into paying millions more for the drug than it should have (Sell, 5/16).
California Healthline: Senate Committee Rejects Care Changes
Hearings on the latest round of cuts -- including $2.5 billion in reductions to health care programs in California -- are scheduled to start today ... At last Thursday's Senate subcommittee hearing, government officials proposed several ways to cut back on nursing home regulation. ... The "special fund efficiencies" included elimination of the periodic survey that identifies nursing home deficiencies, and to repeal the 45-day deadline for investigating adverse events at hospitals (Gorn, 5/16).
California Watch: Calif. Schools Employing Fewer Nurses, Librarians
California is issuing fewer credentials for public school service positions. ... School nurse credentials saw the biggest drops, with just 209 issued in 2010-11 – a 26.4 percent decline from 2006-07. At the same time, the number of school nurses employed in public schools fell by 13.3 percent to 2,474 (Lin, 5/16).
North Carolina Health News: NC Faces Potentially Massive Legal Settlement Over Housing For Mentally Ill
Close to a year of negotiations between the state Department of Health and Human Services and the US Department of Justice over North Carolina's practice of housing people with mental health problems in adult care homes could mean the state is on the hook for tens, or even hundreds of millions of dollars. ... The situation dates back to 2010, when Disability Rights North Carolina wrote to the US Department of Justice, complaining about the state' use of adult care homes to house thousands of people with mental health disabilities (Hoban, 5/16).
The Lund Report (an Oregon news service): Customers Of LifeWise Health Plan And Health Net May Expect Rebates
In Oregon, customers from two for-profit insurance companies – LifeWise Health Plan and Health Net of Oregon – are likely to benefit from these [medical loss ratio] rebates, based on financial information filed with the Oregon Insurance Division. At the end of 2011, the medical-loss ratio for LifeWise was 78.3 percent overall compared to Health Net's average of 78.79 percent (Lund-Muzikant, 5/15).