text:
Other possible blog title: Lacey in all her glory.
A few months back Lacey had Croup. No fun, lemme tell ya! ESPECIALLY since she got Croup TWO DAYS before Joe's new job benefits kicked in (meaning, we had NO HEALTH INSURANCE). Long story short? She needed a breathing treatment and they let us keep the mask. At the time of the breathing treatment Lacey was totally FREAKED OUT about the mask. But not anymore... as you can see, it has become a regular toy around our house. A regular toy that makes my kids sound like baby Darth Vader's and constantly has the other kid giggling at how silly they look...
Lil and her friend were playing on Lil's computer the other day when I hear Lil's friend come runnin' toward me. She said, "Lilia's mom (That's what my name is- "Lilia's mom") Lacey is STUCK!" Now, I was not watching them too closely (I think I MAY have been blog hopping) but I was LISTENING, and Lacey sure didn't SOUND stuck... she was jabbering away in what I can only imagine is the Adamic language, and just doing her own thing- no crying or grunting as most one-year-old's do when wedged someplace uncomfortable...
But since Lil's friend INSISTED that she was stuck, I went to investigate... And THIS is what I found:
Of course I wasn't worried. She got herself in, she can get herself out! So I called her name and sure enough, out she crawled!
I later went back to investigate and found a TON of "lost" items- including a remote control for the DVD player, Joe's second set of keys, and a dollar bill! Little pack rat was hoarding all her treasures in her little hide out! :) Cute little monster!
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Nothin' but trouble... and a little bit of cuteness!
Other possible blog title: Lacey in all her glory.
Posted by Pam at 10:52 PM 6 comments
Tea, Anyone?
Last week my neighborhood had a party. All little girls (and their brothers if they really wanted to) were invited. It was a Princess Tea Party, and it was AWESOME. The girls were all encouraged to dress up as a princess, and come for an hour or more of little girl fun...
There was, of course, "tea" (it looked like pink koolade, or maybe strawberry lemonade), and "pastries" (cookies of all sorts- Lil preferred the M&M chocolate chip cookies).
But they also had face painting, fingernail painting, colored and sparkly hair spray, and well, what party would be complete without PRINCESS TATTOOS!?
Oh, and in case any little brothers showed up, there was a bounce house for them and balloons for everyone. We even had a special guest- CINDERELLA! (Okay- so it was one of the drop dead gorgeous young women in the neighborhood dressed up like Cinderella... but what little girl CARES who she really was- today she was Cinderella!)
There was music, and dancing, and food and fun to be had by all. I didn't take my camera, but Shauntell (the mom that threw this awesome shin-dig) was nice enough to take this shot of my girls and email it to me...
Of course, neither girl was looking at the camera, but whadda ya do, huh?
After the party, I took the girls home for a "proper" dinner. I decided to let them stay in their dresses and we had a "picnic" in the front room. WELL- while I was getting dinner finished I put Lacey in her high chair. She managed to wiggle and squirm her way out of the belt holding her in place and when I returned from the kitchen with food in hand, THIS is what I found:
AACK! She was sitting on the VERY EDGE of the TRAY watching TV. Not a care in the world...
Little Stinker!
Posted by Pam at 10:40 PM 2 comments
Lil's Dissapearing Rabbit Act...
Yesterday Lil runs up to me in the kitchen and is in near hysterics. She is repeating over and over again something about her pink bunny. Its missing, can't find it... She just had it then it was gone... I finally get her to calm down and I ask what happened. She said she was tossing her pink bunny up in the air and then it "dist-appearded!"
Now she is not such a great tosser. She usually throws it up and back a ways so she has to turn around and pick it up off the ground behind her where it lands. Well, when she did that the last time she turned around to pick it up and it wasn't there. She looked EVERYWHERE for it! Any guesses as to where I found it?
Poor bunny! Good thing its not scared of heights!
Posted by Pam at 10:46 AM 0 comments
Monday, August 25, 2008
I AM ... thinking that tonight is a good cookie and ice cream night... (Hush tummy! I know you won't appreciate all the yummy cool goodness that is ice cream, but darn it! I will NOT give up my creamy cold treats for you!)
I WANT... to take a big ol Advil (yum! Candy coating!) and ignore the pain in my back.
I HAVE ... to ask myself exactly HOW I managed to fall down the stairs today. My dear sweet brother asked me how I fell and I told him, "Well- I was walking, and I was walking, then I was falling, then I was falling more, then I stopped." And THAT is exactly what happened. Ask Lil. She saw the whole thing.
I WISH I COULD ... have the courage of my 4 year old. She totally stood up in a restaurant tonight and danced her little heart out for everyone to see, and trust me- with her dance moves, EVERYONE was watching.
I HATE ...talking. So why can't I shut up?!
I FEAR ... that people only pretend to like me, but really don't. If that's what you are doing, please, PLEASE stop. For both our sakes...
I HEAR ... that the thing people most fear is public speaking, the second most feared thing is death. So at a funeral, most people would rather be in the coffin than giving the eulogy...
I SEARCH ... for true friends. So far I have found two. And those two are the most awesomest greatest, most wonderful people I know. Now if only I could find one not related or married to me.
I DON'T THINK ... I will ever get tired of hearing "I love you" from Joe and the girls, and homemade bread. Yup won't ever get tired of homemade bread.
I REGRET ... growing up as quickly as I did. I understand the reasons I felt I had to, but looking back, I didn't need to. Not really... I should have enjoyed my teenage years a bit more.
I LOVE ... the smell of freshly bathed babies (Baby Magic smells WONDERFUL),the feel of my husbands 5 o'clock shadow (that's 5 o'clock the next day...), the taste of oatmeal bread, the sound of sleeping children breathing steadily (if not a bit heavily), lightning storms.
I ACHE FOR ... the loss of my dad. Still.
I ALWAYS CRY ... when I hear these two songs: Love, Me by Colin Raye and Missing You by Jem (if you click the Jem link, pay no attention to the video- its the song that is awesome... this is the only site where I could find the whole song)
I AM NOT ... a crook! (picture me giving the peace sign)
I DANCE ... pretty well, but I would LOVE to take some classes to learn more...
I SING ... THIS to my daughters every night before bed.
I NEVER ... thought I would find myself saying this but... I actually don't mind Barney (as in the purple dinosaur...)- HE really isn't so bad if you can block out that curse-ed "I love you" song...
I RARELY ... drink caffine. Last time I knowingly drank caffine, I was pregnant with my now 4 year old...
I CRY WHEN I WATCH ... my husband cutting up onions. Yeah- what a tear jerker.
I AM NOT ALWAYS ... the best mom I can be, and that bothers me. Luckily my girls love me none the less.
I HATE THAT ... I was never given the chance to be in a sport or dance class or even gymnastics when I was a kid. I feel like I missed out. And so- I signed Lil up for a dance class today. :)(Must live vicariously thru my kids, right?)
I'M CONFUSED ABOUT ... well, lots of stuff. But my biggest puzzler for now is that I want to take up running. BUT- My lungs can't handle cold well, and I don't know where exactly I can run in the winter that is free. :S
I NEED ... to take that Advil and crawl in bed with a good book. OR at least a good magazine.
I SHOULD ... remind you that you are more than welcome to steal this from me and do it on your blog. After all, I did. (And though I can't remember who I stole it from - I "thank you" nonetheless.)
(I am adding one-)
I WAS ... a pretty cute baby, huh?!
Posted by Pam at 8:48 PM 3 comments
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
This. Is. Awesome.
I just HAD to send this on for all you readers (you know, all three of you) can see, and possibly participate! I have already signed up to be a part of the "My Favorite Things swap."
Go check it out! Love to ya'll!
Posted by Pam at 11:35 PM 0 comments
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Lilism's (and friends)
So a friend (or maybe a group of friends) of mine coined a phrase that I now use quite often. When our kids do or say something totally unique and most often funny, we refer to it as an _____ism (insert child's name in the blank). Well- My children are full of "ism's"- for example...
called about: "Mom, what is that thing called about?" (This is also used to ask what something is for (about))
long minutes vs. short minutes: if she is enjoying her play date she asks if she can stay for long minutes, if she doesn't want to nap she asks if she can sleep for short minutes...
a LOT a lot a lot (heavy emphasis on the capital letters): Mom I love you a LOT a lot a lot (as opposed to just a lot- its the equivalent of bunches and bunches and/or very very much).
air donitioner (conditioner)
I'm still in a bad mood: translation: I am not getting my way.
I wanna look like _____: translation: I think ______ is cute. (She currently wants to look like a neighbor boy...)
Sure (pronouced shu-er): This one really makes me laugh. Instead of okay or yes she says sure. If I tell her its bedtime she says "sure" instead of "okay". If I ask her to clean something, or help me with her sister, or even if she wants ice cream (or some other yummy treat) she replies with "Sure!" (Perfect example! She just asked me if we could play at the park, and her sister is asleep, so I told her, "Not right now sweetheart, why don't you put on a show." To which she replied, "Sure!")
ed: This one is funnier than it seems. She adds an extra ed to MANY MANY words. Such as, "I flushed-ed the toilet." "I wanna be held-ed." Basically any past tense word where the "ed" sound is not very pronounced (or should I say pronounced-ed) she adds an extra "ed" (She is fine with words like wanted, and hated).
Yesterday, I was abruptly woken up by a 4 year old waxing philosophical on me... She didn't say, "Good morning Momma!" nor did she say, "Momma, its time to wake up..." (her two usual responses). She walks right to the side of my head and whispers in my ear, "Momma, if you love me, then you want me. If you DON'T love me, then you DON'T want me. At all." Then she left the room and started a cartoon for herself. Say WHAT??
Today, I bit off more than I can chew and find myself with two extra kids. Both are 4. Both are Lil's friends. One is a little girl in her preschool. She is a spunky cute kid. The other is a neighbor boy I promised to watch weeks ago... Well I offered them all some cereal this morning. Lil and Jan* both said "Yes!" since it was Barbie cereal (it really is- and I personally think the stuff is awful, its berry flavored, presweetened cereal with marshmallows, so its like crunch berry cereal with lucky charm marshmallows...). Well I offered Jon* some as well and he said, No, its "gril" cereal for "grils". "Gril's" need "gril" stuff, I don't. This started a debate between the three of what is "gril" stuff and what is boy stuff. Turns out that macaroni and cheese is boy stuff and milk is "gril" stuff.
(names changed since I don't have their parents permission to write about them)
Joe and I were discussing the other night Lilia's butt. Yes- we know. We are so weird. But bare with me. She was trying to squeeze into a space she was too big for and I said to her it was because she had daddy's butt. To which Joe and I discussed how we both hope both kids get his butt instead of my non existant one. I know, I know, TMI. But there is a point here, I promise... So while we are talking about it, Lil walks up and matter of factly stated, "I don't have Daddy's butt. It's too BIG for me! I have MY butt. And Lacey has her butt. She would look funny with Daddy's butt." Awesome. She had us both laughing pretty hard. The rest of the night she kept talking about Lacey has a small butt, she has a medium butt, mommy has a big butt (nice) and daddy has (hehehe) a "Big, big, BIGGER butt." (Think of this like "a LOT, a lot, a lot.")
Posted by Pam at 3:54 PM 4 comments
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Picture Blog... haven't done this in a while!
Most of these pictures are of Lacey, but Lil is part of most stories...
First up:
I put the girls to bed the other night, like usual, and, like usual, they wouldn't go to sleep. I expect it from Lilia, but Lacey too?! Finally I went to find out why Lacey wouldn't go to sleep and THIS is what I found...
It seems big sister Lil decided it would be fun to take ALL the stuffed animals and dolls and put them in the crib with Lace! No wonder she wouldn't go to bed! She had no where to lay down!
Next up:
The other day I saw Lil carrying around my sewing marker (its a disappearing ink marker. LOVE IT!). I asked her what she was doing with it. "Writing Lacey's name." Oh? Awesome! I asked to see it and she took me to Lacey. Who was nekid and branded...
Third in line:
Not much of a story here. Just a kid soooo tired she didn't even manage to get a bite in before falling asleep...
And Next we have:
Today Lil took our dog out for her morning constitutional. Nothing new. Part of the routine. Well, when she brought the dog back in, she forgot to take the leash off. And well, Lacey took over from there. It was awesome watching her lead the dog through the house... Midge is a very patient dog...
Up next:
They finally arrived! And sleep has become the new "in thing" in this household...
Check out those MONSTER Top teeth!
And last but not least:
A picture of two of the cutest things to grace this place we call Earth...
Posted by Pam at 11:09 PM 6 comments
Some friends in need... possibly...
So I sit here pondering a troubling situation. Something happened a while back and I had a HUGE run-in with someone I thought was a friend. This "friend," in reality had been spreading some fairly vicious lies about me and MY HUSBAND (and most likely still is), and did a VERY GOOD job of putting me down. Basically calling me a bad mom, wife, friend, person, etc. Can we say "OUCH"? Yeah- she really hurt me. I was beyond depressed for quite some time after the fact, and am still struggling with the after effects her words have had on me. It turns out I am not the only person she has done this to. I have now talked to two other people who have had startlingly similar stories as mine. (I am jokingly considering starting a support group about it!!) Now here is the real problem...
Two women I greatly respect and really like (lets call them Melissa and Janet) have started spending time with said "friend," and I really would hate to see them suffer the same fate as me and these other women I have talked with. So what should I do... Should I talk to Melissa and Janet? I mean, if I did, I would in no way tell them the details of what "friend" did to me (I have promised myself and my husband not to spread the details to anyone that didn't need to know), BUT- I could at least tell them that they should be a bit wary because "friend" has a reputation building of how she befriends people, makes them feel special, and valuable at first, followed by feeling indebted to her due to lavish gifts, then feeling inadequate for not being able to keep up with the lavish gifts, and finally she snaps and basically kicks them to the ground? OR- do I keep my mouth shut and PRAY she hasn't told the lies about me to Melissa and Janet... Did I mention that Melissa and Janet are exceptionally sweet, nice, giving, and thoughtful? Well they are.
I think my biggest concern here is that if I do approach them, how do I do so without sounding like I am exacting revenge on "friend"? It has nothing at all to do with "friend" other than that I would hate to see anyone else subjected to the same things I was... I really like Janet and Melissa! Now, I know that even though Janet and Melissa are everything I said a few sentences back, I also know that both are totally capable of handling themselves in bad situations... I just would like to help them avoid being in this situation in the first place.
Any suggestions? Should I intervene with good intentions or keep my yap shut and be there with open invitations for the support group when it happens to them too?
Posted by Pam at 10:46 PM 2 comments
Monday, August 11, 2008
A quick learner
Sometimes it completely takes me off guard how smart Lilia is! She amazes me on a daily basis. She is so funny, too! And sociable... I have no idea where she gets that trait... :)
The other day (Saturday) I was sitting on the couch dealing with a fussy baby. Lacey was teething, and in desperate need of some Orajel. So I said to Lilia, "Lil hun, can you do me a really big favor? Will you run out to the car and grab my purse for me? Lacey needs some medicine in my purse." She said, "Okay momma!" And there I sat, with a crying baby on my lap thinking to myself what a good big sister Lilia is, and how lucky I am to have such a good helper. And then, what is that I hear? Lil heading to the Master Bedroom (NOT the same direction as the garage) and then I hear this, "Daddy, will you do me a REALLY big favor? Can you go out to the car and get me mommy's purse please? Lacey needs some medicine in Mommy's purse..." I don't know what she said past that as I was laughing too hard to hear her. She is a smart little stinker!
Posted by Pam at 8:01 AM 2 comments
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
So not cool! (WARNING POSSIBLE BREAKING DAWN SPOILER)
I am still waiting for my darn book to come. Trust me, I am not happy that I haven't received it yet. But such is life. I am patient (or at least PRETENDING to be patient... I have plenty to do, so I am not needing a book to read right this minute). I have been very careful to avoid certain blogs, and certain websites so I am not spoiled for the book. I am talking VERY careful. I am refusing to read ANY BLOG from ANY FRIEND I know read the book. I am so proud of myself for being surprised when my book FINALLY arrives!
Well, I have an account on Facebook. I have even stopped reading peoples moods and such so as to avoid any possible hints... Well, on Facebook, I was looking for a piece of Flair to send to my bestest friend and cousin, Ju. For those who don't know, "Flair" is basically a little virtual blurb or funny that you can send to your friends on Facebook in the shape of Buttons that they can stick on a virtual cork board on their Facebook profile... For example, I have one sent to me by a good friend that says "Join the Dark side- we have cookies" my cousin sent me one with a picture of the Disney Characters Copper and Todd and they are saying "Your my vest friend Todd" "Your my best friend too Copper." Another good one says, "Voldemort carries Twilight in his purse." etc. WELL- As I was searching for a good piece of flair for Ju, I happened across two pieces of flair that have pretty much ruined my day.
"The Lion + The Lamb = The Loch Ness Monster" My first thought was hmm, wonder if that was related to Twilight?
Then I saw this one, "Renaesme- What kind of name is that?!" And I thought, AW CRAP! They get pregnant before she is turned into a vampire and its a girl and they name her after her mom and his... THAT IS A HUGE SPOILER FOR ME!!! Grrr...
I bet I am right too, huh? Don't answer that people. I don't wanna know til I read it for myself... :S
Posted by Pam at 10:35 AM 4 comments
Friday, August 1, 2008
Grandpa would be so proud...
Have you ever noticed that some of your best conversations with your kids happen in the car? Something about being stuck in an enclosed space with you, watching the scenery fly by forces them to open up their tiny minds and show you glimpses of their thought process in action.
Now, we have been working with Lilia these last few months on her name, phone number, and address... She has her name down. Check. She knows her phone number. Check. But her address? Now that one is a bit harder. She really wants to know MORE than just the numbers and street name. She wants to know the city, state, country... the whole bit.
The conversation in the car the other day:
Lilia: Momma, where does Aunt Janet live?
Me: California, hun.
Lil: How about Melissa?
Me: Oregon.
Lil: Grandma Your-Momma? (as opposed to "Grandma Daddys-Momma")
Me: Utah.
Lil: And we live in PRIMERICA! In the middle! And Josh lives on the left and Andy lives on the right, and WE live right in the middle! Huh mom? And we live on "Big Hill Next To The Park"
Now what makes this such a great conversation is that she meant AMERICA, but Grandpa works for an insurance company called Primerica. :) She doesn't know that, but its still quite the coincidence. Also, she is exactly right! Our neighbors are Josh (on the left) and Andy (on the right). And we do live on a hill across from a park. Such a smart kid for being almost 4, huh?
Another car conversation recently:
Lilia (while staring out the window at a field of livestock): Momma, did you know Cows pee milk?
Me: Really? No, I didn't know that! Are you sure?
Lil: Yup! Milk!
Me: Oh... well if Cows pee milk, what do horses pee? ( I couldn't resist...)
Lil: Orange Juice.
I was laughing too hard to finish this conversation...
Lil at 6 months old.
Posted by Pam at 9:42 AM 3 comments
So DARN Excited!
Joe and I get to go see Dave Matthews Band! FREE! YAY!
Okay- so its not a totally sweet deal since our "free" ticket in is to work the beverages at the concession stand... but hey, its still a free concert!
BTW- if anyone in this area is interested in working concession stands in return for free admittance at concerts anywhere in the state, lemme know. My SIL and BIL are in charge of finding people to work the beverage stands at all the venues in the area...
DMB here we come!
Posted by Pam at 9:13 AM 4 comments


text:
Whether your're a 'Net newbie or a Web vet, these tips will help you develop or improve your online presence.
When you visit one of the Brick Bodies fitness centers, you can take a tour through any room you like-without even leaving your chair. That's because the Brick Bodies Web site (www.brickbodies.com) offers visitors virtual tours through its facilities with the click of a mouse.
With this type of marketing capability at their disposal, clubs can't afford to ignore the Internet. If you're not online yet, now's the time. According to Jupiter Communications, a leading provider of research on Internet commerce, U.S. consumers are expected to spend $10 billion on health-related products online in 2004. Furthermore, consumers want instant customer service, and a Web site lets your prospects check out your facilities and even sign up, whether the urge strikes them at noon or midnight.
If you haven't put together a site yet, taking these seven steps will lead you to your Internet destination. And even if you have a site already, the tips below can help you make improvements that attract traffic.
Step 1: Find a designer.
Unless you're lucky enough to have a Web whiz on staff, you'll probably need to hire a Web designer to build your site. You may be able to find one by looking at Web sites for other clubs. Have you ever seen a fitness club site that was just perfect-good graphics, excellent content and attractive design? If so, why not contact the Webmaster and ask who designed the site? Many times, the designer also has a link to his or her own site somewhere on the page.
Finding a qualified designer is only the first step. You also need to find one who will work within your budget. Matt Carlen, director of RDV Sportsplex in Orlando, Fla., suggests asking designers in your area to give you a price quote based on the specs you give them (e.g., how much you can spend, whether you want something high-tech or basic, what kind of information you'd like to include, etc.). And if you're planning on building a mega-site like Carlen's $50,000 Internet extravaganza (www.rdv-sportsplex.com), designers will be more than happy to come to your facility and present their ideas to you.
When designers present their ideas, however, remember that a site needs to be more than just eye candy. "When looking for a designer, take into account several different skill sets," says Steve Malik, president of Athletic Net, which creates Web sites, conducts Internet marketing campaigns and creates e-commerce applications for fitness clubs. "You want somebody who does graphically appealing work, but you also want somebody who understands your marketing goals in having a site."
If your designer can do a turnkey job, which is something that Malik recommends, you can skip to Step 7 below. (A turnkey job would include all aspects of the project, from registering the domain name to uploading and maintaining the site.) In any case, your chosen designer should be able to assist you with all seven steps.
Step 2: Play the name game.
Next you'll need a domain name, which is part of the URL (or Web address) people must key into a Web browser to visit your site. It sounds simple: Just take your company name or another short-and-sweet moniker and stick ".com" at the end. Unfortunately, though, with so many companies going online, there's a good chance that your chosen name has already been snatched up by someone else.
To find out whether the name you want is available, check the Network Solutions Web site (www.netsol.com). Network Solutions is one of the companies in charge of registering .com, .net and .org names on the Internet. Just plug your chosen name into the space provided on its Web site, and in a few seconds you'll know if your name is up for grabs. If it is, you can register the domain name for a cost of approximately $35 per year.
If the name has already been claimed, don't despair. Try using .net instead of .com, changing the name slightly or using a hyphen. For example, even if www.healthclub.com is taken, www.healthclub.net or www.health-club.com may not be.
As a final resort, you can try a different top level domain (TLD). While .com, .net and .org (used for non-profits) are the most popular TLDs, every country has its own TLD. The Netherlands, for example, has .nl, and only residents of that country can register a .nl address. But some countries allow anyone to register an address in their TLD. For instance, the Island of Niue offers the TLD .nu (go to www.nu.nu to register), and Cocos (Keeling) Islands offers .cc (www.do-mains.cc to register). These TLDs work just like .com names; the downside is that they're are not as easy for your customers to remember.
Step 3: Find a host.
A Web site won't do you any good unless you have a host-a company, usually an Internet Service Provider (ISP), that rents space on its Web server for your pages and graphics. When people visit your site, their computers pull the pages from your host's servers. To find the best host, call around and compare prices and services. ISPs differ in the amount of Web space, number of e-mail addresses and other perks they offer for the monthly fee.
How much space you need depends on the size and complexity of your site. Most sites can make do with the amount of space that comes with the minimum hosting fee, but if you plan to execute a huge site with videos or animation, you'll need to check with your designer about the amount of space your site will require. Your Web designer may also be able to find and set you up with a host.
Step 4: Create your look.
You're all set up with a host and a designer. You've registered your domain name. Now comes the hard part: Web design. What goes on the site, and how should it look?
There are pros and cons to both simple and intricate Web design. A simple design with minimal graphics and animations downloads faster-especially important because visitors won't hesitate to bail out of a slow- loading site for greener pastures-but it may not express the high-tech image you want. On the other hand, Web sites with animations, video and sound aren't accessible to Internet users with slower modems or older Web browsers.
When deciding on how complicated to make your site, it's important to keep your target market in mind. When asked why he decided on a high-tech mega-site instead of a simple text site, Carlen says, "The demographic we go after is very technologically advanced. I think 80 percent of our members have at least one computer at home." However, the site offers something for surfers of all stripes, from slow-modem connections to high-speed DSL (digital subscriber line) connections, including both a high-tech virtual tour and a low-tech photographic tour.
Step 5: Create your content.
There's a saying on the Web: "Content is king." This means that having easy-to-read, informational copy on your Web site is more important than the layout, the design and the graphics put together. After all, visitors come to your site for information-not to gaze in awe at a revolving exercise bike. That's why packing a site with newsletters, tips and schedules is the way to cybersuccess. Your designer may be able to recommend a copywriter who's experienced in Web writing, or you can find one through such sites as Content Exchange (see sidebar).
When writing copy, remember that people may be entering your site at a page other then the home (main) page. This is because search engines generally catalog all the pages on your site, so a search may bring up the URLs to your internal pages as well as (or instead of) your home page. Therefore, make sure every page includes a link back to your home page.
Also, when placing content, don't assume surfers will go through your site in the proper order and know what you're talking about on a specific page. Text should be broken down into manageable pieces (because surfers don't like to scroll down a long page), but each page should be able to stand on its own. Web surfers have little patience, so your copy must be short and snappy. "Don't overdo it with the text," warns Malik. "Use bullet points for key benefits."
As with any promotional materials, your site should concentrate on communicating the benefits of your club to the visitor. "The site should be written from a 'you' perspective instead of a 'me' perspective," says C. Victor Brick, president of Brick Bodies in Cockeysville, Md., which owns and manages fitness centers, sells fitness products and consults to health clubs. "Our site tells you what we can do for you. We don't lead with sales specials-we lead with fitness tips, nutrition tips, how to get in shape, how to do this, how to do that."
Other goodies you can include on a Web site include online registration, pro shops (for selling products over the Internet) and discussion boards. But whatever you decide to offer, to keep visitors coming back, you should refresh your content on a regular basis. "We reevaluate our site every six months," says Carlen. "We'll see that some pages are getting a lot of use and some are not and make changes accordingly."
The one thing a club should not include on its Web site, according to Malik, is prices. "You're not going to sell anybody on joining your club by visiting your Web site," he says. "Your goal is to bring people in the door of your club, so don't give them too much information."
And on the off chance that your visitors can't find what they want on your site, it's vital to include a way to get in touch with you, whether by e-mail, by phone or through a Web form, which visitors can fill out while visiting your site.
Step 6: Drive traffic.
On the Web, unfortunately, it's not a case of "If you build it, they will come." Getting visitors to your site takes skillful marketing. The first step in most marketing plans is to get your site listed in the search engines, which are programs that surfers use to find Web sites. These programs search sites for the keywords the surfer is looking for. You can ask your designer to take care of this aspect, or you can register the site yourself by going to search engines such as Yahoo and Excite and submitting your URL (Web address). There are also free services, such as Submit-It, that will add your URL to many search engines at once. Check out the sidebar Helpful Web Sites for more information.
Another way to draw people to your site is to trade links with other sites that your target market may visit. A link, which is usually an underlined word or phrase in blue text, is a connection from one Web site or page to another. Companies that cater to the same audience as your club may agree to place a link to your URL on their site if you promise to do the same. Best of all, it's easy: Just e-mail local hospitals, health food stores and other like-minded sites and ask them if they'd like to exchange links.
Other ideas for generating traffic are to offer e-mail newsletters to site visitors or run contests on your site. A caveat to this approach: Never send an advertising e-mail to a person who hasn't requested it. Unsolicited e-mail advertising, called spam, will only generate ill will toward your club.
The Web is huge-there are millions upon millions of sites vying for your potential customers' attention, with more popping up every day. This makes Internet marketing difficult, to say the least. The trick is to not confine your marketing to cyberspace, but to market in the real world as well. Even dot-coms know this, which is why Internet-only businesses such as Ask Jeeves, eBay and Yahoo have been blanketing the country with TV and print ads.
"We have our URL on every single thing we print," says Carlen. "We also got mouse pads with our logo, and advertised in our print newsletter that the first 250 people who registered online would get a free mouse pad."
Step 7: Keep it up.
Congratulations! It took a lot of hard work, but you now have a powerful online presence that will have customers coming back for more.
Helpful Web Sites
To learn more about such Web terms as host, ISP, URL, link, TLD and domain, check out WhatIs.com: www.whatis.com.
Want to promote your own site? An excellent tutorial in search engines and other aspects of site marketing can be found at The Art of Business Web Site Promotion: http://deadlock.com/promote/
Learn from two successful sites: RDV Sportsplex at www.rdvsportsplex.com and Brick Bodies at www.brickbodies.com.
Find an experienced Web copywriter at Content Exchange: www.content-exchange.com.
Steve Malik's Athletic Net has invaluable information for fitness clubs that want to build a Web presence: www.athleticclubs.com.
Submit your site to many search engines at Submit-It: www.submit-it.com.
Learn 26 ways to promote your site at The Web Marketing Checklist: www.webmarketingtoday.com/articles/checklist.htm.

subset: commoncrawl


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Tukaan Highlights – 2020 World Pitmasters Cup 1 Finals
February 12, 2020 @ Resorts World Manila
Tukaan – Feb 16, 2020
With English Subtitle
Watch Tukaan:
TV-5 (Local TV Channel):
Sundays – 8AM
Pinoy Extreme Channel (Cable TV Channel):
(Night schedule will be followed after horse race)
Sundays – 5AM, 2PM & 9PM
Mondays – 4AM, 1PM & 10PM
Tuesdays – 5AM, 2PM
Saturdays – 10PM
Other Tukaan segment episodes (with sparring) are available on www.pitgames.tv
Disclaimer: Footage containing sabong or cockfighting related topics can be found here. If it is inappropriate or illegal to watch in your respective country, please do not watch the show. Thank you.
Source: http://pitgames.tv/feed/


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Von Zipper Feenom Snow Goggles - Blok Yellow / Astro ChromeProduct ID# 1006268
Free Von Zipper Bonus Lens With Purchase
The Feenom snow goggle from Von Zipper is the godfather of Von Zipper goggles. It fits a medium to large face and features a dual layer, anti-fog, spherical lens to provide optical clarity, a thermo-polyurethane frame that stays flexible in the coolest conditions, and moisture wicking, fleece-lined, triple density foam for the ultimate in comfort. A dual-adjustable, silicon-lined strap, an articulating helmet hinge, and integrated forward lens venting completes the package.
Designed in California, VZ offers a lifetime guarantee against manufacturer's defects. All VZ lenses provide 100% UVA and UVB protection, are distortion free, optically correct and shatter resistant.
Customers Who Bought This Item Also Bought
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You can still order a backordered item. It will simply ship when we receive the item from the manufacturer. Or you can choose to be notified when we get more in stock by selecting the Notify Me link in the Notify column. That way we will email you when we receive more and have fulfilled all backorders.
|$139.95 Sale $69.95
|In Stock


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LONDON: The Climate Group has written a five-part briefing series covering the basics of climate science, ahead of our live broadcast with authors of the anticipated IPCC report, which will be launched immediately before the invite-only transmission on Friday September 27, at Climate Week NYC 2013.
On Friday September 27, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) will release the first part of its Fifth Assessment Report (AR5), which will set the benchmark in the world's understanding of the causes, impacts and potential solutions to climate change.
In partnership with the IPCC, we are hosting an invite-only briefing event on the AR5 for our members and partners, featuring a live video link from Stockholm with some of the report's authors, who will have concluded the report launch immediately prior to the broadcast. We will be live-tweeting from Climate Week NYC and an event summary will be available online afterwards.
The first half of the live-streamed event is available for the public to view. Watch the live briefing from 8.30am-9.10am EDT.
Ahead of this critical event, The Climate Group has prepared a series of short, non-technical briefings about climate science. These briefings, which were available exclusively to members earlier in the month, cover the 'fundamentals' of climate change, observed climatic impacts, future climatic impacts, the work of the IPCC and short-lived climate pollutants.
Ahead of this critical event, The Climate Group has prepared a series of short, non-technical briefings about climate science. These member-exclusive briefings cover the 'fundamentals' of climate change, observed climatic impacts, future climatic impacts, the work of the IPCC and short-lived climate pollutants.
Jim Walker, Co-founder and International Programs and Strategy Director, The Climate Group, commented: "For today's business and government leaders, an informed understanding of climate science and the IPCC's findings should be a priority. In an unequivocally warming world, this knowledge is essential for the evidence-based decision-making necessary to protect the long term sustainability of communities and companies alike.
"We hope our briefings and live broadcast provide essential information around climate science; helping our members lead the path to a smarter, better, more prosperous future. For all."To read the briefings, click on any of the buttons below.
Watch the IPCC live-stream, which is provided by The Weather Company, our Official Media Partner.
We produce Insight Briefings regularly to analyze topical, controversial or relevant issues that matter to the Clean Revolution. New Insight Briefings are an exclusive product for our business and government partners together with our funders and other key supporters, such as our Clean Revolution Ambassadors.
You can receive earlier briefings (normally posted on our website three months after being sent to our network) by contacting Damian Ryan, Senior Policy Manager: email@example.com.
To become a partner of The Climate Group, contact us.
Alternatively, you can sign up for our free monthly newsletter or follow us on Twitter for daily clean revolution news.
Related news:
"This is no longer about the science": Entrepreneurs, policymakers, industry leaders agree it's time to act on climate, days before IPCC release
Damian Ryan: Leaders must be climate science champions
Jim Kim, Todd Stern, Tony Blair, Richard Branson and industry leaders open Climate Week NYC, call for urgent action


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Clarion, the in-car multi-media electronic and audio equipment specialist, announces a new car radio, without CD player mechanism, which boasts remarkable sound quality and a sophisticated design: the FZ502E.Maximum connectivity and sound qualityThe FZ502E is the perfect bit of kit for enjoying music and much more! This multi-media player reads music files stored on your iPod, iPhone, MP3 player, USB stick and even your mobile phone, thanks to audio streaming made possible by the built-in Bluetooth Parrot interface. Now you can instantaneously play all your digital audio files in your car...Sound quality is also on the menu as the FZ502E features a subwoofer volume control, 3-band parametric equaliser, High Pass and Low Pass filters, bass amp system and 4 x 45 watt with MOS-FET power amplifier.Safe and simple to useAs with all Clarion products, the FZ502E is a top-of-range product with a refined design. Featuring a unique multi-directional central button, all functionalities can be controlled with just a single touch of a finger.Phone calls can also be made on the move with the built-in Bluetooth Parrot interface with microphone, allowing you to access your phonebook whilst ensuring driving safety thanks to the hands-free mode.
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Fitness facility operators may want to start picking up the phone to motivate their members or potential members. Telephone outreach encouraging physical activity and healthier eating is effective, according to a recent review of past studies on these methods of outreach, but more research is needed to see if this type of intervention is as effective as other methods or is cost effective.
A report in the January 2012 issue of the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that 20 of the 27 comparisons in 25 studies (which included results from 11,174 people) that the authors reviewed showed that telephone calls did help initiate behavior change. Sixteen of the studies related to physical activity, two to diet and seven to physical activity and diet.
Twenty of the 27 comparisons showed that phone interventions help improve physical activity and/or dietary behavior in at least 50 percent of cases. In 10 of the 25 studies that evaluated how well individuals maintained their behavior change after the phone calls ended, three reported that at least 50 percent were able to maintain the change after the interventions ended.
The longer the phone calls went on, the more effective the outcome, according to the review. Seven of 12 studies of short-duration intervention (up to five months) showed an increase in physical activity or diet change. Twenty-two of 40 studies involving medium-duration intervention (six to 11 months) showed improvement. Thirty-seven of 50 longer-duration interventions (12 months or longer) showed improvement.
The authors— Ana D. Goode, Marina M. Reeves and Elizabeth G. Eakin of the University of Queensland, Australia—concluded that enough studies have been done to support the idea that telephone interventions promote people to change their physical activity and diet. They recommended further research on how to integrate this method into existing systems, as well as research on how well people maintain their change after the end of the intervention and how to improve maintenance in a cost-effective manner.
In addition, the authors recommended more research on the cost of telephone intervention, resources required, training required and support needed from management. They also recommended comparison on the effectiveness of telephone intervention to other methods of intervention, including print and Internet programs.


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A researcher from Ben-Gurion University of the Negev has defined a new, integrated interpretation of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), which makes it easier to understand both the commonalities and differences between ASD and other conditions. In an article published in the December 2009 issue of The Neuroscientist titled: "The Medial Prefrontal Cortex and Integration in Autism," Dr. Dorit Ben Shalom recommends a uniform approach to evaluating and confronting the four common problems associated with ASD.
"The main criterion defining Autism Spectrum Disorders is difficulty in emotional-social behavior," explains Dr. Ben Shalom of Ben-Gurion University's Zlotowski Center for Neuroscience, in Beer-Sheva, Israel. "Nevertheless, many people with ASD have some difficulties in three other domains – memory, perception, and motor behavior."
In her theoretical model, Dr. Ben Shalom recommends a uniform way to think about these four types of difficulties, which she believes are linked by a common brain structure/brain function connection involving the medial prefrontal cortex. This approach makes it easier to understand both commonalities and differences between ASD and other conditions, such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). This approach will make it possible to test predictions about the location of these brain networks, how they function differently in people with ASD and how to use this knowledge to design interventions and compensatory strategies.
According to the U.S. National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), ASD is more common in the pediatric population than better known disorders, such as diabetes, spinal bifida or Down syndrome. A recent study of a U.S. metropolitan area estimates that 3.4 of every 1,000 children between 3 and 10 years-old have Autism.
Material adapted from American Associates, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev by CFisher


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PHOENIX (Reuters) - A federal appeals court blocked Arizona on Wednesday from enforcing a new state ban on most late-term abortions that opponents say is the toughest in the nation, and agreed to an expedited review of the controversial measure.
A three-judge panel of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals issued the injunction two days after a federal judge upheld the ban and threw out a lawsuit brought against the Republican-backed law, which was due to go into effect on Thursday.
The measure bars doctors from performing abortions after 20 weeks of pregnancy except in a medical emergency, defined as a case where an immediate abortion is required to avert the mother's death or a risk of "substantial and irreversible impairment of a major bodily function."
Under the law, physicians found in violation of the ban would face a misdemeanor criminal charge and possible suspension or revocation of their licenses.
Abortion-rights advocates have cited the Arizona law as the most extreme version of late-term abortion prohibitions recently enacted in more than half a dozen states. Such restrictions have emerged as one of the latest new abortion battlegrounds since Republicans gained greater statehouse political clout in the November 2010 elections.
Arizona already bans abortions at the point of viability, when the fetus could potentially survive outside the womb, generally considered to begin at 22 to 24 weeks of pregnancy. A full-term pregnancy typically is about 40 weeks.
The U.S. Supreme Court legalized abortion in 1973 but allowed states to place restrictions on the procedure from the time of viability unless the woman's health was at risk.
Abortions after 20 weeks of gestation are rare. In Arizona, pregnancies terminated at 21 weeks or more accounted for just 77 of the 11,059 total abortions performed statewide in 2010, according to the latest figures available from the state Department of Health Services.
The American Civil Liberties Union and the Center for Reproductive Rights challenged the Arizona statute this month in a suit believed to be the first court case brought on behalf of abortion providers testing the constitutionality of such laws.
Debated Medical Research
Six states have put laws into effect in the past two years banning late-term abortions, based on hotly debated medical research suggesting a fetus feels pain starting at 20 weeks of gestation. North Carolina enacted its own such ban decades ago.
Arizona and two other states have adopted similar laws that have yet to take effect.
U.S. District Judge James Teilborg had ruled on Monday that the Arizona measure, signed into law in April by Republican Governor Jan Brewer, was consistent with limits federal courts have allowed to be placed on late-term abortions.
He denied a request for an injunction to halt the law and threw out the case on its merits, saying the ban "does not impose a substantial obstacle" to abortions generally and that Arizona had the right to enact such a measure.
He also found that the state had provided "substantial and well-documented" evidence that a fetus has the capacity to feel pain during an abortion by at least 20 weeks of development.
The ruling prompted the appeal to the San Francisco-based 9th Circuit.
"We are relieved that the court blocked this dangerous ban and that women in Arizona will continue to be able to get safe, appropriate medical care," ACLU staff attorney Alexa Kolbi-Molinas said in a statement.
Under the two-page order issued by the appeals court, attorneys have until mid-October to present their briefs, and then the case will be placed on the first available argument calendar for a hearing.
"The order to place the case for argument recognizes the important interests of Arizona, and I look forward to the opportunity to counter the misplaced arguments of the plaintiffs," Maricopa County Attorney Bill Montgomery, who argued the case before Teilborg, said in a statement.
(Additional reporting by Dan Whitcomb in Los Angeles; Writing by Steve Gorman; Editing by Cynthia Johnston and Lisa Shumaker)


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$250,000 bail set for Philadelphia's Monsignor William Lynn
(RNS) The Philadelphia priest whose conviction for failing to report child-abusing clerics to authorities was overturned last week was granted a $250,000 bail on Monday (Dec. 30). But it could take at least another week before Monsignor William Lynn is free.
Common Pleas Court Judge M. Teresa Sarmina also ruled that Lynn, who has already spent 18 months of his three-to-six-year sentence behind bars, must surrender his passport and be subject to electronic monitoring and weekly reporting while on bail.
The Philadelphia district attorney's office had requested that Lynn, 62, remain in jail while prosecutors appealed the reversal of his conviction.
Lynn's June 2012 conviction on one count of child endangerment was seen as a milestone because it was the first time anyone in the upper levels of the Catholic Church had ever faced a trial or been found guilty for shielding molesters.
Lynn was responsible for clergy personnel and fielded abuse complaints for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia from 1992 to 2004. His lawyers said that in covering up for molesters he was following the orders and policies of his superiors, primarily the late Cardinal Anthony Bevilacqua, who died in January 2012 before Lynn's three-month trial began.
But a three-judge Superior Court panel on Dec. 26 unanimously ruled that while Lynn had "prioritized the archdiocese's reputation over the safety of potential victims of sexually abusive priests" his actions did not violate the child welfare law in place at the time.
During Monday's hearing, which Lynn did not attend, Sarmina said she had been struggling with whether to grant Lynn bail or not. But she said the Superior Court's ruling tipped the scales toward allowing bail.
"I am, in fact, fallible," she said, according to The Philadelphia Inquirer. "If the conviction is in question, is not the punishment in question?"
The mandatory reporting law that Lynn was originally charged under was amended in 2007 to explicitly cover supervisors like Lynn, but that came years after he had left his position.


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Charner Surname Ancestry Results
Our indexes 1000-1999 include entries for the spelling 'charner'. In the period you have requested, we have the following 2 records (displaying 1 to 2):
Try these...
charnand charnaud charnbury charne charnebroke charneburn' charnel charnel' charnela charnelay charnele charneles charneley charnelhouse charnelie charneliis charnell charnelles charnells charnels charnes charnett charnevsky charney charneye charnford charnick charnickman charnier charnil charning charnle charnley charnleys charnly charnoch charnoche charnocj charnock charnocke
These sample scans are from the original record. You will get scans of the full pages or articles where the surname you searched for has been found.
Your web browser may prevent the sample windows from opening; in this case please change your browser settings to allow pop-up windows from this site.
Research your ancestry, family history, genealogy and one-name study by direct access to original records and archives indexed by surname.


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Mesa Auto Glass – What Should I know?
Simply put, this is glass that you would find in an automobile. Not too many know that in Mesa there are two major forms of auto glass. Each one is used on certain windows in the automobile. Both types of auto glass are more impact resistant and stronger than regular glass.
What Are the Different Kinds Of Windshield Replacement Mesa Services that are Available?
Laminated safety glass-this glass is generally used on a car's windshield. It is comprised of a couple of pieces of glass that has a slim layer of vinyl. The glass is then heated and pressed together in an autoclave, which is a type of oven. When this glass receives a tough impact it will shatter also but usually the shattered pieces will stick to the vinyl and not fall on the ground.
If the windshield just has a tiny vein or nick, the auto glass professional may be able to repair the tiny vein or nick to keep it from spreading further. The repair will generally take fewer than thirty minutes in Mesa. The vein or nick is cleaned thoroughly and dried. Resin is injected and a material like Mylar is used to hold it in place. The professional cures the resin by using an ultraviolet light.
Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) Versus Original Equipment Equivalent (OEE) - Auto Glass
When there are windshield cracks the owner may be able to fix it themselves using a kit or have a professional auto glass technician do the job. The kit has all the tools that are necessary to fix the crack, including the resin. One thing to note is that these cracked windshield kits will only work on little holes or dings or thin small cracks. With larger cracks, they may not disappear no matter how many treatments are applied. For long or deep windshield cracks or ones that do not respond to treatment with the kit, should be taken to an auto glass repair shop to have the windshield replaced or fixed. When they look at it, they can tell you if it is repairable or needs to be replaced. Most insurance companies will take care of the repair or replacement.
• Once it has hardened you can remove the tool
• Check the crack to see if you need to repeat the treatment. If it is a deep crack, you may need to do it again.
• Once you are satisfied with the repair of the windshield cracks you should take a soft dry cloth and polish the area so the resin solution will match the glass around it as much as it can. If you were fixing a small crack it could become almost unrecognizable and appear new to the naked eye but if it is a large crack it could look slightly warped in the area where it was fixed.
What Are Windshield Replacement Cost Factors?
One of the most intimidating things for a car owner to do is to deal with auto glass or windshield replacement. This is something extremely different from the movies, where people who drive without windows and windshields to be funny and significantly entertaining. In the real world, having a broken windshield will most likely be the reason for car related accidents, which take the lives of many people every day. These accidents have become a global concern, which is why the automobile industry has focused on safety innovation over the years. What most people do not realize, however, is that windshields are safety and precautionary measures by themselves.
They are designed to compress air inside a car in order for the vehicle's restraining systems to be effective. For example, an airbag system needs a strong and properly bonded windshield to work efficiently. If the windshield pops out because of unstable air deployment, the airbag will not be able to provide the protection needed to keep the driver alive in cases of accidents. These shields also account for 20% of a car's overall strength. Perhaps this is the reason why many governments around the world require car manufacturers to have all their models certified and meet a high threshold of strength and durability.
Selecting the best adhesive is the next step. Make sure that the ones bought are being used by manufacturers themselves in order to be assured of its quality. After these things, the new shield can now be installed. It is advised for everyone to be familiar with the procedures that the Auto Glass Replacement Safety standards Council have set, in order to ensure maximum safety. These include allowing the adhesive to set before the car can be driven again. See, cars are important parts of people's lives, and for it to be successful, a windshield replacement process requires patience and must be treated like how a sick family member is to be attended to.


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CBN 第一財經 2013 Channel Rebrand - Opener - Stock Today
China Business Network (CBN) is China's pioneer TV channel focused on providing professional financial and business information as well as offering the most up-to-date and accurate news updates. With a concept that centered on CBN as a financial engine, being the heart of all financial and business information, we build a city where all the data flows towards CBN (logo) before being disseminated to all parts of the city. The themes for the idents are based on 4 major industries namely aerospace, manufacturing, construction and energy.


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Scheduling conflicts put brakes on Grand Prix of Baltimore
Difficulty finding date plagues race
Just as organizers of the Grand Prix of Baltimore determined that the event turned a big economic corner, the calendar forced them to hit the brakes.
In 2014, Navy plays Ohio State in football at M&T Bank Stadium. In 2015, there is an American Legion gathering at the Baltimore Convention Center.
Race organizers said none of the alternatives to Labor Day weekend worked because while some could make it, others could not.
Rawlings-Blake is cautiously optimistic the race will return in 2016, but J.P. Grant, the Grand Prix managing partner, said that may be difficult.
"We wanted to come back in 2014, 2015, but we had conflicts in the schedule. In 2016, it would be difficult to build the momentum again. It took us two years to get to this point, and if you take two years off, our sponsors are going to wonder whether we can actually put on an event. We had potential title sponsors lined up for next year, and they want three-year commitments, and so if we can't commit to that, it makes it difficult to put on a race," Grant said.
Race attendance was up 16 percent over last year, and local sponsorship was up. Over the past three years the race has been held in Baltimore, it has generated $130 million.
Rawlings-Blake said she believes Baltimore's handling of the Grand Prix will enhance the D.C.-Baltimore U.S. Olympic bid. She expressed confidence the experience will clear the way for other big events.
"Between the race and the showcase we put on for the NFL, all I've heard is glowing feedback about how well we put on large events, how great the city looked and how people enjoyed it. For entities looking for big events, they know Baltimore can handle it," Rawlings-Blake said.
The mayor said the city is a victim of its own success. Race organizers said they plan to take a step back and regroup. For now, there are no race discussions for 2016 or beyond.
Dave Curley, a representative for the organizers, released a statement saying, "Race On LLC announced Friday that, due to scheduling conflicts in 2014 and 2015, it will not host future Grand Prix of Baltimore events.
"Grand Prix organizers worked with the Orioles, Ravens, American Le Mans Series, IndyCar Series, Baltimore Convention Center and the City of Baltimore to identify a date that worked for all involved. Unfortunately, the various schedules could not be reconciled in a way that would allow the Grand Prix to continue.
"This year's event attracted 152,864 total attendees, up from about 131,000 last year. Over three years, the event contributed some $130 million to the regional economy."
Refresh wbaltv.com and our app and watch 11 News for latebreaking updates.


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HPSCHD-L is an electronic mailing list devoted to early stringed keyboard instruments: harpsichords, clavichords, fortepianos, virginals, and all similar instruments except the modern piano. The list is an open forum for all topics related to these instruments, including their theory and principles of construction, decoration, and history and evolution from their earliest beginnings through modern times. Other topics for discussion include performers on these instruments, performance practice, literature, pedagogy, care and ownership. We may also stray to include ads of instruments/music/recordings for sale or wanted, discussion of performances or recordings, and musical editions.
The following are the currently available HPSCHD-L files:
Click here for a brief summary of listserv commands. Questions about the list? Write to one of the list owners Dave Kelzenberg, or Ben Chi.


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When you think of Japanese role-playing game Persona, you probably don't think of German engineering.
Spotted at the Tokyo Auto Salon by sister site Gizmodo Japan, this is a customized Audi S5 itasha. It is covered in Persona 4 decals and has gullwing doors.
You will never forget this. Never.
Audi S5がペルソナ4の痛車になってた [Gizmodo Japan]
G/O Media may get a commission


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ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — St. Paul police say the Missouri man who was fatally shot by officers after he stabbed a police dog to death, was a rape suspect.
Members of the North Star Fugitive Task Force were trying to pick up 32-year-old Alden Patrick Anderson of St. Louis on a first-degree criminal sexual conduct warrant Tuesday.
Officers went to a St. Paul home where they found Anderson armed with a knife in the basement. Police say Anderson fatally stabbed police dog Kody. Officers then fatally shot Anderson.
St. Paul police Officer Jeffrey Thissen was among officers who fired their weapons. Thissen is on standard administrative leave. Two deputy U.S. marshals also fired their weapons.
Kody was 9 years old and had been with the St. Paul Police Department for seven years.
(© Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)
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The LA Galaxy are off for Seattle this afternoon in preperation for this weekend's clash against the Seattle Sounders.
Above is a flight that was snapped at the terminal just prior to departure. The LA Galaxy have one interesting passenger on the plane with them to Seattle as the team is on the same plane with Seattle Sounders minority owner -- and former Galaxy season ticker holder -- Drew Carey. That may add a bit more spice to this flight.


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Literally 'Kuruwa' means a long wait in Nepali. Sometimes on account of the road condition and other factors, people sent to transport the Kalo Bhari waited for several days for the arrival of the commodities. The process of serving as a Kuruwa labour was very much similar with the process of Jharlangi. For this labour also the British Officials offered contracts to the local Kazis and Thikadars for the supply of the labourers. For such contracts the Kazi- Thikadars were handsomely paid. But, as a Kuruwa, a peasant had to work with out any wages. During the entire wait for the Kalo Bhari, the ryot himself had to manage his resources. No excuses of a ryot were granted by the Kazi-Thikadars. Under any circumstances the ryots had to discharge their duties as Kuruwa. There were few cases in the Western Sikkim, when their Zamindar had forced them to work as Kuruwa, when they were performing the death rites of their deceased family members. As a Kuruwa they had to carry Kalo Bhari from a far away distance. There were various centers from where the Sikkimese peasants as Kuruwa labourer had to carry their loads. Some of the important centers for this labour were, Geil Khola, 27th mile, Rangpo, Melli, Teesta etc. The British Indian Railway used to unload such loads at a place called Geil Khola in Darjeeling district of modern West Bengal. From there the distance of Gangtok is nearly 70 Kilo meters. The Kuruwa had to carry their load from such a long distance and that too at their own expense. The weights of the load varied from time to time and were entirely depended on the commodities sent by the British Government. But, generally the loads were of 40 kg. weight.
If we compare British Imperialism in India with the native feudalism of Sikkim than one can notice Sikkimese feudal system was much tough and cruel. The Sikkimese feudalism became more severe and cruel after the interference of the British Government in the politics of Sikkim. In short, the responsibility for the introduction of feudalism in Sikkim also goes to the British. The Indians in the plains were directly exploited by the British authorities, who were foreigners and were concentrated in a profit making process. Of course, the pricks and pains which the Indian masses received from the colonial rule were also incomparable. But, the Sikkimese peasants were exploited by their own people, who behaved like "the very apt pupil of the British". In Sikkimese feudalism we find the elements of French feudal system of the mid 18th century. There also the society was divided into three estates namely, the nobility, the clergy and the common people in Sikkimese society very similar kinds of elements are amply found. The only difference between the French feudalism and Sikkimese feudalism is that the peasants of France had to pay Thithe as religious tax, which was not to be paid by the Sikkimese peasants. Moreover, the story of a poor and destitute either he may belong to Sikkim or France is almost similar, as poverty and suffering does not have a common language, race, caste or even the boundaries. But, in every revolution, some signs, some symbols, comes to occupy a pre eminent position and those signs or symbols become the watchword for the masses. In Sikkim, people's sufferings, their woes, trials and tribulations came to be symbolized by Kalo Bhari, Jharlangi, Theki Bheti, and Kuruwa.
Such unlawful system was eliminated by the Notification from the Maharaja of Sikkim Sir Tashi Namgyal which is pasted here with this post. It was issued by the General Department (Misc. Branch) Gangtok on the 31st Day of January 1947. It bears a Notification No. 4816/G(M) and has a Memo No 4817-5316/G(M). The Notification states an immediate implementation of the Royal Order in the entire Kingdom. It was issued in three languages English, Tibetan and Nepali which were regarded as the prominent languages of the former Himalayan Kingdom of Sikkim. After the issue of the Notification from His Highness Maharaja Sir Tashi Namgyal Copies of the same were forwarded to the Landlords, Managers and Officer-in-Charge, Police Out and Patrol Posts in Sikkim for information.
I am greatly obliged to Mr. Shital Pradhan a well known name in Sikkim History for sharing this extraordinary certificate with me. His help and support will lead me a long way in my days to come.


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Berklee in the Round
Please see the full events listing for upcoming events.
Berklee in the Round Tuesdays are free acoustic performances showcasing Berklee students, faculty, and alumni, plus special guests. Inspired by the world-famous Bluebird Café rounds in Nashville, Tennessee, Berklee in the Round Tuesdays are held on the first Tuesday of each month during the semester. The writers are seated in the center of the room and perform their original songs in a circle, creating an intimate listening room vibe, as if the audience was joining the writers in their living room.
A special chair is reserved in the round for a mystery guest. This person could be an established artist who is visiting the college or touring in the area, a hit songwriter, etc. You never know who may show up for a few songs or join in for the whole round.
This show will feature Leah Grams-Johnson, Max Capistran, Honor Witke, Duncan Johnson, and Julia Hoffman.


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Gray Yellow Handmade Flowers With Beading Girl Sash, Bridesmaids Sash,Elegant Beading Sash
The Flower Sash is made of chiffon,beads.
The flowers are attached to a long beading ribbon.
Colors may vary slightly due to different computer monitor settings.
You can also find the beautiful dresses on our stores:
Wedding dresses: https://www.alinebridal.com/collections/wedding-dresses
Bridesmaid dresses : https://www.alinebridal.com/collections/bridesmaid-dresses
Homecoming dresses: https://www.alinebridal.com/collections/homecoming-dresses
Prom dresses: https://www.alinebridal.com/collections/prom-dresses
1, Material: chiffon, beads
2, Color: picture color
3, Delivery time:
Normal time: Within 25 days
4, Packing: in order to save your shipping cost, each dress will be packed tightly with water proof bag .
5, Shipping: by UPS or DHL or some special airline.
6, Payment: Paypal, bank transfer, western union, money gram and so on.
7, Return Policy:
We will accept returns if sashes have quality problems, wrong delivery time, we also hold the right to refuse any unreasonable returns.
Please see following for the list of quality issues that are fully refundable for:
Wrong Size, Wrong Color, Wrong style, Damaged sashes- 100% Refund or remake one or return 50% payment to you, you keep the sash.
In order for your return or exchange to be accepted, please carefully follow our guide:
1. Contact us within 2 days of receiving the sash (please let us know if you have some exceptional case in advance)
2. Provide us with photos of the sash, to show evidence of damage or bad quality, this also applies for the size, or incorrect style and colour etc.
3. The returned item must be in perfect condition (as new), be sure not to stretch it or make any dirty marks, otherwise it will not be accepted.
4. The tracking number of the returned item must be provided together with the reference code issued.
5. If you prefer to exchange sashes, then a price difference will be charged if more expensive.
6. You are required to pay for the shipping fee to return or exchange the dress.
7. When you return the package to us, please pay attention to the following points, if not, customers should pay for the duty:
we put all of our energy and mind into each sash, each of our sash are full of love, our long experience and skilled craftsmanship keep less return rate till now, but if there are our problems, we could return all your payment, for more details, please see our FAQ.
8, Custom taxes
Except Unite States, most buyers need to pay customs taxes, in order to save cost for you, we have marked around $30-40.00 on the invoice, then you just pay less taxes, please note that it's express help customs collect this payment, it is not shipping cost, as shipping cost has already paid before sending.
Returns Policy
Each dress is made to order from us, including standard size dresses. The custom nature of our dresses means our cancellation and Return Policy is stricter than other items, so it's important to order carefully.
1, For sample dress that you email me for this request( dresses are in standard size with picture color(size must be less than or equal to US14) can be returned freely, Contact us within 2 days after you receive goods, we can't accept return of goods more than one month.
2, For normal order or custom order(Color not as picture shown or Custom Size) and Plus size(larger than US14),If your product arrives in a defective manner, mis-shipped or color error, you are qualified to get a refund. However, if the item is not faulty or it is made accordance with the size you ordered but does not fit, please note that we will Not accept your returned item.
3, Refunds are issued to your original payment method. Refunds cannot be returned to alternate cards or different forms of payment.
4, Returns must be received in new condition; unworn, unwashed, and with the hygienic liner intact. Items returned with obvious use, makeup, animal hair, dander, deodorant, perfume, or similar product stains may be subject to refusal
5, Shoes must be returned in their original shoe box and placed inside an additional box for shipping transit. Damage to the shoe box makes shoes ineligible for return. If received damaged, shoes will be shipped back and subject to additional shipping costs.
6,Original shipping is non-refundable.
If there are quality problems, we also hold the right to refuse any unreasonable returns, such as wrong size you gave us, but we offer free alternation.
Please show us photos of error firstly, there are 3 ways to solve it.
1, Send dress back to get full payment back.
2, get 50% discount to keep it.
3, We will remake one and send it as soon as possible, the first dress no need to send back.
Rush order: within within 20 days or even earlier, shipping cost is $30.00 extra more.
Normal time: Within 30 days (From May to Dec).
Around 30-35 days (From Jan to April), it's busy season, so produce time will be a little long.


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Many car purchases start with one decision: New or used? It's hard to remember a better time to buy, too. There are plenty of good vehicles out there either way.
If you're on a tight budget, buying a used car gets you the most vehicle for the money. You can count on one hand the number of new cars that list for less than $14,000. For less than half the price of the average new car, you can buy a 3- or 4-year-old used vehicle that is larger and loaded with more features than a small, bare-bones new one.
But buying a used vehicle has its own risks that could cost you over the life of the vehicle. The fact is, you are buying a vehicle that someone else has owned and driven. You don't know how it's been driven or how well it's been cared for. A used vehicle will almost certainly require maintenance and possibly expensive repairs sooner than a new one, and those repairs probably won't be covered by a warranty.
In the end, the decision to buy new or used boils down to what you can afford and what will give you peace of mind.
The Case for Buying New
For some people, buying used isn't an option; they want a brand-spanking-new car. They want to select the color and the features in it. There's definitely a pride of ownership and peace of mind in being a vehicle's first owner. Some other advantages include:
- Reduced maintenance expense: A new vehicle won't need maintenance for the first several thousand miles, and then only an oil change and tuneup will be required. More manufacturers are covering the cost of those routine maintenance items. The new vehicle likely won't need new tires, a battery, exhaust system or brakes during its first few years of ownership, or even longer.
- Warranty coverage: The manufacturer covers its new vehicles under warranty for at least three years and some warranties last much longer. Under a manufacturer's warranty, if something goes wrong with the car, it's the responsibility of the dealer and manufacturer to fix it. Typically, these bumper-to-bumper warranties last from three years or 36,000 miles (whichever comes first — an important detail to note) to five years and 60,000 miles. In addition to comprehensive warranties, many automakers provide warranty coverage for powertrains. These often extend past the bumper-to-bumper warranties and are often valid for years longer. Some extend up to 10 years or 100,000 miles. It's good to be aware of these powertrain warranties; if you buy a used car, what's left of the warranty may (or may not) be fully transferable.
- Peace of mind: If you encounter problems with your new car, you have legal recourse through state lemon laws. If you can prove that your new car is a lemon (definitions differ), you could receive a replacement vehicle or get your money back. Lemon laws apply only to new cars. You also can find out if your vehicle was returned to the used-car market as a lemon by looking at the vehicle's title or checking out a vehicle history report.
- Roadside assistance: In addition to a comprehensive warranty, virtually all mainstream new cars and light trucks come with some level of free roadside assistance while the vehicle remains under warranty. In addition, some automakers reimburse you or provide alternate transportation if you are stranded far from home.
The Case for Buying Used
If you're not married to the idea of buying a new car, used vehicles have their own appeal:
- Improved reliability: Although used vehicles typically don't carry the same warranties as new ones, the original factory warranty on a new car is often transferable to a second owner. Buyers of certified pre-owned cars from an authorized dealer can purchase a late-model used car and get the balance of the original warranty. Often, a manufacturer will offer a longer-term warranty for certified cars, or some buyers choose to add their own extended warranties. Of course, cars have been getting more reliable over the years, as consumers have demanded it.
- Just like new: Another trend that makes buying used a better option is the proliferation of certified pre-owned programs. The idea started with luxury brands such as Lexus and Mercedes-Benz and has become a popular alternative for car buyers.


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Paul THÉRIAULT,
a descendant of
Claude THÉRIAULT
(son of JEHAN)
Marie-Louise GAUTEROT/GAUDROT
has recently decided to branch out on his own. You may wish to discover just who Paul THÉRIAULT is by checking out his FACEBOOK page, which is a good start. You just may discover that you're related...
Click on the title above
to learn more about his new business.


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I. General
A. Term of Agreement
The new collective bargaining agreement begins with the 2005-06 season and runs through the 2010-11 season. The NBA has the option to extend the CBA for the 2011-12 season.
A. Length of Contracts
The maximum length of a player contract has been decreased from 7 years for Bird players and 6 years for other players to 6 years for Bird players and 5 years for other players.
II. Escrow and Tax System
A. Escrow Level
The escrow level will be 57% (same as the 2004-05 season). This percentage will be guaranteed to the players, so that if total player costs before deducting escrow monies from the players are less than 57% of BRI, the difference will be paid by the league to the players. (In the event BRI for any season is more than 30% above the BRI level for 2004-05, the escrow level will increase to 57½% for that season and subsequent seasons).
The maximum percentage of player salaries and benefits that can be withheld from the players for purposes of meeting the 57% escrow level will be: 10% in year 1; 9% in years 2 5; and 8% in year 6 (and 8% in the option year, if exercised). The previous escrow withholding limit was 10%.
B. Tax
A team tax trigger will be set at 61% of BRI (the league-wide tax trigger for 2004-05 was 63.3%). The tax will be in effect each season, and will apply to any team with a payroll that exceeds the tax trigger. The tax trigger for each season will be established before the season based on a projection of BRI. For the 2005-06 season, the tax level is set at $61.7 million.
Each team will be permitted to waive one "amnesty" player on or before August 15, 2005 and to remove that players salary from its payroll for purposes of computing its tax payment for the 2005-06 season and any future seasons for which the player was under contract. (The team will still be obligated to pay the player his guaranteed salary, if any.) The team will not be permitted to re-sign or re-acquire the player prior to the end of the term of his terminated contract. Alternatively, a team that previously waived a player whose guaranteed salary is continuing to be included in the teams payroll for the 2005-06 season and any future seasons will be permitted to designate that players salary for removal from its payroll for purposes of computing its tax payment.
The "amnesty rule" will only provide relief with respect to a team's tax obligation (based on the designated players salary for the applicable season or seasons) and will not, for example, enable a team to free up room under the Cap. However, teams under the tax level (or under the Cap) for this season may still waive an amnesty player and receive the possible tax benefit of removing the player's salary in future years.
III. Salary Cap and Related Rules
A. Salary Cap
The Salary Cap for the 2005-06 season is $49.5 million (which is based on 49.5% of BRI).
In the new deal, the salary cap increases from 48% of BRI currently to 49.5% of BRI in 2005-06 and 51% of BRI for the remainder of the CBA.
B. Annual Increases and Decreases
The permissible year-to-year increases in multi-year player contracts are as follows:
Bird and Early Bird Contracts may increase by up to 10.5% of year-one salary (down from 12.5%).
Other contracts may increase by up to 8% of year-one salary (down from 10%).
C. Rookie Scale Contracts
Rookie scale contracts will provide for two guaranteed seasons with two separate one-year options in favor of the team for seasons 3 and 4. (In the previous agreement, rookie scale contracts provided for three (3) guaranteed seasons with a team option for year four.) The first team option is exercisable following the end of the players first season, and the second team option is exercisable following the end of the players second season. A team that exercises both options will continue to have first refusal rights following the players fourth season.
The rookie scale and 3rd and 4th-year options and 5th-year Qualifying Offer amounts for 2005 first round draft picks (at 100% of their scale amounts) are set forth in Exhibit A attached to this memorandum. Teams will still have the ability to pay 20% more or less than the scale amounts.
D. Maximum Player Salaries
As under the prior CBA, in the first year of a new contract a player may receive the greater of 105% of the players prior salary, or:
0-6 years of service: 25% of Salary Cap ($12 million this year).
7-9 years of service: 30% of Salary Cap ($14.4 million this year).
10 or more years of service: 35% of Salary Cap ($16.8 million this year).
The maximum player salaries will continue to be based on a 48.04% of BRI Salary Cap (not on the new, higher Salary Cap).
E. Minimum Player Salaries
Attached as Exhibit B to this memorandum are the minimum player salaries in each year of the new CBA.
Any amounts paid to a player in a one-year minimum contract that exceed the minimum salary applicable to players with two years of service (instead of four under the prior CBA) shall be paid out of a league-wide benefits fund and shall be excluded from Team Salary.
Solely for purposes of computing a team's Team Salary for tax purposes (and not, for example, for purposes of calculating a team's room under the Cap), a free agent with zero years of service (i.e., a rookie, but not a second round pick) or one year of service who signs for the minimum player salary will be included in Team Salary based on the minimum applicable to a player with two years of service. For example, if a team signs a rookie (other than a drafted player) in 2005-06 to a minimum contract that pays $398,762, the player will be included in the teams Team Salary for tax purposes at $719,373 (the 2005-06 minimum for a player with two years of service).
F. Salary Cap Exceptions
Mid-level Exception: For the 2005-06 season, the Mid-level exception will be $5 million. In subsequent years, the Mid-level exception will equal 108% of the average player salary for the prior season.
"Bi-annual" Exception (formerly "Million Dollar" Exception): For the 2005-06 season, the amount of the Bi-annual exception will be $1.670 million. In subsequent years, the amount of the exception will increase by 4.5% annually. The alternating-year rule that applies to this exception has been carried over from the prior CBA. Therefore, teams that used all or part of the exception in 2004-05 will not have the right to use the Bi-annual exception in 2005-06.
G. Rosters
Each team is required to carry 12 players on its active list and one player on its inactive list (which will replace the injured list). Teams may have a maximum of three players on their inactive list (subject to hardship rules, which will apply in the event that a team with three injured players on its inactive list has a fourth player that suffers an injury). Players sent to the NBA Development League (see below) will continue to count on a team's inactive list.
The league has agreed to guarantee that, on a league-wide basis, teams will maintain an average roster size of 14 players over the course of the season.
H. Trade Rules
A traded player may be "simultaneously" replaced (i.e., in the same transaction) by one or more players whose salaries in the aggregate do not exceed 125% of the salary of the players being traded, plus $100,000 (In the previous deal, the figure was 115% of the salary, plus $100,000).
"Sign-and-trade" rules remain unchanged.
If a team trades a player and the player is subsequently waived by the assignee team, the assignor team will not be permitted to sign the player to a new contract (or claim him off of waivers) until at least 30 days have passed following the date the trade was made (or 20 days for trades that occur during the off-season).
A draft rookie may not be traded until 30 days following the date on which his contract is signed. Other players remain subject to the rule providing that they may not be traded before the later of (i) three months following the signing of the contract or (ii) December 15.
A player signed to a one-year contract who would be a Bird or Early Bird player at the conclusion of his contract cannot be traded without the players consent. If the player consents and is traded, he will lose whatever "Bird" rights he has acquired (i.e., he will be considered to have moved to the new team as a free agent). (The rule prohibiting such players from being traded has been eliminated.)
Base Year Compensation rules remain unchanged, except that a player's Base Year Compensation will expire on the later of (i) the June 30 following the date the Base Year goes into effect, or (ii) six months following the date the Base Year goes into effect.
I. Restricted Free Agency
A team must exercise its options for the third and fourth seasons of a Rookie Scale Contract in order to have first refusal rights (following year 4).
Offer Sheets must be for at least two seasons (instead of three), not including any option year, unless the players prior team gives the player both a Qualifying Offer and an alternative offer of a "maximum" contract, in which case the Offer Sheet must be for three or more years (not including any option year).
Offer Sheets for players with one or two years of service must comply with the following: 1. The first year salary may not exceed 108% of the average player salary for the prior year and the second year salary may not increase or decrease by more than 8%. 2. If the Offer Sheet provides for 108% of the average player salary for the first year with an 8% increase for the second year, then the Offer Sheet may provide for salary in the third year up to the amount that the player would have been eligible to receive in that year had his salary in the first year been for any amount up to the maximum salary allowable for that player (e.g., first year at the players maximum allowable salary with annual increases of 8% of the first-year salary). The players salary after the third year may increase or decrease by no more than 6.9% of the third-year salary. 3. In order to determine whether a team has room to extend such an Offer Sheet, the first year salary will be deemed to equal the average of the aggregate salaries for each year covered by the Offer Sheet. 4. If the player's prior team doesn't exercise its Right of First Refusal, the averaged salary amount will be included in the new team's Team Salary for each year of the contract. However, if the players prior team does exercise its Right of First Refusal, the amount included in Team Salary for each year shall be the salary set forth in the contract.
A team now has seven (7) days (instead of 15) to match an offer sheet tendered to a player that is subject to such team's Right of First Refusal.
J. NBA Development League
During an NBA player's first two seasons in the league (regardless of his age when he entered the league), his team will be permitted to assign him to a team in the NBA Development League. A player can be assigned to the NBADL up to three times per season. The player will continue to be paid his NBA salary and will continue to be included on his NBA team's roster (on the inactive list) while playing in the NBADL.
K. Training Camp
The training camp reporting timetable shall be the same as it was for the 2004-05 season, except that teams can require veteran players to report on the first day by 11:00 A.M. (local time) instead of 2:00 P.M. (local time).
L. Draft Entry Age
Beginning in 2006, the age limit for entering the Draft will increase from 18 to 19 years of age. U.S. players must be at least one year removed from high school and 19 years of age (by the end of that calendar year) before entering the draft. An international player must turn 19 during the calendar year of the draft.
M. International Player Buyouts
The limit on payments to international teams and players that will be excluded from Team Salary has been increased from $350,000 to $500,000.
N. Moratorium Period
The moratorium period on free agent signings, etc. under the new CBA in 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 and (if the NBA exercises its option to extend the CBA) 2012, respectively, will be as follows:
July 1, 2006 through July 11, 2006
July 1, 2007 through July 10, 2007
July 1, 2008 through July 8, 2008
July 1, 2009 through July 7, 2009
July 1, 2010 through July 7, 2010
July 1, 2011 through July 7, 2011
IV. Anti-Drug Program/Conduct Discipline
A. Testing
All players will be subject to four random drug tests each season (during the period from October 1 through June 30). These tests will be for both recreational drugs prohibited under the Anti-Drug Program and performance-enhancing drugs. (Under the prior CBA, rookies were subject to four random tests per season while veterans were subject to random testing only once and only during training camp.)
B. Penalties
The penalties for testing positive for performance-enhancing drugs will be increased from suspensions of 5, 10, and 25 games for the first, second and any subsequent violation, respectively, to 10 and 25 game suspensions for the first two violations, a one-year suspension for the third violation and disqualification from the league for a fourth violation. Penalties for testing positive for marijuana will be increased from a $15,000 fine for a second violation to a $25,000 fine and, for each subsequent violation, incremental 5 game suspensions. The first violation of the marijuana program will continue to result in the player being placed in a counseling program, with no financial penalties.
The list of performance-enhancing drugs has been substantially broadened. Players will be tested for these new substances commencing with the 2006-07 season.
C. Conduct/Discipline
A player's failure to report for a trade has been deemed "conduct detrimental to the NBA," which (in addition to any discipline imposed by the team) will subject the player to fines and suspensions by the Commissioner.
Suspensions by the Commissioner in excess of 12 games for on-court misconduct are subject to review by an independent arbitrator. For this purpose, "on court" generally includes anything that occurs anywhere in the arena during, before, or after a game.
V. Miscellaneous
A. Pension Increase
The NBA has agreed to increase player pensions, subject to government approval.
2005-2006 NBA Rookie Salary Scale ($000's)


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With Chris Nolan's profile at an all-time high, some genius decided to bring the director's first film to TV.
Nolan's sci-fi heist film "Inception" took in $60 million on its first weekend, an impressive opening for a film that isn't a sequel or adaptation. In an effort to catch the wave, IFC (that's the Independent Film Channel) has made Nolan's debut effort, "Following," available on-demand.
U.S. & World
"Following" tells the story of a struggling English writer who begins trailing people around London searching for inspiration. Along the way he meets a young thief named Cobb (as in Dom Cobb, Leonardo DiCaprio's character in "Inception"), who begins to bring him along on burglaries.
The film was written, directed, filmed and co-produced by Nolan, working with a cast and crew that was, for the most part fully employed, thereby forcing most shooting to be done on weekends over the course of a year.
The film received rave reviews and won a handful of minor awards. Most importantly, it raised Nolan's standing enough that he was abe to get financing for "Memento."