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The Iroquois Group has long working relationships with many other companies that work in the insurance industry, companies that offer services such as agency management systems, publicity and financing, to name a few. Iroquois members are afforded certain discounts or advantages with many of those companies.
Since 1998, InsureHub has been providing online ACORD Forms for fill-in, print and email. The annual subscription also includes access to CertHub, which greatly simplifies the process of creating the same certificate for dozens of certificate holders. Subscriptions are available to all Iroquois Group members at the special discount price of $119 – a $20 savings!
To receive this special discount, please register at https://www.insurehub.com/Iroquois.aspx Visit our website at: https://www.insurehub.com for additional information, or contact us at email@example.com
Agency Administrators is one of Iroquois' newest Vendor Partners. Iroquois Group members get exclusive discounts to the services offered by Agency Administrators to independent insurance agencies across the country. "High customer care service levels are crucial for today's insurance agents to strengthen the relationships with both their customers and carriers, operate their agencies more efficiently, and grow their businesses. With access to Agency Administrators, Iroquois Group members now have the option to gain a competitive edge in this critical area." said Laurie Branch, Iroquois president. For more information, click on the contact page http://www.agencyadministrators.com/contact
The Iroquois Group is an Applied Alliance Partner. Through this program, Iroquois Group members get exclusive access to educational resources, industry best practices, and innovative new products to increase the value of your technology investment. "Technology is a critical asset for today's independent agents and brokers to strengthen their relationships with insurers, operate more efficiently and deliver superior customer service to grow their businesses," said Laurie Branch, Iroquois president. Fill out the form on Applied's landing page for a complimentary technology consultation. http://insight.appliedsystems.com/Alliance-Partner-Iroquois-Group.html
EBIX offers a state-of-the-art Internet-based full service agency management system called EBIXASP. Every agent can have the power of a world-class agency management system at his or her fingertips anytime, anywhere. EBIXASP System features include: Complete agency management system (from accounting to marketing)
CONTACT: Jeff Larson at 800-433-5744 ext. 2038 email@example.com
Painlessly transition from your old agency management system with the EZLynx data experts by your side. After we carefully move your data into our system, you will begin receiving monthly agency health reports via email to help you translate what your data is saying.
You will also be able to remarket without rekeying by syncing information directly from the carrier and choosing the details to import. Management System is built on top of our already established rater, EZLynx Rating Engine, allowing you to quote without leaving the system.
Management System will help you track your premiums & commissions, simplify commission payouts, dig into data with reporting, and manage day to day tasks – all the while tracking your activities for reduced E&O exposure.
Learn how to break free from the chains of your outdated agency management system – call or click today.
Insurance Management Solutions (IMS) by Xanatek -a powerful, innovative and affordable system that offers comprehensive insurance agency management, document imaging capabilities, ACORD, Real Time, carrier downloads for policy and commission, and so much more!
Designed by insurance agents, IMS helps to increase your office productivity through:
• Improved Customer Service
• Enhanced Office Communication
• Increased Sales
• Reduction in Paper Storage
• Real Time
• Electronic Signatures
• Cloud or Server Installed
• Iroquois Discount
Iroquois members will receive a discount off the retail price of the IMS software, plus three free months of support.
For More Information
If you would like to receive additional information on Insurance Management Solutions from Xanatek, please contact the sales office toll-free at 800-875-6033 or e-mail us at firstname.lastname@example.com.
The Iroquois Group is pleased to announce a strategic partnership with Live Oak Bank designed to offer our clients a trusted financing partner. The insurance lending team at Live Oak is 100% dedicated to our industry. With over 40 years of industry experience, they understand the nuances of our business and can offer valuable education and resources. Learn more about the Live Oak + Iroquois partnership and a special discount offered only to Iroquois members: Link to co-branded landing page
Many Iroquois Member Agents have found EZLynx Rating Engine to be an excellent time saver for their producers and CSRs. EZLynx enables agents to generate accurate home and auto quotes from multiple insurance companies with a single data entry point.
Ask your Iroquois Representative for details on Iroquois member-discounts on EZLynx Rating Engine.
To learn more about Rating Engine and other EZLynx Agency Solutions call or click today.
Allied Professional Resources (APR), one of the leading insurance recruitment firms in the nation today, specializes in Property and Casualty as well as Life and Health lines. They provide suitable candidates for commercial and personal lines CSR's, account managers, account executives, producers, and Department Managers. They also place candidates for similar positions with employee benefits expertise.
APR charges a percentage of first year compensation to recruit, evaluate and help hire a suitable candidate, and Iroquois members receive a discount on the cost of this service. (Ask your Iroquois Representative for details.)
For more information on APR, visit their website at www.allied-resources.com or contact Jay Mays at 866-271-9158 or email@example.com.
OPTIS Partners is a financial consulting firm providing expert services to the insurance distribution industry. Based in Chicago, IL, OPTIS Partners consists of a small group of highly skilled insurance and finance professionals with extensive insurance industry experience.
Overview of Services:
Mergers & Acquisitions:
Regardless of your firm's position as a buyer or seller, OPTIS Partners is committed to maximizing the return on your investment through our intimate industry expertise and knowledge of the M&A process.
• Seller Representation Services
• Buyer Representation Services
• Due-Diligence of Buyers and Sellers
Ownership Transition and Perpetuation Planning:
The internal transition of ownership from one generation to another is a process, not an event.
OPTIS Partners works with clients to assess their needs and develop action plans. They will also provide and/or assist with the following specific deliverables:
• Establishment of the valuation basis from which to start the buy and sell process and updating of the valuation as necessary over time
• Development of plans to fund the transition of ownership between individuals
• Creation of cash-flow projections and other financial projections throughout the term of transition
• Revision of projections and plans as circumstances continue to develop
Valuation Services:
OPTIS Partners, LLC ("OPTIS") provides Fair Market Valuation ("FMV") services to various firms across the insurance distribution and related sectors, with particular emphasis on mid-sized Property-Casualty and Employee Benefits insurance agencies.
Iroquois Members receive a discount on the hourly fees charged by OPTIS Partners.
For More Information:
Daniel P. Menzer, CPA
CM&AA (Certified Merger & Acquisition Advisor)
630-520-0490 (o) 630-408-1810 (c)
825 Campbell Drive
West Chicago, IL 60185
Neilson Marketing Services, for more than 25 years, has been providing insurance agencies with a wide range of marketing products, including custom programs that combine telemarketing, Internet Marketing, SEO, and Social Media Marketing. As an Iroquois member agent, you're eligible to receive discounts on Neilson's business insurance lists and telemarketing services for qualified leads. Take a look at our some of Neilson's products:
• Custom list purchasing: up-to-date, affordable data on 24 million business locations, of which 17 million are business headquarters with decision makers so that you're communicating with the right people about the right products. You can select a list based on SIC code, geography, company size, number of employees, and annual revenue. For certain states, the list can include Workers Comp X-dates for businesses.
• Lead generation and qualification by experienced insurance telemarketing staff using Best Practices and the latest in technology to qualify leads in the industries and coverage lines you want to target.
• Appointment setting for principals and producers to get face time with prospects for new revenue.
• Drip marketing: An automated system with professionally written letters with key touch points to keep the sales pipeline full through ongoing communication with prospects for new sales and with clients for cross-selling opportunities.
CONTACT: Larry Neilson at (800) 736-9741. www.neilsonmarketing.com
Fixing the Loss Run Blues
Obtaining loss runs for a prospective client can be a time consuming and costly process but, thanks to the recommendation of an Iroquois Member Agent, we now have an efficient and cost-effective solution for you.
ATIN (allthingsinsurance.net) was started approximately ten years ago by an agent who was frustrated by how difficult and time consuming it was to obtain loss runs for commercial lines prospects. The service he helped create gives you the ability to order loss runs directly from the carrier on behalf of the insured. ATIN guarantees 100 percent receipt when requesting from the correct carrier based on the precise language and content of their letterhead, with the added security that, in the event of carrier non-compliance, ATIN's Loss Run Help Desk will pursue your loss runs for you to make sure you do receive loss runs 100 percent of the time.
For an annual fee, which has been significantly discounted for Iroquois members, you have access to all of ATIN's current and future services,
For more information, you can view an automated demo of ATIN's service or read a Rough Notes article about us.
www.AgenciesOnline.biz offers a single, integrated platform to consolidate agency communications, marketing and technology.
George Nordhaus, founder of IMMS, Group 500, and other organizations devoted primarily to insurance marketing, and Val Jordan, renowned agency consultant, created AgenciesOnline in 2008. After studying agency websites across North America, they concluded that while the Internet is the communications medium today, current agency websites are seldom visited, and not effective enough to allow agencies to compete with the online insurance sales forces of the little green lizard. AgenciesOnline understands that the Internet and electronic marketing is now, and agencies need to embrace this fact today to more effectively compete.
The creation of interactive websites including video, voice-overs, online chat and a quoting system were the first steps for AgenciesOnline. The system behind the AgenciesOnline website includes lead-generation, marketing programs and campaigns, integration with Rough Notes' PF&M systems, 650 risk surveys, four monthly newsletters linked to the agency's website, as well as integration with the leading agency management systems for tracking and reporting.
To learn more about AgenciesOnline, you can visit their website at www.agenciesonline.biz or contact George directly at (888) 985-3331 ext. 210 firstname.lastname@example.com.
Maximize prospect and customer relationship building with minimal agent effort. Marketing Campaigns will help you build drip campaigns, in which a series of personalized emails automatically go out at designated intervals to keep you in touch while you focus on high priority tasks.
To learn more about agency emails sent by EZLynx Marketing Campaigns call or click today.
purePRM – Online sales technology
purePRM was founded in 2009 by successful insurance group network professionals. purePRM is a revolutionary program designed for the rep and manager alike to target market, track prospects, clients, referrals and sales.
All members of the Iroquois Southwest group qualify for a special discount toward use of purePRM's online technology, sales tools and individualized sales coaching.
Find them at www.purePRM.com and click on the Iroquois Group logo.
The G&D Group specializes in customizing Commercial Lines new business Appointment Setting programs using E-Mail Marketing & Telemarketing where everything is set up on an on-line system to help their clients maximize their return on investment.
G&D's E-Mail Marketing program includes the following:
• E-Mail Marketing is billed on a month to month agreement so clients can "pay as they go" & there is no long-term contract.
• FREE Lists are provided to Iroquois Members with any new business marketing program investment and in most cases, your list will come with 30%+ of names already having X-Dates!
• On average, their clients get a 10% response rate from E-Mail Marketing alone!
• They will update your database when collecting e-mail addresses to decision makers (Owners, Finance Executives, etc…).
• They will send out 2 e-mail blasts each month that are giving their clients an average 10% response rate each month.
• They will send these 2 e-mails out from YOUR e-mail address & let you know when it goes out!
• They will manage bounce back e-mails, which will come back to them rather than you!
• They will help you with replies to help you maximize your e-mail marketing ROI from prospects that are interested!
• They will update each record in the AWT (CRM) system on-line of prospects who reply to avoid future e-mails or calls with prospects already resolved by e-mail marketing.
• Appointments are generated from their E-Mail Marketing & Telemarketing services.
• Telemarketing without effective E-Mail Marketing doesn't work very well today. However, Telemarketing with an effective E-Mail Marketing campaign behind it works extremely well!
• G&D's "Client Portal" allows a client to access their database on-line in real time to monitor activity, track their results 24X7 & much more!
• All programs are worked from their California office, with no offshore outsourcing.
Iroquois Members receive a discount on the monthly marketing fee.
For More Information:
Dion Gutierrez, CEO
Phone: (800) 846-7745, ext 104
E-Mail: email@example.com
Website: www.thegdgroup.com
J. Brian Day Restoration is a leading company servicing Massachusetts and Rhode Island in the business of water, fire, and mold remediation and reconstruction. The company handles work for both residential and commercial property owners and works directly with insurance agencies, insurance companies and adjusters. J. Brian Day's certified project managers and technicians are available on a 24/7 basis. They will work directly with the insurance company adjuster to determine the scope and estimate of the restoration job.
The National Underwriter Company is proud to partner with The Iroquois Group and provide Iroquois Members with a special 20 percent discount offer on all products and services including the renowned FC&S. (Discount does not apply to any service or magazine renewals.)
To see everything The National Underwriter Company has to offer visit their website at www.nationalunderwriterstore.com
More and more, video is being used to communicate with existing and potential clients, and through an Iroquois Group agreement with My Insurance Videos, your agency can join in that trend. The best way to describe how video messages can amplify an agency's message is to show it in video form: Click here for a 2-minute explanation.
There are more than 45 videos to make:
• your website better (Google likes video)
• your staff more productive (helps your staff sell more)
• your birthday & holiday touches better (Video is more personal)
• your social media efforts better
Here's how a video message from your agency might look: Click here
The Iroquois Group has negotiated a 15-percent discount for all Iroquois members.
For more information call (858) 461-1075 or visit www.myinsurancevideos.com/iroquois
Be sure to mention you are an Iroquois agent to receive your 15-percent discount.
Confluency Solutions has been delivering websites and digital marketing solutions to independent insurance agents since 2004. The core of any sound marketing plan today is a conversion optimized and search engineered website. Start there, and take advantage of special Iroquois group discounts and add social media marketing, email marketing and search optimization services as your agency's marketing needs change.
• Learn more at www.confluencysolutions.com
• Check out a demonstration website http://demo.cfluent.com
• Contact Confluency to learn more or to schedule a one-on-one consultation http://www.confluencysolutions.com/contact
877.351.2600 ext. 1
Your agency's online presence is essential in this digital era. Not only will EZLynx help you create the perfect website for marketing your business online, but they also integrate other EZLynx solutions into your site to capture leads and provide service to customers.
To see what your EZLynx Agency Website would look like call or click today.
Titan Web Marketing Solutions specializes in helping independent insurance agencies create a lasting impression that keeps potential customers engaged and the level of service that provides ongoing value to your current customers.
Our program includes:
• Professional mobile responsive website designs customized to your agency and brand.
• Consistent blog postings that generate ongoing content for your website.
• Social media campaigns to engage with your customers and stay top of mind.
• Search engine marketing to help customers find your agency before the competition.
• Captivating videos for your website or social media campaigns.
• Email marketing system integrated into your website.
• Management of hosting, domain registration, and technology updates.
• Discounts for Iroquois Members
To learn more about us and take the first step in stepping up your online presence, call us at 877-683-1729, email us at email@example.com or visit us at Titaninswebsites.com/contact/.


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Pac-12 M5: 04.04.13 EditionPosted by Connor Pelton on April 4th, 2013
- The annual McDonald's All-America Game was played on Wednesday night, and fresh Arizona commitment Aaron Gordon was named the game's MVP. Gordon scored 24 points and grabbed eight rebounds to lead the West to a 110-99 victory. Washington signee Nigel Williams-Goss was the West team's best player off the bench, scoring 10 points and dishing out six assists. Jabari Bird, who is headed to California in the fall, added nine points in just 13 minutes of action.
- The Huskies still have one available scholarship for next season after Gordon spurned Lorenzo Romar for Arizona. The Husky Haul takes a look at where that extra scholarship should go in this piece. LoRo will likely go the JuCo route, opting for a post player with maturity and experience. Remi Dibo or Octavious Ellis would both be solid options for the Dawgs, a pair of face fours that would add a great scoring punch after the departures of Scott Suggs and Abdul Gaddy. As the article states, if Romar wants to add a player straight out of high school, Lennard Freeman or Junior Etou would likely be the only options.
- I still find this story ridiculous, but after yesterday's complaining from Florida Gulf Coast athletic director Ken Kavanagh, USC has backed off the use of the "Dunk City" phrase. Stating that the moniker belongs in Florida, athletic director Pat Haden says that the Trojans are going to create their own cute phrase. Andy Enfield signed a six-year deal with the Trojans on Monday.
- Keeping it in the Southland, USC officially introduced Andy Enfield as its new head coach on Wednesday. While speaking at the introductory press conference, Pat Haden listed Enfield's ability to develop talent and his up-tempo style of play as the main reasons he wanted the former FGCU head man so badly. Haden mentioned bringing the Trojans program back to relevance, and resetting the basketball culture from the slow-down style of Kevin O'Neill is of highest priority. Whether you agree with the qualifications of Enfield to become a Pac-12 head coach, there's no question he has brought excitement back into the SC program. And that's important, because it was slipping quickly.
- Also dropping Wednesday was the news out of Berkeley that junior California guard Allen Crabbe will forego his senior season with the Golden Bears to enter this summer's NBA Draft. The move makes sense, as Crabbe has either been near the top of the league or at it in the scoring category the past two seasons, and he now wants to see how his game will translate at the next level. Crabbe is projected by most to be picked late in the first round.

subset: commoncrawl


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LONDON (Reuters) - There is a less than 10 percent chance that Washington's budget feud will lead to the United States defaulting on any of its debt, according to a majority of economists polled by Reuters since Friday.
Barring an 11th-hour deal between deadlocked Republican and Democrat lawmakers to continue funding the federal government, a partial government shutdown will start Tuesday.
However, 40 out of 51 economists at major banks and research institutions said there is a less than one-in-10 chance that a government shutdown on Tuesday will escalate into a potentially ruinous default on government debt payments later this month.
U.S. Treasury Secretary Jack Lew has said the Treasury will run out of money to pay its debt by October 17 if Congress fails to raise the debt ceiling.
The remainder of the economists polled cited a greater risk, although no respondent thought the risk was greater than 50-50.
"We think the chances of a U.S. default are zero and a government shutdown would be not long-lasting -- amounting to a quasi non-event in economic activity," said Peter Cardillo, chief market economist at Rockwell Global Capital.
Other respondents said a shutdown would have some impact.
"A short government shutdown will have more political than economic ramifications, though assume a quarter (percentage) point removal of growth for every week of shutdown," said Donald Ratajczak, consulting economist and professor emeritus of Georgia State University.
With just hours to go before a midnight deadline to avert a federal government shutdown, the Democratic-controlled U.S. Senate on Monday was poised to reject a funding measure that would delay reforms promised in the 2010 healthcare overhaul.
Asked how the standoff has already damaged the economy, if at all, 30 out of 52 respondents said it had not been a major impediment to the slow economic recovery. The remaining 22 said it had.
A Reuters poll in January suggested the political spat resulted in businesses cutting back expansion and hiring plans.
"(It) has not been a 'major' contributor, but was part of the backdrop of uncertainty that has been a notable headwind for the economy," said Patrick Franke, economist at Helaba.
Economists were split on whether the risk of a government default and political stalemate were the reasons behind the U.S. Federal Reserve's decision not to cut the pace of its monthly $85 billion stimulus in bond buys at its September meeting.
Twenty-seven said those factors are what probably persuaded the Fed not to taper its stimulus, and 26 disagreed.
Since the financial crisis began - and even before - forecasters have tended to play down the likelihood of worst-case scenarios being played out.
"Since the markets and economists have not yet factored in an adverse political outcome here, the chance for disappointment remains great," said Scott Anderson, chief economist at Bank of the West.
(Writing by Andy Bruce; polling by Swati Chaturvedi and Rahul Karunakar; Editing by Ross Finley and Leslie Adler)


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Swedish pianist/composer Bobo Stenson first came into prominence in the late '60s, accompanying jazz greats Gary Burton, Sonny Rollins and Stan Getz. He soon collaborated with Norwegian saxophonist Jan Garbarek, whose chamber music style of jazz contributed immeasurably to the success of Officium, his chart-topping otherworldly excursion with The Hilliard Ensemble.
Thirty-five years later, Stenson is playing some of the most sophisticated, refined and lyrical jazz you are likely to encounter. On Goodbye, the first recording with his new trio, repertoire ranges from arrangements of Henry Purcell's "Music for A While," written in the late 17th century, to Ornette Coleman's "Race Face" and Stephen Sondheim's "Send in the Clowns." The latter, which in lesser hands can often devolve into maudlin tripe, becomes one of the trio's many gorgeous exercises in restraint.
While Stenson and associates can easily move and swing with the best of them, they mostly prefer to allow space between notes, silences that communicate a quasi-mystical affirmation of beauty. Double-bassist Anders Jormin eschews expected rhythms to inhabit a parallel universe that somehow jives with Stenson's. The drums of American Paul Motian (another great who built his career performing with Bill Evans, Paul Bley, Keith Jarrett and his own trio) are equally unique. Rather than keeping the beat, Motian frequently brushes the drumhead in ways that contribute immeasurably to the disc's rarefied atmosphere.


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Katie Holmes: 'Suri is My Style Critic!'
Katie Holmes takes a stroll with her daughter Suri on Saturday (August 6) in Los Angeles.
The 5-year-old cutie pushed one of her dolls in a baby carriage and carried a small purse. Late last month, Suri pushed another one of her dolls in a different carriage!
Katie recently told Marie Claire magazine that Suri is one of her fashion inspirations!
"My daughter has been choosing her own outfits since she was two. We go to fabric stores and sew together. Sometimes I take inspiration from Suri's fashion choices," Katie said.
"Suri is my style critic. I know I look good when Suri asks if she can have my outfit when she's older. Suri is magical when it comes to clothes – she's quite an artist," she added.
FYI: Katie is wearing J Brand "Love Story" bell bottom jeans in Essex.
15+ pictures inside of Katie Holmes out and about with her daughter…


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Next week, catch TJ and A$AP Ferg as they take over the stage at Union Transfer in Philadelphia-Thursday, September 17th.
Mystery solved: This is the best festival ever.
Joonbug sat down with up-and-coming tropical house group Autograf to discuss food, future mixes and the best place to hear them play.
The Hangout brought three days of music to Gulf Shores across a backdrop of sun and sea.
Head out to Gulf Shores tonight to start the weekend right with Hangout's Kickoff Party.
The 5-piece band's music is as hot as their name implies.
Here's a hint: delicious food.
Check out the schedule and our favorites for the three-day indie rock festival on May 8 - 10.
Bestival goes international, and announces a huge new festival in Toronto this June 12th - 13th
Only 20 but already a big name on the scene, the world is this EDM prodigy's oyster as he embarks on his Adventure Live tour.
Joonbug is your premier source of the latest in music, whether your scene is bass-pumping EDM, eclectic indie rock, or swag-rific hip hop. As authorities on nightlife and lifestyle, Joonbug is your one-stop shop for all things music. Tune into exclusive interviews with up-and-coming DJs, dance music heavyhitters, rising indie bands, and hip hop boundary pushers; or get the scoop on just announced tours, upcoming shows, in-depth festival reviews and curated "best of" and category roundups. Whatever you want and need to know about music, Joonbug's Frequency blog has got you covered.


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Sporting spoils Impact's perfect run
Kansas City, KS – Sporting Kansas City brought an end to the perfect run of the Montreal Impact at Sporting Park on Saturday with a 2-0 victory that saw Benny Feilhaber assist on both goals.
The Impact opened the season with four successive wins, but Kansas City got off to a flying start with Claudio Bieler scoring his third goal of the season just five minutes into the match.
Bieler had a handful of chances to extend Sporting's lead, but it wasn't until the 80th minute when Graham Zusi found the net that the home side's advantage was comfortable.
Feilhaber had a great game for Sporting and he set up the opening goal in the fifth minute by playing the ball forward to Bieler, who avoided a defender near the edge of the penalty area and drove a low shot inside the right post.
Zusi set up Bieler for a great look at goal in the 23rd minute, but Bieler blazed the chance over the crossbar.
Seth Sinovic missed the far post by inches in the 57th minute as Sporting tried to extend its lead, while Bieler once more failed to hit the target from a good position inside the area.
But Feilhaber played provider once more 10 minutes from time when his through ball allowed Zusi to get into the box, where he neatly flicked a shot over onrushing goalkeeper Troy Perkins to secure the victory.


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MIRAMAR, Fla. - The most successful season in the young history of the University of South Carolina Beaufort track and field program continued.
The women's team posted a program-best third-place finish and the men matched their best showing by finishing fourth at the Sun Conference Track & Field Championships at Ansin Sports Complex.
USCB coach Larry Kimball was named the conference co-coach of the year on the women's side along with Embry-Riddle's Mike Rosolino.
The Sand Shark women finished with 117.5 points, behind only perennial power Embry-Riddle (252.5) and Warner (176.5).
USCB's men started the day in third but slipped one spot, finishing with 116 points. Embry-Riddle (319) won the team title, followed by Warner (137) and Webber International (119).
Sophomore Ty'Chelle Freeman was the biggest star of the meet for USCB, winning the javelin on Monday and adding gold in the shot put on Tuesday with a meet-record throw of 12.64 meters. Freeman also finished fifth in the discus and sixth in the hammer.
On the men's side, freshman Josh Roper also scored in all four throwing events, placing second in the shot put and discus, third in the hammer and seventh in the javelin.
Freshman Domonique Harris scored in three events, finishing third in the triple jump, sixth in the 200 and eighth in the 400. Also on the men's side, sophomore Anthony Vecchio finished second in the 800 and 5K and Brandon Gourdine was second in the 110 hurdles and third in the long jump.
Freshman Shabrea Coles and sophomore Melissa Carder each scored in two events, as Coles was second in the 100-meter hurdles and fifth in the long jump and Carder was third in the 800 and 5K.
Freshman Ashlee Eady finished fifth in the 100-meter hurdles Tuesday after winning the high jump Monday, and freshman Pamela Robinson finished second in the 400.
Roper (shot put, 44-8.5), Coles (100 hurdles, 15.38), Gourdine (110 hurdles, 15.17) and the women's 4x400 relay team (4:15.29) all set school records on Tuesday.
Baseball claims series win
The University of South Carolina Beaufort baseball team claimed a series victory and moved one step closer to securing the final spot in the Sun Conference Tournament on Saturday, splitting a doubleheader to claim two of the three from Warner on senior day.
The Sand Sharks (23-21, 13-14 conference) rallied to win the first game 4-3 in 10 innings before dropping the finale 5-0 to wrap up the regular season. There's nothing left for the Sand Sharks to do now but watch the scoreboard, as they need Thomas to lose three of its five remaining conference games to clinch the final spot in the Sun Conference Tournament.
USCB was down to its final two outs in the first game before scoring two runs in the ninth to tie it and winning it in the 10th on freshman Brandon Joyce's game-ending single to left-center.
The Sand Sharks had a tough time solving Warner left-hander Ryan Ruble (4-6), but they finally had some success in the ninth. Erik Armstrong led off the inning with a single, Joyce drew a walk and Ryan Doeppel's sacrifice put the tying run in scoring position. Armstrong scooted home on a wild pitch, and pinch hitter Jon Andrews singled up the middle to tie it at 3.
Senior Kyle McCullough (5-1) worked a perfect 10th, and the Sand Sharks made sure he didn't need to go back out for another inning. Terry McClinton lined a single off Ruble's leg, moved to second on Ryan Walker's sacrifice and scored when Joyce laced a single into left-center.
In the finale, the Sand Sharks waited for a rally that never came. Warner lefty Andrew Yanes (6-3) scattered seven hits and struck out six in a shutout.
Between games, USCB honored seven seniors - pitchers Andrew Barrineau, McCullough, Matthew Graney, Miles Galvin and Luke Pritchett; catcher Mitchell Johnson; and outfielder Doeppel - who played their final home game Saturday. Barrineau, McCullough and Graney are "original Sand Sharks" who were part of the inaugural team in 2009.
The Sand Sharks now must wait to see if they qualify for the conference tournament, which begins Tuesday in Fort Myers, Fla.
All-Sun Conference track performances
Megan Atkinson (javelin, third)
Melissa Carder (800, third; 5K, third)
Shabrea Coles (100 hurdles, second)
Ashlee Eady (high jump, first)
Ty'Chelle Freeman (javelin, first; shot put, first)
Brandon Gourdine (long jump, third; 110 hurdles, second)
Domonique Harris (triple jump, third)
Pamela Robinson (400, second)
Josh Roper (hammer, third; shot put, second; discus, second)
Anthony Vecchio (800, 2nd; 5K, second)


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The new Museum of Mathematics opens in Manhattan
On Saturday morning, Glen Whitney of St. James expects to feel like Willy Wonka on the day the fictional candy-maker opened the doors of his chocolate factory for the first time to a group of gobsmacked children in "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory."
Whitney is scheduled to throw open the doors to his long-awaited Museum of Mathematics in Manhattan, welcoming children to be just as astonished by more than 30 interactive exhibits over two floors at 11 E. 26th St. in midtown.
The target age for the museum is fourth through eighth grades, though the exhibits have more advanced explanations for older visitors. School classes can also take field trips to the museum; interested teachers should write to email@example.com.
Here are five of the exhibits visitors will experience on a visit to the museum. --Beth Whitehouse
Light Grooves
Each of the 45 metal sheets in this wall-mounted collection has a series of hairline grooves that make the portrayed object -- knots, seashells, geometric shapes -- appear three-dimensional when the light hits them. Glen Whitney, one of the founding staff members of the Museum of Mathematics in Manhattan, calls them "computed holograms" created using mathematical formulas. (Nov. 27, 2012)
String Product
Kids learn about parabolas in middle school -- the U-shaped arc that is formed, for instance, when you throw a ball into the air and then it descends. The museum has built a two-story structure that lights up to show kids a surprising pattern that occurs in a parabola. "It looks like a beautiful sculpture," said Glen Whitney of St. James and one of the founding staff members of the Museum of Mathematics in Manhattan. But it's at the same time an algebra exhibit, he says. "This is sort of a multiplying machine made out of a parabola."(Nov. 27, 2012)
Coaster Rollers
Differently shaped objects -- bullets, pyramids, etc. -- work together to allow a seat to roll down a pathway. A child can sit in the seat and learn that because the objects beneath share "constant diameters," the seat rolls smoothly. "You wouldn't know it's not balls under there," said Glen Whitney, of St. James and one of the founding staff members of the Museum of Mathematics in Manhattan. (Nov. 27, 2012)
Wall of Fire
This light-up exhibit shows what a cross-section of an object would look like; visitors can stick an object through the plane of red laser light to see a slice of it. "This highlights a relationship that is important to understand when interpreting CT scans, for instance," said Cindy Lawrence, of Port Jefferson Station and the associate director of the Museum of Mathematics in Manhattan. (Nov. 27, 2012)
Retail Shop
You can enter the retail shop at the Museum of Mathematics in Manhattan from the street without paying admission to buy mathematically based puzzles and games, as well as museum souvenirs.
The Museum of Mathematics -- Mo Math -- is seen here on 26th Street between Fifth and Madison in Manhattan. (Nov. 2011)


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Milo & Roger — one of the greatest Comedy Magic Acts of the twentieth century. Two boys from poor families, Arthur Brandon and Roger Coker followed a shared passion — Magic! Theirs is a story of a semi-charmed life filled with laughter, humanity, bawdiness and poignance. Milo & Roger takes you from the stages of church basements to carnivals, from minstrel shows to Asian hostess clubs, from medicine pitches to Broadway, TV and the most prestigious stages in the world. One of the most entertaining autobiographies ever written, and one you will have trouble putting down.
432 pages hardcover.
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Mark Zuckerberg's personal photos were leaked online after a Facebook user found a security loophole and breached the Facebook CEO's account, reports say.
Today, personal photos of Zuckerberg and his girlfriend, Priscilla Chan, at home in the kitchen, relaxing with their dog, and celebrating with friends appeared online.
In one image, Zuckerberg proudly holds a dead chicken by its feet. In another, he shows off a plate of fried chicken that he presumably cooked himself, as the computer genius who inspired the movie "The Social Network" has vowed to only eat meat he killed himself.
Another photo shows Zuckerberg and Chan gazing at each other lovingly in the kitchen of Zuckerberg's $7 million home. Yet another shows the couple excitedly opening the door for trick or treaters, and giving kids in costume their choice of candy.
Many of the photos show Zuckerberg playing with the couple's dog, Beast.
The private images have been posted to the photo sharing Web site, Imgur.com.
According to the Daily Mail, there is a loophole that allows Facebook users to access personal photos when they report an 'inappropriate' profile picture.
Chances are, now that Zuckerberg's photos have been lifted, the loophole will be fixed extremely soon.
Facebook released a statement tonight:
"Earlier today, we discovered a bug in one of our reporting flows that allows people to report multiple instances of inappropriate content simultaneously. The bug allowed anyone to view a limited number of another user's most recently uploaded photos irrespective of the privacy settings for these photos. This was the result of one of our recent code pushes and was live for a limited period of time. Upon discovering the bug, we immediately disabled the system, and will only return functionality once we can confirm the bug has been fixed.
The privacy of our user's data is a top priority for us, and we invest significant resources in protecting our site and the people who use it. We hire the most qualified and highly-skilled engineers and security professionals at Facebook, and with the recent launch of our Security Bug Bounty Program (http://www.facebook.com/whitehat/), we continue to work with the industry to identify and resolve legitimate threats to help us keep the site safe and secure for everyone."


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ST. LOUIS, Mo. – A lighting malfunction halted the second half of Tuesday night's scheduled SLIAC double-header, but not before GC baseball managed a close 2-1 victory over Fontbonne in game one action.
Fontbonne University (11-14, 8-2 SLIAC) cited a "lighting malfunction" in the fourth inning of Tuesday's nightcap that suspended play and forced a standstill that has been rescheduled for next Wednesday, April 18 in Greenville, Ill. Preceding the delay, the Panthers took the opener 2-1 behind the arms of transfer Jared Massengill and junior Scotty Voyles.
Massengill, who has been hot offensively for the Black & Orange, took to the mound and pitched four innings and allowed only one run. Voyles relieved the slugger turned pitcher in the fifth and sealed the eventual 2-1 win.
Freshman first baseman Ryan Smith headlined the GC notables at the dish, raking in an RBI double that aided the team's two-run posting.
Greenville College baseball (9-14, 7-3 SLIAC) will next travel to Elsah, Ill. on Friday, April 13 and begin the first of a three-game set against Principia College. Following Friday night's tilt, the club will return home to Robert E. Smith field on Saturday and host PC in an afternoon pair to wrap up the SLIAC series.


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Texas A&M won't let Johnny Manziel talk to the media this year because it has a policy against freshmen doing interviews.
The fear is that these young Aggies, even redshirts like Manziel, might say something immature or inappropriate.
Manziel led the Aggies to college football's upset of the year Saturday against Alabama and nobody knew how "Johnny Football" felt.
I cover college football but don't know if Manziel sounds like James Earl Jones or has a high, squeaky voice like the one historians say belonged to Abraham Lincoln.
Gary Danielson of CBS confessed on air he violated policy and spoke briefly to Manziel before the Alabama game. The sense is that Danielson won't be reprimanded because his positive work on behalf of the Southeastern Conference marginally outweighs this sort of egregious encroachment.


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My last UPDATE column, in which I argued against the need for comprehensive antivirus protection on Microsoft Exchange servers, generated quite a bit of reader reaction. I wanted to revisit the topic because I think it's worth discussing further.
Several readers wrote to point out that having file-level antivirus on every server is an important precaution to protect against viruses and worms that spread by exploiting vulnerabilities in Windows itself. That's a good point, one which I failed to consider in my original column. It is very important to ensure that none of your servers, Exchange included, are compromised by fast-spreading malware. Those of you who worked in the IT industry around the time of the Blaster, Nimda, or SQL Slammer worms know exactly what I'm talking about.
Microsoft has made great strides in making Windows more secure against these kinds of infestations; unfortunately, many other companies in the industry (Adobe, Oracle, and Apple: I'm looking at you!) still have a long way to go in terms of embracing the security development lifecycle that Microsoft has adopted. The Adobe Flash Player, in particular, seems to be a fertile ground for attackers. No matter how you try, I suspect you would have a hard time eradicating Flash from every server in your organization. It's too pervasive, so it's better to have protection.
A couple of readers wrote to point out that antivirus software on Mailbox servers is still desirable for a couple of different reasons. The reason I find most convincing is that a zero-day exploit can sneak in and take up residence in your Mailbox servers before you have the ability to filter that particular exploit at the network perimeter or in your transport infrastructure. In that case, having protection on the Mailbox servers in your organization, despite the small additional performance penalty, would be very worthwhile.
Another consideration mentioned by readers is the fact that current antivirus software is typically managed through policies. If you get the policy wrong, or apply it in the wrong place, you can easily screw up multiple servers with the click of a mouse. Imagine accidentally changing a policy so that suddenly transaction logs on all of your database availability group (DAG) servers are subject to antivirus scanning and cleaning. That's the recipe for a major problem! Making this argument stick essentially revolves around a discussion of relative risks: Is the risk of a misconfigured, buggy, or poorly implemented antivirus program greater, or less, than the risk of a malware attack? I suspect that the answer to this question in any given environment depends on how much experience people in that environment have had with different antivirus programs. There's a wide quality gap in antivirus software—not so much in their effectiveness at catching malware, but in their stability, documentation, integration with Exchange, and other nonsecurity-related areas.
Interestingly, I didn't hear anything from security software vendors. I was a little disappointed that none of them wrote to take me to task for suggesting eliminating their products. That's too bad, because I love a good argument.
One reader wrote in with some real-world experience from the medical industry. His organization uses a hosted antispam/antivirus service, a conventional antivirus product with four different scan engines at their network perimeter, and a different multi-engine product on their Exchange servers. The perimeter product typically catches several viruses each week that the cloud-based service misses, and the Exchange-hosted antivirus product catches one or two viruses per month that both other products fail to catch. Now, you could certainly argue that a different combination of products might have better performance. But I suspect you would find that it's equally likely that a different combination would do worse. This is the best argument I've seen in favor of continuing to use multiple tiers of protection: If you're careful to choose different vendors, with different engines, the net catch rate can be a big improvement over a smaller number of tiers.
What I'd really like to see is a comprehensive study, or even an attempt at one, that shows the difference in catch rate for different combinations of antivirus protection at different tiers. It might not be practical to gather that data, especially given that no one vendor is likely to come off as the conqueror in such a study. However, I would like to see some hard data one way or another.
Speaking of data: I should mention that Exchange Connections in Las Vegas runs next week. I will be there, presenting on cloud-based services, Microsoft advanced certifications, and how to make IT decisions that are good for your business without putting yourself out of a job. (This last topic was originally the idea of my friend Jim McBee, with whom I have the honor to co-present.) If you're in Vegas for Connections, please stop by and say hello!
Related Reading:


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Great collections of inspirational, wise, and humorous old Fake People quotes and sayings, Fake People sayings, and Fake People proverbs. Fake People Quotes and Sayings When You said You will be there for Me, Guess You Meant only when Times are Good. No1 Forced You to Love Me, so why did You Need to Pretend? Your Lies have Left …Read More »
Home » Tag Archives: Chain Messages Are Fake


text: Emerging from the forest, this image envokes the age-old tradition of Christmas. This old-world Santa comes to life witht he use of yarn and fur. The asymmetrical border is the perfect accent, with its braided pattern in Christmas colors. Instructions include hand/machine methods of applique, making this pattern suitable for intermediate to advanced quilters. Hanging tabs are optional on this V-shaped banner, which measures approximately 19" x 31".


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A feisty, feminist intern uncovers a medical conspiracy in this icy thriller about mysterious goings-on at Boston Memorial Hospital.
When her best friend and aerobics partner, Nancy Greenly (Lois Chiles), emerges in a vegetative state from a routine abortion, Dr. Susan Wheeler (Genevieve Bujold) does some digging and discovers an overabundance of anesthesia-induced comas among otherwise healthy young patients.
The male authority figures who challenge Susan's technically illegal tampering with medical records include her boss, Dr. Harris (Richard Widmark); the chief anesthesiologist, Dr. George (Rip Torn); and even her boyfriend, Dr. Mark Bellows (Michael Douglas), who doesn't want Susan's shenanigans to get in the way of his shot at chief resident.
As Susan continues her crusade, the paper trail leads to the Jefferson Institute, a mysterious, experimental facility in which vegetative patients are stored en masse, suspended from the ceiling by wires threaded through their long bones, in order to reduce the cost of long-term care. A shadowy assailant begins to stalk Susan just as she uncovers the link between the Jefferson Institute and the comas at Boston Memorial, setting the stage for climactic suspense scenes involving morgues, malpractice and endless institutional corridors.
Writer/director Michael Crichton adapted his second feature film from Robin Cook's bestseller of the same name. Tom Selleck, who would star in Crichton's Runaway several years later, appears briefly in Coma as another victim of lethal anesthesia.


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ECS GTX 460 Black Review
Just Cause 2 is a third-person shooter that takes place on the fictional island of Panau in Southeast Asia. In this sequel to 2006's Just Cause, you return as Agent Rico Rodriguez to overthrow an evil dictator and confront your former boss. When you don't feel like following the main story line, you're free to roam the island, pulling off crazy stunts and causing massive destruction in your wake, all beautifully rendered by the Avalanche Engine 2.0. In the end, that's what the game basically boils down to; crazy stunts and blowing things up. In fact, blowing things up and wreaking havoc is actually necessary to unlock new missions and items.
- 4xAA
- 16xAF
- Global Settings = High
- Water Detail = Medium
- Dark Tower Time Demo
Higher = Better
At stock speeds from 1920 x 1200 and below, the ECS GTX 460 is faster than the HD 5850 in this game. The tables turn when the HD 5850 is overclocked. Again, the Palit is a bit faster in this game!


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Ruwe Pitches Birds To Victory Again
SIOUX FALLS, SD -- Kyle Ruwe threw another gem, and the Sioux Falls Canaries remained undefeated against the Gary SouthShore Railcats with a 5-2 win on Thursday night at Sioux Falls Stadium.
The Canaries (24-35) previously swept the RailCats (34-24) in three games and won the opener of a four- game series before 3,560 fans at the Birdcage, their sixth straight home victory.
Ruwe (7-5) continued a dominant stretch in which he has gone 4-0 in his last five starts. After giving up a two-run home run in the first inning to Ryan Babineau, Ruwe shut out the RailCats through the eighth inning. He scattered nine hits, walked one and struck out five. Ruwe has given up just three runs and walked only one man in his last three starts (24 1/3 innings pitched). Alan DeRatt tossed a perfect ninth inning to collect his 13th save of the season, tied for second most in the league.
The Canaries scored five unanswered runs after the early 2-0 deficit, starting with Jared Clark's RBI single to plate Kevin Dultz in the third inning.
In the fourth, J.P. Ramirez reached on a two-base error, Dultz had an infield single, and Anthony Trajano brought both men home with a double down the right field line, giving the Canaries a 3-2 lead.
In the seventh inning, Marcos Rodriguez' two-out, two-run single padded the Canaries advantage.
Dultz and Trajano each led the Canaries with two hits.
RailCats starter Alain Quijano (8-4) entered the game tied for the league lead in wins. The Canaries and Ruwe beat Quijano for the second time in a rematch from June 8 in Gary. He lasted 5 2/3 innings, allowing four runs, three earned, on eight hits. He walked one and struck out five.
The four-game home series continues at 7:05 p.m. on Friday at Sioux Falls Stadium.
Courtesy: Sioux Falls Canaries


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Oval-shaped Diamond Inlaid into Pink Mother-of-Pearl Ring
Oval-shaped Diamond Inlaid into Pink Mother-of-Pearl Ring
A breathtaking Technique.
Always striving to find harmony between opposing elements, Boghossian magnificently succeeds in blending tradition and innovation with their audacious revival of the « Art of Inlay ».
It has taken many years for Boghossian to master the knowledge and expertise of this extremely rare and unique art form. Inlay art is an ancient decorative technique, finding its earliest origins in the Egyptian Empire and in the treasures of the Pharaohs. It is created by inserting contrasting materials, such as stones, wood and metals, into a base object to form patterns and pictures.
The technique attained perfection in the 17th Century, during the Mughal Empire. The most impressive achievement of this thriving period for inlay art is the Taj Mahal, often referred to as one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World. This enchanting place is an essential source of inspiration for Boghossian. The House has reinterpreted the floral patterns of the architecture, the rich decorative motifs and vibrant mosaics into a breathtaking European aesthetic.
Inlay art in jewellery is an intricate and delicate work that demands exceptional know-how and precision. The base stone is meticulously carved and shaped before a precious gem is delicately set into it. The marriage of the two stones creates thrilling yet balanced contrasts. The gems freely reveal their hues and brilliance as almost no metal holds them together. This entrancing play between the reflecting colours gives an illusion of weightlessness.
Boghossian's « Art of Inlay » technique is beautifully illustrated by its divine Mughal-inspired bracelet. In this masterful creation, which has taken more than eight months to achieve, Colombian emeralds are inlaid into precious mother of pearl, hand-carved into floral designs.
With the pioneering decision to make « Art of Inlay » their signature style, Boghossian introduces an intricate and truly challenging technique, demonstrating the innovative and audacious nature of the House.


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|February 4, 2013, 11:42 PM
Senior Member
Join Date: January 2, 2013
Posts: 166
Help me narrow down my IWB holster choice
I have a new-to-me S&W CS9 (a small metal 9mm auto) I need to get a good IWB holster for. I plan to wear it at (what is it, 4 o'clock?) right over my leather jeans patch, behind my hip bone.
My biggest criteria are safety, followed by conceal-ability (very important), and comfort.
I am leaning toward the ones with two clips, front and back, thinking that it would give extra stability as well as get the clips away from the body of the gun to decrease thickness. This Crossbreed Supertuck gets good reviews from users, and looks like it is well designed: http://tinyurl.com/3c28l83
But I also like the idea of the 2 leather straps with snaps instead of the clip, just because I think they might be easier to fasten than the clips, which I always seem to have a bit of trouble with.
That Crossbreed also looks like a giant slab of leather. Does something like that get really hot and sweaty against bare skin, or just feel like a big appendage after a few hours?
Lastly, I tend to like the thumb-break strap for extra security. If I am not concerned about the extra fraction of a second necessary to unfasten it, is there another disadvantage to the thumb strap? The Crossbreed, and some other holsters I have looked at and liked don't have it, so it further narrows my choices.
I lean strongly toward good quality leather rather than plastic or fabric.
So let's hear about your recommendations and favorites for this type of gun and carry situation.
|February 5, 2013, 02:13 AM
Senior Member
Join Date: February 4, 2012
Posts: 1,273
I carry a few weapons IWB for those times when I want to CC. I live in Indiana, and we are able to OC or CC as long as we have the license. I will CC everything from my Karh CM9 to my CZ-75 IWB. For a larger, steel weapon, I have to throw in my lot with the crossbreed style holsters (I use an Old Faithful brand, just what fit my needs). They are comfortable to wear, and make concealing your weapon easy. I have never used the snap-loops, but the metal clips aren't bad once you know where you want them on your pants.
For my Kahr, and sometimes for a Beretta Tomcat, I will use a Galco Softuck, but its just a single j clip. Nothing fancy, but for a small pistol I don't need much.
Now you mentioned your desire for a retention strap. Most IWB holsters I have seen do not use a strap for retention, since the weapon is already a) concealed from prying eyes and b) secured in place by the holster and the belt. When you say you like the "security" of a thumb break better, my question is why? You should not need a thumb-break if your holster/belt are providing adequate retention and yoru attire is providing adequate concealment. I'm not anti-retention-> every OWB holster I use for carry purposes has some form of active retention, mostly in the form of a thumb-break. I just don't see the need for it in an IWB holster.
|February 5, 2013, 06:59 AM
Senior Member
Join Date: April 5, 2011
Location: NE Ohio
Posts: 2,461
for 5 o'clock carry, the best solution imo is one of the wide base leather holsters. for price and quality, i usually go with ubgholsters to satisfy this need. depending upon what ride height you want, i like the canute and striker models. striker rides a little lower.
Favorite range gun for the money - CZ 75B or STI Spartan V 9mm
Go-to carry setup - Walther PPS or PPQ in FIST kydex holster 1AK
Favorite semi-auto design - HK P7
"A Sig is like a lightsaber - not as clumsy or random as a Glock."
|February 5, 2013, 07:27 AM
Junior member
Join Date: January 19, 2013
Location: Raleigh, NC
Posts: 12
A few interesting IWB options from a local shop, family run, very high-quality workmanship - http://www.wildbillsconcealment.com/wildbill/shop/. I haven't bought an IWB from them yet, but based on OWB and paddle models, will do so soon. Good luck with your search.
|February 5, 2013, 08:11 AM
Senior Member
Join Date: June 24, 2010
Posts: 234
The Crossbreed and Kholster holsters with clips are, for me, easy on and off. I wear mine at 3 oclock but you will have to experiment where is the best position for you. I found at 3 oclock it is easier to sit or drive, but comfort comes secondary to having a gun handy.
|February 5, 2013, 09:21 AM
Senior Member
Join Date: January 2, 2013
Posts: 166
Thanks for the replies.
re: JimmyR:
It does seem that the thumb strap for IWB is not offered or is even frowned upon by the different manufacturers, and probably for a reason. So I will probably abandon that criteria.
I'll look at some of the different brand suggestions. I'm personally familiar with just some of the bigger brands: Bianchi, Alessi, Galco, but I like the idea of supporting the smaller guys, as long as I don't have to wait too long.
Keep the suggestions coming!
|February 5, 2013, 10:11 AM
Senior Member
Join Date: July 1, 2001
Posts: 4,418
I would suggest you look at Milt Sparks Holsters. They make a couple of large print leather holsters which carry big guns well. My 5" 1911 disappears with my HR Limited(like a versa max) or what ever that model was. It does not make me hot as you suggest. I do kind of wish it had a bit of rough leather to grab my underwear and keep my pants up better. This isn't much of an issue, except when transitioning from walking to vehicle a lot.
Thumb breaks are generally reserved for where required by rule or poor holster fit. I think once you try a higher level holster like Sparks, UBG, etc, you will see why.
|February 5, 2013, 10:26 AM
Junior member
Join Date: January 26, 2012
Posts: 1,066
But I also like the idea of the 2 leather straps with snaps instead of the clip, just because I think they might be easier to fasten than the clips, which I always seem to have a bit of trouble with.
I think that replies who are giving advice on retention straps might re-visit the OP's posting: He is specifically describing the use of leather straps as opposed to clips for attachment of the holster to the belt, not for retention of the handgun into the holster. RTFQ, RTFA as my physics professor used to say.
I carried a full sized 1911 for two decades in a Milt Sparks Summer Special, which used this method. It was entirely satisfactory in every regard.
I now carry in a hybrid holster, very similar to the KHolster, made by a local maker in Milwaukee (while I waited, actually... ). It has proven to be more than entirely satisfactory. It is more comfortable and more stable than the Summer Special ever was. It uses the standard clips, and they have been just fine. This hybrid style of holster (leather paddle and Kydex retention) has really become the gold standard for CCW.
If anyone near Milwaukee needs leather, I strongly suggest Brew City Holsters. The owner is a Milwaukee LEO, is a good guy, and does good work FAST. I literally dropped off my Kahr at 09:00, ran errands for two hours, and came back to pick up the holster. He has a website that is under construction, but google it and you can find the placeholder site that does have his email address. I am perfectly satisfied.
|February 5, 2013, 11:00 AM
Senior Member
Join Date: January 2, 2013
Posts: 166
I like the suggestion on the holster maker you know. I will contact him.
The Kydex thing is new to me. What are the advantages of it or a hybrid over leather?
|February 5, 2013, 11:20 AM
Senior Member
Join Date: February 9, 2011
Location: mo
Posts: 181
I use crossbreed holsters for concement. Once the leather is broke in you can't hardly tell your even wearing it. Cross breed offers different belt clips for their holsters. The only draw back is that it takes about 6 weeks to get on but that is because they are hand made. A great plus about them is that they are USA made. Most holsters are now being imported from over seas.
"Life's hard. It's even harder when you're stupid." ¯ John Wayne
"If guns kill people then i can blame mis-spelled words on my pencil"
|February 5, 2013, 11:41 AM
Senior Member
Join Date: June 18, 2008
Location: Pac.N.W.
Posts: 1,804
Be Smarter Than A Bore-Snake!
|February 5, 2013, 12:00 PM
Join Date: February 10, 2010
Location: Texas
Posts: 91
Crosssbreed supertuck
I've been using the crossbreed supertuck for over two years. After the initial break-in you really don't notice it. The breaking period is perhaps more the use getting used to something on their hip as it is softening the leather.
I live in South Texas, it's always humid here. I selected the horsehide due to this, it was a good choice. Maybe it's not as pretty, who cares' it's hidden.
Many people like the CompTac MTAC. I've never tried one. It seems good and I would not hesitate to buy one of these. http://www.comp-tac.com/product_info.php?products_id=95
I notice the new Beretta Nano has a new holster that looks remarkably like the Cross breed supertuck. interesting... http://www.berettausa.com/products/b...olster-iwb-rh/
Whatever your choice, buy a good gun belt. I like the belts from the beltman, I own several, they are now the only belts I own, I will never purchase an inferior belt again. http://www.thebeltman.net/
good luck.
-Be Free
|February 5, 2013, 11:00 PM
Junior member
Join Date: January 26, 2012
Posts: 1,066
The Kydex thing is new to me. What are the advantages of it or a hybrid over leather?
Retention is one... which brings us back to that. Kydex holsters are adjustable for retention with a heat gun. The hybrids have leather between you and the gun for your comfort against rub, and to stabilize the holster. The Kydex is a good way to make a holster that can be re-holstered one handed and still have good positive retention.
A good belt is more than half the battle. You're better off with a crappy holster on a good belt than the other way around. Buy the best you can find.
|February 5, 2013, 11:19 PM
Senior Member
Join Date: January 2, 2013
Posts: 166
Is the Kydex more or less likely to put wear marks on the gun?
I agree with the belt advice. I have been getting mine from this guy, and they are amazing: www.leathergoodsconnection.com . They last forever, are very rugged, and look great.
|February 5, 2013, 11:45 PM
Senior Member
Join Date: February 4, 2012
Posts: 1,273
Another possibility, if you want to CC and you are concerned about your active lifestyle might be an ankle rig. They are a little more limited in their applications in terms of gun size, wardrobe, draw speed, etc., but a good ankle holster keeps secure in almost any situation. I especially reccomend them while driving, since it keeps your firearm on both on your person and easily drawn from a seated position.
|February 7, 2013, 09:37 AM
Senior Member
Join Date: January 2, 2013
Posts: 166
I think I'm going to give the Supertuck a try. I like that the belt clips are off to the sides to reduce thickness, and I keep hearing great things about it.
It's not particularly hot or sweaty in the summer, though? With all that leather covering your skin?
|February 9, 2013, 08:03 AM
Senior Member
Join Date: October 30, 2011
Posts: 147
Any holster will wear on your gun. Kydex will a bit quicker than others.
|February 9, 2013, 11:00 AM
Senior Member
Join Date: March 6, 2011
Posts: 124
I'll throw out a few. It's more personal preference and what's comfortable to you.
Comp-tac MTAC
Milt Sparks
Del Fatti
|February 9, 2013, 11:25 AM
Senior Member
Join Date: March 23, 2008
Location: South Florida
Posts: 2,123
US Navy Veteran
|February 11, 2013, 06:18 PM
Junior Member
Join Date: February 11, 2013
Posts: 1
Great IWB Holsters
Go to criticalcustomsllc.com, they will do a custom holster for a good price!
|February 11, 2013, 11:04 PM
Senior Member
Join Date: February 1, 2000
Posts: 1,442
I have a bunch of nice IWB holsters from some of the best and two favorites are the Sparks SS and Alessi Talon Plus.
|February 12, 2013, 09:51 AM
Join Date: July 28, 2010
Location: Arkansas
Posts: 7,561
I can't help you narrow your choices much, but I'll go ahead and throw out the one that I use. For, oh, a year or a year and a half, I've been using a Theis IWB: http://theisholsters.com/
I selected the horsehide/kydex hybrid that Tommy Theis makes and I've been very happy with it. I have recently been carrying in an OWB that I just got, but I've got no complaints about my Theis. Some of my pants just aren't baggy enough for IWB to be as comfortable as OWB.
For a belt, I use an Aker B21: http://www.akerleather.com/off-duty-...+Carry+Gunbelt I needed a gunbelt that doesn't scream 'GUNBELT' and this one serves me very well.
I'm a lawyer, but I'm not your lawyer. If you need some honest-to-goodness legal advice, go buy some.
|February 12, 2013, 11:45 AM
Senior Member
Join Date: February 3, 2011
Posts: 203
I have a couple from this place and they are my favorite. I like them even more than the CB I have.
|February 12, 2013, 11:44 PM
Senior Member
Join Date: March 7, 2008
Location: Cincinnati, OH
Posts: 122
Milt Sparks is what I'd recommend.
|February 13, 2013, 08:56 PM
Join Date: January 19, 2013
Posts: 57
I have comp-tacs for most of my IWB carry needs. Minotaur is the specific one, if I recall. The leather backing makes them very comfortable and the design of the hooks allows you to tuck in a shirt (if you really want to). I never tuck in my shirt with them however. But they make my SIG 220 disappear with no problems and that isn't what most people think of when they think of a 'carry' gun.
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Today, Italian designer Prada breathes luxury into almost every fashion-related industry, including eyewear.
Prada introduced sunglasses and glasses to the public in 2000, and since then, innovation and quality have marked each of the designer's collections. Prada prescription eyewear suits individuals who aren't afraid to showcase unique style and boldness.
Take a look at our frames and find your new favorite prescription sunglasses today.


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Solar Image is a local-owned tanning and nail salon, providing services including tanning, airbrushing, nail services, jewelry and more. At their Salon, while being pampered and relaxed, you will receive cutting-edge, customized services and products to improve the appearance of your body and skin! Look bronzed and beautiful with two all natural custom Infinity Sun air brush tans that last up to 10 days!More information and Specs
No cash value; no cash/credit back. Not valid with any other offer. Expires 90 days from date of purchase.
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Seize the Deal® offers hundreds of discounts daily from local businesses – from restaurants, theaters and spas to golf courses, family fun and much, much more. The Value Vault opens twice a week with exciting new products. Click the bright blue ADD TO CART button to Seize the Deal®. Hurry, before they're gone.
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Enoch Powell (1912-98)
The Conservative member of parliament Enoch Powell is best remembered for his 'rivers of blood' speech. Delivered in Birmingham in April 1968, the speech warned of the consequences of uncontrolled immigration. But years earlier, Powell actively encouraged the employment of a large number of Commonwealth immigrants to positions within the understaffed National Health Service. A man of contradictions, he is less well remembered for commencing one of the largest hospital construction programmes in England.
Expenditure on hospital building in Britain rose considerably in the 1950s and 1960s. All political parties mentioned increased funding in their election promises in 1959. It was one way of improving uneven distribution of health services across the country. The election brought the Conservatives to power, and Enoch Powell became the new Minister of Health. As promised, he pressed for an urgent hospital building programme. It aimed to place a general hospital in each community that was home to more than 150,000 people. It was not just a plan to modernise and rebuild hospitals; it would change their entire organisation. In some cases, hospitals were to be integrated with social services. Until that time, no other nation had tried to refashion its hospitals in so comprehensive a way or on so large a scale.
In the end, the ten-year plan put forward was a failure. Most critics regarded it as financially unviable. Others suggested the government had no idea what it might cost to build a hospital. In many ways, the plan's failure was inevitable. With advances in medicine and technology, the costs of hospitals would inevitably have escalated over the period, as they continue to do today. Also, during this time, the needs of the population had changed. Lengths of stay among patients continued to fall in these years.
Related Themes and Topics
Related links
Techniques and Technologies:
P Cosgrove, The Lives of Enoch Powell (London: The Bodley Head, 1989)
G Rivett, From Cradle to Grave: Fifty Years of the NHS (London: King's Fund, 1998)


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Yamaha Basses | The Bestselling RBX Range
Yamaha RBX Bass Guitars
Yamaha RBX Bass Range
The RBX Series is Yamaha's bestselling bunch of basses, and with the features that they're packing behind those incredibly unique and progressive designs, it's not hard for us to see why.
The RBX Bass Guitars feature seriously muscular and contoured alder bodies, with a double cut-away design for easy access to those 'often neglected' top frets. The RBX guitars produce a very versatile sound, able to suit anything that you're interested in playing, from Jazz and Funk to Rock and Metal.
Now for the pickups, we all know they're one of the most important elements of any bass, the RBX374 and 375 guitars feature... high output, twin custom ceramic humbuckers, that include built in finger rests for even better playability. With oversized pole pieces to produce a thick low end tone with an increased bass response, you no longer have to crank up those muddy EQ frequencies in an attempt to get that low end you desire, these twin humbuckers will do it all for you, effortlessly!
However, if you do decide you want to have a fiddle with some equalisation, that's not a problem with the RBX basses, the 2-band active EQ controls and pickup blending pot mean that you have everything you need to dial in whatever bass tone you want, no compromises.
The high-end specifications and design of the RBX basses give you great value and quality, just like you would expect from a Yamaha guitar.
Thick tones + fantastic playability + guaranteed Yamaha quality = a serious bass experience!
Like what you see? Good, because we're now giving away a quality gig bag for just £10 when you purchase any Yamaha RBX374 or RBX375 Bass guitar.


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From staff reports
April 16
CANBY — Eight members of the Columbia Gorge Masters Swim Team competed at the Oregon Masters Swimming Association Championships March 26-27 in Canby.
A total of 164 swimmers from Oregon and Washington participated in the two-day event. Coached by Shelley Rawding, the local team was the smallest in the "Medium" division, finishing fourth out of eight teams and winning the Team Spirit Award.
Five of the eight local swimmers earned at least one event victory in their respective divisions, with Sandi Rousseau (57) and Nikki Weeks (32) each running the table. Rousseau, the team coordinator, won the 50 free, 100 free, 50 fly, 50 back and 100 back.
Meanwhile, Weeks won the 50 free, 50 breast, 100 breast, 50 fly and 100 IM.
Former Hood River Valley High School swimmer Elsie Denton (19) picked up three first places, while Sandra Haynie (60) and Ann Goodman (45) each earned one.
Denton won the 500 free, 100 breast and 200 breast, and also finished second in the 100 fly and 200 IM.
Haynie won the 200 free, and earned second in the 50 free and third in the 50 back, while Goodman took first in the 200 back. She also picked up two second places (100 back, 400 IM), a third (50 back) and a fourth (100 IM).
Another local highlight was turned in by the team's senior member, Bill Mellow (63), who finished second in each of his five events (100 free, 500 free, 50 breast, 100 breast and 200 breast).
The Columbia Gorge Masters' two newcomers, Jaime Mack (38) of Hood River and Reggie Sherwood (53) of Underwood, Wash., also performed well. Mack earned four second places (500 free, 50 back, 50 breast, 200 breast) and a fourth (100 free), while Sherwood took two fourth places (50 breast, 200 breast) and a fifth (100 free).
Rousseau said that the local contingent has grown to 24 members, and new swimmers are always welcome. Workouts are held Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6-7:30 a.m. For more information, e-mail: email@example.com.
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Canada is best known for…Lens Bands
If you googled "What is Canada best known for?" You will find wiki-answers response "Canada is best known for their maple syrup, the Canadian goose, the beaver, having the most freshwater in the world, multiculturalism, free health care, etc. It is also known for its beautiful sites, rivers, mountain sides, scenery and tourist attractions. Canada has a very clean environment and a very strong economy, and it is also a peaceful country. It is known also for setting the record for the most gold medals won in the 2010 Winter Olympic Games." By the 2nd quarter of 2012, wiki-answers can now add Lens Band to their list of what Canada is best known for. With EDMA Photo Marketing in place to provide 300+ Photo Retail Stores throughout Canada, a proven solution to "Stop Zoom Creep," Canadians can simply drive over to their neighborhood camera store and pick up a Lens Band the same day and save on time/shipping.
If you are a resident of Canada or simply just visiting, please support your local camera store and be sure to pick up a few Lens Bands while you are there. Here is a list of camera stores in your area.
Posted in Blog Also tagged Appleby's Image Center, Beau Photo, Bell-Arte Camera, Broadway Camera, Burlington Camera, Camera Corner, Camera Kingston, Camtech Photo, Carsand Mosher Photographic, Cavalcade Color Lab, Dent's Camera Centre, Don's Photo, Downtown Camera, Duncan & Wright Camera, Dunne & Rundle, Edma Photo Marketing, F-Stop Cameras, Fairview Photo Lab, Film + Photo Supply, Foto Source Quinte, Gosselin Photo & Video, Harvey's Camera, Headshot's, Headshots Rental Inc, Henry's - Kanata, Henry's - Nepean, Henry's - Newmarket, Henry's - North, Henry's - Oshawa, Henry's - Ottawa, Henry's - Pickering, Henry's - South, Henry's Camera - Main, Ivan's Camera, Just Cameras, Kerrisdale Cameras, L .L .Lozeau - Superstore, Lens & Shutter, Leo's Camera Supply, Linden AudioTronic, McBain Camera, Merkle Camera, Newfoundland Camera Imaging, Parson's, Photo A. Laplante, Photo Central, Photo Metro, Photo Minutes, Photo Service Ltee., Photo World, Phototec Services, Photovision, Pond's, Robert Brown Jewellers, Roluf's Camera, Saneal Cameras, The Camera Place, The Camera Store, Vistek - Downtown, Vistek - Edmonton, Vistek - Main Store, Vistek - Mississauga, Vistek - Ottawa, Vistek - Willow Park, Whistler's, Windsor Photo Outfitters Leave a comment


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My Exchange mailbox has been deleted - Can I get it back?
We can retrieve your mailbox data if you make a request from the AskIT Help Desk within 21 days of the deletion. You can keep your e-mail address as long as you have it forwarded to an outside e-mail service like Gmail, Hotmail, or Yahoo. You can recreate your mailbox once you are an active student or employee at the university. If you have additional questions, please call 996-5555 or go to www.uab.edu/askit, where you can chat with an online agent.


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Learn More About Aransas County Motorsports
Welcome to Aransas County Motorsports, the home of the best used cars and motorcycles in Rockport/Fulton, TX. We also service customers nationwide, so even if you're not close to Fulton, we can still help get you into your dream car or bike. We specialize in selling excellent quality pre-owned vehicles and providing an unmatched customer service experience. If you have a desire for a certain car or motorcycle, we can find it.
Keep checking back with us as we will be competing in the Texas Mile in October. We will have several cars going over 200MPH and will be posting videos soon.
Here on our website, you can view our inventory, check out information about us, or even use our easy application form to get pre-approved for financing. We're here to make your next purchase experience better than any you've ever had, so feel free to call us at 361-205-4997 with any questions you might have.


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Bergamot & Tarragon Leaves Fragrance Oil– Fragrance Oil Spotlight
You will want to liven up your product line with this unique fragrance. The combination of energizing and uplifting citrus coupled with the down to earth notes of oakmoss and bamboo, leave you wanting to do nothing more than to keep smelling it over and over again. This unique crisp scent is one that should not get lost in the mix. This fragrance oil was also included in our Fan Favorite Fragrance Oils.
What does Bergamot & Tarragon Leaves Fragrance Oil Smell Like?
Natures Garden Bergamot & Tarragon Leaves Fragrance: A truly spectacular spa-like fragrance with top notes of tarragon leaves, grapefruit, and lime; followed by middle notes of bergamot and jasmine; well rounded with base notes of oakmoss and bamboo.
How Do Our Customers Use Bergamot & Tarragon Leaves Fragrance Oil?
For candles, tarts and air fresheners; Bergamot & Tarragon Leaves Fragrance Oil performed perfectly in 100% soy, Gel, Wow, Joy, and Ecosoya waxes. This fragrance oil has an excellent scent throw in all waxes and considered a favorite among many of our wax crafters. This fragrance performs extremely well in aroma beads.
On the bath and body end, this fragrance is a favorite. The usage percent for Bergamot & Tarragon Leaves Fragrance Oil is 5%, and is used to make: cupcake bath bombs, shower gels, goat's milk m&p soaps, glycerin soap, homemade lotions, bubble baths, shampoo, and bubble bombs; just to name a few. Finally, for those of you that are cold process soapers, this fragrance oil received awesome reviews. Here are the official results: Perfect Pour. No ricing, no acceleration. No discoloration. Scent holds well. In fact, one of the reviews stated, "CP soaped and had enough time for a swirl. The scent does NOT fade like a lot of citrusy scents do."
If you are looking for an amazing project using Natures Gardens Bergamot & Tarragon Leaves Fragrance Oil, check out Natures Gardens free recipe for the Bergamot & Tarragon Hair Conditioner Recipe. FYI- this is the best hair conditioner ever!


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Twins Add Thielbar To 40 Man Roster
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- The Minnesota Twins have added eight players to their 40-man roster, including touted outfield prospect Aaron Hicks and right-hander Kyle Gibson, who is coming off of elbow ligament-replacement surgery.
The Twins announced the moves on Tuesday. Hicks was the team's first-round draft choice in 2008. He hit .286 with 13 home runs, 61 RBIs and 100 runs for Double-A New Britain last season.
Gibson went 3-2 with a 5.40 ERA in the Arizona Fall League.
Former South Dakota State left-hander Caleb Thielbar, infielder Danny Santana, catcher Josmil Pinto and right-handers B.J. Hermsen, Michael Tonkin and Tim Wood also were added to the major league roster.
The Twins also agreed to terms with several players on minor league deals, including right-handers Samuel Deduno, P.J. Walters and Esmerling Vasquez and outfielder Brian Dinkelman.
Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All rights reserved. Material may not be redistributed.


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Meet Kate Lilley Of Mini-eco
Name: Kate Lilley
Location: Sunny UK!
Website: Mini-eco
Kids: Seth and Tommy, 3.5 and 2.5 respectively
There are some blogs we read to make ourselves feel reassured as a parent, others that are full of activities to do and still others that are strictly eye candy. Well once you start visiting Kate Lilley's Mini-eco, you'll quickly come to find that her little corner of the internet is all 3 rolled into one. It's an explosion of color, creativity and an occasional hint at a British accent!
We've admired Kate's talents many times in the past. She is the mastermind behind: making all-natural scented play dough, showing us how to make our own instruments, bead making, free print-out sewing cards, hanging owls, and last but not least a shadow puppet theater.
Kate's projects and ideas are beautifully photographed and usually deceptively simple. They always feel achievable despite your self-rating on the crafty scale and can usually be done with supplies you already have at home. Her goal is to always have a creative activity on deck for her sons to tackle as she loves knowing it will keep them busy and entertained. She's spent the last 7 years in Australia and is now a bit further North in the UK; she spells words with an extra letter "u" in them, but we'll forgive her because she's just so awesome. Here's a little insight into her world...
How long have you been blogging and why did you start?
I have been blogging for a year....but only seriously for the last six months! I bought a bottom of the range digital SLR and it kinda spurred me along.
Tell us about Mini-eco and how it came to be...
After having my two sons I got a bee in my bonnet about all the plastic crap that seemed to be piling up in our house. Most of it lasts for two seconds before it breaks then it goes to landfill for the rest of time - it's really very depressing. I could rant about this for quite a while but I will spare you!
After spending more and more time trying to find 'green' ways to entertain my sons I set up Mini-eco in an attempt to share ideas with others and hear other peoples ideas in return! Living a crafty life with the boys really does keep us all sane....working on my blog also gives my grey matter a little workout which is pretty cool as I am a complete scatterbrain.
How do you find time to be a mom and run a successful blog at the same time?
I don't really - that's why I only post once or twice a week! I squeeze it in! Thankfully I have a lovely husband (with slight OCD tendencies) who keeps me on the straight and narrow around the house. I tend to do most of my work on the computer in the evenings whilst the boys are in bed and I craft and take piccy's during the day when they are up and about which is fun and chaotic!!
Where do you go in the blogosphere for inspiration (parenting, art and otherwise)?
Check out the 'minieco love' links on my site. It's ever changing but they are my favorite haunts at the moment. My flavour of the week is Lullatone.
What have been some of your favorite projects that you have featured on your blog?
My favorite project is always the one I am working on currently...at the moment there are lots of scientific experiments happening in our house which I'm looking forward to posting about soon.
Your crafts and projects are bright and beautiful, do they reflect your design sense as well?
Yep......prior to having kids I was working in a very corporate world as a web designer/developer so my creative side was somewhat stifled!! I think that explains the colour explosion on my site!
What do you wish you had more time for?
Everything....the whole shebang. I love life and I want more of everything!! (It would be lovely to have more time to make myself look pretty! I'm a bit of a scruffbag at the moment - haha!!)
Finally, what is one great piece of parenting advice someone has shared with you?
Don't listen to anyone else's advice......unless it's from your Mum...!
Read more about Kate, her family and life's adventures over at Mini-eco. We're constantly inspired by her projects and her beautiful presentation of them gets our own creative juices flowing.
Thanks Kate!
(Images: Kate Lilley)
Since our inception, we have loved hearing from all of our readers as well as reaching out to several in the blog community. You are mothers, fathers, wives, husbands all writing about your families, style and what makes you tick. To continue fostering this great blogging community, we'll now begin featuring close-ups of our favorite family and design blogs as part of our "Big Blog Family".


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America needs to wake up and take back control of our destiny.
This past Sunday, I watched the pundits discuss what they thought would solve all our problems. Gun control and mental health drugs seemed to be the consensus among them.
In the aftermath of the Sandy Hook slaughter of so many innocents, we need to step back and take account of what has happened to this country in the last 40 or 50 years.
Our great country was founded by those who were persecuted in their home countries either in their freedom or for their religious beliefs. This is the only country in world history that has started this way. Our Founding Fathers set out to form our government by laying down laws that were based on the teachings found in the Bible and especially the Ten Commandments. Whether you have religious or secular beliefs, these laws are the best in the world.
Our country, I believe, started a downward spiral in the early 1960s with the Supreme Court�s ruling to take Bible reading out of the schools in 1962. The next year, an atheist named Madalyn O�Hair sued to take prayer out of school and again the Supreme Court ruled in favor of this action. Dr. Benjamin Spock�s many books on child rearing have also proven to be flawed, in their no-discipline, �spare the rod�, �let them develop on their own� philosophy. Our destiny should not be formed by those who think this way. It seems to me that a small minority of secular-thinking people have changed this country into one I don�t recognize anymore.
In today�s world of violent video games that kids play and �if it feels good, do it� attitudes of an alarming number of �adults�, we are becoming an increasingly secular society and thus are slowly deteriorating our Founding Father�s precepts of what this country was founded for. Unless and until we return to these precepts, this country, I fear, will be lost on the rubbish heap of the many other failed countries of history.
John W. Hardin
Kings Mountain


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Veteran California agricultural lobbyist and Hanford, Calif., dairyman George Soares sounds a bit more optimist about the state of politics in Sacramento than he has in recent years with the election of Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Giving his annual state of politics address to the California Cotton Growers Association, Soares said California remains in debt, but not as much as it once was; the legislature is still liberal; horrific workers compensation costs continue to bleed the state's economy and its No. 1 industry, agriculture; and environmental laws and regulations are not going to get any less onerous.
Nevertheless, Soares admits that with Schwarzenegger replacing Gray Davis, California has a governor like none before. When a movie star moves into politics, the question is always will that star power translated into an effective political leader.
To that, Soares says Schwarzenegger has "gotten people's attention." His popularity has not waned since his successful ascension in a recall to the governorship of the nation's most populous and richest state. He followed that up with passage of Proposition 57 and 58 in March. Soares said overwhelming approval of the two budget bailout measures was tied directly to Schwarzenegger's popularity and power. Some said he campaigned harder for the propositions to reduce the state's debt and force the legislature to forever balance the state budget than he did when he ran for governor.
Schwarzenegger is unquestionably pro-business, but Soares said the governor's positioning is also a "rainbow" of politics and opinions because he is also pro-environment. Soares said Schwarzenegger believe he can be both.
Government reform
The new governor also believes he can reform government and has appointed a 150-person to see if state government can be streamlined and still do its job.
Schwarzenegger is not a sideline sitter when it comes to engaging in legislative politics. While his predecessor did little to engage the legislature on bills it was considering, waiting to make decisions on passage or vetoes when they reached Davis' desk.
Schwarzenegger is very interactive with the state assembly and senate, said Soares. Any legislation that costs money is anti-business, and the new California governor promises it will be dead on arrival on his desk.
A petition drive is under way to put a workers compensation reform proposition on the November ballot. Schwarzenegger had given the legislature until March 1 to come up with meaningful reform, but he backed off that when progress was being made. However, many of the state's agricultural groups are actively seeking signatures to get it on the fall ballot. It will take only 600,000 signatures to achieve that. Soares said he expect workers comp reformers to collect 1 million.
While the passage of Proposition 57 authorized a $15 billion refinance/bailout package for the state, California is still $7 billion in debt, said Soares. "There are billions still to be found," he said.
Schwarzenegger's promise to reform government will not erase the oppressive set of environmental laws and regulations on water and air farmers are now facing.
Soares called the air quality laws passed in the 11th hour of the last legislative session "some of the worst legislation" he has seen in years. It has left government agencies "stumbling over each other" trying to deal with the new set of laws.
Although California made a major change in the top last October, Soares continues to warn that there is "still much to do — challenges are still there."