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The 30-Day Church Challenge is a five-week experience that challenges your members to understand and engage in the five main purposes of the church as found in the book of Acts! Learn more about the survey and what church leaders are saying ».
Outreach Price: $49.95
Retail Price:$59.99
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30-Day Church Challenge Kit
For many, unfortunately, the church is only a place they go to on Sundays or holidays. What if it could be much more?
For thirty days they will discover how your church can help them reach their God-given potential and how together you can become a church that transforms your community and the world! Featuring inspirational sermons, weekly challenges, video-based lessons, and the 30-Day Church Challenge book, this powerful campaign will challenge your church (attenders) to:
Church kit components include:
At the end of the 30-Day Church Challenge your congregation won't just view church as a place to come to, but as a vibrant family to belong to. They won't just come to church, they will BEcome the church: a community of faith—powerful, inspirational, and transformational-touching your community and the world with the power of the Gospel!
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Outreach Price: $8.95
Retail Price:$9.99
30-Day Church Challenge Book
The 30-Day Church Challenge Book features daily devotional lessons and weekly small group discussion questions. On Monday-Saturday you will read the daily devotional and teaching lessons for each week's topic, take simple application steps (called Simple Steps), and journal in answers to the question in the personal daily journal section. Read the first chapter
Every participant will need a 30-Day Church Challenge Book!
Save When You Buy a pack of 10!
Use this study as curriculum for your new members class. Learn How »
Outreach Price: $15.95
Retail Price:$19.99
30-Day Church Challenge DVD Based Study
Connect every member of your congregation into a 30-Day Church Challenge Small Group and help them discover the five purposes of the Church and they can revolutionize their lives. This five week study follows the themes from the campaign sermons and encourages each person to go deeper and apply the lessons each day!
Every small group leader will need a DVD-based Study Kit. The Kit includes:
Outreach Price: $9.99/pack of 10
30-Day Church Challenge Coins
The 30-Day Church Challenge Coin is designed to help your congregation connect with your church, remember the principles you are teaching, and make a commitment to engage in the 5 purposes of the church. Most importantly, the coins reminds your attenders that church is not a place you go, it is a family you belong to. When participants carry and display the coin they are saying: We belong! We're in this together! We're committed! We're part of something bigger than us! You can count on me—for the next 5 weeks, I'm in and ready for the challenge! The coins come in a pack of 10, individually-mounted on a simple "backer card" printed with a special message to remind your church of the commitment everyone is making in this 30-Day Church Challenge campaign:
The coin you hold in your hand is a powerful reminder of the challenge we're taking and the commitment necessary to get everything we can from this challenge:
NOTE: The Challenge Coin is referenced in the Week 1 Sermon provided in the Church Kit.
Use this challenge in your new member class. Learn How »
Outreach Price: $596.00/pack of 5
30-Day Church Challenge Banner & Stand 5 Pack
Show your church that the challenge is on! Promote the campaign, increase participation and build momentum with these indoor banners. Promote the five themes of the 30-Day Church Challenge with these eye-catching RollUp Banners on your stage or in your lobby. These vinyl banners use a sleek, modern aluminum stand! They can easily be set-up and taken down in under a minute, plus the banner is stored in a protective case for future use. Purchase these banners and stands individually for $149 each or get all 5 for the price of 4 – only $596!
Save $149 when you buy 5!
To reach every person in America with a personal invitation to a Bible-believing church.
To equip the church to reach people with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Read our Statement of Belief.

subset: commoncrawl


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New Darice Party Line
Add a pop of chic texture to crafting projects with these mini clothespins. Features 30, solid natural clothespins that can add finishing touches to birthdays, graduations, weddings and more. Ideal for hanging photos, paper crafts, gift packaging and creating other trendy decor!
- Darice® mini natural clothespins
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Scroll down for the full image of Nadya Suleman (almost) in her birthday suit and many more pictures
Her octuplets have just turned three, so what better occasion to show off her post-baby body and pose topless.
Dubbed "octomom" after giving birth to eight babies in 2009, Nadya Suleman has apparently pinged back into shape and wants everyone to know about it.
But although she's become a hate figure in her native America for choosing to have the babies through IVF – despite the fact she was already struggling as a single mother-of-six – her photo shoot for Closer magazine shows she's no shrinking violet.
Flaunting a flat stomach and a 34DD bust, Nadya boasts she still gets plenty of admiration from the opposite sex, despite admitting she has stretch marks and "slightly saggy" assets.
Incredibly, Nadya claims she's been celibate for 13 years – her children were all conceived through a sperm donor – and reveals she has no interest in dating, hates male attention and has to work hard at "disguising her beauty" to put off men.
"I get way too much male attention, but I won't date until the octuplets are 18 – I live for them now," she insists.
"I know a lot of women like male attention, but I'll go out with no make-up on and wear tracksuits, a wig and even a fake pregnancy stomach to put them off."
And the 5ft 7 mother – who insists the only cosmetic surgery she's had is a breast reduction when she was 17, which took her from a DD-cup to a C-cup – boasts she doesn't have to do much to retain her enviable figure.
"I just pinged back into shape like a rubber band after the kids – I don't know how I did it," she shrugs.
"I eat like a horse, don't count calories and have never owned a set of scales. I gained an entire human when I was pregnant with the octuplets – going from 10st to over 19st – but, two months later, I was a size 8 again. Now, I never weigh myself."
Nadya, 36, who lives with her brood in La Habra, California, already had six children – Elijah, now 10, Amerah, nine, Joshua, eight, Aiden, six, and twins Caleb and Calyssa, five, who were all born through IVF using a sperm donor – when she decided to have more embryos implanted in 2008, using the same donor.
Despite being shocked when she discovered she was carrying octuplets, as she insists she didn't realise so many embryos had been implanted, Nadya decided to go ahead with the pregnancy.
"I was grabbing my head and thinking: 'Oh God, please God don't let there be eight' – but there was no way I could have aborted them, that would have been murder," she explains.
In 2009, she gave birth to six boys and two girls – Noah, Jonah, Jeremiah, Isiah, Josiah, McCai, Maliah and Nariah, who turned three in January – making them the longest-surviving set of octuplets in American history.
"I didn't really mind how I looked when I was pregnant. It happened gradually, so I got used to it. It's all part of being a mum, it's natural," she says.
"I got stretch marks on my stomach and a lot of veins came out. But it didn't matter to me. Even now, I'm proud of my stretch marks, although they've faded.
"My breasts had already grown back to a DD after the other kids, but they only sagged a bit with the octuplets and I breastfed them all – I don't know how my body did it!"
Despite insisting she "pinged" back into shape, Nadya does admit that just two weeks after she gave birth, she began doing 50 sit-ups a day – even though she had a C-section and mums are advised not to exercise for six to eight weeks afterwards – and hit the gym three times a week for two-hour stints in the middle of the night while a friend babysat.
"I'd sneak off at 11pm, but it wasn't to get skinny, just to get stronger," she insists. "I've never believed in diets – I just eat healthily. I'm a pescatarian and eat 15 portions of fruit or vegetables a day. I eat so much!"
She adds: "Now, I run 40 miles a week, whenever my mum or a friend will babysit, but it's still just for stress relief. My eldest son even comes with me sometimes – he can manage a couple of miles."
And, despite admitting caring for 14 kids alone is a struggle, she says she gets no help apart from when friends or her mum visit a few times a week. And Nadya is adamant she isn't looking for a man.
"I've been celibate for 13 years and plan to remain so until the octuplets are 18. I've only ever slept with two men," she reveals.
"The first was when I was 20 – we stayed in touch and he's been my sperm donor, but we don't talk now. The second was when I was 21. He was my boyfriend for five years. We tried for kids, but couldn't conceive."
She adds: "I wouldn't rule out a relationship in the future. But now, when men look at me, I look away and they know not to approach me. I know I'm beautiful – I don't need a man to tell me that."
Meanwhile, Nadya maintains she's coping perfectly well with her brood alone. Claiming she doesn't take state handouts and relies solely on funds from publicity interviews and photo shoots – although she's eight months in arrears on her mortgage and facing eviction from her four-bed home – she completely denies previous interviews in which she was quoted as "hating" babies, describing her older kids as "animals" and regretting her decision to have so many.
"I love looking after them, they're the least of my stresses. I'm such a good mother," she boasts. "I'm so loving and my kids are so happy. There's never been a time I've regretted having so many."
Incredibly, she adds: "I can't believe how fortunate they are, too. I'd love to be an octuplet – their camaraderie and bond is amazing. They look out for each other, they're so lucky."
And she insists there's little rivalry between them because her attention is not divided.
"My love just grows. And I've trained them so well, they can brush their own teeth, dress themselves and scrub each other's backs – they're so independent," she explains, adding that the older kids help with the housework, giving her time to do the family's five loads of washing a day. "It's not chaotic," she insists. "They're very quiet and obedient and they're well-behaved and smart."
She adds: "The kids have structure and discipline and only eat healthily – they don't know what candy is! I've done a really great job with them – I don't get any credit."
This week's Closer magazine, with a free real life supplement, is on sale now.


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Ronald Joseph Aaron Burgundy is back...
Source: Will Ferrell
Ladies and gentlemen, can we please have your attention. We've just been handed an urgent and horrifying news story. We need all of you, to stop what you're doing and listen. Right then... Deep breath... ANCHORMAN 2 IS OFFICIAL. RON BURGUNDY HIMSELF HAS SAID SO. LOOK AT THE VIDEO BELOW.
Assuming you've now stopped jumping for joy, it is indeed true. Will Ferrell, in his guise of San Diego's premier news man, arrived on Conan O'Brien's talk show to announce that he and director Adam McKay had been able to reach a deal with Paramount to make an Anchorman sequel. Raise a glass in salute! We suggest scotch. And if it's warm, don't pick milk. Milk would be a bad choice.
Ferrell will be writing the script with McKay, but few other details are official at this time. MEGA UPDATE: Steve Carell and Paul Rudd, despite their massive fame, will both be back, but there's no solid word yet on David Koechner, according to Entertainment Weekly But surely all Ron has to do is ask demand that everyone assembles?
As for the plot? Well, there have been ideas floated in the past – everything from a musical to an Alive-style situation where the news team crashes and must survive. Or even (brace for it) Ron and co entering the '80s as only they know how… Sexually. But we'll have to wait and see what remains after all this time.
If you need us, we'll be wearing Sex Panther in a glass case of emotion. There's just the slightest concern, itching the back of our minds, that nothing could compare to the genius of the original, but who knows? For now, we banish those thoughts to their home on Whore Island and revel in the idea that we'll get more of Ron, Brian, Champ and Brick. And, perhaps, Veronica Corningstone too. Aqualung!
MEGA UPDATE PART THE SECONDE: Adam McKay has tweeted that he and Ferrell are writing the script now and plan to shoot in February.
Source: EmpireOnline


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|Request a brochure
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The new 2017 Mirage G4 takes subcompact driving to a whole new level. Its sculpted form combines efficiency and practicality in a lightweight sedan. Balancing great aerodynamics with lively performance and incredible manoeuvrability, the Mirage G4 delivers class leading fuel efficiency. Its sedan bodystyle makes entry and exit very easy and its roomy interior will surprise. The additional space in the trunk stows all manner of cargo. Complementing its sleek exterior, the G4's stylish interior has been thoughtfully designed to make your driving experience comfortable and convenient. With its available smart touch Display Audio, Bluetooth® connectivity, automatic climate control and heated seats, the Mirage G4 offers exceptional value for today's real world driving (3).
|Build and Price
|Contact Us
The system supports Apple CarPlay® and lets you access Apple Music™, Maps, make phone calls, and send messages through the large 6.5" touch-screen, or with your voice using Siri (2). It's a smarter and safer way to use your iPhone in the vehicle. The system also supports Android Auto™. Simply activate the voice control of the vehicle, and you can talk to Google and access all the most commonly used features on the Android™ platform, such as Google Maps™, Google Play™ Music, and talk to Google™ (3)
|Build And Price
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Incredibly roomy for a subcompact vehicle, the 2017 Mirage and Mirage G4 have ample front and rear legroom without compromising cargo space. The well-appointed interior has been greatly enhanced with higher grade materials for a more comfortable and pleasurable ride.
The seats have been bolstered with firmer padding for support and finished with premium fabrics. Providing an excellent driving position with superb all-round visibility and controls within easy reach, the 2017 Mirage and Mirage G4 feature available semi-high contrast instrument cluster, sporty leather wrapped steering wheel, and piano black and chrome accents. Heated seats, automatic air-conditioning and rearview camera are also available.
With so many features in such a small package, the complete Mirage model line offers exceptional value for so little.
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(1) Available operation system is subject to your mobile device. See these websites for more details. Apple CarPlay http://www.apple.com/ios/carplay/, Android Auto http://www.android.com/auto/.
(2) Apple CarPlay and Siri are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.
(3) Android, Android Auto, Google Play and other marks are trademarks of Google Inc. The Bluetooth® word mark and logos are owned by the Bluetooth SIG, Inc., and any use of such marks by Mitsubishi is under license.
(4) High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps only available on Mirage Hatchback


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I have a porter that is quite good, but I am thinking about doing a sour mash to give it a bit of twang (That way both my beer and my Texas accent can have a twang).
The basic porter is very simple:
8 lbs American 2 row malt
1 lb Munich Malt
1/2 lb Crystal Malt (90L)
1/2 lb Black Patent
1/2 lb Chocolate Malt
1/2 lb Roasted Barley
1/2 tsp Calcium Carbonate added to mash water (I will probably bump this up to a whole tsp next time. I had never used it before and wasn't sure of the hardness of the water I was using. I considered adding the other 1/2 at sparge, but don't know if this will make any impact.)
1 oz Northern Brewer Hops
1/2 oz Cascade Hops (both added at beginning of boil)
1/2 oz Cascade Hops (added in last 5 minutes)
Single step infusion mash
Yeast was an American Ale style Smack Pack--I can't remember the exact.
My OG was 1.050
I'm thinking about reducing temperature after the mash and adding 1 lb of unground malt to inoculate with Lacto and sour for around 24 hours.
What do you think? Any warnings, cautions or advice before I jump in on this one? It will be my first sour mash. I am very careful about sanitation so I must admit I am a bit wary about intentionally introducing bugs to my system. Should I add a second rest to my infusion mash? I've read that sour mashing can affect protein conversion.


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spronline needed a new web page design and created a contest on 99designs.
A winner was selected from 46 designs submitted by 11 freelance designers.
W i l y D e a l s
We are a new startup company! We are in the process of creating a new deals and coupons website - covering most online retail vendors/merchants. We plan to list special deals, seasonal offers and discount coupons of the top companies in several industries. We need a high quality unique design which can be easily converted into a Joomla template - that appeals to our target audience – that is, online consumers looking for discounts, deals and coupons.
- Professional, compelling & clean design
- Web 2.0 style site design
- Creative use of professional colors but soothing light design for background (nothing too loud)
- Original & unique design concept
- Easily usable / navigable site
- Lightweight & fast loading graphics
- Creative / cartoonist imagery that shows happy online shoppers in action
- Final source files (PSD, png, etc.) to be supplied, need to be easily modifiable and later converted/sliced to a Joomla XHTML/CSS template
Future Opportunities:
Even if you don't win this contest we are still interested in quality designers for future projects. We will exchange contact information with 4 and 5 star entrants for the potential to work on future projects.
Regular online consumers ready to make a purchase – but looking for a discount coupon, people who are looking for lowest price tag on their respective item, people looking for cash back or rebates on items they intend to buy, etc. This covers males and females between ages of 21 – 55 years.
Design Style:
We need a professional looking unique design for a site that appeals to prospective customers. We want a Web 2.0 design that is clean and easy to navigate. We need a unique compelling design with creative use of graphics and/or stock photos. Also, for the global navigation – we would like to have creative theme based buttons.
Here are some files that you might want to review to get a better idea of what we are looking at - (Project Wireframes):
Since this design needs to be used for a Joomla template - all contest entrants should create both a home page design and module-positions page design. The final winner would provide design sources for both pages.
Here are a few examples of other sites that you can look for inspiration / ideas:
http://www.retailmenot.com (homepage)
http://demo.yootheme.com/feb09/inde…&Itemid=58 (Module positions page)
http://www.fatwallet.com (homepage)
Contest Notes:
We will give feedback to all entries with 4 and 5 star ratings. We are not interested in entries that we rate with 3 stars or less.
Please don't copy any of the designs from the above examples. Use it as a reference & inspiration for your own original design. We are looking at something unique which will stand out and look better compared to other competitors.
Design has to be optimized for 1024x768 display resolutions (specially the page width, since height will vary based on content).
Designing a high quality logo is not a core requirement for this design. However, we will give special consideration to those who go above and beyond by providing a highly compelling and enticing logo design.
There are no specific preferences for the type of font to be used, but ensure that it looks good, pleasantly readable and ties in well with the overall design.
Stock Photos:
We recommend that all contestants use iStockPhoto or a similar service for the site images. Please use the comp images in your design submissions. We will pay for the winning contestants stock images. Please bookmark or save the image numbers so we can easily locate them and pay for a license.
Questions/Comments: Please leave a comment in the discussion thread. We will be checking back on a regular basis while the contest is happening.
Good luck on the contest. We look forward to seeing your work!


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Men in Pink
Like just the right pink shirt, pink can be a great decor color for men, too. It's actually a beautiful color on walls (makes your skin look great) and can complement neutral browns and grays quite nicely:
From Future Perfect owner David Alhadeff's bachelor pad in pepto to the tweedy earthy pink in image 5, pink can definitely suit a man very well.
If these pinks are too much, you can even consider a white paint with pink tinges to make a room just a little warmer than an icy cool white. As a matter of fact, we just moved into a home where the (male) homeowner had painted all of the walls the softest of pink. You don't walk in and think "pink", you just think "warm".
**Right when I finished writing this post, I returned to my home page (yahoo.com) only to find this image looking back at me. Perhaps a bit of a cheesy example, but it just goes to show that men in pink are everywhere!:
Images: Thomas Pink, New York, Manning Krull, via I Have Net, House to Home, Kelly Wearstler, Veere Grenney, Ideal Home, DecorPad


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|2012-01-18, 21:19
|Link #18581
Titans Test Team Pilot
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: The Elysium
As for the armor strength, since its shield gets wiped out faster than an IS', having heavier armor than an IS is a good trade-off. The Minerva also sports heavy armor for the sole purpose of protecting the pilot when the shield goes down.
Most of all, having the Silverbacks able to restore each other's defenses is pretty good. Since they're a team, granting them team-support capabilities is great so they won't have to go rambo on their own during missions.
Also, was supposed to post a scene for Zero but I fell asleep before I could do so...
Anyways, scene~!
Spoiler for Scene:
One more thing...~!
Spoiler for Battle music:
Last edited by StratoSpear; 2012-01-18 at 21:52.
|2012-01-18, 21:29
|Link #18583
Just another Idiot
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Delusion world
I have similar idea (I call it gattai harmonize) but I explain the reason behind looking similar with .....
THE IS TAKE PARTS FROM EACH OTHER! Pot-luck (if you don't mind Metal) party!
The parts were use as raw material to form whatever part they needed (err.... Valkyrie trace remember?).
But unfortunately the weapon remain the same but with some minor modification
(Because the sword can't turn into sniper rifle due to lack of material.)
In another word, following rule of Equivalent exchange:
The total material used for upgraded IS1 and IS2 must still be equal to total material of IS1 and IS2 before upgrade.
On unrelated note: It is very difficult to upgrade Byakushiki..... In fact I don't think I want to upgrade Byakushiki.....
What is more powerful than a freaking one-hit kill? There is no need for DPSer or Damage dealing since he can take out boss with one hit. All they need is a tank to serve as aggro unit.
Even though the weakness is explained as weak energy shield and energy draining but the moment he hit the boss it's an Instant Win.
Currently, Weak shield is made up by the ability to Double Ignition boost (one of the very few IS that can do that). Lack of range is made up by Setsura (cannon mode).
In fact, Chifuyu is right, Byakushiki don't need anything except Yukihira to win curb-stomp every single IS in a competition.
The weakness of Byakushiki is not the energy-cost but Ichika's skill.......*sigh*
However to keep the balance in the story (to prevent every battle anti-climatic), people with One-hit kill weapon usually seldom improve their skill (a lot).
Edit: Frankly speaking, Byakushiki can one hit kill almost every single machine in my story(including that Over-powered one which I mentioned).
The only one which he can't one-hit kill is Alex due to having Solid Physical shield with special system which release a special frequency that cancel out energy attack (and he is technically a 2nd Gen IS.....(2.5 gen IS to be exact) due to French lack of Energy weapon Technology)
Moar edit: Cancel out part only work for weak ranged energy weapon (and theoretically should work for energy sword) but in reality, it only manage weaken the beam (for powerful energy attack) and making it very fragile enough to break upon contact with solid object (in the case of energy sword)
Last edited by agetreme; 2012-01-18 at 21:54.
|2012-01-18, 22:18
|Link #18587
Titans Test Team Pilot
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: The Elysium
That and a good music on repeat. (For this case, the music that I posted in the spoiler in my post above.)
|2012-01-19, 00:00
|Link #18589
I am no one
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Inside your head
Hospital report is piling up EVEN LARGER! AAAGH!!!
Fic progress of the day:
> Revising the first Gospel battle scene
Normally, pilot will be Knocked out WHEN the absolute defense failed (i.e. breaks), since that means the attack connected to the pilot and the pilot will be injured. The I.S. will be shut down, all system and energy will be used to keep pilot alive. The Pilot's consciousness is put down with the purpose that the pilot didn't felt the pain and recover faster thanks to perfect state of rest. If most essential parts of the I.S. are intact, the I.S. also have a simple but reliable autopilot to bring the pilot back if simple shutdown is deemed dangerous (the enemy is still around).
However, the new ShiroKishi has no such failsafe feature. This is why it features armor comparable to Gospel's, intended to tank what's left from an attack that broke through Absolute defense. The pilot will stay awake during the ordeal and will be able to retreat by him/herself, the autopilot can give support if the pilot is having problem with his/her consciousness or requested to do so.
ByakuShiki emulated this by means of bypassing the defensive protocol due to Ichika's willingness to take all the pain. Advanced AI allowing ByakuShiki to manage it's system and energy more efficiently, despite the damaged state.
|2012-01-19, 00:09
|Link #18590
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2011
@ Senpai - Just wondering, but should I have Ichika and Irish fight in the abandoned hospital? Shows some dual protagonist storytelling.
To everyone - The US is making the "Stop Online Piracy Act" (SOPA), which, if passed, will possibly shit down sites such as facebook, Twitter, google and other websites. Fanfiction.net is a possible target, so I just thought I should warn you all.
|2012-01-19, 00:17
|Link #18592
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2011
This is gonna suck if that bill get's passed. What's annoying is I'm not even American! Hell if I care what the american government says what I can or can't do!? I need facebook for school. If this bill gets passed, riots will be had.
|2012-01-19, 00:19
|Link #18593
Titans Test Team Pilot
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: The Elysium
Also, posted the scene above, Zero.
|2012-01-19, 00:22
|Link #18595
I am no one
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Inside your head
@ Stratos
Nice scene, that's about what I thought when I recommend the second choice.
Side note - and then it got worse... the REAL world become similar to that of Paranoia RPG
EDIT: Going to hospital again
|2012-01-19, 00:26
|Link #18596
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2011
@ Senpai - If you have broken ribs, is it possible to crawl on your stomach?
Side note - I hope SOPA doesn't get passed. We really don't need more stupid bills by the government. That, and other countries are going to get pissed at the American gov since they seem to think this bill should apply all over the world.
|2012-01-19, 01:22
|Link #18597
Just another Idiot
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Delusion world
Even Animesuki will be shut down.....
Last edited by agetreme; 2012-01-19 at 02:10.
|2012-01-19, 02:20
|Link #18600
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2009
You could use Villiamor Air Base. It's in Pasay City so it's pretty near.
|fanfic ideas, fanfiction, ff.net, harem, is fanfic, warning fanfic spoilers, wincest
|Thread Tools


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Whats up everyone,
Summer's fast approaching and we're warming up to delivery some very good news. :)
First we started with releasing Attack on Titan early this past Saturday for a special early showing.
And now, we're going to bring you 3. MORE. EPISODES of Oreimo!!!
The OVA's of this popular title will be on Crunchyroll at the same time as the Japanese internet broadcast on August 17, 2013 at 9 pm Pacific Time.
This will be a limited screening event between August 17 and August 31 this year. Premium users will be able to view all 3 OVAs immediately with free users able to view it one-week after immediate Crunchyroll broadcast.
Moreover, from July 17 to August 31, both the regular season of Oreimo 2 and its corresponding OVAs upon its August 17th broadcast on Crunchyroll, will be available to world-wide audiences except for those in: Japan, Korea, China, Taiwan, Thailand, Singapore, France, Switzerland, Belgium, Algeria, Monaco, and Tunisia.
But that's not all, starting on July 1, we're also bringing back Usagi Drop!!!
It will be just as if it never left the site in the first place :)
Synopsis for those unfamiliar with it:
By force of circumstances, a 30-year-old single man with a full-time job suddenly starts raising a 6-year-old girl. While running each other ragged, the two of them gradually grow into a "family". This is the long-awaited anime version of "Bunny Drop", the extremely popular and finely crafted comic by Yumi Unita. It's a heartwarming and entertaining work that naturally depicts child-raising experiences, but also the instantly relatable warmth and noise of being in a family.
Finally, all Anohana episodes are now available to BOTH premiums and free members!! That's right, now you can get a good ol' fashioned cry-on as you progress down that emotional rabbit hole.
Jinta Yadomi and his group of childhood friends have become estranged after a tragic accident split them apart. Now in their high school years, a sudden surprise forces each of them to confront their guilt over what happened that day and come to terms with the ghosts of their past.
Get ready for summer folks!
So I will finally be able to watch Oreimo 2. This is great news! Thanks Crunchyroll!
Well I was watching Anohana on hulu, but I'd much rather watch it here. And its good that I won't have to go to a fansub site to watch the end of Oreimo.
I AM NOT AMUSED. lol
I watched the first two episodes of Usagi Drop and then it was taken down and I always wanted to finish it, but never got around to it. Well know I have a reason to watch it now.
Yay! Usagi Drop!
I don't know everything, I just happen to know this. I only know what I know.
Great job again Crunchyroll! Glad to have Usagi Drop back and look forward to the Oreimo 2 OVAs. Too bad you couldn't get the season one OVAs too ;)
And everyone needs to see Anohana! Please brings us the new summer movie if you can after it airs in Japan!
daamm im down for this!!
And yet we still have two unfilled boxes! I guess the return of Usagi Drop and the expansion of Anohana doesn't count as new catalog titles and neither does adding the OVAs to Oreimo2!
Still hoping they're Nekomogatari Kuro (+ Bakemonogatari 13-15) and hmm, how about Kokoro Connect Michi Random!? I own both but everyone needs to see them!
I was recommended to watch Anohana in a comment I made on a My Teen Romantic Comedy SNAFU episode, and I must say I'm really glad I did (Thank you Podracer35). For me it ranks near the top on my favorites list, so I'm happy other people will hopefully get the chance to further view this great anime on CR as well.
Just got around to watching Kokoro Connect recently and couldn't agree with you more, especially because the Michi Random episodes really finish the anime nicely in my opinion. While I may not be as experienced or dedicated an anime watcher as others, I was glad I hunted those last episodes down. Being able to spare others the trouble and keeping them watching here on CR would be an awesome feat.
(I might have fallen in love with Inaba... /sigh. Go watch Kokoro Connect. )
"No matter where you are, people find a way to entertain themselves."
Will Usagi Drop be in 480p like the other NIS titles? That would suck...
Feeling too lazy to go after Nico atm... :( ill try later on...
So long as you are in the US... right? Ah yes. Thank you for wasting my time. Please at least say we're not getting it, so we don't get excited.
hpulley wrote:
Great job again Crunchyroll! Glad to have Usagi Drop back and look forward to the Oreimo 2 OVAs. Too bad you couldn't get the season one OVAs too ;)
And everyone needs to see Anohana! Please brings us the new summer movie if you can after it airs in Japan!
it is 3 ovas this time i am wondering if they will have the same ending as the LN.
I like Popcorn
but ANOHANA and Usagi Drop are for what areas? for everyone or limited to the ones they were before?
I wonder if they're doing AnoHana because the movie's coming out...
And even if it is, I want us to understand each other.


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Dave White Profile
Dave White
Your Movies.com Man at the Multiplex
Dave White's first movie review was of the animated feature Snoopy Come Home. He was seven years old...Read full profile
Your Movies.com Man at the Multiplex
Dave White's first movie review was of the animated feature Snoopy Come Home. He was seven years old...Read full profile
This is not the droid you're looking for. Read full review
Critics scores range from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating more favorable reviews.
out of 100
Metascore®Generally favorable reviewsbased on a weighted average of allcritic review scores.
The concept is schematic and predictable, and watching first-rate actors - the cast includes Susan Sarandon as a local librarian - doing third-rate material is a dubious pleasure.
Read Full Review
This is a framework that could have benefitted from more irony and complexity, especially with the resources of Langella, but at the end, I felt the movie was too easily satisfied.
Robot & Frank reminds quirk-hardened veterans that an odd premise and big heart don't have to add up to too-precious awards bait.
Robot & Frank is sentimental high-concept fluff that works.
See all Robot & Frank reviews at Metacritic.com
OK for kids 13+
Offbeat sci-fi buddy movie isn't likely to attract teens.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Robot & Frank is an indie dramedy with a sci-fi twist. Although the film's mature subject matter (an aging ex-con father has health and relationship issues) isn't too likely to appeal to tweens or teens, there's not a ton of age-inappropriate content. Language is the biggest concern, with one "f--k" and several "s--t"s, and there are a couple of passionate kisses and some adult alcohol consumption. If your teen does want to see Robot & Frank, the movie's futuristic setting and its messages about family make for interesting discussion topics.
Messages: This is a bittersweet film with some potentially sad themes about aging and family relationships, but there's also a positive message about the lengths that adult children can and should go to make sure their parents are cared for in retirement and poor health. The importance of unconditional friendship is also stressed.
Role models: Frank's kids are doing their best to take care of him, even though he was a neglectful father at times. They both show up regularly and try to watch after him. The robot, despite not being human, tries to give Frank advice that will protect him and help his health. Jennifer the librarian is kind and generous toward Frank.
Violence: Frank is chased by armed police officers, but no one is hurt. A suspicious man accuses Frank of stealing his valuables and attempts to get in his face, but there's no actual violence. Frank, a cat burglar, engages in shoplifting, breaking and entering, and other criminal (but not violent) behavior.
Sex: A married couple is shown through a window kissing passionately in what's clearly a prelude to more. A woman wears a cleavage-baring dress. An older couple kisses once after flirting for most of the movie.
Language: One "f--k" and a few uses of "s--t," "a--hole," "bitch," "bastards," and "damn," plus a few scatological terms, like "piece of crap," "dump," etc.
Consumerism: Frank's son drives an Audi, but because the film is set in the relatively distant future, there aren't too many labels or product placements.
Drinking, drugs and smoking: Adults drink at cocktail parties and meals. A woman jokes that fundraisers are easier to deal with after a few drinks.
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Schumann, G.L. and C. J. D'Arcy. 2000. Late blight of potato and tomato. The Plant Health Instructor. DOI: 10.1094/PHI-I-2000-0724-01. Updated 2017.
DISEASE: Late blight of potato and tomato
PATHOGEN: Phytophthora infestans
HOSTS: Potato, tomato (economically important hosts)
AuthorsGail L. Schumann, University of Massachusetts, AmherstCleora J. D'Arcy, University of Illinois
Fungicide-treated plants (background) and non-fungicide treated plants (foreground) in an experimental field trial. (Courtesy D. Inglis, copyright-free)
Late blight is the disease that triggered the Irish potato famine of the 1840s. It also was the first plant disease for which a microorganism was proved to be the causal agent, leading to the birth of plant pathology as a science.
Late blight is the disease that triggered the Irish potato famine of the 1840s. It also was the first plant disease for which a microorganism was proved to be the causal agent, leading to the birth of plant pathology as a science.
Late blight of potato is identified by black/brown lesions (Figures 2,3) on leaves and stems that may be small at first and appear water-soaked or have chlorotic borders, but soon expand rapidly and become necrotic. In humid conditions, Phytophthora infestans produces sporangia and sporangiophores on the surface of infected tissue. This sporulation results in a visible white growth at the leading edge of lesions on abaxial (lower) surfaces of leaves (Figures 4,5,6). As many lesions accumulate, the entire plant can be destroyed in only a few days after the first lesions are observed (Figure 7).
Potato tubers become infected in the field when sporangia are washed from the foliage into the soil. Infections generally begin in tuber cracks, eyes or lenticels. Infected tuber tissues (Figures 8,9) are copper brown, reddish or purplish in color. Sporulation (Figure 10) may occur on the surface of infected tubers in storage or on cull piles. Infected tubers are often invaded by soft rot bacteria which rapidly convert adjoining healthy potatoes into a smelly, rotten mass that must be discarded (Figure 11).
Tomato plants are also susceptible to late blight, and the foliar symptoms are similar. Like potato, infected tomato plants (Figure 12) may be rapidly infected and destroyed by P. infestans. White sporulation (sporangia and sporangiophores) (Figure 13) may be visible in humid weather.
Late blight infections produce dark brown, firm lesions (Figure 14) which may enlarge and destroy the entire tomato fruit. Late blight lesions on tomato fruit are often followed by soft rot and disintegration as described for potato tubers.
Phytophthora infestans...was named by Anton deBary. The name is derived from the Greek: Phyto = plant, phthora = destroyer. P. infestans is a member of the oomycetes, a group of organisms sometimes referred to as the "water molds" which are related to brown algae. The mycelium is hyaline and coenocytic (few septa), and the nuclei are diploid. The formal name for this group of organisms is Oomycota which have been assigned to the Kingdom Stramenopila of the eukaryotes. Oomycetes are no longer considered members of the Kingdom Fungi although they share many biological, ecological, and epidemiological characteristics with fungal plant pathogens.
As is typical of this group, P. infestans produces sporangia on sporangiophores (Figure 15). The sporangiophores are indeterminate. (i.e., they grow and produce sporangia continuously). These stalk-like structures aid in air dispersal of the sporangia. P. infestans is one of the few species in the genus Phytophthora adapted to air dispersal. Sporangia may be dispersed to neighboring fields, but do not generally survive long-distance travel because of desiccation and exposure to solar radiation.
In cool, wet conditions, zoospores will form and emerge (Figure 16) from the sporangia after about two hours. In warmer conditions, sporangia may function as a single spore and germinate directly (Figure 17). Zoospores are biflagellate (have two flagella) (Figure 18), with one tinsel flagellum directed anteriorly and one whiplash flagellum directed posteriorly. After swimming on the surface of the host plant surface, zoospores encyst and infect the plant.
If both mating types (A1 and A2) come into contact with one another, sexual reproduction may occur. A nucleus from the antheridium enters the oogonium. Following karyogamy (the fusion of two nuclei), a thick-walled, diploid oospore (Figure 19) is formed. Before the 1990s, only mating type A1 was present in potato-growing areas outside Mexico (see Historical Importance), so sexual reproduction did not play a significant role in the disease cycle. Now, mating type A2 has migrated to most potato and tomato growing regions of the world, and sexual reproduction is believed to occur in some areas. However, for the past 150 years, survival of P. infestans in most parts of the world has been in infected tuber tissues (see Disease Cycle).
In the absence of the oospore stage, Phytophthora infestans survives between potato crops as mycelium in infected tubers (Figure 9).
If infected tubers are left behind at harvest or dumped (Figure 20) at the edges of fields, sporangia may be produced on the infected tubers or new sprouts the following spring. Air currents carry sporangia to healthy potato foliage. Sometimes seed potatoes can become infected (Figure 21); freshly cut seed tuber surfaces are especially susceptible to infections from airborne spores in contaminated storage facilities.
In the presence of water and at cooler temperatures, sporangia germinate indirectly (Figure 16) by the production of zoospores (Figure 18). At warmer temperatures, the sporangia germinate directly (Figure 17) by the production of a germ tube.
Several days after infection, new sporangia are produced on sporangiophores (Figure 15) which emerge from stomata. The deciduous sporangia may be dispersed by wind or water to new parts of the same potato plant or new plants.
Sporangia may also be washed through the soil to infect tubers. If both mating types come into contact with each other, thick-walled oospores (Figure 19) may be produced to persist in soil or plant tissues. Oospores usually germinate by producing a sporangium (Figure 22).
Temperature and moisture are the most important environmental factors affecting late blight development. Sporangia are formed on the lower leaf surfaces (Figure 4) and infected stems (Figure 5) when relative humidity is < 90%. Sporulation can occur from 3-26°C (37-79°F), but the optimum range is 18-22°C (64-72°F). Sporangia germinate directly via a germ tube at 21-26°C (70-79°F). Below 18° C (65°F), sporangia produce 6 to 8 zoospores which require water for swimming.
Each zoospore is capable of initiating an infection, which explains why disease is more severe in cool, wet conditions. Cool nights, warm days, and extended wet conditions from rain and fog can result in late blight epidemics in which entire potato fields are destroyed in less than two weeks. Infected tubers can sporulate in poorly controlled storage areas (Figure 11) where conditions are too humid. Condensation produces water droplets on the surface of infected tubers which may then cause the pathogen to sporulate and contaminate neighboring tubers, leading to destruction of the entire pile by soft rot bacteria.
Cultivars: No potato cultivar is immune to all strains of P. infestans, but some cultivars are more resistant than others (Figure 23). If the climate in which the potatoes are grown is relatively dry, even low levels of resistance may significantly reduce disease severity. Likewise improved host resistance can be combined with timely foliar fungicide sprays to enhance effective disease management.
Site selection: Good drainage and good air movement will help reduce moisture levels in the canopy. Fields bordered by trees (Figure 24) and dense vegetation should be avoided. The shape of the field may affect the ease and frequency of fungicide applications.
Crop rotation: Rotations of two to three years to non-host crops are recommended. Besides potato and tomato, several weeds and ornamental plants in the Solanaceae family are known to be susceptible to late blight. If oospore production becomes widespread, rotation plans may need to be modified to accommodate this new source of inoculum. The pathogen survives in infected tubers which decay relatively quickly, but oospores may survive in soil for many years.
Elimination of overwintering inoculum: In the absence of oospores, tubers infected during the previous season are the most important source of initial inoculum. Surviving tubers may be found in cull piles (Figure 20) and tubers left in the field at harvest. Culled potatoes should be left on the soil surface to freeze, trucked to a landfill, or buried at least 1 m (3 feet) deep. They also may be fed to livestock provided steps are taken to secure them during transport and dump them only on impervious surfaces. Volunteer plants in the spring should be destroyed to minimize initial inoculum.
Planting of pathogen-free tubers: Only certified seed tubers (Figure 25) should be planted. However, currently (2005), even certified seed tubers may be allowed to have up to 1% incidence of late blight. Fungicide treatments are available for protecting freshly cut seed tuber surfaces.
Hilling: Soil can be made deeper around the base of the plants after emergence of the young potato plants. Hilling helps in early weed control and minimizes tuber infections from sporangia that wash off the leaves of infected plants into the soil.
Irrigation: It is important to minimize the time that leaves are wet to help prevent foliar infection (Figure 26). Irrigation should be timed so that length of the night dew period is not extended- i.e., no late afternoon, early evening, or morning irrigation in order to allow plants time for drying. Excessive irrigation can wash some of the "hilled" soil away from the base of the plants, exposing tubers to greater potential infection.
Fertilization: Excessive nitrogen fertilization increases canopy cover, delays maturity and may reduce yield. Delayed maturity results in more foliage exposed to potential infection for a longer time, increasing the risk of late blight.
Scouting for disease: Field scouting alerts growers that the potential for a severe disease outbreak exists. Scout where moisture is likely to persist (low areas, near hedges and trees) and where fungicide applications may be difficult because of obstructions (corners, trees, utility poles). Infected plants should be burned or plowed under if found in an isolated "hot spot." Current season temperature, relative humidity and rainfall data are used to predict disease outbreaks, based on historical patterns. Some growers apply fungicides when the forecast indicates disease development is likely, which may be more risky than routine preventive fungicide applications. Forecasting systems (Figure 27) for late blight include the Hyre system, the Wallin system, and BLITECAST which incorporates both systems. Some commercial microcomputer units are available to provide forecasts.
Fungicide applications: Fungicide applications (Figures 1, 28) are an important means of late blight management, particularly in humid areas. Contact fungicides are effective and have not resulted in pathogen resistance after many years of use. They coat the leaves to prevent infection, but cannot stop infections once they occur. Therefore, they must be applied before plants are exposed to spores. Systemic fungicides can offer some post-infection control.
Most of the newly introduced strains of P. infestans are of special concern because of their resistance to metalaxyl/mefenoxam. In the early 1990s, some growers lost entire potato crops (Figure 29) to them. Special emergency permits were granted for the use of fungicides not yet registered in the U.S. but available in Europe and other areas. Some new systemic fungicides, such as Acrobat (dimethomorph) and Curzate (cymoxanil), were recently registered. In addition, growers have been encouraged to concentrate on the prophylactic use of contact fungicides. Some growers routinely use contact fungicides early in the season, but then rely on forecasting systems after plants mature and the canopy is established.
At the time of harvest, it is possible that some late blight infections are present in the foliage. To prevent inoculation of the tubers during harvesting, foliage needs to be destroyed so that no green tissue remains. In the past, vines were killed with flames (Figure 30). Herbicides are currently used to assure that plants have died completely before harvest. Infected tubers should be removed before going into storage, and disposed of properly. Blighted tubers do not generally store well under typical storage conditions.
The late blight epidemics of the 1840s triggered the Irish potato famine, but the history of the potato as a food crop is much older. The potato (Solanum tuberosum) originated in the highlands of the Andes in the Lake Titicaca area between Bolivia and Peru, where native people had selected hundreds of different cultivars (Figure 31) for centuries. Most scientists agree that P. infestans originated in Mexico where both mating types of the fungus are commonplace. Where and how the plant and the pathogen first came together is not certain, but late blight epidemics seem to be described in the northeastern U.S. in about 1843 and Europe in 1845. Potato crops failed for a number of years during the cool and rainy "hungry '40s."
Although poor people who were dependent on potatoes for food suffered in many areas, the disaster was greatest in Ireland (Figure 32). One and one-half million people starved and a similar number emigrated during the famine, resulting in a large Irish diaspora in many parts of North America. As with many famines, politics enhanced the suffering. Many Irish peasants grew cereal crops to pay their rent. Although the grain was harvested, it could not be eaten, and was exported to the English landlords throughout the famine. In the 1990s, many exhibits and gatherings in North America and Ireland commemorated the 150th anniversary of the famine.
One reason that the early history of late blight is unclear is that the germ theory of disease had not yet been accepted. Many preliminary studies of various plant diseases had been conducted, but Anton deBary's (Figure 33) (the "father of plant pathology") conclusive studies finally convinced the scientific community that the white sporulation of P. infestans on infected plants was the causal agent of the disease and not the result of spontaneous generation from the decaying vegetation. Thus, late blight signifies the official beginning of the science of plant pathology. These early studies also contributed to Louis Pasteur's germ theory which was proposed 15 years later.
Andrivon, D. 1996. The origin of Phytophthora infestans populations present in Europe in the 1840s: A critical review of historical and scientific evidence. Plant Pathology 45:1027-1035.
D'Arcy, C.J. and D.M. Eastburn. 2000. Late blight. Plants, Pathogens, and People website. http://www.ppp.uiuc.edu/
Eastburn, D.M. and C.J. d'Arcy 1996. Late Blight and the Irish Potato Famine DVS. APS Press (available for purchase at http://admin.apsnet.org/apsstore/shopapspress/Pages/43372.aspx)
Fry, W.E., and S.B. Goodwin. 1997. Re-emergence of potato and tomato late blight in the United States. Plant Dis. 81:1349-1357.
Fry, W.E. and S.B. Goodwin. 1997. Resurgence of the Irish potato famine fungus. BioScience 47:363-371.
Powelson, M.L. and D.A. Inglis. 1998. Potato late blight: Live on the internet. APSnet feature article. http://admin.apsnet.org/publications/apsnetfeatures/Pages/LateBlight.aspx
Stevenson, W.R. 1993. Management of early blight and late blight. Pages 141-147 in: Potato Health Management. R.C. Rowe, ed. American Phytopathological Society Press, St. Paul, MN.
"Tracking Phytophthora infestans, the Irish Potato Famine Pathogen Kit", a hands-on PCR kit for experienced high school and college classes. Available from Carolina Biological Supply Company, please click here


text:
THIRTY years of horror memories were revived as Ash Wednesday bushfire survivors at an anniversary ceremony on Saturday recalled the day that blackened the south-west.
Hundreds of families were affected by fires that started at Cudgee and Ballangeich and quickly grew to infernos that swept through the region in a few hours
Nine lives were lost, 872 buildings destroyed and 500 square kilometres of land scorched.
Other parts of the state and South Australia were also hit by horrific fires on February 12, 1983.
More than 100 south-west people gathered at Panmure Recreation Reserve for a moving ceremony which featured speeches by Moyne Shire mayor Cr Jim Doukas and Framlingham fire brigade's Colin Lynch on their views of the disaster.
A commemmorative booklet and DVD produced by six Moyne youth councillors was officially launched.
Their project features interviews with survivors.
Two of them, Margaret Parsons and John Mahony, told The Standard that Ash Wednesday was etched on their memories.
Mrs Parsons and her husband, Brian, lost their home and farm buildings at Nullawarre while Mr Mahony was incident controller at Cudgee co-ordinating dozens of crews grappling with fast-moving fire fronts.
"It was a terrible eerie day," Mrs Parsons recalled.
"Brian and I were at home till about 12.30pm when he smelt smoke and went to check it out.
"The next time I saw him was about an hour later as he was herding our cows towards the dairy shed for safety.
"The hair on the back of his neck was singed.
"Then he went off with the fire brigades.
"I stayed home as long as I could before fleeing and went to the Nullawarre store where there were lots of other people and school kids whose parents were in town.
"When we went back home the next day everything was gone except the dairy shed and the cows.
"However, we lost all our young stock which had been in an outpaddock at Cudgee. "Fire came through twice that day. The second time was after it reached Boggy Creek and the wind changed pushing it all back — that's when our house went up."
Their son Kevin, who now runs the farm, was 13 and attending school in Warrnambool.
He spent the night with his grandparents in Warrnambool not knowing if his parents had survived.
"Kevin went through hell 'til Brian's sister told him the good news next morning," Mrs Parsons said.
The Parsons spent the next three months with neighbours and took another 18 months to rebuild their home.
"There was no counselling back then and a lot of people don't want to talk about it," Mrs Parsons said.
"But once you've been in a fire like this it lives with you forever.
"There were 435 families down this way affected by the fires.
"I'm nearly 71 and still occasionally wake up in the night with the vivid memories as if I was there."
Mr Mahony, who was a lieutenant with the Cudgee brigade, spent five successive days co-ordinating fire fighting and mopping up.
He criss-crossed the district with hectic radio conversations with CFA truck crews directing them as the Cudgee outbreak headed towards the coast.
"About an hour later it was through to Naringal and we realised we couldn't pull it up," he said.
"When the Mortlake district fire started and some crews were needed there, there weren't enough resources.
"It was a horrid day.
"I got home about 2.30am the next morning and was up again about 6am.
"By Friday afternoon I knew I was very tired and by Sunday afternoon I had a migraine, took a tablet and got some sleep."
Mr Mahony retired last year as Cudgee brigade captain and is still first deputy group officer with the Hopkins Curdies group.
Back in 1983 they had one VHF radio fitted to the control vehicle — now there are two radios and two channels.
"It was absolutely flat stick — a huge job by everyone involved," he said.
"A lot of blokes did a lot of brave things that day and I knew some who lost their lives.
"There was a three to four-kilometre front in the first wave of the fire and when the wind changed it became a 25-30km front running in the other direction.
"Yesterday's anniversary ceremony brought back a lot of memories of the day and the hardships afterwards."


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November 30, 2012
Furci Home / Fitness Channel / Bullz-Eye Home
Well, it's that time of year again -- marked by holiday cheer, pumpkin rolls, pies, gravy, cookies, and on and on. Honestly, Thanksgiving and Christmas are both cause for intense celebration and reflection, respectively on living in a free nation, and the birth of Jesus Christ. Fortunately for many, the end of all this celebration and consumption marks the start of resolutions, and one of the most popular is weight loss.
The start of the New Year coincides with increased sales of gym memberships, diet books, fitness magazines, personal trainers, exercise videos, clothing and of course supplements. Everyone is looking for that magic pill, powder or drink that promises a tight stomach with no work. Here's a reality check: THERE'S NO SUCH THING!
Supplements are supposed to supplement a proper diet and training program. If your diet is piss-poor, and your training is sporadic, supplements are not going to help. Unfortunately, companies are willing to do what it takes to make money, including being unethical while walking a legal tightrope. These charlatans rely on pseudoscience and get away with peddling their wares to ignorant consumers who have hopes of an easy way to get lean, muscular, strong or all the above.
I'm going to cut to the chase. Because of all the misinformation out there, supplements can be a very controversial and misunderstood subject. There are almost no supplements that live up to the claims made by supplement companies. When you see ads that claim a supplement works as good, or feels like a particular anabolic steroid, or other drug, do not buy it. There is no such thing as a supplement that builds muscle or strength, or aids in weight loss like a drug. Moreover, be wary of endorsements -- do not rely on them to make your decision. Do your own research.
Below you'll find a list of different supplements and foods with a description of each. The list is short, because so many supplements are just repackaged knock-offs of competing products, with the hope that you'll be ignorant enough to spend your money. Writing an article including just 10 percent of the supplements in production would not only be redundant, but a waste of your time. Just know there are very few supplements out there worth your money.
Unlike carbohydrates, protein in and of itself, has little to do with getting fat. Protein consumption is inversely related to fat accumulation, i.e., the more protein you eat the more fat you burn as fuel. Thermogenesis and satiety are directly related to the protein you consume through multiple mechanisms. [1-3] It's what you eat, more than how much you eat that will determine how lean, strong and muscular you will get.
Because it repairs and maintains everything in our bodies from bones to hormones to muscles, protein is the most important macronutrient or supplement you can consume. Extra muscle is not needed for survival or health. Building and maintaining muscle takes a specific stimulus (like weight training) and an environment in our bodies that can only be provided by proper amounts of high quality protein -- starting with a good diet.
The best dietary sources of protein come from grass-fed ruminant animals, free range fowl, free range eggs and wild-caught fish, which are the most nutritious foods on the planet. Getting away from the mass production of foods and returning to local farming would have a huge impact toward improving the health of this nation, let alone the positive impact on athletes of all types.
I cannot stress enough how much your success in the quest for better health, more muscle, more strength or fat loss relies on a diet including high quality protein. Once your diet is squared away, if you had to choose just one supplement to take, protein would be it. The protein I recommend is a mix in the form of micellar casein (MC), whey isolate and whey concentrate. MC (also known as milk protein isolate or milk protein concentrate) has one of the most impressive amino acid profiles. MC has a slow rate of digestion, which gives the user enhanced satiety and leads to MC's anti-catabolic properties.
MC's role as an anti-catabolic is unopposed by any other protein. However, you need to create an anabolic environment in order to build muscle and get lean; adding whey protein to the mix because of its fast delivery of amino acids does just that.
Whey protein comes in three forms: concentrate, isolate and hydrolysate. Concentrate is the least expensive and has the lowest amount of protein per serving, but is the least processed. This also equates to lower levels of branch chained amino acids (BCAAs). Isolates are a purer form of whey protein and usually provide 95 percent or more per serving, with a higher BCAA content than concentrates. Hydrolysates are the purest and most rapidly absorbed form of whey, with the highest biological value (BV) of any protein. BV is a measure of how well nitrogen is retained after ingesting a protein source. You cannot repair and build muscle without adequate amounts of nitrogen.
For a more in-depth discussion on protein types read ProteinRx. For the best proteins available, and the ability to customize your own protein powders, go to ProteinFactory.com
Taken from the fruit portion of the seed of the coconut palm tree, coconut oil is one the most beneficial foods you can consume. There is an array of positive research published in the last few years showing the significance of coconut oil. [4-6]
Coconut oil is the most saturated of all fats. Saturated fat has three subcategories: short chain, medium chain and long chain. Coconut oil contains about 65 percent medium chain fatty acids (MCFA). The saturated medium chain lipid lauric acid, which comprises approximately 50 percent of coconut oil, is the anti-bacterial, anti-viral fatty acid found in mother's milk. [7] But, it's the MCFA's thermogenic, or fat-burning effect, that we're most concerned about in this article.
Researchers compared the thermogenic effect between MCFAs and long chain fatty acids (LCFAs), like those found in vegetable oil after single meals. In the study, the meals were 400 calories and consisted entirely of either MCFAs or LCFAs. The thermogenic effect of MCFAs over six hours was three times greater than that of LCFAs. Researchers concluded that as long as the calorie level remained constant, substituting MCFAs for LCFAs would result in weight loss. [8] The same number of calories from two different substances yielding different outcomes. How weird. (A little sarcasm.)
A study was conducted by researchers at McGill University to evaluate existing data describing the effects of MCFAs on energy expenditure, and to determine their efficacy as agents in the treatment of obesity. They reported that several different studies have shown weight loss equivalent to 12 to 36 pounds a year simply by changing the types of oils used in everyday cooking and food preparation. Animal and human studies have shown greater energy expenditure, less body weight gain, and decreased size of fatty deposits when using MCFAs as opposed to LCFAs . [9,10] How about that calorie theory?
The best source for coconut oil is TropicalTraditions.com
Omega-3 fatty acids have been referred to as a miracle fat with good reason. The correlation between so many of today's diseases and a deficiency -- or in some cases a complete lack -- of these fats in the diet of Americans is very strong. From our brain, to our heart, to our skin, there is an indisputable benefit to our bodies in consuming Omega-3 fatty acids.
The best way to obtain these essential fatty acids is to consume them in their original packaging, like wild-caught fish, or to take a quality supplement. I highly recommend Krill Oil and Flameout.
Omega-3s are an essential part of any diet. In addition to all the health benefits associated with these fats, Omega-3s have body fat composition benefits. [11-13] They help you lose body fat.
I decided to include this garbage because it has been popular for a while. It's a perfect example of repackaging the same product by different companies in the hopes of enticing consumers to try their version of the same thing. Fortunately, because enough people are finally seeing the truth in their lack of results, its popularity seems to be waning.
Nitric oxide (NO) is a very powerful chemical that among many functions regulates blood flow. NO dilates blood vessels and lowers blood pressure, which allows blood to flow more freely. It's this increase in blood flow that has lead many in the supplement industry to infer a better delivery of nutrients to muscle cells, which they equate to more muscle. That is one hell of a stretch and just doesn't hold water. At the very least, it is irresponsible for supplement companies to market NO products as a way to build muscle.
The NO supplements of today are basically the same as the arginine products of the 1980s; they're just marketing them differently. Unfortunately, for NO proponents the level of arginine in the blood has little to do with NO production, and consequently has nothing to do with increasing blood flow. If we could increase NO production through diet or supplements, because of the decrease in blood pressure that occurs with higher NO levels, we would have had anecdotal reports of lower blood pressure and syncope. These types of reports have not occurred, nor have they been found in research. Don't waste your money on this junk.
Need some evidence? Read:
There are many companies out there claiming their energy drinks produce long term energy, with an enhanced ability to lose body fat. I have tried many different products, and have had many of my friends and colleagues try them as well. I have yet to find one that boosts energy better than a good cup of coffee, and forget the fat burning claims.
Because many supplement companies still include soy protein as a main ingredient in their products, the health and pocket books of their customers are being thrown to the side. Maximum Human Performance claims their soy protein isolate-based product Parabolic-SR is the biggest breakthrough ever in protein supplementation, and that it has set new standards in protein quality and bioavailability. This is an outrageously irresponsible statement considering the anti-nutrients present in soy protein, and how soy protein is produced.
One of the substances contained in soybeans, which remains in soy products like protein, is goitrogens. These are naturally occurring and interfere with the function of the thyroid gland and hinder fat loss. Goitrogens get their name from the term "goiter," which means enlargement of the thyroid gland. The ingestion of 30 grams of soy protein per day -- about three tablespoons -- has been shown to disrupt and slow thyroid function. Thyroid disease is rampant in Asian societies and is increasing in the U.S.
Extreme processing with heat, pressure or chemical (alkaline) solutions commonly used in manufacturing soy products will neither deactivate nor remove goitrogens. [14] They are virtually in all soy foods with the highest concentration being in products that are not fermented, like soy milk, protein and baby formula.
The "Fat Carb" has been around for more than 35 years and is in tens of thousands of products people purchase every day. Although fructose is not used as a supplement, it is used as an additive in many supplements you may purchase, i.e., sports drinks, energy drinks and meal replacement drinks. If your goal is to get lean, fructose is your enemy.
Researchers in a double blind study compared the effects of eating a diet comprised of beverages sweetened with either glucose or fructose that provided 25 percent of the subject's energy requirements for 10 weeks. [15] Both groups gained a similar percentage of weight and body fat, but the glucose group gained subcutaneous fat, while the fructose group gained visceral abdominal fat. Subcutaneous fat is the fat you can grab just under the skin. Visceral fat, however, is not found under the skin. It surrounds the internal organs inside the abdominal cavity. Increased abdominal fat, especially visceral fat, is a concern, because it produce hormones and other substances that profoundly affect our health in negative ways.
Moreover, the fructose group had a significant decrease in lipolysis (fat burning) and decreased insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance. The glucose group had little change in lipolysis, insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance. Researchers also repeated the findings in a study by researchers from the University of California -- Davis demonstrating that the consumption of fructose slowed participants' metabolic rates. [16]
If that doesn't sound like a recipe for disaster, I don't know what does. But wait, it gets better.
A study published in the Journal of Nutrition was performed to determine the magnitude by which consumption of fructose would stimulate lipogenesis (fat formation).15 The subjects consumed a drink containing 85 grams of sugars in a random blind order. The drinks contained either 100:0 glucose; 50:50 glucose to fructose; or 25:75 glucose to fructose. Researchers concluded that when fructose was consumed, lipogenesis was 200 percent greater than when it was absent.
Moral of the story: read ingredients labels and stay away -- far away -- from fructose.
Creatine hit the market about 15 years ago and has been one of the top selling and most studied supplements since then. Its popularity is due to one reason -- it works. Creatine works by giving the muscle cell what it needs to store Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP). ATP is the energy source our muscles use for heavy-duty, short-term workloads, the type used in weight training, sprinting, wrestling, etc. Increasing the amount of ATP production will pull more water into the muscle cells, which is how creatine produces its muscle cell volumizing effect.
As it turns out, creatine is much more than a "volumizing" agent. Canadian researchers compared the changes in the amounts of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) in two groups of subjects. All the subjects performed at least 30 minutes of structured physical activity three to five times per week for eight weeks. The subjects were randomly assigned to one of two groups: one supplementing with creatine, the other an isocaloric placebo. Muscle biopsies were taken before and after the training period and analyzed for IGF-1 content. The creatine group had a 24 percent higher level of IGF-1. The creatine group also had a 23 percent higher increase in Type II muscle fibers. These findings were independent of dietary guidelines. [17]
What does this mean for the average person who is weight training? It means if you supplement with creatine, you'll not only get the well known "volumizing" effect, but more Type II muscle fibers. Type II muscle fibers are the fibers that respond to progressive resistance training and account for almost all size and strength gains.
Since muscle burns fat as fuel, more muscle fibers mean a leaner you.
Most of the top brands of supplements are worth your time and money.
1. Marchione, M. (2012, February 27). Cancer's growing burden: the high cost of care. USA Today. Retrieved from USAToday.com.
2. Veldhorst, M., et al. (2008). Protein induced satiety: effects and mechanisms of different proteins. Physiological Behavior, 94(2). Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez
3. Halton, T.L., (2004). The effects of high protein diets on thermogenesis, satiety and weight loss: a critical review. Journal of the American College of Nutrition, 23(5). J Am Coll Nutr. 2004;23(5). Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15466943
4. Paddon-Jones, D., et al. (2008). Protein, weight management, and satiety. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 87(5), 1558S-1561S. Retrieved from http://ajcn.nutrition.org/content/87/5/1558S.full
5. Enig, M. (2000). A new look at coconut oil. Wise Traditions in food, farming and the healing arts , Retrieved from http://bit.ly/SSL8xq
6. Rethinam, P. Muhatoyo. The Plain Truth about Coconut Oil. Retrieved from http://www.apccsec.org/truth.html
7. Enig, M. (2006). Latest studies on coconut oil. Wise Traditions in food, farming and the healing arts, 7(1). Retrieved from http://www.westonaprice.org/know-your-fats/latest-studies-on-coconut-oil
8. Enig, M. (2000). Know your fats. (p. 115). Silver Springs, MD: Bethesda Press.
9. Seaton, T. B., et al. (1986). Thermogenic effect of medium chain and long chain triglycerides in man. American journal of clinical nutrition, 44(5), 630. Retrieved from http://ajcn.nutrition.org/content/44/5/630.full.pdf+html
10. Hill, J. (1989). Thermogenesis in humans during overfeeding with medium chain triglycerides. Metabolism, 38(7), 641-8. Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2739575
11. Jones, P. (2002). Physiological effects of medium-chain triglycerides: potential agents in the prevention of obesity. Journal of Nutrition, 132(3), 329-32. Retrieved from http://jn.nutrition.org/content/132/3/329.full
12. Hill, AM., et al. (2007). Combining fish-oil supplements with regular aerobic exercise improves body composition and cardiovascular disease risk factors. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 85(5), 1267-74. Retrieved from Am J Clin Nutr. 2007;85(5):1267-74.
13. Kabir, M., et al. (2007). Treatment for 2 months with n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids reduces adiposity and some atherogenic factors but does not improve insulin sensitivity in women with type 2 diabetes: a randomized controlled study. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 86(6), 1670-79. Retrieved fromAm J Clin Nutr. 2007;86(6):1670-79.
14. Thorsdottir, I., et al. (2007). Randomized trial of weight loss diets for young adults varying in fish and fish oil content. International Journal of Obesity, 31, 1560-66. Retrieved from Int J Obesity. 2007;31:1560-66
15. Daniel, K. T. (2005). The Whole Soy Story. (P.312). Washington: New Trends Publishing.
16. Furci, M. (2012). Evolution of the Unhealthy American. (P.28).
17. Burke, D.G., et al. (2008). Effect of creatine supplementation and resistance-exercise training on muscle insulin-like growth factor in young adults. International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism, 18(4), 389-98.
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Washington DC (Ass Mess): Reports that US Vice President Dick Cheney's daughter Mary is pregnant have been met with a flurry of activity on the political spread-betting website Aintgottaprayer.com.
Current odds on offer suggest reputation-redeeming Pastor Ted Haggard 5/1 (with a run) may have made a donation to Ms Cheney's sperm-bank while a distant but highly fertile secret cousin of Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney comes in as a 20/1 long-shot.
La Cheney is keeping mum on the subject and neither she not her long-term partner Heather Poe have commented on reports that they had to use an anonymous donor from an internet-based provider operating under the 'Spunky Mickey from Tallahassee' franchise responsible for so many miraculous conceptions in the US bible-belt this year.
But well-placed sources close to the happy couple have hinted that the baby has already been sexed via ultrasound test and an appropriate name chosen: Karl Junior.......


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BRIDGEWATER, Va. – In the 2012 home opener at Jopson Field, the Bridgewater Eagles (2-0) football team used a stellar special teams performance and an impressive defensive effort to roll past visiting Greensboro College by a 33-7 tally.
Following an exchange from both teams to open play, the Eagles got the football back with excellent field position and 11:46 to play in the opening stanza.
Junior Ryan Green-Ellis capped off a methodical 10-play, 36-yard drive with a three-yard jaunt to give the Eagles a 7-0 lead early.
Both teams traded possessions before the Eagles forced another Greensboro (1-1) three and out with the first quarter clock winding down. Greensboro punter Nick La Toof booted a punt to the Bridgewater 31 where Jordan Hartman busted through the Pride coverage and sprinted 69 yards to the endzone to give Bridgewater a 14-0 lead as the clock expired on the first quarter.
Greensboro responded midway through the second stanza when Eddie West bolted into the endzone from the one to chip the Bridgewater advantage to 14-7 with 7:53 to play in the opening half.
Bridgewater immediately returned the favor with a heavy dose of Jacob Wright as the sophomore carried the ball twice before jaunting 38 yards to pay dirt to put the Eagles back ahead by 14 at a 21-7 margin with under seven to go in the first half.
On their ensuing drive, the Pride looked to keep the score tight when Ryan Throndset connected with Dexter Russell on a 43-yard pattern to move into Bridgewater territory. The Eagles defense was again up to the task though, as a diving Lucas Elliott picked off a Throndset pass in the end zone to thwart the Greensboro drive.
After another exchange, senior Carlos Gonzalez tossed a pass towards the end zone and had the ball picked off inside the Greensboro five.
Throndset completed a short pass to try to gain some real estate, but on the ensuing play, a bad snap from the center went out of the back of the end zone for a safety, putting Bridgewater ahead 23-7 with 37 ticks to play in the first half.
Bridgewater tallied another score after the safety kickoff when junior Nick Wimer stormed in from 31 yards out to put the Eagles up 30-7 as the clock expired on the first half.
Rain put a major damper on the third quarter as both teams battled back and forth in a driving rainstorm, but it was Bridgewater hanging onto a 30-7 lead heading to the fourth quarter.
Greensboro opened the final stanza with a three-and-out before La Toof's punt went off the side of his foot and out of bounds at the Pride 33 to give the Eagles excellent field position.
Bridgewater used a solid mix of pass and run to move the ball to the 19-yard line, setting up a 36-yard field goal attempt from freshman John Griggs. Griggs crushed a low-line drive through the uprights to put the Eagles up by a 33-7 score, which is how things would end.
On the ground, Wright just missed his second-straight, 100-yard outing. The sophomore tailback rushed for 98 yards on 13 carries, with the bulk of the load coming in the first half.
In less than ideal conditions, junior Willie Logan paced the air attack with a 59-yard effort on 7-of-18 passing. Carlos Gonzalez and Matt Prokop also completed passes for the Eagles in the win.
Sophomore Tyler Moneymaker led the receivers with three catches for 30 yards. Junior John Lezcano also added three receptions for 28 yards on the afternoon.
Defensively, linebacker Andrew Palmer paced the way with seven tackles, including four solo stops. Senior Salem Nganga added six tackles and a half-tackle for a loss as the Eagles posted three sacks and nine tackles for a loss on the afternoon. The Eagles held the Pride to just 66 rushing yards on the day to hold their opponent under 100 yards for the second straight week.
Special teams was the highlight of the day as sophomore Jordan Hartman had 149 yards on returns, including a 106-yard effort returning punts.
Greensboro was paced on the ground by West. West rushed for 69 yards on 23 carries and the lone Greensboro score in the loss.
Through the air, Throndset was 15-of-27 for 174 yards and an interception on the day. Russell fell just short of the 100-yard plateau with a game-high eight catches for 99 yards to lead all receivers.
Defensively, the Pride was paced by a 10-tackle outing from Julian Cinotti.
Greensboro held a slight advantage in time of possession on the afternoon and owned a 174-to-111 edge through the air.
Bridgewater outgained Greensboro by a 300-to-240 margin on the offensive side of things, including a 189-to-66 advantage on the ground. The Eagles also were 6-of-16 on third downs and 2-of-3 on fourth down.
The Eagles are idle next week but are back in action on September 22 when Shenandoah comes to town. Kickoff from Jopson Field against the Hornets is set for 1 p.m.


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Army Bowl: 10 things to watch
MORE: All-star coverage | Army AA Bowl
Game information:
Who: Top prospects from around the nation
What: U.S. Army All-American Bowl
When: Noon CST, Saturday, Jan. 8
Where: Alamodome, San Antonio
Why you should care: Four top-ranked players at their positions - defensive tackle Michael Bennett, inside linebacker Curtis Grant, strongside defensive end Stephon Tuitt and athlete James Wilder Jr. - lead the East. The West's offense is especially impressive with running back Malcolm Brown and wide receiver George Farmer, each No. 1 at their position, and a strong offensive line leading the way. This is the premier all-star event in the offseason.
Five things Rivals.com analyst Mike Farrell is looking forward to seeing:
1. East linebackers
The linebacker group on the East squad is simply sick. Five-stars Curtis Grant and Brent Calloway are joined by potential five-stars C.J. Johnson and Kris Frost, as well as ballers Lateek Townsend and Anthony Sarao.
Imagine if five-star Tony Steward hadn't injured his knee and lined up with this group? James Wilder Jr. could play linebacker or running back (or even both) but the hope is that Florida State fans, as well as the rest of the nation, will see him on the defensive side of things. Either way, the final linebacker rankings will certainly be impacted by the way these guys play this week and how they do in the game. This appears to be, at least on paper, the strength of the East squad.
2. Demetrius Hart
If there's one player I'm looking forward to seeing in the game and talking to during the week, it's Orlando (Fla.) Dr. Phillips scat-back Demetrius Hart. Not only could Hart be a home-run hitter in the game itself as a runner or receiver, but the intrigue surrounding his recruiting situation makes him of even greater interest. Will he stick with Michigan? Will he bolt for Florida or possibly head to Alabama? Are he and his five-star teammate, Hasean Clinton-Dix, a package deal? What happens if Rich Rodriguez is fired during the week or given a vote of confidence? There are so many questions and so much interest in the nation's top all-purpose back.
3. Quarterback play
Last year the quarterback play was less-than-stellar save for a guy named Cole Marcoux, who came out of nowhere and had a great game. This year there are six quarterbacks with tremendous upside but, like last year, no five-stars in the group.
West quarterback Cody Kessler and East dual-threat Jacoby Brissett both had insane senior seasons so it will be fun to see how much they've improved since last year at the same time. West quarterback Bubba Starling is one of the best pure athletes in the nation and could cause a lot of problems for the East squad, even with its group of linebackers.
Teddy Bridgewater has been a legend in Florida for a long time so it will be great to finally see him in action against the best in the country. East quarterback Phillip Ely and West signal-caller J.W. Walsh come in with less gaudy stats or hype than the others so can they raise their game? One thing is for sure, this group likely won't be shown up by The Ride quarterback like last year - or will they?
4. West running backs
As deep as the East is at linebacker, the West is equally loaded at running back and this could be a great matchup. The nation's No. 1 back, Malcolm Brown, leads a strong group that includes fellow Texans Herschel Sims and Aaron Green as well as Louisiana stud Kenny Hilliard. And let's not forget the nation's No. 1 athlete, De'Anthony Thomas, who could line up at running back, receiver or even at cornerback.
5. The declarations
As usual, there will be plenty of commitments announced at the game on NBC. There are currently 13 players interested in making their decision on national television led by Frost, Ishaq Williams, Damian Swann, Wayne Lyons and Todd Peat Jr., all of whom could pull a surprise hat off the table.
Gerod Holliman, Lateek Townsend, Odell Beckham Jr., Harvey Langi, Stefan McClure, James Sample, Viliami Moala and Donovan Smith are also on the list to announce at the game, although it will fluctuate throughout the week as always.
6. Superior athletes
There are a few freak athletes out there I'm looking forward to seeing for the first time in pads and in a game setting. Colt Lyerla, Sammy Watkins, Nickalos Brassell, Williams, Thomas, Starling, Christian French, Wilder and George Atkinson III will be exciting to track throughout the week and in the game.
Each could play numerous positions in college if they wanted to but likely will be in uniform at the position they prefer at the next level. There will be six of the Top 10 Most Versatile Prospects from our list in October on hand.
7. Big Men Battle
The battle in the trenches is always of interest in any all-star game and both sides have a solid collection of offensive and defensive linemen. On the West side, I'm interested in seeing how Gregory Robinson, Sedrick Flowers and Matthew Hegarty fare in practice against the talented defensive linemen on their team, led by Moala, Peat and Jermauria Rasco.
On the East side, offensive linemen Brandon Shell, Antonio Richardson and Tyler Moore will have their hands full in practice with defensive linemen Ray Drew, Williams, Michael Bennett and Timmy Jernigan. And when West goes against East in the game, watch out.
8. Talented tight ends
The nation's top two tight ends, Nick O'Leary and Austin Seferian-Jenkins, are representing the East and West, respectively, in this game and the hope is that each is factored into the gameplan. O'Leary has the ability to make big plays in traffic and will be a red zone threat if utilized properly. Seferian-Jenkins is as big as many offensive tackles and is very difficult to guard when he finds a soft spot in the zone and presents a big target. The tight ends don't usually make big plays in the U.S. Army All American Bowl but maybe last year's touchdown catch by C.J. Fiedorowicz is a sign of things to come.
9. Receiver battle
The East squad has some dynamic receivers with downfield speed in Watkins, Brassell and Miles Shuler, as well as a few tall, rangy receivers in Tobias Singleton, Charone Peake and Danny Woodson.
But the West squad has what appears to be a stronger group. Farmer and Trey Metoyer are both five-stars. There is a good mix between speedy route-runners DeAnthony Arnett, Jaxon Shipley and Victor Blackwell with bigger guys like Farmer, Metoyer and Kasen Williams. The West clearly has the edge, but will the East's receivers have the better week and game?
10. Ball hawks
Covering those receivers will be some pretty talented ball hawks on the defensive side. East defensive back Holliman is prolific when it comes to interceptions. Swann, Corey Moore and Avery Walls all have very good ball skills. On the West side, Tevin Mitchel, Beckham, Sample and others can make plays on the ball. There will certainly be at least a couple of interceptions in the game with quarterbacks and receivers trying to get their timing down, the question is - who will make these big plays for each team?


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MORE than 50 thugs in Hampshire have been banned from the World Cup as police launch a crackdown on football-related violence during the tournament.
Already two people have been arrested and another three are being sought for breaching football banning orders which prevent them travelling during the competition.
As part of a national operation, Hampshire police have contacted all those currently subject to banning orders, which are imposed by the courts on people who have caused or been involved in football-related violence.
They have been ordered to hand over their passports, preventing them travelling to Brazil, where the World Cup is being staged.
In Hampshire the number of people currently subject to banning orders totals 52, with five breaches for failing to hand over passports already being investigated.
The force has also revealed that patrols will be stepped up across the county when World Cup matches involving England – and hopefully featuring Saints stars Luke Shaw and Adam Lallana, pictured below – are being played.
It is hoped the move will minimise disorder that could happen as scores of pubs are allowed to stay open later to screen the matches.
Football liaison officer PC Andy Darbyshire said: "Hampshire police hope all of our communities enjoy the forthcoming World Cup.
"Some additional resources will be deployed on match days involving England to maintain public safety and provide reassurance."
"It is hoped that everybody will be part of a celebratory atmosphere, any offences or disorder will be treated seriously and if applicable, football banning orders will be sought."
South Central Ambulance Service confirmed that it would also be stepping up the number of crews on shift during the England matches.
In Southampton 420 licensed premises could serve alcohol up until 1am provided they are showing England games as part of relaxed licensing laws for the tournament.


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The Shamu Store
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The Sesame Place Shop
Animal Information
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Sea Rescue
SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund
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The Wildlife Docs
Are you wild about whales? Taken with tigers? Crazy about roller coasters? So are we! Then come with us on an unforgettable journey behind the scenes during a SeaWorld or Busch Gardens Camp.
You'll meet some of the amazing animals in our care, and make some new friends who love animals as much as you do. And whether you're here for a day or staying a whole week, you'll leave feeling closer to wildlife and to this exciting world we share.
Resident Camps
Grade 4 - College
Multi-night, sleepaway camps. Available for grade 4 through college and offered year-round, our resident camps attract animal lovers from across the U.S. and around the world.
Day Camps
Pre-K - Grade 8 and Family
Single-day to week-long programs. Hands-on, up-close experiences with animals and the great outdoors make our Day Camps unparalleled and truly unforgettable.
Grade 2 & Up
Spend the night inside one of our parks. Fun crafts and activities, and a chance to make friends and memories for a lifetime.
Group Camps
Groups of 15 - 58
Camps for your class, club, or Scout group. Camps operate at SeaWorld parks in San Diego, Orlando and San Antonio, and Busch Gardens in Tampa Bay. Group camps are multi-night, structured programs for grades 4 and up.


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2013 Aston Martin V12 Vantage Values
Select a 2013 Aston Martin V12 Vantage trim level
2013 model year changes
After a round of significant improvements last year, the 2013 V8 Vantage gets a new sport suspension option, as well as a newly standard rearview camera and rain-sensing wipers. The Vantage is also the lowest-priced point of entry in the Aston Martin lineup with a starting base price of $122,400.
Competitive comparison
Mighty powertrains with strong acceleration; great seats; opportunities to customize; a shape that looks great in coupe or roadster form
Special features for 2013
The Vantage is the most affordable car from Aston Martin, and is neither a light-and-lean roadster nor a performance-oriented grand touring coupe. Rather than taking on other exclusive high-performance cars, it's positioned against other sport-touring models like the BMW M6, Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG and Jaguar XKR-S. A simplified, more 'honest' driving experience is one argument for the Vantage, in this age of seemingly endless custom settings in some models for driving characteristics. EPA fuel economy ratings for the V8 Vantage, at 13 mpg city, 19 highway, aren't bad, considering this car's performance focus and traditional V8 engine.
A high-performance, luxury, grand tourer supercar, the 2013 Aston Martin V12 Vantage is powered by a 6.0-liter V12 engine that produces 510 hp and 420 lb-ft of torque, for a 0-62 time of 4.2 seconds and a top speed of 190 mph. Rear-wheel-drive is paired with a 6-speed manual transmission. A V12 Vantage Carbon Black is also offered, which adds black metallic paint, carbon-fiber side strakes, light-weight seats, alcantara trim, and unique sill plates. Features include 19-inch wheels, full-grain leather interior, heated seats, satellite radio, front parking sensors, rear parking sensors, boot-mounted umbrella, Dolby® audio system, six-CD changer, iPod® connectivity, hands-free phone capability, hard disk drive, and satellite navigation. Safety is comprised of side airbags, dual-stage front airbags, tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), traction control system (TCS), emergency brake assist (EBA), electronic brake distribution (EBD), anti-lock braking system (ABS), and dynamic stability control (DSC). The V12 Vantage is backed by a 3-year/unlimited mile warranty.


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We believe that the Sixth Form experience should develop personal excellence alongside academic excellence. Many of our students embark on the Extended Project Qualification, which encourages them to gain independent learning skills, crucial at university and in employment. We also promote social responsibility, inspiring our students to play and active part in the community both in school and out in the wider community. Our house system encourages comradery and healthy competition and our trips and community projects ensure that our students feel that they are part of something more.
Enrichment courses/activities include:
Extended Project Qualification
Young Enterprise Company Programme


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- Parent Category: News
Zoning Board of Appeals hearing postponed >
Iroquois County's Zoning Board of Appeals public hearing – concerning an application from Crop Production Services – scheduled for Tuesday (July 30) has been postponed.
It marks the 4th time the hearing has been postponed. Legal counsel for Crop Production Services requested the postponement. The county Zoning Office says the hearing is likely to be held in September.
Tuesday's hearing was scheduled for 7 pm at the Administrative Center in Watseka.
Crop Production Services is requesting a zoning change from Agricultural to Manufacturing for the purpose of locating an anhydrous ammonia facility in Sheldon Township. The tract of land is south of Route 24 at County Highway 2800 E.
• Tuesday's (7/30) public hearing is postponed; will be re-scheduled.


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Penang International Airport Renovation And Upgrading Works Update
26 November 2012
Sepang, 26 November 2012 - Malaysia Airports is pleased to announce that the Penang International Airport renovation and upgrading works ("Works") have
been substantially completed.
The new and upgraded facilities have been made available for public use in stages, and with all the departure gates now being operational, the Airport has been functioning at full capacity in most of the upgraded areas.
As a result of the Works, the passenger flow throughout the Airport has improved significantly with the opening of all the departure gates. To enhance passenger facilities further, the transfer corridor is undergoing additional upgrading work to now provide for a lift as well as escalator.
The retail and F&B areas have been expanded and redesigned with the outlets now in the process of being handed over to the retailers for fit-out. Malaysia Airports has taken on board feedback from airport users to ensure the right tenant and product mix at the revamped Airport so as to meet the passengers' requirements. With this, passengers will soon be able to enjoy a greater variety of retail and F&B offerings at the Airport.
Malaysia Airports would like to thank all stakeholders for their support in enabling the Airport to remain operational during the Works. We would like to assure the public that we have made every effort to minimise disruptions to airport operations as well as inconvenience to airport users during the construction period.
With the concerted effort of all parties involved, we expect the additional upgrading works currently underway to be fully completed by end of December 2012 and expect the retailers and F&B operators to open their shops in stages from now until end of January 2013.
A media briefing and walkabout of the new facilities will be conducted this week.
We seek the public's patience as the final touches to the upgrading works at Penang International Airport are being put in place for an enhanced travel experience.