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Last Update: 12/15/2013 11:48 PM
NorCal was extremely busy this last November matching speakers at a record pace. Below are the highlights.
Speakers Bureau
In November NorCal matched 16 Returned Volunteers to Schools and Community Groups across Northern California as far away as Redding and Fresno. Thanks to Marilyn Thomas in Redding and John Young in Fresno for their efforts in Bringing Peace Corps Service home. Details of matches are given below.
Paul Reinhart
11/12/13: Mountain View Rotary Club
Requester: Self-Initiated
Speaker: Paul Reinhart Kazakhstan 09-11
Paul is the NorCal Treasurer and gave a presentation on his service during the lunch meeting of the Mountain View Rotary Club.
11/13/13: College of Marin International Day
Requester: Brady Meyring
Speaker: Aliyya Shelley Mattos
College of Marin was celebrating International Education Week for the first time. Aliyya presented on cultural immersion and culture shock.
11/14/13: Grant Elementary, Petaluma
Requester: Catherine Hurd
Speaker: JoAnne Kazimi
Environmental volunteer in agro-forestry working with farmers. She worked on projects like tree nurseries, mud cookstoves, and improved rice growing techniques.
11/15/13: Mission High School
Requester: Lindsay Penrose
Crystal Sand - Healthy Schools program in Guatemala from 2009-2011
Emily Birchfield - Community HIV/AIDS Outreach Worker in South Africa from 2010-2012.
Marilyn Thomas
11/19/13: Shasta High School
Requester: Jennifer Reed
Speaker: Marilyn Thomas, Kenya Health 01-03
11/21/13: Fresno State
Requester: Mellissa Jessen-Hiser
Speaker: Ken Ottesen
Match was made by NorCal rep in Fresno, John Young
11/14/13: SF State Peace Corps Recruiting Panel
Requester: Jazmian Allen, Peace Corps Recruiter
Clarissa Herman -Community health advisor in Malawi from 2011-2013
Melinda Cordasco - Public health outreach volunteer in Mongolia from 2006-2008
Rafael Aguilar -Bulgaria 2009-2013
Arya Zarrinkelk- Information Technology/Education Dominican Republic 2009-2011
11/6,11/13,11/20: UC Berkeley Decal Class
Requester: Sean Conners
Nov 6: Jennifer Batty, Amanda Pease
Nov 13: Bryce Norton, Jennifer Lawerence
Nov 20: Katherine McClendon
Lucas,Rustin,Cynthia,Waikwong in Palo Alto
Story Telling
Nov 7 Alexander Labinov and Will Spargur coordinated a Story Telling workshop at All Saints Episcopal Church Library. The workshop was attended by 5 returned volunteers.
Nov 21 Alexander Labinov hosted a practice story telling jam at Paxti's Pizza. Story Jam is scheduled for Dec 5
Athalia Markowitz interviewed and wrote story on Annika Dubrall about her service in Mauritania 2003-2005 and the challenges she faced as a women in a patriarchal society.
Kseniya Fenner (Ukraine 2011-2013) reported on Brianna Russell (Vanuatu 2008-2010) about her work in promoting women's issues in Vanuatu to Nicaragua
Andrew Schafer
Public Presentations
Nov 20 NorCal Member Karen Keefer organized a joint Commonwealth Club/NorCal presentation by Lisa Kristine about modern day slavery.
Nov 21 Andrew Schafer (China 2011-2013) presented person stories on his service in Yibin, China at Holly's Mandarin in Piedmont. Event organizer was Will Spargur
Your membership donation supports our mission of bringing a human perspective to world events. Become a member today.
Global Presenters Program
Last year the Global Presenters Program matched over 100 RPCVs to schools and community groups in 21 cities. Due to the success of last year we are receiving record numbers of requests for RPCV speakers. If you are a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer please help bring to life the Third Goal of Peace Corps by volunteering to speak toady View Requests>>
If you would like to have a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer come speak to your group or classroom Click Here>>


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INFY : Analysis & Opinions
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IBM Stock: Analyzing 5 Key CustomersApril 30, 2016Find out which companies spend large percentages of their revenues to buy IBM products and services and what makes their ...
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ODMAX: Overview of Oppenheimer Developing Markets FundMarch 17, 2016Learn about the state of emerging market stocks, their outlook for 2016, and get a fund analysis of the Oppenheimer Developing ...
Modi Announces Initiative to Boost Indian StartupsJanuary 28, 2016India announces tax-breaks and other initiatives to push the startup climate in India and draw potential funding investors.
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These Technology Stocks are Rolling OverNovember 12, 2015These technology looked to have topped out, and could be heading lower.
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Top BRIC-related ETFsOctober 30, 2015Interested in playing the BRICs? Then check out these popular ETFs.
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How to Diversify with International StocksSeptember 29, 2015Diversifying with international stocks can benefit most portfolios, but beware of country risk.
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Trading Center

subset: commoncrawl


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The incomprehensible language of accountants. This formula can be used to calculate annual labor costs or savings. Justifying a new tool purchase can be a lot easier than this!
You won't need piles of spreadsheets and reams of data to justify buying a new tool. Just follow my easy suggestions.
To justify the purchase of a new tool, you need every tactical advantage possible, and that is exactly what this article is intended to provide.
Justifying for Commercial Shops
If you are a commercial shop owner or employee, I am not going to spend time on conventional capital cost justification. There are literally hundreds of books and thousands of resources on the internet that will help you build a business case for capital expenditures. One of these may even define the "alternative use of funds" calculation, although I have to admit, after twenty-five years in corporate America, I am still a little fuzzy on that one. I always assumed "alternative use" meant that instead of spending money on something that would benefit the company, its employees, or its customers, the "alternative" was to give the money to shareholders as a dividend or to the CEO as a bonus. Some alternative use of funds!
At its simplest, for you commercial woodworkers, cost justification is the process of calculating the return on a potential investment. If the return is greater than the cost of the tool, you should probably buy it. Measure the projected savings, and compare that to the cost.
If Billy turns out 20 table legs a day with properly hand-cut mortises, and can turn out 50 a day with a new mortising machine, it is pretty simple to calculate Billy's salary cost, divide by the number of legs he does each day, then compare that "cost per leg" after the proposed new machine is installed. Then compare that cost savings over some fixed period of time to the cost of the machine, and your cost justification is done. Of course, you will have to figure out what to do with Billy and all that extra time (that would be the "alternative use of Billy" calculation). Conventional cost justifications are pretty cut and dried affairs. Either the numbers work, or they do not. Anything much fancier, and you are getting into the arcane arena of accountant-speak, and I will refer you, again, to the countless books and internet resources available.
Justifying for the Hobbyist Shop
This article, instead, will focus on the hobbyist. The part-time woodworker who needs to make the crucial justification case for a new tool acquisition to that most cunning, guileful, and formidable of all enemies is the target audience for this article. And who is that tool-buying enemy? Your spouse, of course! You want to buy, and your significant other wants to stop you.
The first step in building a justification, or business case, for a new tool is to decide the most appropriate direction from which to wage your battle and the techniques you will employ to successfully win the justification argument. Should it be a flanking move, a full frontal assault, or should you parachute in during the night and make a surprise attack? Would espionage provide an edge? Will psychological warfare work? Are there historic battlefield lessons from which we can learn? Like fighter pilots after each mission, every "debrief" helps shape future battles. You are about to get the ultimate "debrief" from a battle-scarred and experienced tool buyer. I am positive there is a cool new tool you really need and with the right justification, you can get it!
Full Frontal Assault
For most woodworkers, the full frontal assault rarely ends well. "Honey I need a new table saw" lacks subtlety, finesse, and, for most of us, even a modicum of surprise. If you haven't bought a new tool in ten years, there might be some small element of surprise, but who among us "tool junkies" can say that? The likely spousal counterattack to a frontal assault will be "No you don't," "Don't even think about it," or my personal favorite, "Is that all you ever think about, 'buying new tools'?"
The full frontal assault on the modern purchase-justification battlefield is roughly akin to armies of soldiers marching into an open field, bending to one knee, and shooting their muzzle-loaders at one another. This approach has been replaced by far more sophisticated and cunning warfare.
Modified Full Frontal Assault
Some people have tried the "modified" full frontal assault. They beg their spouse to accompany them to the woodworking store or to a woodworking show, then when the time is "right" (a judgment call, usually made in error) they say, "Wow, isn't that a great table saw — I wish I could get a new saw like that." This is also a losing gambit. Expect responses like "I knew there was a reason you dragged me to this place," or "Forget it — and don't ever ask me to go tool shopping with you again." Okay, admittedly, there may be some small victory in this gambit, but I digress.
Surprise attacks also rarely produce the desired results. These types of "justification" attacks usually fall into one of two sub-categories: behind-the-lines infiltration and espionage/sabotage.
Behind-the-lines Infiltration
If you parachute into hostile territory in the dark of night, you still must eventually face the enemy, only now with a real element of surprise. So, in reality, the behind-the-lines approach is really just a pre-emptive frontal attack, but with some subterfuge. For example, "You know honey, I've been working really hard and the only relief for my stress is in my shop. They are having an unbelievable sale on table saws, so I ordered one. But before you get upset, I already have a buyer for my old saw, and when you deduct that from the price of this one on sale, it practically cost nothing."
Like any nighttime stealth attack, the killing will be silent... only it will be you getting killed and the silence will be surrounding your spouse like an impenetrable shield. You know, all too well, that deadly silence means, "Just wait, I will remember this, and someday I am going to bring it up, at the worst possible time, and your life will never be pleasant again." If you just felt a shiver in your spine, it is because you have tried this, or some variant, and you know. You just know.
A friend tried what I initially thought was a novel and creative twist on this approach. He ran an advertisement in the local paper. "Tools for sale!" the headline screamed, and in the small print he wrote, "Buyer must purchase all items, no individual sales." On the day of the sale, dozens of woodworkers were on his doorstep, anxious to see his workshop. Of course, he had no intention of selling all his tools, but when his wife asked what was going on, he said "Oh, you know, I'm just not satisfied with my table saw. It's sloppy, noisy, and dangerous, but I really can't afford to get a new one, so I'm just going to give up the hobby." Then, with a sniffle and a dab at the corner of his eye, in a performance to rival anything Hollywood could turn out, he added, "I am really going to miss working in my shop, though."
The sympathy card, played to perfection. It was stealthy, sneaky, and brilliantly conceived and executed. But his enemy was no fresh recruit straight out of boot camp. Many purchasing justifications have been presented to this battle-hardened warrior-spouse who simply replied, "It's probably best. Anyway, you will have more time to spend in the garden."
Undeterred, my friend did not give up. The next day, all tools still in the shop, he tried one last stealth maneuver. "No one would offer me an acceptable price. I guess all my tools really are junk."
To which his all-too-astute spouse said, "I tried to get you not to buy all those tools in the first place." Battle over. Call in the medics.
As much as I hate to admit it, tired of the corporate world and the constant battle to make a business case for everything from new robotic machinery to new delivery trucks, in my private life I tried the other sub-category of surprise attack to satisfy my hobbyist cravings for a new tool — pure espionage. I took a tool purchase deep undercover. With a separate credit card not shared by my spouse, and with money I made (recovered) from selling unused tools and other paraphernalia, I ordered a much-coveted machine. I arranged for the delivery to be made while my spouse was at work.
When the freight line called to arrange delivery, I had my cell phone on "silent" and only returned their call out of earshot. It was a masterful plan. The delivery came at noon. By mid-afternoon I had the wooden pallet broken into component parts and hidden amongst other scrap lumber. The shipping containers were broken down and in the trash and my timing was perfect. The trash would be collected the next morning. I rearranged some of the stationary tools in my shop, so the new machine was partially hidden. All my equipment stays covered when not in use, so it blended in. I came in and out of the door several times, just to observe whether or not the new machine would be obvious to the casual (disinterested) observer. Last, I arranged myself in what appeared to be a productive pose, working in the front garden, when she got home from work. My plan was to engage her in witty conversation while helping her carry her briefcase and laptop into the house. It was a perfect plan.
And so it went. After an hour, all seemed well, and I was beginning to feel that my covert cover was intact and my attack was successful. Just as I was lifting a forkful of something into my mouth, my spouse said, "So-o-o... what is that new piece of equipment in the garage, and how much did that cost?" I consider myself lucky that spies are no longer shot, and liars are sometimes forgiven.
With trickery, espionage, behind-the-lines stealth attacks, and full frontal assaults ruled out, the only path left to obtain victory in the spousal tool justification war is the battle-tested "flanking maneuver."
"Bump into the Enemy"
George Patton wrote that any battle consists of "...moving down the road until you bump into the enemy ... When you have bumped, hold him at the point of contact with fire with about a third of your command. Move the rest in a wide envelopment so you can attack him from his rear flank."
In practical, non-military terms, the "bump," the sustained engagement, and the flanking maneuver in the quest for a new tool should be carefully planned and executed. Follow along as I tell you my plan for "justifying" a new table saw.
First, be cool. Wait for the perfect opportunity. Patience is a virtue. Read a lot, and quit whining about some tool you need. The change in your demeanor will be detected, and sooner or later, your spouse or significant other will feel compelled to ask, "What are you reading?"
To which you reply, "Oh, just reading about how the government is now requiring that riving knives be built into every table saw sold in the U.S."
If you are incredibly lucky, your spouse might ask "What is a riving knife?" But don't count on it. More likely, you will get a disinterested "Oh." Now here is the really critical part. Do not respond or pursue it. Let it go. You have planted a very small seed, and you must nurture it carefully. It could be days, or even weeks later (but who cares, you are going to get a new table saw!) until there will be another opportunity to discuss table saws or riving knives. Wait. Don't push it!
When you sit to read now, it is imperative that it be only an intensive and studious review of catalogs. Pile all the catalogs up, as if you are searching for something you cannot find. Study them, knit your brow, and look serious (get that smirk off, and wipe up the saliva that normally appears when you look at tool catalogs).
Sooner or later, your significant other will take the bait, and with an air of incredulity and exasperation will inquire, "You're not shopping for another tool are you?"
This is another critical moment. "No, I'm just trying to see if anyone makes a riving knife retrofit for my table saw."
And if the sun, the moon, and the stars are all aligned properly, your spouse will ask, "What is it about this riving knife thing that is so important?"
You must be casual, nonchalant here. "Oh, I almost had an accident the other day, and the riving knife would have prevented it."
"What kind of accident?"
"Well, when wood goes through the saw, it has a tendency to get caught on the back side of the blade and it tries to kick the whole board back at you... at about a hundred miles an hour. The riving knife helps keep that from happening."
It is essential that you stop talking. Now. As Patton said, you have "bumped" the enemy. Now you have to send part of your force around, in a flanking maneuver. Be steely, be strong, and shut up. Talking any more about this subject will tip your hand, and like a bloodhound on the scent, it will be obvious to your spouse that you are "up to something."
Wait a few days. Two weeks or more would be excellent. Do not give in to the temptation and ruin your battle plan with impatience. After all, you are going to get a new table saw! When the appropriate waiting period has elapsed, and you know your spouse is going to be gone for a while, it is time to put the flanking maneuver into play.
The Flanking Maneuver
You've got to really sell it! Note the bent brush handle and the displaced screwdriver and brush. A few tools fallen to the floor would add to the effect.
It's dress rehearsal time. Change into a tee shirt. Spread some sawdust and maybe a little glue on the front (or leave what is already there). Grab an ice pack, a towel, and the aspirin bottle and put these items on a table next to the couch.
When your spouse arrives home, you should be lying on the couch with the ice pack on your shoulder. Wearing the tee shirt is a nice touch so that in the midst of panic and worry, you can gingerly pull one shoulder of the shirt down to let your spouse see your "injury." Don't worry, it will look like a real injury — the ice pack will make your shoulder turn red (or blue if it is really cold).
"How did this happen?" Listen for genuine concern in your spouse's voice. If you hear it, you are ready to launch the final assault.
"Oh, it was stupid. I was cutting a piece of wood and the stupid saw grabbed it and it kicked back. One piece slammed into my shoulder, the other piece went into the wall. Did you see the wall?"
"Oh my gosh, I don't care about the wall! Are you okay?"
"Yeah, it's just a bruise. I'm just glad it missed my face."
Your spouse will fuss over you a bit more. You may have to endure a few admonitions about being more careful. You may even have to listen to things like "That shop of yours is just too dangerous!" But don't worry. Resistance is futile. Your spouse will be utterly compelled to sneak a peek at the damaged wall. And when they see that board sticking out of the wall... well... game, set, match.
Congratulations. You have now won the justification battle. You are going to get a brand-spanking-new table saw! No "net present value" calculations needed, no arcane "alternative use of funds" analyses done. All you needed was a good battle plan, a well thought out flanking maneuver, some creative "set decorations" and a little acting skill. And other than a damaged wall and a cold shoulder, it cost you nothing.
Time to Share
What methods have you successfully used to "justify" a tool purchase? What have you tried that did not work? Let me know. If we can keep this a secret from prying spouse eyes, we may just be able to build a database of tool justification wisdom for all woodworkers to share.
One Last Note
Kickback is not humorous. If you have never experienced kickback, count yourself among the fortunate and lucky. Always use all the safety accessories supplied with your equipment, exercise great caution, think through every operation, and read everything you can about shop safety. If safety is your justification for a tool purchase, it should be for "proactive" reasons, not "reactive" reasons.
Steven can be reached directly via email at email@example.com.
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Copyright © 2010 Highland Woodworking, Inc.


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From the list, you can see there are several features that seem uncommon due to Intel's naming scheme.
One is the CNR, which stands for Communication and Networking Riser slot. What is basically known as a networking/Ethernet card, if you plan on using this option it will use up one of the PCI slots. A connection for use is at the back panel above the USB ports. I like having this idea to a point if you need to get one of your networked computers up and running quickly.
The second is the DVO (Digital Video Output) connection, almost resembling a little SCSI connection; this provides you with a digital output for flat panel, digital CRT or TV out.
Just like the Intel CC820 board I reviewed earlier this year, there are four dual-color LEDs found at the back panel. These aid you in diagnosing what's going on with the computer. These LEDs light up with two different colors and in the manual you find out exactly what your system is doing. Like I said in that review, I like audible beeps but having something visually to look at is another plus, as this will expedite troubleshooting for those computer techs out there.
There is also Intel's AGP Card Retention Mechanism - not listed - that helps keeps the AGP card stable and firmly inserted. Yet, in order for you to use this device, you need to have an AGP card that has a notch since this device uses this area to adhere to the card.
I like the overall features of the board.
What do you get?
Intel gives the following necessary items with the D815EEA: Quick Reference Manual for installation, a motherboard sticker (shows layout of the board and various connections - nice), CD (contains latest drivers, manual, AV, etc.), ATA 66 IDE cables, IDE cable, AGP Retention Mechanism and a new back panel. What's missing? There's no FD cable. No problem for me, though, since I don't use a floppy drive. Call me crazy, but I see no need for one as everything is CD/DVD nowadays. It's time to move forward people!
The board is documented well, I wasn't lost or confused. Descriptions are somewhat brief. Also, the documentation is in several languages. The manual on the CD in PDF format contains the troubleshooting codes for the LEDs and the audible beeps.
Mounting hole locations are the norm with the exception of one in the middle of the board, which could lead to flexing when installing expansion cards, though this board feels as if it has a six-layer configuration. Other than that, I don't see a problem for mounting the fasteners, especially when looking near the memory slots.
The expansion slot layout consists of the AGP being first and is then followed by the remaining five PCI slots.
The electrical connection for the ATX power supply is located at the very right of the board atop the FDC connection, which is near the IDE connections. To the right of these connections are the three memory slots, then the ZIF socket. The CPU fan header is located at the upper left of the socket that is surrounded by some capacitors. Continuing left of the board, you have the rear panel that is the host of a myriad of connections. Of course, you have the norm of connections with the exception that one of the serial connections is missing, which is substituted for a VGA connection due to the onboard video. Also, the RJ45 connection for the network is atop of the two USB connections. Since there is onboard audio, you also have the MIDI/gameport, lineout, line-in and microphone connections. And let me not forget those four diagnostic LEDs that are sandwiched in between the serial and audio connections. Of course, these connections are color-coded, which helps one make these connections effortlessly.
For the other audio and video connections, they are behind the read audio connections at the back panel. There's no way for one to get confused about the locality, since there are two humongous capacitors (World Trade Center as I call it) near them. The DVO connection is also located near here!
Near the bottom right of the board, you will find the front USB connection to add two more channels, CMOS battery, idiot light/switch headers and the WOL connection.


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Orange is the New Black is back, and its arrival seems to have elevated the term "binge-watching" to a new level.
But when did binge-watching become de rigeur for showing appreciation for a quality show? Is it worth being able to tweet that you've finished the season before everyone else? And why, exactly, would you want a show that you love to be over as fast as possible, shoveled in like a wet frank at a hot dog-eating contest? (Besides which, it's actually getting name-checked in scientific studies about sleep deprivation. Jesus.)
OITNB, more than any other show I can think of, demands to be savored. Pored over. Can we make "slow-watching" a thing?
In that spirit, I've only seen the first three episodes of the show so far, and they've all made me feel so grateful for its existence -- and so relatedly underwhelmed by my immersion in Game of Thrones (that last Castle Black episode, what a snore! I would love to see Taystee and Poussey recap and shred it).
Because there are just so many details in OITNB that demand your attention, and your reflection. Comic ones, and wrenching ones, and subversive ones. To paraphrase Ferris Bueller, if you don't slow down, you could miss them. (Or be too tired/TV-glazed to remember them.)
Just a few shout outs, then, to the amazing little things about the Big House, from Episodes 1-3:
Firstly, don't fast forward through that amazing credit sequence; it's made up entirely of faces of real former inmates.
In Episode 1, "Thirsty Bird," the cigarette-running cockroaches: what I really need to know is the provenance of Fred Savage III. What happened to Fred Savages Senior and Junior?
Piper's bunkmate, Mazall, and her obsession with astrology. Sure, she also bit off her girlfriend's tongue and swallowed it in a fit of "manic rage," but haven't we all known someone who was obsessed with getting the EXACT TIME YOU WERE BORN so they can do your chart? That shit is not confined to prison.
In Episode 2, "Looks Blue, Tastes Red," Black Cindy delivers an epic and stealth rant about real-life corporate baddies during the Philip Morris faux job interview: "They ain't so bad," she says about the cigarette company. "People can decide for theyselves if they wanna smoke. The real evil are those companies killing us without consent. Monsanto. Rio Tinto. Big pharma. BP. Halliburton. I been reading some dark shit on that. Not that any of them motherfuckers ever gonna hire us. The real criminals? They don't bother with us small timers." Look out, Koch brothers. Black Cindy is coming for you next.
The job consultant's advice to Flaca about how to describe her previous employment, which really speaks to the genius of resume re-wording: "Instead of saying that you 'helped make sure that no one stole shit,' you could say that you monitored inventory and provided security."
Red being stalked by a posse of older prisoners while sitting alone in the cafeteria. She brushes them off, but they insist: "Already no one notices us. We're old. And invisible. So why not be old together?" says one. And the embarrassing thing is, she's right. I don't remember ever seeing them before -- were they there all along? Bonus points for the gray-haired joker at the end of the table, who pipes up, "I'm 23!" Feisty old ladies for the win!
The side plot about Daya being constipated for five days. I've seen at least one review referring to it as "not exactly compelling television," but I beg to differ. This is a subject that women (OK, my female friends, at least) love to discuss and come up with weird cures for, and I love that her mom and Gloria are fighting it out to see who can un-stop Daya first.
The scene in which Vee talks drug dealing with Taystee, then seamlessly segues into sitting down for a healthy dinner of homemade soup and whole-grain bread. The look on Taystee's face as Vee calls her to the table is maybe the most heart-wrenching of the season so far.
In Episode 3, "Hugs Can Be Deceiving," we see Nicky's keeping a journaled account of her sexual conquests at Litchfield. Her latest entry includes "came twice, slapped her ass. BORING." Very on-trend of her.
Nicky also delivers a perfect, all but to-the-camera take on weddings when Morello tells her that another woman has stolen her fiance and her wedding date. What kind of person would do that, she sobs? "Someone who doesn't get excited by the wedding industrial complex and society's bullshit need to infantilize grown women." Oh, Nicky. You complete me.
Gloria does not have any patience for the gluten-free craze. "Don't commit the crime if you can't fucking have flour."
Taystee and Poussey are so good at Celebrity! They may be jerks about it to Suzanne, who never gets to play, but let's give credit where it's due: this is an unstoppable famous person-guessing team. "Chick whose husband died real young," Poussey says. "The white Michelle Williams!" Taystee instantly guesses. Damn.
In that spirit, go forth and slow-watch! Report back on your own favorites, please.


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We want to keep each lab small and personal -- space is limited! Register today to secure your spot. One hundred percent of event proceeds go toward supporting design work in marginalized communities.


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Nothing has come easy for Amarin (Nasdaq: AMRN).
This manufacturer of the ultra-pure fish oil (EPA in particular) treatment Vascepa has garnered a devoted following of investors who believe that this is not just the next Lovaza (the purified fish oil treatment that Glaxo (NYSE:GSK) acquired in 2007 for $1.7 billion by buying Reliant Pharmaceuticals), but even more. Unfortunately for the bulls, Amarin has not yet garnered the new chemical entity (NCE) status from the FDA that would better shield it from competition, and interest in partnering or acquiring the company has been lackluster enough that the company has gone forward with its own marketing program.
Perhaps even worse, though, is the accumulation of data suggesting that fish oil may not be effective in reducing the risk of death from cardiovascular disease. On Wednesday, the New England Journal of Medicine reported results from the largest done to date on the efficacy of fish oil, and the results were not positive. The real questions for Amarin investors now are whether this trial is relevant to Vascepa and/or what impact it will have on real-world doctors.
The Biggest Study So Far Goes Belly Up For Fish Oil
The study in question is the Italian Risk and Prevention study – a study that enrolled over 12,500 patients with multiple cardiovascular risk factors and no prior history of heart attack. Patients in the study were randomized to receive either 1g/day of purified n-3 fatty acids or a placebo (olive oil) and then monitored for five years.
On first look, the results were not encouraging for the fish oil fans. Of the group receiving fish oil, 11.7% died or were hospitalized for cardiovascular issues. That compares to 11.9% for the placebo group - a difference that is not statistically significant. In other words, for the dose given, there is no statistical proof that fish oil can improve long-term risks of death due to cardiovascular disease (or other serious cardiovascular events like heart attack).
It's also important to note that this is not a unique result. While this was the biggest study done to date, earlier studies have delivered similar results – fish oil does not appear to reduce the risk of death from cardiovascular disease. While fish oil does consistently reduce triglycerides (and the effect was seen in this study as well), that reduction does not appear to lead to an actual clinical benefit.
SEE: Investing In The Healthcare Sector
Game Over For Vascepa? Not So Fast...
Certainly, any bad news for fish oil in general has spillover risk for Amarin and its Vascepa pill. To that end, the omega-3 market did decline by a high single-digit percentage in 2012 and seems to be on the same path in 2013. Amarin bulls, though, will argue that this study is not necessarily relevant to Vascepa and Amarin.
First, this study used 1g of n-3 fatty acids, which includes a mix of both EPA and DHA (the two most medically significant omega-3 fatty acids). Vascepa is basically pure EPA and the prescribing information calls for 4g per day. In other words, the Italian study used both a lower dose and a fish oil variety that contained more DHA – a fatty acid that can also increase the so-called "bad cholesterol". To that end, I could see more risk from this study to Omthera (Nasdaq:OMTH) - another purified fish oil player (about 18 to 24 months behind Amarin), whose Epanova pill includes both EPA and DHA.
It's also worth noting that primary care physicians don't run their practices the same way as the well-known and well-respected thought-leader cardiologists do. Many of these physicians are creatures of habit, and many "manage to the numbers" and not to the outcome. What I mean is this – fish oil consistently reduces cholesterol numbers and that's the number that most doctors and patients track. So even though there is mounting clinical evidence that cholesterol numbers alone are not a great predictor of cardiac outcomes (LDL particle numbers appear to have more predictive value), doctors and patients have both effectively been trained that "lower is better", and I suspect that there will be a lot of resistance to abandoning treatments that lower cholesterol.
As an aside, it may prove to be the case that the controversy over fish oil and the dichotomy between lower cholesterol numbers but no survival improvement focuses more attention on LipoScience (Nasdaq:LPDX) and its proprietary LipoProfile test (which measures the LDL particle number).
SEE: 5 Must-Have Metrics For Value Investors
Still An Uphill Battle
Although I can see how the particulars of this study (and the slow pace of change in real-world primary care) give Amarin some breathing room, I'm still not personally bullish on the company or the stock.
It is my personal opinion that while EPA may in fact be incrementally better than DHA, it's not going to be good enough to produce durable, statistically significant benefits. Moreover, I think new cholesterol treatments - particularly the PCSK9 inhibitors under development at companies like Amgen (Nasdaq:AMGN) and Sanofi (NYSE:SNY) – will garner significant attention and market share in the coming years. I also do think that the medical community is starting to sour on fish oil and that Amarin's more limited marketing capabilities will make it hard to reach or exceed Lovaza's peak sales.
The Bottom Line
Amarin isn't done yet. Fish oil treatments like Vascepa do offer an appealing side-effect profile and patient compliance is usually quite good as a result. What's more, expanded labeling tied to the results of the ANCHOR study could work in the company's favor. Still, I just don't see the data trending in the right direction here, and I think the growing marketing burden for Amarin is going to make it harder and harder for Vascepa to become a successful drug.
At the time of writing, Stephen D. Simpson did not own any shares in any company mentioned in this article.


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Hummingbird Facts
What to do if you find a Hummingbird
If you have found a hummingbird in need of immediate help, please click here for information.
How to Coexist with Hummingbirds
If you have a hummingbird feeder:
- Do not place hummingbird feeders near a window. Although beautiful to watch, hummingbirds may fly to the feeder reflected in the window and injure themselves on the glass.
- Never use honey to make hummingbird food; always make the food with clean water and pure white sugar; 4 parts water to one part sugar.
- Change the feeder every couple days to avoid bacterial growth and bleach with a 10% bleach solution. To try to prevent disease transmission between birds and in order to prevent them from becoming dependent on the feeders, it's a good idea to take feeders down for a few days at a time and then put them back up.
- Keep your pet cat indoors if you have hummingbirds in your yard. Due to their tiny size, hummingbirds are easy prey to an agile cat.
About Hummingbirds (Order: Apodiformes)
- Hummingbirds are birds that comprise the family Trochilidae.
- They are among the smallest of birds, most species measuring in the 3–5cm in range.
- They can hover in mid-air by rapidly flapping their wings 12–90 times per second (depending on the species). They can also fly backwards, and are the only group of birds able to do so.
- They can fly at speeds exceeding 15 m/s (34 mi/h).
- With the exception of insects, hummingbirds while in flight have the highest metabolism of all animals, a necessity in order to support the rapid beating of their wings.
- Their heart rate can reach as high as 1,260 beats per minute.
Hummingbird Facts
- Their English name derives from the characteristic hum made by their rapid wing beats.
- Hummingbirds drink nectar, a sweet liquid inside certain flowers. Like bees, they are able to assess the amount of sugar in the nectar they eat; they reject flower types that produce nectar that is less than 10% sugar and prefer those whose sugar content is stronger.
- Nectar is a poor source of nutrients, so hummingbirds meet their needs for protein, amino acids, vitamins, minerals, etc. by preying on insects and spiders.
- They also consume more than their own weight in nectar each day, and to do so they must visit hundreds of flowers daily. Hummingbirds are continuously hours away from starving to death, and are able to store just enough energy to survive overnight.
- Hummingbirds are capable of slowing down their metabolism at night, or any other time food is not readily available. They enter a hibernation-like state known as torpor. During torpor, the heart rate and rate of breathing are both slowed dramatically (the heart rate to roughly 50–180 beats per minute), reducing the need for food.


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A host of U.S. regional banks published their earnings reports this month. Loan-related problems and the pressure of the high-percentage interest rates put a damper on the results. Nevertheless, diversity allowed them to compensate for these problems, and major banks still look like solid investments.
Wells Fargo
San Francisco-based Wells Fargo (NYSE: WFC) exceeded analyst expectations. It saw a first-quarter profit of $2.24 billion, or 66 cents per share, while last year's profit was $2.02 billion, or 60 cents per share. Wells Fargo's revenue has reached $9.44 billion, exceeding that of last year by more than 10%, and also exceeding analyst predictions of $9.33 billion.
Credit losses are the weak spot in Wells Fargo's performance. Credit losses have grown by 65%. Most of these losses are related to subprime mortgages. Increasing interest rates, caused by the high Fed Funds Rate, mean that some borrowers are simply unable to pay on their loans. However, 11% growth in commercial lending has helped compensate the losses suffered from subprime mortgages.
Different Banks -- Same Problem
A similar situation can be observed with two other major banks: US Bancorp ( NYSE: USB) and SunTrust Banks (NYSE: STI).
In this quarter, Minneapolis-based US Bancorp has a profit of $1.13 billion, or 63 cents per share, roughly the same level as last year and about two cents under analyst expectations. As is the case with Wells Fargo, the weakest part of U.S. Bancorp is its meager mortgage profit. This has caused the bank's net-interest-margin -- one of the key indicators in bank activity -- to fall to 3.51% compared with 3.8% a year ago.
Atlanta-based SunTrust saw a decrease in profit to $513.9 million, or $1.44 per share, from $531.5 million, or $1.46 per share a year ago. And again, the reason for the slump is the bank's unsuccessful mortgage activity whose profitability has plummeted 90%.
Diversification the Key
Bad loans have hurt the big banks; however, this has not provoked a serious crisis in the banking sector or the economy as a whole.
It comes down to the rule: Don't put all your eggs in one basket. By upholding this principle, the banks have been able to partially compensate their losses on mortgage loans using other profit sources. The larger the bank is, the more opportunities for diversification it has. Also, banks need to improve the quality of their loan portfolios by only granting loans to reliable customers -- as Howard Atkins, chief financial officer of Wells Fargo, said, "We try to make sure we bring people into loans only if they can afford them."
The major banks coped with their mortgage-loan problems quite confidently. By diversifying activity and improving their loan portfolios banks will improve performance and secure themselves against any potential problems. Once again this proves that despite a high Fed Funds Rate, bank shares still have considerable growth potential.
Shares of WFC, STI and UBS have continued to rise the last five years, even against the background of an ever-increasing Fed rate. Obviously, a recession could hurt future growth, but at the moment concerns of the kind are not topical, and I recommend that you keep buying shares from the major banks.
Looking to cook up a market-stomping stock portfolio? Check out our FREE report "7 Ingredients to Market Beating Stocks" and get started right now!


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Published: Thursday, January 16, 2014 at 9:55 a.m.
Last Modified: Thursday, January 16, 2014 at 9:55 a.m.
A Bradford County Sheriff's Office jail corrections officer who was arrested last week on allegations he sexually battered a child was re-arrested Wednesday on 12 new counts including child pornography charges, according to a report.
The new charges against Robert Melton, 59, of Starke, stem from an investigation related to the initial arrest, according to a Bradford County Sheriff's Office report.
Investigators from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement searched computers, a cellphone and other items recovered during the original search warrant on Jan. 10 and retrieved additional evidence.
In the first case, information from the Florida Department of Children and Families and the FDLE said the case involved a child under the age of 12, according to Sheriff's Capt. Brad Smith. There are some other possible victims who were interviewed, he said.
Melton, who was hired in May 2007 and held the rank of corporal, resigned after being interviewed during the initial investigation. He had bonded out of jail earlier this week on a charge of capital sexual battery, and deputies and agents with FDLE took him into custody again at his home Wednesday night.
He was arrested on charges of promoting or distributing sexual performance by a child and 11 counts of possession of child pornography.
Melton was booked into the Bradford County Jail, then transferred to an undisclosed correctional facility for security purposes. He will be held on a total bond of $1.2 million.
Reader comments posted to this article may be published in our print edition. All rights reserved. This copyrighted material may not be re-published without permission. Links are encouraged.


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Côte d'Ivoire: Duékoué's torched market underscores ethnic divide
|Integrated Regional Information Networks (IRIN)
|Publication Date
|2 June 2011
|Cite as
|Integrated Regional Information Networks (IRIN), Côte d'Ivoire: Duékoué's torched market underscores ethnic divide, 2 June 2011, available at: http://www.refworld.org/docid/4dec989b2.html [accessed 25 May 2016]
|This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.
DAKAR, 2 June 2011 (IRIN) - Displaced women in the western Côte d'Ivoire town of Duékoué are slowly returning to a marketplace recently gutted by fire, but the incident has rekindled fear and despair in a town working to mend inter-ethnic relations after post-election violence.
The makeshift market - just across the road from the overcrowded Catholic mission site catering for over 27,000 displaced people - illustrates how political violence has sharpened an ethnic divide. Women mostly of the Guéré ethnic group launched the market after recent fighting because they feared venturing too far from the mission site.
Guéré women used to work at Duékoué's central market alongside Malinké, Burkinabé and other ethnic groups, but have not done so since recent fighting, Duékoué residents said.
"We are seen as pro-Laurent Gbagbo and regularly harassed," Abo Yaha Agnès, who before the fire sold a traditional cassava-based dish called `plakali' in the market.
Malinké and Burkinabé largely back Alassane Ouattara, whose internationally recognized win in November elections was contested by Gbagbo and his supporters. "Since the fighting we cannot go to the central market. If you are Guéré, you can't go far from the Catholic mission; you risk being attacked, even killed."
She and other women at the market said people were gradually beginning to repair their stalls and sell. "But many of us lost everything and we've got nothing with which to start up again." Duékoué Prefect Benjamin Effoli told IRIN local authorities and groups would help the women, but vendors said to date they had had no assistance.
Counting on UN troops
Thousands who fled their home villages around Duékoué - mostly Guéré - fear attacks by pro-Ouattara groups and do not trust the new security forces.
Many displaced Guéré in the west told IRIN they count only on UN troops for their security. Abo told IRIN: "If it weren't for Morbatt [the Moroccan battalion based in Duékoué], we Guéré would all be dead."
Ensuring Ivoirians' security must be strictly a temporary role for the UN peacekeepers, said Salima Mokrani of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. "They can assure this only during a transition towards a deeper and wider effort to secure all communities, which is the government's role. It is necessary to work on social cohesion, particularly in areas of return, and this is our appeal to the government."
UN police are investigating the cause of the fire, according to a UN source who could not be quoted in the media. Several displaced people at the site told IRIN that shortly before 1am on 25 May they saw armed men dressed in military clothing - whom they said were with the national army (Forces Républicaines de Côte d'Ivoire, FRCI) - loading trucks with goods then torching the market.
The FRCI commander in Duékoué, Koné Daouda, told IRIN the fire was not started by FRCI.
Whatever the cause of the blaze, it has clearly had a psychological impact on displaced families, said Fréderic de Woelmont, protection officer with the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) in western Côte d'Ivoire. For weeks UNHCR has been preparing to move some people from the Catholic mission, where some 27,500 people are living on four hectares, to another site in the town until they could return to their home villages.
"An incident like this is troubling to people; it has made them hesitant to leave the site," de Woelmont told IRIN. "They ask themselves: If this could happen just next to the Catholic mission, how will we be secure at a new site?'" He said UNCHR is stepping up efforts to reassure people of their security, making people aware that UN troops will be posted at the new location. "We will get past this barrier."
In April, during initial meetings about moving to a new site, people at the Catholic mission expressed concern about their security.
Aid workers warn that the mission site could explode with infectious disease during the rainy season, which is already under way.
Douoyé Tahou Honoré, who is with an association of displaced families in Duékoué, said: "People were in the middle of preparing to return home or move to the new site, but [after the fire] many are afraid again."
Oula Henri, with an association of traditional leaders in Duékoué, added: "We were starting to have hope [about the situation improving] but this really has us discouraged."
Displaced women are tallying what they lost in the blaze, as requested by local authorities. "I've got nothing left," said a mother of five who sold food in the marketplace. "Today I don't even have five francs and I don't know how I'm going to feed my children."


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Fortescue Metals chief executive Nev Power says he is ''more confident than ever'' in China's demand for resources, as the iron ore miner reported a 3 per cent increase in production and said it remained on track with its aggressive expansion plans.
Delivering the miner's quarterly production report, Mr Power said China's hunger for development would continue to underpin iron ore prices, and echoed the sentiments of Atlas Iron boss Ken Brinsden that the investment community had been too negative and over-estimated the impact the projected sharp increase in iron ore supply would have on prices.
''I don't see the level of supply that's been announced coming into the market,'' Mr Power said. ''It's very easy to announce all of these projects but much more difficult to get them funded and put infrastructure solutions and so on in place.''
Rio Tinto, BHP Billiton, Gina Rinehart's Roy Hill Holdings and a host of smaller miners have all flagged significant production increases in coming years. Fortescue itself will lift its production capacity to 155 million tonnes by the end of the year.
But Mr Power said Fortescue's increase in supply of 50 million tonnes this year would push higher-cost producers, including those in China, out of the game and ''keep the market in supply-demand balance''.
Most analysts believe iron ore prices will settle below $US100 a tonne in the next year as a result of the surge in supply, with others still even more bearish.
As a pure-play iron ore miner, Fortescue is particularly exposed to the rise and fall of the commodity's price. Iron ore prices have dipped since mid-February as concerns over the health of the mining sector mount, but have held up well in recent days at the $US140 a tonne mark.
Mr Power rejected suggestions that there could be a repeat of last year's scare, with Fortescue pushed into a precarious financial situation after iron ore prices plummeted to $US86.70 in September last year.
''The circumstances are quite different to what they were last year ... fundamentally we are in a different position to last year,'' he said.
Having just returned with company founder Andrew Forrest from a visit to China as part of a high-profile business delegation to the Boao Forum, Mr Power said he was not worried by the weakness of recent Chinese economic data.
''While this quarter has attracted some interest because it is 7.7 per cent [growth] compared to the previous quarter of 7.9 per cent ... China is growing extremely well,'' he told reporters today. ''We're continuing to sell all tonnes we produce.''
The company remained tight-lipped over the multi-billion dollar sale of a 40 per cent stake in its rail and port infrastructure assets in the Pilbara, other than to say it was ''progressing well''.
Chief financial officer Stephen Pearce said a select group of buyers had now been shortlisted, but that the process was confidential.
''What I can say is it is going exactly as we have planned,'' Mr Pearce said. ''We will announce an outcome when we are in a position to do so.''
The sale, which analysts tip to attract a price of more than $3 billion, is designed to pay down Fortescue's debt as it looks to slash gearing levels to its target range of between 30 and 40 per cent.
Fortescue shipped 20.2 million tonnes of ore in the March quarter – 3 per cent higher than the previous quarter – despite cyclonic weather in the Pilbara. Quarterly shipments rose 60 per cent on the same period last year to 20.2 million tonnes.
Fortescue maintained its production and shipping guidance of 82 million to 84 million tonnes for the year.


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Podlaski Gabinet Numizmatyczny
Numizmatic site and store. Polish and world coins. Numizmatic auctions.
Kairos Antiques & Anibas Hand Made Jewellery
Croatian web gallery of antiques, unique hand made jewellery, and old watches. Also many interesting themes about origins of jewellery, seals of silver and types of necklaces.
Display and sale of 19th century maps, geological books and illustrations Geolmaps is a London England based organization with an extensive collection of maps.
Vollywood - Vollen Interiør
Vollywood is an interior design and lifestyle store with an informal and charming country style. They are located at Vollen / Asker, outside of Oslo. In the Vollywood shop, you can expect to find old, beautiful furniture that has been renovated with a delightful mix of o ...
A roadmap to the hobby of ancient coin collecting.
Stuck in Time
Stuck in Time is a professional company that specializes in Naarden in quality repairs and restorations of antique clocks, antique clocks, vintage wrist watches and other old mechanics. One may think of old sextants, compasses, weight-, barometers, barographen, writing gauge ...


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A few of us here have been trying out these hubs with the recent re-emergence of the old two speed auto and kick back hubs both with and without coaster brakes. Both SRAM and Sturmey Archer have now come to the market with new versions.
I initially came across the S/A, S2C kick back coaster brake version which I tried and hated. The change is inconsistent and there have been cases of it locking up. S/A's customer service is also appalling when you email them about this hub. They even removed the face book page which contained lots of complaints.
I have have recently fitted the new SRAM Automatix to my belt driven Moulton TSR2 and its a dream to use. That too has the S/A S2C fitted as standard.
I have toyed with the idea of fitting one to my Brompton for a while, but there are a few issues that initially put me off. The main being it was initially only available with 36h flanges which meant using different non stock Brompton rims or Brompton blank rims drilled with 36h which no longer seem to be available. Sun CR18s would suffice but I am not a fan of the 16" version with their shallow well making getting tires on and off difficult. The auto gear change point would also be quite low as the first A2s to appear were speced for 26"+ rims. Another problem is that the hub comes with an OLN of 120mm and spacers for up to 130mm. As we know the Brompton rear frame spacing is around 112mm
Anyway I noticed that 28h versions are becoming available in Germany initially without the coaster brake and specified for smaller wheel rims 20"-24" so the auto gear change point would be more appropriate.
Well my A2 turned up from Germany (good value at the moment with the weak Euro) and using some 148mm spokes I laced it up. The thin flanges require you use washers to get a good fit.
The next problem was the wider OLN. I spoke to some of the engineers at work and one reckoned the hub would be fine using only one of the two locking nuts as long as I "set" it when I tighten up the wheel nuts. He also took a mm or so off the single nut in the lathe bringing the OLN down to a healthy 115mm which meant it then just queezed into the rear 112-113mm Brompton spacing snugly.
The hub is specified for a 16T sprocket minimum which just fits in the frame without fouling the end of the chain stay. I guess you could use smaller sprockets but when I tried one you can't then get the dust cover on and the chain line is all wrong.
SRAM hubs tend to have their cog spacing/chain line slightly different to S/A. I wish these guys would standardise, though at least the sprockets are interchangeable. Using a smaller flat sprocket and different chain line (its about 2-3mm out) would also cause problems with the chain tension jockey wheels which would require washers to space them.
Because of the larger sprocket I swapped out my 50T main (which I was using for my S/A three speed hub) for a 54T which gives me a nice range of 56" and 76", better than than the stock Brompton two speed 56" and 74"
Here are some pics
The hub axle is a little long on the non drive side but can easily be cut/shortened.
I have been out for a ride and it changes up/down about 8-8.5 mph. I marked the locking nut and it is fine not moving once I set it to get the right pressure on the bearings (basically hand tight). The wheel nuts then clamp it up tight in the frame so nothing moves.
I live and cycle around Cambridge and it seems perfect for that, plus my Bromptons have added electric assist. Getting rid of a cable is nice and not even having to think about changing gear is good as well.
Weight wise there is hardly anything in it. The SRAM A2 is about 100g heavier than the S/A three speed, but by the time you remove cables, fittings and changer/trigger it balances out.
I will report back later if I get any problems. It might be worth trying the 28H SRAM A2 WITH coaster brake when it comes out later this summer, but again the tensioner can then be problematic.


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DOHA: Nationals and residents have expressed their resentment over the defective road planning and recurrent road closures from protracted infrastructure projects in the first opinion poll on traffic safety conducted by the Ministry of Interior.
These, along with the rapid rise in private vehicles, have been cited as the three major reasons for traffic jams in many parts of the country.
Faulty design of the roads has been cited by 16 percent of the respondents as the main reason for traffic jams, while road closures and increase in the number of vehicles have been cited by 21 percent and 19 percent of the respondents, respectively.
"The traffic congestions will continue if the capacity of the roads is not increased or the number of vehicles reduced," concludes the survey. The survey covered 4,300 people from different segments of the society.
The participants called for conducting a comprehensive study to provide alternative roads during implementation of road projects and ensure faster implementation of the projects.
To address the rapid increase in the number of private vehicles, the respondents proposed to impose stricter rules for issuance of driving licences, especially to labourers and low-income workers who are not recruited to work as drivers.
A majority of the respondents — 52 percent — believe that not enough steps are taken to ensure pedestrian safety. They called for more pedestrian crossings and bridges and identified several traffic spots.
They also called for a better public transport system as a way to address traffic congestions and strictly implementing the law against traffic violations, especially speeding, use of mobile phones while driving and reckless driving.
The recommendations of the survey will be forwarded to the National Committee for Traffic Safety.
Reckless driving (31 percent), lack of awareness about traffic rules and regulations (23 percent) and using mobile phones while driving (21 percent) have been cited by the participants as the three major factors leading to traffic accidents.
The opinion poll was conducted by the Strategic Planning Department of the Ministry of Interior in collaboration with the Qatar Statistics Authority and the National Committee for Traffic Safety. The findings were released by the Ministry yesterday.
The samples included government employees, people visiting public places and various departments of the Ministry of Interior as well as students. The questionnaires were prepared in English, Arabic and Urdu languages.
A sizeable segment of the participants (22 percent) believe that sign boards on the roads are the most important tool in raising public awareness, while TV programmes and social networking sites are cited by others as the important media tools (21 percent and 20 percent, respectively).
A majority of the respondents — 70 percent — agreed that efforts of the Ministry of Interior are contributing to raising traffic safety awareness.
Agreeing with survey findings, several residents and citizens have drawn attention to the defective designing of roads in several parts of the city.
"The February 22 road is a classic example. Many exit points on the highway get crowded in the peak hours due to wrong planning," said a citizen.
A traffic expert, however, felt that the main problem is not with the design of roads, but with the uncontrolled increase in private cars and the lack of a proper public transport system.
"Traffic congestion in Doha is mainly related with the schools. If the schools are closed you will see less traffic. A number of parents are using private cars to transport their children to schools and back home. If there are 10 children in a residential compound attending the same school, they may use 10 cars to go to the school. There is no "car pooling" culture in Qatar," he said.
He suggested scattering of office working hours as a way to reduce peak time rush.
"In countries like the US, people are allowed to do their work at home for one or two hours before leaving to the office. Such methods can be experimented here," he added.
The presence of large number of trucks and trailers on the roads due to the massive construction projects is another major factor that leads to traffic congestions, he noted.


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In light of the vicious tongue-lashing Winning Madikizela-Mandela gave Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu in the Evening Standard, The Times decided to publish the (edited for lenght) text of a speech she gave in February. It was light, warm and touching. Read on …
Speech at Wits University to mark 20 years since Mandela's release in February this year
The day the treason trial ended in 1961, Nelson Mandela came home with the ANC national executive committee members and said he would be back after a week. That week was to last for 27 years.
He was loving, fond of children, a people's person and a very hard worker. His fearlessness, his unassailable morality, his unwavering commitment to the struggle for total freedom and his insistence on marching to his own beat were the hallmarks of his character.
Yet he also had the ability to take on adversaries and win them over, and to take complex issues and bring them down to earth.
And he was no angel, like most human beings. He never claimed to be a saint.
It was after he was transferred from Robben Island to Pollsmoor that I started noticing that he did not look well. Though we had a contact visit, all he was able to tell me was that he was fortunately with Comrade [Ahmed] Karthrada in his cell; at least he had company.
But he soon started coughing badly. He told me that his cell was damp and that on rainy days it was flooded with about 2inches of water. I phoned Helen Suzman who came to visit me in Brandfort. She was the only voice to raise the alarm for me in the apartheid Parliament.
That was when he contracted tuberculosis and underwent a massive operation; his left lung was completely submerged in fluid. Both Zenani and Zindzi [daughters] were with me at his side when he was wheeled into the operating theatre.
That trip to Cape Town was significant. It marked the turning point of South Africa's political landscape: I met justice minister Kobie Coetsee on the plane to Cape Town.
I was meeting him for the second time. I was once at the Durban Airport with my friend, Professor Fatima Meer, when she pointed to a short white man taking his luggage from the boot of his car. She said that is the apartheid minister of justice.
I went over to him and asked him when would he release our loved ones from prison. His stern response was: "When you stop your terrorist activities, Mrs Mandela. We know all about your underground terrorism; they must blame you, not us. We long ago told him to renounce violence and he won't! We know you influenced him not to!"
On our second meeting, on the plane, Coetsee asked me to sit next to him. We continued our discussion of the Durban Airport. He was very polite on that occasion. He asked me what I thought the National Party should do as the country was sliding into completely uncontrolled violence.
My response was: "But you know that: you have to open a dialogue between our leaders and yourselves."
Then he said: "But, you know, you do not have leaders."
I said that was true, because "you are holding them in the Pietermaritzburg treason trial and in Pollsmor Prison".
I warned him that he dare not insult us with his homeland puppets because the masses would revolt and I would lead them.
On our second day in Cape Town, four large security branch men came to our hotel with a message from Coetsee.
He ordered me to visit him in his residence. I was terrified that my people would see me in the security branch car and I would be labelled an informer. I used our secret line and phoned Comrade OR Tambo in Lusaka. He said I should go to see him.
Coetsee was by himself and I sat in the middle of the lounge. He moved me to "a more comfortable position". I knew he was recording me – but I was also strapped and recording him!
Again I repeated that it was the same leadership, including the Lusaka leadership, with whom he needed to consult.
He asked me to persuade Tata Madiba to give them a chance and that he would report our discussion to their Cabinet, but to [president] PW Botha first.
Through our underground communication channels, I conveyed this to Comrade Tambo and sent him the tape of my recording of Kobie Coetsee.
On many occasions thereafter I would go to Pollsmoor and have to wait for hours – Tata would be out for secret talks with Coetsee. And that is how the talks began between the National Party government and the ANC in Lusaka.
On all occasions, I conveyed further discussions to Tambo. That is why Madiba was released a year later after all the others: he was literally overseeing the release of all the others.
That Sunday afternoon in 1990 [when Mandela came out of prison], when he emerged he was still every bit the man I described earlier, but something had changed: the world had begun to recognise these qualities. He was now a legend and becoming an icon of tolerance and humanity, a symbol of freedom who was soon to prove that he is the greatest statesman that Africa, and indeed the world, has produced in this era.
Before this could happen, though, he had to lead a process to negotiate the transfer of political power in this country, to convince our militant organisation and its enemies that freedom could be achieved and apartheid toppled without resorting to further bloodshed or descending into a civil war.
This was not easy, but peace has been achieved and political democracy is firmly entrenched. We salute him and the entire leadership that gave up their lives for us to be free.
Democracy has been achieved – if you limit its description to political democracy. So has freedom and peace.
We have a non-racial, multi-party democracy, an independent judiciary and one of the best constitutions in the world.
But we need to ask whether the social transformation that would allow for all members of our societies to benefit from this has really happened. Do we have equal opportunity? Do the poor enjoy this democracy, freedom and harmony in equal measure to the rich?
You cannot talk about equal opportunity without defining the areas of opportunity. Is there equality in access to food, shelter, electricity, water, education, wealth and enterprise? Can we all afford the same healthcare?
Do we have similar access to culture and leisure? What of safety and security, and so many other opportunities that define our equality of life? Are rural areas equal to cities? Does a black child have the same access to opportunities as a white child? Are black and white really equal? Not yet!
Is the Budget democratic?
I raise these issues because they are our reality – not as a "narrow populist". A populist is someone who attempts to exploit the condition of his fellow citizens, who are not as fortunate or intelligent, in order to hold on to power and privilege. I seek neither power nor privilege.
Since 1964, when Madiba spoke his famous words, the struggle for me has been about democracy, freedom, harmony and equal opportunity.
Nelson Mandela and his institutions have focused on addressing many of the shortcomings I raised above in a way only someone of his immense stature could do. Much of what they do, however, cannot be done by any government alone.
Madiba has mastered the best local and global resources to assist in this effort. This is a lasting tribute to his legacy.
But it would be a mistake to consider only one part of Nelson Mandela as his legacy – his philanthropy. Yes, he is a symbol of reconciliation and peace. But he is also a potent symbol of struggle over oppression. He has become an inspiration to all people who suffer oppression. And he has demonstrated that one can wage a just war to achieve freedom.
The question is: is this the same speech she has been lashed for ?
Why know she indulge in this vulgarities to Mandela? Is not that the ANC before the formation of Truth and Reconciliation commission did consult top brass in the organization including her? If she did oppose to such formation let her show us the proof in record so that we can move along with her new found fame in the international media. If that is the case I have contention that out of all people Winnie Mandela has a nerve to speak out the injustices by using Madiba.Yes, there are some issues we are not content with during Mandela era and even unpopular decisions were taken but why know after so long? I think is part of populism drive which has become part of ANC norms. Above all ANC has no leadership in Zuma.We are as good as having no president. It seems everyone do as he pleases. Let alone the breaking news of drink and driving of Jackson Mthembu ANC spin doctor. Where is this country heading under the ANC rule? ANC is being plagued by one scandal after another forgets the issues of national importance other than them.
As for Winnie must shut up and speak the truth about Stompie,lolo Sono and Katiza Cebekhulu.
All right, but let the one who has never sinned throw the first stone! The end of an era, maybe the beginning of a new. Mandela's spirit will live on if we don't forget the context of life and death outside the Soccer City stadium. Nelson Mandela marked the end of the Cold War as much as Gorbachev who opened up the Soviet Union that had been encircled entirely by the US' nuclear weapons. The US has claimed the honour of this 'victory' (of capitalism over communism) and continued its policy in strategic wars facilitated by complacent western media keeping us uninformed about the true background. The Brandt Report helped to see the connection between the East-West and North-South divide that were to end by the events initiated by these men under the guidance of the Christ. Maitreya the world teacher when he had just entered the Western world in 1977 inspired former German Chancellor Willy Brandt to establish the Brandt Commission on his socioeconomic views. Maitreya, incognito, has given a number of interviews in Russia only last year.


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Gee...is this someone we know?
(from a yahoo group email)
Re: LA River Bike Path - Vandalism
Posted by: "dynnoj" email@example.com dynnoj
Sat Nov 10, 2007 2:46 am (PST)
Your complaint made the 11 PM Channel 4 News tonight! Thank you for
doing your civic duty. Hopefully, the publicity will help speed a
solution. I ride down in Long Beach and there aren't any lights on the
two river paths so it pays to be well equipped.


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When it comes to international stars, it's hard to top Clint Eastwood. He's ranked #2 on Empire magazine's "Top 100 Movie Stars of All Time" list, has a lifetime box office gross of $1.7B to date, and has racked up four Oscars and 115 other acting/directing awards so far.
With his raspy voice, tough-guy exterior, and deadpan delivery of such great one-liners as "Go ahead, make my day" and "A man's got to know his limitations," Eastwood personifies macho cinema in a way that appeals to women and men. Watch him in these six great movies this weekend on ReelzChannel (DirecTV channel 238, Dish Network channel 299, and available on your cable or satellite system).
Saturday, Oct 15 – 11AM ET / 8AM PT
Sunday, Oct 16 – 4PM ET / 1PM PT
"Dirty" Harry Callahan must stop a sick secret contest to murder local celebrities, which includes himself as a target. Co-stars Liam Neeson and Patricia Clarkson.
[Watch the trailer]
Saturday, Oct 15 – 1PM ET / 10AM PT
Truck driver Philo Beddoe woos a country singer and fights bare-knuckle brawls egged on by his orangutan. Co-Stars Sondra Locke.
Saturday, Oct 15 – 3:30PM ET / 12:30PM PT
Sunday, Oct 16 – 1:30PM ET / 10:30AM PT
San Francisco Police Inspector "Dirty" Harry Callahan links vigilante killings to the San Francisco police force. Co-stars Hal Holbrook, Robert Urich, and David Soul.
Saturday, Oct 15 – 8PM ET / 5PM PT
San Francisco Police Inspector "Dirty" Harry' Callahan meets an artist with her own code of vigilante justice. Co-stars Sondra Locke.
Saturday, Oct 15 – 11PM ET / 8PM PT
Sunday, Oct 16 – 7PM ET / 4PM PT
A Missouri farmer hunts down the Union soldiers who killed his family and left him for dead. Co-stars Chief Dan George and Sondra Locke.
Sunday, Oct 16 – 11PM ET / 8PM PT
Gold miners are saved from corporate villains by the miracle of a mysterious preacher on a pale horse. Co-stars Michael Moriarty and Carrie Snodgress.


text:
Treasure Island, CA , USA < change city >
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SUSAN AND ROBERT'S WEDDINGJune, 2011 in San Francisco
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Ceremony: Terra SF
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- Ceremony & Reception: Terra SF
- Restaurant: Town Hall
- Hotel: Courtyard San Francisco Downtown
- Exploring: Ferry Building
- Hotel: Hotel Diva
- Exploring: Golden Gate Park
- Hotel: Hotel Union Square
- Exploring: Yerba Buena Gardens
- Restaurant: Osha Thai Restaurant
- Wine Country: Napa Valley
- Restaurant: The Grove Cafe Yerba Buena
- Wine Country: Sonoma Valley
Ceremony & Reception:
Terra SF511 Harrison St
San Francisco, CA 94105
Courtyard San Francisco Downtown299 Second Street
San Francisco, CA, United States
Hotel Diva440 Geary Street
San Francisco, CA, United States
Hotel Union Square114 Powell St
San Francisco, CA 94102
Osha Thai Restaurant149 2nd Street
San Francisco, CA, United States
"Affordable modern Thai cuisine. A Anonymous and Anonymous favorite!"
The Grove Cafe Yerba Buena690 Mission Street
San Francisco, CA, United States
"Comfortable full-menu cafe open all-day."
Town Hall342 Howard Street
San Francisco, CA, United States
"A fresh, modern, yet comfortable blend of New Orleans-inspired food with a lighter Californian mentality."
Ferry Building1 Ferry Bldg
San Francisco, California, US
"The Historic Ferry Building is a bustling marketplace full of uniquely San Francisco shops and eateries."
Golden Gate ParkGolden Gate Park, San Francisco, CA
San Francisco, California, US
"A huge, beautiful park - full of options. Just relax and lay in the sun near the Conservatory of Flowers or connect with your zen mind on a small tour through the Japanese Tea Garden (save a few minutes to sip some delicious tea while you're there, too!)."
Yerba Buena GardensSan Francisco, CA, US
"The Esplanade The Esplanade could be considered the front yard of downtown San Francisco. The five and one-half acres of meadows, trees, flowers, falling water, public art, and small cafes are all arranged in an open-arms gesture of welcome. On the serene grassy meadow in the center visitors and locals come to relax. The sound of water, the smell of flowers, the warmth of sunlight, the unfolding carpet of grass, the expanse of open sky, and the backdrop of buildings and bridges create a serene oasis in the middle of the bustle of downtown San Francisco."


text:
אנחנו בפייסבוק
Number 2 on Hatnua list blasts party head for joining governing coalition, but says 'won't quit'; comments on speculation regarding MK Peretz taking ministerial position at his expense
Published: 02.24.13, 23:27 / Israel News
Related stories:
Mitzna refused to comment on the issue of the coalition's formation, saying: "We should let time run its course. I feel were are still far away from the formation of a government."
Awkward meeting between Mitzna, Peretz (Video: Eli Mandelbaum)
Asked if he regrets joining
Hatnua, Mitzna said, "No, I don't feel it was a mistake. I was rightfully elected into the Knesset and it is my intention to serve as a Knesset member.
Peretz, Livni and Mitzna campaigning (Photo: Benny Deutsch)
Last Tuesday Livni officially signed a coalition agreement
with Likud-
According to the agreement, Livni will serve as Justice Minister
and will lead Israel's
negotiation team in peace talks with Palestinians.
A day after the signing, Hatnua held a faction meeting. Prior to the meeting, Peretz approached Mitzna in order to shake his hand and wish him a happy birthday, but Mitzna refused.
Livni has yet to announce to whom the additional ministry will go to.
She further said that the identity of a Knesset committee also promised to her party as part of the coalition agreement is also yet unknown.


text:
Written Ministerial Statement
The content of this written ministerial statement is as received at the time from the Minister. It has not been subject to the official reporting (Hansard) process.
Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety - Paediatric Congenital Cardiac Surgery Services
Download this statement as a PDF (1.6 mb)
Published on Thursday 29 March, 2012
Mr Poots (The Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety): I wish to make a statement to the Assembly following notification from the HSC Board that it plans to carry out an external review of paediatric congenital cardiac Services.
I am advised by the HSC Board that it plans to commission an external review of the paediatric congenital cardiac service in Belfast. Paediatric congenital cardiac surgery is a highly complex specialist service which carries a significant risk. Congenital cardiac disease is a rare condition. Currently the service in Belfast is provided by a highly skilled and dedicated team including surgeons, cardiologists and nurses.
We recognise that such a highly complex specialist service is inherently vulnerable mainly because of the low activity levels. As a result there are significant challenges in attaining and sustaining quality against rising standards. Standards for this service are increasing across the UK with a move towards surgeons working in larger teams delivering higher volumes of activity. Available evidence and professional consensus is that larger teams deliver better outcomes. In light of these increasing standards we need to consider how we deliver the best service for children in Northern Ireland.
The external review to be commissioned by the Board will consider the current service provision, activity, outcomes and sustainability of the paediatric congenital cardiac service and will provide assurance on the quality of services for patients in Northern Ireland
It is important to recognise that in such a highly complex specialty, not all children will survive. Across the UK, there is a mechanism in place where surgical outcomes are reported to the Central Cardiac Audit Database (CCAD). This enables health professionals to continually measure and improve care by comparing their work to specific standards and national trends.
The CCAD report for the period 2007-2010 indicated a higher than expected mortality for one particular procedure, undertaken at the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, on children suffering from a disorder known as Tetralogy of Fallot, which is a serious heart abnormality, The Trust took appropriate and proportionate action by suspending Tetralogy Repair when the CCAD data was made available in September 2011.
I understand that in the context of the CCAD report for 2007-2010 and following validation of the outcomes and an internal review, the Belfast Trust also plans to seek a more detailed review into the outcomes during that period. The Trust has confirmed that it will invite the Royal College of Surgeons to conduct a review of those outcomes as advised by the Society of Cardio Thoracic Surgeons and the British Congenital Cardiac Association. It is entirely appropriate that the Trust would wish to take a more in-depth look at the higher than expected mortality for that procedure during that period.
The Belfast Trust review will be carried forward in addition to the HSC Board's external review of the wider paediatric congenital cardiac service.
I am conscious parents of children suffering from congenital cardiac problems may be anxious about these reviews. It is important to remember that the CCAD report has highlighted one procedure out of over 30 cardiac surgical procedures carried out on children across the UK. This procedure is currently not being carried out here and any children who need this surgery are being referred to other centres.
I wish to reassure families that the Board and the Trust are acting appropriately to ensure the provision of high quality, safe services for these children.
The Belfast Trust has established an advice line for any parent who is concerned. Free phone 0800 9178226. This advice line will be staffed from 5.00pm this afternoon (29th March) until 9.00pm this evening and again from 8.00am to 6.00pm tomorrow (30th March).


text:
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EU CHIEF SCIENTIFIC ADVISER: "The evidence really is strong and robust and you should just believe in the evidence."
Professor Anne Glover, Chief Scientific Adviser of the European Commission, gave evidence before the Science and Technology Committee, House of Commons, on Monday 29 October 2012
"Whether you talk about stem cells, GM technology or whatever it is, the evidence is there. What people are not clear about is when and why they dismiss the evidence and make decisions on the basis of a philosophical or ethical viewpoint, whatever that might be."
"We could be much more imaginative in Europe about how we use the technology to address some of our major challenges. That would also include water security, climate change, food security and so on. GM has a role to play in those areas. [...] We do need to use it and Europe is at a great disadvantage if we don't. I don't think we can do it simultaneously by trying to change people's minds and trying to get legislative change in Parliament, in the Commission, because I see it as being an extremely difficult issue. I am surprised at how emotional people get about that issue."


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You've been wronged. Now what? Social media strategies for consumers.
by Josh Bernoff
As you read in my other post, Paul Heller was displeased with having to pay Avis $13.99 to put fuel into the tank of his rental car, when he had already filled it up. In this post I actually address the question: what should consumers who are the victim of bad service do? This post is a first: my advice for consumers.
First decide what you want
The first thing any consumer must do is to decide his or her objective.
- If your objective is to receive compensation, then it's better to threaten public action first, rather than actually taking it.
- If your objective is to embarass and get back at the company, then by all means, let fly.
- If your objective is to create actual change – to make a company do something – then you want to post things that will cause change, but avoid mean-spirited attacks.
Tell the truth, don't get angry, amuse, and intrigue
Getting your story to spread will help any of the above objectives.
The first thing you need to do is go through channels, customer service channels, and escalate. This is work.
Take careful notes as you do this, and as Paul did, take pictures. Think about what your fellow consumers would think of your experiences – ask questions intended to generate material for the future.
Anger is typically not productive in these situations. Angry customers are so commonplace that we typically don't want to hear about them. And yelling at employees and customer service people doesn't typically generate good outcomes. Save the anger for after you've had the experience. Remember, revenge is a dish best served cold.
If you want the story to spread, you'll need the elements mentioned in the previous post: getting people to identify with you, outrageous company behavior, companies behaving badly in a way we all suspect they do, and a hook. If your story does not include all of these elements, ask yourself – can I improve it so it does? It may be hopeless – or you may be able to have a little fun making things more interesting.
In Paul's case, he needs that humor. The outrageous idea in his story is that Avis charges $7.98 a gallon for gas. But the funny or quirky idea is missing.
Here's what I recommended to him. Make a video about trying to fill things that are already full. Like adding a few drops to a full glass of water. Cramming a few more things into a full suitcase. Piling people into a phone booth. Feeding a grape to an immensely fat person who says "I couldn't possibly." The tagline has to be something around "If it's full, don't fill it. That goes for you too, Avis!" I don't have the wit to do this, but maybe Paul does – and properly done (and with the right music), it could be funny. Maybe you have a better idea?
Launching your campaign
The next step is to do as Paul did, and try to get people interested. If you know reporters, great – contact them. Send a link to your best connected friends. Paul contacted me and a bunch of other social media analyst-types that he has some contact with.
You have to be careful here. Paul sent Twitter messages to a bunch of people, all in a row, all the same except for our names. This is a tactic used by spammers, and it's obvious – all we have to do is look at your Twitter feed to see you're doing it. Better is to email people, or customize the Twitter messages so they are a little more personal, or tag comments onto relevant blog posts about customer service that people have written.
If you have a million followers like Dooce, of course, you're set. (I admit, I've done this a few times myself – I'm no Dooce, but companies really don't want me talking about their service issues.) But in many cases, the consumers who launched these counterattacks on the people who wronged them weren't well connected. Dave Carroll wasn't popular, he was just really creative and talented.
These bits of advice aren't just about how consumers can "do the right thing." It's not just morality – it's that we're far more likely to sympathize with, talk about , and spread messages from people we like and trust. Especially when they're witty, funny, or interesting. You need to be likeable to get social media to help you as a consumer. Bemused works better than outraged.


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5 Ingredients: Mustard Roasted Salmonby Dana Angelo White in 5-Ingredient Recipes, February 24, 2010
Get a dose of heart-healthy omega-3 fats from this easy and delicious salmon dish. All you need is 15 minutes to prep this quick weeknight dinner. Leftovers are delicious over lettuce for lunch the next day.


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Eating Moldy Food: When It's OK, When It's Not
Lunch meat
Throw it out.
"Some molds may be able to grow at a higher salt content than your average bacteria," says Doyle, putting sodium-heavy lunch meats in the line of fire.
If you see any mold on deli meat, better to toss it than risk eating food that is likely contaminated below the surface, where you don't see it.
Next: Jams and jellies
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