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Nate Silver is seen by conservatives as a threat to Republicans this election. It's not simply because Silver, the statistician behind the New York Times-hosted FiveThirtyEight blog, predicts that President Obama will win the election. Rather, it's also because Silver is one of the most accurate forecasters out there.
Considering how spot on he was in 2008—Silver correctly predicted the results of 49 out of 50 states—that's bad news for conservatives. Hence, the invective to discredit him. According to the Washington Post's Ezra Klein:
First, there are the conservatives who don't like Silver's model because, well, they don't like it. Obama's continued strong showing is prima facie evidence of bias. Or, to put it slightly differently, the model must be skewed.
The answer to this is simple enough: If Silver's model is systematically biased, there's a market opportunity for anyone who wants to build a better model. That person would stand to gain hugely if they outpredicted punditry's reigning forecaster (not to mention all the betting markets and all the other forecasters). The math behind what Silver is doing isn't that complicated and the polls are easily available. But so far, the most popular conservative take on the polls was UnskewedPolls.com, to which … LOL. If Silver's model is so easy to best, then what's the market failure keeping a less-biased source from besting it?
But it's not just conservatives who are fighting Silver—some in the news media are doing it as well. In fact, as Klein points out, much of that criticism is coming from the political news website Politico, and for good reason:
Silver's work poses a threat to more traditional—and, in particular, to more excitable—forms of political punditry and horse-race journalism.
...If you had to distill the work of a political pundit down to a single question, you'd have to pick the perennial "who will win the election?" During election years, that's the question at the base of most careers in punditry, almost all cable news appearances, and most A1 news articles. Traditionally, we've answered that question by drawing on some combination of experience, intuition, reporting and polls. Now Silver—and Silver's imitators and political scientists—are taking that question away from us. It would be shocking if the profession didn't try and defend itself.
Silver currently predicts that Obama has roughly a 75 percent chance of winning the election next week. He also forecasts that Obama will win 300 electoral votes to Romney's 238.
—Posted by Tracy Bloom.
Related Entries
- November 1, 2012 More Michele Bachmann Hypocrisy, the Latest Political Sex Scandal, and More
- November 1, 2012 Why Friday's Unemployment Report Should Be Taken With a Grain of Salt
via Progressive News Must-Read Superfeed http://www.truthdig.com/eartotheground/item/the_war_on_nate_silver_20121101/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Truthdig+Truthdig%3A+Drilling+Beneath+the+Headlines


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...a website that I found the other night when I was surfing for creative grooming pictures.
The link will send you to the gallery, but I suggest you take some time to look at this groomers entire website.
There are also pictures of her lobby and grooming room.
I love looking at pictures of other groomers shops. :)
Maybe it is just the shop owner in me, but I can't help it, the first thing that I think of when I look at her lobby is; "how many times do customers dogs pee on her rugs and furniture???"
It is an amazing looking lobby.
Her grooming room is also a 'cagefree' experience.
The dogs in the photo look great all sitting around so well behaved, and I don't mean to sound so skeptical, but I would bet money that those dogs belong to the groomer and or her employees.
I couldn't even imagine half of my customers dogs calmly laying around the grooming room waiting for their owners.
Also, there is always hair on the floor during the grooming.
I would not want my customers clean dogs walking through other dogs hair even if I only clip clean coats.
Okay, I'll say it, if you haven't guessed already, I don't agree with the 'cagefree' environment.
There are just too many potential problems with letting dogs run free in a grooming room.
The possibility of fighting.
The possibility of getting into something that they shouldn't.
The possibility of getting caught up in cords.
The possibility of bothering and upsetting dogs that are on the grooming table being groomed.
The possibility of shooting out of the grooming room door when someone comes or goes from the room.
Those are just a few things that I can think of.
Don't get me wrong, I am not saying that this groomer or any other should not have a 'cagefree' environment in their salon.
If it works for them, more power to them.
It is up to that groomer if they want to take on that responsibility.
One of my fears of owning my own business has always been the fear of a dog being injured and being sued.
I work very hard everyday to make sure that every dog in my care is as safe as I can possibly make it for them.
I don't see anything wrong with kenneling a dog for the short amount of time that they are with me.
I don't believe that it stresses them out.
They are placed on a comfortable towel, and most of them go to sleep while waiting to go home.
Anyway, I got off the topic of this post.
And, my mouse just broke. :(
It's not clicking right.
I am going to have to buy a new one. :(
This one wasn't cheap. :(
My cheap one never broke!
Have fun checking out her creative grooming pictures.
She is quite talented.
Oh, I guess you would like the link, right?
Here is the link.....Austingroomer.
Happy Grooming, MFF

subset: commoncrawl


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Sunday, June 20, 2010
....petites tresors....!
15 comments:
- dale said...
Gorgeous! :)
- June 20, 2010 at 9:04 AM
- Catherine said...
That is nothing short of magnificent!!! What a gorgeous building! Thank you for sharing those photos.
- June 20, 2010 at 9:38 AM
- Margaret said...
Beautiful, aren't those windows works of art. Thanks for sharing this Linda:)
- June 20, 2010 at 9:58 AM
- SPLENDEROSA said...
Simply splendid. I'm keeping this in my inspiration file, with your permission, just to look at from time to time because it's so very beautiful. xx's
- June 20, 2010 at 10:24 AM
- Ivani Grande said...
Parabéns Linda!como é bom poder passar pelo seu blog,fotos e trabalhos lindos!!!tudo de bom gosto....bjs
- June 20, 2010 at 11:02 AM
- Kim said...
It indeed is a beauty. I wish I had seen it when I was in Paris a month ago.
- June 20, 2010 at 5:15 PM
- Josje said...
Gorgeous. I love how the most ornate decorations are on the dormer windows. And then those beautiful chimneys!
- June 20, 2010 at 7:35 PM
- Debbie said...
Beautiful photographs Linda. Thank you for sharing them with us..xxx
- June 20, 2010 at 8:36 PM
- My Wee Life said...
Lovely photographs and the architecture is wonderful. I love Paris and the buildings.
- June 20, 2010 at 9:24 PM
- contar said...
En ocasiones no tenemos consciencia de lo que tenemos cerca, por la costumbre de verlo.
Realmente es un edificio muy hermoso.
un abrazo
In occasions we do not have conscience of what we have nearby, for the custom of seeing it.
Really it is a very beautiful building.
An embrace
- June 21, 2010 at 12:43 AM
- Patty said...
Linda, I LOVE your photographs! You take fabulous pictures!!!
- June 21, 2010 at 2:06 AM
- Lucia Gabrieli said...
This building is amazing! It surely is a treasure!!!!!! I'm sure that these pics are giving you plenty of inspiration for your next project.
- June 21, 2010 at 5:30 AM
- Susan said...
I know I'll never see France but your photos give me a glimpse from a perspective not seen in the usual pictorial tour. Thankyou for sharing.
- June 21, 2010 at 3:08 PM
- Liberty Biberty said...
Oh! It really is just all too beautiful!
- June 21, 2010 at 6:25 PM
- Karin said...
With my husband who is an architect I learn to look a different way to many buildings.
In France, Italy or in our own country, just love it!!
- June 24, 2010 at 11:54 PM


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Published On : 07 Nov 2016
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Trending Report:


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It's good to be Goldman - Part 63
Friday, October 23, 2009
Just in from Bloomberg ... it appears that Goldman Sachs is again getting the better end of a financial transaction with those who think that the investment bank is there to help them.
New Jersey taxpayers are sending almost $1 million a month to a partnership run by Goldman Sachs Group Inc. for protection against rising interest costs on bonds that the state redeemed more than a year ago.That probably won't help the taxpayers of New Jersey in their quest to remove themselves from atop this list of highest property tax states.
The most-densely populated U.S. state is making the payments under an agreement made during the administration of former Governor James E. McGreevey in 2003, when New Jersey's Transportation Trust Fund Authority sold $345 million in auction-rate bonds whose yields fluctuated with short-term interest costs. The agency finances road and rail projects.
"This vividly shows the risk of entering into interest- rate swap agreements," said Christopher Taylor, former executive director of the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board in Alexandria, Virginia. "The world's got to see what stupidity even the sophisticated investors like the transportation fund can get into."
While New Jersey replaced the debt with fixed-rate securities in 2008 after the $330 billion auction-rate bond market froze, the swap -- in which two parties typically exchange fixed payments for ones based on floating interest rates -- isn't scheduled to expire until 2019.
More on Goldman Sachs here from the other day - something about imperialism...


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Series: Love in London #1
Published on September 24, 2014
Genres: Adult Contemporary, Contemporary Romance
Pages: 302
Format: eBook
Buy on Amazon--Buy on B&N
Add to Goodreads
Beth finally has her life back on track. A job she loves, a wealthy husband and a beautiful home are a far cry from the tragedy that struck when she was nineteen. But now that her past seems firmly behind her, an old flame walks back into her life. Bringing back painful memories of a time she's worked hard to forget, reviving a passion she tried to bury years before.
Niall is an up-and-coming artist, recently returned from success in America. Volunteering to teach in an inner-city drug clinic, the last person he expects to see is the girl who broke his heart nine years earlier. Working closely together allows their old wounds to heal, forging a deeper connection between them. One that slowly starts to burn.
As she becomes tangled up with a neglected child and her drug-addict mother, Beth finds herself drawn to Niall. But neither of them can anticipate how hard it is to tread the thin line between friendship and desire.
Coming Down is a story about love, second chances, marriage, drug abuse, and addiction. It's well written, has awesome characters and is told with so much heart.
Beth has been married to a wealthy lawyer, Simon for a few years now. It's not a marriage of passion, but she feels happy and safe in the protection he provides her. When Beth first met Simon she was not in a good place. She was really unsure of her and was suffering from panic attacks brought on by a tragic event in her college years. Now though, she's well adjusted, content and works at a substance abuse clinic running an afterschool club for the children of addicts.
I have a husband who loves me, who takes care of me, who soothes away the nightmares and makes me feel protected. In return, I try to behave the way he wants me to.
Niall is a very successful artist. When he volunteers to teach at the clinic for the kids' weekly art class, he doesn't expect to run into someone from his past. Beth and Niall had a very intense, passionate affair in college. Back then they were both young, impulsive, using drugs frequently and in excess. They haven't seen each other in nine years, since they were both expelled from their University when their mutual friend overdosed.
I know from first-hand experience that drugs kill, but it's the way they maim, breaking minds and hearts, that's as hard to take.
Beth is very committed to her work at the clinic. She has a hard time keeping things professional and not getting too attached to the kids, one in particular. Simon has never approved of Beth's job, but tolerates it as long as it doesn't affect their marriage. When Beth becomes more and more invested in a certain patient and her child and potentially puts herself in danger, problems start to arise between Beth and Simon. Meanwhile, Beth is also dealing with unwanted feelings springing back up for Niall.
Niall and I imploded like a dying star, burning brightly one moment then fading into blackness the next. That sort of excitement, emotional highs and lows, may be something to live for when you're a teenager. Now, though, I should long for comfort, for steadiness, for Simon. I need to keep reminding myself of that.
It may sound like this is going to be an angsty love triangle dealing with a bunch of cheating, but it's really not. It's first and foremost Beth's story. Even though she's almost thirty, it's about her kind of coming into her own. She went from being a wild teen, to a scarred woman looking for comfort, to being the wife of an older distinguished man. When she encounters problems in her marriage and with Niall coming back into her life, it takes Beth out of the nice little bubble she's built for herself. It forces her to reevaluate everything and find out who she is on her own.
I want him to know me. The real me. The one I've been trying to suppress ever since Digby's death. The one I thought I'd left behind. It turns out she was here all along, waiting for me to find her for real.
I loved this book! Beth was a fantastic narrator, vulnerable yet she shows more strength as the story progresses. I enjoyed seeing her falter and mess up, but she overcomes and it really showed her growth. She's so caring and selfless and I admired that about her. I also loved Niall! He's playful and carefree but has this deeper artsy side too. It was interesting to see their relationship now versus the scenes we get from the past and how much things have changed for both of them. It really brought everything to a whole new level and made me care about them so much more.
"I'll wait for as long as it takes," he tells me. "I'll be here; you only have to say the word."
I've totally become a fan of Carrie Elks writing. I always think its kind of fun reading a book written set in the UK, especially when the author is from there as well. There's soulfulness about this book and at times it's pretty sad seeing the effects of substance abuse and addiction. I think how the author balanced the heavy subject matter with the romantic aspects were really well done. Everything flows very nicely, feeling very well thought out, and realistic for the situation. I've definitely become invested in these characters and have already started the next book, Broken Chords, which is about Beth's best friend, Lara.
"You'll always be Rain Girl to me."
4 stars.
(These CAN be read as stand alone novels.)
Coming Down (Love in London #1) – (Beth's story)
Broken Chords (Love in London #2) – (Lara's story)


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from The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, 4th Edition
- n. The academic community; academe.
from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License
- n. The scientific and cultural community engaged in higher education and research, taken as a whole.
- n. Continuous study at higher education institutions; scholarship.
from WordNet 3.0 Copyright 2006 by Princeton University. All rights reserved.
- n. the academic world
from The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, 4th Edition
Where in academia is incompetence more evident than in Economics departments?
The difference between Continental Europe and the U.S. that led to such a change in academia is that postwar leftism in Europe was obsessed with class.
The situation in academia is equally exhausting, with academics overburdened with demands for teaching, administration and research.
Actually the publishing industry in academia is well due for a correction, in a broad sense.
Discourse.net: Lessons from the Identity Trail Published Today
The crunch in academia is very real and has been steadily worsening for decades.
The Iceberg/Powder Keg « L.E. Modesitt, Jr. – The Official Website
And on the larger scale, the issue of the role that academia plays on Wall Street and the role that Wall Street plays in academia is not widely known.
Anyone who works in academia is aware of this class structure, and very few people are happy about it.
The trend in academia is to hire adjuncts instead of full faculty, but here and there there are exceptions.
To me, the next gauntlet to throw down to the critics, at least those who come from within academia, is to sketch out a program of "conservative" scholarly and pedagogical practice in the humanities.
First, no one in American academia is worried that they risk death from the U.S. military by blocking military recruiters; on the other hand, British academics (and other British civilians) face a plausible (if statistically small) possibility of being targeted by Islamist terrorists.


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On Valentine's Day, fallen hero Tom Lowery grimly wrote off romance. Retired his shining armor. And grumpily retreated to his lonely lair. Only to find an orphaned infant cooing on his coffee table—and willowy Leslie Harden, his former beloved, desperately proposing marriage to win custody of her precious ward!
Instinctively, Tom rushed to the rescue—and the altar. But was it strictly chivalry suddenly making him a family man? Or was it the love this baby brought to his heart…and this woman he'd never stopped wanting?
Sometimes bringing up baby can bring surprises…and showers of love!


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Japan / Earthquake and tsunami
An earthquake hit Japan at 14:46 11 Mar 2011(local time) , epicenter has latitude 38.0N and Longitude 142.9E (373km NE of Tokyo, about 130 km off the eastern coast of Japan) with 13.5 km Depth and 8.8 Magnitude with several aftershocks with over 6.4 Magnitude following.
Moreover, 6.6M earthquakes have been repeated every 30-60 mins. at inland of Honsyu Isle, however the damage reported is relatively small.
More than 413 confirmed dead, 784 missing and 1128 injured. Figures are predicted to be increased.
Many people in the affected area have evacuated to safer public facilities, where local government s distribute blankets, while many others spent the night on the flat roof of high buildings.
Tsunami alert is still active, preventing the recovery of several hundred bodies on the shore, however in many areas the estimated scale of tsunami has decreased.
Landslides reported in 37 areas. More than 2,500 houses are totally collapsed and other 2,500 houses damaged as a result of EQ and tsunami, and 10 villages in Iwate prefecture and 1800 household in Fukushima prefecture have been devastated by the tsunami. 157 fire cases reported. Damage of roads, bridges, railroads, dikes is reported in 460 places. Power cut remain in 5 million households, water supply cut in 1 million as well in the most affected area. There is a nuclear alert in 2 power stations, and more than 40,000 residents has evacuated to a distant public facilities, guided by local government.
In the most affected Northern Japan, main highways remain closed, strictly available for emergency aid vehicles. Several air ports have reopened but 2 air ports remain closed.
(Information as of 11:00 12 MAR local time)
Japanese RC is assessing the situation in both from NHQs and Branch level.
62 NDRTs (National Disaster Response Teams) with more than 400 staffs including Doctors, Nurses, Admins sent to the affected areas for Assessment, First Aid, Health, possible PSP (Psychological Support Programme) etc., some have reached and is conducting assessment, while more are on standby.
700 blankets have been distributed and some 30,560 more sent to the affected area for further distribution.
Family link web site has been opened in cooperation with ICRC:


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As I may have mentioned before, the food and restaurant scene in Asia is unbelievable. We met a family friend for dinner at Social House and I was amazed by the restaurant decor. Kudos to the designer. You certainly don't find this stuff in Edmonton.
|Entrance way
|Cool lights
|I don't know why its upside down
|Nutella milkshake with marshmallows
|Parpadelle with sausage and mushroom in a truffle butter sauce
|NY cheesecake with blueberries and currants
|Open view from the restaurant of central Jakarta. No window!


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Instructions To Upload A Web Banner
Below are steps for placing a banner ad on your organization's home page.
1. Tell us who you are.
Submit a short registration form. We will notify you via email when we have new announcements. The banner ads will change periodically to reflect the latest news.
Tip: The banner ad will change automatically, so once you place it on your website you won't have to do it again.
2. Select the banner you want to add to your website.
There are 3 different sizes/orientations from which to choose.
Tip: You can view the actual sizes of the banners below.
3. Copy the HTML banner code.
Each banner has its own HTML code that you will need to copy and paste into your website. This code draws the banner image from our server and displays it on your web page. You should not have to download images or add any more files to your web server for the banner ad to appear.
4. Paste the HTML banner code into your web page.
Open the file for your web page in Notepad or an HTML editing software such as Dreamweaver, FrontPage, etc. Paste the banner code into the HTML code of the page where the banner should appear by right-clicking and selecting "paste" from the menu that appears on your screen.
Tip: If you are using editing software such as Dreamweaver or FrontPage, make sure you place the HTML banner code into the HTML code view of the page, not the design view or preview.
5. Upload the page to your web server.
Upload the web page to your domain using your FTP client. Replace or overwrite the page if prompted. View your page in a browser and make sure the banner is in the right place. If not, follow these steps again and move the entire piece of code until the affiliate banner appears where you want it to appear.
Banner Ad #1: 240 pixels wide x 400 pixels tall
Copy the code next to the banner image.

Banner Ad #2: 250 pixels wide x 250 pixels tall
Copy the code below the banner image.

Banner Ad #3: 468 pixels wide x 60 pixels tall
Copy the code below the banner image.


text:
Small Steps = Big Results | Fitness & Weightloss Accountability Group with Running Diva Mom
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Run, Walk and Run/Walk training options available!
- Three week calendar with running or walking program and wellness challenges to be completed on your own- Personalized daily step goals- Weekly private individual weigh-ins virtually with your coach - Gain additional accountability by sharing your daily step count and food log with the group (optional)- Daily group fitness check-ins, weightloss & nutrition tips and motivation from your coach- Private Facebook group for motivation
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text:
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Long waited Quilt Reveal!
When I saw this book ... it screamed to me saying this is SO your style. I am a visual person, not usually the type to sit down and read a book. I look at the pictures, then put it away for a while. This one, however I read cover to cover ... doooling over each and every little quilt.
I have only pieced one quilt together, a queen sized quilt, that is still sitting under my bed, waiting for the day I can afford $200 just to have it machine quilted ;) This idea of me wanting to do a quilt started years ago ... I guess it is just a deep down love for sewing that I have always had! Back when I was 8 years old, my mom put me in a sewing class. I loved it, and have made little things here and there throughout the years. I have always wanted to complete a quilt, and even hand quilt it ... however after trying multiple times on my queen quilt to do it myself, I gave up!
I have been searching for a quilt for Bryson's big boy bed ... however I haven't been successful! Either they have been too cheap in quality, too expensive in price, or have some sort of illustration or alligator. (Which I am not fond of on clothing, for home decor, etc ... I know! I am weird like that). So I was looking through this book and found this quilt: My mind started thinking, maybe I could make this DARLING quilt masculine! So I found the colors I was looking for ... and here is what I came up with!
So I did it! I completed something on my bucket list! I will say, it wasn't cheap at ALL to do. In fact, I think going to get a darling quilt from The Company Store, or Pottery Barn Kids would have been a LOT cheaper ... however I am pleased with the results. We are waiting to buy Bryson's furniture until we get into our new house, so try to picture it with a darling bed, and dresser. I'll be sure to post a picture when we get into the house!
13 comments:
- Cindy deRosier said...
It's beautiful! While it may not have saved you money, it is worth so much more than a store-bought quilt. Congrats on making such a wonderful quilt.
- April 13, 2011 at 3:28 PM
- reen said...
Just beautiful! Good for you!
- April 13, 2011 at 5:16 PM
- Camille said...
It is perfect! As a mom of boys, I am always so happy to see a well done boy quilt, and this one certainly is. You should be so proud! Excellent job.
Thank you so much for sharing this with me!
- April 13, 2011 at 11:23 PM
- jknapp00 said...
It turned out so cute! I'm sure Bryson will treasure it always. I have made several quilts - all crib size. One of these days I will make a larger one. Did you machine quilt or hand quilt it? I really want to learn to machine quilt, just for the speed of getting the project done, but I really love to hand quilt. Your fabric choices are spectacular!
- April 14, 2011 at 4:54 AM
- Jenna said...
Amazing! Very boy & wonderful. Good job!
- April 14, 2011 at 8:38 AM
- Jaimie said...
It's SO cute Mandy! Great job!
- April 14, 2011 at 9:47 AM
- Jennifer DeWolfe said...
Wow Mandy! The quilt looks amazing! You did an awesome job! I love the colours and the design ... great choices!
- April 14, 2011 at 10:23 AM
- brenda said...
That is so adorable and will mean so much more to him than a store bought quilt! Good for you on making it!!
- April 14, 2011 at 10:40 AM
- Jennifer said...
That's incredible. I love the buttons! Very impressive.
- April 14, 2011 at 11:53 AM
- Sheena said...
This is simply ADORABLE!! And it is so much better than store bought, your heart is in that piece. Another bonus, crossing it off your bucket list, now that is priceless.
- April 18, 2011 at 9:22 AM
- April said...
Fabulous job, seriously. I love the little bit of hand stitching. too cute. Erm, I mean, manly?
- April 18, 2011 at 8:35 PM
- Maritza said...
I am a quilter, I know what you mean about the price but its nice to see your creation on your son's bed. It's beautiful.
- May 15, 2011 at 8:06 PM
- Kelly Evanson said...
darling!! even though it was more expensive, it will last forever. how neat. bryson will love it forever!!
- June 1, 2011 at 9:56 PM


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Re: 1896: "Active Ingredients Only"
Posted: Mon Oct 30, 2017 8:03 pm UTC
x7eggert wrote:Nope, it does work in any case.
Well, let's be precise. There were a couple of small-scale studies which suggested that placebos were more effective against irritable bowel syndrome and migraines than no treatment, even when people knew they were just taking sugar pills with no medicinal effect. This has been overblown by the press into "placebos work even if you know they're placebos". Which is a claim that goes way beyond what's actually been established. We're not yet clear on how known-placebos compare to unknown-placebos. Yes, known-placebos can apparently have an effect, but so far, they've only been compared to no treatment!
At the moment, the best we can say is that knowing you're taking a placebo doesn't seem to entirely ruin the placebo effect. Which is indeed a surprising result, but you shouldn't read more into it than is there.
Also, the effects of placebos (known or unknown) are fairly limited. A study of placebo on asthma showed that its effect can be to make the sufferer feel better without actually improving their breathing. Which is a dangerous thing to do, since the sufferer may then neglect to seek more effective treatment.


text:
Breaking the Spine. It spotlights soon to be released books that can't come quick enough!
This week I am intrigued by...
Riders by Veronica Rossi
Publisher: Tor Teen
Series: Riders, Book One
Published Date: 2 February 2016
Amazon | The Book Depository
For eighteen-year-old
Gideon Blake, nothing but death can keep him from achieving his goal of
becoming a U.S. Army Ranger. As it turns out, it does.
from the accident that most definitely killed him, Gideon finds himself
with strange new powers and a bizarre cuff he can't remove. His death
has brought to life his real destiny. He has become War, one of the
legendary four horsemen of the apocalypse.
Over the coming weeks, he
and the other horsemen—Conquest, Famine and Death—are brought together
by a beautiful but frustratingly secretive girl to help save humanity
from an ancient evil on the emergence.
They fail.
bloodied, and drugged—Gideon is interrogated by the authorities about
his role in a battle that has become an international incident. If he
stands any chance of saving his friends and the girl he's fallen for—not
to mention all of humankind—he needs to convince the skeptical
government officials the world is in imminent danger.
But will anyone believe him? (summary from Goodreads)
The Four Horsemen? Okay, count me in!
What book are you waiting on this week?


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Definitions of posit
v. t. - To dispose or set firmly or fixedly; to place or dispose in relation to other objects. 2
v. t. - To assume as real or conceded; as, to posit a principle. 2
The word "posit" uses 5 letters: I O P S T.
Direct anagrams of posit:
Words formed by adding one letter before or after posit (in bold), or to iopst in any order:
a - patios patois c - optics picots topics e - potsie sopite g - spigot l - pilots pistol spoilt m - impost n - pinots pintos piston pitons points postin spinto r - prosit ripost tripos s - posits ptosis v - pivots
Shorter words found within posit:
is it its op ops opt opts os pi pis piso pit pits poi pois post pot pots psi si sip sit so sop sot spit spot stop ti tip tips tis to top topi tops
List shorter words within posit, sorted by length
Words formed from any letters in posit, plus an optional blank or existing letter
List all words starting with posit, words containing posit or words ending with posit
All words formed from posit by changing one letter
Other words with the same letter pairs: po os si it
Browse words starting with posit by next letter
Previous word in list: posingly
Next word in list: posited
Some random words: fix lee eerie thack alae eel vug
This is not a dictionary, it's a word game wordfinder.
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Earlier this year Anthem Blue Cross of CT asked the Connecticut Insurance Department for rate increases of up to 32 percent on their individual medical insurance products. These rate increases were to go into effect in October of 2009.
Anthem got a lot of negative press because of the 32 percent they asked for on their Lumenous policy series (product line). They had a rate reduction on that policy series in January 2009. Had they not done this, the percentage of rate increase requested later in the year would have been less and perhaps made less completing headlines.
None of the rate increase news stories I read mentioned the rate reduction and unfortunately this may make Anthem think twice about lowering their rates in the future.
On Thursday August 6, 2009, the Insurance Department approved rate increases of a lower amount. Different policy series will have different increases. They will range between 13 percent and 20 percent.
Anthem will not get any increase until three months after the date they requested. Anthem has traditionally raised the rates (and very occasionally lowered the rates) on their individual products on January first of each year. The Insurance Department has forced them to maintain that tradition at least for a little while longer.
What does this mean?
- If you are shopping for individual health insurance in Connecticut?
- If you currently have an individual health insurance policy with Anthem?
If You Are Shopping For Individual Health Insurance
Although Anthem got a lot of press for this recent rate increase request, they are not alone; health insurance companies request increases with some regularity. You can expect a rate increase from your individual health insurance company approximately once per year. This is true for not just Anthem, but also true for the other companies offering health insurance to individuals and families in Connecticut.
This means that it is all but guaranteed that Aetna, Connecticare, Celtic, Cigna, Golden Rule (United Healthcare), Fortis (Assurant) and John Alden (Assurant) will all have rate increases within the next 12 months or so. Since they are all "swimming in the same pool" they are all affected by the same increases in healthcare costs and will often have similar rate increases.
You can expect increases from the Connecticare in January and from the other companies approximately once per year as well, but not necessarily in January. If you are shopping for coverage you should look at the current rates when making comparisons.
When new rates are published, you may want to switch at that time. With an individual health insurance policy, you are not locked in for a year. It is basically a month to month commitment on your part. You can switch to another company when it suits you, providing you meet their underwriting criteria.
If You Have Your Health Insurance with Anthem Now
Since the actual rate increases haven't been announced for each policy series, the information you need to make a comparision between the different policies isn't available yet. Anthem and Connecticare will have rate increases in January. You should at least wait until those rates are announced before making a decision. You should be able to get those rates from this website or by calling us around Thanksgiving.
If you want to get on our email list and get the current health rates sent to now and the new rates sent to you when they are available, you can request health insurance quotes from us online or by phone at 1-203-374-3645 or (from a Connecticut phone only) 1-800-467-8726.
Unfortunately rate increases from Anthem Blue Cross and the other health insurance companies come very regularly. We are committed to doing our best to help you get the best policy for your needs. We work with all the private companies offering Connecticut residents individual and family policies and can help you chose the right policy today and switch to the right one for tomorrow when rates and conditions change.


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I'm thinking about selling my home.
You have options when it comes to selling your manufactured home. Which is best for you? Should you try to sell your home by yourself? Should you work with a mobile home dealer to sell your home? You're aunt Martha has a friend that is an agent? How many mobile home deals has she closed?
The California manufactured home market is unique and has some special requirements.
For Sale by Owner
This is a good way to go if you know the buyer or have a good network in your community. But if you decide to go into the open market by yourself,
I've decided to sell. What do I do now?
Making the decision to sell your mobile home is not always an easy one. Whether the decision is job related, market related, family growth or retirement, when you are ready to sell, we can help. We don't just put your home on the MLS and put up a sign. We help you develop an achievable goal and a plan to get there.
Getting List Ready
We syndicate with multiple MLS Systems and feature your property at MHRealtor.com, California's best manufactured home search engine.
Marketing your manufactured home takes more than putting a sign in the yard. Technology has created ways for us to reach buyers that are looking for a specifically looking for manufactured home. MHRealtor.com is designed to search and show active manufactured home listings. MHRealtor.com listings are syndicated through multiple listing systems across California but that's just where we get started.
A successful sale requires maximum front end distribution and an effective back end filter.
No drama closing
We've handled millions in California mobile home closings and know how important
We start closing the day your home is listed. Our system is integrated with, In Park Services, and provides full buyer's and seller's escrow services. It's important that numbers are accurate transparent to everyone involved. We begin with a Seller's Estimate of Proceeds as soon as your home is listed. We begin the tax clearance process and obtain pay off information all in house, done early, done accurately.


text: Now you see me is the new Inception. I love it! I wanna watch it again! It's so cleverly made, so full of surprises... And the actors are phenomenal! I'm so glad that my girl Isla Fisher is finally getting the recognition she deserves! After her gig in The Great Gatsby, she totally kills it as a sexy magician. I gotta admit that I'm obsessed with everything magic and the rational explanation of so called magic, since I was a little girl. So this movie is really a treat for me. You just have to see it yourself! LIKE NOW! You can thank me later.


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- Internet Marketing Tools
- SEO Tools
- Google Tools
- Recommended Blog Sites
- Articles
- 301 Redirects and Google Video
- Myths About Online Retail Marketing
- Your Best 24/7 Salesperson
- Local-Social Search Marketing
- Development Tools
- Photo Galley
- Marketing
- Virginia Marketing
Social Media Marketing
Using the Social Media to marketing, brand or promote your product / services is a good idea. However, it needs to be done correctly. There are many factors to take into consideration. Social Media, when done correctly, should be used to communicate with your target market as well as compliment your brand or marketing initiatives.
One of the biggest pitfalls I have seen with Social Media being used as a marketing tool is the lack of resources allocated to do it right.
Some of the sites that fall into the Social Media environment:
What is Digg?
Digg is a place for people to discover and share content from anywhere on the web. From the biggest online destinations to the most obscure blog, Digg surfaces the best stuff as voted on by our users. You won't find editors at Digg — we're here to provide a place where people can collectively determine the value of content and we're changing the way people consume information online.... Content provided by Digg
What is Delicious?
Delicious is a social bookmarking service that allows users to tag, save, manage and share web pages from a centralized source. With emphasis on the power of the community, Delicious greatly improves how people discover, remember and share on the Internet.
Other Social Network Sites:
Second Life
Social Media Marketing Terms:
Social Media Resources:
Ultimate How-To: Social Media Buttons, Tools and Badges Resource
Social Media Marketing Beginner's Guide


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The recent North Korean response towards the increased UN sanctions illustrates just one of the many reasons that sanctions are an inappropriate tool in pursuing regime changes in foreign nations – autocrats don't care. The common theory of sanctions assumes that by blocking regimes' access to certain "necessary" goods, such as oil, these regimes will conform to international demands, or else risk the destruction of their nation. However, this is a false assumption about the autocrat's decision-making process. In this article, I will outline why sanctions philosophically, historically, and empirically fail to effect regime changes, as well as argue for an alternative tool for change: fostering grassroots movements and global integration.
The underlying problem in the reasoning of sanctions is its idealism. The positivist reality is that political leaders are generally out for themselves, not for the success of their nation. Because of this, sanctions cannot work by ruining a nation, for if the leaders perceive that they can still hold onto power while their nation declines, they will simply disregard the sanctions. Historically, we see this; the homes of autocrats are typically lavish, despite the poverty of their nation. That is to say, leaders know how to take care of themselves, as well as to maintain control, in the face of sanctions.
The theory of sanctions then argues that they help to incite a revolution, under the assumption that if a nation is impoverished, the people's dissatisfaction will impel them to topple the autocratic regime. Regardless of effectiveness, this theory surely transgresses certain ethical boundaries; is it really moral to thrust a population into poverty for political goals, even if the ends are more "humane?" Based on current ethical norms, the answer is no: the ends do not justify the means. As for effectiveness, this theory does not hold. Its failure is exemplified in many regimes, such as that of the USSR and North Korea, where even under intense food shortages, the people did not revolt. Statistically, the success rate is low – 4% for economic sanctions according to Robert Pape[1]. Furthermore, from looking at modern sanctioned countries, these countries' ability to survive even with an economy in shambles reveals their resiliency. For example, Cuba, which has been under US sanctions for 50 years, and Iran show no signs of destabilizing civil disobedience.
Perhaps it is difficult to see how autocratic regimes can survive without resources. This can easily be explained by both defections from sanctions and a reshuffling of resources from national well-being to national stability. In the former, some countries will typically defect form an international sanction, which undermines the whole process. For example, concerning the recent increase in sanctions on North Korea, China has explicitly stated it would continue to assist the DPRK. Russia maintains the same position, believing that negotiations are a better route than coercion when dealing with these kinds of autocratic regimes. Even if a regime does not have enough allies, there are ways to smuggle in necessary resources, which Cuba has done by smuggling in resources from Germany and Egypt.
However, sanctions do work in the sense that they reduce the total resources a nation receives from international sources. To account for the deficit, autocrats reshuffle resources from social programs, such as healthcare, to structures that maintain their power. This ranges from increasing their tools of repression, such as the military, to increasing taxes, which can overburden an already impoverished population[2]. In other instances, sanctions may hurt private enterprise, which further pushes control towards the public sector[3]. This poses an ethical and humanitarian dilemma, for sanctions not only fail its intended purpose, but increase poverty and repression.
One of the paradoxes of sanctions is that not only does it typically fail, but it may result in aggression, as North Korea has shown by ending its cease-fire with South Korea. This is because leaders are not simply rational actors, but psychologically-driven actors as well, and as such, may wish to "save face" or assert aggression so that they are not perceived as weak – a preparation for future leverage. Historically, there is evidence for sanction-driven aggression, such as with the Japanese Empire, where US oil sanctions resulted in the attack on Pearl Harbor. War after all, is often a more desirable option than conceding to demands and risking their regime's power, which is usually dependent on a status quo – might as well go out with a bang.
What should be done then, if sanctions aren't as effective as people think? To clarify, sanctions do have some merit, but relying on them as a significant tool is not-wise. Sanctions should be applied "intelligently." That is to say, they have to be applied in ways in which they can limit a regime's power, but spare the population. The problem however, is that these situations are rare. A more effective tool to use would be to promote global integration, which does the opposite of sanctions. By globalizing a nation, the inflow of foreign ideas will inevitably occur, which in turn will expose the citizens to new ways of thinking, new ways of conceptualizing their ideal. The rationale is that, through these exchanges of information, an oppressed population will understand that there are other alternatives to its current regime, and will fight for those alternatives if it so wishes. This policy can be pursued both by smuggling western ideas into the regimes and by negotiating forms of educational foreign exchanges in order to create a pro-democracy class in those countries. Historical evidence supports this. For example, the opening of the USSR occurred through the elites, who gradually, after becoming more educated and "foreign," began to liberalize their nation. Of course, there were periods of conservatism, such as during the Brezhnev era, but still, the general trend was that as the Party became more educated, the more liberal its views became. Just looking at the KGB serves as evidence, for it was both one of the most international and least ideological department in the USSR. In addition, as the masses became exposed to western ideas in the 70s, they began to revolt in the satellite states. Turning to North Korea, the foreign-educated Kim Jong-un has shown more pro-liberal tendencies, such as when he established an internet service (although limited), met with Dennis Rodman, and even expressed a desire to talk diplomacy with Obama. China seems to be a key example as well, for as its free-market tendencies increase, its people become more conscious of democratization; China has gone a long way democratically since the Maoist days. And I would be remiss not to mention the Arab Spring (empowered through social media), the Prague Spring (driven largely by the intelligentsia), the Orange Revolution (supported by the West), and other similar grassroots movement.
These examples show that in aims to topple regimes, the international community should actually try to develop nations economically. Perhaps the international community is apprehensive due to ideological reasons, but ethically, human rights should be the most important issue; if a high living standard and free democracy are achieved under some self-claimed socialist state, let it be. In terms of social movements, a population tends to engage in activism after certain needs are met. Russia shows this for example, where only recently, after having experienced a relative rise in the standard of living, are Russians more willing to criticize Putin's strongman democracy; since they don't have to worry about food and clothes as much, Russians are willing to fight for abstract ideas such as freedom and human rights.
Together with enacting policies of economic assistance and global integration, the international community should also foster the growth of civic societies and human empowerment. This can be done by funding organizations such as NGOs or academia, as well as more informal methods, such as South Korea's tactic of smuggling media into North Korea, which has given people hope of a better world[4]. Do not underestimate the power of people-driven movements. As Margaret Mead said, "never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has."
There are fears however, that assisting these regimes will increase their military potential, thus making them a viable threat. This argument is not that convincing. For one, autocrats tend to be aggressive when they feel their power is directly threatened, which happens with sanctions and antagonistic relationships. Fostering economic growth and social movements however, are indirect policies that often don't catch the attention of autocrats (there are exceptions, like the Orange Revolution). Rationally, it wouldn't make sense for these regimes to attack. The military power of the US and its allies is too great to be threatened by autocratic blocs, so other than an arbitrary pursuit to save face, or as a necessity due to low resources, autocratic regimes are unlikely to wage war.
The evidence against sanctions is strong. Case studies of various nations show how democratization successes are usually people-driven rather than sanctions-driven. And statistically, democratization is more successful in nations not hindered by sanctions. In light of this, sanctions appear to be more of a rhetorical tool of politicians rather than an effective policy tool. As such, international focus should be towards nation building, grassroots democratization, empowering the oppressed, and above all else, humanitarianism.
[1] Pape, Robert. "Why Economic Sanctions Still Do Not Work." International Security 23 (1998): 66-77.
[2] Escriba-Folch, Abel and Wright, Joseph. "Dealing with Tyranny: International Sanctions and the Survival ofAuthoritarian Rulers." International Studies Quarterly 54 (2010): 335-359.
[3] Bahrami, Natasha and Parsi, Trita. "Blunt Instrument." Boston Review, February 6, 2012.
[4] "North Korea cracks down on knowledge smugglers." News.com.au. January 1, 2013.


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Está aquí: Home Responsible Sourcing Catching Methods Trawling
Trawls are nets made into a cone or funnel shape by using shaped net panels. Generally the sides of the net are extended forwards (the wings) to guide fish into the mouth of the net. The end of the net forms a bag or cod-end, into which the fish are gathered.
During trawling the horizontal opening of the net (spread) is maintained by trawl or v-doors, or by the distance between two towing vessels when pair trawling. Floats and weights attached to the leading edges of the top and bottom panels (headline and footrope) of the trawl provide the vertical opening.
Winches installed on deck control and store the wires or warps. These, together with auxiliary winches, net drums and power blocks are to handle, shoot and haul the trawl gear.


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Heliotropium amplexicaule
Low, spreading herb with hairy stems and bright purple flowers on a curving terminal spike. Native to South America and considered an invasive plant in Australia.
Growing on the edges of a dry retention pond in full sun.
Visited by many small butterflies including Firyy Skippers, Southern Skipperling, Duskywings and various small sulphurs.
Lat: 28.05, Long: -82.40
Spotted on Jun 3, 2013
Submitted on Jun 18, 2013


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|Mom and Me
by Rick Bender ©
Ever since my dad divorced her when I was ten, I had grown closer to my mom. We spent a lot of time together, shopping, cooking, vacationing. I guess I became the friend my dad never was. Mom even taught me the birds and the bees, and I found myself better prepared when I started puberty.
But preparation could only do so much for me, just two years later, I found myself becoming a man. I masturbated for the first time in my bedroom, fantasizing about a girl in my class at school, and was very surprised to find hot, sticky cream covering my hands and the blankets. I realized it was cum, remembering what my mother had taught me about my body. I rubbed it into my stomach and chest, not really understanding yet what had happened, but wanting more.
I soon found myself in a jerk-off frenzy. Two, three, five, ten times a day. I couldn't stop myself. Imagination wore out as a means to satisfy myself. I began to search through everything for stimulating pictures: National Geographics, the lingerie section of department store catalogs, even pictures of gorgeous actresses from TV guide that I would trace and redraw naked. I would have killed for a playboy, but they were simply not to be gotten at the time, especially not in mom's house.
Later that month, as I was rooting around in the hallway closet, I found several pictures of my mother. Not just any old pictures, mind you, but shots of her all dolled up in lingerie and laying on her bed in very seductive poses. Nothing slutty, and no nudity, just incredibly sexy shots of my mom. I wondered why mom still had the photos. My active imagination conjured up the idea that she had left them there for me to find. Maybe she was trying to show me more about women! In my hormone-saturated brain, I even played with the idea that mom would teach me personally how lovemaking worked.
I've got to let you know what my mom looks like before I go on. She's 5'10", about 135 lbs, with long brown hair that has a definite reddish tinge to it. Her eyes are a light green, almost hazel. Her body shapes out to 38D-24-38 - she has some awesome hips on her, not to mention a pretty ass, not perfectly curved, but very mature and womanly. Her tits were something I almost couldn't get my eyes off of.
I took those photos into the bathroom, my stroke-base of choice in the house. I peeled off my shorts and underwear, sat on the toilet lid, and proceeded to whack off with renewed intensity. I must have cum at least four times before I came out of the bathroom, and my cock throbbed for the rest of the day from the beating I gave it. Fortunately, mom didn't come home from work until a half-hour later, or else I would have had a tough time explaining all my time in the john. But my lifelong infatuation with my mom had begun.
Later that summer, I was in my bedroom, when I looked out the window and saw my mom and the next-door neighbor sunbathing on the grass between our houses. Both were dolled up in tiny bikinis. Genna was skinny, around her mid-thirties, with a nice dark tan and long brown hair like mom. But mom, in her dark red bikini, stole the show. Her huge melons were nearly bursting from her straining bikini top, and they shined with the tanning oil slathered all over them. My cock sprung to life and I stroked right there, on my bed, behind my curtains, peeking out with my free hand at the delicious female flesh in view.
I spent most of the next seven years fantasizing over mom in various ways - I wrote stories that I kept hidden under the carpet in my bedroom, I clipped pictures from tons of fuck-books my buddies and I collected - I saved all the pics where a model even remotely resembled my mom. These I taped into a slowly growing personal porno mag, which I wrote in, trying to give it the look of a real skin mag. I lost track of all the times I dreamed of fucking mom. I dreamed of fucking her even more than the girls at school, the cute teachers at school, even the hottest models or porn queens. But through it all mom and I continued to grow in our relationship. I spent more time with her than my friends in my senior year in high school. But I was certain to never let her know my utter and total lust for her.
I graduated and mom got a new job. We moved to California and mom bought a really nice house - her new job as lab scientist at a chemical plant paid through the nose for her talents. I decided to take a year of before going to college. In reality, I didn't want to be away from mom. I was infatuated with her. Luckily, mom had no problem with my idea, and she even said that a year off was a good idea - it would give me time to plan my future.
It was a fall night when the first event happened that changed my relationship with mom. It was pretty late, maybe 1:30 am, when I went into the kitchen to get a drink. I had on loose red shorts and nothing else. In the other direction down the hall, I saw the light still on in mom's room. Sometimes she had problems sleeping at night, so she was probably checking out the late show, or watching a video. After I got my drink, I decided to check on her. Padding up to her room, I could better hear the tv, which was turned down - she probably didn't want to wake me. But as I reached her door, I recognized the sounds - the cheezy soundtrack and grunts and moans of a porno flick.
I first saw the tv, and sure enough, some stud was plowing a stacked blonde doggy-style while the blonde ate out a petite redhead. That was shocking enough, but looking over at mom almost made me wig out completely. She was sitting back against her pillows, wearing a gray sweatshirt, but her sweatpants were down at her ankles. I could hear and see a thin white vibrator in her right hand, and I watched awestruck as she pressed it through her thick bush onto her clit, then down and through her pussy lips. I heard her moan softly then, and slightly arch her back, grinding her hips in a lazy circular motion. The light from the TV reflected off of the wet vibrator when she pulled it out of her pussy. The electric thrill that went through me on seeing this scene was almost as powerful as the one that next shot through me when mom turned and saw me. Her mouth just stayed partially open, and I tried to stutter out some words, but nothing intelligent came out. So I turned and went back to my room, feeling the heat from my blushing face. I closed the door and crawled into bed, wanting to die. Mom saw me! I was a goner for sure. I knew that she'd have me out of the house in the morning.
I was so lost in my own thoughts of doom that I never noticed my mom open the door. I noticed when she turned on the light, though. I started and turned over. She was still wearing only the sweatshirt, which was just low enough to cover her bush, tantalizing me with her thighs and hips, and incredibly long, strong legs.
"Rick," she started to say. "Mom, I'm sorry," I blurted, rolling over again. I still had an incredible boner, and it was showing through the blankets. I felt her hand on my naked shoulder, though, and she made me face her again. "You didn't do anything wrong, honey," she told me. "You just caught me at a bad time." She smiled slightly at this.
"No, I really should have let you know I was coming. I'm really sorry." I couldn't have been any sorrier at that point, but the image of her masturbating wouldn't leave my mind.
"Honey, it's okay. I'm a grown woman, and you..." she looked me up and down, "you're a grown man, for certain now! I'm also lonely. Does it shock you that I masturbate?"
I couldn't believe she was having this conversation with me, but when I thought about it, it made sense. We were each other's best friend. And then the seeds of arousal sprouted in me, and I found myself letting go of some of my inhibitions. What would happen next, I had no idea, but I couldn't stop myself. "No, mom, it doesn't shock me. But what were you watching? And where did you get that vibrator?"
Mom smiled and paused for a moment, looking at me like I should have known the answer. And I should have. "Well, Rick, I just took a video from your own collection."
Oh my god! I must have turned pure white after that. But mom gave me no time to reply.
"Honey, do you think I've been blind to your 'collections' all this time? I'm the mother of a normal teenage boy... of course I knew you'd have some stuff like that. I just never expected to find it. A few years ago, I found it while cleaning the windows. I knocked over some of your books, and there they were. And they're very good, too. You have good taste." She gave me a saucy smile.
"Mom, stop!" I couldn't believe this!
"Hush, Ricky. They're very useful, and you know it, too. No use trying to act innocent in front of me! I've been aroud for a lot longer than you, you know. I'll bet you didn't know that I posed for some magazines when you were eleven?"
What? Mom in fuck-books? My head was spinning... "No, mom."
"I have them in my room still... I think it's time that you saw them."
"Mom, I don't think I should..." I stammered. But inside I was boiling with lust. I was going to see my mom in a porno mag!
"Honey, can you help me? They're up in the bedroom closet..."
"I leaped up from my bed, then thought better and slowed down a bit. Entering my mom's bedroom hesitantly, I saw her straining upwards, reaching for something on the top shelf of her closet. The sweatshirt came up with her arms, and the full glory of her tightened ass and long legs was exposed to me. It was better than I had ever imagined! She still had some tan lines from summer, and I gawked at her lower body until she turned around, showing me again her thick but slightly trimmed pubic hair. She noticed me staring, started to pull her sweatshirt down, then chuckled. "Well, I guess it doesn't really matter, if I'm going to show you my nude shots. Can you get that box down for me Ricky?"
I was melting. Her voice was more beautiful than it had ever been before. I think I'd have done anything she asked at that moment, but I reached up and got the box down. It was marked 'mementos' on the top. I put it on the bed and she had me sit down next to her. She opened the box and right on top was a skin mag I had many recent issues of, but I saw the date was over ten years ago. Not to mention mom was on the cover in a very seductive pose, with her incredible breasts pushed together...
"I was 33 when I posed for this," she said, taking the mag out and handing it to me. "It wasn't long after your father divorced me, and we were so short on money. One of my old friends was a photographer, and he told me I was a born model. Now when he told me he wanted me to pose nude, I laughed, but when he told me after that how much I'd be paid, how could I refuse?"
I heard every word she said, but my eyes were glued to the magazine pages. I found her photo spread and my mouth hung open. My god, she is so beautiful, I thought as my cock throbbed wildly in my shorts. Her ass was a bit tighter, her breasts obviously firmer, and she had a few less wrinkles, but the pictures were no more beautiful than the 43 year-old woman who sat beside me now.
We went through every magazine in the box, and by the time we were done, it was like I was in a dream-world. I felt all tingly inside, and my mind was full of my mother's erotic, delicious body. I put the magazines back in the box and started to put them back in the closet. "No, honey," mom said. "You can keep those... if you want them."
I tried to stutter out some words, but none came. A knowing, sly look came over mom's face. "Ricky, the videos weren't all I found. After watching some of them, I decided to search your room for other things..."
My heart was pounding. Oh my god no, I thought.
"I found a scrapbook with lots of cutout pictures... more good taste in women, honey." Mom's eyes were locked with mine. "I also read what you wrote in it... and what you wrote in the stories with it."
I almost passed out. Why was she torturing me like this? Why not just get it over with?
Then I felt mom take my hand. She looked deep into my eyes. "I came right then when I read your stories, honey. You've been my friend, my best friend for so long, and when I read your stories, it finally dawned on me how you truly felt about me... and I realized I felt... the same way... about you."
My emotions did a 180. My head was spinning. And my cock was pounding in my shorts. I wanted to say so many things, but they wouldn't come out. "Mom..." I said in a soft moan.
"Oh, baby," she whispered, and we hugged. The thrills that shot through me from our embrace were better than anything I had ever felt before. "You're the most perfect man I've ever known," she said, her breath tickling in my ear, driving me wild. "You've always been here for me, and now... now that you are all grown up... oh god, Ricky... I love you... I... need you..."
I finally foud my voice. "I need you too, mom. I love you so much." My hands seemed to work with a mind of their own, rubbing her back at first, then sliding down, beneath her sweatshirt, to palm and squeeze her curvy ass cheeks. I felt her tremble with desire. "Oh baby, yes... momma's wanted you for so long..."
She didn't resist when I pulled the soft gray sweatshirt up over her head, finally exposing her long-awaited breasts to me. I just gazed at them for several moments. They were big and full, with dark areolas the size of half-dollars and erect nipples as big as the ends of my pinkies. Only sagging slightly, they were dusted along the tops with many sun-born freckles, which only made them more desireable.
"You want to suck them, don't you honey? I can remember when I breast-fed you, how much pleasure it gave me... but this will be a different pleasure. Come here, baby. Let momma take care of you."
I moaned in anticipation and desire, and laid across her body, taking one of her breasts in hand, kneading it, caressing it. The sounds mom made drove me on, and I finally rested my head on her and took the fat nipple in my mouth, sucking softly.
"Oh yeah, baby, that's it... suck my nipple. Oh god Ricky, you're so good..."
I just moaned and kept on sucking, taking her other nipple in my free hand and rolling it between my thumb and forefinger, delighting in feeling her body react to me. Both of us were trembling, and it added to the emotion of the moment.
"This is so perfect," she purred, stroking my head, "this was meant to be."
My cock by this time could take no more. I moaned loudly, and sat up, taking my cock in my hands, stroking fast and furious. But mom put her hands on mine, and shook her head. "Ricky, let mother take care of that." Then she pushed me back softly until I was only propped up on my elbows. "I've been waiting to do this for SUCH a long time, honey," she said, then took my cock in one hand and leaned over, wrapping her lips around my cockhead.
It was incredible. The pleasure just shot through me like lightning. I threw back my head and yelled from the sensations slamming my brain from my mom's sucking. I looked down at her and the full impact of what was happening hit me. This was my mom, my MOTHER, hot, naked, aroused beyond belief, giving me the blowjob of a lifetime. Every fantasy I had ever had about her could not compare to the reality of right now!
Mom pulled my cock out of her and looked up at me, but she kept stroking it. Her hair had gotten a little mussed, but it just made her look sexier. Her eyes were smoldering and her pouty lips were wet. "Cum in my mouth, Ricky. Momma wants to taste your hot cum." Then she bent back down and swallowed me whole, which was amazing, considering I'm a good seven and a half inches. Her eyes remained locked on mine as she sucked, and I couldn't hold back any longer. I grabbed her head with both hands, and with a long shout of pure ecstasy, I came in my mother's mouth, thrusting my hips up and pulling her head down. She did her best to contain my jism, but some of it dribbled out, from the corners of her mouth and down her chin. I came and came what felt like a gallon of man juice, but mom swallowed down every bit of it, and licked up what had spurted out of her lips.
"Oh god, Ricky, that was good," she panted, her voice husky and erotic. "But now I need you... I really need you... inside me!" With that she climbed up and straddled me, squatting just over my still-hard cock. I could see her pussy lips, glistening wet, poised mere inches over my throbbing rod. Then, with an animalistic moan, she thrust her hips down onto mine, impaling her cunt onto my big fuckstick. "Oh god yes!!!" she screamed, throwing her head back, her long beautiful hair flying. "Fuck me Ricky! Fuck momma hard!!!"
I was as aroused as she was, and grabbed her by the hips, thrusting my own upwards at the same time. I felt my cock slam home, sliding deep inside the same woman who gave birth to me, raised me, loved me like no woman ever could. Every thrust made her grunt with pure lust, and made her big breasts bounce and jiggle. It didn't take long for me to reach the point of no return again, and I roared in pure ecstasy as I came inside my mother, feeling her tighten her cunt around my spasming cock, milking every last drop of cum from it, gripping it tightly as if she'd never let go. I finally stopped thrusting and let go fo her hips, exhausted.
But mom just leaned forward with that erotic gleam in her eyes and purred out huskily, "I want more, baby... momma wants more of her boy's big cock." With that, she sat back up and begain to grind her hips back and forth, up and down my sensitive boner. I screamed in pleasure, grabbing her ass cheeks, feeling her puckered asshole with my fingertips. Driven beyond any kind of hesitation, I slid a finger inside mom's asshole, and heard her moan long and loud. "That's it Ricky honey... oh god, fingerfuck my asshole baby!!!" I went to town, sliding another finger into her tight bung. She'd definitely never been fucked in the ass, but we would change that...
Mom was going wild, bucking and bouncing like a seasoned whore. "Touch me Ricky! Make me cum! Make mommy cum baby!!!" I pulled my fingers out of her asshole and brought both hands to the front of her, the left one going to her breasts, and my right hand seeking out and finding her swollen, wet clit. I immediately went to work on it with my thumb, kneading it like there was no tomorrow while at the same time taking turns pinching her nipples with my other hand. And yet again, I felt my orgasm approaching.
But it was mom's turn to explode. A moan of pure sexuality began in her throat and became a scream of absolute orgasmic pleasure. Her cunt tightened on my cock like a vise and that was all it took to make me cum again. We screamed in pleasure together, cumming as one, now joined by more than just our incredible mother-son bond of love.
When it finally ended and the seething emotions had quieted, mom laid down on my chest, my softening cock still inside her dripping pussy. She slowly ran her fingers through my hair, kissing my forehead gently. I stroked her back lightly, still amazed at what had just taken place. Mom seemed to realize what was on my mind, and she smiled. "Don't worry, baby... this is just the beginning. You'll sleep in here with me from now on... I have so much planned for us."
All I could do was groan in pleasure and wonder what tomorrow would bring.
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"Super Powers and Special Abilities" by Scooter LaForge at Munch Gallery
Photos by G. Art by Scooter LaForge.
NYC! Get thee to Munch Gallery before December 2, 2012 to see the latest body of work from Scooter LaForge. The mixed media exhibit features reasonably priced prints, canvases and T-shirts.
During the opening night reception, I was able to cop a picture of the real Krys Fox in front of a painting of Krys by Scooter LaForge.
I also saw the legendary Johnny Rozsa, who was kind enough to pose for a photo with the night's star, Scooter LaForge! Lucky me!
"Super Powers and Special Abilities" by Scooter LaForge is showing at the Munch Gallery (located at 245 Broome Street) in Manhattan through December 2, 2012. Don't miss it!


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The TMZ Nip Slip Society welcomed its newest member yesterday, when Claire Danes revealed her left breast to the world.
The "Stardust" star was on MTV Canada to promote her new movie, when a loose-fitting shirt plus leaning forward equaled hello!
Welcome to the club, Claire! Meetings are held irregularly on TMZ, and Mischa usually brings the refreshments.
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text: I am new to Virtuozzo. I know where to find my web site logs in Plesk, but was told I could find logs for SSH and FTP using the Virtuozzo file manager at: /var/log/secure. But, when I open file manager, /var is not listed. I assume it is under another subdirectory, but can't find it. Any help would be greatly appreciated.


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Time Warner Cable and Viacom have finally come to an agreement and ended the dispute that has been ongoing for over a year. It started back in April last year when TWCable TV started to receive cease and desist orders from various TV networks over its TWCable TV app. Viacom was the most vocal and it led to TW Cable having to remove lots of channels from the app. Time Warner Cable filed a request for declaratory judgement and a year later appear to have resolved the dispute. We have heard very little since then but subscribers have still missed out on the channels that were removed.
Viacom and Time Warner Cable have agreed to resolve their pending litigations. All of Viacom's programming will now be available to Time Warner Cable subscribers for in-home viewing via internet protocol-enabled devices such as iPads and Time Warner Cable will continue to carry Viacom's Country Music Television (CMT) programming. In reaching the settlement agreement, Time Warner Cable and Viacom were also able to resolve other unrelated business matters to their mutual satisfaction. Neither side is conceding its original legal position or will have further comment.
This will come as a welcome relief to all TW Cable subscribers as the removed programmes will start to appear on TWC TV over the next several weeks. Soon you will again be able to enjoy the much loved Jersey Shore or Comedy Central's The Daily Show. As an added bonus, TW Cable subscribers will also see some additional content from Viacom like MTV Hits, MTV Jams and Centric. If you live in the New York or other major markets, you will also get access to TV Land HD and Bet HD too.
Source: Viacom Blog


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Kansas City, Mo. - Dairy Farmers of America, Inc.'s (DFA) Board of Directors has approved a special cash payment to members in an effort to ease economic burdens facing the dairy industry.
The $9.5 million payment – equivalent to 5 cents per hundredweight for milk marketed through DFA from January through June 2009 – will be issued to 10,750 member farms active as of June 30, 2009.
"Obviously, relief has not come as quickly as we hoped, but we are committed to finding ways to ease stress that will have both short- and long-term impact on the dairy industry," said Tom Camerlo, chairman of DFA's Board of Directors. "Because of our conservative financial structure and diversified sources of capital, DFA is well prepared to offer this special form of assistance to our members."
The newly announced payment follows an early patronage distribution in April, and will be joined by the balance of members' annual patronage payment in the next few weeks.
In the meantime, DFA's Board and management continue working to identify short- and long-term solutions to the dairy crisis, both within the Cooperative and through collaboration with peer industry groups, including National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) and Dairy Management Inc.
The following DFA initiatives are underway to assist members through the crisis and inspire price recovery:
- Ongoing support for the Dairy Export Incentive Program (DEIP), which allows the United States to better compete in the world market against subsidized exporters.
- Encouraging the implementation of the Price Support Program and supported increased dairy purchases for distribution through USDA nutrition programs.
- Working with NMPF for continued support of Cooperatives Working Together's Herd Retirement Program.
- Establishment of a DFA Price Stabilization Study Committee which created guidelines for DFA and the U.S. industry on price stabilization and encouraged NMPF to create a task force to evaluate policy options that will stabilize the milk industry into the future.
- Support for the Promotion Assessment on Dairy Imports program, an assessment on imports that could generate $6 million annually for promotion programs.
- Collaboration with other cooperatives to achieve cost reductions through milk swaps, consolidation of laboratory functions and other activities.
- Investment in plants and products that will bring returns to members, including plant expansions at Fort Morgan, Colo., and Schulenburg, Texas; the recent acquisition of Berkshire Dairy and Food Products, Inc.; and the recent introduction of Borden's Single Sensations premium flavored cheese singles.
- Establishing the DFA Cares Hotline, a resource for members in need of consultative advice or assistance with farm stress, and continual development of member programs and services designed to increase profit margins, from bulk buying programs and loans and leases to price risk management.


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What do you think of when you hear the word "naughty"? If you are like most moms, I would bet your interpretation ranges somewhere between a raunchy French Maid-esque lingerie ensemble to a surprise birthday blow job for your husband.
But if you are a mom like me, your definition of naughty may take on a unique life of its own. Now, I'm not knocking lingerie and blow jobs. Any attempt at straying from your norm is always a fun surprise. It's just that my norm is probably not the same as that of any of my friends. Despite working a full time job, having a family, a blog to maintain, an affinity for running, and many other commonalities that come along with the daily life of a woman, my sexual swagger has actually gotten more intense over the years. And I am basking in the glow of it.
One year, after securing a sitter for an entire night, I planned a surprise for my husband's birthday. If extreme sex were a sport, this surprise would have fit right into that category. The day began with a sweet drive to a remote town extremely far from where we live. We enjoyed a nice dinner, romped around in a posh hotel overlooking the ocean, and then attended a party at the hottest sex club in the area. No, that is not a misprint-it is a confession. I, Michele Fallon, mother of two beautiful little girls, ages ten and eight, took my husband to a club where people walk around naked all night long and have every type of sex you can possibly imagine. And I loved it.
Being that my husband had no idea what the evening plans were, we of course had sex in the hotel prior to our arrival at what I'll call "Club Sex". This didn't present any problems once we got situated in the club later on, but if I had to do it again, I would have avoided the hotel sex. Parties usually begin around 8pm and last anywhere from 3am-7am the next morning, so saving the hard-to-come-by mom energy for the club just makes more sense.
Here's some more info-the dress code at the club gave us two options: A) Fancy clothes (dresses for women and dress pants and shoes for men) or B) attire that goes along with the night's theme, which in our case, just so happened to be "french maid". Looking back on it, I wonder what the men were supposed to wear if they opted for themed attire. I don't remember seeing any men in french maid outfits or holding feather dusters, but I'll have to keep a closer watch on that next time.
Prior to arriving, there were very specific rules that needed to be learned, respected and followed. There were a lot of them to remember. Despite what you might be thinking, this place was extremely classy and very protective of its guests. The goal of the club seemed to be focused on ensuring that everyone's experience was comfortable, and here's a spoiler-Club Sex succeeded in that regard. After freaking out about being too old to remember the overabundance of club rules, I was able to relax when I realized that most of them were common sense.
Upon entering, there was a small room where we paid the membership fee, got our bracelets and registered for the night. The fact that I now had a membership card in my wallet that did not belong to a local grocery store was thrilling. I could have called it a night right there. But we pressed on.
There was no indication that this was a sex club as we entered through the main door. Drawing back the curtain only revealed a typical dancefloor, DJ, bar, food buffet, tables and couches. Because there was nothing out of the ordinary, a slight panic set in as I wondered if we were going to be stuck in a club environment listening to throbbing house music all night long without engaging in any sexual activity whatsoever. I looked around for a souvenir shop that might have sold "My lover went to Club Sex and all I got was a headache and this lousy t-shirt" paraphernalia. And if I was questioning this entire idea, you can probably imagine what my poor husband was thinking.
After getting our drinks at the bar, he was the first one to speak asking, "So what happens now?" My memory is naturally always a little fuzzy, but it was at that very moment that I wished I would have retained more details about the club rules. Without the rule book to throw out the proverbial window, and being completely unaware of the approved logistics of sexual activity in this particular part of the club, I livened up the party by dropping to my knees, unzipping his pants, and getting to work. It was a short lived minute. My fear of getting kicked out took precedence over my bold blow job move. But as I stood up, there were no bouncers waiting to escort me out. There were just people talking, laughing, drinking and dancing…with clothes on. But no one paid any attention to us at all. No judgement, no disgust, not even a stare.
This gave me confidence, but not enough to try it again. At this point, we were both confused and wondering where the sex was. Where were the dirty mattresses and the crazy orgies? Where were the women dressed like hookers? Where were the French maids…or butlers…or whatever it was that the men were supposed to come dressed as? Other than my quickie blow job test, no one else was conducting anything other than dancing. So, I finally swallowed my embarrassment with a big gulp of wine and asked one of the employees if we were in the right place. He said that I absolutely was, but that it was very early and most of the action I was looking for occurred in the back rooms later on. Breathing a sigh of relief, I went back to my husband's table and told him the good news. With that, we were able to have a drink, relax, and watch the party unfold before our eyes.
As the hour ended and the next began, the dance floor became much more crowded. At 9pm, there were couples modestly grinding to the beat. By 10pm, women were half naked dancing with their partners or other partners, getting groped or kissed and enjoying every minute. My husband and I joined the party-goers on the dance floor and had our share of heavy petting and making out. But that got old pretty quickly, as the true reason we were there was to see what was behind door number two, so off we went.
After stripping down and stashing all of our belongings into lockers, we entered our first play room. We were mesmerized by all of the beautiful people in the same room just loving on each other. It didn't take long to drop our towels and get in on the action. I know this sounds very strange to most moms reading this right now, but I have to say that the environment was warm, loving and respectful. Every choice made in that room belonged to each couple. There were no expectations and no disappointments. It was surprisingly refreshing, and honestly, the only time in my entire life where I felt confident that I wasn't being judged at all. And the kicker-I WAS 100% NAKED!
The night ended in the morning on a couch, with us eating breakfast still naked, still enjoying the insane amount of sex we had and witnessed all night long. For those of you wondering whether or not this occurs on a regular basis, the answer is no. However, after that night, lingerie and blow jobs will never fall into the "naughty" category in our house. We are still sexually adventurous, and we still make sex a priority in our marriage-not because we are obligated, but because it is something we both truly enjoy.
Just because I am a mom doesn't mean I have to give up on something that is pretty damn great. I'm not just talking about sex, but of the spontaneity of sex and the surprises that it can still hold when other possibilities present themselves.
The excuses that come with motherhood shouldn't stop you from experimenting and finding something, no matter how risqué, that can make you feel great. To all of the moms out there who think I'm nuts or gross or inappropriate, I dare you all to tap into your sexual freakdom and not have it change you for the better. I dare you to offer yourself the permission to give new meaning to your perception of the word "naughty."
*This piece was published on BLUNTmoms on April 5, 2016.


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Okay I totally think I might have cracked this...... yay yay yay..... gawd now I'm reminding myself of London Tipton out of Suite Life.... used to love that show..
P.S. Guys - I'm going through an elipses stage gotta love the little dudes! ..... sadly so cool!
Anyway if any of you are enjoying this please 'follow' me (I like the term 'listening in' more) just so I'm not writing this in vain..... though knowing me, my lovely chirpy self, I'll probably keep prattling on till the Apocalypse comes (which I don't believe is on the 21st December or whatever date everyones worrying about)...
Ciao X


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The investment objective is to achieve capital growth through the investment in real estate development projects globally while using Canadian Segregated Funds as the Fund's Hedge. The Real Estate projects will include, but are not limited to, restoration and development of bank owned residential, commercial, industrial and agricultural properties as well as land developments of the same.
The 365 Real Estate Development Fund Ltd. will set up a hedge with the Fund's cash assets obtained through the sale of shares in what is known as a Canadian Segregated Fund. This is to achieve a stable rate of return on the hedge.
Since Canadian Segregated Funds are a Highly Rated investment in the eyes of traditional lending institutions, best rate 'Loan Facilities' using the hedge as collateral are created to borrow against. The Fund then invests the monies from the Loan Facility via secure loan/private equity arrangements on real estate and real estate projects for an additional rate of return outside the hedge. This all happens while maintaining a high asset value within the 365 Real Estate Development Fund's portfolio.
As stated, Canadian Segregated Funds provide a hedge that is a highly rated investment vehicle that allows the ability of leveraging at best interest rates. This allows for investment in the Real Estate component of the Fund.
Excellent Real Estate opportunities are always available in stable countries throughout North America and Europe regardless of the world economy. Other Real Estate opportunities are also available in various emerging markets globally. The Fund will capitalize on these opportunities to achieve maximum growth and returns.
The methodology employed is under constant revision and refinement, and the Investment Manager has discretion and reserves the right to selectively use and change the methodology from time to time. This investment is considered a medium to long term investment strategy.


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On an island in San Francisco's bay sits...
Alcatraz prison. 'The Rock'.
The only way on and off the island is by boat - unless you want to mess with some serious currents and apparently potential sharks. Not the best situation to be in...The prison has 'hosted' some infamous names such as Al Capone! and we had a brilliant audio guide round the place with true stories of the inmates (including the famous 1962 attempted escape) to go with it.
On arrival
View of San Francisco from one of the cells - frustrating to say the least!
The prison is clearly closed now - a landmark site instead. It's well worth a visit, and personally I enjoyed the grounds and views just as much as the stories and prison itself.


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This is our Mini Himber Wallet, actually a Z-fold Wallet, specially made for playing cards, credit cards or your own business card.You use this wallet to do changes, vanishes and appearances in many different routines.Our Mini Himber Wallet is hand made in Sweden from finest calf leather and the quality is first class.Size: 11 x 7 cm (4 1/3 x 2 3/4 inches).
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They have to go back
The Saudi Arabian soccer team refused to line up for a minute's silence for the London terror victims on Thursday night because it is not in keeping with their culture. A spokesman for Football Federation Australia explained they were told a minute of silence was 'not in keeping with Saudi culture' ahead of the match.I want to see FIFA crack down as hard on the Saudi football association as they would on a nation that failed to toe the line on their idiotic diversity-celebrating.
Fans were left outraged at the display ahead of the World Cup qualifier against Australia in Adelaide.
Pictures show the Australian team lined up at the halfway mark, with the Saudi players ignoring the gesture as they get in formation to start the game. Saudi players on the bench refused to stand for the minute's silence.
Labels: Clash of Civilizations, sports


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I say it was because of spring break and I needed my own little "break". But truth is, I have writer's block.
Not to say that I don't have PLENTY of things to write about...because I do. I have 3 daughters and a home daycare that could provide writing material for days. I am thinking about going back to teaching (Really, more than thinking about it. I am going that route and hopefully we be teaching for the 2013-2014 school year). I have thoughts running through my head 24/7. Seriously...sometimes they wake me up at night.
But here's the thing...I still have writer's block. And I will tell you why...
That was my whole shtick (is that a word?) with this blog. I wanted to write funny things and make people laugh. But I can't always be funny...especially when the kids are being difficult, when I am physically drained, or when I am overwhelmed. But...
2. I also can't always whine and complain here.
I have written several posts that discuss how hard parenting can be. I don't want that to become my thing either.
3. I don't want to offend people.
There are many things that I don't write about because I'm afraid to offend others. Yes, this is MY blog. MY place to write about whatever it is that I choose. But at what price? I am not willing to offend people. I am not going to call out certain groups of people or point fingers. I have lists of topics that I want to tackle...but I am too much of a wimp to go there.
4. It's a great deal of work.
Finding the time to write something of substance and quality takes time. Time that I don't always have. I know...everyone's busy. But this blog is a side thing for me. I started it as an outlet and as a place to entertain others who might be going through the same thing. I don't have time when the kids are in school to write. I have kids with me ALL OF THE TIME. I'm lucky if I get a little quiet time during nap but even then I am sifting through the rubble that the morning left behind.
5. It's a great deal of work (did I say that already?).
Again, I started this blog almost 2 years ago (1 year and 9 months ago to be exact)....and it took ALL OF THAT TIME to gain close to 4000 followers on Facebook, about 1100 followers on Twitter (I am slacker there though...sorry!), and only slightly over 100 followers here specifically on the blog. I'm am so happy that I have gained a following and I am SO GRATFUL to every single person that reads this blog. But it takes time to get there and I am not even close to some of the big dogs. It's hard not to get discouraged. It is hard to not question... What I am even doing here???
So I have a little case of writer's block.
I can only hope that one of my kids does something really embarrassing this weekend so I can write about it. Fingers crossed.


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Trade Enterprises
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What to Do with Bad Produce, or "Stand Behind Your Fruit!"
So what I'm wondering is, by bringing bad fruit back to the store, am I achieving anything other than just getting my money back for a purchase poorly made?
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20 Practice Sets - Bhartiya Vayu Sena Airman Group 'X' (Takniki Trade) Pariksha
Indian Air Force invites online applications from eligible candidates to recruit them for various Group X Technical Trades. Applicants will have to appear for the written test followed by an interview as the part of the selection process.
20 Practice Sets for Indian Air Force Airman Group 'X' Examination is a carefully compiled practice workbook, for aspirants to get away with their initial qualms about the exam. Each practice set covers ample variety of questions to cover the complete syllabus from the exam point of view. Following the exact pattern of the exam students will be able to analyze their level of preparations and allow them to master their weak areas with sufficient practice