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2013 will be the year that makes or breaks at least one Network. Expectations have risen on both the ABC and Nine; Seven are needing to either continue to assert dominance or make the battle a street brawl; SBS are likely to continue to surprise and disappoint; and Ten need to sort their shit out. We'll also wave a fond goodbye to analog television this year meaning the ratings game and expectation will continue to change and evolve as no longer can the digital multi-channels be seen as lesser siblings of the 'main' channel. Then there's always the expectation that this year will be the year that TV becomes redundant and everyone's focus will be switched to other delivery methodologies.
What's listed below isn't all of what's coming in 2013, either.
All the networks have offered their shiny I've gazed into my crystal LCD and offer these as my predictions for the year ahead. Again not every show will be a critical or runaway ratings success. This list is entirely subjective and based entirely on my spidey sense – my default position of gentle optimism. Looking over this list, screw upgrading the PVR… it's time to get a second one…
Paper Giants: Magazine Wars – Rob Carlton reprises the role that he owned in the first series, and is joined by Mandy McIlhenny and Rachel Griffiths to further develop the reigh of Packer. This time it was his poaching of heir apparent Nene King from under the nose of Dulcie Boling to set up a competitive women's magazine. Sure to be a cracker.
Serangoon Road – Don Hany to star in a "fast-paced detective series" that has all the hallmarks of another amazing drama series from Aunty.
Cliffy – The shots of Kevin Harrington as Cliff Young that have already surfaced look bang on. He's a solid actor to boot (heh heh heh) and so seeing the man shuffle from Sydney to Melbourne will likely be a telemovie treat.
Upper Middle Bogan – Robyn Butler and Wayne Hope offer the best culture-clash comedy since ever, with a writing team and cast ready to bring the house down.
The Agony Of Life – We learned so much from our Aunties and Uncles in 2012 and they return with more life guidance than we could ever have wanted or asked for. Not that we were asking. In fact, it's probably best you ignore the advice and simply enjoy the ride.
The Check Out – Julian Morrow and Craig Reucassel from The Chaser as consumer advocates. Retailers and shonky plumbers beware.
It's A Date – A new comedy series from Peter Helliar sure to prod and poke in all the right funny bone places.
Good Game/Good Game SP – Continuing as the best gaming show on Australian TV, Bajo, Hex, Goose and Darren will continue to entertain and inform across the growing culture of all things gaming.
Rake S03 – Cleaver finished up in prison and in a bit of a pickle, but it'll take more than than to hold this bad boy down. Also being developed in the US as a remake (hold your breath) Rake continues to be some of the smartest and funniest drama going around.
Louis Theroux documentaries – The thinking woman's bit on the side. He's foppish and agreeable and entirely subtle in his insight and portrayal of all his subjects.
Gruen Anything – The ABC's marquee brand continues (allegedly with Russel Howcroft who takes up a full-time role with Channel 10 this year) and no matter what iterations in which it appears it's still marvellous & intelligent TV. Not for the stupid of mind or of opinion.
Shaun Micallef's Mad As Hell S02 – Yes please.
SBS one
Better Man – The story of Van Nguyen, the 25 year old Vietnamese Australian who was executed in Singapore in 2005 for drug trafficking. David Wenham, Bryan Brown, Claudia Karvan and Remy Hii to star in what will be a strong four-part drama series.
Once Upon A Time In Punchbowl – A continuation of the insightful and challenging series that this time focuses on the inner-Sydney suburb of Punchbowl. A brilliant franchise that continues to peel back the cultural and socio-economic layers to help us all understand how the suburbs came to be what they are today.
Cronulla Riots – the Day that Shocked a Nation – Billed as an online/cross-media event, our nation's most recent day of shame will be chronicled for all to see. Running in conjunction with Once Upon A Time In Punchbowl.
Dirty Business: How Mining Made Australia – An early mark for SBS running through January, it continues the First Australians and Immigration Nation series by delving into that which we've dug up and sold for years.
Housos S02 – Pauly and the gang are back for the most irreverent and hilarious self-proclaimed "bogan comedy" going around. Not for the easily offended.
Channel 7
My Kitchen Rules S04 – A show where the cast is everything and the drama is at its best when the claws are out, this season somehow has managed to find a whole group of new people willing to subject themselves to each other's cooking and pretend to play nice about it. CAN. NOT. WAIT.
Revenge S02 – High soap opera drama at its most enveloping and camp… but try to turn away (bet you can't!).
Downton Abbey S03 – Life at the Abbey just keeps getting more interesting, and now there's a wedding afoot the house is buzzing, while Mr Banks is still in gaol. Stunning period drama that improves season on season.
A Place To Call Home – A big new sweeping drama franchise made by Ch7 that's essentially a cross between Downton Abbey & The Sullivans set in semi-rural Australia circa 1950. Noni Hazelhurst to shine as the matriarch who rules with an iron fist and razor sharp tongue.
Channel 9
Power Games: The Packer/Murdoch Story – A prequel of sorts to the original Paper Giants, pitching Sir Frank & Kerry against the Murdoch clan as the battle for media supremacy boiled in the 60's and 70's.
The Block All-Stars & a whole other season of The Block – Hard work for the contestants (& the crew); a bunch of fun for all of us. The All-Stars have already been put through the wringer, and the new cast of The Block proper look to have a challenge of multi-story proportions.
Underbelly Squizzy – What should be a bounce back season for the franchise after a dull year in 2012, this time the focus is on Squizzy Taylor (who we met briefly at the start of Underbelly Razor). Smart, sassy, sexy Aussie drama.
Schappelle – The story of Australia's most infamous accidental drug trafficker brought to life by one of the best production houses in the country.
Parade's End – Benedict Cumberbatch, Rebecca Hall & Adelaide Clemens star in an epic story of love, lust & betrayal. More nostalgic drama guaranteed to own its timeslot.
The Voice Australia S02 – Can the runaway success of 2012 maintain the momentum into the new year? Can Ricky Martin replace Keith Urban as a judge/mentor? Will Ch9 throw money at this year's program to ensure the production values lift even higher? Expect lots of noise and lots of big ratings results from The Voice Australia.
The Following – A washed up FBI agent is called in to solve crimes set in motion by a serial killer that continue even after his capture. A thrilling new drama from the US starring Kevin Bacon.
Hamish & Andy's "Do What We Want To Do" – Just expect Hamish & Andy to get to go wherever they want and do whatever they want to do (the contract negotiation will have been that simple).
House Husbands S02 – It's going to be the best Australian drama series of 2013.
Channel 10
Batavia – Peter Fitzsimons's book of the shipwrecking of the Batavia & the shocking events that followed brought to life.
Mr and Mrs Murder – Shaun Micallef & Kat Stewart as industrial cleaners and amateur sleuths. YES PLEASE.
Secrets and Lies: The Track – A psychological thriller written and filmed in Brisbane about a man who finds the body of a boy and immediately becomes suspect number one. A sharp and intelligent drama series (and about time too).
Elementary – A modernised tale of Sherlock Holmes which sees Holmes banished to Manhattan by his wealthy father after a stint in rehab, only to be babysat by (a female!) Dr Watson. Johnny Lee Miller & Lucy Lui in the lead roles.
Puberty Blues S02 – The series continues as the girls and their families continue to grow up with Australia through the 70's. Attitudes continue to change and relationships will never be the same again. An interesting move to continue the series into new territory after S01 wrapped up the contents of the book of the same name.
Can Of Worms S03 – The promise of live shows will put host Chrissie Swan, co-host Dan Ilic and the guests under the best kind of pressure, and it's sure to continue to offer funny and engaging conversations.
Modern Family S05 – It's just plain laugh out loud funny.
Homeland S03 – Brody has become public enemy number one after it looked like he and Carrie were about to have the happiest of endings. Now Saul's in charge of the CIA and he knows the truth, but how all this get turned around. Brilliantly executed drama.
Breaking Bad S05 part two/finale – This year, it all ends. Walt's secret has been discovered (not that he knows), and there's still the matter of his ego running unchecked. Expect big things from what has been some of the most incredible drama over the last 6 years.
The Newsroom S02 – Aspirational and emotional, Sorkin's new drama will continue to surprise and engage and we're all the better for it.
Game Of Thrones S03 – Winter is coming, and it looks like it'll be a bitch.
My blog, my opinion. I'm likely wrong anyway. These predictions are made (in most cases) sight unseen/only having seen a promo/read the premise from a press release. What do YOU think will be a hit in 2013?


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An attorney and New Orleans Saints fan said Monday he will go no further with his court fight against the NFL over game officials' failure to call an obvious penalty at a crucial point in a January playoff game.
The no-call helped the Los Angeles Rams beat the Saints and advance to the Super Bowl.
Lawyer Antonio LeMon and three others sued, alleging fraud by the NFL. The case was dismissed Friday by Louisiana's Supreme Court. A state judge and an appellate court had allowed the suit to proceed over NFL objections. And, for a time, it looked as though Commissioner Roger Goodell and three playoff game officials might have to submit to questions under oath.
"The Louisiana Supreme Court has now spoken," LeMon said in a prepared statement Monday morning. "Consequently we, the plaintiffs in this lawsuit, are ready to move on and respect the ruling of our State's highest court.
LeMon nevertheless called Friday's ruling disappointing.
"By this Supreme Court ruling, the only right given to the purchaser of an NFL ticket, at least in Louisiana, is to get a seat in the stadium," his statement said. "Once in that seat, the NFL has a license to do whatever it wants to us little ticket-holders, even to commit fraud and deceptive consumer trade practices against us without any civil recourse."
The NFL declined comment Monday.
Get Los Angeles's latest local news on crime, entertainment, weather, schools, COVID, cost of living and more. Here's your go-to source for today's LA news.
Three other lawsuits over the no-call had already died in federal court. At the center of each of them: The lack of a pass interference or roughness penalty after a Rams player's helmet-to-helmet hit on a Saints receiver with a pass on the way.
Among allegations in LeMon's lawsuit are claims that fraud and "implicit or unconscious bias" on the part of game officials from the Los Angeles area led to the decision not to flag the penalty.
LeMon did succeed in getting some responses from the NFL to written queries before the state Supreme Court halted action in the case while it was pending. The league acknowledged that video shows that pass interference and unnecessary roughness penalties should have been called. But it also said officials who were in proper position at the time of the play saw it "in real-time at full speed" and did not see the penalties.
"It is for each of us who have viewed the "No Call" play to decide if the NFL and Commissioner Goodell are being truthful and whether these sworn responses are disturbing," LeMon's Monday statement said.
In April, NFL owners voted to next season allow pass interference calls and non-calls to be challenged by coaches and reviewed on replay by officials.

subset: commoncrawl


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Dimensions: Overall: 36"L x 10"H Base: 12"L x 5"W
Ground Shipping: Most purchases are shipped to arrive within 5 to 7 business days of receipt of the order. Sorry, but we do not ship to P.O. or APO Boxes at this time. All orders from our inventory are shipped via UPS Ground. Furniture & Area Rug orders will be drop-shipped by our partners. Expedited Shipping: All orders placed before 12pm Monday-Friday will be shipped out the same day. Orders placed after 12pm Monday-Friday will be shipped out the morning of the next business day. Orders placed on Saturday, Sunday or holidays will be shipped the next business day. This item is available for free on-island delivery & curbside pickup. Returns & Exchanges: If you're not completely satisfied with your purchase, we will gladly offer you an exchange or refund of the merchandise price within 30 days of receipt of product. To begin a return, please visit https://returns.nantucketlooms.com/. Please note, that a standard label fee of $12.95 will be applied to your refund, unless the item received is incorrect or damaged. Original shipping charges are non-refundable, unless the item received is incorrect or damaged.


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Midnight in Paris - Guestwords by Francis Levy
Jean-Luc Godard's "Breathless" created a gangster in Jean-Paul Belmondo who was an existential hero. Jean Seberg, your friendly local Francophile, represented America's ambivalent infatuation with a culture that itself has a love-hate relationship with all things American, including cinema. But it's one thing to debate "Breathless" or, say, Robert Bresson's "Pickpocket," another New Wave classic, while walking past the Cinematheque Francaise, now a formidable institution in its own right occupying a Frank Gehry-designed structure in the 12th arrondissement on the Rue de Bercy, and another to actually be a victim of a real Parisian gangster.
The French outlaw or rebellious character may be a beloved creature, like Jean-Pierre Leaud in Truffaut's "400 Blows," but when you confront the reality of a French gangster, he or she conforms more to Hannah Arendt's "banality of evil" than to cinematic incarnations themselves modeled on American films. Was Camus thinking about James Cagney's explosive response to his mother's death in "White Heat" when he wrote the famed beginning lines of "The Stranger," "Mother died today. Or, maybe, yesterday: I can't be sure"?
Pickpocketing is the crime of choice for Parisian criminals, and it's far more surgical, unremarkable, and uncinematic than anything Godard or Truffaut could have conjured. It's painful when it happens, as it did to my wife on a recent trip to Paris, but painless in the expert way it attacks the unsuspecting tourist, removing his or her offending affluence and peace of mind like the microbe of a virus that creates havoc invisibly and so quickly as to wipe out the possibility of memory. But here is what happened to us.
We were on our way to a restaurant called La Cordonnerie on the Rue St.-Roch in the 1st arrondissement. Even though it was near the tourist area of the Louvre and not on the Left Bank, where vaguely artistic criminals like the Belmondo character tend to congregate, it was just the kind of charming traditional place advertising six tables, a chef owner, and top ratings on Trip Advisor that Americans like us, whose Grail is authenticity, seek out in droves. The name might have been a cause for concern, with its association to noose, but we were feeling triumphant, despite the heavy rain that had begun to fall, in having gained any reservation at all.
Our stop on the Metro was Tuileries, and by the time we were drying out in the restaurant and arguing about how to deal with a petulant waiter who didn't appreciate being asked for bread, bread, and more delicious bread every time our bread basket was emptied, unbeknownst to us, the crime had already taken place. It was only when my wife received a call on her cell from her bank saying that someone was making lots of charges on her Visa card that she reached into her purse and realized that her wallet was gone. Our bread basket was filled in time for both of us to lose our appetites, on our first night in Paris.
Rather than playing itself across an imaginary screen the way some painful events do, the violation in question required a retrospectroscope. We thought back to a moment when the exit door at the Metro stop wouldn't open. Yes, that was it, we both agreed. A man had been standing in front of my wife, seemingly unable to budge the door. I'd felt an almost imperceptible panic, the involuntary response that one has to the feeling of being trapped. We were late for our coveted reservation, which we would lose if we couldn't get out of the Metro.
Another man had been standing between my wife and me, and I remembered thinking he was a crazy. He had looked at me and said something about "la porte," and I'd thought I'd done a good job in shooing him off. My wife had been sandwiched between two con men who had expertly "cordoned" her off from me, using the classic concept of distraction that is employed by all magicians who engineer a sleight of hand.
I'd thought we'd be spending the whole night arguing about my unwillingness to shut my mouth with the waiter — who'd also told me I could go to the local "magasin" if I wanted ketchup with my entrecote — but instead we found ourselves on the phone with credit card companies that reported robust activity on my wife's accounts.
At midnight we ended up at the police station on the Rue Bonaparte, one block from our charming hotel, filing a report and discussing Woody Allen's "Midnight in Paris" with one of the local gendarmes. He was less baffled by what had happened to us, which was "ordinaire," than by his own as yet futile attempts to find the street and the chink in time where Owen Wilson accomplished what we all dream of doing, returning to La Belle Epoque, in both the literal and figurative senses of the words. For the rest of our stay we unsuccessfully tried to take a philosophic attitude toward what had happened. If a whole generation had been lost, was it so bad to lose just a wallet?
Francis Levy is the author of the novels "Erotomania: A Romance" and "Seven Days in Rio." He lives in New York and Wainscott and blogs at TheScreamingPope.com.


text: The #interpack is an absolute must-attend event for employees and companies in the beverages industry and a unique source of inspiration. Every three years, it is not only a unique exhibition, but also the place where customers meet suppliers from all over the world to exchange ideas and do businessNo other trade fair in the world covers the entire value chain. No other exhibition presents such tailor-made solutions and innovative concepts for your industry. It is the ultimate event for the packaging industry.Its claim to be the world's most important event and innovation platform for the industry is impressively underlined by interpack every three years.


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For most of us, a modern lifestyle without polymers is unthinkable…if only we knew what they were. The ordinary hardware-store terms we use for them include "plastics, polyethylene, epoxy resins, paints, adhesives, rubber" — without ever recognizing the physical and chemical structures shared by this highly varied — and talented — family of engineering materials.
Polymers increasingly form key components of electronic devices, too — and with its ever-escalating pursuit of high efficiency and low cost, the electronics industry prizes understanding specific behaviors of polymers. The ability of polymers to conduct charge and transport energy is especially appealing.
Now there's help in appreciating the polymer mystique related to the emerging field of molecular conduction in which films of charge-transporting large molecules and polymers are used within electronic devices. These include small-scale applications such as light emitting diodes (LED). At the other end of the scale, in cities and across oceans, the polymer polyethylene is the vital insulating component in the reliable and safe transport of electrical energy by high voltage underground cables.
In work appearing in the current edition of the Journal of Applied Physics, researchers at the United Kingdom's Bangor University describes how electrical charges may leak away to the ground through its labyrinth of molecules.
Researchers Thomas J. Lewis and John P. Llewellyn pay particular attention to the nano-scale structure of polyethylene in which crystalline regions are separated by areas known as "amorphous zones." Their novel employment of superexchange and quantum mechanical tunneling of electrons through the amorphous parts of the polymer helps improve understanding of electrical charge conduction.
"These findings could lead not only to improved properties of high voltage cables but also to a wider understanding of polymer semiconductors in device applications," said Lewis.
Their investigation shows that the tunneling feature accounts for the majority of the reported high-field charge transport effects in polyethylene.


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White Tara
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Tara is a female Boddhistava known as the mother of liberalization. Tara is a meditation deity whose practice is believed to bring develop inner qualities and understand outer, inner and secret teaching about compassion and emptiness. There are 21 emanation of Tara. Tara desire to save living beings from suffering is stronger than a mother love for children and hence is consider being the Goddess of compassion
Green Tara is believed to be born from compassionate tear of Avalokiteshavara when he was looking down the world of suffering. The suffering let his tear fall down and from left a white peaceful Tara was born and from right fierce green.
Green Tara is depicted to be young girl of 16 having a mischievous and playfully nature. Her posture is portrayed with right leg extended with ease, signifying she is always ready to help being from suffering and left leg folded in contemplative position on lotus pedestal symbolizing the integration of wisdom and art. She holds a blue lotus on her left hand symbolizing purity and power while right hand makes boon granting gesture.


text: The Tide combines AÃRK's contemporary minimalism with traditional luxury. Available in brushed stainless steel or gold plating, the slim outer case frames a simple dial featuring raised indexes and a subtle wave-form detail on the hour hand. The design is underpinned by premium materials, including a soft and durable band sourced from iconic US tannery Horween Leather. Driven by a Swiss Quartz movement and protected by sapphire-coated mineral glass, the Tide is a truly unisex timepiece in size, weight and finish.


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Brainly – The Homework App
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1971 DeTomaso Pantera
2dr Coupe
8-cyl. 5766cc/330hp 4bbl
Past sales
Protect your 1971 DeTomaso Pantera from the unexpected.
Model overview
Model description
When Alejandro DeTomaso retired from race car driving he turned to car manufacturing, and by the late 1960s had given the world the bug-like 4-cylinder Vallelunga and the radical V8 Mangusta coupes—aesthetically interesting and competent road cars.
In the meantime, Ford had been seeking to acquire an exotic car company, and they landed on DeTomaso's doorstep. The radical Mangusta was interesting in concept but not quite right for the American market, but the car DeTomaso had in the works was—the Pantera. A deal was struck.
The car debuted at the New York Auto Show in 1970, and with Ford's backing, the plan was to import 10,000, to be sold at Lincoln-Mercury dealerships around the country.
Styling for the Pantera came courtesy of the young Tom Tjaarda at Ghia, and the crisp lines and long snout sat atop a pressed-steel unit chassis, while its off-the-shelf 310-hp, 351-ci "Cleveland" V8 was situated midship and paired with a 5-speed ZF transaxle. Weight distribution was predictably biased toward the rear, 150 mph was not out of the question, and the car came with amenities like air conditioning, which American buyers demanded.
Early production issues plagued the $10,000 Pantera, with fit and finish leaving much to be desired. The engine tended to overheat, as did the cabin. And while American versions of the car lacked some of the power of their Euro-spec sisters, when they weren't fizzling out, the Pantera shined. Car & Driver said in August 1971: "As you skim over the pavement in the Pantera you can't help feeling smug. You hear the engine rumbling along from its station back by your shoulder blades—a mechanical arrangement even novitiate automotive visionaries will recognize as a little piece of tomorrow today. And the looks. Oh wow—like something that just rolled out of the Turin Show."
A luxury model, the Pantera L (for Lusso), arrived for 1972 with unique bumpers, a finned panel over the fuel filler, and several other cosmetic upgrades. Quality control improved, though the V8 was revised ahead of the 1973 model year with a power-stifling lower compression ratio aimed at meeting emissions standards. Pointy black bumpers arrived as well. DeTomaso also built a Euro-spec GTS model in 1973, which featured special badging and a high-compression V8, boasting 350 hp and a top speed of over 170 mph.
Ford pulled the plug on the program after 1974, when fewer than 6,000 Panteras had been sold. DeTomaso continued to produce the car in Europe up until 1991, though the cars of the Ford years are generally the most sought after.


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Notice Number: NOT-MH-11-014
Update: The following update relating to this announcement has been issued:
Key Dates
Release Date: July 20, 2011
Issued by
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) announces an administrative supplement program to provide funds to research projects to support advanced research experiences of exceptional individuals holding the M.D./Ph.D. degree early in their research careers. The goal of this program is to provide opportunities for M.D./Ph.D.-trained individuals to continue to conduct research and to enhance their research skill set while completing clinical training, i.e., during the years of residency and clinical fellowship, and to contribute to the progress of the research grant. Support through this administrative supplement program is expected to enhance the scientific and professional development of the participating individuals, speed their transition to research independence as physician-scientists, and contribute to scientific knowledge that advances the mission of the NIMH.
Physician-scientists are believed to bring a unique perspective to research through the blend of clinical and research experiences they acquire during graduate and medical education, residency, and fellowship. Over the past three decades, there has been a steady decline in the number of physician-scientists actively pursuing research careers (e.g., Abrams, Patchan & Boat, 2003). In psychiatry, the decline has been more striking than in other clinical specialties (Fenton, James, & Insel, 2004).
At the time they enter residency training, M.D./Ph.D.s have already received substantial research training while conducting dissertation research and have demonstrated a strong interest in and commitment to research. During clinical training, limited opportunities exist for these individuals to continue to develop research expertise, document their research productivity, and maintain currency with the rapidly evolving scientific landscape. The limited availability of options to support research effort during clinical training is a significant barrier to increasing the pipeline of outstanding M.D./Ph.D.s prepared to conduct innovative, NIMH-funded research. The 2008 National Advisory Mental Health Council Workgroup on Research Training recommended that the NIMH expand efforts to support research opportunities for M.D./Ph.D.s during residency and ensure flexibility of these opportunities so that M.D./Ph.D.s who are committed to a research career as physician-scientists may continue research during residency and transition efficiently and effectively to research independence.
Abrams MT, Patchan KM, Boat TF (Eds). Research Training in Psychiatry Residency: Strategies for Reform. Washington, DC. The National Academies Press, 2003. (http://www.nap.edu/catalog/10823.htm)
Fenton W, James R, Insel T. Psychiatry residency training, the physician-scientist, and the future of psychiatry. Acad Psychiatry 2004; 28:263-266.
Research Opportunity
The goal of this program is to help M.D./Ph.D.s move more efficiently and effectively from the period of clinical training to the next stage of their research careers by supporting focused, protected research time during residency or clinical fellowship. The proposed research experience must be an integral part of the approved, ongoing research of the parent grant and must have the potential to contribute significantly to the candidate's research career. Applications are expected to summarize: a) the candidate's supplemental research project, and b) a plan that is designed to enhance his/her research skills, scientific knowledge, and related professional skills including plans for subsequent funding applications that would help maintain the candidate's research momentum. To ensure flexibility of research opportunities, the specific plan and scope of the research experience may vary depending on such factors as the year in residency, the nature of the parent grant, the candidate's technical skill set and goals, and the candidate's available effort. Applications are strongly encouraged to document the Principal Investigator's commitment to provide appropriate guidance and supervision of the candidate. Plans that primarily involve clinical interviewing and/or conducting laboratory sessions with research participants would be considered a low priority for this supplement program.
NIMH-supported R01, R34, R37, P01, P20, P30, P50, U01, UM1, and U19 research projects are eligible for this supplement program. NIH DP1 and DP2 awards may be eligible for this program if the funded research is aligned with the mission and strategic priorities of the NIMH. To be eligible, the parent grant must be active and have sufficient time remaining to provide a productive supplement period, generally at least two years. The research proposed in the supplement must be within the general scope of the peer-reviewed activities and aims of the parent grant.
Individuals from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups as well as individuals with disabilities are always encouraged to apply for NIH support.
Only one supplement for advanced research experience for an M.D./Ph.D. candidate will be supported on a parent grant at any time.
Applicants are strongly encouraged to contact one of the Program Contacts listed at the end of this Notice to discuss a potential application.
Eligible Candidates
Candidates must meet the following eligibility criteria at the time of application: 1) must be a citizen or a non-citizen national of the United States or have been lawfully admitted for permanent residence; 2) must have graduated from a combined M.D./Ph.D. program; 3) must currently be in good standing in an ACGME-accredited residency program or clinical fellowship program; and 4) must be able to commit appropriate effort to the proposed research experience in any year. Candidates during residency must commit no less than 1.8 person-months (15% of full-time professional effort) to the proposed research experience; at the time of award, such candidates must be in PGY2 of residency or beyond. Candidates during fellowship must commit no less than 6 person-months (50% of full-time professional effort) to the proposed research experience.
The Department Chair and Residency Director must document that the research activities and associated time commitment proposed in the supplemental application will be supported by the institution and will not adversely affect the candidate's board eligibility or prolong the period of residency or clinical fellowship, as appropriate.
Supplement recipients who change institutions during the period of residency or clinical fellowship are eligible candidates for a supplement award with a different PD/PI at the new institution.
M.D./Ph.D. candidates from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups as well as those with disabilities are always encouraged to apply for NIH support.
Selection Factors
Administrative supplement requests will be reviewed administratively by NIMH Program and Grants Management Staff. Selection factors will include the following:
Budget and Funding Information
Applications will be accepted until April 1st of each year for consideration for funding during that fiscal year, although earlier submission is strongly encouraged. All applications should be preceded by consultation with NIMH Program staff (see Inquiries section below) to discuss the application process and determine availability of funds.
All awards are subject to the terms and conditions, cost principles, and other considerations described in the NIH Grants Policy Statement.
The NIMH will provide salary support for the candidate in addition to other justified expenses, such as travel and supplies, to enable the candidate to participate fully in the proposed research experience. The requested salary and fringe benefits must be in accordance with the salary structure of the grantee institution for individuals in comparable positions, consistent with the level of effort, and may generally not exceed $75,000 per year. Funds up to $10,000 may be requested for supplies and travel for the candidate. No supplement funds may be used to purchase equipment. Total direct costs may not exceed $85,000 annually.
An award issued under this Notice is contingent upon adequate progress on the parent grant during the current project period, the availability of funds, and the receipt of a sufficient number of meritorious applications.
In non-competing continuation applications (using PHS Form 2590), the Progress Report and budget for the supplement must be clearly delineated from the Progress Report and budget for the parent grant. The Progress Report should describe the research activities of the MD/PhD resident or fellow during the prior budget period even if support for future years is not requested. If future support is requested, plans for the resident or fellow's research activities during the next budget period should be described. Continuation of supplemental support in the remaining years of the grant's competitive segment will depend on satisfactory review by the NIMH of progress for the parent grant and the supplement project, the proposed research and other activities for the next budget period, and the appropriateness of the proposed budget for the proposed effort. A final supplement report is due no later than 90 days after the end of the supplemental award.
How to Apply
Applications will be accepted until April 1st of each year for consideration for funding during that fiscal year, although earlier submission is strongly encouraged.
Requests under this Notice should be prepared using PHS 398 forms (available at https://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/phs398/phs398.html), with further guidance provided at http://www.nimh.nih.gov/research-funding/grants/supplement-program-continuity-clinical-training.shtml under the section entitled Submission Instructions. The request must be signed by the authorized Business Official.
Before submitting an administrative supplement request for this program, applicants are strongly encouraged to contact the appropriate Program Contact listed below to discuss their plans.
Scientific/Research Contact:
Nancy L Desmond, Ph.D.
Division of Neuroscience and Basic Behavioral Science
National Institute of Mental Health
6001 Executive Boulevard, Room 7197, MSC 9645
Bethesda, MD 20892-9645
Telephone: (301) 443-3107
Email: email@example.com
Mark Chavez, Ph.D.
Division of Adult Translational Research and Treatment Development
National Institute of Mental Health
6001 Executive Boulevard, Room 7101, MSC 9632
Bethesda, MD 20892-9632
Telephone: (301) 443-8942
Email: firstname.lastname@example.com
James D. Churchill, Ph.D.
Division of Developmental Translational Research
National Institute of Mental Health
6001 Executive Boulevard, Room 6178, MSC 9617
Bethesda, MD 20892-9645
Telephone: (301) 443-3621
Email: email@example.com
Lauren Hill, Ph.D.
Division of Services and Interventions Research
National Institute of Mental Health
6001 Executive Boulevard, Room 7148, MSC 9635
Bethesda, MD 20892-9635
Telephone: (301) 443-2638
Email: email@example.com
David Stoff, Ph.D.
Division of AIDS Research
National Institute of Mental Health
6001 Executive Boulevard, Room 6210, MSC 9619
Bethesda, MD 20892-9619
Telephone: (301) 443-4625
Email: email@example.com


text:
Join us in Surrey/Langley on Sunday, July 5 at 11am for $4 breakfast in a welcoming environment at Edith + Arthur Public House. Come out and hang with us!
If you're not already a member, you can join our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/5218449547/
You can RSVP to this event on Facebook.
Upcoming events:
[google-calendar-events type="list" max="5″ id="6″]
You can always find the latest event information on the Vancouver Skeptics Event Calendar on VancouverSkeptics.org.


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(visited by dennis and anabella starnes)
06-Aug-2009 --
We started from Copan Ruinas' town early in the morning. We drove in direction towards La Virginia or San Antonio Villages. At about 10am, we ate breakfast and proceeded to ask about a gas station. The general population agreed that a neighbor sold fuel by the liter. We purchased about seven gallons. Dennis had the opportunity to dispense the fuel using a homemade funnel which consisted of a piece of plastic and a wool sock to aid filtering it.
We came to El Paraiso at about mid day. We tried to follow the GPS' directions, but unable to cross the river. We found a suitable place to leave our car and asked Mrs. Marta Lidia Dubón Aquino if we could park our car in front of her house. We started to wade across the river; the current was a bit strong and kind of deep in certain parts. We decided to go back to our car. We offered to pay for the parking and Mrs. Dubón Aquino stated that it was unnecessary. Her husband, Gersón Barrientos was there and he was kind of curious about our endeavor.
As I was explaining, his brother came around and we invited him to go with us. He said yes, but only if he could have a piggy back ride. I stated that maybe he could just float down river; otherwise it could be kind of heavy for us. I asked him who is bigger your brother or you? He looked puzzled and looked at his brother's belly and then held his; "I think we are just about the same size" - he said. I started to laugh, and stated that I meant age wise. Mrs. Dubón Aquino could not help to laugh out loud with all of us. Gersón and his brother pointed to us that there was a hammock bridge we could use to go across the river, and pointed us in the right direction.
We walked for a while and asked permission to go across a farm, were some young men were working: Tending some stables and riding some broncos. We went across another hammock bridge. It began to rain…we got soaked and pleasantly refreshed. The temperature was very hot and sticky prior to the rain. We came onto a cross roads we left on our right side San Marcos and head toward Santa Lucía.
We found our way and asked Mrs. Gloria Cruz permission to go and find the coordinates in her stables. She clarified that the land owner wasn't around; her husband Luis Antonio Avila and her only took care of the cows. They have been working in this land for the past six years. The farm is called El Chicharrón, which in turn was named after the creek near the last hammock bridge we crossed. They have five daughters: Delmy, Evelyn, Marveny Gloribel, and Erika.
Trying to find the point, was a bit grueling, by now the rain was really cold. Dennis fell down a couple of times, flat on his back. I stood back and just said: I saw that. He answered: I felt it.
This region was one of the greenest and peaceful of a place one could find in Honduras.


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This book explores contemporary architectural practices and design agendas that are being shaped or enabled by news forms of "patronage"
Essays, projects, and interviews will examine emerging forms of sponsorship, new forms of connectivity – technological or social – that produce innovative modes of collaboration, and strategies for cultivating relationships that allow us to rethink typical hierarchies between those in power and those in service. One could argue that the profession of architecture has traditionally been characterized by patronage. Throughout the twentieth century, private clients have enabled architects to develop and realize their most significant work. Today, the landscape of patronage is shifting. While the role of private clients is still central to the survival of the profession, an increasing number of architects and design practitioners are actively cultivating partnerships with not-for-profits, granting agencies, educational institutions, and other public organizations. How are these broader relationships redefining the role of patronage in architecture? Have our current economic, ecological, and political climates provoked architecture to confront its own priorities and assumptions? How can the practice of architecture be shaped not only through relationships of power, but also through strategies of empowerment? How are emerging practitioners today grappling with issues of inclusion and exclusion in the field?


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Great Lake Freighter Roger Blough Coasters For Boat Fans! Our Coasters pop with vivid color, making them that perfect unique gift. Bring back that special place in Michigan with one of our many beautiful tile products!
Images are high resolution and imprinted deep into the tile, they will not fade or peel. They can hold heat up to 400 degrees, making them perfect for coasters & trivets. They also are stain resistant and waterproof and can be washed with any cleaner. All coasters and trivets have cork backings. Due to cork backings, we do not recommend washing in a dishwasher. All coasters can be used with regular tile work and would make a great Michigan theme backsplash. Hope you enjoy the photos!


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In anticipation of training camp, the NFL is asking fans – including Jaguars fans - to get Back to Football by showing their team spirit and creativity through the inaugural NFL Fan Flag Challenge. The NFL and all 32 clubs are asking fans to help inspire the design of the team flags that will help kick off the 93rd NFL season.
Thirty-two fans, one per team, will participate in 2012 NFL Kickoff and will have their design concept incorporated into their team's flag that will be on display as part of the Kickoff festivities in New York on Wednesday, September 5.
The NFL Fan Flag Challenge asks fans to submit designs with elements representative of their team's city, community, traditions, or its fans. Grand prize winners will be chosen from all 32 NFL markets. Each grand prize will include the winner's inspirational design concept being used as a guideline to create the team's flag, and a trip for the winner and one guest to New York to participate in 2012 NFL Kickoff.
The Kickoff celebration will lead into the opening game between the Super Bowl XLVI champion New York Giants and Dallas Cowboys at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ (Wednesday, September 5, 8:30 PM ET, NBC).
Fans may enter the Fan Flag Challenge at NFL.com/fanflags through Sunday, July 15 by submitting an entry in essay format describing their vision of the flag, explain the inspiration for their flag design and why it's meaningful to him/her. Each team will participate on the judging panel for its flag.


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True of False, It's Illegal to Flash Your Headlights at Another Vehicle in Minnesota
In Minnesota, we know there are all kinds of things we're not supposed to do when we're driving -- but do anyway (sometimes). From driving with snow on our car to checking our phones when we're stopped at a light -- to speeding and not turning on our lights when its raining.
But what about flashing your headlights at another vehicle coming at you with their high beams on -- blinding you for the moment? It's even worse with those super-bright new headlights out there. Is it ok to give 'em a quick flash or two, or is that another no-no in Minnesota?
Survey says...
It's illegal. (Yes, really.) Flipping your high beams on once or twice to let another oncoming vehicle that they have their high beams on is officially against the law in Minnesota.
In an article on hometownsource.com, Sargent Jesse Grabow of the Minnesota State Patrol says:
A person is not allowed to "flash" their headlights at another vehicle, even if that vehicle has its high beams on. When meeting a vehicle in Minnesota, dim your headlights to low beams at 1,000 feet (even on a divided roadway.) Also use your low beams when you're following another vehicle at 200 feet or less.
Minnesota's Headlight High Beam Statute 169.61
(a) When a motor vehicle is being operated on a highway or shoulder adjacent thereto during the times when lighted lamps on vehicles are required in this chapter, the driver shall use a distribution of light, or composite beam, directed high enough and of sufficient intensity to reveal persons and vehicles at a safe distance in advance of the vehicle, subject to the following requirements and limitations.
(b) When the driver of a vehicle approaches a vehicle within 1,000 feet, such driver shall use a distribution of light, or composite beam, so aimed that the glaring rays are not projected into the eyes of the oncoming driver.
(c) When the driver of a vehicle follows another vehicle within 200 feet to the rear, except when engaged in the act of overtaking and passing, such driver shall use a distribution of light permissible under this chapter other than the uppermost distribution of light specified in section 169.60.
Well there you have it. Flashing the high beams is illegal in Minnesota. And obviously, the vehicle approaching you with their high beams on is also in violation of the law.
MORE TO EXPLORE: Breathtaking Views of Minnesota
WHOA: You Have to See Inside Minnesota's Most Expensive House


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Fuji's X100 gets the limited edition treatment
When Fujifilm's X100 debuted back in 2010 it was undoubtedly a little stunner. Fans of the original silver model will be equally excited about the X100 black.
Although the body and design of the camera is the same irrelevant of the finish, the X100 black dangles the limited edition carrot as there have only been 10,000 produced worldwide. There are no sample models for testing as this is an exclusiuve model if we ever saw one.
Each X100 black model comes in its own limited edition case and includes a leather case & strap, 49mm protector filter, metal lens hood and an individually numbered message card of authenticity.
However, as each camera's serial number corresponds to the country where it will be shipped, the numbered message card and serial will not match. A small detail, but a bit of a shame nonetheless.
Price-wise the X100 black is likely to set you back a fair penny – although Fujifilm was unable to provide even a guestimate price, the cost of the camera and all those accessories alone would be far more than the original X100 silver's £999 suggested price. We can only speculate, maybe multiply that figure by two? Your guess is as good as ours…


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iD Square displays one of the largest selections of designs & colours on the market. Specifically crafted by our Tarkett design studio, all 50 designs and 7 formats can be mixed together to carry out elegant, creative projects and bring unexpected style to your floor. Also, iD Square can be combined with Desso Carpets, thanks to similar thicknesses (difference in height is < 2.5mm) and matching designs, to create the perfect fit and ensure seamless transitions.
Easy to install and just as easy to remove, without damaging the substrate, iD Square gives you a quick access to the technical subfloor and guarantees a fast installation process. It also dampens noise level, which makes it ideal for workplace and commercial projects including hospitality.


text: Amphibians, class Amphibia, such as frogs, toads, salamandesr, newts, and gymnophiona, are cold-blooded animals that metamorphose from a juvenile, water-breathing form to an adult, air-breathing form. Typically, amphibians have four limbs. Unlike other land animals (amniotes), amphibians lay eggs in water, as their fish ancestors did. Amphibians are superficially similar to reptiles. For the purpose of reproduction most amphibians are bound to have fresh water. A few tolerate brackish water, but there are no true seawater amphibians. Several hundred frog species in adaptive radiations, however, do not need any water whatsoever. They reproduce via direct development, an ecological and evolutionary adaptation that has allowed them to be completely independent from free-standing water. Almost all of these frogs live in wet tropical rainforests and their eggs hatch directly into miniature versions of the adult, passing through the tadpole stage within the egg. Several species have also adapted to arid and semi-arid environments, but most of them still need water to lay their eggs. Symbiosis with single celled algae that lives in the jelly-like layer of the eggs has evolved several times. The larvae breathe with exterior gills. After hatching, they start to transform gradually into the adult's appearance. This process is called metamorphosis. Typically, the animals then leave the water and become terrestrial adults, but there are many interesting exceptions to this general way of reproduction.


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Razer Surround aims to plug 7.1 home theater sound into any headset
No two ears are alike
When we met up with Razer CEO Min-Liang Tan at E3 2013 a few weeks ago, after we chatted about the company's hardware offerings and future plans, the company co-founder shared with us a new product that's only available starting today.
"One of the things that isn't really evident about Razer is that we're actually a software company," he said during our meeting. "We do all the software - we do everything from EC to BIOS to firmware to application layer."
Now, Razer is notching another bit of software in its belt: Razer Surround, an audio engine that delivers 7.1 virtual surround sound through any stereo headset.
Via a download and a 360-spin of audio tests, Surround calibrates audio based on individual users one-of-a-kind ear size and shape.
Hearing me now
The patent-pending tech Razer created for Surround takes into account time delay, audio interference and amplitude to mix up positional sound that's tailored to each user.
In other words, algorithms based on average ear size and shape need not apply.
"We think it's really the best algorithm for surround sound," Tan told us. "There are other virtual surround stuff, but nothing that is calibrated and customized to your ears."
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It's a 5-step process to set up Surround, with the 4th relying on directional sound hits (eyes closed) and some mouse wheel/arrow key adjustments to pinpoint where users think a sound is coming from. A final calibration process lets users fine tune their settings.
Personal settings are saved in the cloud so users can access their calibrations anytime and anywhere.
Surround is designed to work with any headset/phones, Razer-made or not, though users will need Windows (XP and up) to run it.
It also requires 100MB of free hard disc space and Razer Synapse 2.0, which means users will need a Razer account. Surround will automatically update new systems to previous calibrated settings.
But how much does it cost?
While Tan said the software was initially intended to sell for $19.99 (about £12.98, AU$21.65), the company decided to do something a little different at the start.
From now until Dec. 31, Razer is offering Surround free of charge. All it's asking in return is that customers consider making a donation to Child's Play, a game industry charity that provides toys and games to more than 70 international hospitals.
Donations are optional, Tan said, and we were told by Razer that those are only set up until the end of the year.
Starting Jan. 1, 2014, those who download Surround will pay the full $19.99 price, with international pricing announced close to release. The tech is downloadable worldwide.
- So you know about the headset tech now, but is a gaming phone from Razer in the works?
Michelle was previously a news editor at TechRadar, leading consumer tech news and reviews. Michelle is now a Content Strategist at Facebook. A versatile, highly effective content writer and skilled editor with a keen eye for detail, Michelle is a collaborative problem solver and covered everything from smartwatches and microprocessors to VR and self-driving cars.


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Calcium is one of the most important minerals for our bodies and is required for muscle and nerve functions. Diet is the best way to get calcium yet don't think of only dairy food sources for your calcium intake. There are many options that perhaps you aren't aware of!
The Food and Nutrition Board at the Institute of Medicine of the National Academies have recommended that men and women get between 1,000 and 1,300 mg of calcium per day, depending on age. If you don't get enough calcium, adults may have low bone mass which is a risk factor for osteoporosis. Make it a point to reach your recommended daily intake of calcium. To be successful in this, here are some non-dairy sources of calcium that you may not be aware of. Here is a list of great choices to include in your daily diet:
• Dark leafy greens like spinach, broccoli, okra, kale and collard greens are high in calcium. One cup of cooked collard greens has 26 mg – a quarter of the amount you need in a day. Try to add green to every meal and you'll be healthier for it!
• Chia seeds are tiny yet they are a powerhouse of nutrients! They are among the healthiest foods on the planet. An ounce of chia seeds have 18% of the RDI. They are great sprinkled on oatmeal, cereal, yogurt, vegetables, rice, salads and shakes. Note that they can become gel like and thicken when mixed with water.
• Fennel has a licorice-like flavor with a great crunch like celery. Fennel can be added to salads or eaten alone and all parts of the vegetable are edible (bulb, stalk, leaves, seeds). A cup of fennel has 43 mg of sodium.
• Canned sardines and canned salmon are both loaded with calcium thanks to their edible bones. A 3.75-ounce can of sardines packs 35% of the RDI and 3-ounces of canned salmon with bones has 21% RDI.
• Sesame seeds and flax seeds are great options to sprinkle on foods also. Unhulled sesame seeds are especially rich in calcium. These can be sprinkled on so many food choices!
• Tahini is a butter made from hulled, ground and toasted sesame seeds. It is high in calories so it should be eaten in moderation. A tablespoon provides almost 23 mg of calcium. Tahini is a major ingredient in hummus (chickpeas) and baba ghanoush (eggplant).
• Treat yourself to a handful of almonds or Brazil nuts a day! About 22 of these nuts deliver about 8% of the RDI.
• Blackstrap molasses is a thick syrup. Molasses products are becoming more available at markets and blackstrap molasses is commonly used as a natural sweetener and a sugar alternative. It can be used in coffee as a sweetener and used as a spread or topping. Baking with blackstrap molasses can replace brown sugar or maple syrup. 100 grams of blackstrap molasses provides 20% of recommended daily calcium amount.
• Hemp milk is the top dairy milk alternative for calcium content with an 8 ounce serving supplying 45% of the RDI. It is made from seeds of the hemp plant.
• Dried figs have more calcium than any other dried fruit with 5% of the RDI in one ounce. They are packed with fiber and antioxidants.
• White beans and winged beans are low-fat and high in calcium. A cup of cooked wing beans has 24% of the RDI and a cup on white beans has 13% of the RDI. These beans can be incorporated into many recipes – soups, chili, salads and stir-fry.


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Have you tried "natural" makeup before and been disappointed?
I know a lot of women have and found that the coverage wasn't enough, or it melted off their faces within a couple of hours! Then you are going to be pleasantly surprised by Savvy Minerals® if you've had this experience!
Beauty can be yours without compromising your integrity and "natural" lifestyle. Now you can have a gorgeous new look and beautifully radiant skin!
Is it possible your cosmetics are slowly poisoning you?
Did you know that the skin absorbs 60-70% of everything you apply topically? That is the case, and sadly, the average woman puts over 500 chemicals per day on her body, most coming from her makeup, cosmetics, and other beauty products.
Almost 13,000 chemicals are used in cosmetics, and only about 10 percent have been evaluated for safety. Although the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has the authority to regulate harmful ingredients in cosmetics and personal care products, they don't often exercise it…"- Dr. Mercola
Time to Ditch & Switch
Get Beauty without Compromising Your Natural Lifestyle
Safe, Effective, and Natural Makeup
The Savvy Minerals® line from Young Living® features high-quality, naturally derived makeup to match every skin tone and style. Here is why I choose Savvy Minerals® products and keep my makeup bag healthy for me!
Look at the labels on your cosmetics,
ditch any of them that has these things listed!
Look at these ingredients. They are fabulous for your skin.
An Amazing Full Line of Savvy Mineral Products
Start With These...
- Primer (hydrating) - This will help you minimizes the look of pores and fine lines while creating a smooth surface for foundation to adhere to for long-lasting coverage. Dry skin will love the extra moisture!
- Primer (mattifying) - Help your foundation last longer with a smooth, matte finish. Formulated to reduce shine and oil while creating a flawless, smooth surface.
Then Add...
- Foundation Powder - An all-day foundation, so you don't need to worry about it as you transition between your home, work, and social life!
- Bronzer - For a sun-kissed glow any time of year. Use it to enhance a tan or your overall radiance, and you'll be wearing your glow all day long. Available in natural-looking shades.
- Veil (Illuminating or Setting Powder) - Highlight your best features with illuminating Diamond Dust Veil, or set your makeup with a matte finish using our Matte Veil.
- Blush - This blush builds and blends beautifully, allowing you to create a radiant, natural-looking flush that suits your skin tone and a glow that lasts all day.
- MultiTasker - This one is awesome! This deep, dark brown shade is perfect as an eyeliner, eyeshadow, or brow filler. Perfect for an evening look it will stay put from sunup to sundown.
All Eyes on You...
- Eyeshadow Palette No 1 - This palette is brand new and so convenient! With five rich mineral shadows, you can mix and match to create a variety of styles, from subtle to dramatic.
- Eyeshadow (loose powder) - The mineral base glides on smoothly for easy application, and each shade has high color payoff that easily blends and builds into your desired look.
- Eyeliner - An ideal eyeliner for sensitive skin. This mineral-based eyeliner has a long-lasting, high color payoff. For higher impact, apply the powder with a moistened brush.
- Mascara - Have you wished you could find a safe mascara that works with sensitive eyes? This one is made with naturally derived ingredients and infused with lavender.
Finish Your Look...
- Misting Spray - Made with pure essential oils, trace minerals, and plant-based ingredients, this will give you more thorough foundation coverage, all while nourishing and refreshing your skin.
Beautiful Lip Choices!
- Lip Gloss - With no synthetic colorants, you'll love how your lips look fuller and how it adds shine while providing natural-looking sheer to medium color coverage.
- Lipstick - I love how it glides on smoothly, with a creamy texture and medium coverage that makes application easy and forgiving.
- Cinnamint Infused Lipstick - Made to glide on like butter and add a luxurious shine, this will emphasize your natural beauty. Add layers for dramatic and rich pigmentation.
- Tangerine Infused Lipstick - This one glides on smoothly and has a buildable formulation so that you get the perfect shade. These lipsticks complement the natural pigmentation of your lips.
- Poppyseed Lip Scrub - This daily scrub leaves your lips smooth and soft, giving your lip gloss or lipstick a flawless finish - and feel happy with the ingredients.
Time to Clean-Up...
- Solid Brush Cleaner - uses natural ingredients and essential oils to gently and effectively deep clean your makeup brushes.
- Silicone Cleansing Pad - helps clean makeup, oil, and impurities from your Savvy Minerals brushes. Pair this pad with the Savvy Minerals Solid Brush Cleaner and in a few easy steps, you'll have brushes free of impurities.
- Makeup Remover Wipes - These easy-to-use wipes use plant-based surfactants to gently remove impurities and makeup from the skin. Light emollients leave skin feeling clean, soft, and refreshed without a residue. You will LOVE these!
Makeup Brushes Galore
With these tools, you'll have everything you need to master your makeup application. I suggest you start with the essential brush set, then slowly add the rest of the brushes to your set.
- Designed to hold the optimal amount of product and provide easy makeup application
- Made from high-quality synthetic fibers
- Soft on skin
- Dermatologist tested
- Hypoallergenic bristles
- Easy-to-clean bristles that dry quickly
- Vegan-friendly
- Made in Italy
- Kabuki Brush - Effortlessly blend your favorite foundations and bronzers with the Savvy Minerals by Young Living Kabuki Brush.
- Concealer Brush - Designed to hold the optimal amount of product and provide easy makeup application with easy-to-clean bristles that dry quickly.
- Contour Brush - With these tools, you'll have everything you need to master your makeup application, especially when you use them as a complement to your Essential Brush Set.
- Bronzer Brush - When you need the perfect shade and coverage, this brush won't let you down! Build your makeup brush set with this high-quality brush.
- Eyeliner Brush - Designed to hold the optimal amount of product and provide easy application and it is made from high-quality synthetic fibers that have been dermatologist tested.
- Eyebrow Brush - Master your makeup application with this high-quality eyebrow brush. Add this to your brush set and you will be happy you did!
Brush Set - This awesome brush set is a perfect companion to the Savvy Minerals line. It includes five essential makeup application brushes, plus a stylish and convenient carrying case.
I'd love to welcome you to the world of Young Living. Here, you will find much more than essential oils—you'll find a new lifestyle.
✅ I invite you to share your comments or ask me a question, using the form at the bottom of this page.
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Vehicle Fitment
Make | Model | Year |
Kawasaki | KLT110 | 1984-1986 |
Make | Model | Year |
Kawasaki | KLT110 | 1984-1986 |
Front Chromoly Steel Alloy Sprocket (JTF1407.10) by JT Sprockets®. Teeth Quantity: 10. Chain Pitch: 520. JT Sprockets is the world's leading brand of sprockets for motorcycles and ATVs. Using only the finest raw materials and using cutting edge technology in their production, JT Sprockets range gives you the ultimate in replacement sprockets at unbeatable value. JT Steel Sprockets are manufactured using SCM420 chromoly steel alloy for the front sprockets.
JT Sprockets® is the world's leading manufacturer of aftermarket sprockets, constantly raising the industry's standards for quality. Its factory is fully equipped with high accuracy machinery, including the latest generation of CNC computer design and computer controlled metal cutting equipment. The company manufactures its sprockets by hobbing, machining and drilling to achieve the closest of tolerances and the most accurate teeth profiles. Before leaving the factory, each sprocket goes through up to 25 production stages and 10 individual quality control checks. This allows JT Sprockets to offer the finest grade sprockets in the marketplace.


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Deluxe paper, hand-colored
Born in 1907 in Sakamoto, Fukushima prefecture. Moved to Otaru in Hokkaido at age 5; later apprenticed to a sign painter. From an early age operated a successful sign painting business in Otaru. Studied drawing with Narita Gyokusen in Otaru. Infatuated with the art world, he sold his business and moved to Tokyo in about 1932. Studied Western-style painting at Hongo Painting Institute. Exhibited oils with Hakujitsukai, Nikakai, Kokugakai, and Tokokai. Began making hanga by cutting and prin.....
Learn MoreDeluxe paper, hand-colored


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Chinese 'gait recognition' tech IDs people by how they walk
BEIJING — Chinese authorities have begun deploying a new surveillance tool: "gait recognition" software that uses people's body shapes and how they walk to identify them, even when their faces are hidden from cameras.
Already used by police on the streets of Beijing and Shanghai, "gait recognition" is part of a push across China to develop artificial-intelligence and data-driven surveillance that is raising concern about how far the technology will go.
Huang Yongzhen, the CEO of Watrix, said that its system can identify people from up to 50 meters (165 feet) away, even with their back turned or face covered. This can fill a gap in facial recognition, which needs close-up, high-resolution images of a person's face to work.
"You don't need people's cooperation for us to be able to recognize their identity," Huang said in an interview in his Beijing office. "Gait analysis can't be fooled by simply limping, walking with splayed feet or hunching over, because we're analyzing all the features of an entire body."
Watrix announced last month that it had raised 100 million yuan ($14.5 million) to accelerate the development and sale of its gait recognition technology, according to Chinese media reports.
Chinese police are using facial recognition to identify people in crowds and nab jaywalkers, and are developing an integrated national system of surveillance camera data. Not everyone is comfortable with gait recognition's use.
Security officials in China's far-western province of Xinjiang, a region whose Muslim population is already subject to intense surveillance and control, have expressed interest in the software.
Shi Shusi, a Chinese columnist and commentator, says it's unsurprising that the technology is catching on in China faster than the rest of the world because of Beijing's emphasis on social control.
"Using biometric recognition to maintain social stability and manage society is an unstoppable trend," he said. "It's great business."
The technology isn't new. Scientists in Japan, the United Kingdom and the U.S. Defense Information Systems Agency have been researching gait recognition for over a decade, trying different ways to overcome skepticism that people could be recognized by the way they walk. Professors from Osaka University have worked with Japan's National Police Agency to use gait recognition software on a pilot basis since 2013.
But few have tried to commercialize gait recognition. Israel-based FST Biometrics shut down earlier this year amid company infighting after encountering technical difficulties with its products, according to former advisory board member Gabriel Tal.
"It's more complex than other biometrics, computationally," said Mark Nixon, a leading expert on gait recognition at the University of Southampton in Britain. "It takes bigger computers to do gait because you need a sequence of images rather than a single image."
Watrix's software extracts a person's silhouette from video and analyzes the silhouette's movement to create a model of the way the person walks. It isn't capable of identifying people in real-time yet. Users must upload video into the program, which takes about 10 minutes to search through an hour of video. It doesn't require special cameras — the software can use footage from surveillance cameras to analyze gait.
Huang, a former researcher, said he left academia to co-found Watrix in 2016 after seeing how promising the technology had become. The company was incubated by the Chinese Academy of Sciences. Though the software isn't as good as facial recognition, Huang said its 94 percent accuracy rate is good enough for commercial use.
He envisions gait recognition being used alongside face-scanning software.
Beyond surveillance, Huang says gait recognition can also be used to spot people in distress such as elderly individuals who have fallen down. Nixon believes that the technology can make life safer and more convenient.
"People still don't recognize they can be recognized by their gait, whereas everybody knows you can be recognized by your face," Nixon said. "We believe you are totally unique in the way you walk." /muf


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First Beatles Single Enters Public Domain in Europe, Prompts Multiple Reissues
Want to own a first pressing of the Beatles' 'Love Me Do,' but don't have thousands of dollars in the bank? Good news: Thanks to European copyright law, the Fab Four's first single is now part of the public domain, meaning anyone can issue new copies for sale.
As VVN Music reports, a number of labels have already been quick to take advantage of the copyright's expiry, with two companies -- Digital Remasterings and Pristine Classical -- leading the charge. Digital Remasterings has apparently included 'Love Me Do' (and its b-side, 'P.S. I Love You') on a new compilation of early Beatles cuts, including the perennially reissued Hamburg Star Club live performances, while Pristine Classical is said to be releasing its own version of the single as a protest of sorts.
As detailed in the VVN Music report, European copyright limits are shorter than those in the States, where intense lobbying by media companies has increased American copyright length repeatedly over the last several decades (it currently stands at 95 years). But it appears that the European Union is following America's lead; the law "may be changed before the end of this year, moving the threshold to 70 years" -- good news for anyone who makes a living from royalties, but a setback for labels like Pristine Classical, whose catalog consists entirely of recordings in the public domain.
It's a fascinating fight for copyright scholars -- and for Beatles fans, well, it's something of an opportunity to purchase more memorabilia.


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Today, thirty-four civil liberties organizations sent a joint letter to Congressional Representatives urging them to continue to oppose the Cyber Intelligence Sharing and Protection Act (CISPA). CISPA is a misguided "cybersecurity" bill that would provide a gaping new exception to privacy law. The House of Representatives is likely to vote on it on Wednesday or Thursday of this week. This means that there's little time remaining to speak out against this bill.
You can read about the recent changes to CISPA—including why EFF continues to oppose the bill—in our recent analysis. We urge individuals who are concerned to speak out by calling their Congressional Representatives and then following up with an email.
Dear Representative:
Earlier this year, many of our organizations wrote to state our opposition to H.R. 624, the Cyber Intelligence Sharing and Protection Act of 2013 (CISPA). We write today to express our continued opposition to this bill following its markup by the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence (HPSCI). Although some amendments were adopted in markup to improve the bill's privacy safeguards, these amendments were woefully inadequate to cure the civil liberties threats posed by this bill. In particular, we remain gravely concerned that despite the amendments, this bill will allow companies that hold very sensitive and personal information to liberally share it with the government, including with military agencies.
CISPA creates an exception to all privacy laws to permit companies to share our information with each other and with the government in the name of cybersecurity. Although a carefully-crafted information sharing program that strictly limits the information to be shared and includes robust privacy safeguards could be an effective approach to cybersecurity, CISPA lacks such protections for individual rights. CISPA's information sharing regime allows the transfer of vast amounts of data, including sensitive information like Internet records or the content of emails to any agency in the government including military and intelligence agencies like the National Security Agency or the Department of Defense Cyber Command.
Developments over the last year make CISPA's approach even more questionable than before. First, the President recently signed Executive Order 13636, which will increase information sharing from the government to the private sector. Information sharing in this direction is often cited as a substantial justification for CISPA and will proceed without legislation. Second, the cybersecurity legislation the Senate considered last year, S. 3414, included privacy protections for information sharing that are entirely absent from CISPA, and the Obama administration, including the intelligence community, has confirmed that those protections would not inhibit cybersecurity programs. These included provisions to ensure that private companies send cyber threat information only to civilian agencies, and a requirement that companies make "reasonable efforts" to remove personal information that is unrelated to the cyber threat when sharing data with the government. Finally, witnesses at a hearing before the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence confirmed earlier this year that companies can strip out personally identifiably information that is not necessary to address cyber threats, and CISPA omits any requirement that reasonable efforts be undertaken to do so.
We continue to oppose CISPA and encourage you to vote 'no.'
Advocacy for Principled Action in Government
American Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee
American Association of Law Libraries
American Civil Liberties Union
American Library Association
Association of Research Libraries
Bill of Rights Defense Committee
Center for Democracy & Technology
Center for National Security Studies
Center for Rights
Competitive Enterprise Institute
The Constitution Project
Council on American-Islamic Relations
CREDO Action
Daily Kos
Defending Dissent Foundation
Demand Progress
DownsizeDC.org, Inc.
Electronic Frontier Foundation
Fight for the Future
Free Press Action Fund
Government Accountability Project
Liberty Coalition
National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
New American Foundation's Open Technology Institute
Tech Freedom


text:
Music composed by Giacomo Puccini. Libretto by Guelfo Civinini and Carlo
Zangarini after David Belasco's play The Girl of the Golden
West (1905).
First Performance: 10 December 1910, Metropolitan Opera
House, New York.
Principal Roles: | |
Minnie | Soprano |
Jack Rance, sheriff | Baritone |
Dick Johnson/Ramerrez, bandit | Tenor |
Nick, bartender at the Polka saloon | Tenor |
Ashby, Wells Fargo agent | Bass |
Sonora | Baritone |
Trin, a miner | Tenor |
Sid, a miner | Baritone |
Bello, a miner | Baritone |
Harry, a miner | Tenor |
Joe a miner | Tenor |
Happy a miner | Baritone |
Larkens, a miner | Bass |
Billy Jackrabbit, a Red Indian | Bass |
Wowkle, his squaw | Mezzo-Soprano |
Jake Wallace, a travelling camp minstrel | Baritone |
JosÈ Castro (mestizo), one of Ramerrez's band | Bass |
The Pony Express riders | Tenor |
Setting: A camp of miners at the foot of the Cloudy
Mountains during the California Gold Rush (1849-50).
The plot is concerned with rather melodramatic happenings during the days
of the California Gold Rush. While remaining true, in general, to his usual
melodious style, Puccini has adapted his score to a rapidly moving
conversational dialogue. He also shows that he was aware of the musical
progress of the times by his use of consecutive and unresolved seventh chords
somewhat in the manner of Ravel, and in the employment of Debussian augmented
triads. Moreover, for the sake of local color, he introduces melodies and
rhythms characteristic of the South and Southwest.
Act I
Ashby, agent of the Wells Fargo Company, enters the "Polka"
bar-room, and, joining the miners there assembled, says that he is close on
the track of Ramerrez, chief of the band of Mexican outlaws who have recently
committed a big robbery. The sheriff, Jack Rance, in talking with the men,
boasts of his own love affair with the "girl," Minnie, and says
that he is going to marry her. One of the miners disputes his claim and a
brawl results. Minnie herself enters and stops it. Minnie runs the
"Polka," for she is the orphaned child of the founder of this
establishment, and also acts as mother and guardian angel to the miners and
cowboys who frequent the place. When Rance proposes to her in his crude
fashion, she spurns him and holds him at bay with a revolver. A stranger
enters and gives his name as Dick Johnson of Sacramento. The sheriff is
suspicious concerning him, but Minnie takes his part, saying that she has met
him before. Johnson is in reality none other than the hunted Ramerrez —
he has come to rob the saloon. Unaware of this, Minnie recalls with Dick the
time they first met and fell in love with one another. The men all go in
search of Ramerrez, leaving with Minnie their gold. She declares that if
anyone is to steal the gold he must do so over her dead body. Johnson has
become more and more enamoured of her and relinquishes his plan of robbery;
now he admires her courage. She invites him to visit her in her cabin when
the miners shall have returned.
Act II
Johnson and Minnie meet at her "shack" and sing of their love.
Suddenly shots are heard outside in the darkness — the men are again
searching for Ramerrez. Not wanting to be found with her lover, she conceals
John¨son, then admits the men. They are hunting, they say, for Dick Johnson,
who is none other than Ramerrez. Minnie declines their offered protection and
they leave. Then she turns upon Johnson with the revelations that she has
just heard. Dick acknowledges their truth, but goes on to tell how he was
compelled by fate to become a bandit; since meet¨ing her he has resolved to
give up his old life, and had prayed, in vain, that she would never know of
his past. The tense dramatic atmosphere is reflected in somber chords in the
But Minnie cannot forgive him for having deceived her after confessing his
love. She sends him out into the night. A moment later shots are heard,
Minnie runs to the door, opens it and drags in Johnson, seriously wounded.
She hides him in a loft up under the roof. The sheriff soon enters, hot on
the trail. Minnie has almost overcome his suspicions when a drop of blood
falls from the loft, revealing the wounded man. Knowing that the sheriff is a
desperate gambler, Minnie, as a last resort, offers to play a game of poker
with him, the stakes to be her own hand and Johnson's life, or else her
own and the prisoner's freedom. Minnie cheats, wins the game and her
Act III
Johnson, nursed back to life by Minnie, is about to be hanged by
Ashby's men. He asks one last request. Let her believe that he had
gained his freedom and gone away to live the nobler life she had taught him.
He touchingly apostrophizes her as the "star of his wasted life."
This last request of Johnson's is sung to the most famous melody in the
opera ("Ch'ella mi creda libero").
Just as the lynchers are about to draw the rope taut, Minnie rushes in on
horseback. She at first holds the crowd at bay with her drawn revolver, then
appeals to them eloquently, reminding them of her faithful care for their
needs; they should not fail her now. The "boys" relent, and in
spite of Rance's protests, release the prisoner. Johnson and Minnie bid
them farewell and go away together to begin life anew.
[Introduction and Synopsis adapted from The Victor Book of the
Opera (10th ed. 1929)]
Click here for
the complete libretto.
image_description=Franco Corelli as Dick Johnson/Ramerrez
first_audio_name=Giacomo Puccini (1858-1924): La Fanciulla del West
WinAMP or VLC
product_title=G. Puccini: La Fanciulla del West
product_by=Ashby: Ugo Novelli; Bello: Pier Luigi Latinucci; Billy Jackrabbit: Eraldo Coda; Dick Johnson: Franco Corelli; Happy: Carlo Forti; Harry: Gino del Signore; Jack Rance: Tito Gobbi; Jake Wallace: Nicola Zaccaria; Jim Larkens: Giuseppe Morresi; Joe: Angelo Mercuriali; JosÈ Castro: Vittorio Tatozzi; Minnie: Gigliola Frazzoni; Nick: Franco Ricciardi; Sid: Michele Cazzato; Sonora: Enzo Sordello; Trin: Athos Cesarini; Un postiglione: Erminio Benatti; Wowkle: Maria Amadini. Orchestra & Coro del Teatro alla Scala di Milano. Antonino Votto (cond.). Live performance, 4 April 1956, Milan.


text:
ST. LOUIS – Losing weight is a struggle for many people, but a new weight loss device recently approved by the FDA may be the easiest way ever to shed pounds.
Washington University Medical School helped develop the device, the Aspire Assist, but one doctor warned it may gross some people out.
"It's a feeding tube that removes some of the ingested food," Washington University Medical School Doctor Vladimir Kushnir said. "There is a significant ick factor to aspiration therapy that you have to get over."
Eric Wilcoxon from Poplar Bluff, Missouri, once weighed more than 400 pounds.
"I lost close to 100 pounds within the first year," he said.
Wilcoxon now weighs 268 pounds. Even better, he can eat whatever he wants.
"If I want to go out to dinner and have a steak, I'm going to eat a great big meal," he said.
Wilcoxon credits the Aspire Assist for his miraculous weight loss turnaround.
About 30 minutes after a meal Wilcoxon pumps out one third of the food from his stomach or about one third of the calories he's consumed.
"I was fat, I was obese, and I was sick of being that," he said.
The device is connected to a port on the skin, which is secured to a tube inside the stomach. When the port is opened, the stomach contents empty into the toilet. The process takes about 10 minutes. Wilcoxon has a port on his stomach; he connects the device to his port and siphons or aspirates the food into the toilet. He does this faithfully.
With every meal Wilcoxon drinks lots of water and he chews the food into tiny pieces so it can flow throw the small exit tube. He eats less because it takes him so long to eat.
"People don't grasp how much you have to chew your food in order to aspirate (it)," Wilcoxon said.
Not only has Wilcoxon lost weight, he no longer is required to take blood pressure, diabetes, or heart medicine. And life with his family is so much better.
"It's been life-changing, definitely," said Christy Wilcoxon, Eric's wife.
Doctor Kushnir said the Aspire Assist is for people who are moderately to severely obese. Most insurance companies do not cover the cost, which is about $8,700.
For more information, click here.


text:
I agree that real surprises have the greatest impact, and cost has nothing to do with it.
John DeFlumeri Jr
Let's be honest. Most gifts you receive during the gift-giving season are pretty lame: a sweater you politely wear a couple of times or a CD you casually listen to in the car and wonder, "How did I end up with this?"
Most of the time you show a little interest and then it fades away — you've wasted your money and the person getting the gift hasn't gotten much in exchange.
Such is life.
How about trying something different this season by giving a gift that has the potential to change another person's life?
That's right, instead of trying to figure out which sweater sucks less or which gift card is less lame, sit down and think hard about the person you're getting a gift for. How could they turn their hobby/interest into a business?
I know what you're thinking right now, "But wait, starting a business isn't for everyone!" And you'd be right, but that doesn't mean a gift like this won't go a long way. It could be the first step in an alternative source of income or even some passive income on the side. It could become a side business that makes that person happy to go to his/her "regular" job every day.
Charity is something we often forget to do in our lives, so if someone else gets us started, that's a pretty cool gift. It might not be as cool or hip or exciting, but rare is the gift that helps other human beings live a better life. Check out a site like Charity Navigator, which helps you find different charities around the world.
This is my favorite gift tip of all time: surprising someone. It's the closest thing I can think of to the perfect gift. It's kind of like Extreme Home Makeover: everybody wins.
Instead of doing the same old thing this holiday season, try something different and see how it goes. If you don't like it, you can always go back to sweaters and CDs next year.
Do you any suggestions for life-changing gifts?
Disclaimer: The links and mentions on this site may be affiliate links. But they do not affect the actual opinions and recommendations of the authors.
Wise Bread is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.
I agree that real surprises have the greatest impact, and cost has nothing to do with it.
John DeFlumeri Jr
My cousin was a NYC firefighter who was a first responder to the 9/11 tragedies. He has contracted a rare form of leukemia and is dying. He needs a bone marrow transplant.
My Christmas gift to possibly him, and obviously to someone, was to sign up to donate bone marrow.
I think its the best gift I can give to someone.
Anyone interested can contact me for more information--I won't post links or anything here because I am not into the shameless promotion of anything.
It is a simple process however. Easier than you might think.
I like the idea about giving them something that enables them to turn a hobby or interest into a business, there's lots of great tools out there to do that nowadays.
I'll add another gift suggestion to your list that is sure to be remembered by both parties - a donation gift certificate. Give a donation to a worthy cause in someone's name and make an impact with your gift by changing a life.
There are countless worthy causes out there to choose from. One I would suggest is Forgotten Voices International - a nonprofit organization that provides and cares for AIDS orphans in Africa. A small donation goes a long way in Zambia - if you feel inclined please check it out:
Happy holidays!
I think it is presumptuous to give a charity donation as a gift---how wonderfuul that you get a nice feeling and a tax write off, but as the recipient it leaves me cold. I want to be the one who decides what charity I want to support and when and how much.
Linden, I totally agree with you. If I donate, it is my chosing and not someone's elses. I may not support the causes someone else does. And you are right, they get the tax write-off, and all I get is the endless calls, and mailings from whatever group it was they donated to in my name, wanting more money from me.
As a rule I prefer to give food to food shelves, to adopt a family at the Holiday's, or to just leave food on friend's doorsteps that I know are struggling. That way I know my donation of money, food, toys etc. it reaching the recipient who really and truly needs it.
You are so right, Linden. I encourage you to check out TisBest Philanthropy's charity gift cards. They work just as you suggested: you give the gift (donation) in the form of a gift card, but the recipient chooses from among 250 charities on the TisBest website. The cards can be customized with your own image and greeting.
Great ideas. You confused me for a second with the portable router, didn't know it was a word working tool. It made me realize I spend entirely too much time around computers.
I'm a big fan of the charity gift and surprising them. I usually keep a list through out the year of potential gifts. Either things they mention or things I can tell they definitely need.
i like to give services that i know a person cant do. like my moms arthristis is too bad to really clean her car, so give a certificate to get her car detailed.
earlier this year i overheard a conversation between coworkers that revolved around the person only haveing crackers in their house to eat, and they used up the last of their bread to make toast for dinner. i went out that night and bought a gift card at our local grocer and snuck it into her coat pocket when she was out of the room.
these are the type of gifts we should be giving. it just means more than the sweater. (ok, yeah, i did go ahead and by my mom a sweater too) =)
Charity gift cards give the gift of charity but allow the recipient to choose which charity gets the money. Check out http://wwww.tisbest.org TisBest Philanthropy. They're beautiful.
Thanks to Wisebread,com for giving a positive push to charitable giving.
Consumer Reports came out with negative warning about charity gift cards that was poorly researched and poorly thought out. All of the positive posts here show how wrong they are. You can join the discussion with your comment on our CharityChoice Gift Cards blog at -
Daniel Goodman
President, Special Kids Fund and CharityChoice
Be careful with the surprise thing. My husband asked how I wanted to spend my birthday and I had it all planned out, and then he and my parents thought I'd enjoy being surprised by being taken to do something completely different, which I really had no interest in. I think it would have been different if it was something I'd wanted to do for a while and had mentioned really wanting to do it, but instead they just assumed I'd like it.


text:
"The pride is back," read a homemade sign hanging off a balcony in Chicago's United Center late last season.
The simple spray-painted message on a white bed sheet hadn't been seen since the early 1990s when the Chicago Blackhawks were among the hottest tickets in a sports-crazy town.
Now, after years of disappointing teams and a half-empty building, the Blackhawks are relevant once again in one of the country's biggest markets.
Anyone who has been close to a hockey rink in the past year has heard about the resurgence of the Original Six team.
It all began with the club's selection of Patrick Kane with the first overall pick in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft. Despite the buzz surrounding Kane, the city's frustrated fan base wasn't convinced that the 18-year-old phenom was enough.
Then lightning struck in the form of W. Rockwell "Rocky" Wirtz, who took over the Blackhawks after the passing of his father and long-time chairman of the franchise, William W. Wirtz. Rocky Wirtz instantly sent a message to Blackhawks fans. Change was on the horizon.
Wirtz brought in one of the most respected executives in all of sports when he named John McDonough team president. McDonough came from the Chicago Cubs, one of professional sports' most popular franchises. With more than 24 years of experience in the Chicago sports scene, McDonough came into his new job with a mission.
"We had to change the culture here," said McDonough. "Winning had to become part of the vernacular."
Part of changing the culture was looking to the past, where winning and tradition were hallmarks of Blackhawk hockey. Within weeks, McDonough and Wirtz reached out to some of the biggest names in the team's history.
"We needed to get out of the grudge business," said McDonough. "We were in grudges with former players and former coaches. Forging agreements with [former Blackhawks] Tony Esposito, Stan Mikita and Bobby Hull, to me, were of paramount importance."
The three Hall of Famers were tabbed as official Blackhawks' ambassadors to represent the team at events around the Chicago area. Along with Esposito, Hull and Mikita, current Blackhawks went out into the community making appearances all over Chicagoland. Interest in the team began to rise.
In February, the team announced that it would hold its first ever Chicago Blackhawks Convention in the summer of 2008. Some in the local media and not-yet converted fans snickered at the idea. The buzz was growing, but was the fan base?
The convention, the first of its kind in the NHL, sold out within days. By mid-March the team had sold out more games that season than the previous five combined.
If fans weren't yet convinced that the culture had changed, Wirtz and McDonough sent another message. The team announced that, for the first time in its history, all 82 regular-season games would be broadcast live on television in 2008-09. The team's long-standing policy of not televising home games was perhaps the most unpopular issue among fans.
The Blackhawks had always been committed to youth hockey in Illinois and that was one of the things that certainly would not change.
"Youth hockey has our full commitment," McDonough proclaimed. "It is of paramount importance that we consistently connect and work closely with our youth hockey market in Illinois."
To solidify that commitment, the Blackhawks hired Annie Camins to be its first-ever director of youth hockey. Camins can be found in rinks across Chicago promoting not just the Blackhawks, but the game of hockey.
Even though the Hawks fell just three points shy of the playoffs in 2007-08, fans knew that better days lay ahead.
While there was disappointment in not making the postseason, the team found there was much to build on. The club saw a 32 percent increase in attendance from 2006-07 to 2007-08, but there was more work to be done.
During a busy offseason of adding top-end free agents, including defenseman Brian Campbell and goaltender Cristobal Huet, bringing back fan favorites and recommitting to a fan base just waiting for something to cheer for, the Blackhawks struck gold.
On July 16, 2008, the NHL awarded the Blackhawks the 2009 Winter Classic to be played on New Year's Day at McDonough's old stomping grounds, Wrigley Field.
Blackhawk fever hasn't just made a comeback, it has become a full-blown epidemic. The proof can be found at the box office.
McDonough said that the team has a chance to surpass its all-time season-ticket sales record. Last year, just 3,400 season tickets were sold; that number has grown to more than 13,000 for the upcoming season.
All of the exciting things happening in Chicago are pleasing to the Blackhawks president, but there's still one thing left to do.
"We've marketed the team aggressively, we've got a good business plan in place, we have great hockey people in place," said McDonough.
"Now it's time to win."
Photos - Ross Dettmann, Getty Images