text:
Google may have pledged to deliver unbiased search results, but new research claims that it artificially inflates its own search rankings, ensuring that its own websites and services receive top priority.
The revelation comes from Ben Edelman, an assistant professor at Harvard Business School, who discovered that Google's search results were not quite as they seemed.
He used a comma test search tool to see the real results beneath Google's altered ones and came to realise that its own sites were been given higher placement than the organic search results really showed.
An example given was a search for the stock symbol of Cisco, (tick: CSCO), which instead of bringing up the more heavily used, accoridng to ComScore, Yahoo Finance site brings up Google Finance as the top ranking result.
It's no surprise that Google would want to rank itself higher than everyone else and it could achieve this partially through paid placements and advertising on the search engine itself, but suggesting that the results are impartial while effectively tampering with them to bump its own listings is a bit, er, rich.
Google has not denied altering its results this week, though it has denied it in the past. It has also confirmed it in the past, with Marissa Mayer, a Google executive, saying at one point that it felt justified in ranking itself first.
Google believes it should be providing the most useful results first, but its own services are not always the most useful and it's clear that it is extremely biased about that.
The problem for search engine optimisation is that this calls into question Google's credibility as an impartial medium through which to conduct search engine business. If Google tampers with its own results, will it tamper with others? Will it accept payments to bump others to the top, as opposed to its current clearly-labelled sponsored results, and will we be left to question every results page we see from now on?
What is clear is that with 34 percent of people clicking the first link on a results page, according to Edelman, it seems likely that Google will continue to rank itself first.


text:
With the EU election results in, the "I told you so" and "Here's what it really means" brigades are out in force, letting us know what the voters are really saying with their ballots. For example, Here's Graeme Archer measuring up the Lib-Dems for an early grave:
Since "Europe" (elections about, scandals involving etc) this year is bound up temporally, and hence a little psychologically, with "Eurovision", which is about as camp an entity as is possible to conceive; since we're going to talk about the Liberal Democrats' existential crisis, let's set the mood music accordingly. Close your eyes and think of Shirley Bassey. Or better still click here and sing along, especially if your name is Nick Clegg, leader of a party which really does have nothing.
I'm not here to gloat, seriously. Anyone who stands for election is worth celebrating, because you don't fight for something unless you're prepared to lose. But, OK, I'm a tribal Tory too, so here's a couple of things that amused me last night. The sight of arch-federalist Lib Dem Edward McMillan Scott, newly defeated, telling the BBC that he'd be back in some other new role, demonstrating perfectly the anti-democratic "hanger-onnery" that infuriates Eurosceptics about the institution (Matthew Woods, an old Hackney Tory mate, coined "hanger-onnery", and it's perfect). The other laugh is that the Lib Dem wipeout was secured in part by the wretched Proportional Representation system, whose algorithmic horrors they're so keen to foist onto every other election. Be careful what you wish for, Fair Voters!
Seriously, though, this is the existential crisis which the Lib Dem construct has spent this parliament pretending it could avoid. Changing the leader won't help. […]
Now repeat the exercise from the perspective of a "Lib Dem", which, after last night, isn't so much a thought experiment as a glance at the newspapers. Remove every elected Lib Dem from the map: what are their voters left with?
Nothing. Utterly nothing. There is a historical tradition of political liberalism in Britain, but as any fule kno, most of it was absorbed by the Conservative Party at key points in the last century. None of that tradition lives on in the "Lib Dem" construct.
What of its emotional disposition, the mirror to my gloomy Toryism? Well: to judge from their record in power, the "Lib Dem" instinct is for greater state intervention, to alleviate the plight of the less well off. So: nothing you can't get from Labour, then.
"We want to reduce tax [by increasing thresholds]!" Nick Clegg would say, as evidence of the intellectual strand his party represents. Um, so do the vast majority of Conservatives. Again, no need for a "Lib Dem" representative to secure that outcome.
My point is that those Lib Dems who prioritise liberalism — whether about reducing tax, or fighting ID cards and so on — must know in their hearts that they should vote Conservative. Those who prioritise social democracy, similarly, must know that they should vote Labour.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
The Supreme Silk Beauty Body Lotion (pictured above) is from the same range as the Body Silk, and it feels lighter than the Body Silk. It has a light lotion consistency and it spreads very easily. It is nicely absorbed and hydrates the skin well.
It contains mica, which gives a bit of shimmer to the skin. I don't usually like body moisturizers that have a "makeup" element, but the shimmer from this product is quite faint and subtle.
The Intensive Lotion for Extra Dry Skin has a light-cream consistency. It is more or less as easily spreadable as the Supreme Silk Beauty Body Lotion. But, after it is absorbed, it feels a lot more emollient on the skin. (It doesn't feel too heavy or sticky.)
When the Pro.Age Body Cream Oil is dispensed onto the hands, it has a creamy lotion consistency that is not too different from that of many other body moisturizers. But when I spread it onto the skin, I can really feel how richly emollient it is. It may look somewhat runny, but it spreads almost like a thick body butter. It is by far the most emollient of the three.
Paraffinum Liquidum (mineral oil) is third on the ingredient list, which might be one of the reasons why this feels so emollient on the skin.
Among the three, the Supreme Silk Beauty Body Lotion appeals to me the most (although I would prefer a version without mica). It feels the lightest on the skin but it is still very hydrating. (On a related note, it is the only one among these three that doesn't contain mineral oil.) I think it should suit most people with normal or normal-to-dry skin on the body.
The Intensive Lotion for Extra Dry Skin, I think, is indeed for people with very dry skin. Most people might find it more suitable when the weather is particularly cold and dry. As for the Pro.Age Body Cream Oil, which works more like a body butter, I think it is more ideal for the very dry patches of the body, as it can be too oily to be used all over the body (unless your skin is exceptionally dry).
Next month, I will review Dove's Body Butter for Extra Dry Skin and Pro.Age Rich Body Butter and I will compare them with the three products reviewed above.
(The products featured in this review are provided by Dove.)
Related posts:
Kanebo Sensai Premier The Body Cream
Jergens Extra Softening Body Moisturzer


text:
How persuasive was new UCLA coach Jim Mora? Mission Viejo offensive lineman Colby Cyburt forgot all about the Bruins' turbulent season, cancelled an official visit to Stanford and wouldn't take calls from USC.
Cyburt said Mora called him the week he was hired. And again the following week. and the week after that. And every week since.
"He doesn't let up until he gets what he wants," Cyburt said Wednesday at Mission Viejo High, where the Diablos had nine football players and 24 student athletes sign their national letters of intent. "He has the drive and determination that you need as a head coach. He's so hands on. I haven't talked to a head coach more than Jim Mora."
Cyburt, an All-County left tackle and 3-star prospect ranked among the top-50 linemen in the nation, said two of his priorities were academics and staying relatively close to home. His decision ultimately came down to Stanford and UCLA, which he watched closely as the Bruins recorded the NCAA's first ever 6-8 season and fired Rick Neuheisel.
But Cyburt said he quickly built relationships with new offensive line coach Adrian Klemm and Mora, who told Cyburt he wanted him to be "one of his guys." Cyburt said he fell in love with the staff after taking an official visit, immediately cancelling trips to Stanford and Colorado and, when a USC coach tried to contact him in the 11th hour, had his coach tell the Trojans no thanks.
"It's a dream come true for me," Cyburt said. "I wasn't so sure about the Neuheisel staff. When the new coaches came in, it was a sure thing. I want nothing more than to be on the ground level of the first recruiting class with Jim Mora. I think the program is on the rise."
Mission Viejo coach Bob Johnson said he expected Cyburt (6-5, 265) to redshirt in 2012 and add weight.
"He'll have a great career there," Johnson said. "I think he's going to blossom. They're really high on him,"
Check out Signing Day Central.


text:
An iDay Retrospective With Snarky Captions
Mr. Spike Lee came out to support the Keep A Child Alive foundation. We know he's just trying to get one himself. Nicholas and I looked to escape the chaos that is the 5th Avenue Apple store in fair Gotham to the more tranquil and pleasant SoHo location. It was everything you could ever dream and want in an iDay. Tons of tourists who have no idea what's going on, but want to… Read More
iPhone Launch at Apple Store in SoHo
It's here! Heaven's gates—the Apple Store in SoHo—opened at 6 p.m. EDT, whereupon a half dozen people at a clip were allowed entry. Peter and I were there and we got to see Spike Lee and heard people say, "Is that Spike Lee?" As the doors opened, hecklers shouted, "You did it! You're American heroes!" And Peter almost got into a fight with… Read More
Only Trendy People are Allowed to Line Up at SoHo Apple Store
Nuts to the Apple store on Fifth Avenue. The Apple store in SoHo is where it's at. (And, incidentally, where Peter and I will be for the actual launch. Woo!) The line wraps all the way around the block and the NYPD officers guarding it look absolutely thrilled to be there. And look at these two dudes, playing table tennis to pass the time. I'm sure that's a metaphor for… Read More
NYC's Helio Flagship Store Coming Soon
Helio's newest flagship store has been spotted in NYC's uber-trendy Soho. I've been watching the progression of this storefront for the last few months and it wasn't until about three weeks ago that the 'shed' came up. For quite some time it was just a normal storefront that had been covered from the inside with just a Helio sticker logo. I've poked… Read More


text:
It is not uncommon when we are thinking hard on someone who has crossed over that was dear to us for us to hear their voice speaking back to us. I have had a similar occurrence when speaking with the man I was to have married who was killed. He is always close to me and he will speak with me when I need to hear his voice. I suspect that is the situation with being able to communicate with your Dad. Of course he is going to stay close to you and want to respond when you talk to him.
I highly doubt that this has anything whatsoever to do with demons.


text:
We have a large range of Celtic Lovespoons that make Unique Wedding Gifts. We even engrave names and dates on to many of the Lovespoons for free.
The 'Marriage Celebration Lovespoon' (006), 'Wedding Day Lovespoon' (013) and 'Small Wedding Lovespoon' (032) are especially suitable as Unique Wedding Gifts, but we also have many more for you to choose from. View the spoons that are suitable as Wedding Gifts below.
FREE ENGRAVING: Cadwyn offer a free engraving service of names, dates and even messages on Genuine Welsh Lovespoons hand-carved in Wales. This service is available on most of the Lovespoons. Click on the Love Spoon images for more details.
QUICK DESPATCH: All orders despatched within 2 working days.
Meanings & Symbols - Carvers - History - Pyro-Engraving


text:
Happy New Year! The end of 2012 brought us more snow than we saw all winter last year so there are plenty of fun things to do this month! Here are 5 of them:
1. Learn to Ski or Snowboard (For Free!)
January 12-18th is Ski Nh's Learn to Ski & Snowboard Free week. Just go to their website and download a coupon and first time skiers and riders can get a free beginner lesson, free equipment rentals, and free lift ticket for downhill skiers/riders, or free trail pass for cross-country skiers.
Bretton Woods (age 13+), Cannon Mountain (age 13+), Cranmore Mountain Resort (age 13+), Dartmouth Skiway (age 13+), Granite Gorge (age 5+, Sunday only), Gunstock Mountain Resort (age 6+), King Pine at Purity Spring Resort (age 13+), Loon Mountain (age 13+, Sunday-Friday only), Pats Peak (age 6+, Monday-Thursday only), Ragged Mountain (age 13+), Waterville Valley (age 7+)
Bretton Woods XC (age 6+), Dartmouth XC (age 6+), Great Glen Trails (age 6+, Monday-Friday only), Gunstock Mountain Resort (age 6+), Jackson XC (age 13+, Sunday-Friday only)Purity Spring Resort XC and Snowshoe Reserve (age 13+), Waterville Valley (age 7+)
2. Jackson Chamber of Commerce Snow Sculpting Competition
January 25-27th The Jackson Chamber of Commerce will be hosting a Snow Sculpting Competition at Black Mountain. Both amateur and professional sculptors are welcome to join in on the fun. A bonfire with marshmallows and sleigh rides are other activities planned for this event. For more information check out the Jackson Chamber of Commerce website.
3. Ice Carvings in North Conway
If you would rather be shopping than playing in the snow you can still get your taste of winter beauty in North Conway Village from January 18-21st. 12 unique ice carvings by Josh Nylin of Inspirational ICE will be on display throughout the village. You can also check out several demonstrations at various times on January 19th and 20th. A list of exact locations of the ice sculptures and times for the demonstrations are available on the North Conway Chamber of Commerce website.
4. Go Snowshoeing
Get out and explore the nature of the Mount Washington Valley on snowshoes. Snowshoeing is fun and easy and there are plenty of trails around the valley. The Bernerhof Inn has several pairs available to guests, as well as our very own trails behind the Inn. Jackson Ski Touring also has guided snowshoe tours available every Tuesday at 1pm, Saturday at 9:30 am, and Sunday at 9:30 am. The tour costs $10 and rentals are also available.
5. Take a cooking class
When you get sick of the cold come inside and take a cooking class at the Taste of the Mountains Cooking School located at the Bernerhof Inn. There are a bunch of classes going on this month you should check out:
Just Wing It – Super bowl Foods with Chef Kendra Stanley
Price $95
Saturday, January 12th • 1-4 pm • Open
Class Description: Kick Off a Winning Super Bowl Party and Score Big with our crowd-pleasing Super Bowl recipes from Chef Kendra Stanley. Join us for game day dishes sure to be a hit at your football fiesta.
Winter Soups and Stews with Chef Jonathan Spak
Price $95
Thursday, January 17th, 4-7 pm • Open
Class Description: Enjoy an evening with Chef Jonathan Spak of the Oxford Inn in Fryeburg, Maine. Chef Spak will warm your belly and soothe your soul with flavorful dishes to take off the winter chill.
Comfort Food Cravings with Chef Kendra Stanley
Price $95
Tuesday, January 22nd • 4-7 pm • Open
Class Description: What's at the top of your Comfort Foods list? We've got the answer and Chef Kendra has the recipes that will warm your belly and make your heart smile. Come hungry. Leave happy.
A Taste of Asia with Chef Steffani Adaska
Price $95
Saturday January 26th, 1-4 pm • Open
Class Description: Learn to cook authentic dishes from Vietnam and Thailand. Chef Steffani will broaden your knowledge about the Vietnam and Thai cuisine as you learn basic cooking methods, knife skills, and enjoying culinary discussions with your chef-instructor. This is a hands-on class where you will have fun creating genuine, healthful recipes from Southeast Asia.
Please note: Peanuts are used in several recipes. If you have peanut allergies this class is not recommended.
To book a class call (603) 383-4200 or book online!


text:
The young and dangerous Kirana Larasati (born August, 29 1987) recently starring Claudia-Jasmine a movie directed and wrote by Awi Suryadi Musalim. Alwi is 30-year-old graduates from California Polytechnic Institute. Claudia/Jasmine is a romantic-comedy bukan film mesum apalagi bokep that you can watch the trailer below.
Kirana Larasati
Posted by Want Be.. On 10:45 AM 0 comments
Ajeng Inez Nugroho
Posted by Want Be.. On 10:42 AM 0 comments
Wallpaper Babes VJ Cathy
Posted by Want Be.. On 10:39 AM 0 comments
Catherine Sharon Gasnier or VJ Cathy is one of top MTV Indonesia VJs. She is older sibling of Julie Estelle. Her debut film is "Bangku Kosong" directed by Helfi Ch. Kardit.
Wallpaper Babes VJ Cathy
Cut Tari
Posted by Want Be.. On 10:37 AM 0 comments
Cut Tari
Cut Tari
Cut Tari |
Rin Sakuragi in the "Suster Keramas" Movie
Posted by Want Be.. On 10:34 AM 0 comments
Rin Sakuragi, porn star from Japan will be playing in a horror film entitled "Suster Keramas" which will be produced Maxima Pictures. Although the first had failed to present the Japanese bokep Maria Ozawa aka Miyabi Miyabi Kidnapping in the movie with Maria Ozawa and Raditya Dika, Maxima Pictures are now trying to bring the star back other Japanese origin, ie Rin Sakuragi in the movie "Suster Keramas".
Ok, like what movie "Suster Keramas" with guest star Rin Sakuragi Japanese porn actresses from this? This is the movie trailer, to treat your curiosity with the emergence of this controversial film.
Rin Sakuragi in the "Suster Keramas" Movie
Ratu Felisha Photo and Picture
Posted by Want Be.. On 10:32 AM 0 comments
Ratu Felisha Photo and Picture
Ratu Felisha Photo and Picture
Beauty Girl Ratna Galih
Posted by Want Be.. On 10:31 AM 0 comments
Rachael Galih or used to be called by the name Ratna Galih was a star acting newcomer Indonesia. His name began to be discussed during warm sineas dating Raffi Ahmad. Unfortunately their relationship did not last long.
Now, players COFFE BEAN SHOW sitcom was so surprised because pursuing journalists get together with the second son of President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, Edhie Baskoro Yudhoyono.
Women born in Jakarta, March 17, 1988 is now listed as a student majoring in international relations of a private university in Jakarta. But because of busy life, Ratna Galih should drop out because they can not complete the thesis according to the time given.
Beauty Girl Ratna Galih


text:
Masahiro Tanaka is getting back into the swing of things, and the next step for him is going to be a bullpen which is scheduled for Saturday. The last time Tanaka attempted to return to the Yankees, he faced a setback. Due to the setback, Girardi wouldn't say what would be the next step for Tanaka after his bullpen.
"Lets just take that and see how it goes," Joe Girardi said. "When he gets through that, I guess I'll decide what's next."
It's possible it could be a simulated game or another bullpen session, but one thing is certain–the Yankees are going to have Tanaka pitch until they're sure he's either going to be a player for them next year or if he's going to need surgery.
"He will pitch somewhere," Girardi said. "He has to throw. You can't wait until next spring (to find out whether he's healthy enough to pitch)."
Some Notes
— Martin Prado did some light running but he was only running at 50% effort.
"Hopefully we get him back tomorrow or the next day," Girardi said.
— David Phelps is still scheduled to throw a simulated game on Sunday. It could be his final step before he can return to the Yankees bullpen.
"I think you have to see how he throws and how sharp he is," Girardi said. "See if he needs another one, or if he's capable of being activated."
— Chris Capuano is facing the Boston Red Sox tonight, which is interesting considering he was a member of the Sox bullpen when he began the season.
"He's in a role that he's used too," Girardi said. "I think for him he's been a starter for a good portion of his career and he just seems to be throwing the baseball where he wants, with the stuff that he wants to use. He obviously has a real good idea of who he is and understands what he needs to do and has been making pitches."


text:
Thanks so much to everyone who took the time to fill out the survey I provided last week about Pin it and Do it. I was thrilled that over 30 people provided feedback! About half of you said you'd like to see Pin it and Do it once a quarter (the rest were divided between every other month and monthly), so that will be the plan for 2013.
The other day on twitter, however, Ms. Bookalicious Pam said she neeeeeeded a holiday Pin it and Do it. Others quickly piped in and things snowballed from there. In a very good and enthusiastic way.
So, get your engines started because the next round of Pin it and Do it will start on Thursday November 15th. I'll be out of town this week on business and since there's a short turn around I'm not doing an official sign-up this time. If you write up a intro post, feel free to link it in the comments below.
Pin It and Do It: A Pinteresting Challenge
The Details:
1. To participate you will choose your level and then make (or do) that amount of pins during Nov 15-Dec 31, 2012. Challenge ends December 31st.
2. Report back on your Pin It and Do It success. On November 15th I'll post a linky for you to link up. Ideally this will come in the form of a blog or tumblr post. Or you can post about it on Facebook or Flickr if you don't have a blog or tumblr. Or create a board on Pinterest for this challenge. If none of the above, report your success in the Wrap-Up Post comments.
3. Anyone is welcome to join. If you need an invite to Pinterest, let me know your email address and I'll send an invite.
The Levels:
Timid Pinner: 1-3 Pins
Pinterested: 4-7 Pins
Pin Obsessed: 8+ Pins
Some Pinterest Etiquette and Courtesies:
–If you create a pin from a post, make sure you are pinning the true URL of the post and not the main website so folks can easily find the link again.
–If you embed a pinned picture on your own blog, make it clear that it is not your original picture–a link back to the original blog post is always appreciated.
Important Note: Make sure to note the original pin wherever you complete your wrap-up (or if you do progress reports) to give the originator credit and make the pin easy for others to find.
Off you go my little lovelies—start scouring your Pinterest boards for those awesome things you want to do in the next 45 days.
Yay!!! Happy Pinning and Doing!


text:
S.W.O.T analysis Expansion Survey Data Local roads are the B372, B373, B374, A317 and A3050. Weybridge is equal distance from the M25 and the M3.
The local bus routes are the 51, to Brooklands and the 436 to Weybridge.
The local train station is Weybridge and is operated by South West Trains.
There are 2 public, council run pay and display car parks and another private run Euro car park within 0.5 miles of Church Street. Local Information Lee Bhika & Matthew Rayner Welcome Photo: Lee Bhika Competitors & Attractions elmbridge.gov.uk (2011) 52,900 households
77.7% owner occupied Population = 130,900
48.51% being male and 51.49 female Market Church Road, Weybridge, Surrey Where We Are Classic Meets
Modern Hand Made In House Finest Ingredients Who We Are Website Layout Sample Marketing % Specials & Promotions
Calendar Events 2013
Community Targeted Demonstrations & Workshops
Local Charities, Groups & Schools Mass produced goods
available at supermarkets
at a lower price
Difficult trading conditions
on the High Street
Finance required No control
over borrowing costs
New entrants to the market
Connect with local
communities and businesses
Plans for business growth
Supply to local businesses
New entrants
to the market
Rising competition
No control over
inflation and rising
operational costs
Estates Gazette. (2012) Surrey County Council. (2012) Lee Bhika (2012) QR Code Generator. (2012) Artisan products
Experienced chef
Minimal competition
Affluent area
Good access to
High Street
Low cost or free
parking facilities
Business capital Growth & Development Photo: Lee Bhika Any Questions??? Thank You Photo Lee Bhika (2012) Elm Bridge Borough Council. (2011) Population & Demographics - Elmbridge's Vital Statistics. [online]. Available from: <http://www.elmbridge.gov.uk/planning/policy/populationDemographics.htm> [Accessed 1st November 2012]
Estates Gazette. (2012) Weybridge Shops to let. [online]. Available from: <http://www.estatesgazette.com/propertylink/browse/retail-weybridge-to_let.htm>
[Accessed 4th November 2012]
Home. (2012) Current House Prices in Weybridge. [online]. Available from: < http://www.home.co.uk/guides/house_prices.htm?location=weybridge> [Accessed 1st Novenber 2012]
Portas, M. (2011) An Independent Review into the Future of Our High Streets. [online]. Available from: <http://www.bis.gov.uk/assets/biscore/business-sectors/docs/p/11-1434-portas-review-future-of-high-streets> [Accessed 15th November 2012]
Surrey County Council. (2012) Buses and Trains. [online]. Available from: < http://www.surreycc.gov.uk/roads-and-transport/buses-and-trains> [Accessed 6th November 2012]
Surrey County Council. (2012) Food Advice. [online]. Available from: < Permalink: http://www.surreycc.gov.uk/?a=179245> [Accessed 1st November 2012]
Weybridge.org. (2012) Gateway to Weybridge Information. [online] Available from: < http://www.weybridge.org.uk/> [Accessed 4th November 2012]
Youtube. (2012) Patisserie Mori Osaka; Waltz of Cakes. [online] Available from: < http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bXRAHLAa_sc> [Accessed 5th November 2012]
QR Code Generator. (2012) QR Code. [online] Available from: < http://www.the-qrcode-generator.com/> [Accessed on 4th November 2012] Bibliography
Present Remotely
Send the link below via email or IMCopy
Present to your audienceStart remote presentation
- Invited audience members will follow you as you navigate and present
- People invited to a presentation do not need a Prezi account
- This link expires 10 minutes after you close the presentation
- A maximum of 30 users can follow your presentation
- Learn more about this feature in our knowledge base article
Comments (0)
Please log in to add your comment.


text:
Know more about this business than we do? Cool! Please submit any corrections or missing details you may have.Help us make it right
Be the first AL.com user to add photos or videos of Howard Johnson
Howard Johnson's story began in 1925, with an ice cream stand that soon became a chain of orange-roofed restaurants, and eventually motor lodges. Today, the hotels offer quality accommodations at value prices for families and business travelers. Comforts of Home amenities include in-room coffeemakers, complimentary weekday newspapers and more. Most locations offer Home Office rooms, with work desks and chairs, and Crayola Kids Rooms, with Crayola easels and accessories, plus a mini-fridge and microwave.


text:
Republicans, Democrats Push Dueling Plans Amid Debt DeadlockJulie Hirschfeld Davis and Laura Litvan
Republicans and Democrats pushed dueling plans for raising the U.S. debt ceiling, unable to break a partisan stalemate over how to tackle the nation's $14.3 trillion debt even as worries of a threatened default Aug. 2 unsettled financial markets.
House Speaker John Boehner, an Ohio Republican, prepared to force action on a shorter-term extension of the U.S. debt limit than President Barack Obama has requested, defying a veto threat and the administration's warnings of dire economic consequences.
The Senate's top Democrat Harry Reid, meanwhile, readied his own proposal, which would hand Obama the full $2.4 trillion in additional borrowing authority he has requested -- enough to last through the 2012 elections -- tied to a $2.7 trillion package of spending cuts that would leave Medicare and Medicaid untouched, according to a Senate Democratic aide.
Obama met in the Oval Office with Reid, of Nevada, and House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi of California, as negotiations to find a viable plan to avert default intensified. They reaffirmed their opposition to a short-term debt-limit increase, according to a White House official who spoke on condition of anonymity.
U.S. stock futures slid, indicating the Standard & Poor's 500 Index will slump after rallying within 1.4 percent of a three-year high as the lack of an agreement to raise the federal debt limit intensified concern of a default.
Treasuries Fall
Treasuries fell after Mohamed A. El-Erian, whose Pacific Investment Management Co. runs the world's biggest bond fund, said the U.S. may lose its AAA debt rating even if lawmakers reach a plan to avoid a default.
The rate on the benchmark 10-year Treasury note climbed three basis points to 2.99 percent as of 9:22 a.m. in Tokyo, according to Bloomberg Bond Trader pricing. The 3.125 percent note due in May 2021 declined 1/4, or $2.50 per $1,000 face amount, to 101 1/8.
The yield increased six basis points last week. It is still below the 10-year average of 4.06 percent.
"In most likelihood, a last-minute political compromise will avoid a default but will leave the AAA rating extremely vulnerable," El-Erian, the Newport Beach, California-based chief executive officer and co-chief investment officer at Pimco, wrote in an e-mail.
No Clear Path
The collapse July 22 of a politically challenging quest by Obama and Boehner for a deal to slice as much as $4 trillion from the long-term debt through overhauls of entitlement programs and the tax code left all sides staring at a crisis with no clear path forward and little time to spare.
Boehner told Republicans in a conference call today that no one is willing to default on the full faith and credit of the U.S., according to a person familiar with the conversation who described it on condition of anonymity.
Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner said there was no other option than raising the debt ceiling. "The only way to limit the damage to the American people that would come from Congress failing to act is for Congress to act to raise the debt limit," Geithner said on ABC's "This Week." Congress is "going to pass the debt limit increase. That's what they're going to do."
Battling the Calendar
Congressional leaders were battling the calendar to do so. Boehner has told Republicans privately that the House would probably need to act on a debt-ceiling measure by July 27 in order to allow time to pass it and send it to the Senate, where procedural tactics could stall it for days, and get it cleared for Obama's signature in time to meet the Aug. 2 deadline. That would mean introducing a bill tomorrow to comply with House rules that require legislation to be publicly available for three days before it comes up for a vote.
Reid said talks broke down "over Republicans' continued insistence on a short-term raise of the debt ceiling."
Such a measure wouldn't provide certainty for financial markets "and is therefore a non-starter in the Senate and with the president," Reid said in a statement.
The conflict carried political peril for both parties. Boehner is laying the groundwork for the task of corralling Republicans -- including the Tea Party-supported freshmen who swept him into power in campaigns that spotlighted their zeal for spending cuts -- to back a debt-ceiling increase that is likely to contain far smaller reductions than they favor.
He urged rank-and-file Republicans during today's afternoon conference call to stick together to maximize their leverage against Obama, even though the plan might require some of them to make sacrifices.
'Some Leeway'
"It's not a game of chicken," Representative Bill Huizenga, a Michigan Republican, said in an interview following the call. "People are looking for the speaker to come back with something significant. There is an agreement to be found, we just haven't found it yet. People are willing to give the speaker some leeway."
Obama was consigned largely to the sidelines as Boehner, Reid and their counterparts in the opposing parties struggled to assess what could pass the House and Senate.
Boehner told Republicans on the conference call that they needed to pull together as a team to block the president from obtaining the $2.4 trillion debt-ceiling increase all at once, without any guarantees of spending cuts. He is considering a plan that would provide an immediate, stopgap borrowing boost of about $1 trillion tied to the same amount of spending cuts, and future votes on further spending reductions tied to the remainder of the debt-limit increase.
Market Reactions
Obama would veto such a measure, White House Chief of Staff Bill Daley said in an interview on NBC's "Meet the Press," warning that "markets around the world" would react negatively.
"We've got to get past this debt-ceiling vote," Daley said. "It's time to get some certainty."
Boehner said on Fox News that while he'd prefer a compromise package, his party was "prepared to move on our own" if that proved impossible.
"There will be a two-stage process," Boehner said on Fox. "This is about what is doable at the 11th hour."
Boehner had said he was aiming to show progress on a plan for increasing the debt ceiling -- bipartisan or not -- today to try to minimize uncertainty before Asian markets opened.
The dollar weakened against the euro, yen and Swiss franc in early Asia-Pacific trading.
"From the markets' point of view, a two-stage plan is a non-starter because we now know it is amateur hour on Capitol Hill and we don't want to be painted in this corner again," said Christian Cooper, head of U.S. dollar derivatives trading in New York at Jefferies & Co.
"There is significant risk of a downgrade with a deal that ties further cuts to another vote only a few months down the road given the significant resistance to do the right thing now," Cooper said.
Against the euro, the dollar declined to $1.4384 in early trading, from $1.4360 late on July 22. It fell to 78.13 yen from 78.54. Standard & Poor's 500 Index futures expiring in September lost 0.9 percent to 1,329.40 at 9:19 a.m. in Tokyo. Dow Jones Industrial Average futures lost 108 points, or 0.9 percent, to 12,513.
To continue reading this article you must be a Bloomberg Professional Service Subscriber.
Read this article on the Terminal Request a demo to learn more
If you believe that you may have received this message in error please let us know.
- 'No Cash' Signs Everywhere Has Sweden Worried It's Gone Too Far
- Morgan Stanley Says Stock Slide Was Appetizer for Real Deal
- Boom Turns to Bust for Millennials Across Advanced Economies
- How One of the Most Profitable Trades of the Last Few Years Blew Up in a Single Day
- Dollar Steady, Oil Rises as European Stocks Falter: Markets Wrap


text:
Sahara Midnight Lumbar Pillow With Tassels
Sahara Midnight Lumbar Pillow With Tassels
Our Price: $163.00
Product Description
Sahara Midnight Lumbar Pillow With Tassels – Another eye-catching lumbar pillow by Lacefield Designs.This lumbar pillow has pizzaz with its fabulously fun print, and is freshly adorned with the most adorable tassels.An incredibly exciting addition to any seating group or pillow arrangement.What a cute coastal pillow.It adds such flair to any seating arrangement. An adorable addition to their fabulous everday pillows and navy and lime pillow grouping. The Sahara Midnight Lumbar Pillow with Tassels would be the perfect addition to your seaside home or well appointed yacht!All Lacefield Designs pillows are proudly Made in the USA!
• Made in the USA
• 13" x 19"
• Dry Clean Only
Special orders or out of stock items usually ship within 2-3 weeks. All in-stock items will arrive under typical shipping timeframes and confirmations will be sent via e-mail for all orders. Should you have any questions regarding your order, please do not hesitate to give us a call or send us an e-mail to email@example.com, we are here to help you with your purchase. You can reach us at 813.839.4544 EST, during regular business hours, Monday through Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. or Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.


text:
who does this phone number belong to free
Something any person with average skills like me and you must do at one point in our lives is a reverse phone lookup. Nearly everyone with a cell phone has gotten a phone call from unfamiliar figures often in a 30 days and also the irritating factor is we do not know who the individual is. It could be prank contact so we have no idea how you can quit it. Nevertheless, however, it could be easily a long lost friend that is trying to get in touch with us, but since this is an unfamiliar number, we're hesitant to pick it up. This is where this specific repair is priceless as with a reverse phone lookup you will be able to obtain the title and address of the individual who known as which post should provide you with all the information you need about reverse phone lookup. Why should who does this phone number belong to free a reverse phone lookup be achieved? Once you take advantage of a reverse phone lookup service, you'll be able to see the specific individual who known as and his/her address from where he/she called. This is extremely advantageous if you need to know who is making prank calls for your cell number, or the address of a long lost classmate or even who the individual your partner is speaking with secretly and at the rear of the back. Though this specific repair can be quite useful, you must know which service you need to use before you carry out a phone search. Should you look on the internet, you should be able to see some that offer totally free reverse phone lookup services. Nevertheless, there is a catch because these websites provide only minimum information and can only provide you with the numbers of landlines and not mobile phones. If you want an unlisted quantity or a phone number to be found out, such sites could be of no benefit in any way. So, what do I actually do now? The best option is always to go for paid who does this phone number belong to free providers that work with cell phone numbers too and also have a lot if information compared to free websites. Since cell phone numbers are used a great deal these days, the likelihood of the quantity you want to obtain the title and deal with for is really a cell phone number. The entire process of using compensated providers web sites really is easy and also the enrollment and repayment is made hassle free. When you sign-up, everything you are required to do is enter the number you wish to discover more information about and click the right publish switch. Your outcomes will appear before you very quickly. Nevertheless, not every paid reverse phone look up websites could be spoken of in the exact same breath because some of them request you to repay but still not provide you with the results you expect. Nevertheless, there are still some reputable and effective types that give you a 100Percent assure. If you're not satisfied with their results, you can declare a refund.
who does this phone number belong to free The amount of interest and queries who does this phone number belong to free produced by individuals on reverse phone look up providers show this unique support has certainly gained a lot of floor since its inception a long time back. There have been all kinds of questions regarding reverse number research like what exactly this particular service does, how it can help in business, how to use it in your own home etc. For those who are new to everything about reverse phone lookup, here are the basic things you need to know before you begin using this service:- 1) Of course the most basic thing who does this phone number belong to free you should know is this fact is an on the internet internet based service. There are plenty of web sites that allow you to research figures. All you need to do is find one which you like and has all of the features and knowledge you need and begin utilizing it. Just save your favorite website so that you can rapidly can get on anytime you need to. 2) This can be a support by which you'll get information on who owns are particular phone number. Picture you receive a number on your skipped contact list and therefore are wondering who this person is. In the event you contact the amount back or just neglected as you've too many other things to do. Nicely when in any kind of misunderstandings regarding any phone number, merely browse to your preferred reverse phone lookup web site and enter the quantity in the provided search engine. Following clicking on submit, you can instantly know the master of the amount, from where they were calling and a whole lot of additional information. This can help you choose regardless of whether you have to call back again the amount or just neglected. 3) This particular service is a lot more than just searching for who does this phone number belong to free numbers. People use it for a variety of factors like obtaining someone's mail address. Discovering if the mystery caller would be a telemarketer. Discovering the name and location of a individual if you are continuously getting crank phone calls etc. 4) Not all reverse phone look up web sites provides you with all the information you are looking for. For instance particular sites may focus on reporting land line figures and some websites will showcase cell phone numbers. Most sites however nowadays showcase both kind of numbers so it doesn't matter if the number you are attempting to research is a landline number or a phone quantity. 5) Particular sites permit you to statement phone numbers along with just looking up who owns the telephone quantity and it is location. Reporting telephone numbers mean for those who have were built with a bad experience with somebody calling you again and again, you can simply statement this telephone number on the website and alert other users about this. Apart from warning customers, you can also get information on that number and browse experiences of other people on the website. This acts like a social networking website exactly where although you place up your own encounters and warn other people, you can also find out about what other people have gone through and learn from their experiences. This latest development in reverse phone look up providers is by far one of the best features until day.
Tags : How can I who does this phone number belong to free,Method who does this phone number belong to free,Course who does this phone number belong to free,Simple who does this phone number belong to free,Help for who does this phone number belong to free,Effective who does this phone number belong to free,To solve who does this phone number belong to free,To lose who does this phone number belong to free,Scam who does this phone number belong to free,Online who does this phone number belong to free


text:
|laziness, impatience, and hubris
Comment on
|( #3333=superdoc: print w/replies, xml )
|Need Help??
you want to build a perl cgi from scratch?? i dont know much about object orientated perl if thats what your after... anyway, personally i would get it looking however you want it first, then when you test your perl script you can see how it works. for the perl
on your html form you need to a comand that accesses the perl script. it should look something like this
Hope this was what you were after. Lolly :)
In reply to Re: Writing a web message board from scratch
by lolly


text:
So I installed a new video card (nvidia geforce 9500 gt) and it worked great! -- except with the problem described by the title, namely that I was seeing the entire system freeze from time to time when playing Flash video from youtube in full screen. I did not see it happen with non-fullscreened video and the video quality didn't seem to have any effect (although I did not test exhaustively).
Interestingly, I had been having problems with my previous card, so I had already turned off hardware acceleration. I really didn't want to hang on to a Windows machine just for watching Youtube videos, so I tried a few other small things to no effect. To make a long story short, I eventually turned hardware acceleration back on and it hasn't crashed since.
I was kind of surprised by this result, since everything I had thought up to this point indicated that hardware acceleration was more of a liability than an asset, so I thought I'd record my experience just in case someone else was experiencing a similar problem.


text:
Mail Us : email@example.com
Contact Us : 044- 42167776 , 044-25390360
The Madras Electric Trades Association, popularly known as META was established in the year 1942. Today, about 1650 members are part of this body, which was formed with the primary aim to restore price stability for electrical products that are imported. Now the role of the association has widened broadly to include protecting the trading community, educating the members on various aspects of the trade including government regulation apart from organizing exhibitions to create trade awareness......... read more
META is the founder member of Federation of All India Electric Trade Association [FAIETA] and also the founder member of Federation of Electrical, Electronics and Engineering Trade Association of Tamil Nadu [FEEETAT]. META is also a member in Hindustan Chamber of Commerce, Southern India Chamber of Commerce, Madras Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Federation of Madras Merchants and Manufacturers Association.
META have contributed their might for Chief Minister Public Relief Fund, TamilNadu, Chief Minister Public Relief Fund, Rajasthan, Kargil War Victims Welfare fund, Gujarat Earth Quake Relief, Rehabilitation of School children by construction of School in the village at Kutch and many more.


text: I have searched this forum but can not find a clear up to date answer (apologies if it is in there somewhere). Can someone please tell me, since the last xbox live update, what formats the 360 will play ? I know it will play bog standard DVD, divx, xvid and wmv files from previous experience but how about these : HD.ts, H.264, x264, AVCHD, SVCD, VCD, ratDVD, WMVHD ? I assume it will play 720p, 1080i and 1080p fine but bluray and hd-dvd will not? Are the only high def formats here HD.ts, WMVHD and the 720 and 1080 ones? Thanks


text:
Stay up to date on the happenings on the event, like us on Facebook
Maple Bluff Beach Burrows Park Tenney Park James Madison Park Edgewater Hotel UW Memorial Union
2014 EVENT CANCELLED - Due to a lack of funds, the 2014 LIGHTS ON THE LAKE Boat Parade & Fireworks originally scheduled for Sunday, August 31, 2014, has been cancelled.
This family-oriented community event/fundraiser has attracted thousands upon thousands of spectators to Lake Mendota and its shoreline for the last 5 years. The past events have been coordinated by Drake & Company Staffing Specialists and they are currently collaborating with alternative event planning organizations to bring the event back in 2015.
ALTERNATIVE EVENTS & ACTIVITIES: TASTE OF MADISON on the Capitol Square.
Check out our past event photos on our Facebook photo stream page.
Please Help Keep This Event Going Strong.
A portion of proceeds to Yahara Lakes Assn. and Madison City Parks for the health/beauty of our lakes and shoreline parks.


text:
Contact us 24/7: +1 877 678 9627
View product details
Zoom In
Need a second opinion? Ask your personal shopper:
Need a second opinion? Ask your personal shopper:
GET EXPERT ADVICE Need a second opinion? Ask your personal shopper:
- - True to size
- - Semi-fitted at the bust and waist; loose at the hip
- - Model is 177cm/ 5'10" and is wearing a UK size 8
Mulberry modernizes the timeless prom dress silhouette in shimmering metallic-pink jacquard to eye-catching effect. Tonal flats will keep the look fresh - simply add a sleek clutch for contemporary party cool.
Shown here with: Monica Vinader bracelet and ring, Lanvin shoes, See by Chloé bag.
- - Metallic-pink jacquard
- - Pleat at neck, gathered waist, fully lined in silk
- - Exposed gold zip fastening at back, concealed zip fastening at side
- - 44% cotton, 37% silk, 19% polyamide; lining: 100% silk
- - Dry clean
- - Designer color: Hot Fuchsia
Product Code: 187145
For alternative suggestions, contact our Fashion Consultants
Help & Advice
Product Code: 187145


text:
A 97 year old doctor has this to say
At the age of 97, Dr Shigeaki Hinohara is one of the world's longest serving Physicians and Educators. Since 1941, he has been healing patients at St. Luke's International Hospital in Tokyo and teaching at St Luke's college of nursing. He has published around 150 books including 'Living Long, Living Good' which has sold more than 1.2 million copies. His teaching encourages others to live a long and happy life, a quest in which no role model is better than the good doctor himself.
This is the message from Dr Hinohara -
Energy comes from feeling good, not from eating well or sleeping a lot. We should all remember how as children, when we were having fun, we often forgot to eat or sleep. We can keep that attitude as adults too. It is best not to tire the body with too many rules such as lunch time and bed time. All people who live long regardless of nationality, race or gender share one thing in common: none are overweight. For breakfast I drink coffee, a glass of milk and some orange juice with a tablespoon of olive oil in it. Olive oil is great for arteries and keeps my skin healthy. Lunch is milk and a few cookies or nothing when I have no time to eat. I never get hungry because I focus on my work. Dinner is veggies, a bit of fish and rice and twice a week 100 gms of lean meat.
Always plan ahead. My schedule book is already full until 2014, with lectures and the usual hospital work. In 2016 I will have some fun, though: I plan to attend the Tokyo Olympics!
There is no need to ever retire, but if one must, it should be a lot later than 65. Share what you know. I give 150 lectures a year, some for 100 elementary school children, others for 4,500 business people. I usually speak for 60 to 90 minutes, standing to stay strong.
When a doctor recommends you to take a test or have some surgery, ask whether the doctor would suggest that his or her spouse or children go through such a procedure. Contrary to popular belief, doctors can't cure very one. So why cause unnecessary pain with surgery. I think music and animal therapy can help more than most doctors imagine.
To stay healthy, always take the stairs and carry your own stuff. I take two stairs at a time to get my muscles moving. My inspiration is Robert Browning's poem 'Abt Vogler'. My father used to read it to me. It encourages us to make big art not small scribbles. It says to try to draw a circle so huge that there is no way we can finish it while we are alive. All we see is an arch; the rest is beyond our vision but it is there in the distance.
Pain is mysterious, and having fun is the best way to forget it. If a child has toothache and you start playing a game together, she or he immediately forgets the pain. Hospitals must cater to the basic needs of patients: we all want to have fun. At St Luke's we have music and animal therapies and art classes. Don't be crazy about amassing material things. Remember you don't know when your number is up, and you can't take it with you to the next place. Science alone can't cure or help people. Science lumps us all together, but illness is individual. Each person is unique, and diseases are connected to their hearts. To know the illness and help people, we need liberal and visual arts, not just medical ones.
It is wonderful to live long. Until one is 60 years old, it is easy to work for one's family and to achieve one's goal. But in our later years, we should strive to contribute to society. Since the age of 65, I have worked as a volunteer. I still put in 18 hours seven days a week, and love every minute of it.
And Dr Hinohara's great journey continues even today in the same place he has created for himself, always available to the needy, serving mankind the best way he can, always willing to try new things. Today he serves as chairman of the board of trustees of the Hospital and Nursing School.
To be born as a human being is a great gift and to live as a human being, serving and supporting mankind while enjoying every moment is a greater gift. It calls for a very special attitude, clear vision, direction and purposeful sustained efforts to reach ones goal. It is possible and all we need are role models like Dr Hinohara to inspire us, and we can achieve greater things, surpassing our role model. Live life enjoying every moment and when you are happy and smiling you will make everyone around you happy.
Pranic Healing and Yoga
Our life styles are changing as we attempt to adopt and change ourselves to be in tune with
technology and science. In the process, unknowingly or knowingly, we are neglecting our health.
Issues are often caused by sedentary life styles, imbalanced diet, limited exercise or no time allotted for one's self. This is a concern now for all age groups from school-going youngsters to senior citizens. Stress, tension and the pressures of daily existence can be remedied with allopath pain relievers instantly, though the problems can surface again after a few days or sometimes can lie hidden to surface later in life.
Pranic healing and yoga have emerged successfully in our search for an effective alternative with no
side effects and can provide lasting cures. Pranic healing is an ancient science and art that utilises
the prana of life energy to heal the whole of the physical body. It involves manipulation of prana
and the bio plasma matter of the patient's body. The life energy, or prana, is utilised to accelerate
the healing process by increasing the rate of bio chemical reactions involved in the natural healing
process. The benefits are many. It can help to give relief from headaches, gas problems, toothache,
muscle and joint pains, cough, cold, loose bowl movements and so on. Cures can be obtained in
matter of a few minutes.
After a course in pranic healing the patient is taught the practices of yoga to sustain the benefits
over a long time. We are equipped and prepared to face the rigours of the day. Yoga is based on
the belief that the body and breathing are intimately connected with the mind. It balances and
harmonises the body, mind and emotions. It is used as a tool to withdraw from the chaos of the
world to find total peace and quietitude.It reduces the recovery time from illness and helps to
develop a stress free mind which is calm and composed all the time. The benefits include increased
flexibility and energy, better coordination and a reduction of fatigue, to give a cheerful healthy life.
Dr Chandra Swaminathan realised the benefits and potentials of these two practices to provide
basic self-support to all in need and has equipped herself with the knowledge and practice over the
last two decades. She has helped many to recover from acute and sub acute problems. Chandra
provides one to one sessions, in most cases teaching the students in her centre at Chennai. As a
nutrition expert she modifies diet patterns to support a speedy recovery from illness. Chandra
says 'Starving is no solution, but balanced foods are the answer". She also recommends fresh fruits
and plenty of vegetables in balanced proportions in addition to small quantities of dry nuts like
almonds, badam, peanuts and walnuts every day. She emphasises to maintain correct fluid balances
with a minimum of 6-8 glasses of water every day in addition to fresh fruit juices.
People come to her from various age groups. School going children come with common issues such
as problems of cold, cough, wheezing and lack of concentration over weight issues. Women of
middle age come with problems of tension and stress, body pain and blood pressure and vertigo.
IT professionals commonly have problems pain in the neck, shoulder and back, lack of sleep and
appetite issues. Senior citizens come with headaches, body pain, joint pain, poor coordination and
reduced appetite. Dr Chandra evaluates each case and prepares a program for relief and recovery.
The success rate is so high that her services are sought after by many. This has been possible
because of her commitment to the cause and her sincere dedicated efforts. Her weekly program has a minimum of 30 sessions with patients. Dr Chandra's motto is to bring cheer and smiles back to patients' lives and this she does extremely well. She advises a routine of early morning walks followed by a session of 30 minutes of yoga every day. She says start living for yourselves, take care of your body and the body will take care of you. Dr Chandra can reached through email here.
Ration shop experiences
Rice, Wheat, Dhal, oils, sugar and kerosene are some of the items offered through ration shops operated by the government all over the state of Tamil Nadu for eligible ration card holders every month. Among these items Rice up to 20 Kilograms is offered free of cost, while the other items are on a subsidised price which is up to 20- 30 percent lower when compared to market prices. It is an immensely popular scheme among the strata of lower and middle income groups as the quality of the products are fairly good and we are not at the mercy of black marketers who hoard the items during short supply or jack up the prices as they please.
I have some very special reasons as to why I go and collect my ration every month even though it means some hard ships in commuting and waiting. It's the happiness I get when I see joy and cheer in the faces of other ration receivers. The fact is a family of four can collect most of their food requirements by spending less than Rs 500 and they can get two square meals a day, not having to depend on anything else, the only other need being vegetables and cooking gas or kerosene stoves which they have. They collect their allotments happily and with the help of their family members and friends carry these full bags to their home. I see their children and sometimes working men coming along to assist the wives or elderly mother and fathers and there are no words to describe the feeling reflected in their faces.
I have evolved my own way of redistributing the goodies I get. While we keep only 25 percent of the rice and some dhal the rest is given away to the staff /maids/security of our apartment in rotation. I am happy that I am able to do this for them without their asking for the same. I believe firmly that we all have a responsibility to do all we can to bring cheer and joy in the lives of others around us, apart from our own family members. We have to give back to the society a percentage of all we have back to society which has helped us to earn it. The joy of giving without any fan fare or promotion is very special because it is this act which can give real inner peace and joy. Above all we have to be grateful to the Almighty who has empowered us to do these things. We should never ever forget all the have-nots who suffer wanting food, clothing and shelter and health. We should keep doing whatever we can within our capacity and ability, whenever we can where ever we are. I would go one step further and add all living forms-plants and animals also in this list, for we as human beings are the chosen ones who have this added responsibility also entrusted upon us. We will then be on the road to realise and experience a great treasure – the treasure of pure joy, happiness and peace unlimited. After all what is a life without a purpose and what is a purpose without your living and experiencing it. So go ahead for sky is the limit.
Feathered friends
We have many birds who make their attendence every day from all three open directions in our flat.
In the kitchen window southern side we have kept few earthen pots for grains, cooked Rice, crunchies/Murukku and water. Crows and pigeons come for their fill. While crows prefer Rice, crunchies, Idli/Chappathi/Bread, it is Ragi/Thenai grains for pigeons. The male pigeons always manage to bring in one or two new girl friends and they all eat very systematically like a military drill and polish every grain. I also notice that they do a prayer and pradashanam to lord for their daily meal. A very good habbit!
The Mynas occupy the southern bedroom space above the Air Conditioner cover and below the concrete rain barrier. They bring in thier own food and all kinds of dry material for their nest which they build as a team of two with the males doing all the work, and the female bird ordering/making all the noise till she is satisfied.
The Sparrows build their nests in the bamboo sunshade we have put in the western balcony. They are very active between September and March. Very hard workers, keeping their beak sharply polished for use at all times. Protecive of their offsprings, they manage to get some food for them and feed them first and sing happily afterwards.
The Pigeons come on the northen side of my bed room window above the Air Conditioner. They create a racket with their kur kur kur in the wrong time of the afternoon when I try to get some shut eye. They manage to get all wooden pieces, straw and dry matter to build a tightly knitted nest. Like a good samaritan I permit then to a certain extent. What to do Geetha will not permit me to drive them away.
Live a spiritual life and enjoy living it
To live a spiritual life one need not run away from the world nor blindly follow unsolicited ritualistic suggestion, but we should learn the art of spiritual living. Every one irrespective of circumstances can acquire this valuable skill. Take small steps like regular prayer, meditation, reading, thinking positive and pure thoughts, working unselfishly for the good of others in addition to yourself, give a helping hand to the needy to bring a smile and cheer in to their lives, continuously upgrade your skills and knowledge can be some of the starters.
Start enjoying the beautiful and wonderful happenings that occur around you and realise you are also part of the same. Start your day with a smile thanking God for another chance given to you to live a beautiful day among his creations. Enjoy the rising early morning sun in all its glory, song of the birds and bees, fragrance of the blooms, freshness of growing plants and trees, the clean misty morning air – the list can be endless and it is given to you and up to you to experience all. And we pretend we have no time amidst our stereo typed routine, not realising that when we want to it may be too late.
Sri Ramakrishna said that we should make time for some solitude and analyse your mind and motives, fears and anxieties, try and develop firm faith in God and resolve to experience His presence everywhere and in all his creations. Occasional withdrawal from active life will reinvigorate and strength our deepest core and help us to live life effectively and purposefully. So long as the heart of a man is directed towards God, we can be lost in the midst of wealth, position, power and worldliness and they can not affect you. Peace and bliss is what we create within us and should not be subjected to external influences.
Start practicing and you will never regret, for you are on the road to realise peace, good health and lasting happiness. The best part of it is that it is all within your reach all the time and nothing can stop you. So why delay. Go full steam ahead.
Life is a test, face it
We strive to find fulfillment in our lives as human beings, to lead a life filled with bliss. To achieve this we select the spiritual path. How ever as we go about it we are bound to face both favorable and unfavorable circumstances in the course of the journey. Should we abandon our pursuit because of that?
When circumstances start becoming favorable you, it shows you succeeded in this path a little bit. How ever if we start facing adversities, then take it as a sure sign that you need to double your efforts / tread/ this path with greater speed. When troubles and obstacles come our way, it perhaps God wants to establish us quickly in our divine nature of serenity. On the other hand if pleasures and comforts come our way, it might mean that God knows our weakness [that we are devoted to pleasures] and so he gives us these toys, His way of testing you.
How ever we should be very careful to accept the toys as they come, but don't get carried away by them. The point is, take care that the toys do not take control over you, becoming the focal point of your life. Accept them as gifts from God, receive it as a Prasad, then do not eat it alone, but distribute to others as well
Similarly when you are blessed with competence or comforts, make good use of them in the service of God. Like wise when faced with obstacles or difficulties just tide over them, and get back to your serene nature. Such a devotee quickly succeeds in his spiritual endeavours.Do not become bloated in favorable circumstance, nor loose heart in adverse conditions. Both Happiness and sorrow will invariably pass way .Irrespective of the nature of the present situation, you must always reiterate in you mid that this too, will pass over. Keep telling your mind that, Even this too shall pass away" .This will quieten your mind and gradually eliminate your sense of attachment or hatred
Make your vision divine and see the world as an expression of divinity. Become aware that your wealth, power and property will not accompany you on your final journey. It is only your intrinsic nature that will accompany you after your death. Therefore always try to elevate your nature. let it touch the loftiest heights of sublimity ..Once the sun of knowledge rises on the horizon of your life, then the mind ,and the illusions will be destroyed.Affilictions like lust ,greed ,anger will dissipate and disappear
They alone, whom He loves/are by Him tried and put to test/the treaures of His benign grace/Does He shower on them under this pretext
Looking for the right answers
When we reflect and look back, we may ask some candid questions like "is there such a thing called an ideal life? and if so, how does one attain it?". If destiny is in our hands how does one logically explain the events that happen in our lives?
The path we have travelled is evidence enough to show that destiny is not in one's hand. It would seem that some super power was (and is) orchestrating each and every event in our lives. If you try to analyze and quantify how much of what happened was within your control then we can possibly see it clearly.
Many of our attempts and actions to change the course of things may not come through the way we would have wanted. We surrender and accept the presence of a higher power, unseen but existing. We accept that delay is not denial and patiently wait for the right time to come. Till this, we can at best accept the fact that a life of human birth is given to us to live a life of peace, compassion and a strong willingness to support and help the needy (human, animal and plant life).
When change happens we also see and realize that it makes an amazing, fantastic difference to our lives. The resultant satisfaction is immense and unimaginable. These things also happen at the least expected moments. What resulted ultimately may be beyond logic or rational thinking. Is it all then a matter of destiny? Answers to such questions can come when we search within ourselves. Peace and salvation can be our creation. Yoga and meditation help achieve these with single minded devotion and pursuit.
If material prosperity is considered as the only yardstick for happiness, then at some stage we will realize money alone does not provide all the answers. Whilst money and wealth are a necessity to support us and our family, the real satisfaction of having money comes only in the right earning and giving. We need to instill a quality to give a proportion of the earnings back to the pillars which supported you to achieve it. We are also duty bound to give back a portion back to the society which helped you to earn it. We then graduate to the next stage.
We need to accept the fact that there is a soul in every living form and all our offers of help and support should be extended with love and humility. We will then realize the true meaning and significance of charity. We then become thankful to the Almighty who has bestowed us with the ability and means to support the needy. Under these circumstances, de-linking all material achievements from happiness do not seem realistic or correct.
Going to pilgrimage and travelling to different places of worship, shrines and sacred locations does give one joy. We enjoy meeting, learning and knowing from several enlightened souls. Vibrant chanting of bajans can give us a freedom feeling and a sense of joy. We live and enjoy the moment and enjoy reflecting on it later.
There is nothing called total peace or salvation. It is a state of mind. It is said that in an average human mind over 50,000 thoughts and emotions come and go each day. Just let them be, do not engage them, especially the disturbing negative ones. Never recognise or get difficult with them. They will go just as they came. Look at the mind like an ocean, and the rise and fall of waves as the thoughts and emotions of the mind. The ocean is not disturbed by them. Similarly our mind can slip away from the thought faster than you have realised its departure. We take trouble to keep in shape with exercise and visits to the gym, spending considerable time and money so why not consider some time for the wellness of our minds too? An approach to tone both body and mind will be in everyone's interest. Dedicate all the goodness that accrue from this to your dear and near ones, your teacher, your elderly and those to which you are indebted to in your life.
Peace, love and joy can be your creation to become part of you, for you and for others around you.
Building your confidence
Confidence comes with knowledge. Confidence does not mean being rash and aggressive. It means being able to deal with situations and to be able to talk to people in a polite, assertive way. The following are some of the suggested tips to boost your confidence:
- Confidence begets confidence, meaning if you speak with confidence it instills confidence in people around you.
- If you are afraid to speak in public, practice in front of a mirror, learn a speech by heart and speak on every opportunity that comes your way
- Maybe some people will laugh at you initially but just continue, learn from your mistakes; soon you will become a confident speaker.
- Be comfortable with who you are and develop skills that you admire in other people. It could be an ability to organise events, the ability to write or to make people laugh. It is a rare gift.
- Remember the confident picture you see in people has been cultivated with care and definitely with hard work.
- Do not associate with people who pull you down. There are many such sorts who are ready to stop you and hinder your progress.
- We are surrounded by people with aptitude and attitude both. People who are ready to give you suggestions are ready to advise you too. The wise saying about free advice is to pass it on.
- You must heed wisdom, to people who are close to you and people who love you and care for you.
- Remember the saying "fools rush where angels fear to tread", which means taking a step impulsively can be dangerous. Be confident but not fool hardy.
- Believe in yourself and in what you do. This will definitely lead you to success. When you are confident it will show in your words, expressions and mannerisms.
- When you start on a chosen path, you will have hundreds of people following you. Confidence is also humbling.
- Work on it and enjoy the difference, you have to experience it to believe it.
Ayyappa Worship: A sustaining faith
Every year, millions of devotees proceed on a yatra (pilgrimage) to Sabari Hills in Kerala during the months of November to January to worship Ayyappa.They practice a rigorous self cleansing program for 41 Days prior to the trip which is normally undertaken as group under the guidance of a senior member aptly called Guruswamy. A devotee takes a vow and prays either in a temple or at home to honor this commitment wearing the prescribed dress and mala (garland), going through both the mental and physical preparations during this period. It is a very special journey. The route is taken by walking through five hills for 4-5 days before reaching the base camp in the foot hills of Pamba. One climbs another 11 kilometres to reach the temple. The devotee then offers the Irumudi (offerings he has carried in a special bag) to the Lord whilst chanting his name Swamiyee Saranam Ayyappa (Prostrations to Swami Ayyappa).
During the preparatory phase all such devotees are called Ayyappas. A daily routine involves prayers both morning and evening, a visit to a temple close by, chanting of the sarana slogam and attending to group Bhajans (prayers) conducted in devotee houses in the neighborhood. The rules of vegetarian food, no smoking or alcohol, abstinence from sex, simple lifestyle, acceptance of your fellow human beings as equal and treating every living form of Gods with love and care are strictly followed. During such a self imposed programme one can feel genuine fellow feeling and empathy which is one of the greatest effects of the programme. A devotee attends to his other routines, such as his office work, as usual.
Ayyappa accepts all equally and expects all devotees to adhere to this belief. There is no difference or differentiation between people and therefore his temple accepts all. The special seasons are during Makara Jyothi and Makaravilakku, seasons in December and January. The temple is also kept open for a week every month. The lord is known by many names: Dharmasastha, Sabari Girisha, Sathgurunath, Manikanda. His yoga asana chinmudra posture confirms his protection, care and concern for all living beings in the universe. He is known to protect and come to the rescue of his devotees. During the yatra he is worshipped in five temples located at Achankovil, Aariyan Kavu, Kulathu Puzza, Khandamali and Sabarimalai.
The holy 18 steps leading to the temple is a great experience. His holy darsan remains in the mind of the devotee for a long time wanting and urging him to take another trip during the next season, so strong and powerful is the effect. This faith and belief helps in driving away negative thoughts and brings in positive vibrations to the betterment of all.
A few tips for computer users
When working on computers for a long time, many of us may experience dizziness, headaches and strained eyes. We can also get shoulder aches, stiff joints and pain in the neck when we work on computers for 6-8 hours a day, 5 days a week, as in the case of IT professionals.
These signs should be recognised early. Precautions and preventive measures should be taken to counteract these problems. They will not cost you anything besides a few minutes of your time, but if you ignore the warnings of the body the chances of developing serious health problems are far greater later on. So the old adage that prevention is better than cure is really valid here.
A few healthy tips:
- Since long hours are spent in air-conditioned rooms we tend to get dehydrated. We tend to forget how needed it is to drink when the environment is cold. Drink at least 8-10 glasses of water per day.
- Coffee, tea, soft drinks are no substitute for water. On the contrary, they are dehydrating and can put strain on the kidneys.
- Every 30 to 40 minutes take a walk around the office, so the back and eyes get some rest and the legs some circulation.
- Try to look at natural greenery outside the window or at something blue. Green and blue are soothing colors and will cool your eyes. Blink as often as you can.
- Make a cup out of your palm and cover your eyes
- Splash your eyes with cold water when you get up or when you feel the strain. With this simple step you can avoid irritation, redness and allergies.
- If you are using spectacles, wash them at least once a day
Some exercises:
- Lift your shoulders and keep them up for 10 seconds, then bring them down for 10 seconds.
- Throw your head back for 10 seconds and bring it back up for 10 seconds.
- Bring your head sideways to the count of five and back straight to the count of five
- Rotate your shoulders 5 times clockwise and anti clockwise 5 times. You can do this with your wrists too.
- Periodically straighten your back for 10 seconds and relax it for 10 seconds.
These exercises encourage circulation in the joints and can remove stiffness and pain.


text:
A 33-year-old motorcyclist who was involved in a collision with a car on the A5 near Towcester has suffered life-threatening injuries.
The crash, involving four motorcycles and two cars, took place near Towcester Racecourse shortly after 12.30pm, on Sunday.
A black Mitsubishi L200, being driven by a 50-year-old man, was on the A5 northbound, waiting to turn right into the racecourse, when a grey Yamaha R6, being ridden by a man, travelling southbound was involved in a collision with the vehicle.
At the same time a black Yamaha FZ6, being ridden by a 33-year-old man on the southbound carriageway was in collision with a silver Citroen C3, being driven by a woman northbound.
Two other riders, a 28-year-old man riding a yellow Yamaha R6 and a 43-year-old man riding a black Kawasaki ZX600, both came off their bikes as a result of the collisions.
Four further motorcyclists were travelling with the riders who came off their bikes, but were not involved in the collisions.
The 33-year-old man who was riding the black Yamaha FZ6 sustained life-threatening injuries and was taken to University Hospital Coventry by air ambulance.
The riders of the grey Yamaha R6 and yellow Yamaha R6 were also taken to hospital with minor injuries.
The A5 was closed near to the racecourse until around 5.30pm.
Police would like to speak to anyone who may have witnessed this collision or who may have any information regarding it.
Anyone who witnessed or who witnessed this incident is asked to call the Drivewatch Hotline on 0800 174615.


text:
When we wrote our first By the Numbers post a year ago, it was intended to become a regular feature until we hit all 100 numbers (0-99…sorry, we're not differentiating between 0 and 00). One thing I wanted to hold true to, though, was a random selection of the numbers. I don't even totally know why—I just did.
Unfortunately, unlike our first selection, which had several players all viable choices as the best #81 of all time, research into our second number consistently came back with one player—the best #25 in NFL history appears to clearly have been Fred Biletnikhoff.
With 589 career receptions, 8,974 receiving yards, 76 touchdowns, a Super Bowl MVP (XI), six Pro Bowls (two of them AFL only), two first-team All-Pro selections, and Hall of Fame induction in 1988, he seems a cut clear choice.
Given the anti-climactic nature of the selection, we sat on it…for a year.
Other names that came up on the list:
Tommy McDonald – Philadelphia Eagles, Dallas Cowboys, Los Angeles Rams, Atlanta Falcons, Cleveland Browns – With 495 career receptions, 8,410 yards, 84 touchdowns and six Pro Bowls, his numbers aren't far off from Biletnikoff. Of course, the last four years of his career he wore #29 (Rams), #8 (Falcons) and #29 (Browns).
Bruiser Kinard – Brooklyn Dodgers, New York Yankees – Kinard was an offensive tackle from 1938-1944, when they were allowed to wear numbers in the 20's…and started his career at a whopping 195 pounds. Elected into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1971, he was a 5-time Pro Bowler and 4-time first-team All-Pro.
LeSean McCoy – Philadelphia Eagles – The list of #25's is thin enough that McCoy is one of three active players to make the list…he has one Pro Bowl and one first-team All-Pro selection to his name so far—it wouldn't be impossible for him to someday stake a claim to being better than Biletnikoff, but he will have to significantly improve on his injury plagued 840 yards rushing from 2012. He wore #29 in his first season with the Eagles.
Jamaal Charles – Kansas City Chiefs – The other active running back on the list, Charles has two Pro Bowl appearances to go with his single first-team All-Pro appearance, and had a career year in 2012 (1,509 yards rushing, 5 TD) coming off ACL surgery in 2011—which would have been much more impressive had Adrian Peterson not lapped him by almost five full football fields.
Richard Sherman – Seattle Seahawks – Sherman has only been in the league for only two seasons, but has one first-team All-Pro selection along with being named a Pro-Bowl alternate this year (yeah, we're not sure how that works either). And if you ask him, he'll probably think he belongs at the top of this list.


text:
By JOSEPH DALTON
Special to the Times Union
Last October Anne Zwick Turner and Frances Pallozzi Wittmann called a special meeting the local chapter of the National Association of Teachers of Singing. The only business item was to sight read through songs by local composers. In the previous few weeks, they'd received a substantial pile of music.
"We found one gem after another," recalls Turner. "One composer was more interesting than the next."
While the association's emphasis is on teaching, most of its 15 or so members are active singers themselves. The purpose of the meeting was to program a recital of songs by Capital Region composers, which takes place at 3 p.m. today in the Zankel Music Center at Skidmore College.
Though the event was conceived as a showcase for some of the many composers living and working in our midst, the talent of local singers and pianists will also come through. In all, nine composers will be represented on the program, with performances by nine singers, accompanied by four pianists. Lest this seem like a marathon afternoon, Turner says the whole program (without intermission) should be done in about 80 minutes.
The pairing up of composers and singers turned out to be a rather organic process. Tenor Rand Reeves will actually be performing his own original material. And some singers took the opportunity to revisit beloved repertoire by trusted colleagues. Anne Turner, for example, will reprise a piece by Hilary Tann that she's not performed in almost ten years. Titled "Arachne," it's a kind of monodrama recounting a Greek legend and uses as its sole accompaniment a cymbal.
But that session of score readings back in the autumn also brought together at least one new team of singer and composer. Mezzo-soprano Barbara Eckhaus, a voice teacher from Delmar, practically leapt out of her seat to claim the music by Evan Mack, a 29-year old composer who just arrived in the area in the past year.
"A perfect marriage between poetry and music is what makes his songs and arias so much fun to sing," says Eckhaus. "He can give you a complete story experience in a song that's one page long."
Eckhaus isn't the only one catching on to Mack's talents. Last weekend Mack was in West Virginia where the Charleston Ballet gave four performances to his hour-long piece "Pinocchio."
Though his composer career is burgeoning, Mack's part-time positions at the College of St. Rose and Skidmore College are both in teaching piano. His advanced degrees from the University of Cincinnati are also in piano performance.
"I like to have my finger in as many pots as possible," says Mack. "I think the more I delve at the piano the better I compose."
Besides three full-length musicals, Mach has recently completed his first opera, which will receive a two-week run in Manhattan next month.
"Angel of the Amazon" is based on the true story of Dorothy Stang, a Catholic nun who was killed in the Brazilian rainforest by hired gunmen in February 2005. Mack learned about the tragedy — a mix of business and politics, ecology and religion — later that same year and immediately thought it was the stuff of opera. He's written his own libretto and developed the piece with the Encompass New Opera Theatre, which will present 13 performances at the Baryshnikov Arts Center in Midtown Manhattan.
Along with a set of Langston Hughes songs by Mack, this afternoon's program will feature the climactic final aria from "Angel of the Amazon."
"It's called 'Will They Listen?' and is where Sister Dorothy is about to name names in front of the assembly and the press," explains Mack. "Apart from the context of the story, it's a call to action to the audience. How will you help save the rain forest? And have you heard the cries of the poor?"
Joseph Dalton is the author of "Artists & Activists: Making Culture in New York's Capital Region" and a regular contributor to the Times Union. He blogs at: http://www.hudsonsounds.org.
"Local Treasures: An American Song Project"
A recital of local composers sponsored by the National Association of Teachers of Singing
Composers: Albert Fedak, Joseph Fennimore, Adam Fine, Jane Leslie, Evan Mack, Steve Murray, Rand Reeves, Hilary Tann and Timothy Luby
Singers: soprano Gene Marie Callahan, mezzo Kara Cornell, mezzo Barbara Eckhaus, soprano Anne Agresta Dugan, soprano Elissa Premerlani, tenor Rand Reeves, soprano Corine Salon, soprano Anne Zwick Turner, mezzo Frances Pallozzi Wittmann
Pianists: Erich Borden, Michael Clement, Evan Mack and Josh Tanis
When: 3 p.m. Today
Where: Zankel Music Center, Skidmore College, Saratoga Springs
Admission: Free.


text:
Westin 30-0020 Safari Light Bar
View Additional Required Parts »
Westin 30-0020 Safari Light Bar Chrome Stainless Steel - Does Not Include Mount Kit - Vehicle Specific Mount Kit Must Be Purchased Separately - 10.75 in. Mounting Depth
See Full List of Vehicle Applications »
Westin - Safari Light Bar P/N 30-0020 Features:
- 2 in. Diameter Bar
- Welded Light Mounting Tabs
- Universal Bars
- No Drill Installation
- Lifetime Warranty
Required Parts:
View the Full List of Automotive Applications »
Below is an abbreviated list of applications for the Safari Light Bar.
4Runner, Ascender, B2300, B2500, B3000, B4000, Bravada, CR-V, Envoy, Equinox, Escape, Explorer, Frontier, Grand Vitara, GX470, Mariner, Pathfinder, QX4, Rainier, Ranger
- 30-0020
- 30-0020
- 707742900208
- Westin
- New
Shipping Information
- Item Requires Shipping
- 13.0 lbs.
- W25.0000" x H10.0000" x L37.0000"
- Free Shipping!
- Free Shipping!
Customer Reviews
Total Reviews (0)
Write the First Review!
You must login to post a review.


text:
Johannesburg - Kermit Erasmus has hit out at the SuperSport United management,
claiming they have held him back from securing a career in Europe.GALLERY: Best pictures from the past weekendThe 21-year-old has been a huge hit with Matsatsantsa this season
and capped off a fine individual campaign by netting in the Nedbank Cup
final victory over Mamelodi Sundowns earlier last month.
However, United had rejected a transfer offer for the striker
from Hungarian club Videoton before the start of the 2011/12 campaign,
and Erasmus feels the PSL outfit did not have his best interests at
"I know SuperSport also look at the financial side, but for me
it's more about my career. People might not know who Videoton are, but I
can tell you they're on a higher level than SA," Erasmus told Sport Live.
"They are coached by former Portugal and Juventus player Paolo
Sousa. He said he wanted me to come there because he believed he could
improve my game."
Erasmus had already spent time in Europe after signing for
Feyenoord in 2008, before being loaned to satellite club Excelsior
Rotterdam, but he would soon return to South Africa due to financial
constraints at the club.
"I think the younger you go the better. My biggest regret was to
come back. It's difficult to get to Europe but once you do, it's easier
to stay there," he added.
"I think I played my best football in my career at Excelsior. I
just felt the people managing me at the time weren't doing enough to
find me a team.
"On holiday in PE, my agent told me Feyenoord wanted to end my
contract because they were in financial trouble, and there had been an
offer from SuperSport. Excelsior coach Alex Pastoor was furious because
he didn't know I was going."
there is no place for south african players in europe.we lack the fighting spirit.


text:
bigappleram wrote:He also might want to stay off PC's campus...pretty sure they just made the top of the list of most segregated schools in America.
Wrong. Show me this "list". Don't go around making these kind of allegations. EVERY college campus has social/racial injustice. I've seen AT URI too. Black kids not get allowed into parties or get kicked out of parties due to the color of their skin. It happens everywhere. It's sad but don't point that at PC when URI and a lot of other places have that kind of problems too.


text: This is our Award Winning Performance Awards are a recognition that what we do and how we do it, every day, truly matters. Dedication to clinical excellence is at the core of our mission and we're grateful that our clinical quality is nationally recognized. RANKED AMONG "TOP HEALTH SYSTEMS" • Prime Healthcare has been recognized as one of the "15 Top Health Systems" in the nation three times by Truven Health Analytics (formerly Thomson Reuters) • Prime Healthcare was the only health system west of the Mississippi to receive "10 Top Health Systems" recognition in the nation. • Prime Healthcare is consistently ranked among the top health systems in the nation based on clinical quality. • Numerous accolades and recognition from other organizations including Leapfrog, US News & World Report, Premier Care Science, American Heart Association/American Stroke Association, and PacificCare's Quality Index. • Healthgrades has recognized Prime Healthcare hospitals with more than 100 five-star achievements for clinical excellence in a variety of specialties. • In 2016, Prime achieved national recognition by having more Healthgrades Patient Safety Excellence Award recipients than any other health system in the country. Twenty Prime hospitals achieved this honor, including all 15 California hospitals. RANKED AMONG "100 TOP HOSPITALS" • Prime Healthcare hospitals have been ranked among the best in the nation. "100 Top Hospitals" in the nation a remarkable 38 times by Truven. • The Truven "100 Top Hospitals" award winners for Prime Healthcare in 2017 were: Chino Valley Medical Center (sixth time) and Sherman Oaks Hospital (second time). • Others among the "100 Top Hospitals": Desert Valley Hospital, Centinela Hospital Medical Center, Garden Grove Hospital Medical Center, West Anaheim Medical Center, Paradise Valley Hospital, Shasta Regional Medical Center, La Palma Intercommunity Hospital, and San Dimas Community Hospital. RANKED "TOP PERFORMER ON KEY QUALITY MEASURES" BY THE JOINT COMMISSION • In 2015, 16 Prime Healthcare hospitals earned national recognition as a "Top Performer on Key Quality Measures" from The Joint Commission, the leading medical accreditation organization in the country. NATIONAL AWARDS MEAN SAFER PATIENTS With nearly 3,000 U.S. hospitals surveyed, the hospitals demonstrated that high-quality patient outcomes can be achieved while improving efficiency. If all hospitals in the U.S. performed at the same level as the 100 Top Hospitals award winners: Nearly 126,500 additional lives could be saved Nearly 109,000 additional patients could be complication-free $1.8 billion in inpatient costs could be saved The typical patient could be released from the hospital half a day sooner Episode-of-illness expense would be 2 percent lower than the peer median According to Truven the majority of the 2015 award winners have produced year-to-year performance improvement, as well. This speaks to the consistent focus on excellence by the entire organization and the men and women who serve patients.


text:
Brenda Lee has enjoyed an extraordinary and exceptional career by any yardstick, whether it's artistic (the only woman performer inducted into both the Country Music and Rock and Roll Halls of Fame) or commercial (millions of records sold in every genre from country and gospel to pop, R&B, rockabilly, even adult contemporary and easy listening).
But despite all the things she's accomplished and the numerous awards and honors she's earned, Lee acknowledges being overwhelmed at seeing some of the things in the new exhibit Brenda Lee: Dynamite, which opens Friday at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum for a 10-month run.
"When you're young and you are immersed in the business, living and breathing it 24 hours a day, the time can kind of get away from you," Lee said. "But going back through the exhibit, and the care and the meticulous way that the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum has put it together, they've really outdone themselves on my behalf… When they first came to me, I told them it was important that the exhibit represent me both professionally and personally, and they couldn't have done a better job of making sure that both things were accurately presented."
Lee, who emerged as a child star in the '50s and subsequently went on to fame and glory in not only music, but in film and on television, was known for a booming, authoritative and instantly identifiable voice — one that powered the early rockabilly hit "Dynamite," as well as the huge-selling holiday standard "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree" and a sweeping, emphatic ballad "I'm Sorry."
Among the many rare items in the exhibit are the 1962 Dell comic Brenda Lee's Life Story and a 1964 "Brenda Lee: The Paper Doll" set with miniature LPs and turntable. Other exhibit entries include a certificate that Queen Elizabeth II presented Lee in 1964, various gowns and dresses worn on stage during major performances, even a pair of Swarovski crystal-monogrammed sunglasses and a letter of congratulations from Sir Elton John.
Her many awards, the most recent being a 2009 Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, also reaffirm her impressive versatility.
"I never wanted to be pigeonholed or confined to just one type of music," Lee said. "I always enjoyed many types of music and wanted to sing in those styles. I enjoyed country, pop, rock, R&B, rockabilly, even a little jazz and Broadway, and I was fortunate enough to get the opportunity to do all those styles."
Yet, in addition to her embracing myriad genres, Lee points to the influence of Owen Bradley as a key ingredient in her success.
"I would have had a career anyway, but there's no way that so many wonderful things would have happened without him. He loved his artists, and not just for the money they could make for him. He loved them as people. He had so many great women artists, Loretta (Lynn), Patsy (Cline) and many others as well as me, and he was such a great musician, a great music and song man," Lee said. "He knew what songs worked for the right artists, and he fought to make sure you got the songs you needed and the type of setting and situation you needed to do them the right way."
Though today she's not as musically active as she was in her heyday, Lee still juggles many things, from participation on various boards to being an active wife, mother and grandmother (her two grandchildren were visiting her during this interview).
But she still loves the music business and still pays close attention to a lot of things going on today. She watches such shows as American Idol and Nashville Star but says, "sometimes the judges are just a bit harsh. There's a way to tell people something isn't good without crushing them."
She cites Taylor Swift as an example of a young person doing things the right way.
"I remember talking with Judy Garland and her telling me 'Don't let them take away your childhood,'" Lee said. "One of the reasons why she and a lot of others who had great success as children burned out was because they didn't get to enjoy being young.
"Taylor Swift is someone who clearly enjoys being a 19-year-old girl. She's a songwriter, she plays an instrument, she loves her fans, but she's not trying to be something she's not at this point, which is an older woman. That's very refreshing to see."
As for herself, Lee said she never wanted to be an actress or a dancer. All she ever wanted to do was sing, and the presence of people who had her best intentions at heart enabled her to do that, she said.
"I've been so blessed my entire life to have people around me who always cared about me personally, and not just people trying to make a dollar off me. Whether it was my wonderful mother or my husband or my producers, I've had people who cared about me and not just about whatever song I had" Lee said. "That's the reason I never got burned out and never got tired of the business. I've always been an enormous fan of all entertainers and all kinds of music, and that's still true today."
What: The opening ceremonies for the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum's latest exhibit, Brenda Lee: Dynamite
When: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday with a curator's exhibit talk at 1 p.m.; interview and special program 1:30 p.m. Saturday; exhibit will run through June 2010
Where: Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, 222 Fifth Ave. S.
Cost: 19.99 for adults, $17.99 for students, senior and military, $11.99 for children ages 6-17, free for children 5 and younger
Info: 416-2001, countrymusichalloffame.com


text:
Let's create magic together
We're the creators, the dreamers, the planners and list makers. The lovers of all things heart-felt, unexpected and authentic. We're the florists, stationers, designers and makers. The boundary-pushing, out-of-the-box thinkers and we can't wait to meet you!
We've been designing the best events in New Zealand since 2006 - way before it got cool to be an event stylist. You may have seen us in some fancy magazines or on your favourite blog and while we've had the pleasure of working with A-listers, celebrities and leading brands such as Coca Cola, ANZ and Goldman Sachs, each of our clients receives the the full dose of Red Creative magic.
So what's this event styling business all about and what's it got to do with me?
In short, event styling is about look and feel - ambience if you like. It's the sparkle, the magic, the awesome. Whether you're planning an intimate wedding with only a handful of your nearest and dearest, a gala dinner for thousands or hosting your clients at your annual do, we'll bring the wow to the party.
We have styled over 300 events including over 20 events outside of Auckland as far afield as Queenstown and Kerikeri.
Our smallest event was an intimate dinner for just twelve people. We created a beautiful floral canopy over the dining table.
We have a little studio in Takapuna that you are welcome to visit by appointment. This is also where we run our workshops.
At times we have over 500 bunches of flowers in our chiller. That's over 5000 blooms!
We once styled a gala dinner for 650 guests on board the HMNZS Canterbury.