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Oh, what a fabulous giveaway! I'm sharing on my blog tomorrow & on Facebook today.
My favorite decor goodies are baskets & bowls
Yvonne, you are the perfect person for this! I love your style and this looks like a great find for me! Thanks! TerrieReplyDelete
Hi Yvonne, I also like to decorate our home by pieces at a reasonable price, who does not, right? I feel that beautiful decorations that add character is never enough. It is difficult to choose one style, I like the combination of several styles, vintage pieces with modern, rustic but also the industrial. I confess that my heart jumps you chose beautiful pieces. I love the white and blue combination. I spread this giveaway with pleasure. RenataReplyDelete
Oh how exciting!! I'm heading to your sidebar and checking AT HOME!
Thanks for the generous giveaway!!!
What a wonderful giveaway!! So many beautiful home decor items.
Mary Alice
I am sharing the giveway at my sidebar.ReplyDelete
Hi Yvonne, how exciting for you. I love it all.
Just a quick note-you wrote that the contest ends 'Wednesday, April 23'. I think you meant Tuesday, April 23. Just didn't want anyone to think they had an extra day for this great give away.
How exciting, Yvonne! This is perfect for you! What a generous giveaway. Thanks for the chance to win!ReplyDelete
Yvonne, You will be so good at this new venture! Best of Luck! And I would love to win this gorgeous, magnanimous giveaway! Thank you for the chance.. xo marlisReplyDelete
These are beautiful, the type of decor I am using in our Florida home. Great giveaway, Yvonne. I will visit their site now....ChristineReplyDelete
Yvonne, I shared on facebook! This is just too good to keep quiet. xo marlisReplyDelete
Just visited your website. Love the fleur de lis accent and the vintage terrarium!ReplyDelete
So much fun,excited for you Yvonne.Great giveaway,love these items I think I could chose something from every display.
Don't Facebook anymore but, sure gonna try and share this in bloggyworld.
This is so exciting! I love the store At Home, they always have the greatest things. They are so lucky to have you! I'm off to see your At Home site and spread the word!
Congrats on your new business venture and thanks for this great giveaway!
I am posting the giveaway on my sidebarReplyDelete
I saw lots of things to love at your site! One of my favorites is the Potiers Tiered Tray...
perfect for my kitchen island.
I love the vintage scale and the stone birds and candle holder....ChristineReplyDelete
I shared your giveaway on facebook....ChristineReplyDelete
success..got it on my sidebarReplyDelete
Wow ! What a great giveaway! Put my name in the hat!ReplyDelete
Beautiful! Thanks for the giveaway and chance to win!ReplyDelete
Signed up for email notifications - I love the white dishes :-)ReplyDelete
Very exciting Yvonne!! What a great giveaway...I would love a chance to win!ReplyDelete
Adding this to my sidebar:)ReplyDelete
What a great giveaway....sharing the news!!ReplyDelete
Always fun to take on a new venture! Wishing great luck! THanks for the chance to win. firstname.lastname@example.com
Went to the site...Love the butterflies, especially the magnets and the yard stakes! firstname.lastname@example.com
Oh and the dishes in the give away are wonderful!
Love this give away and congratulations on your new venture! I shared your give away on facebook.ReplyDelete
I also added your give away on my sidebar.
I checked out your website and love the Bird Botanical Prints! Lots of nice items in your shop.ReplyDelete
You are on my sidebar... and I Love ALL the "Mother's Day Gifts". Those dishes are super too.
Much SUCCESS ... Peace and Blessings too, Barb
Lovely giveaway!ReplyDelete
You're too kind!!ReplyDelete
Oh, Yvonne, how wonderful! You are the perfect gal for this!
I LOVE it all - in fact I am certain I will be a definitive customer!
I am super-diggin' that Balustroud wooden lamp with the burlap shade. I am redoing some rooms and playing with lamps and I think that would be perfect in just the right spot.
Thanks for this incredibly generous giveaway! I am off to have brunch with my little sister but when I get back later this evening I will place you on a hotbar or blog about your good news. Thank you so much for the opportunity.
Yvonne, this business opportunity is a perfect match for your expertise and passion. Your giveaway gift is gorgeous. Love the texture on those plates and the blue and white linens are yummy. I'd be over the moon to have these gracing my dining room table. Thank you for the chance. ~ SarahReplyDelete
I've put up a link to the giveaway on my sidebar. Thanks again! ~ SarahReplyDelete
This comment has been removed by the author.ReplyDelete
I love Kitchen things, but def would not be picky. I will share on Facebook. Thank You!!! Renee AReplyDelete
This is the perfect thing for you, Yvonne. Thanks for hosting a wonderful giveaway. Unfortunately, many of the photos I could not see? Anyone else have this problem? Must be my computer :/ xoReplyDelete
These are beautiful, Yvonne! I am re-crafting my home from Zen Asian minimalist to more of a country chic, so I am constantly soaking up your photos and ideas!!ReplyDelete
I love everything under Candlelight, especially the chicken feeder tea light holder, and the lapin candle holder, anything birdy! xoReplyDelete
I hope I win, great stuff!
I am sharing on Facebook! xoReplyDelete
Loving those polka dot bowls!ReplyDelete
Love your blog and always like giveawaysReplyDelete
Oh my goodness what a great giveaway (says the dishoholic!)!ReplyDelete
Posted on my FB page https://www.facebook.com/pages/Kathe-With-An-E/202355163179771?bookmark_t=pageReplyDelete
I'm in love with either of these gift sets: http://stonegable.athome.com/dinnerware/round-ceramic-hand-painted-bowl-gift-box-set.htmlReplyDelete
this sounds like the perfect idea for you! Congratulations on your new venture. I'll share this on facebook and will email a few of my Pennsylvania friends to let them know too.
I would love to win your give away!
I love the mixing bowls, any color, probably orange!ReplyDelete
What a neat venture for you. The products look great!ReplyDelete
I posted on my sidebar!ReplyDelete
What a fun, fun venture! I'll just buy anything you do, Yvonne, as I admire your style so very much! My best to you!ReplyDelete
What a fun thing to do. Love your blog, so inspiringReplyDelete
Love the yellow daisy wreath!ReplyDelete
everything looks so fun..love pillows and the polka dot bowls...i will share on FacebookReplyDelete
Wow, this new venture of yours should be exciting! There are so many things that I love, so it is hard to choose. I do love the blue and white placemats and napkins. Thank you for the opportunity to win such an awesome giveaway!!!
Blessings to you!
I really enjoy your blog. thank you for the opportunity to win. Wenda S., email@example.com
Thanks yvonne, Shared your giveaway on facebook. https://www.facebook.com/#!/mary.tavares.161ReplyDelete
I love your blog, great giveaway!...thanks for the chance to win..ReplyDelete
I would love to have one of these tiered baskets to display my nail polishes.
Love everything...ReplyDelete
I am always inspired to make our nest more welcoming and beautiful after reading your blog....congratulations on your new venture....you are bringing excellence in homemaking to us all....thank you! I'm sharing this with my sweet daughters and friends....Dale V. email@example.com
Thank you for the giveaway! I love your blog!!
You are pinned on my pinterest board in, "Bloggers I love." Thanks for all your hard work.
I love the crystal chandelier. :)
yes for new opportunities!!! I love both the French Style and the cottage style...ReplyDelete
I shared on my Pinterest.
Their housewares are so beautiful! Thank you for the chance to win!ReplyDelete
Kinda likin' the lamp!! Best of luck in your new venture. I think it is a perfect match.ReplyDelete
I love the dishes. I have posted your blog on my Facebook page.ReplyDelete
Come to mama! Those would be so perfect for my home....love the entire set!! What an awesome giveaway, thanks for the chance!ReplyDelete
Good luck on your new venture it looks like lovely items.ReplyDelete
OH how wonderful, please enter me!!!ReplyDelete
I love the carolina loveseat. Can just image a lazy afternoon curled up and daydreaming. Warm Blessings!- AmyReplyDelete
I love the white metal nante planters!!ReplyDelete
So excited for you and what a fun adventure it is!ReplyDelete
I love the Mason Cash green apple mixing bowl and everything else of course!ReplyDelete
Love the products!!! So excited about checking out your endeavor and can't wait to see all the home goods! Best of luck!
I love, love the dishes so pretty with the napkins and placemats!ReplyDelete
I have your giveaway on the sidebar of my blog:)ReplyDelete
I love the rugs because I really need one for my office!ReplyDelete
I love every thing I have seen that you have featured can't wait to see more!ReplyDelete
Yvonne, This is so exciting. You are perfect for this venture. Congratulations and best of luck. xo GingerReplyDelete
You just know I had to check out the Flash sales. I fell in love with the vintage metal camera. I had my eye on those chinoiserie napkins before I knew they were part of the giveaway. That is a fantastic giveaway, Thanks for making it possible and good luck with the shop. xo Ginger
I shared your giveaway on my sidebar!ReplyDelete
Hi Yvonne, I posted your giveaway on my FB here https://www.facebook.com/savannahgranny?ref=tn_tnmnReplyDelete
Yvonne, you are the perfect person for this venture! Your gorgeous home, tablescapes and food from the kitchen are all so elegant.
Thanks for the opportunity to win!
I love the Audry Crystal Accent Lamp!
I can see why you are so excited....wonderful goodies!!!!! I'm off to check things out now :o) Thanks for stopping by my blog to chat too!
How in the world did i miss this post today? Wow super give away! I will definitely be sharing this one!!! Congrats on your new venture...it lookis awesome!
XO Barbara
How exciting! Thank you for the chance to win.ReplyDelete
I love the Provence Wood Post Floor lamp....everything is wonderful!ReplyDelete
I would love a chance!
I will go take a look, you know I love bargains! The polka dots are calling me!
Love love the décor. Love the giveaway also. Thanks for offering.
What a perfect fit! Congratulations, Yvonne. I'm so excited for you!ReplyDelete
I like the spatterware covered casseroles.ReplyDelete
I just shared the news and the give away on FB and twitter.ReplyDelete
Fantastic giveaway. I love all your At Home goodies!ReplyDelete
It was tough to narrow down, but I'd have to go with the shire pillow in blue as my first choice.ReplyDelete
I just added your give away to my Let's Dish! party. :)ReplyDelete
I am so thrilled for you and us! Your fabulous taste and design aesthetic make this a win for all of us! I love the dishes, place mats and napkins! What a lovely giveaway!
I gave your new partnership and giveaway a shout out over at 21 Rosemary Lane!ReplyDelete
How to pick just one item? I am all about the Parisian Chic right now and the Je T'AMIE pillow is gorgeous!
Curious where the goods are made?ReplyDelete
Yvonne, I'm loving all the table linens, especially the napkins. I like that they are reversible. Thank you again for offering this opportunity. This dishaholic would be thrilled to add those gorgeous plates and linens. ~ SarahReplyDelete
Hey ya!!! I wrote a blog post!!
Added you to my sidebar!!ReplyDelete
Shared on Facebook!!ReplyDelete
I love all the goodies but ESP love the forbidding forest picture!!!ReplyDelete
What beautiful things. This will be fun!ReplyDelete
What a wonderul giveaway, Yvonne! Please enter me for a chance to win!ReplyDelete
This is FABULOUS!!! I love and want that bird candle holder!!! XOReplyDelete
Just posted this on Facebook. I also NEED the dishes and BLUE placmats and napkins!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!ReplyDelete
I love your blog and all the pretty things you show us. Great giveaway!! I could so use some new dishes and I love everything blue and white. Please enter me to win~~
Mary L
This sounds crazy but I love that Martini table. I would use it as a plant stand. I have been looking for some new plant stands!!!!ReplyDelete
I love the polka bowl set, and the spatterware that has so many bake ware choices! What fun things to check out.ReplyDelete
COOOOLL Blog, thanks for the contest.. sharing on facebook w/ myfriends as well.ReplyDelete
Congratulations...and of course I love the blue and white placemats and matching napkins. I'm sharing on Facebook.ReplyDelete
Oh how fun! Thanks for the giveaway. I'm going to get a cup of tea and check out Stone Gable at Home!ReplyDelete
Thank you so much for the giveaway Yvonne!! I love this line, I have my eye on the Reddington Clock, so cool!
xo, Tanya
Shared on Twitter and Pinterest!
xo, Tanya
Shared on G+ too, hank you again for a great giveaway Yvonne!
xo, Tanya
How FUN!! You'll be the perfect venue for them & I know you're going to love doing this.
You are so generous with your talents & ideas.
Good Luck!
You have such a wonderful gift of decorating. I love your blog. Looking forward to the new product you will be showing us.ReplyDelete
Terrific giveaway! Love Stonegable at Home!! Thanks for a chance at winning!
Love, Love, Love the Botanical Prints. Hard to pick one, but I do love birds.ReplyDelete
Hard to pick one, but I am really liking the Kyta Ceramic Crackle Table Lamp! Love what I am seeing in the lineup, I may have to go shopping.ReplyDelete
Congratulations Yvonne! The website is just FULL of such wonderful inspiration! I'm planning a gallery wall going up my stairs and I want to add a clock into the mix, so I've been looking...the gorgeous Beatrice Clock is just perfect! The color is soft and I love the clock face...however, there are so many things AT HOME that would work well in my home! Thanks for the giveaway and for telling us about AT HOME!
All Things Heart and Home
yvonne, I tweeted your giveaway along with a link to your post here!
Here's the tweet:
Yvonne at Stone Gable is having a GREAT giveaway including a set of beautiful white dishes! (then the link was here)
Hope you get a bit of traffic from my little tweet~ xo
All Things Heart and Home
My favorite thing is the Charleston lantern!
Oh Yvonne, congratulations on your new venture....just by seeing snippets of this line, I know I am going to love it!...Great giveaway!ReplyDelete
Wow! what a great giveaway - and my 2 favorite things - dishes and blue and white! I'll share on facebook. Thanks for all you do.
Just tweeted about your giveaway!!! :)ReplyDelete
Love everything on the site!...and the Potiers Tiered Tray is just so pretty!...and gorgeous dinnerware and linens...Again, congrats!!ReplyDelete
Good luck on your new venture! Looks like fun goodies. Can't wait to take a peek.ReplyDelete
Congratulations on this! Thank you for such a nice giveaway!ReplyDelete
There is so much to choose from at "At Home!" I like the Blue Marble Deep Dish Pizza Pan.ReplyDelete
I love to shop for my home and always love finding new resources. Thanks for the tip!ReplyDelete
Shared on Twitter
Well, I had fun looking at all the goodies from AT Home. Thinking of spring, I like to dogwood wreath and jumping to Summer I like the Porch stones...those birds are so cut. What a wonderful give-a-away..blue and white my daughter's favorite colors! I would definitely gift them to her...she is newly wedded!ReplyDelete
I love the Claire Chesterfield Sofa!ReplyDelete
Beautiful things! Thanks for the chance to win :)
I've shared on FAcebook and pinned on Pinterest :)
The Mason Cash mixing bowls in Apple, gorgeous!
Thanks for the opportunity to win. Plan to blog post this as well.ReplyDelete
Just posted your give away via http://lorilivingoutloud.wordpress.com/2013/04/18/moms-ultimate-resources-im-featured-moms-mustard-seeds-today-plus-a-give-away-at-stonegables/
Shared it on my facebook as well via Lori FoesterReplyDelete
Pinned it via Lori Foester on my bloggity blog boardReplyDelete
What a great giveaway. All of that would great on my new barnwood dining table. Love this blog!ReplyDelete
What a great give-away!! Thanks for the chance! :)ReplyDelete
So happy for you...this venture sounds perfect! ;)ReplyDelete
Pick me, pick me!!! At Home will be perfect for you and what a wonderful assortment of goodies to drool over. --MartiReplyDelete
Ooooh love this giveaway! Thank you!ReplyDelete
I love the mudroom blackboard! That is fabulous!ReplyDelete
Congratulations on your new venture Yvonne! A lifestyle consultant with At Home sounds like a match made in heaven for you! Thanks for the chance to win!ReplyDelete
Kudos to you Yvonne for branching out with AT HOME! After wandering over to your AT HOME website I have to thank you so much for helping me find yet another fantastic way spend more of my husband's money!!!! Feathering my nest will be just that much more easy!ReplyDelete
Shared on FB!ReplyDelete
Love the Petit Oiseau Measuring Cups among the many other things!ReplyDelete
Congratulations and good luck in your new venture. Just one of many reasons to follow your blog.ReplyDelete
My pick for favorite home decor item: Potiers Tiered Tray!!!! Will look outstanding on my tea party table!ReplyDelete
I love your blog! AND I am very interested in your new venture. Everything looks wonderful. I am a dish ware addict so with fingers crossed I am so excited for this giveaway. Good luck with Stone Gable At Home!ReplyDelete
Congrats on your new business! I am in love with it all. I could not possibly say one thing I like the best on your At Home site but I do love the book easel, the botanical trays, the birds on the hook, the...oh well you get it, there are great products!!! I have put on my Facebook wall, tweeted, Google+ and I am even pinning your fabulous giveaway. I love spreading the word about great giveaways and this one is wonderful! Much success with your new endeavor!
I wannna WIn Pick Me lol You home and bolg are Amazing Cant wait to see the rest of your dining room . my email is firstname.lastname@example.com My facebook page is @The Rustic Cottage https://www.facebook.com/TheRusticCottage4486?ref=hlReplyDelete
Congratulations Yvonne. StoneGable At Home is so much fun, several 'gift ideas' my daughter-in-law would love for her new home and a couple for me, hmmmm.... Camden Centerpiece Basket and the Potiers Tiered Stand, to start. Best Wishes for this and all to come.ReplyDelete
Love Love Love the style. It is perfect. I would love to win. Good luck in your new adventure.
Hi Yvonne! We are happy to have your beautiful shop button prominently displayed on our blog!(check it out) We can't wait to visit your shop. The giveaway items are so pretty!
Best wishes on Great Success!
Linda and Jeannie at The French Hens Nest
Would love to win the dinnerware! Thanks for the chance to win!ReplyDelete
Love the wrought iron round basket that you have pictured with eggs in it. Would be a great addition to my home ....thanks for the chance o win!ReplyDelete
Love your products and newest Venture!! I'm posting to fbk now!!
Love your style and inspiring thoughts. The white dinnerware would look fabulous in my newly painted white kitchen. Thanks for your generosity!ReplyDelete
Pick me, pick me!!! Love the dishes!
Thanks for the chance!
lindahobbs53 at sbcglobal dot net
Liked on Facebook!
Thanks for the chance!
lindahobbs53 at sbcglobal dot net
Went to website and I adore the Poitier Planters, Set of 3!!!
What an exciting giveaway! Thanks for the chance!
Posted the the this link for the giveaway on my Facebook Page. :) I copy and pasted the link. Couldn't find and Facebook emblem to do it from your site.ReplyDelete
I visited you At Home web-site. Wow, hard to pick a favorite. I do love the Versailles Planters...they are great! Very beautiful things! Love it.
Love love love.....I too, Love the planters!!! Thanks for the opportunity, will post on my facebook page! Thanks! Pamie G.
Love your website! Recipes, decorating, tablescapes they are all so wonderful! Thanks for the chance to your give-away!ReplyDelete
I love blue and white!
Shared on Facebook! xoxo Pamie G. firstname.lastname@example.com
Lover your website and all the beautiful things you have. Thanks for an chance to win in your generous give a way. :)ReplyDelete
I also like the noir iron baskets.ReplyDelete
i love your blog...i am so new to blogs i'm not sure i'm doing any of this right..i do like you on Facebook and i shared..Thats about as far as my talent goes..i would love to start making my house beautiful.....ReplyDelete
I love your blog. Your ideas are amazing. You are an awesome decorator!
Such beautiful things!ReplyDelete
I love this giveaway! You are already on my FB page for all to see. Sure hope I win!ReplyDelete
What a fabulous giveaway! I love it all! Thanks!ReplyDelete
I love the Blanca Dinnerware!ReplyDelete
Sharing on FB, love it!ReplyDelete
I love the Blanca dinnerware and how nice it would be with the placemats .I love everything in your shop and think the prices are wonderful-something for everybody. I'd be happy with anything !!!ReplyDelete
Oh Yvonne! You captured my spirit when you said At Home! I love this selection. I think you will do well with your new venture and I wish you well!ReplyDelete
Beautiful! I would love to win. Debra firstname.lastname@example.com
I like the green lattice mirror. Debra email@example.com
I love your blog and am excited for you and your new adventure. Thanks for the opportunity!ReplyDelete
I liked and shared on FB and I love the white dishes in the giveaway!ReplyDelete
Great giveaway, shared on FB!ReplyDelete
Stone Gable


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Lauren Rich
MPI Authors
Lauren Rich
Lauren Rich is a Senior Researcher at Chapin Hall at the University of Chicago. She is primarily interested in the family and school contexts of children living in poverty, particularly as these contexts relate to school readiness and elementary/middle school achievement among children. In addition to developing analyses of the Palm Beach County longitudinal data, Dr. Rich is currently conducting an evaluation of an initiative designed to bring schools and community-based agencies together to offer extracurricular activities and health and social supports to students and families in Chicago.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
The Incredible Indian Snake Girl!
"Deadly Cobra snakes are the best pals of this eight-year-old Indian girl even after being bitten by them couple of times. Kajol Khan who wants to become a snake catcher like her father eats, sleeps and plays with six Cobras all day long. She has even stopped going to school out of her love for the snakes. Kajol said: "I didn't like the company of humans in the school so stopped going there five years ago.""
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Northern New England Home & Garden Show
May 17-19 at the Fryeburg Fairgrounds
The Northern New England Home & Garden Show is May 17-19 at the Fryeburg Fairgrounds in Fryeburg.
Click here for a link to the event's website and all that will be offered this year.
As you get your home and garden ready for another great Maine summer, take a look at some of these great tips from the show's organizers.
Ready to start a new lawn from seed?
Time your sow-to-grow day just before your chosen grass type's season kicks in to its fastest growth spurt.
For warm-season grasses --Bermuda grass, carpet grass, and Bahia grass -- the season to sow is late spring, when the temperatures are consistently about 75 to 80 degrees during the day.
In cool-season-grass country, home of Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass, creeping fescue, and the like, sow seeds during the late summer or early fall.
In any area, the secret to getting grass seed off to a great start is giving it a good soaking with this tonic.
It'll guarantee close to 100 percent germination every time!
Here's the how-to: Mix 1/4 cup of baby shampoo, 1 tablespoon of Epsom salts and 1 gallon of weak tea water (made by soaking a used tea bag and 1 teaspoon of dishwashing liquid in a gallon of warm water until the mix is light brown) in a large container. Drop in your grass seed, and put the whole shebang in the refrigerator. After 48 hours, take the seed outside and spread it out on a smooth, flat surface, such as a clean-swept area of your driveway. Once the seeds are dry, it's time to sow.
Click here to see photos from last year's show.
Make your town fabric softener sheets:
If Grandma Putt had been around when throwaway fabric-softener sheets hit the stores, she'd have had a fit. What a waste to spend good money on something you toss after only one use, when you can make one yourself to use over and over again! It's easy, too.
Just grab a clean washcloth and soak it for a minute or two in a half-and-half solution of water and liquid fabric softener.
Then remove the cloth, wring it out, and toss it into the dryer with your static-prone clothes.
Use it for several loads (without re-soaking), then launder the cloth and start all over again with a fresh batch of softener and water.
Many uses of athlete's foot powder:
Take a powder, athlete's foot powder, that is. This odiferous health-care product can fend off much more than the foul fungi that make your tootsies cracked and sore. It can also help protect your garden from pests and diseases. Here are just a few ways you can put that strong aroma to work:
Repel ants. Just sprinkle the powder around whatever the ants are targeting. They'll keep their distance for sure.
Deter deer. Pour athlete's foot powder onto cotton cloths and hang them on your fence, or in the branches of your trees and shrubs, to keep deer away.
Critter-proof spring bulbs. Before planting spring-flowering bulbs, dust them with the powder. It'll keep squirrels, chipmunks, and other four-legged pests from digging them up and eating them for dinner.
Protect bulbs in storage. When you dig up gladiolus, dahlias, and other tender bulbs in the fall, dust them with athlete's foot powder before stashing them away. It'll fend off insects and diseases that could sneak in over the winter.
Click here for information on the meet the chefs seminar.
Getting rid of a garden skunk:
Yikes! You've just discovered that a skunk has moved into your garden shed, and your mind is racing.
How can you get rid of the critter without setting off his, um, aromatic alarm system? Just hightail it down to your local supermarket, head straight to the Laundry & Cleaning Products aisle, and find the strongest, most perfumed-smelling room deodorizers they've got.
Take a few of them home and hang them in and around the invaded area (while your new tenant is out foraging for dinner, of course!).
There's nothing most skunks hate more than the scent of perfume. So unless your little rascal varies from the norm, he'll clear out fast.
Click here for driving directions to the show.
Let nature relax you:
Study after study has shown that communing with nature improves folks' mental and physical health and even increases their productivity at work.
But you don't have to trek off on a photographic safari to enjoy these benefits.
Something as simple as watching butterflies flit around your backyard works just as well.
They'll show up in droves if you plant a wide assortment of nectar-rich flowers, but you'll entice them even more quickly (and get a close-up view, besides) if you install a nectar feeder or two near your house. You can buy special butterfly feeders, but my advice is, don't waste your money! The reason: Nearly all of these devices come equipped with a moat that you fill with water, which is supposed to keep crawling insects out of the sweet syrup.
But a lot of small butterflies also get trapped in the water, often with fatal results.
Fortunately, there's a simple—and safer—way to serve refreshments. Just get a thin, green, plastic-fiber scrubbing pad in the Laundry & Cleaning Products aisle, and saturate it with sugar water (1 part water to 4 parts white sugar is good). Set the pad on a plastic plate that you've screwed to a post or other flat surface. Then sit back and wait for the show to begin!
Click here for information on where to stay.
Buying the right dish washing liquid:
I've said this before, but it bears repeating: Whenever you're shopping for dish washing liquid to use in your yard or garden, make sure you choose a brand that's made with pure, mild soap. Avoid any product that contains detergents or degreasing agents. They can harm your grass (or any other plants that they touch). And whatever you do, avoid all products that boast their antibacterial prowess. Not only will they damage your greenery, but they'll also kill off good bacteria along with the bad, and that can cause big trouble.
There is one exception to this rule, and that is when the soapy solution will not come in contact with valuable plants. If you're aiming to destroy weeds, clean inanimate objects, or kill pests that you've removed from your plants, feel free to use any kind of soap or detergent you have on hand – and make the "medicine" as strong as you like.
Aerating your lawn:
Aeration is a classic technique for loosening up compacted soil, as well as solving minor thatch problems. But even healthy lawns can benefit from a regular airing-out. The process simply involves poking holes in the soil, so that air can reach the grass roots, followed quickly by food and water. You should perform this task on a regular basis, following this simple two-part strategy:
1.Every few weeks, strap on a pair of aerating lawn sandals, and stroll back and forth across your lawn. Or, simpler yet, wear traditional, spiked golf shoes whenever you mow the lawn or do other yard chores. Besides improving the health of your lawn, the spikes will give you more secure footing on the grass.
2. Once a month throughout the growing season, combine 1 cup of beer and 1 cup of dishwashing liquid in your 20 gallon hose-end sprayer, and fill the balance of the sprayer jar with warm water. Then spray your lawn to the point of runoff to help keep the soil nice and loose and fluffy. Note: Anytime a recipe calls for dishwashing liquid, do not use detergent or any product that contains antibacterial agents.
Click here for a discount coupon for the show.
Airing out your home:
Now's the time to clear the air inside of your home after it's been closed up all winter long. But if you use chemical air-fresheners, all you're doing is filling the air with chemicals that cover up the unpleasant aromas. They also interfere with your sense of smell, so you don't notice bad odors as much. Fortunately, there are many terrific, natural alternatives, including:
Act with vim and vinegar. Just pour a little white vinegar into bowls, and set them around the problem areas. The acidic liquid will banish the unwanted smells pronto.
Burn your troubles away. Throw slices of dried citrus peel (your choice of flavors) into the fireplace. Your whole house will be filled with a wonderful fragrance.
Light a candle. Better yet, light several. But don't bother with the fancy, scented kind. Like spray air-fresheners, they'll add odor-masking chemicals to the air. On the other hand, a pure candle flame will simply burn away foul-smelling gases (even the ones that occur in bathrooms every now and then).
"Adopt" some houseplants. The more of them you have around your house, the cleaner and fresher your air will be. That's because green plants naturally absorb and neutralize air pollutants. What's more, they do an especially good job in small, enclosed rooms, where the air quality is usually worst. Any kind of plant can perform this feat, but according to NASA scientists (who certainly know about tight spaces), these are the air-cleaning superstars:
-Aloe vera
-English ivy
-Fig tree
-Spider plants
This spring, I want you to consider using plants that naturally repel insects instead of applying toxic pesticides. Here's some of my favorite plants that have their own chemical defense systems. When planted among flowers and vegetables, they help keep unwanted bugs away.
Ants: mint, tansy, pennyroyal
Aphids: mint, garlic, chives
Codling Moths: common oleander
Colorado Potato Bugs: green beans, coriander nasturtium
Cucumber Beetles: radish, tansy
Flea Beetles: garlic, onion, mint
Japanese Beetles: garlic, tansy, rue, geranium
Leaf Hoppers: geranium, petunia
Mexican Bean Beetles: onion, garlic, petunia, marigolds
Slugs: rosemary, wormwood
Spider Mites: onion, garlic, cloves, chives
Squash Bugs: radish, marigolds, nasturtium
Thrips: marigolds
Tomato Hornworms: marigolds, sage, borage
Whiteflies Plant Repellent: marigolds, nasturtium
Getting your mower ready:
It's time to start thinking about mowing your lawn again. And that means keeping your mower in tip-top shape. If you follow these tips this year, you'll breeze through your lawn mowing without a single hitch:
1. Don't be a gas hoarder. Never store more than a month's worth of gas in your garage or shed (and at today's prices, who can afford to?). Old gas is prone to having water condensation in it, which will gum up the carburetor.
2. Let it breathe clean air. Check out your air filter; replace it when it gets dirty. Otherwise, dirt will sneak into the engine, wearing down vital parts and making starting a real hassle.
3. Give the blades plenty of elbow room. Before you start your mower, look underneath it. Clear away any built-up grass or other debris.
4. Remember the oil. Depending on how much lawn you have and how often you cut it, change the oil at least once a season. Too little oil can put a death grip on your engine—a costly fate for you!
5. Keep the cooling fins clean.
6. Check the belt condition and tension each time before you mow.
7. Sharpen the blade every third mowing. And keep at least two back-up blades handy and sharp.
8. Wipe down all the rubber and plastic parts with Armorall® once a month to keep them from drying out, cracking, and disintegrating.
9. Wipe down all chrome and metal parts with WD-40® every few weeks to keep them from rusting and sticking.
10. Check out all safety controls (automatic shutoff, all-wheel control, etc.) before each use.
The Old Brush-Off:
Are your African violets, gloxinias, and other hairy-leaved plants looking a little dusty? Give them a gentle going-over with a soft baby's hairbrush. Never, ever wash them off with water!
Cutting Remarks:
Want to make more of your favorite houseplants? Some, such as African violets, gloxinias, rex begonias, and peperomia, root in a flash from leaf cuttings.
Simply cut off the mature leaves with 2 or 3 inches of leafstalk, and insert them into the rooting medium until the leaf stands upright. (Make sure you insert the leaf stems far enough into the soil that the leaf blades are touching the soil.)
An added benefit of leaf cuttings? Sometimes you get two or more new plants from a single leaf!
Show us pictures of your garden. Upload them right here through u local.


text: If you were to go clicking down Alan Dudley's anonymous-looking English street in Google's Street View, there'd be no reason to stop outside his anonymous-looking English home. But inside, in a space no bigger than a child's bedroom, Dudley has amassed one of the world's most impressive private collections of skulls -- some 2,500 of them, incredibly well-organized and impeccably preserved. A good chunk of the animal kingdom is represented -- fish, reptiles, birds, and mammals fill the space. British journalist Simon Winchester's first reaction to the collection was horror. "I thought, 'This is macabre, this is horrible, this is grotesque,' because I was, I think like most of us, brought up to associate skulls with piracy or warning or danger or death," Winchester says. "But then you see beneath the muscle and the skin something so beautiful, so finely constructed, that you can understand the fascination that someone like Dudley has. It may sound rather corny, but it gives you a new reverence for life." Winchester was so moved that he, along with an ex-BBC producer, created an app that showcased the collection. Though highly regarded when it launched last year, the app didn't sell particularly well. But publishers in New York were interested in the material. When he was asked to turn the app into a book, Winchester happily agreed. The result is Skulls: An Exploration of Alan Dudley's Curious Collection, which was published earlier this month. The book features hundreds of Dudley's skulls, supplemented with rarer specimens and Winchester's writings on skull lore and history. We spoke to Winchester about what he learned and the most interesting skulls he discovered. These are some of his favorites. Above: Babirusa from North Sulawesi Winchester loves "the extraordinary canine teeth that look like horns but are actually teeth which curve back into its own head and make it look utterly weird."Dodo "I've been awash in dodo mythology since I was 17 or 18," Winchester said of the extinct flightless bird. "I studied geology at Oxford. To get to my lectures, we would pass the case with the dodo." Winchester adds that our fascination with the dodo "tells a lot about our attitude toward creatures, science, mythology, literature—an awful lot is wrapped up in it." This skull is not part of Dudley's collection. If it were, says Winchester, "he'd be in a lot of trouble."Piltdown Man In the early 20th century, Charles Dawson, an amateur archaeologist in Britain, made an astonishing discovery: a half-chimp, half-human skull found in the Sussex village of Piltdown. It came to be known as Piltdown Man, the missing evolutionary link that conclusively proved Darwin's theory. But after Dawson died -- a hero to the world -- scientists uncovered the truth. The skull was a total fake, perpetrated by a fame-seeking serial forger. Winchester calls Dawson "the Jayson Blair of paleontology," after the disgraced former journalist who fabricated stories for The New York Times. "It's a wonderful scandal. And it shows how deluded the Brits were. For a long, long while, everyone believed that the missing link had been found—and that the missing link was an English gentleman!"Hippopotamus "The hippopotamus is merely huge," Winchester says, "but has these adaptations like the eye sockets which are sufficiently protected by bone that it can more or less submerge itself and still keep a watch on you." It's the biggest skull in Dudley's collection.Gaboon Viper "The Gaboon viper is just weird. So delicate. It looks dangerous even as a skull, with its great big fangs," Winchester says. Note the jawbones, held loosely together so each side of the jaw can work independently.Black-Headed Spider Monkey "It's a physically very beautiful thing, with its great big eye sockets," Winchester said of this creepy child-like skull.Crystal Skull Thanks to films like Indiana Jones, the crystal skull is "woven into our modern-day consciousness," Winchester says. "The fact is that nearly all of these are forgeries as well, produced by this Parisian dealer. Crystal skulls are very beautiful, but the idea that they're bogus is most interesting."Phrenological Bust "I'm fascinated, once again, with deluded idiocy," Winchester said, referring to phrenology, the long-ridiculed study of a cranium's shape and size as it relates to a person's personality and abilities. "Not only do we have the legacy of these rather nice museum pieces—these charts on bone or plastic or china heads showing things like amativeness and weird qualities like that—but the person that unmasked it all and derided it and eventually sent all the phrenologists fleeing in disarray is Peter Roget of Roget's Thesaurus. If you look up 'phrenology' in Roget's Thesaurus today, you'll see that he got the last laugh by linking it with palmistry and all these other similar lunacies."Kara Mustafa Pasha Skull It's a game of "Track that Skull"! We won't get into the gory details -- buy Winchester's book for that -- but we will say the story of Kara Mustafa Pasha and his severed head involves a failed siege, a ritual beheading, and skull that wouldn't stay buried. Winchester's got a personal connection with this historical head -- he held it in his own hands in 1999. But when he asked to photograph it years later for this book, he was told it'd been moved, apparently for the final time.Images courtesy of Black Dog & Leventhal Publishers


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This season Ash has given wedge hi-tops a sport luxe makeover. The Ash fashion sport collection takes rock 'n' roll style as a theme embodying the edgy and the rebellious! We have all the must have Ash hi-top wedge trainers: Thelma, our rule breaking high wedge trainer has previously been worn by Madonna, Tulisa and Katy Perry and model Jourdan Dunn was recently spotted wearing a pair of Cool hi-tops in clay. You will be spoilt for choice with our collection of Ash wedge trainers. We introduce a vibrant colour palette for SS12 with the addition of several must have new styles! Say hello to Ash Bowie wedge trianers, Ash Cool wedge trainers and Ash Bea wedge trainers.
Choose from a wide range of sport shoes from Ash, including Ash Kids and Ash Mens.


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The Experience
The recipe for a fascinating and delightful dream vacation starts with . With our unique touch of outstanding personal service blended in with a distinctive dab of our travel expertise, it's no surprise that even the industry's finest recognize our award-winning commitment to excellence. Whether you're planning a family reunion, a girlfriend getaway, a relaxing retreat or a honeymoon, all of our Vacation Specialists will provide you with the best options around. Because we are a part of the largest vacation retailer in the United States, we don't only guarantee exceptional insider savings and special fares but we provide all of our customers with distinguished, top-notch personal service every step of the way.


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Lawmaker: Ala. child held in bunker got medicine
Photo: Dothan Eagle
In this Tuesday, Jan. 29, 2013 photo, students and family leave the scene of the school bus shooting. Police, SWAT teams and negotiators were at a rural property where a man was believed to be holed up in a homemade bunker Wednesday, HAN 30, 2013 after fatally shooting the driver of a school bus and fleeing with a 6-year-old child passenger, authorities said. The man boarded the stopped school bus in the town of Midland City on Tuesday afternoon and shot the driver when he refused to let the child off the bus. The bus driver died. (AP Photo/The Dothan Eagle, Danny Tindell)


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Rim Of Fire
Officially, however, there is no cause listed for the fire according to the U.S. Forest Service. On Monday, Rim Fire spokesman Brian Haines told NBC Bay Area that the investigators have still not determined what sparked the blaze, and at this point, the marijuana theory is just "an opinion."
Rim Fire Near Yosemite Now 60 Percent Contained, Marijuana Grow Possibly to BlameBy Lisa Fernandez | Monday, Sep 2, 2013 | Updated 1:40 PM PDT
Firefighters battling the stubborn Rim Fire near Yosemite finally contained more than half of the wildfire on Monday, reaching 60 percent containment.
Cal Fire spokesman Daniel Berlant issued the good news early on Labor Day, adding that the Rim Fire has now charred 228, 670 acres, or 357 square miles – more than seven times the size of San Francisco.
The containment should only grow, he added, as the weather forecast for Northern California should see cooler temperatures and even some possible rain. Still, the expected full containment date is Sept. 20.
The fire has been burning since Aug. 17 in the Stanislaus National Forest. According to one fire official who is not officially charged with investigating the fire, it's possible that illegal marijuana growers could be to blame.
Todd McNeal, fire chief in the town of Twain Harte, west of Yosemite, said at an Aug. 23 community meeting, captured on YouTube, that officials "know it's human caused, there's no lightning in the area. … (We) highly suspect that it might be some sort of illicit grove, marijuana grow-type thing." His comments come at the 6:24 minute mark of a 20-minute briefing, and he underscores there is no official cause, just that it's "highly suspect."
McNeal did not return a phone call Monday when NBC Bay Area called seeking comment.
Officially, however, there is no cause listed for the fire according to the U.S. Forest Service. On Monday, Rim Fire spokesman Brian Haines told NBC Bay Area that the investigators have still not determined what sparked the blaze, and at this point, the marijuana theory is just "an opinion."
He did say that federal investigators had pinpointed the origin of the fire: The Jawbone Ridge in Tuolumne County, which sits on Groveland Ranger District land, at the point where the Clavey River and the Tuolumne Wild and Scenic River meet up. That spot, he said, is the focus of the investigation.
As of Monday, the Rim Fire remained the 4th largest wildfire in California's history, edging out a 222,777-acre fire that burned in Ventura County in 1932. The third largest fire is now the Zaca fire in Santa Barbara, which burned more than 240,000 acres in July 2007.
The Rim Fire is just one of seven major wildfires being battled across the state. Berlant said that a new fire ignited Saturday on the Tule Indian Reservation in Tulare County, burning 250 acres.
Also on Saturday, the smoke in Yosemite Valley was so thick it was difficult to see Yosemite Park's Half Dome. On Sunday, however, air quality in the Valley improved, but people there are still being told to avoid any strenuous outdoor activity.
Some of the nearly 5,000 firefighters, including strike teams from San Francisco and Mountain View, returned home this weekend after spending days on the fire lines.
MORE: Rim Fire Incident Command Page
Despite the containment, a total of 5,500 structures still remained threatened, and so far, 111 buildings were damaged - 11 of them were homes, despite earlier reports that 31 homes had burned.
San Jose State Research Team Collects Fire Weather Data
Rim Fire Prompts Unhealthy Warnings in Nevada


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The winner is Averie from Love Veggies and Yoga!
Tropical Traditions sent me a jar of their Virgin Coconut Oil to sample- it is also organic. What is great about the gold label brand is that it is made by hand unlike other coconut oils. I love coconut oil and this stuff is great. I use coconut oil to make a number of raw dishes – my favorite way to use it is in raw macaroons. I also love to use it in stir fries instead of peanut or canola oil because it gives the stir fry a really great flavor. Yesterday I actually heated it up and sprinkled it on my kabocha squash before I roasted it and it was delicious.
Tropical Traditions Giveaway- Please Enter by 8am on January 31, 2010
To win your own jar of Tropical Traditions Virgin Coconut Oil visit the Tropical Traditions website and take a look around- leave a comment on my blog telling me something you've learned or about a product that interest you.
Additional Chances to Enter
- Subscribe to Tropical Traditions email Sales Newsletter here: http://www.tropicaltraditions.com/subscribe_for_special_sales.cfm (Leave me a comment saying you did)
- Tweet about this giveaway – "I want to win @Troptraditions Coconut Oil from @cookveganlover http://wp.me/ppaTI-sA" (Leave me a comment saying you did)
- Follow me @cookveganlover on twitter (Leave a comment saying you did)
- Visit Tropical Traditions Free Coconut Recipe website http://www.freecoconutrecipes.com/ and leave a comment telling me what your favorite recipe is.
Referral Program:Tropical Traditions also has a Referral Program, so if you place an order with them as a first-time customer, please select "Referred by a friend" and in the box that says "How did you hear of us?" enter my sponsor ID number… 5611571. By telling Tropical Traditions that I referred you, you will receive a complimentary copy of the book Virgin Coconut Oil: How it has changed people's lives and how it can change yours! by Brian and Marianita Shilhavy with your first order! This book is filled with testimonies and research showing how healthy coconut oil is, and it also includes over 85 recipes showing how one can incorporate coconut into their diet.
Here are some easy to use directions for your referrals: 1. Add the items you would like to purchase from the order form linked to Tropical Traditions. Visit www.healthybuyersclub.com/orderform.cfm
2. You'll be directed to the Order Form at the Tropical Traditions/Healthy Buyers Club website. You do not have to be a member or purchase a membership to buy from Tropical Traditions. Membership in the Healthy Buyers Club allows you to purchase in bulk amount at club member discounts if you choose to join. If you choose not to purchase a membership to the Healthy Buyers Club please order under the heading "Retail Sale Items". This will enable you to purchase less than case amounts of any of the individual items without a membership. 3. Select the items you would like to purchase. 4. When you are ready to check out please click on the "Continue" link which will take you to your shopping cart. 5. Review your order and then click on the "Check Out" button from your shopping cart. 6. Fill in your account information as directed. In the box: "How did you hear of us?" you must select: "Referred by a friend" on the drop down arrow. When you make this selection, a box for your sponsor's User ID number should appear if you are a first time customer. 7. Enter your sponsor's User ID number 5611571. 8. To complete your order click on "Save and Proceed to Checkout" at the bottom of this page and follow the instructions through the checkout process. You will receive an order number when you have successfully placed your order.


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Product Categories
(Total 10 Products for Urit Medical)
Medical Urine Test Strips 10 Para
Model No.: ME0621-0011
Product Details Either Accurately Measure protein urine strips 10 parameters urine routines Levels in seconds And take the strips stay accurate until 60 90 days Urinalysis equipments are good for 2 years sealed Once opened urine calcium test strip is best if used within 60 90 days Advantages Imported raw materials...
Top quality medical urine test strips 10 para
Brand: MDK
Packaging: Carton case 100 Bottles in a carton
Supply Ability: 30000 Barrels
Min. Order: 500 Bag/Bags
Product Introduction Professional 10 Parameter Urinalysis Test Strips for analyzer visual We are Different Laser printing batch number clear and not fade Label and box are UV oiled Moisture proof wear resistant colorfast and more elegant PET pad is imported from USA fittler paper is imported from Germany Tinfoil...
Medical Diabetes Urine Glucose Test Strip
Model No.: ME0726-003
Transportation: Ocean,Land,Air
Product Description Glucose This test is based on a sequential enzyme reaction First glucose oxidase catalyzes the formation of gluconic acid and hydrogen peroxide from the oxidation of glucose A second enzyme peroxidase catalyzes the reaction of hydrogen peroxide with potassium iodide chromogen to oxidize the...
Medicon clinic urine test strips medical strip
Model No.: MEURS-0807
Transportation: Ocean,Land
What do the parameters mean Leukocytes The detection of white blood cells in the urine suggests a possible UTI Expected result Negative Nitrite Screening for possible asymptomatic infections caused by nitrate reducing bacteria Suggesting a possible UTI Note These two parameters Leukocytes and Nitrite are commonly used...
Medical Diagnostic Routine Urinalysis Dipstick
Model No.: ME0621-0010
hospital medical diagnostic test urinalysis instrument
Brand: MDK
Packaging: 1 set in a carton
Min. Order: 1 Box
Certificate: FDA CE IOS
Urinalysis A urinalysis is usually ordered when a doctor suspects that a child has a urinary tract infection UTI or a health problem that can cause an abnormality in the urine This test can measure the presence of red and white blood cells the presence of bacteria or other organisms the presence of substances such as...
hospital medical Urine 14 Parameter Test Strips
Brand: MDK
Packaging: 100barrels in a carton 15kg
Supply Ability: Supply Ability: 8000 Barrel/Barrels per Day
Min. Order: 1 Barrel/Barrels
About the product FDA CE Doctor Approved Dip sticks 99 High Accuracy Color Pads Cyanide Free Non Toxic Paper Rapid Reliable Cost Effective Way to Check Your Metabolism Control Diabetes 14 Parameters URS14 Analyze Your Urine for the Most Common Chemical Markers Analytes Leukocytes Nitrite Urobilinogen Protein pH Blood...
hospital medical urine analyzer urine strip reader
Brand: MDK
Packaging: 1 set in a carton
Min. Order: 1 Box
Certificate: FDA CE IOS
A urine analyser is a device used in the clinical setting to perform automatic urine testing The units can detect and quantify a number of analytes including bilirubin protein glucose and red blood cells Many models contain urine strip readers a type of reflectance photometer that can process several hundred strips...
URS-10T Urine Test Strips for the Medical Professional`s
Brand: MDK
Packaging: carton case. 100bottles in a carton
Supply Ability: 10000 Barrels
Min. Order: 1 Barrel/Barrels
10 parameter Urine Test Strips for the Medical Professional s These urine test strips are used by medical professional around the world to quickly identify a number possible indicators to many different illnesses or conditions Our urinalysis reagent test strips are packed in a standard sealed tub as shown above and...
High Quality medical urinary tract infection test strips
Brand: MDK
Packaging: OEM offer urinary tract infection test strip urine test with FDA CE certificate Package Size :100Strips/Bottle; 200bottle/Carton Carton Size:50*50*26cm
Supply Ability: 10000 Barrels
Min. Order: 1 Barrel/Barrels
What s a UTI A urinary tract infection or UTI is an infection in your urinary system including the bladder the organ that collects and stores urine Urethra the tube that carries urine from your bladder out of your body There are two kinds of UTIs cystitis and urethritis Cystitis is an infection of the bladder...
Müzeyyen Balci Aug 22, 2020 4We are ready to place a new order with Changchun Medicon Technology Development Co., Ltd .
Subrato Sarker Aug 18, 2020 5Trustful seller, good after-service service, the seller can answer and solve my problems quickly. Good Urit Medical !
Steve Thorogood Aug 03, 2020 5Awesome seller! HIGHLY recommended!
High Quality Products
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There's a first time for everything and we've had a lot of first in just the past week...
First time without family at Christmas.
First blizzard-which are called 'Nor'asters' in New England.(I've been in a few blizzards but I've just learned this was Cony's first- it's like he grew up in Mississippi or something...).
Not only did Cony get to go caroling for the first time over the weekend, but he was also able to go sledding! It may be have a bunny hill but it was still a blast! Clearly my poor husband had a deprived childhood and we have a lot of catching up to do.
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Cony's first..
There's a first time for everything and we've had a lot of first in just the past week...
Posted by M Crew at 7:31 PM 3 comments
Sunday, December 26, 2010
Our First New England Christmas
Posted by M Crew at 5:34 PM 1 comments
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Big Plans, Big Plans I say!
Luck would have it, that we stumbled upon this children's book called 'Big Plans'. It was on sale at the campus bookstore and we are in love with it. So much so, we went back and got all the copies they had. We've been trying to decide who to give them to as gifts for 2 days and the jury's still out.
Posted by M Crew at 5:46 PM 2 comments
Friday, December 17, 2010
better than you know..
This week we celebrated 3 years of marriage! We have our certain traditions that we like to do... like, watch 'Love Actually' and buying a Christmas ornament. We've been trying to figure out another meaningful tradition besides attending the temple and I finally found it. I was in Anthro doing a little Christmas shopping (in the sale department) and found this plate.
Posted by M Crew at 6:37 PM 6 comments
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Accusations and Memories
Working retail has it's rewards but it definitely has it's draw backs. One of those draw backs being rude customers. There was a customer in the store yesterday looking for Hanukkah napkin rings and my co-worker asked how to spell Hanukkah and I proceeded to tell her. For some reason I but a U at the end without thinking and this customer got so upset she had to walk away. And when she came back to the counter she proceeds to tell us how upset she is that we don't know anything about Hanukkah and know everything about Christmas. (She was not saying this politely or nicely, to describe her as rude is a true understatement.) I quickly shot back and said "Actually I know a lot about Hanukkah..". I only got a really disgusted look from her and a lecture about putting a U at the end would it HanukkU. Well, I know how to spell it and she has NO idea that some of my favorite families that I hold dear to my heart are Jewish and I've had the opportunity to celebrate Hanukkah with them, nor (and most importantly) does she know what Christmas means to me.
Posted by M Crew at 7:46 PM 4 comments
Friday, December 3, 2010
random happiness.
Our tree is up and almost everything is in it's place. As I look at our tree, I'm not in love with it like I used to be.. but I am in love with some other randomness going on in our home.
Posted by M Crew at 11:05 AM 4 comments


text: I always wanted a BMW and when I purchased my CPO 2002 325i back in the summer of '03 it was love at first sight...until the free maintenance and extended warranty expired. After experiencing a power window problem, sloppy steering (worn bushings and ball joints), continual sunshade issues, and mysterious squeaks coming from the rear (I don't even want to know what that is), I've decided to part with my Beamer. After a recent detail, it's sitting in the garage looking pretty awaiting a new owner, perhaps one that will 'bond' with the car more than I and be willing to spend countless hours working on it or shuttling it back and forth to the garage. I can't say I wasn't duly warned about the cost of maintaining a BMW, but I guess I thought these previous owners were exaggerating. I came from a Honda and Acura family and have rejoined them with open arms. My shiny new Acura TSX offers me several options my 325i could not - navigation, Bluetooth, and the comfort in knowing I'll spend a lot less of my paycheck maintaining it. So if anyone is looking to adopt an Alphine white 325i let me know and we'll work a deal.


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Memphis stops Herd 2-0
The Bisons were defeated 2-0 by the Memphis Redbirds (Triple-A affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals) on Monday afternoon.
RHP DILLON GEE started for Buffalo and allowed just one run in 4.2 innings of work. He allowed only three hits and struck out seven batters. RHP RYOTA IGARASHI, RHP JOHN LUJAN and RHP MANNY ALVAREZ all chipped in an inning of shutout relief.
Offensively, the Bisons were limited to just three hits. OF JESUS FELICIANO was 2-4 at the plate.
There are just 17 days until the Bisons' 2011 Home Opener on Thursday, April 7 against the Syracuse Chiefs (3:05 p.m.). Tickets are now on-sale at bisons.com or by calling THE-HERD at (843-4373).


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Welcome to the Arlong Park Forums.
All new users are suggested to check this forum as it often contains valuable information about the forums and the site!
August 26th, 2020, 08:07 PM
September 9th, 2020, 07:34 PM
September 28th, 2020, 11:50 AM
Legendary Arlong Park Threads in Here.
July 12th, 2018, 02:50 PM
Here you can talk about the One Piece anime.
September 30th, 2020, 05:07 PM
Here you can talk about the Oda's masterpiece manga.
September 30th, 2020, 09:45 PM
Here you can talk about anything else One Piece.
September 30th, 2020, 01:19 AM
September 30th, 2020, 09:41 PM
September 30th, 2020, 08:07 PM
Talk about movies, video games, tv, etc. here.
September 30th, 2020, 09:53 PM
September 30th, 2020, 07:30 AM
Go head to head or team up with fellow forum-goers in exciting forum, tabletop and board games!
September 30th, 2020, 12:02 AM
If you need help with the forums, with computers, with homework, or the like, we'd be glad to help you out in here, mods, admins, and users alike.
September 28th, 2020, 04:18 AM
Welcome to our newest member, moncheriehouse


text:
A collection of scholarly works about individual liberty and free markets. A project of Liberty Fund, Inc.
The Political Writings of Jean Jacques Rousseau, ed. from the original manuscripts and authentic editions, with introductions and notes by C. E. Vaughan. (Cambridge University Press, 1915). In 2 vols. https://oll.libertyfund.org/titles/1880,
A 2 volume collection of Rousseau's works (in French) edited and with thoughtful and helpful introductions by Vaughan in 1915.
The text is in the public domain.
This material is put online to further the educational goals of Liberty Fund, Inc. Unless otherwise stated in the Copyright Information section above, this material may be used freely for educational and academic purposes. It may not be used in any way for profit.


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Hey there. Newest episodes of Breaking Bad got you down? It's OK. Let's take a minute to look back on happier times earlier in the show. Not just any moments, mind: let's talk about the mini-episodes that you may never have watched at all.
Not only are they often hilarious—which we might need, given how harsh the latest episodes of Breaking Bad are—they're also curious to look at given everything that's happened since then. This minisode about Hank kind of cheating on Marie, for example? Look at the contrast in suit colors between the two men. Look at how Walter tells Hank that it's okay to break bad so long as you get back on the right path. And look at how Hank agrees!
We see this sort of foreshadowing in the main show, too. I'm reminded, for example, of a scene in season one where Hank and Walt are playing poker with their family. The game becomes a showdown between both men, and Walt goes all in. Hank folds, and then we find out that sure, Walt won, but...he was bluffing. His hand was crap. That's one of many interactions between both men that is curious to re-examine after watching the latest episode in the series...but, okay, back to the other minisodes.
Here's one bedroom scene between Hank and Marie...don't worry, nothing sexual actually happens (but there is a dude in his underwear, handcuffed to a bed). Things go wrong, but it's still flippin' hilarious—Hank just can't let go that Marie isn't being SUPER AUTHENTIC with her roleplay in bed.
Okay, sure, it's funny to watch these minisodes, but also kind of sad if you stop and think about how things have changed since then. Ah well. There are more!
Remember Badger? Here he is, trying to 'help' Walt break into an old lady's house. Really. It's the sort of thing that makes earlier seasons feel like an entirely different universe.
Speaking of Badger, did you know that both him and Jesse had a band? And that Jesse plays the drums? Or, well, uh. "Play" may be...charitable.
Aww, Jesse. Poor kid. Ridiculous imagination, too. I mean, what in the world is this?
Ha. And one final note here: there are also a number of minisodes revolving around Saul, which kind of give me hope that a spin-off thing just following Saul could actually work. I mean, it'd probably be way different than Breaking Bad itself, but that's not such a bad thing.
Alrighty. Ready to brave the newest episode of Breaking Bad now? Wanna watch more minisodes? Check out the AMC website here.


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Most of us are out and about much more in the summer, including many of our pets! But summer comes with its own set of potential problems. Common sense and preventive measures can prevent illness and injuries for our pets. Here are our Top 10 tips for a safe and happy summer:
Prevent Parasites. Fleas, ticks, mosquitoes, and other parasites are a year-round problem where warm weather is the norm, but in summer they're practically everywhere. Not only are these pests a nuisance to your dog or cat, but they can carry tapeworms, heartworms, and diseases such as Lyme, Bartonella (often called cat-scratch disease, although dogs actually carry more species of this nasty bacteria than cats), West Nile Virus, leptospirosis, and even bubonic plague. Keeping your pet parasite-free requires a broad approach and vigilance on your part, with a little help from effective preventives. (See our comprehensive article on fleas here. Many natural products are available; talk to your vet about what's needed for your area.
Stay Cool! Pets can succumb to heatstroke, so be sure that whenever your pet is outdoors, he always has a shelter from the sun, and plenty of fresh water. Add ice cubes or blocks to the water to keep it cool longer. If it's extremely hot and humid in your area, consider a cooling vest for your dog. Don't jog or bike with your dog in hot mid-day temperatures; stick to morning and evening. This is especially important for short-nosed (brachycephalic) dogs (Pekes, Pugs, Bulldogs, etc.) or those with double-thick coats or long hair (huskies, shepherds, collies, some terriers and retrievers).
Leave Rover at Home. You've heard it before, but we'll say it again: never leave your dog in a car if the weather is warm, and certainly not if it's hot! Cracking the windows makes no difference in the temperature gain. It doesn't take high temperatures for it to be dangerous. A car parked in the shade can reach dangerous temperatures on a hot day; and if it's in the sun, the temperature can rapidly rise up to 160°F. Experiments showed that even at a mild 72°F, the inside of a car reached 116°F in an hour, plenty hot to kill a dog. One dog died after being locked in a parked car on a sunny, 67°F day, even though the car windows were cracked. If you're out running errands, the safest place for your dog is at home.Dogs can't sweat—they control their body temperature by panting. If the air in the car is near or above the dog's body temperature (about 100°F), the dog will be unable to cool itself, and its body temperature can quickly rise to fatal levels (over 107°F). Heatstroke symptoms in dogs include: heavy panting, salivation, disorientation, agitation, rapid heart beat, lethargy, vomiting, seizures, coma and death.
If you see a dog left alone in a car under dangerous conditions, note the car's location, color, model, make, and license plate number, and contact local humane authorities or police, who usually have authority to break in to save the animal. If you can make a good guess as to which store the driver might be in, ask the store manager to page them. If the animal shows symptoms of heatstroke, immediately take these steps to lower its body temperature in a controlled manner:
* Move the animal into the shade or an air-conditioned area. * Apply ice packs or cold towels to the head, neck, and chest; or immerse her in cool (but not cold) water. * Allow small amounts of cool water or let the dog lick some ice cubes. * Get to a veterinarian as soon as possible.
Avoid Sunburn. Sunscreen may be needed for pets with white fur around their face and ears—even indoors, if they're sunbathing through windows. Susceptible areas are where the fur is thin and the skin is white or pink. You can use a human sunscreen or sunblock product (but be sure to clean it off when you get home), or get one especially made for pets, such as Solar Rx, which is green, vegan and chemical free.
Protect Against Poisons. Toxic mushrooms grow in many areas of the country, so be vigilant about removing them from your yard. Many plants (and all bulbs) are also toxic. Bulbs look a lot like dog toys, so keep them out of reach!Summer also brings chemical hazards. Antifreeze is particularly deadly, so leaky cars are a hazard; clean up any spills immediately. This is the also the time of year when people are using fertilizers, mulches, and pesticides in yards and on lawns. While professionals will usually put flags up, do-it-yourselfers might not. Don't let your dog wander in other yards where chemicals or cocoa mulch (toxic if ingested) might be used.
If you suspect that your pet has gotten into something, poison-control hotlines (there may be a charge) include: • Kansas State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital 785-532-5679 • ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888) 426-4435 • The National Animal Poison Control Center 1-900-680-0000 or 1- 800-548-2423 • Angell Animal Poison Control Hotline at 1-877-2ANGEL
Watch Out for Critters. Walking and hiking with your dog summer increases the chances of encountering unpleasant or even dangerous wildlife, such as skunks, porcupines, scorpions, or rattlesnakes. Some toads have poisons on their skin that can be deadly even if your pet merely licks at the toad. Toads come out in wet weather and when it's dark, so be especially careful when letting your dog out at these times.
Don't Let Burrs Get Buried. Summer grasses often produce sticky or spiky seed cases. Foxtails and burrs can get caught in the paws or fur and work their way into—or even through—the skin. Foxtails have been known to work their way inside the chest or abdomen, where infection can be life-threatening. Check your pet after every outing to ensure its fur isn't harboring any of these nasty items. Other sharp items also multiply in warm weather…if you live near water or take your dog on fishing trips, be careful with your fishing hooks and lines, and watch out for those that may have been left behind by others.
Drive Safely. As much as your dog may love to ride in the bed of a pickup, or hang his head out the window, either can cause your dog a world of hurt. Dust and gravel in the eyes are just the beginning; every year thousands of dogs are injured or killed when they jump or fall from vehicles. Even in an enclosed car, pets can be thrown and injured if you have to brake suddenly.For car rides of any length, the very safest place for pets is in the back seat, either wearing a safety harness, or in a carrier or confined area. Pets loose in the car can distract and interfere with the driver, which could result in an accident. Harnesses designed as "doggie seat belts" provide safety during the trip, and prevent your dog from getting loose if someone unexpectedly opens the door. If your dog must ride in a truck bed, use a carrier or cross-ties to prevent injuries.
Cats should always be kept in a carrier while the car is in motion; many cats actually prefer it, because the smaller space makes them feel safer. Always make sure the cat is well secured before opening the car door. Some cats can be trained to walk with a harness and leash, but this is not something to try for the first time the day of the trip!
Always Carry Identification. Pets should always wear a collar or harness and ID tag, no matter where they are or where they're going. Cats should be fitted with a breakaway collar for maximum safety. Please consider having your pet microchipped as added "insurance." Rumors of cancer from microchips are greatly exaggerated, while the sad truth is that lost pets are often gone forever. Thousands of lost pets have been returned home thanks to microchips!
Be Prepared. Whether at home or away, keep a first aid kit ready in case of emergencies. There are special kits for both dogs and cats, so you never have to panic! You might also want to keep flower essences on hand, to keep your pet calm while you give first aid or head for the vet. Several products are available:
Bach Rescue Remedy
- Pet Essences Pain Relief
- Pet Essences Emergency Rescue
And there you have it! Once you're prepared for summer hazards, you'll be able to relax, have fun, and enjoy the summer season with your pet!


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Discover for free which first names would suit you or your baby !
Meaning of name Ernestina
Etymology : Spanish feminine form of ERNEST
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Origin : Spanish
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Gender : girl
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Who are they?
Attractive and sophisticated, Ernestina and Neske look after their appearance and are incredible charming. Their savvy combined with a refreshing zest for life make them very likeable characters. They are extremely self-confident - self-satisfied even, at times. Impatient and quick-witted, they reveal themselves to be astute, intuitive, creative and practical. Flexible, skillful and communicative to the point of being chatterboxes, they are also adaptable and extremely sociable although their curiosity and enthusiasm could lead to them to spread themselves too thinly. Emotional, sensitive and imaginative, they are anxious and can be known to feel discouraged if life lets them down. But happily, they were born under a lucky star (often influenced by the planet Jupiter or the sign of Gemini). As children, they are easy-going and rather mischievous. They like to be the centre of attention and possess many qualities, notably their verbal ability. It would therefore be wise to encourage them to learn a foreign language or develop their vocal talent (theatre, singing). They are delightfully pleasant so naturally they have a lot of friends. However they tend to "change" often because they are versatile and very popular. In effect, they are held in high admiration by those around them, undoubtedly due to their ease of elocution and their magnetic presence. Nevertheless, their parents should keep a close watch on their tendency to be untruthful while inculcating solid moral values because these are little girls who tend to think that life is one big game.
What do they like?
Hedonists, Ernestina and Neske like to communicate, express themselves laugh, joke, play, seduce and generally have fun and make the most of life. They seek the absolute in everything and sometimes forget to keep their feet on the ground. Fanciful and impulsive, they occasionally get themselves into absurd situations with marginal or unsavoury characters who certainly don´t bring them the equilibrium that they need so badly. Romantically speaking, while it´s true that they are surrounded by devoted admirers they are also overly exclusive and even terribly possessive. Their concern for their appearance can be a costly affair and they never keep count of their spending... They tend to be attracted to smooth-talkers and fancy-dressers! They nevertheless make remarkable hostesses, even though they don´t really have a sense of order...
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What do they do?
Ernestina and Neske tend to seek the path of least resistance and are happy just to go with the flow... which often means staying at home. However, they need other people in order to feel truly alive, and could dedicate themselves to an artistic (theatre, singing or comedy...), or commercial activity, especially occupations involving the spoken word (teacher, lecturer, interpreter or presenter...), or in connection with travel and abroad.
Discover others girls first names : Era Erato Ercilia
*To note: :
It sometimes happens that two different first names have the same meaning. This has nothing surprising: both first names have the same figures of numerology. It is as in astrology: two persons belonging to the same sign present the same characteristic...
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Your Name Horoscope !
Thanks to the numerology, we propose you daily a horoscope personalized for your first name. Love, money , Shape: discover what waits for you for today. In Bonus every day find your daily lucky figure .. Horoscope of the first names
Love :Couples: Tension is running high. Why not take a break? Singles: Expand your fields of knowledge Ernestina , it could lead to an unexpected encounter.
Money :It could be time to get a new calculator, you seem to be losing money.
Health:Take the time to look after yourself Ernestina .
Your Lucky number : 31


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I am participating in journaling about my experiences in reading Live Second: 365 Ways to Make Jesus First By Doug Bender. I will be blogging through four days about the different things I have learned to help promote this life changing book. The book is available for purchase.
If you buy the book during the week of December 9th-15th make sure you email your receipt to the email address email@example.com. They want to give you some special bonuses!
For all the full details check out:
Week 7: Day 2: Release
This day consisted of reading Matthew 18:21-35 in the Bible. The concepts presented in this passage were Peter asking Jesus how many times we are to forgive our brother who has wronged us. Peter suggested seven as the ultimate number we are suppose to forgive someone. Jesus replied, "seventy times seven" (Matthew 18:22). Jesus then described a parable of a debtor who owned the king millions of dollars. The master ordered to sell him and his wife, children, and everything he had left. The man pleaded with his master not to do that. The master forgave him and cancelled his debts.
When he left the masters face, he turned right around and found a servant who owned him a few thousand dollars. He chose to not forgive the servant who owned him money and he was eventually put into jail and tortured. The moral of the story was he was forgiven for his debt but he couldn't forgive someone else's debt. And Jesus warned that if we don't forgive others the heavenly Father will do the same thing to you.
Let's be honest, who hasn't had to make the choice to forgive someone who has hurt and let them down. Bitterness is easy to allow to poison our very souls. I will admit I have been there and I was stubborn and determined that it was out of my control and power to forgive people that have hurt me.
How many relationships have ended because someone couldn't forgive? MANY!
Major offences can come occur when the person we love walks away, we're cheated on, people borrow money and don't pay us back when they say they would, people criticize us and call us names, we're fired or laid off, done wrong in a church, and a number of other things. Others may struggle with forgiving the small offences that can still wreak our world if we let it like our children spilling liquids or food, or breaking glass on the floor, our spouses leaving the toilet seat up (sorry men), the lawn didn't get mow on time, the house isn't clean, or anything else you can think of. But is it worth it holding on to anger?
Bitterness blocks us from ever finding love again whether in friendship or a relationship. Freedom only comes when we chose to release the hurt and forgive, no matter how painful it might be. Perfection doesn't exist and we must know we can't demand ourselves or others to be perfect all the time. We will all make mistakes and offend others at some point.
The question that we must ask ourselves is, "How many times have I personally hurt someone?" We must remember that Jesus forgives us every single time we confess our sins and hurts!
"I received an advance copy of Live Second: 365 Ways to Make Jesus First for free for this review."
If you would like to purchase a copy of Live Second, check it out on Amazon.com:


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What happened in Rwanda, Serebrinica or Kosovo was terrible. Blood was spilt and ethnic cleansing waged by either side merited highest punishment to those who were responsible. Those who pulled the trigger were as guilty as those who stood on the sidelines and cheered on. No less evil were those ideologues who made the cause appealing so the blood bath would surely go on ( invariably history has taught us that these 'compelling' reasons soon enough show themselves unsustainable by shock of events occurring elsewhere. ) No less reprehensible is what caused in the aftermath of Korean War. The powers that allowed families to be split in the middle not caring for the emotional anguish on the families are unpardonable. I shall merely post the news and hope those who have caused and perpetrated this misery be treated as war criminals.
'SEOUL, South Korea – Hundreds of Korean family members separated for more than half a century by the Korean War embraced each other in tearful reunions Saturday, a day after troops exchanged gunfire in the Demilitarized Zone dividing the countries.
"I thought you were dead. Mother missed you so much," 61-year-old South Korean Lee Min-gwan told his 90-year-old North Korean father, Ri Jong Ryol, according to pool reports by local reporters.
"I did not forget (you) every single day for the past 60 years," Ri replied to his son, who was 100 days old when they were separated during the war.
Foreign media were not allowed to cover the reunions.'


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With solar panel prices plunging and generous tax credits and incentives still available, now may be as good a time as any to go solar.
But shopping for a solar power system can be a tough task. Consumers face a bewildering array of options. There are thousands of different solar panel models from dozens of manufacturers. In regions like the Bay Area, consumers can choose from among hundreds of different panel installers. And once they pick their panels and a contractor, they have to figure out how to pay for their system from among several different methods.
"It can be pretty daunting and overwhelming with the number of installers that are installing solar systems these days," said Drew Lowell-Britt, an energy specialist with EcoMotion, a consulting firm that advises cities, companies and other organizations that are considering or trying to promote solar power.
But consumers do have places they can turn for help.
Go Solar California, a Web site run by the state Energy and Public Utilities commissions, offers a wealth of information, including lists of contractors and solar panels and up-to-date data on the average cost per watt of installed systems. PG&E offers a solar power calculator that can help users determine the size of the system they'll need and estimates how much it will cost and how long it will take for it to pay for itself. And by viewing the satellite pictures of their homes on Google (GOOG) Maps and other map sites, consumers can get a sense of how much shade their roofs get, which can affect the placement of solar panels.
Solar power experts and those who have shopped for systems also have plenty of suggestions on how to make the process more manageable.
The first thing to assess, they say, is just how much energy you're using and the extent to which you can reduce that amount. The size of the system you'll install is largely determined by how much energy you use. By reducing your energy consumption, you can get away with a smaller — and less costly — system.
That's what San Jose resident Brian Friss found when he shopped for a solar power system.
Just by being more conscious of turning off lights and the television and unplugging portable electronics when they're done charging, Friss said his family has reduced its power bill by about $100 a month. And now they are looking at getting a significantly less expensive solar power system than they initially expected.
"Our big mistake early on was not understanding our usage," said Friss, 39, the co-founder of Digistor, a professional data storage company.
Panels are rated for their efficiency and their electrical output. Today's panels tend to range in efficiency — which measure the percent of solar energy that the systems convert into electricity — from about 14 percent to 20 percent or more. If you go with more efficient panels, you can use fewer or smaller panels than if you use less efficient ones. But the more efficient panels tend to cost significantly more than the less efficient ones.
But efficiency and output aren't the whole story. Consumers can also take a look at panels' degradation rates and their warranties. As they age, solar panels typically produce less electricity; each model has an expected degredation rate, which manufacturers also provide. Theoretically a more efficient panel could end up generating less electricity than a less efficient one in a few years if it degrades more rapidly.
While 25-year warranties are starting to become the norm, consumers should check "the terms of the warranty, what it includes and what it doesn't," said Mike Foster, acting manager for green building and energy programs for the City of San Jose.
In terms of picking a contractor, experts suggest that consumers talk with at least three before settling on one.
Because each city has its own regulations and permitting process for solar installations, it's important to find a contractor who has experience in a particular area, experts say. They also recommend checking references and consumer review sites such as Yelp to find the right installer.
Most experts suggest that consumers buy their systems, rather than choosing other payment options. The payoff for doing that tends to be much shorter and consumers can immediately start enjoying free electricity.
But the vast majority of systems these days are installed under leases or power-purchase agreements, where homeowners don't own the panels placed on their roofs, but instead agree to purchase power generated by them from the installer. Such plans are attractive, because often they don't require consumers to pay any money up front, but offer the promise of lower electricity rates immediately and in the future.
Experts caution consumers, though, to carefully examine the terms of such contracts, which can last 20 years. Many include charges that escalate over time, which could leave consumers paying more money for their power than they would if they stuck with their regular utility.
"Certainly not all customers can save money this way," said Mindy Spatt, a spokesperson for The Utility Reform Network, a consumer advocacy group. "Some may. For others, they may be a really bad deal."
Solar shopping tips
Shopping for a solar system can be a daunting process. Here are some things to consider.
Sizing up your needs: With solar power systems, their size, cost and the time needed to recover your investment are largely determined by how much power you use. You can save money by reducing your consumption before installing a system.
Picking panels: Panels are rated by their efficiency. More efficient panels tend to be more expensive, but you can potentially use fewer of them or they can take up less space on your roof. Other things to consider are how quickly they are expected to degrade, the length of their warranties and what the warranty covers.
Choosing a contractor: Manufacturers' Web sites and the state's Go Solar site list contractors by Zip code. You can check the state to see which contractors are licensed and with the California Solar Energy Industries Association to see which ones are members of the trade group. Because regulations differ by city, finding a contractor with experience in your area can be important. Experts suggest comparing bids from three or more contractors and checking their references.
Figuring out financing: Consumers can pay for a system up front, take out a loan or sign a long-term lease agreement. Many experts recommend buying over leasing, because the time to pay off is shorter. But leasing agreements often involve no upfront costs and can offer immediate savings on electrical costs.


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I refuse to get on the anti-Facebook bandwagon.
For the last five years or so, Facebook has been the biggest thing on the Web. But some disillusionment was inevitable. Nothing can be the biggest thing forever. In recent months, there's been a rising chorus of discontent: Facebook, we are told, invades your privacy. Facebook capriciously changes its features, making them worse. It's boring. A time-suck. A chore.
There's some truth to all that, of course. But you know what? I still love Facebook. There, I admitted it. I'm a huge, unabashed fan.
Why? For the simple reason that Facebook makes my life better.
I'm a busy guy. Three kids, lots of pets, a demanding job, a big house to take care of, an aging parent to look after. Having lived in eight states in my 44 years, and after changing addresses so many times I've lost count, I have friends and family scattered all over the country.
I'm quite fond of those people. I enjoy chatting with them. I like knowing what they're up to. But how best to stay in touch? Phone calls often don't work; after all, other people are frequently busy, too. Old-fashioned letters? Yeah, right. Email — sure, I use it, but the fact is, a lot of people are not so great about checking or answering their email.
But through the miracle of social media, I can instantly and almost effortlessly see what the people I care about are doing and saying. I can silently "chat" with friends around town or around the country for seconds or minutes at a time, with minimal disruption to my workday or theirs. I can let them know what's going on in my life without having to compose many separate emails or make many separate phone calls.
For years, I struggled to stay in touch with my far-flung friends. Thanks to Facebook, it is now somewhat less of a struggle.
Ah, you ask, but what about all those insipid status updates about what someone had for breakfast, or those endless video clips of stupid animal tricks?
Yes, I get my share of bizarre and boring postings. And no, I don't really much care how well one friend is doing in the game "Modern Warfare," or that four of my friends "like" SpongeBob SquarePants. Perhaps the very nadir in status updating occurred just this week, when an old high school classmate of mine actually posted this as her status: "blah blah blah blah blah."
But as I see it, this problem is not with Facebook. To take issue with Marshall McLuhan: The medium, in this case, really is not the message. Blaming Facebook for the vapid or foolish things that people often post on it is a bit like blaming a wall for the fact that people spray-paint graffiti on it.
What surprises me is that more people don't use Facebook for what I consider its most obvious, useful purpose: to quickly exchange helpful information and advice with people whose company you value and whose judgment you trust.
When I joined Facebook a few years ago, my very first posting was about a restaurant I had just patronized for the first time (Woodberry Kitchen in Baltimore). This wasn't an exercise in verbal navel gazing. I was providing potentially useful information — useful, at least, to my fellow Baltimoreans. Noting that I liked the place, and perhaps putting some stock in my opinion, they might well have been encouraged to check it out themselves.
Sure, sometimes I use Facebook to update my friends on interesting or important events in my life: spotting a grizzly bear while hiking in Yellowstone or boasting about my kid's performance in the school play. But I'm just as likely to use it to find a good pet-sitter, or get feedback on a certain iPhone app, or to weigh in on a friend's review of the latest "Harry Potter" movie. To my mind, these kinds of things are what make social media "social": They are exchanges, interactions.
Latest Editorial
It's true, an extremely small percentage of Facebook updates contains any practical advice or useful information. I don't know why this is the case. But please, don't hate Facebook on account of that. In the end, all Facebook is, really, is a blank slate. What you fill it with is up to you.


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The University of Houston is making significant progress in reducing its carbon footprint according to the 2011 College Sustainability Report Card released today. UH earned a B+ for 2011, a half grade higher than last year's B-. While several other Texas school matched UH's B+ ranking, no other scored higher.
According to Emily Messa, assistant vice president of university services, UH made its most significant improvements in the categories of parking and transportation, administration, and energy and climate, earning an "A" in all three assessment areas.
"As an urban university with limited parking, we needed to focus on ways to make the campus more accessible so we added car sharing, a strong partnership with METRO and more students living on campus," said Messa, who also serves as an ex-officio member of the UH Sustainability Task Force and member of the city of Houston Clean City Commission. "Additionally, the Outdoor Adventure equipment rental program makes bikes and the option of cycling accessible to our students."
At the recommendation of the Sustainability Task Force - made of administrators, staff and students - the official Campus Sustainability Policy was approved by UH President Renu Khator in January and will be reviewed every three years. The aim of the sustainability efforts of the university is to reduce the carbon footprint of the university by 80 percent by 2030, using 2005 emission levels as a baseline. To meet this goal, UH is focused on a low-carbon diet, which provides a roadmap to sustainability for all departments.
"This is a lofty goal," said Messa. "It will require us to be entrepreneurial in seeking new ways to reduce energy consumption, rely more on mass transit, recycle more and consume less. The university's ranking is reflective of the commitment we have to sustainability, however, there is much work to be done."
The report is the only independent evaluation of campus and endowment sustainability activities in North America. The survey evaluates the colleges and universities in the United States and Canada with the 300 largest endowments. The grading system focuses on policies and practices in nine main categories ranging from climate change and energy to endowment transparency.
The rankings come on the eve of Green UH Day on Oct. 28 at Butler Plaza in front of the M.D. Anderson Library. The campus community is invited to learn about all of the university's sustainability projects including recycling, green commuting and even sustainable books. Events kick off at 11 a.m. and run until 3 p.m. For a schedule, visit www.uh.edu/green.
"Universities have a promise to the world to teach future generations how to live in a more sustainable way." said Messa. "At the University of Houston, this promise is reflected in the hard work of many departments, staff, faculty and students who have, and will continue to, rise to the challenge of making the world a better place."
For more information on the The College Sustainability Report Card visit http://greenreportcard.org/.


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NEW YORK - The question made Roger Federer smile.
Nothing particularly amusing about asking how he adjusts from playing mostly night matches in the U.S. Open's early rounds to the daytime starts at the end. But the assumption behind the query was cause for delight.
"It's perfect that we're talking semis and finals already," Federer said. "It wasn't like that last year."
Last year at this time the questions were about whether his career was sputtering to a halt. He had lost in the second round at Wimbledon and arrived at the U.S. Open wary of a balky back.
"Last year I was trying to convince myself I did have an opportunity," he conceded Saturday.
The 17-time major champion lost in the fourth round to 22nd-ranked Tommy Robredo.
"The confidence was going away quickly, just because I was just not moving so well," Federer said. "I was scared to have another setback. And so it was just not as clear-cut and simple as it is this year."
Because this year, a deep run in New York again seems likely.
Federer took Novak Djokovic to a fifth set in the Wimbledon final, reached the title match in Toronto, then won in Cincinnati. He's seeded a far more familiar No. 2 with second-ranked Rafael Nadal sidelined.
And considering Federer's lopsided losing record against the Spaniard, the draw is looking mighty friendly.
"What stands out is the opportunity to try to take advantage of the fact that he's not here," Federer said. "It's one less really difficult player to beat, maybe."
The Swiss great wouldn't meet Djokovic until the final. David Ferrer <0x2014> 0-16 against Federer <0x2014> is a potential semifinal opponent.
There might never be a better chance to seize an 18th Grand Slam title.
The U.S. Open begins Monday with Andy Murray, Stan Wawrinka, Venus Williams and Sloane Stephens among the big names playing in the day session. Maria Sharapova and Djokovic take the court on Ashe for the night session.
The unknown with Djokovic is whether he can flip the switch to rediscover his focus after the Wimbledon title followed shortly by his wedding.
"It was a very emotional period," Djokovic said Saturday. "I just felt a little bit flat on the court. I wasn't managing to find that intensity and the perfect mindset. But, you know, it's all normal. It's something that I'm experiencing for the first time, right?"
Djokovic added he was seeking advice from other players who have balanced personal milestones with professional achievements, taking a playful jab at his coach, the twice-married Boris Becker, who "has been through similar experiences in his life more than one time."
It's been more than two years since Federer padded his record by winning his 17th Grand Slam title. By the end of 2013, it looked as though he might stay stuck on that number forever.
Federer brought on an idol, Stefan Edberg, as coach this year. Under the six-time major champ, he's moving forward far more, ending points quickly and saving the wear and tear on his 33-year-old body. Federer came to the net 67 times in the Wimbledon final.
"This isn't something new or that people weren't suggesting he do for years," ESPN analyst John McEnroe said on a conference call this week. "Seems like Edberg maybe more than other coaches has gotten into his head at this stage of his career that that is going to help him."
Edberg's guidance has helped Federer's performances all season.
"Not just Toronto and Cincinnati, but really from the first week on I have always played really nice tennis," Federer said. "You remember how it feels to win tournaments. You remember and you get used to that. You almost forget how to lose and confidence rises. You're back to winning ways again and everything seems so simple."


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