text:
They say there's no going back. This is not actually true; often you can indeed go back, literally if not metaphorically. I did so myself this week when I revisited scenes from my youth during a quick overnight junket to northern Minnesota.
I had taken three days off last week, intending to have a writing retreat, and had casually thrown out the possibility of motoring north to Itasca and pitching my pup tent under the pines. However, studies have conclusively proven that a lone woman in a crowded, well-patrolled state park has a 100% chance of being killed by a serial killer. At least, that's how my mother heard it. She proposed an alternative scenario: the same journey under the protection of her burly 89-year-old self, substituting a clean and comfortable hotel room for the pup tent. Having recently seen her go medieval on an errant bat with a broom, I was afraid to decline.
I made the 128-mile trek from Osakis to Bemidji many times while a student at Bemidji State University (Go, Beavers!). Thus it was with full confidence that I turned my little red Kia onto the first of a maze of back country roads that had shortened the distance when I was an undergraduate. "You do have a map in the glove compartment, don't you?" my mother gently inquired. I scoffed.
Fifteen minutes from home we were lost. It's possible the layout of the roads has changed in the quarter century since I last went this way. More likely, the steep cognitive decline that is said to commence at age 50 has already erased my memory of the way north. I bluffed certainty in our route until we stumbled upon the little town of Parkers Prairie. There a sign helpfully pointed us to Highway 29 and Wadena. I was back on firm ground, navigationally speaking.
Our first stop on the way was in Menahga and the impressive monument to St. Urho. For those who don't know (and that would be almost everyone), St. Urho was the brave hero who drove the grasshoppers out of Finland. Or so the legend goes – a legend, by the way, entirely concocted by a professor of history at Bemidji State University and adopted, inexplicably, by the good citizens of Menahga (most of whom presumably claim Finnish descent, if not a strong knowledge of their motherland's history). In addition to being home to the shrine of St. Urho, Menahga also designates itself the Gateway to the Pines.
From time immemorial it was here that the central plains gave way to the vast pine forests that once covered the northern half of my home state. Today, much of the land between Menahga and Park Rapids is turned to farming and the "pines" consist of narrow bands of firs lining the highway. Actually, since the branches of the trees facing the high-wire lines have been trimmed off by the utilities company, even these are only half-pines. Such is progress.
It is at Park Rapids that one begins to feel you are truly entering the woods. I turned off 71 to take the Lake George road. Back in the day, this was a rather narrow, winding trail through the forest, with trees crowding close up against the road, and it was awesome. These days it's a newly repaved two-lane highway. Not so scenic, but still worth the drive. As mom pointed out about the time we hit Emmaville (a miniscule settlement most notable for the large sign that loudly proclaims, "Oops! You just missed Emmaville!" when you fail to discern the place itself), taking the Lake George Road meant we had to backtrack to get to our destination, Itasca State Park. No matter. It's a beautiful drive.
We entered the park at the east entrance. It's a testament to the enduring belief in "Minnesota nice" that the entrance was unmanned; visitors are directed to tuck a $5 bill into an envelope and drop it in a slot. We did.
A large storm had raged through the north country a week before our arrival, and the park showed the marks of its passage in the form of many downed trees. I couldn't help wondering how capricious Mother Nature chooses her victims. We passed many stands of apparently dead trees that still stood firm, while enormous red and white pines that one might expect to withstand the Final Reckoning lay twisted and jack-knifed beside the road.
We took the 10-mile Wildlife Loop and, as always, saw no wildlife. It did bring to mind an occasion when my niece Amy and I rented bicycles in the park, thinking to take a relaxing ride, and ended up half-dead after several miles of mostly hills.
Immediately after turning off the Wildlife Loop, a white-tailed deer sauntered out in front of the car.
Itasca State Park figures large in my childhood memory, as it was a favorite place to camp for my family. We are camping people. Long after glossy, silver Airstreams began taking over the parks, my people continued to erect our blue-and-yellow tent. My parents camped on their honeymoon, and had I ever found a mate, that would have been my choice, too. I was introduced early to this form of recreation; my parents brought a portable cradle with them to the campground when I was still an infant. I can't imagine my frugal folks spending good money on anything else with such a limited use and lifespan, which is evidence of the central role camping played in our lives.
We made the obligatory stop at the Headwaters of the Mississippi (which apparently isn't). Both mom and I decided that scrambling across the slippery rocks was a broken hip waiting to happen. This is what it is to be old.
Thence down the road to the Pioneer Cabin, which is actually a Pioneer Cabin Reconstruction. The original cabin lies in an unrecognizable heap next to the spiffy fake. Nevertheless, I took many photos of the cabin and adjacent lumber sledge, both of which 19th century props figure largely in my novel-in-progress. (For those keeping track, my heroine is still sitting in a wagon somewhere on the Fosston trail, where she has languished since February. I sure hope them there canned preserves and salted meat she bought at the general store hold out until I get back to her in the fall, or I may find a bloated corpse where I left a lively girl. Then my novel becomes about zombies.)
A brief stop at the Indian Mounds illustrated how much times have changed. As a small child, I distinctly remember running up and over the neatly mowed mounds that resembled well-tended golfing greens. I hope at least my parents chided me for desecrating a grave, but I think in those days people didn't connect such artifacts with the real people who made them. I visited the mounds again when I was in college and found them overgrown with weeds and enclosed in a high fence. This was more culturally sensitive, perhaps, but gave the uncomfortable impression that the deceased were imprisoned. Given the history of white-native relations in the state, this was a bit awkward. On this trip, I found the entire area of the mounds enclosed in an attractive wooden fence. Inside, the native burial ground was so overgrown with trees, shrubs and other vegetation as to be unrecognizable. Presumably there are mounds within, but you'd never know it.
On the way out of the park, we stopped at the Mary Gibbs Visitor Center. Mary was the first female park commissioner. She had but a brief tenure; after upholding her mandate to protect the park by defying a logging company's attempt to flood the park, she was demoted at the insistence of the politically powerful lumber industry, and subsequently resigned in protest. Good on ya, Mary!
We perused the gift shop only long enough for me to note another change from my youth. The "trading post" used to feature the kind of tacky, culturally insensitive trinkets that would cause mass demonstrations today. This was back when the local indigenous peoples were still called Chippewa and Sioux (an Ojibwe word that apparently translates roughly as "those bastards on the other side of the woods"), instead of Ojibwe and Lakota. I recall toy peace pipes (a wooden dowel painted black with a feather hung from one end), and we always went home with at least one "Indian drum," which consisted of a piece of rubber stretched over a brightly colored tin can; occasionally I left clutching an Indian maiden doll. As I recall, they looked very much like myself, a little white girl, but had braids and wore a dress made of fringed suede. Educational!
With the afternoon waning, it was time to leave the scene of my childhood recreation and proceed to a place that recalls slightly more recent memories. On to Bemidji!
To be continued …


text:
"Kristin brings a wealth of engineering experience to this position and will be a great resource for our customers as well as our internal team," states Barry Daggett, director of engineering and product development.
For customers just beginning their packaging selection, Springer will provide guidance on appropriate bottle, closure and liner options and will participate in product line validation, so that customers can be assured their package will meet all established requirements. She is available for technical support, and will make sure customers receive accurate and up-to-date product drawings, as well as regulatory and compliance documentation supporting a closed loop sales system.
Springer brings more than 15 years of engineering experience to Weatherchem. She worked for Little Tikes in positions that included Industrial/Mechanical Engineer and New Product Manufacturing Engineer. Most recently she worked for Swagelok where she held several engineering positions. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering degree from the University of Akron and an MBA from Kent State University.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
During the last three months, I learned to code in SQL (for free). I went from an absolute newbie to intermediate status using free resources on the internet. In this guide, I'll show you how to do the same, in 30 days or less.
Something you should know about learning SQL: If you commit to the process, you'll be surprised by how much you can learn in a short period of time. Not only that, but your job prospects will improve. SQL coders make excellent money and they're in demand. According to Payscale.com, first-year SQL developers earn about $53,000. Developers with 20+ years earn about $100,000 per year.
The goals of this guide are to (1) arm you with rock-solid motivation to learn SQL; (2) provide the context required to begin your SQL journey; and (3) give you a simple, study plan to master SQL like a boss.
To achieve these goals, I'll walk you through the following:
- Getting Pumped Up to Learn SQL
- What You Should Know Before You Begin
- A Proven Study Plan for Learning SQL in 30 Days or Less
(1) Getting Pumped Up to Learn SQL
While learning SQL, you'll be solving coding puzzle after coding puzzle. The puzzles build upon each other and the process is fascinating – even thrilling – as this SQL newbie confirms:
You might be thinking, "What? Aren't databases boring?" Well, if you find Excel pivot tables to be exciting, SQL is like the thrill of hang gliding off a mountain.
Adventures aside, can you imagine the way SQL can elevate your superhero status at the office? Craig Kerstiens summarizes the essence of why becoming an SQL "superhero" is the most valuable things he ever did:
"SQL is an under-learned skill, the majority of application developers just skip over it. Because so few actually know SQL well, you can seem more elite than you actually are.
In past companies with hundreds of engineers, I'd get a question several times a week from junior to principal engineers of: "Hey can you help me figure out how to write a query for this?" Because you're skilled at something so few others are, you can help them out, which always makes life a little easier when you have a question for them."
Even more interesting is how the language increases your "economic mote." According to data scientist Nishant Upadhyay:
"SQL increases your economic moat– a term popularised by Warren Buffett to describe your competitive advantage against others in your field. SQL is one of the most in-demand skills in the market right now and it is something that will surely set you apart from your peers.
(2) What You Should Know Before You Begin
Most people want to jump head-first into their first SQL course – I certainly did – but first, you need a little bit of context. Before you begin, you should know the answers to the following:
- What is SQL?
- What does SQL code look like?
- Why should people learn SQL?
- What are the different SQL databases?
If you know this stuff already, skip to the next section. Otherwise, let's brush you up on the basics:
What is SQL?
SQL is the language of relational databases. A relational database is a repository of information organized into tables. A table in a database consists of columns and rows that form strictly-labeled boxes with information inside them.
Imagine an Excel spreadsheet. The columns and rows of a table in a relational database aren't that different. The thing is, a relational database usually contains many such tables, and they can be massive – so big that you couldn't manage all of the information in a series of Excel spreadsheets. In this video, the presenter teaches strategies for managing 80-terabyte SQL databases, trillion-row SQL tables, and backing up petabytes (1,000,000 gigabytes) of information.
Ultimately, structured Query Language (SQL) allows you to access and manage the information in relational databases. Most importantly, SQL lets you query databases to gain vital insights – usually to make important business decisions.
The data you query from a database can be valuable. You might write a SQL query to find out how many chicken breasts your restaurant franchises in Hawaii required last May and June. The answer would help you plan food orders for the following summer. That way, you don't waste money on supplies you don't need.
What Does SQL Code Look Like?
SQL has a unique "markup" or "code" that developers use to write queries and manage the database and tables. SQL code uses a variety of "statements" and "clauses" to pinpoint the information you want to query. For example, if you wanted to query the information about chicken breasts (mentioned above), you'll need the following statements and clauses:
- SELECT statement: Indicates what columns of information to select.
- FROM clause: Indicates the table of information to query.
- WHERE clause: Indicates the rows of information to target.
Here's how the SQL query looks for the chicken breast information. Can you intuit how this query uses the three statements and clauses mentioned above?
SELECT SUM(amount ordered) FROM orders WHERE item = 'chicken breast' AND month IN ('May','June') AND year = '2018';
This query produces a numerical value that equals the number of chicken breasts your Hawaiian franchises needed in May/June 2018.
Here's another example: Imagine you want to know how much it would cost in euros to buy everyone in Germany and Spain a coffee if it's €2.00 per cup). In the example below, you'll notice the query has some new commands like:
- CONCAT: To put the euro (€) symbol in the result
- SUM: To add the populations of Germany and Spain
- AS: To label results column "Coffee Cost"
SELECT CONCAT('€', (SUM(population)*2.00)) AS 'Coffee Cost' FROM world WHERE name IN ('Germany', 'Spain');
If you want to try this query for yourself, and see how much the coffee will cost, go to the first lesson on SQLZoo.net, and copy/paste the query into the first form. That's a lot of coffee!
Queries get more complicated than this. Here's a complex query that's beyond my skill level. If you get proficient enough to understand it, I'll buy you a cup of coffee to celebrate (please, Germany and Spain, that's not an invitation).
Why It's Important to Learn SQL
There are two main reasons why SQL is important to learn:
(1) SQL for Software Developers: Developers use programming languages (like Python, Ruby, PH, etc.) to build websites and applications. However, websites and applications need to interact with databases, but in most cases, databases only accept commands in SQL. Therefore, even if you're a Python developer, at some point in time, you'll need to work with SQL.
(2) SQL for Business Intelligence and Querying Data for Important Information: In business, better insights result in a better understanding of what's happening and more successful decisions. The same is true in academia, law enforcement, statistics, big data, and many other applications. Here's a list of professions that might rely on insights pulled from SQL databases on a daily basis:
- CEOs
- Company decision-makers
- Researchers
- Marketers
- Public relations specialists
- Advertisers
- Accountants
- Statisticians
- Business strategists
- Doctors
- Nurses
- Big data analysts
These professionals might not know how to code in SQL themselves, but they might need to rely on someone who does. Long story short, understanding SQL makes you infinitely more useful on the job. And considering that it only takes a month to learn the basics, adding SQL to your resume is an easy way to make you more attractive to employers.
What Are the Different SQL Databases?
There are a number of SQL database systems. Here are three of the most popular:
- MySQL: MySQL is an opensource database system owned by Oracle. MySQL is free for any business or individual to use, and it's particularly popular as a database for web-based applications. Oracle Database also has an advanced version of MySQL with additional features, which businesses can use by paying a subscription fee.
- PostgreSQL: PostgreSQL is another free and opensource database system. It's popular among companies that need to handle massively large databases and complex queries, and it's particularly devoted to using "pure" or "standard" SQL.
- Microsoft SQL Server: Microsoft SQL Server is another popular variant, but it isn't free. Businesses subscribe to use this SQL database system, which is particularly useful for consumer software applications and web applications. The SQL markup used with Microsoft SQL Server has some unique variations from "standard" SQL.
To interact with these databases, you can use a variety of database clients depending on your system and the type of database. Some of these clients are free and open source. Click the links to read our blog articles about them:
- SQuirreL SQL
- HeidiSQL
- Sequel Pro
- MySQL Workbench (overview contained in Sequel Pro article)
- TablePlus (overview contained in Sequel Pro article)
- Navicat (overview contained in Sequel Pro article)
- PostgreSQL(overview contained in Sequel Pro article)
- Postico
I should also mention that SQLBot pairs well with these clients because it lets you preschedule SQL queries in advance, and automatically push the results to you and your team by Slack or email.
(3) Your Proven Study Plan for Learning SQL in 30 Days or Less
Without further adieu, let's start learning SQL. I want you to take 20 minutes right now to complete the first lesson on SQLZoo.net here, Come back when you're done. If you get stuck, use the cheat mode, but only if it's necessary.
-------- 20 Minute Break for Completing the First Lesson on SQLZoo --------
Now that you have finished the first lesson, let's review your SQL study plan which includes three phases. After completing the first two phases, you'll have a solid foundation in SQL, good enough to get an entry-level job. In fact, that's what I ask you to do in phase three: Seek a part-time SQL-coding job.
(1) Complete the Entire Course at SQLZoo.net
In the first phase, you'll complete the SQLZoo.net course. This free, online course has been around for 20 years and many SQL gurus learned to code with it. It has you learning by doing, writing SQL queries from the very beginning.
Complete all 12 lessons and their corresponding quizzes on SQLZoo. Then go through the "Reference, How to..." section. By the end of these sections, you'll be able to (1) query databases, (2) create and modify databases, and (3) import databases into MySQL.
It took me 18 to 20 hours of dedicated study time to complete the SQLZoo course, and I think I was moving pretty slowly. I recommend working on it in chunks, by dividing your study time into three 6-hour days to get through it as quickly as possible. If you decide to retake the course (I do recommend completing it twice) it shouldn't take you more than six or seven hours. Trust me, it's worth it!
Read about my experience using SQLZoo here. I offer some useful tips for getting through the course.
(2) Complete 2 More Free SQL Courses from SQLCourse.com
In the next phase of learning, you'll move onto the two free courses from SQLCourse.com:
Work through these courses in long chunks of time like you did with SQLZoo. In these courses, you'll encounter the same concepts you learned in SQLZoo, and you'll cover concepts like aggregate functions, combining conditions, Boolean operators, table joins and more. If you feel like you need additional review, repeat SQLCourse2. Remember, repetition is a good thing while learning SQL because it makes the language feel like second nature.
With the right focus and dedication, you can complete the first two steps in 30 days or less. Then it's time for SQL graduate school: Search for employment that uses your SQL knowledge.
(3) Search for Employment that Uses Your SQL Knowledge
Using SQL on a daily basis is the best way to skyrocket your coding skills. That's why phase "3" of your learning process involves finding a part-time job that uses your SQL knowledge. This is your graduate school. To help you prepare for the job interview, make sure to read this blog post: SQL Interview Questions: 13 Top Questions You Need to Cram For.
Search Indeed.com for entry-level SQL jobs that you can do remotely from home. Don't focus on pay. Focus on practice. That this part-time job is the final stage of your SQL learning journey. The extra cash it brings is just a bonus! What you need more than anything is experience practicing with SQL. After a few months of practice, you can demand a much higher salary.
As word of encouragement, for your job search, take this message from software development engineer, Shantanu Vichare, to heart:
Of course! Learning SQL could land you a job in the Database Industry. To be good At SQL might depend on how many hours a day you put into learning. Knowing and implementing the concepts will be a fast way to learn and understand SQL faster. I would say a month to learn the basic concepts if you are completely new to SQL. And then if you further want to learn Database Administration that might take a few more months as the scope is wide. Mind me, learning SQL could be fruitful if you want expertise in it.
Keep Learning!
You now have all the tools to learn SQL at your fingertips. If you immerse yourself in SQLZoo and SQLCourse, 30 days from now you could be punching out code while earning extra money in a part-time, remote SQL job. If you have any questions during your learning journey, please don't hesitate to send me a note.
A Final Tip From the SQLBot Team
Now that you're on your way to becoming a SQL guru, you might want to check out SQLBot. This handy tool lets you schedule SQL queries in advance, and have the results sent to your team by Slack or email. Not only that, but SQLBot lets you query your databases directly from Slack on your smartphone, any time, anywhere.
If you want to give SQLBot a try, click this link and create a free account now.
Fascinated by emerging technologies, data science, SQL, and the laws and market trends that follow them, Jeremy Hillpot is a freelance technology writer whose background in consumer fraud litigation provides a unique perspective on new technologies in the fields of data science, investments, tech, cryptocurrency, and the law.


text:
Do you wake up with headaches fairly regularly? Do you ever have a stiff or tender jaw when you wake up? Have you ever been told that you make unusual noises when you are asleep? If so, you may have a problem known as bruxism. However, even though bruxism is pretty common, would you be surprised to hear that this problem can actually lead to fairly serious dental issues?
As you may understand, many people grind their teeth habitually. If this is the case for you, you might be able to simply choose to not grind your teeth. Still, this issue could be hard to avoid on your own. Luckily, there are professionals who can help you stop grinding your teeth. However, are you aware that many people actually grind their teeth while they're asleep?
If this is happening to you, there are a number of steps you should consider taking. For instance, bruxism could be caused a misaligned bite or other dental issues. To help you deal with this problem, we can also create a custom mouth guard that will fit your unique smile. This mouth guard can also protect your smile and fit comfortably around your teeth.
Would you like to hear more about teeth grinding in Sandy, Utah? Are you simply hoping to find a time to meet with our dentist, Dr. David S. Peterson? If so, please feel free to contact The Dental Studio by calling 801-278-4787. We'll gladly address any questions you have and inspect your teeth for signs of trouble. We're eager to hear from you.


text:
Costa Rica
At a Glance
|San José
|GDP Total
|$60.1 billion
|GDP Per Capita
When traveling to Costa Rica, your nationality and the types of activities you will conduct during your trip will determine whether you may travel lawfully as a business visitor or if work authorization will be required. Please seek advice from your immigration counsel if you are uncertain about the specific types of activities that constitute business or work.
What types of activities may I engage in as a business visitor?
As a business visitor to Costa Rica, you may engage in the activities below. While this list is not exhaustive and other activities could qualify as business, you may:
- » Attend business meetings
- » Visit a current project site for informational purposes
- » Conduct fact-finding missions
- » Attend seminars and administrative training as a participant or instructor
If I qualify as a business visitor, do I need a visa for Costa Rica?
Nationals of Canada, the United States, and many European and Latin American countries are eligible for a visa waiver and are not required to obtain a visa to enter and conduct business activities in Costa Rica. If your nationality is not eligible for a visa waiver, you must obtain a Consular or Restricted Entry Visa from a Costa Rican embassy or consulate prior to travel.
Additionally, select nationals who would otherwise be required to obtain a visa may be eligible for a visa waiver if they hold a multiple-entry visa from Canada or the United States, or hold legal residence in Canada, the European Union, or the United States. However, please check with your immigration counsel regarding specific visa waiver eligibility requirements and for the permitted period of stay on a visa waiver.
What types of activities require work authorization?
As a business visitor, the activities below, whether paid or unpaid, generally constitute work under Costa Rican law. This list is not exhaustive, and many other professional activities are considered work in Costa Rica, even if conducted for a short duration.
- » Hands-on technical work
- » Repairs and maintenance
- » Negotiations
- » Auditing
If I am traveling to Costa Rica for work, what type of work authorization do I need?
The requirements for work authorization depend on your qualifications, on the nature and duration of your work, and on whether your employer has an entity in Costa Rica. The most common forms of work authorization for Costa Rica are:
- » Estancia Permit (short-term work authorization)
- » Temporary Residence Permit (long-term work authorization)
- » Digital Nomad Visa
Is it possible to be exempted from work authorization requirements?
There are no work authorization exemptions based on nationality or industry in Costa Rica.
Inevitably, the legal and strategic considerations impacting visa selection, as well as visa waiver and work authorization eligibility, entail the careful consideration of many factors. We recommend that you consult with your immigration counsel before taking any course of action.
Copyright © 2022 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. Government immigration agencies often change their policies and practices without notice; please consult an immigration professional for up-to-date information. This document does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. BAL maintains comprehensive immigration information and processing specifics for our clients.
News and Events
'Digital Nomad' visa introduced
At a Glance
|San José
|GDP Total
|$60.1 billion
|GDP Per Capita
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text:
Webbing Tool D-Ring
Ref : TL 07
- Attachment D-ring with integrated webbing, length 3.93 Inches. The webbing has a 2.36 Inches passage.
- Has a Steel D-ring (inside diam. 0.866 Inches).
- This D-ring can be installed on a belt, and allows creating a tool-holding point on the belt.
- It can also be installed on tools (with the help of selfmerging rubber tape), allowing to create an attachment point on the tool (for unperforated tools).
- Recommended for attaching tools of 22 lbs max., only 4.40 lbs max. when used with self-merging rubber tape.
|0.98 Inch
|0.07 lbs


text:
|"be consistent"
Re: Is this actually possible?by marto (Cardinal)
|on Oct 21, 2005 at 16:29 UTC ( #502066=note: print w/replies, xml )
|Need Help??
Hi Spidy,
It can be done but one thing to consider is your ISPs AUP (Acceptable use policy).
A few ISPs here that I know of do not allow their users to run webservers etc.
Have you considered getting an account on something like freeshell.org.
I know they charge a one off fee to upgrade your account to use gcc, Perl etc.. but you may find it useful to connect from school (or anywhere else) via ssh or telnet to edit your source code, rather than upload it.
Hope this helps
In Section Seekers of Perl Wisdom


text:
Do you know these 24 adorable ways to add colour at home using washi tape?
Washi tape is pretty great. It's so cute and colourful and lovely and you can do so many creative things with it. Whether it's just decorating some pencils and furniture or making your own wall art, this wonderful tape is a delight for anyone who likes crafts. Sit back and enjoy 24 nifty ways to use washi tape and add a splash of colour to your home.
1 / 26


text:
Free radicals are unstable molecules with unpaired electrons. These free radicals cause damage to cells and changes in our systems. As these damage and changes accumulate, our bodies age.
Since aging is caused by free radicals, it implies that antioxidants will slow the process of aging. Antioxidants are a class of nutrients that help quench or remove a free radical.
Antioxidant antiaging nutrients such as glutathione and Vitamin C help prevent free radicals from oxidizing sensitive biological cells. They also help reduce the formation of more free radicals or oxidative stress by quickly stabilizing the unpaired electrons.
If you need the super antioxidant then try Ergothioneine from Oxis Internatinal Inc. ( http://www.oxis.com ). Ergothioneine / ERGO is naturally occurring, water soluble, amino acid multifaceted antioxidant produced by microbes in the soil and most commonly found in (but not produced by) various species of mushrooms and grapes, meats and dairy products. However, it is not commercially practical to extract ERGO from these natural sources and it essentially impossible to ingest a diet that provides enough ERGO to take full advantage of its potential health benefits. Humans and most animals typically have low levels of ERGO since the amount of ERGO in the diet is relatively small.
Some of the potential benefits of ERGO include its ability to:
* Conserve and maintain the levels of other antioxidants such as Vitamin E, Vitamin C and glutathione;
* Increase respiration and the oxidation of fat (possibly contributing to increased energy and exercise capacity);
* Protect mitochondria from damage (this is important because potentially damaging reactive oxygen species are generated when oxygen is normally metabolized in mitochondria,
* Reduce the damaging effects of environmental ultraviolet radiation (likely to be important in protecting the eyes against cataract producing oxidative injury);
* Neutralize increased oxidative stress by providing an ROS (reactive oxygen species) and RNS (reactive nitrogen species) scavenging capacity, a property that protects key molecules in the body; and,
* Protect against the effects of neurotoxins that are believed to have a casual role in the development and progression of cognitive decline.
Oxis' first products will include L-Ergothioneine (ERGO) as a key component. ERGO is a very powerful, multifaceted antioxidant. If you want to get update information about Oxis' ERGO then follow Oxis on Twitter. And if you want to share with them try Oxis on facebook.
Ergothioneine from Oxis Internatinal Inc.Posted at Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Free radicals are unstable molecules with unpaired electrons. These free radicals cause damage to cells and changes in our systems. As these damage and changes accumulate, our bodies age.
Naveen Jain ProfilePosted at Saturday, January 16, 2010
If you want to follow someone who success in online bussiness then Naveen Jain is the right person. He was included on Forbes 400 richest in America 2000 with net worth: $2,200 mil and also on Crunchbase Profile. Naveen Jain was born in India 1959, then immigrated to U.S. 1982. With his experience at Microsoft Corporation from June 1989 to March 1996 as a Program Manager, Naveen Jain then Naveen Jain was also inspired by the self-made success of businesspeople such as Bill Gates and Steve Jobs. Through their example, Naveen Jain understood that success is simply not doled out; it must be earned through hard work, persistence, educational commitment, and even a little good luck and timing. Then Naveen Jain try to make his own business kingdom. After he left Microsoft for about 7 years, he starting with founding InfoSpace in March 1996. Then he was founding Intelius in January 2003.
As founder and CEO at Intelius he have a mission to empowers consumers with online information for personal protection and intelligent decisions. Through Intelius, Naveen Jain has helped to open doors for millions of Americans in background and criminal records search. Their customers use Intelius to make choices about people, businesses and assets. Ranked among the top 100 commerce sites on the Internet, Intelius offers products and services ranging from basic people search and list management to comprehensive HR background checks and one of the best identity theft protection products available. Before Intelius he was launched InfoSpace in March 1996 with the vision of delivering real-world information on the Internet - anytime, anywhere and on any device. InfoSpace is Internet content supplier provides horoscopes, stock quotes to AOL, Lycos, other Web sites. They see that content is important in a website especially when people want to find clear information. Their contents are various from entertainment contents to informational and news contents.
Detailed TUT How to Make a Fake Program - Basic FundamentalsPosted at Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Detailed TUT How to Make a Fake Program - Basic Fundamentals
Warning: Image Heavy, linked directly to imageshack
Having trouble infecting victims?
Want to steal those Facebook/Hotmail/Runescape/WoW accounts?
Tired of editing images of programs in Photoshop to trick victims into downloading your keylogger?
Perfect, my HD tutorial will teach you all how to create a very simple fake program to bind your server to.
NOTE: This does not teach you how to code a program, it teaches you how to make good looking fake program. Easier to take screen shots to prove and bind your servers to this.
- A brain
- A computer
- Intended victims
- Microsoft Visual Basic
- Download Here: Click Here
Step 1: Are you Stupid?
Install and Run Microsoft Visual Basic
Continue to Step 2
If you are stuck on this step, please do not read the rest of this tutorial.
Step 2: Start it!
Click "File"
Go to "New Project"
Select "Windows Form Application" from all the options provided
Continue to Step 3
If you are stuck on this step, please do not read the rest of this tutorial.
Step 3: Label it!
You will be presented with a blank, application template, with the name "Form 1"
- Go to the left side of the toolbar and drag out "Label" onto the blank form
- Left Click the Label and on the right hand bottom there should be a properties tab.
- Locate "Text"
- Left Click the box beside it with the words "Label1" edit that to the name of your program
- Scroll up locate "Font" and change the font to anything you like
- Click the form box
- On the left side look for "Text"
- Change this to the name you want for your program
Continue to Step 4
Image of how this all looks.
Step 4: Style it!
Now that you have labeled your form, lets style it.
- Go to google.com
- Search for a nice image
- Save the image
Now that we have that down lets import it.
- Select "PictureBox" in 'toolbox' on the left side
- Drag "PictureBox" over to your form
- Locate the word image on the right side "Properties" tab
- Click the blank space on right of the word "Image"
- You will be presented with a window "Select Resource"
- You will have 2 options
- Local Resource
- Project Resource file:
- Select Local Resource
- Select "Import"
- Locate the image you searched earlier
- Click OK to finish
- Your image has been imported!
Comment: How the image import looks.
Lets add some username and password boxes.
- Locate "Textbox" in the 'Toolbox' on the left side (Hope you know where this is by now)
- Drag 2 "Textbox" over to your form
- Congratulations you just made 2 text boxes
- Now go back to Step 3, follow the steps to label the 2 text boxes
Comment: Here is an image of how it looks thus far
Perfect! We got some fake log in form. Oh yea, we need a Log In button.
- Locate "Button" in the 'Toolbox'
- Drag the "Button" to the form
- Go change the name to "Log In" or whatever you want
- Refer to step 3 if you don't know how to change the name of the Button, basically the same
- Refer to step 3 if you don't know how to change the name of the Button, basically the same
Perfect, we got a nice looking fake bot with a non working login form. Lets keep going. We need some functions, or else people won't download this :(
- Locate "Checkbox" from 'Toolbox'
- Drag it over to the form
- Now change the name of the checkbox to anything you want
- For the sake of this example I will name this "Collect Wood" and "Fish"
- For the sake of this example I will name this "Collect Wood" and "Fish"
Comment: Image of how it looks so far:
Continue to Step 5.
Step 5: Publish It!
Now that you are satisfied with your fake program, locate on your right hand side a tab called Solution Explorer. On top of "Form1.vb" there is a "My Project", double click this.
You now see a new page with the following on the left side:
- Application
- Compile
- Debug
- References
- Resources
- Services
- Settings
- Signing
- My Extensions
- Security
- Publish
Presently, you are on Application, with options such as "Assembly Name" and "Icon:" as well as "Assembly Information"
- Assembly Name: Name of Published Program
- Icon: Select the icon for your program. (Google if you have no *.ico)
- Assembly Information: Self-Explanatory, edit accordingly.
Comment: Image of this
Select where you want to Publish and press "Publish Now"
End Product:
What Now?
Now you spread your virus.
First, bind your server to this fake program. For the sake of making it unsuspicious, you can crypt it with a crypter.


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National Honours
UN Mission in Bosnia – Herzegovina (UNMIBH)
This Mission was established in 15 December 1995 for a period of one year from the transfer of authority from the United Nations Protection Force (UNPF) to the Implementation Force (IFOR). The main tasks of the United Nations civilian police force include: monitoring, observing and inspecting law enforcement activities; training and advising law enforcement personnel; facilitating, within the International Police Task Force mission of assistance, the parties' law enforcement activities; and ensuring the existence of conditions for free and fair elections.
Eligibility and criteria
Awarded for 90 days consecutive service between 21 December 1995 to 31 December 2002. The Canadian contribution ended in February 2000.
A circular bronze alloy medal, 1.4 inches (35mm) in diameter.
On the obverse, the representation of the UN symbol surmounted by the straight letters UN, both in bas-relief.
On the reverse, an inscription bearing the words, "IN THE SERVICE OF PEACE" in English (and only in English).
A 0.5 inch (12mm) bronze ring, which holds the ribbon, passes through a small hollow ball at the top of a claw joined to the top of the medal.
The center of the ribbon is white, representing peace, flanked by UN blue on either side; on the left is a stripe of light green, representing the forests in Spring in Bosnia-Herzegovina, and, on the right, a red colour symbolizing the sunrise over the mountains of this country.
There is no bar to this medal.
The medal shall be worn in sequence prescribed in the Canadian Orders, Decorations and Medals Directive, and in the following manner:
on the left breast, suspended from the ribbon described above, after the UNPREDEP medal and before the UNMOP medal.
The use of a post-nominal is not authorized for this medal.
- Date modified:


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Thursday, 20 February 2014
Thursday Troughing
Last night, Äiti got back late. So this is all that she gets for photos. Seppo turns away to eat.
Posted by Catio Tales at 05:00
Labels: piggies, Punapippuri, Seppo
8 comments:
- Sparkle said...
Heh. I hate when dinner is late. Binga hates it even worse. She would have given Äiti a claw in the leg.
- 20 February 2014 at 05:49
- Mark's Mews (Ayla, Marley, and Laz) said...
Eating takes priority over pictures!
And BTW, iffen TBT sees anny golden snow here, there WILL be pictures...
- 20 February 2014 at 06:33
- Angel Prancer Pie said...
Glad to see Aiti wasn't drawn and quartered for being so tardy. We feel sure you kittehz can "drum up" someway to punish her. HahahaMeow!
Seppo's little wrinkled mouth is adorable! SQUEEEEE!
- 20 February 2014 at 06:34
- Gigi said...
I refuse to believe my sweet mouth is all wrinkly like that under my furs. No no no--PÖH!
- 20 February 2014 at 07:19
- Fur Everywhere said...
We don't like it when our noms are late, either.
- 20 February 2014 at 10:58
- Marilia said...
Lovely eating-photos!
- 20 February 2014 at 16:00
- Andrea and the Celestial Kitties said...
I guess you told her!
- 20 February 2014 at 22:17
- Memories of Eric and Flynn said...
No time for posing when you are half starved!
- 21 February 2014 at 00:47
Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)


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Newborn textured knit headbands
$18.00 Sold Out
Textured knit headbands. (*wraps sold out. Headbands available only.*)
Size | newborn to child
Colour | Tan, Oatmeal, Cream, Nude Blush
Details | Sweet bow headband made of textured sweater knit fabric with mohair ties.
Care | Spot clean.
Note | Product intended as a photo prop. Do not leave baby unattended.
Photo | Rebecca Joy Studios


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All wood flooring is "appearance graded", meaning visual features of the planks affect the grade – features such as color variations, grain variations, knots and other character markings such as pitch pockets, worm holes, mineral streaks and occasionally, hairline cracks. All grades are equally strong and serviceable, but each affords … Continue reading Read more »
Environmental Benefits of Wood Floors
Wood flooring is the most abundantly renewable flooring material available. Sustainable forest management makes it possible to harvest wood without any serious impact on the environment, because trees are a renewable resource that can be replaced time and time again. Environmental facts about wood floors: Average annual net growth for … Continue reading Read more »


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You may experience itching in the crotch area due to many different conditions. It could be the result of a bacterial or fungal infection. Both jock itch and scrotal eczema could be the underlying cause of severe itching in the crotch area. It is important to understand the difference between the two conditions and then learn how to deal with scrotal eczema if of course, it is the root cause of the trouble.
Differentiating Between Scrotal Eczema and Jock Itch
A non-contagious condition, eczema can make your skin to become extremely dry and scaly. Scrotal eczema only affects the scrotum. Since itching can be the result of many different conditions, scrotal eczema is sometimes mistaken for jock itch or other skin conditions. Therefore, it is important to see your dermatologist to make a correct diagnosis. Jock itch is usually the result of a fungal infection, whereas scrotal eczema is usually due to allergies and other factors.
With scrotal eczema, your skin will become red, dry, itchy, and scaly. Severe cases may lead to crusting, bleeding, and weeping of sores. In case of jock itch, the rash usually starts in the groin. It is possible to cure jock itch with proper treatment, but scrotal eczema is a chronic skin condition with no specific cure. Therefore, it is important to learn how to deal with scrotal eczema naturally.
Dealing with Scrotal Eczema
When you have scrotal eczema, you will notice your skin become dry and scaly. In fact, the skin on your scrotum may appear thick and leathery. It is important to see your dermatologist for advice, but you can also learn how to deal with scrotal eczema naturally. Here are some suggestions.
1. Use Olive Oil
Olive oil is a good option because it moisturizes your skin and soothes irritation at the same time. It goes a long way in restoring peeling skin. Since it has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, it reduces swelling and discomfort.
Take some olive oil and massage it into your affected skin. Now take hot water and soak a towel in it. Wait until it is not too hot for your skin and then wrap it around the affected area. Remove it after a few minutes and the oil on your scrotum overnight. Repeat every night before going to bed.
2. Make Use of Oatmeal
It serves as a moisturizing agent and works amazingly well to reduce the eczema bumps. It has anti-inflammatory properties, which is why it may help reduce pain and inflammation.
Take a sock and fill it up with oatmeal. Now, tie its open edge and dip it in warm water. Now position the sock over your scrotum and let the water drop on the affected area. You should squeeze the sock to ensure that the oatmeal water covers your balls properly. Leave it there for a while and then rinse with warm water.
3. Try Chamomile Flowers
Due to its calming effect, chamomile flower is another good remedy for scrotal eczema. It works great to reduce the burning sensation associated with the rash. Its regular use will also help prevent secondary infections.
Add chamomile flowers to a couple of cups of water and let it boil for about 10 minutes. Strain it and soak a cotton ball in the solution. Apply it directly to the affected area and leave it there to dry up. Use cold water to wash the area after a few minutes. Repeat 4 times a week for good results.
4. Opt for Apple Cider Vinegar
Thanks to its antifungal, antibiotic, and anti-inflammatory properties, apple cider vinegar works effectively to reduce pain and inflammation. It also ensures that you do not have to deal with any secondary bacterial or fungal infections. Not only does it sooth the itchy feeling, it also helps reduce the bumps caused by your eczema.
Start by cleaning your scrotum thoroughly. Now make a solution by mixing one part of water and one part of apple cider vinegar. Take a cotton ball and soak it in the solution. Apply it directly to the affected skin and leave it there for a while. Use clean water to rinse the area after a few minutes. Repeat twice a day for good results.
5. Go for Honey
Honey has soothing and moisturizing properties, which is why it helps treat your dry, itchy skin caused by scrotal eczema. Using honey is one of the best ways to learn how to deal with scrotal eczema.
Take some honey and apply it directly to your clean and dry scrotum. Leave it there for at least 15 minutes and wash the area with warm water.
6. Pay Attention to What You Wear
It is important to ensure that you wear loose clothing to manage and prevent an eczema flare-up.
Consider wearing clothing made of natural materials such as cotton. It is a good idea to wear boxers instead of briefs. Wearing boxers keeps the area from becoming warm and moist.
Prevention Tips
As mentioned already, there is no real cure for scrotal eczema, so it is important to take some steps to prevent eczema flare-ups. Here are some prevention tips to bear in mind:
- Be sure to resist the temptation to scratch the area. The more you scratch, the harder it becomes to resist further scratching. A better option would be to take a cool bath to help reduce the urge to scratch the area.
- Ensure that your fingernails are trimmed properly and have no jagged edges. Not trimming your fingernails properly could lead to further damage while scratching the scrotal area.
- Consider making use of moisturizer whenever possible. You should use a right type of moisturizing product to keep your skin from becoming overly dry.
- Stay away from certain products that would aggravate your symptoms. For instance, it is better to avoid using latex condoms and spermicides because they can trigger an allergic reaction.
- Learn to manage stress in a better way. Studies have found that your itching is going to become worse when you are under stress. Therefore, you should learn some stress-reduction techniques to prevent eczema flare-ups.


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Support Intelligent, In-Depth, Trustworthy Journalism.
PBS NewsHour
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Danai Gurira is a playwright and performer who wants to make sure women of color don't search in vain for stories they can relate to. Her latest play, "Eclipsed," is premiering on Broadway, and she also has a starring role in AMC's "The Walking Dead." Gurira offers her Brief but Spectacular take on growing up in Zimbabwe and telling African stories on American soil.
Next, we turn to our series Brief But Spectacular, where we talk with interesting people about their passions.
Tonight, we hear from playwright and performer Danai Gurira. Her latest play "Eclipsed" opens on Broadway next week. And you may also recognize her from her starring role in AMC's "The Walking Dead."
DANAI GURIRA, Actress/Playwright:
I want women and girls of African descent and of color to be able to not have to keep searching for stories about themselves.
I couldn't find any monologues and stories and plays that I really felt I could take and work with. And I find much connection in Shaw and Ibsen and Chekhov, but if you are constantly, only dealing with stories that are not of the people that you're from, not from where you're from, not from your heritage, that can function as a disadvantage.
I went to grad school because I wanted to learn the rules, so I would know how to break them. Breaking the rules is saying, I'm breaking in, OK? I'm breaking in your very comfortable little house over here, and I'm going to take a room.
I wrote a play called "Eclipsed." It grapples with the experience of five different women in the war zone of Liberia in 2003, three women who have been abducted at different stages of their lives and become the forced "bush wives" — quote, unquote — sex slaves to a commanding officer.
It's an astounding cast. Lupita Nyong'o is in it, as well as Pascale Armand, Akosua Busia, Zainab Jah, also the wonderful Saycon Sengbloh.
I grew up in Harare, Zimbabwe. And I had a pretty idyllic childhood. I felt that I was kind of this outspoken girl, I was considered. I was a girl who talked a lot and didn't think my voice had any less value than anyone around me. Apparently, that was strange.
Moving here really did strike in me the desire to tell the African story on American soil. The stories about Africans always somehow miraculously had a Western protagonist. And I was, like, wow, do we not merit our own ability to tell our own stories?
So, I started to write plays that literally was like, if you come into this theater, you are going to sit down and you're going to spend two hours or so with an African woman and you're going to get to know her. You are going to see a full person, just like you see when you go watch all them other things.
I often feel like a nutty professor, like I'm going to try this experiment and see if it works. My hypothesis is, people in the West can absorb African women stories without any shaken or stirred mixer. It can come directly from the source.
I create, so that you can see women like this shine and get to do their thang!
My name is Danai Gurira. And this is my Brief But Spectacular take on creating complex stories for unheard voices.
And you can watch other episodes of our Brief But Spectacular series on our Facebook page. That's Facebook.com/NewsHour.
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I'm seeing a login / prompt window showing over and over again / My subscription is not properly restoring...what should I do?
If you're on a kids device, ensure in-app purchases are enabled, which are required for subscriptions to work.
If you're trying to restore your purchase, you may see a "Purchase Incomplete" dialog but the subscription should be restored as long as you are using the same Apple ID. The following steps can help as well. What's essentially happening is Apple is attempting to verify your subscription. So it takes a few moments for it to become activated.
1) Ensure the same Apple ID is being used.
2) Download the app fresh (delete it from your device first and reinstall from the App Store).
3) Add a few topics (playlists) to your library.
4) Check the settings of the app. You should see something that reads your subscription is active.
a) If it's not, put the app in the background temporarily.
b) Then come back in to the app.
5) Tap the "Watch in Kids Mode" button; you can also check the settings to confirm the subscription is active.
If you're trying to activate your subscription on multiple devices and still having problems not covered above, please contact us so we can help further.


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What makes this resource so effective and why have carriers relied on RTF Consulting for over 20 years to reduce settlement expense? Below are answers to some frequently asked questions.
Who is RTF and what is your role?
RTF is a property loss consulting firm that coordinates a national buying arrangement with professional-grade tool and equipment manufacturers on behalf of the insurance industry. Distributor-level pricing is obtained based upon the collective purchase volume of many carriers, which allows us to accurately determine replacement cost and, once approved, facilitate replacement.
How can insurance carriers get such a low price?
The insurance industry as a whole purchases many millions of dollars in tools each year to settle claims. Coordinating this volume allows carriers to obtain exclusive pricing, order placement and shipping arrangements, which allows carriers to promptly put policyholders back to whole, reduce settlement expense and provide a value-added service.
Is this resource different from a typical replacement service?
Yes. In addition to specialization, which provides significant depth and knowledge of tools, RTF is a paid consultant that is professionally and ethically bound to provide the most cost effective settlement solution and unbiased tool and equipment expertise, along with unparalleled service to policyholders.
Why should policyholders care? How do they benefit?
Operating cost-effectively is critical in every business. The ability to reduce settlement expense while providing policyholders with streamlined and prompt service allows carriers to better control premium rates. Policyholders want to be insured with a carrier that operates in this manner.
I'm not sure if the policyholder will agree to use this resource. Should I confirm before utilizing?
This resource simply helps to establish a carrier's true replacement cost. It's always the policyholder's choice where to purchase replacement tools, but if they choose to pay more on their own, the carrier is not responsible for additional expense. Consent is not required to obtain a replacement cost evaluation and you can be assured that replacement is never executed without the insured's authorization.
What tool and equipment manufacturers are involved?
There are over 1,800 professional-grade brands in the automotive service/repair, construction, contractor, electrical, plumbing, HVAC and other trade areas such as: Snap-on, Mac, Matco, Cornwell, Craftsman, Hunter Engineering, Rotary Lift, Fluke, Dewalt, Milwaukee, Porter-Cable, Honda Generators, Paslode, Hilti, Greenlee, Ridgid, Klein, and the list goes on.
What information do you need to begin the process?
The insured's loss inventory, which would preferably include the brand, manufacturer's part and/or model number and age (if ACV is requested). This allows us to expedite documentation for settlement and guarantees accuracy at time of replacement. If this information is not provided, we are required to research items involved and/or in some cases need to request additional specifics from policyholder to ensure accuracy (all of which can delay the process).
What about warranty of items shipped?
A common misconception is that local dealers offer warranty when in fact it's the manufacturer. All products replaced through the program are brand-new and come with a full manufacturer warranty.
What is the turnaround time to evaluate a claim?
On a typical claim with part numbers provided, evaluation report is completed within two business days. If additional information is needed and/or research, it may take longer. However, we will contact and keep claim representative informed of status. (Call ahead regarding special circumstances and/or "rush" situations.)
What is included in the evaluation report?
Evaluation provides verification of each part number, accurate replacement research for discontinued items, retail price and the carrier's replacement cost. Carrier may use evaluation report as documentation to determine settlement and/or have RTF immediately contact the insured to facilitate replacement.
Are there fees involved to utilize this service?
Yes. A professional fee structure is paid by carrier and has been approved by the respective home office. For specifics, the claim representative should contact his / her supervisor or RTF. Although this may be a different concept than accustomed to, the return on investment is significant!
Why pay an evaluation fee when other vendors don't charge for their quotes?
RTF is not a vendor quoting a product and hoping for a sale. As a paid consultant, you receive professional, unbiased and thorough expertise, combined with substantial expense reduction.
What if the policyholder has ACV coverage? Can carriers still utilize the program?
Absolutely! Our evaluation will include ACV. Once the carrier responsibility is determined, RTF can promptly facilitate replacement up to an established amount and collect any additional funds directly from policyholder or the carrier may process a cash settlement if policyholder elects not to replace.
What about the policyholder's mobile tool distributor?
All tools ship factory direct to policyholder; they will not come through local dealer. If claim involves Snap-on, Mac or Matco, policyholder's mobile distributor is compensated by their respective company for tools replaced which ensures nationwide warranty coverage and eliminates concern about local dealer being left out of the loop.
How long does it take for policyholders to receive new tools?
Once carrier verifies coverage, RTF has policyholder authorize and approve items for delivery. Upon receipt of this, orders are transmitted immediately. Manufacturers process orders on a priority basis and typically ship the same or next day. Most ship via UPS or FedEx and take approximately 1-4 business days for delivery depending on zone. *Overnight or 2nd Day Air delivery is available when carrier determines circumstances warrant expense.
Will there be surprise shipping and handling charges?
No. We have negotiated aggressive shipping terms with most manufacturers to include standard ground delivery. Exceptions to this are Craftsman tools and some heavy equipment or industrial items such as; vehicle hoists, lifts, aligners, racks, etc. When items on a claim fall into this category we inform claim rep at time of evaluation.
How will policyholders know the status of their replacement?
RTF dedicates an easy to reach service representative that communicates with policyholder on a regular basis, providing complete follow through on delivery and satisfaction from order placement through final delivery.
What is the policyholder's response to this settlement option once replacement is complete?
At the close of replacement RTF forwards a Policyholder Satisfaction Survey encouraging honest feedback regarding replacement process, our level of service and their overall claim experience. All surveys returned are sent to carrier Home Office to be shared with branch offices. We are pleased to report that over 97 percent of policyholders responding believe RTF's involvement was a value-added service.
If you have other questions, we encourage you to contact us at 651-633-3611.


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Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders is in Iowa today to promote his new book. The "Bernie Sanders Guide to Political Revolution" is aimed at young readers.
During a midday interview on Iowa Public Radio, Sanders said his aim with the book is to "bring about the transformation of the Democratic Party, which for too many years has been dependent on corporate money, on the money of the wealthy, and to make it into a grassroots party of working people, of young people who are prepared to take on the big money interests and fight for the needs of ordinary Americans."
Sanders, a Democratic Socialist, said he came "within a whisker of winning" Iowa's Caucuses last year. Some of his supporters sued the Democratic National Committee for fraud, arguing the nomination was rigged for Hillary Clinton. A judge in Florida recently dismissed the lawsuit. Sanders said during today's interview that it's "no great secret" he had to "take on the establishment" in 2016.
"But I think what we have got to do now is look forward and not backwards and what we need to do is continue the political revolution, which is happening all over the country. More and more people are getting involved, running for school board, running for state legislature, running for the congress," Sanders said on Iowa Public Radio. "…The point right now is with Donald Trump as president, with right-wing extremists controlling the US House and the US Senate, our job is to mobilize people and move forward."
Sanders, though, said it's "much too early" to be talking about the next presidential election and whether he may run again in 2020. Sanders is scheduled to address a sold-out crowd of nearly two-thousand tonight at Hancher Auditorium in Iowa City. The event is sponsored by the Prarie Lights Bookstore in Iowa City.


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If you're in the market for an upgrade but you've had credit challenges in the past, we're here to help at Johnson City Toyota. Here at our dealership, we have affordable financing solutions for everyone, regardless of your credit standing. We understand that applying for an auto loan can be a difficult process when your credit is less than ideal. That's why we're here to assist all of our customers with different credit scores secure the auto loan they deserve.
Our team of expert finance professionals in our Finance Department work with a network of lending institutions that are ready to help get you an affordable finance package that works best for your lifestyle. Plus, when you finance your vehicle through our dealership and keep your loan in good standing, you'll gradually begin restoring your fractured credit back together. We're ready to get you back on the road today with an auto loan that's right for you.
Get the process rolling today! Simply fill out the online credit application and you'll be one step closer to securing your next auto loan.
If you need affordable auto financing, give us a call or stop by Johnson City Toyota at 3124 Bristol Highway, Johnson City, TN 37601 today. We look forward to serving our customers from Johnson City, TN, and throughout Bristol and Kingsport, TN.


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Police said the shooting occurred just after 1 a.m. in the 2400 block of Camellia Dr. One victim was shot and transported to Duke with non-life threatening injuries.
Police have not made any arrests.
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