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Depression ups risk for low blood sugar in diabetics
In addition to posing lifestyle challenges and mental health complications, depression may also be a dangerous health risk for those with diabetes.
New research from the University of Washington Medical School found that people with both depression and diabetes have more than 40 percent higher risk of developing a severe low blood sugar episode that requires hospitalization than diabetics without depression.
The study
The five-year study included more than 4,100 diabetics, 500 of whom met the criteria for having major depression. Almost all of the participants – 96 percent – had type 2 diabetes, and about one-third were taking insulin to control the condition.
The research found that, over the course of the study, 11 percent of depressed diabetics had a serious hypoglycemic episode, while only a little over 6 percent of diabetics without depression reported this type of complication.
In addition to having an increased risk for a dangerous hypoglecemic episode, diabetics with depression were also more likely to suffer these episodes more frequently than their peers.
Dr. Wayne Katon, a professor of psychiatry at the University of Washington Medical School in Seattle, said that there are a couple of possible explanations for the association between depression, diabetes and low blood sugar:
- Depression can cause psychobiological changes that cause blood sugar to fluctuate.
- Depression may prevent diabetics from engaging in a level of self-care that's necessary to avoid hypoglycemic episodes. They may not take their medications regularly, or they may pay less attention to their diets than diabetics without depression.
"Depression is a very common accompanying condition for people with diabetes," Katon noted. "It's important to know that depression can lead to hypoglycemic episodes."
According to the study, about one-quarter of severe side effects from drugs that lead to hospitalizations are closely related to dangerously low blood sugar levels – suggesting that diabetics with depression need to exercise even more caution when mixing medications prescribed for both conditions.
Results of the study are published in the journal Annals of Family Medicine.
Source: US News Health


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Several family members recently congregated in California in the SF Bay area, and some of us spent the better part of one day out on the San Mateo coast. At Pigeon Point, as the fog was rolling in, I noticed a Red-Tailed Hawk swoop down off a telephone pole and land just out of sight, but fairly near. I hustled over to the area, turned the corner, and there it was -- just a few feet away. It seemed more concerned with its lunch than with me, so I got some great video of it as it ate. (Note the salt spray stain on the lens -- didn't see that until I was processing the video!)
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Red-tailed Hawk eating lunch
Posted by Unknown at 3:47 PM No comments:
California Birds -- Black Turnstone
This was a new bird for me in January '09, but I got this great video in October when I visited again. The Black Turnstone is, of course, closely related to the Ruddy Turnstone that we'll see in Louisiana on the coast. The Turnstones are named for their peculiar habit of flipping stones and other objects with their bill to catch the critters hiding underneath. I have a video of that somewhere...will have to find it!
Black Turnstone - Pillar Point, Half Moon Bay, CA from Jane Patterson on Vimeo.
Posted by Unknown at 3:44 PM No comments:
Sunday, October 25, 2009
This is a great way to go birding!
Kayaking 10.25.09 from Amy Shutt on Vimeo.
Posted by Unknown at 3:31 PM No comments:
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subset: commoncrawl


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Our View | Centre County gave much at Gettysburg
"Now we are engaged in a great civil war …"
President Abraham Lincoln, in his famed Gettysburg Address, delivered Nov. 19, 1863, at the dedication of the Soldiers' National Cemetery in Gettysburg.
Great moments in history often seem distant, separated from our own lives by both time and space.
But the Battle of Gettysburg, the pivotal moment in a war that dramatically changed our nation, is close enough for us to hear the roar of cannons and experience the emotions inspired by courage and sacrifice.
Here in Centre County, we can all take special pride in our region's connections to that three-day struggle, where 46,000 soldiers were killed and many more scarred 150 years ago this week.
From the leadership of Andrew Gregg Curtin to the valor of the 148th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry Regiment, we gave much.
"People from right here were involved in Gettysburg," said Dave Felice, a Civil War re-enactor from State College. "Centre County was not real populated at the time, but it was well represented at Gettysburg in the Union Army."
It is appropriate that we remember Gettysburg in the days before we celebrate our independence. The Civil War threatened to tear apart a nation and undo what had been won a century earlier.
But the tide turned at Gettysburg, renewing momentum for the abolition of slavery and raising hope for President Abraham Lincoln's "new birth of freedom."
Centre County's finest fought, and many died, at a place known now as "the Wheatfield" and in a conflict immortalized as "Pickett's Charge."
Centre County did much to help realize Lincoln's dream.
Our industry — at Curtin Village, Centre Furnace and elsewhere — provided the materials used to make critical supplies for the Union troops.
Curtin, Pennsylvania's governor at the time, hailed from Bellefonte, the son of legendary ironmaster Roland Curtin. He was tasked by Lincoln with recruiting volunteer soldiers across the commonwealth and found 10 companies worth in his home county.
Andrew Curtin chose a Bellefonte attorney and Union colonel, James Beaver, to guide his regiment. Beaver's name now graces Penn State's football stadium.
Local ties include Gettysburg casualty Amos Myers, whose mother's acts of remembrance helped inspire Memorial Day activities in Boalsburg, and local Postmaster Robert Forster, the Company C captain who was killed at the Wheatfield.
Many people living in Centre County today can trace their lineage back to individuals who played roles in the outcome at Gettysburg and beyond.
The roster of 148th Regiment volunteers bears names still common across our region: Weaver, McCartney, Barr, Taylor, Peters, Poorman, Biddle, Harris, Lucas, Watkins, Ellenberger, Bathurst, Garbrick, Kline, Mayes, Musser, Etters, Hoover, Koch, McAllister, Condo, Woodring, Snyder and many, many more.
Duane Harer, of Livonia, Miles Township, is well-versed in his great-great-grandfather's experiences in the Civil War. Zachariah Truckenmiller was wounded at Gettysburg, and spent nearly a year in the hospital.
Harer is also a re-enactor, and will play his own ancestor during a re-creation at Gettysburg on Friday.
Of the iconic battlefield, Harer said: "I love that place. It's a big place with so many tales to tell."
Gettysburg's legacy of valor belongs to a nation changed by what happened there.
And Centre County can forever claim a special share in that story, a tangible link, forged in the actions and sealed with the blood of our forebears.


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This is the back of my head after my sister chemically straighten my hair
No iron tongs were used. Just the dryer and a little bit of brushing
Isn't it great. Going out bush in a few weeks with no electricity means it's going to be much easier to
Keep my hair looking normal lol
Forgot a before shot. But my hair has waves that go all over the place and it's frizzy as well
So thanks Kerry! Great job
Another job ticked off the list before we go


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Welcome to the East County Rose Society (ECRS) web page. We are located just east of San Diego, CA in the foothills. The rose society currently has about 100 members and is growing. Our membership is not limited to the East San Diego area. We currently have members from all over San Diego and welcome anyone who wants to join us to learn more about growing roses.
Meetings: Meetings are held on the first Sunday of the month and begin at 2:00. The society meets at the homes of members--check the calendar for the next meeting location. We meet monthly except for July and August. The meetings are open to the public and everyone is welcome. For more information click on "Contact" above. The cost of membership is $20.00 per year per household.


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can also be supplied in A3
we can guilotine to size for you free at minimum size of 40mm
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Makes the perfect wedding invitation or any invitation of your choice
Suitable for laser printers.
we can print your invitations for you from supplied files or we can create.
contact us for best prices and options


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The ODD screenshot - look down below- is my attempt at creating something legible (and I do mean ANYTHING) on a small Etch-a-Sketch. Let me make it perfectly CLEAR - I was just goofing around....not really trying very hard to produce an actual picture -which is exactly what makes this story special. What prompted me… Continue reading "Eyes That See" Q & Me
DON'T GIVE UP THE SHIP! Linchpin City Part III
Because Napoleon was advancing in Europe, England pressed thousands of young American men into the Service of the British Navy. Britain saw the potential for campaigns into the newly established frontier of America and surmised that Napoleon, in his quest for world dominance, would set his eyes on the new world. The United Kingdom wasn't… Continue reading DON'T GIVE UP THE SHIP! Linchpin City Part III
Eriesistible Linchpin cont.
Our beloved country has been in a highly orchestrated state of decline for decades in almost every area. Yet for the last twenty years, anyone with eyes to see can discern an acceleration into absolute decay. By the year 2016, America had fallen from its perch as the greatest nation on earth in the minds… Continue reading Eriesistible Linchpin cont.
Q Decoders
24/7 Patriots' Soapbox LIVE https://www.youtube.com/channel/ Praying Medic In The Matrixxx X22REPORT https://www.youtube.com/user/X22Report FOLLOWING ARE SITES TO THE MOST RECENT Q BREADCRUMBS QMap.pub https://qmap.pub/ QAnon.pub qntmpkts.keybase.pub/
Powerfully Prophetic Blackberries ~ Kim Clement
Recorded on August 8th, 2015 From The Den The nations, the nations are in uproar, as we all know. But Listen! For the Spirit of God has spoken clearly. These are His words: The earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof. And yet I see the fear and the trembling from My people. What… Continue reading Powerfully Prophetic Blackberries ~ Kim Clement
The Day After The Wrecking Ball
For Those Who Have A Burden To Pray....
For The Unsung Heroes, Wounded Warriors, and Battle Weary Officers
It Is Time To Triumph! Dearest Kindred Spirits ~ For that is who you are if you are reading this ~ Holy Spirit wanted me to record His message to you...to encourage you to continue to expect Him to reveal what He is doing in the earth during this season. So many voices, but… Continue reading For The Unsung Heroes, Wounded Warriors, and Battle Weary Officers
Counter-Coup; Elijah Showdown; or REAL Reformation
Although not many alternative media sources are Bible school grads....several do profess their faith very openly and you better believe they are performing an extremely important albeit a truly great cultural spiritual service. I have become increasingly discouraged with most Bible-believing Christian's apathy and what I see as as a long-held habit for head-burying and… Continue reading Counter-Coup; Elijah Showdown; or REAL Reformation
Sound The Alarm
Qmap.pub is a tool for Patriots worldwide to research QAnon drops. WWG1WGA! — Read on qmap.pub/players
Supernatural Intelligence
Good News: Royal assassins are no match for Supernatural Intelligence Agency
The YEAR of JUBILEE
How many of us realize that the Jewish people in this past year actually celebrated THE 70th Jubilee cycle since Joshua and Caleb went into the Promised Land? Dare we Gentiles include ourselves since after all, the Bible declares we are only grafted in to the vine. The vine is simply a metaphor and we… Continue reading The YEAR of JUBILEE
NOVEMBER 3rd 2017 Trump's Last Words Before Trip To Asia
Watch the latest video at video.foxnews.com Here's a link to screenshot below: Trump says "DOJ Must Do What Is Right Investigate Clinton,Podesta And Uranium One Follow Uranium One Sources On Trello
Satanic Looking Drag Queen with Horns Reads to Little Kids at Michelle Obama Public Library in Long Beach
Surely Californians haven't completely sold their souls to satan? Excerpt from the Gateway Pundit: The shocking photo of a man dressed as a female demon with giant horns on his head reading to little children at a public library was posted to Twitter and Facebook by the Long Beach Library but taken down after a… Continue reading Satanic Looking Drag Queen with Horns Reads to Little Kids at Michelle Obama Public Library in Long Beach
A New Era: A Real Choice
Instead of being faced with the despondent task of having to vote for the lesser of two evils, we are entering a time when the American people will be given opportunity to choose the better of two actually decent candidates... What a day that will be... 2016 wasn't a close election in any way. Period.


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S: Our Love Story
BC: Faith | Dream | Believe | Hope
FC: Kathleen & Daniel
1: Our Engagement Photo Shoot Ocean County Park Lakewood, New Jersey
2: I will love you forever
3: true | Love
4: Roses of Love The White Rose, love filled so pure and innocent, we are worthy of each other. The Yellow Rose, lives filled with joy, gladness and friendship so deep. The Pink Rose, minds filled with appreciation, admiration and gentleness untouched. The Orange Rose, bodies filled with attraction, enthusiasm, and desire so wild. The Peach Rose, souls filled with love, beauty and respect so strong. The Red Rose, hearts filled with love, beauty and respect so strong. With these twenty-four roses brought together with love, We blossom internally forever as one. I love you!
6: The Proposal "There is only one happiness in life, to love and to be loved."
7: Mount Cadillac in Acadia National Park, Maine June 2, 2009
8: The Bride | Birth: December 28, 1981 to Maureen & John Conlon School: Ocean County College Graduate, 2004 Favorite Things: Laughing, hanging out with family and friends, scrap booking, and anything and everything with Dan by my side. Favorite Quote: "Create a life you love to look at". What I love about Dan: 1/) His honesty 2.) His smile 3.) His determination
9: Birth: September 17, 1979 to Adelle & Anthony Rondinone School: Ocean County College Graduate and Rowan University Graduate, 2004 Favorite Things: Spending time with my fiancée, motorcycle riding, football, basketball and video games Favorite Quote: "The best way out of a problem is through it" What I love about Katie: 1.) Her caring attitude 2.) Her smile 3.) Her values | The Groom
10: Our Wedding Day
11: 10.23.09 | "This day I will marry my friend, the one I laugh with, live for, dream with, love."
12: "The love of a family is life's greatest blessings"
14: Here Comes The Bride
16: "Believe in happily ever after, and it will come true"
18: This is a most special gift which you are about to share. It cannot be bought in a store or found under a tree. This is the gift of love that can only be shared in marriage".
21: K | & | D | "Let these rings which you are about to exchange, sever to remind us that a circle is a symbol of the sun, the earth and the universe, of wholeness, peace and unity"
22: "The rose was considered a symbol of love and a single rose only meant one thing, "I Love You"!
24: Barnegat Light, NJ | 10.23.09
26: "I pronounce you husband and wife. You may seal your love with a kiss".
28: "Love is patient and kind."
30: "Lean on each other's strengths; forgive each other's weaknesses."
38: Mr. & Mrs. Daniel Rondinone
40: I'm so happy I can finally call this man my husband. It's really a dream come true
43: K | & | D | Each day I love you more, Today more than yesterday and less than tomorrow.
44: I will love you forever
45: true | Love
46: The Toasts
48: Cake Cutting
50: "Man & wife, being two, are one in love." -William Shakespeare
52: Our First Dance
54: Father & Daughter Dance
56: Bride & Nephew Dance
58: "All the words in the the world can't express all the love I feel today. I am honor that I can marry my best friend. I can't wait to experience the next chapter of our lives together with you! I love you very much! I'll see you soon underneath the lighthouse!" Love always, Katie
60: "Our wedding day is here already! I can't believe it, but like the card says I always knew I would marry my best friend. I deeply believe that in order to have a great relationship you need to be best of friends. So now we take our relationship to the next level there was never a doubt in my mind about wanting to marry you, it was just when. I am so glad that we have such as solid foundation to build the rest of our lives off of. We have been through so much good and bad and just like true friends we are always there for each other. You are my love, my best friend and now my wife. I love you"! Dan
62: Cape May Lighthouse Wedding Weekend Getaway
63: Cape May Lighthouse Wedding Weekend Getaway
64: Cape May, New Jersey
66: "I love you for not only what you are, but who I am with you"
67: " | I will share my life openly with you. I will walk hand in hand with you. I will grow with you, not away from you, in each of our discoveries. I will support your strengths with love and honesty and protect you, as we go forth together into this world as two yet one.


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Mahikari & Swami Rama <4> - Rama can cure any diseases?
But, let's follow the line of Okada's stories for the moment.
According to Okada, Rama believed the claim that "Mahikari-no-waza cures diseases". This statement which Okada confidently made is not, after all, the reality. [Note2] There is little difference between this claim of Okada's and his other delusional teachings. He made groundless things sound as if they were solid facts. Among them were: Japan was the land of origin of mankind; The Japanese is the race with the oldest civilization in the world; The Land of Mu was ruled by the ancient Japanese emperors; Mu and Atlantis had wars with atomic and hydrogen bombs; The super ancient history has started being backed up by studies; and so on. [Note3]
Okada's words shown below indicate that Rama also believed his explanation that anybody who had taken the three-day Mahikari primary course could perform tekazashi (Mahikari-no-waza), being able to cure any diseases and perform miracles. Of course, that's what Okada wanted his followers to believe, but it may be safe to wonder whether Rama actually believed every word of Okada's as it was.
Mr Rahmu told me this at the end: I can actually cure any diseases like you, Mr Okada, with my power of "gyo" (ascetic training). Even now I teach it as the ultimate secret of yoga to my disciples. It is yoga's ultimate secret. But I don't understand where what you call light comes from. I was taken by my master at the age of three. For 40 years since then I've gone through thorough training in the Himalayas. But you, Mr Okada, haven't done any "gyo". You were in the military, you say. How come you teach people for only three days and all of them perform miracles here and there? Only five or six among my disciples have come to be able to do that. Yet, you, Mr Okada, teach that to all of your followers. What on earth is the secret? ----- "Go-taidan-shuu" (Japanese, p.306-307)
◆you, Mr Okada, haven't done any "gyo".
"Gyo" was handled in the previous posts, "Mahikari and Swami Rama" (Japanese~ 04/2009, English~ May/2009) and "Mahikari and Swami Rama < 2 > " (Japanese~ 06/2009, English~ July/2009).
◆ I can actually cure any diseases like you, Mr Okada, with my power of "gyo"
According to Okada, Rama said that he could cure any diseases. However, it is questionable whether this yogi actually said so, and whether he actually did cure any diseases. Okada made quite dubious statements about Rama's abilities, such as he could make himself disappear in front of other people, he could lift his body about one meter up in the motionless sitting position, and so on, to make the yogi sound very mysterious. [Note 4]
There is a website where Rama's talk on health can be read. [Note 5] He recommends simple and nutritious food. Vegetables and fruits. Don't overcook. Avoid too much fat, salt, and sugar. Chew the food well. Keep good posture. Have some physical exercise. Etc. Many of these are rather normal things, merely indicating that he encouraged a healthy life style. He says nothing that relates to Mahikari's claim that the cause of diseases is "spirit disturbance".
According to Okada, the cause of diseases is mostly "spirit disturbance". He claimed that Mahikari-no-waza would dissolve that "spirit disturbance" and liberate mankind from diseases. If so, doing tekazashi alone should be enough to not contract diseases. It would also mean that there is no need for the various physical measures for disease prevention which Rama talks about. Okada's and his Mahikari's advertising phrases are: Mahikari-no-waza melts the accumulated toxins in the body, dissolves "spirit disturbance", and allows followers to obtain ken-wa-fu (health-harmony-wealth).
However, I didn't see anybody among so-called kumite who obtained ken-wa-fu as a result of joining Mahikari. Mahikari is well prepared for members not being able to obtain ken-wa-fu. The typical excuse is that it is due to the depth of the individual's sins and karma, even though nobody can tell how deep or otherwise these are, or even prove that such things exist. There seems to be some kind of deception in Mahikari-no-waza itself and the claimed benefits, don't you think?
Okada's claim that Mahikari-no-waza can liberate mankind from diseases does not match reality. You can see that through various comments on the internet. Mahikari members, even the staff, are not immune to disease. Some even end up with death. The real situation is far from "being liberated from diseases". That means, here too, that Okada's confident words are not worthy of trust. I myself saw and heard people who, believing Mahikari, made great efforts giving and receiving tekazashi, and serving Mahikari, but died in the end. There are various excuses for not benefiting from Mahikari's sound-good and promising phrases. Among them are: couldn't erase his/her karma; couldn't catch up with the divine plan; wasn't permitted to receive the divine arrangement; born in the astral world in order to erase his/her family karma; we can't judge since there is depth of the depth in the divine arrangements; and so on. There is no way to prove that these interpretations are true, but Mahikari followers are made to accept them as explanations of events.
By the way, it is important to recognize the reality that the Mahikari organization itself -- more specifically, Oshie-nushi (the spiritual leader) and the top staff members -- has obtained "wealth" ("fu" is also seen translated as "prosperity" in English, but it is more directly "wealth"). It's not a small amount, but an absurdly huge amount of money obtained through collecting money offerings made by its followers under the various donation categories. It is important to clearly recognize this reality.
No wonder that many of the people in the world see Mahikari as a religious cult which is out to make money. It was not until I started to have questions about Mahikari that I came to see this as being a rather reasonable opinion on Mahikari. When I was involved in the cult, I was blinded to this realistic point of view by Okada's (and the subsequent group's) claims such as "the criticism like that is the evil words of evil gods", "the staff in the organization have to live, too", "it's important to sever attachment to monetary matters", and so on. I loyally made offerings from the money I had earned through sincere work. My recognition of the reality was paralyzed in a way which was convenient to the Mahikari organization, believing it was for mankind. This is an example of mind control.
Well, according to the website of Rama's disciples, there was an episode in which a sick person recovered as soon as Rama entered the room where he was lying. [Note 7] This story can be interpreted like this: the yogi's appearance itself cured the sick person. He didn't raise his hand with the intention to cure the sick person.
In reality, the sick person might already have been heading for recovery. Then, a stranger came in, an Indian, with different skin colour, features and physique, and in addition, wearing a unique robe. The sight of him might have surprised the sick person and had a beneficial effect on his mood.
If the "spiritual power" of this yogi had a direct impact on the sick person's recovery, this would indicate a miraculous healing power. That would mean his "spiritual healing power" was so effective that Mahikari's tekazashi is no match for it. It is outstanding if he taught this power to his disciples, even if it was only five or six of them that acquired the power.
In Mahikari they often say, "It doesn't matter whether diseases are cured or not. It purifies the spiritual aspect." They are told that it achieves purification, and as a result, they believe it to be a fact, but they are not supposed to expect good results (that is, diseases certainly being cured) from it. Without any proof of purification and any reliable results, the claim that it purifies the spiritual aspect sounds like a product of delirium.
This, too, tells that tekazashi is not effective after all. Then, isn't there something fishy about the claim that Okada, who hasn't done 'gyo', is able to teach, in a three-day course, the same power as the one which this yogi has learned through a 40-year thorough ascetic training and that anybody who takes the three-day course can exercise this power?
Maybe it's not Mahikari-no-waza itself that works - when it appears to work - but Mahikari probably uses so-called "hand power", which is available to anyone and includes the likes of "Pain, pain, go away". Another angle is that followers are induced to apply Mahikari's interpretations to surrounding events due to the suggestions that tekazashi purifies things, and that it brings about some changes. If so, it is ridiculous to make declarations such as "it's the divine art which has been permitted to mankind by God for the first time through Okada."
By the way, what has happened to Rama's disciples who acquired "the ultimate secret of yoga," that is, according to Okada, "the power of healing any diseases" through raising their hands? The yogi had nearly 30 years more to live after he met Okada for the first time. The number of those disciples who obtained that power should have increased during that period, don't you think? Where are they? Why haven't we heard at least rumors of them?
And another thing to add: the sick person and his family who experienced and saw this "miraculous event" don't seem to have been made to accept the ideas of sins and spiritual impurities by this yogi, or been forced to show gratitude and worship the yogi as being "the savior of mankind," or told to dedicate their lives (including the body and soul as well as the contents of their purses) to this yogi.
[Note 1] Mahikari Primary Kenshuu Textbook - based upon lectures by the Founder Okada for his primary course; Chapter 11, The Process of Mankind's Search for Happiness and Its Destination, (p 30, early 1980's English edition), where the words such as "the clouds of materialism and illusion" and "culture of darkness (the era when everything is vague and inconclusive)" are used.
[Note 2] Earlier posts in this blog: "Mahikari and Swami Rama < 3 >" (Japanese~ 07/2009, English~ Aug/2009), and "Okada said, 'Any diseases will be cured.' " (Japanese~ 01/2008)
[Note 3] Earlier posts in this blog: "The world of Mahikari" (Japanese~ 01/2007)
"The world of Mahikari - 3" (Japanese~ 03/2007)
"The World of Mahikari - 6" (Japanese~ 07/ 2007)
"Okada's teachings concerning the history of Japan and the world" (Japanese~ 08/2008)
"Okada said, 'The super ancient history is being backed up by studies . . . ' " (Japanese~ 09/2008)
[Note 4] Earlier posts in this blog: "Mahikari and Swami Rama < 2 >" (Japanese~ 06/2009, English~ July/2009)
[Note 5] http://sites.google.com/site/swamiramateachings/swami-rama-the-body
[Note 6] Earlier post in this blog: "Okada said, 'Any diseases will be cured." (Japanese~ 01/2008)
The followings also express the promise of "freedom from diseases and disorders of any kind."
●As long as you are with me, Su God will give you His love and compassion. He will grant you freedom from suffering, poverty, and disease, and He will free you from eternal death.
----- "Dai-seishu" (English edition, p107)
●1 Freedom from illness
b. Your physical body will be converted to a state of health.
----- Mahikari primary kenshuu textbook; Chap.3, The practice of divine teachings and its amazingly instant effects. (An English edition, p9)
[Note 7] Earlier post in this blog: "Mahikari and Swami Rama" (Japanese~ 04/2009, English~ May/2009)


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Monday, 7th of December 2015
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Educational & Symbolic Adoption Kits
With each passing year, Pacific Marine Mammal Center is seeing greater numbers of seals and sea lions stranding on local beaches in desperate need of medical attention. You can help! By symbolically adopting one of four frequently rescued animal species, your tax-deductible gift will go towards helping our current patients recover and be returned to the wild. Each of these species represent hundreds of other current patients that need support to recover at Pacific Marine Mammal Center. Adoption kit costs also go towards veterinary research and educating the public on marine mammals and the protection of the ocean environment. Adopt a marine mammal today and make the difference in the lives of our patients!
With each $50 adoption* you will receive
Commemorative plush
An animal story
PMMC Lunch Tote
Animal species card with animal facts
PMMC "How to Help" card with suggestions on how you can help protect our planet
* International adopters will be contacted regarding additional shipping costs (varies by country and location)


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Find us online
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Prudence Heward
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Do you own an original Prudence Heward
We can help.
Contact us today
to arrange a free consultation to review current values and market strategies.
Keep in mind our art transactions can realize more than auction estimates and take a few days to complete.
HEWARD, Efa Prudence
Recent auction results
19-11-08 Evelina 26.3 x 18.2 $43,551 USD
17-05-12 Landscape With House 9.3 x 12 $15,242 USD
19-11-07 Still Life 24 x 21 $12,004 USD
Born Efa Prudence Heward in Montreal, Quebec, Canada into a well-to-do family, Heward was the sixth of eight children and was educated at private schools. She showed an interest in art at a young age, possibly encouraged by her artistically-inclined mother and sister Dorothy, and started drawing lessons at age twelve at the Art Association of Montreal school with William Brymner and Maurice Cullen.
During World War I, Heward lived in England where her brothers served in the Canadian Army while she served as a volunteer with the Red Cross. Returning to Canada at war's end, she continued her painting and joined the Beaver Hall Hill Group.
In 1924 her works were given their first public showing at the Royal Canadian Academy of Arts in Toronto, Ontario. However, it was still an era when women artists were given little credibility and it wasn't until 1932 that Heward's first solo exhibition came at the Scott Gallery in Montréal.
Wanting to refine her skills, and drawn to the great gathering of creative genius in the Montparnasse Quarter of Paris, France, between 1925 and 1926 Prudence Heward lived and painted in Paris. While studying at the Académie Colarossi, she frequented Le Dome Café in Montparnasse, the favorite haunt of North American writers and artists and the place where Canadian writer Morley Callaghan came with his friends Ernest Hemingway and F. Scott Fitzgerald.
While in Paris, Heward met Ontario painter Isabel McLaughlin with whom she became friends and would later join with her and other artists on nature painting trips. In 1929 her career got a major boost when her painting, Girl on a Hill, won the top prize in the Governor General Willingdon competition organized by the National Gallery of Canada.
She was invited to exhibit with the Group of Seven and through it became friends with A. Y. Jackson with whom she would go on sketching excursions along the Saint Lawrence River. While she did a number of landscapes, with a particular attachment for Quebec's Eastern Townships, Heward is most recognized for her portraits that provide compelling representations of women and children including the five nude subjects she painted of which four were black women.
In 1933, Prudence Heward co-founded the Canadian Group of Painters, but her struggle with asthma and other health problems eventually slowed her down. A 1939 automobile accident curtailed her abilities further but she still produced some outstanding portraits until 1945 when her health had deteriorated to the point where she had to give up painting.
She died two years later, while seeking medical treatment in Los Angeles, California.
Bio courtesy Heffel.com
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1) Sweet. Another chance to play "you are," courtesy of the city of St. Paul, where nothing comes easy, apparently.
You are a Ramsey County judge. Carrying a kite in one hand, and dragging Ernest Sawka Jr., with the other, a St. Paul prosecutor walks before you and says, "Your honor, this guy is flying a kite at night and the good people of St. Paul keep calling the cops reporting there's a UFO over St. Paul" (Optional discussion point: Name one thing going on at night in St. Paul that aliens from another world would want to see).
"Is that illegal?" you ask.
"Well, no," the prosecutor says, oblivious to the fact he's tangled his feet up in the kite string. "But it's a waste of our resources every time we have to drop what we're doing to see if life forms from outer space have come to St. Paul, presumably to see how an advanced civilization rips up its streets for light rail. So we want to throw him in jail."
You are the judge, you notice that a cop in the front row bears an uncanny resemblance to Arthur Treacher, and you fight the urge to break into song as you render your verdict. What is it?
2) In the news business, there is nothing more valuable than the newsroom archives. The Duluth News Tribune is demonstrating that with a fabulous thread on one of its blogs. The subject: Concerned citizens. It started after the Web site, Perfect Duluth Day (a perfectly wonderful site, by the way) opined that the faces of "concerned citizens" are priceless. So commenters all had submissions in the category.
For photos that make you drift to another place, however, you need MPR's new Minnesota in Photos blog, which today features Mike Link and Kate Crowley. They've been walking around Lake Superior. For the sheer "I wish that were me" factor, see the last photo.
3) We New England natives knew this a long time ago, but now the world is onto it. If you're a criminal and a thug, you probably wear a New York Yankees hat.
4) Nothing like a good fight about public radio between the hard-throwing lefties from New York (in their Yankee hats, no doubt) and the West Coasters. Jay Rosen (disclaimer: I'm not much of a fan, but not because he can't make a point), the influential journalism professor, takes on Marketplace. He hates it and explains why. Comments are open. Be respectful. Can you be both a floor wax and a dessert topping when covering "business news"?
5) On Twitter yesterday, we had a good discussion on whether anybody from the media really needs to be in a locker room. Quick: Cite the last quote from an athlete in a locker room that was insightful and analytical. This interview from University of Southern California football coach Lane Kiffin yesterday was not recorded in a locker room, but it shows nonetheless how perfectly worthless sports interviews can be. "We're going to have our hands full; they'll come ready to play," Kiffin said of his opponent this week. His opponent this week? The University of Minnesota.
But back to the Inez Sainz controversy. This morning, Sally Jenkins in the Washington Post writes:
In what other profession does one set of people do business with another while they're partially or wholly unclothed? He's right: It's unnatural. But that's not just about women.
It's the job of the media to get inside a player's character and thoughts, to critique and document a team's progress and flaws, and to pass that knowledge on as accurately as possible to the public. It's vital to engage athletes in the locker room, where they experience their tempers and celebrations. It's an exposing situation – for everybody.
Perhaps, but most sports reporters don't do that in a locker room. We don't know what athletes are jerks or what their character or tempers are because for the most part, there's the unwritten code that certain things in the locker room stay in the locker room. Instead we get stuff like, "they'll come to play."
The federal government is again considering whether to remove the gray wolf from its protected status in some states. Should Minnesota's wolves be removed from protection as an endangered species?
Midmorning (9-11 a.m.) – First hour: Is the economy getting worse or is this the new normal?
Second hour: The Master Butchers Singing Club at the Guthrie.
Midday (11 a.m. – 1 p.m.) – First hour: Ben Santer of Lawrence Livermore and David Kluck of NOAA discuss climate change models and what the Midwest impact might be.
Second hour: Gubernatorial debate sponsored by the Citizens League and Bring Me the News.
Talk of the Nation (1-3 p.m.) – First hour: A live broadcast from the headquarters of National Geographic. In this hour: A discussion of the Gulf ecosystem.
Second hour: Is it too late to save the oceans?


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Purchase gift cards for friends and family. It's easy and fast.
Purchase Gift Cards!
Spezia has partnered with OpenTable to allow its customers to send instant, secure online gifts to their friends and family.
You can check it out or or make a purchase by clicking here.
OpenTable Gifts is the easiest and most convenient way to send your friends and family personalized online gift cards to their favorite restaurants.


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Ciocca Dealerships - Experience The Difference
If you're in the market for a high-quality used Audi in Allentown, PA, be sure to make our dealership your first destination. At Audi Allentown we have a comprehensive inventory of used cars, crossovers, and SUVs to choose from. Prior to any used car being slated for sale it must first pass a top to bottom inspection. You can shop with confidence knowing that each and every pre-owned vehicle we sell is ready to deliver many miles of worry-free driving. We regularly update our online vehicle inventory to ensure that your Audi A3, A4, A6, Q5, or Q7 shopping experience is seamless as possible. If you have any questions please feel free to give us a call or stop by our Allentown, Pennsylvania Audi dealership to speak with a member of our automotive sales team. It's our mission to assist drivers across Pennsylvania from Breinigsville, Fountain Hill, and Bethlehem, to find their perfect used Audi.
Are you looking for a great deal on your next Audi? Look no further than our used featured vehicles and used vehicle specials. Due to their competitive pricing, the vehicles listed on these pages tend to sell quickly. If you see something that sparks your interest don't hesitate to act. Schedule your Audi test drive today! Let us help you locate that hard to find model that you've been searching for. We will continue to search tirelessly and contact you once we have located a suitable match. All you have to do is fill out a CarFinder form and we will take care of the rest. After you have found the used vehicle that best meets your transportation needs, it's time to visit our financing department. With countless years of experience writing car loans in Allentown, PA, our automotive financing specialists will have you approved before you know it.
Contact Information:
All prices, specifications and availability subject to change without notice. Contact dealer for most current information.


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Become a sponsor of the SymfonyLive London 2017!
Put your company in front of the heart of the Symfony community.
SymfonyLive London is one of the most significant conferences in the industry and attracts 300+ delegates every year. As well as Symfony developers of all levels, the event is also home to:
- PHP developers looking to widen their knowledge of frameworks
- IT service departments looking to progress their operations
- Drupal developers looking to learn more about Symfony for Drupal 8
- Project managers, CTOs and consultants, and more.
There are four main sponsorship packages available which include free tickets and a range of promotional opportunities from logo displays, lightning talks, email communication with attendees and more. Download the full sponsorship brochure for more details and submit your details!
Become a sponsor of the SymfonyLive London and enjoy exclusive visibility among the English Symfony community. Contact us to write yourself into this new chapter of the SymfonyLive and Symfony story!
Gold sponsors
Blackfire empowers all developers and IT/Ops to continuously verify and improve their app's performance, throughout its lifecycle, by getting the right information at the right moment. Blackfire.io makes it possible to write performance tests, automate test scenarios, and drill down to the finest details whenever performance issues arise. Teams can collaborate on performance testing in all environments: development, testing, staging and production.
SensioCloud is THE hosting solution dedicated to Symfony applications. SensioCloud Enterprise ensures a 99,99% uptime on the complete stack (network, PHP and services) and offers the best "Symfony developer experience". It simplifies all the development and deployment process and offers a native support for Symfony.
eZ Systems
eZ Systems is a content management platform provider that is dedicated to helping businesses maximize the value of their content. Our software and services allow enterprises to create a full range of digital experiences, from brand sites, e-commerce and native apps to web portals, intranets and the Internet of Things. Thousands of organizations trust eZ. Learn more at ez.no
Bronze sponsors
We place the most talented developers in awesome projects across Europe, think AI, cybersecurity, VR, E-com, broadcasting and fin-tech, using high demand skills like Symfony, Node, React, Java and Scala. We do this well because we put the time in to understand our markets and really listen to our clients and developers, find out who they are and what they need then go out and find it for them.


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Today I wanted to grill something healthy and different on the grill. I decided to do some pineapple plank salmon on the BBQ. I also decided to glaze the salmon with a pineapple sauced topped with chopped pineapple. This is quite easy to do on the grill and very tasty.
• 1/2 cup finely chopped pineapple with its juice (about 4 ounces total)
• Finely grated zest and juice of 1 medium lime
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 tablespoon light brown sugar
• Pinch salt
• 2 6- to 8-ounce salmon fillets
• 2 large pineapple planks (two large piece of the pineapple peal to use as planks)
• VH Pineapple sauce
Cut large pineapple planks off a fresh pineapple. I use the pineapple peal as the planks;
Cutting the pineapple planks
The pineapple planks
Chopping pineapple in fine pieces
Place chop pineapple in bowl
Mix in the ingredients
Place salmon on the pineapple planks and coat the top of the fillet with VH Pineapple Sauce;
Coat fillet with the VH Pineapple Sauce
Sprinkle each fillet lightly with salt. Now top each fillet with the pineapple mixture, and ensure that the fillets are evenly coated with the pineapple mixture;
Grill for about 10 minutes per inch of thickness, until the fish is cooked through, but not dry and half-way through the cook sprinkle extra brown sugar on top of fillets.
Sprinkle brown sugar halfway through the cook
Serve and enjoy!
You can get Grillgrates here: Grillgrate store


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If you are interested in working with us, Hutchinson Environmental Solutions designs, supplies, installs and maintains all types of off-mains wastewater treatment plant and equipment. Examples include septic tanks, package sewage treatment plants, pump stations, reed beds, UV systems, telemetry controls, rainwater harvesters...
We have no current vacancies but if you have experience of the above and would like us to contact you in the event of a suitable role becoming available, we invite you to send your CV to:
Peter Stedman
Hutchinson Environmental Solutions Ltd
White Wall Nook
Thank you.
© 2014 Hutchinson. All Rights Reserved | terms & conditions | privacy policy


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Chicago White Sox respond to 'Wheel of Fortune' snub
Published in Weird News
(UPI) The Chicago White Sox called out game show Wheel of Fortune for snubbing the team in a puzzle based on the city's sports teams.
The popular game show aired a Chicago-themed episode Tuesday evening and one puzzle featured the names of multiple Chicago pro sports teams: Cubs, Blackhawks, Bulls and Bears.
A Wheel of Fortune spokesman explained the omission was an issue of formatting.
"Over the years we have included the Chicago White Sox in many of our puzzles, but in our crossword puzzle format, we use only single word, interlocking answers," the spokesman told the Chicago Tribune.
The White Sox clapped back at the snub, however, with a photoshopped picture working the team's name into the puzzle.
"Here we fixed it, @WheelofFortune," the team tweeted.Copyright 2018 by United Press International


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Thanks for visiting my blog! Please contact me if you're thinking about purchasing a Mercedes-Benz in the
Atlanta area.
Support Team BenzBlogger on the 2019 Rally New England
If you watched The Masters Tournament this weekend you might have noticed that Mercedes-Benz is a major sponsor! As a part of that sponsorship, dealerships are sometimes offered spots to send their customers to the tournament for a few days of luxury. A Mercedes-Benz Enthusiast from Massachusetts attended this year and was kind enough to share his Masters Experience with us! The following is in his words. Thank you Mike!
The text came from Michael Collins, GM of Mercedes-Benz of Portsmouth, NH. "Do you like golf?" My wife and I have done business with Mike for several years, and we have become friends. It was innocuous enough, although I thought it was still a bit cold to get out for a foursome. Imagine my surprise when I found out we would be going to the 2017 Masters Tournament as guests of Mercedes-Benz.
Upon arrival at the Augusta Airport, it was clear that everything would be first class for our 3 days in Augusta. We were brought to the gorgeous community of River Island in a gleaming new GL 450, where all of the guests of MB would be staying in private homes. Our lodging was a gorgeous 7,500 sqft home with 4 other couples. I wasn't sure what to expect, sharing a home with other people, but we truly had a fantastic time with one another and will be staying in touch!
Tuesday morning was a perfect spring Augusta day. We were brought to the Augusta National Golf Club (in a Mercedes Sprinter, of course) and there it was- the iconic Magnolia Lane. From there we were dropped off at the Firethorn Cabin, MB's hospitality cabin at the course. There we enjoyed breakfast and lunch, sparkling private bathrooms, and the ubiquitous open bar. With flat screen TVs everywhere you looked, there was no reason to go out to the course (yeah, right!)
We spent much of Tuesday on the gorgeous green grass of ANGC. There we saw the golfers skipping the ball on the water on 16, Amen Corner, and the Pro Shop (which was well organized chaos). Wednesday was a rainout, so much of the day was spent at Firethorn, hanging with our new friends and enjoying a cigar and drinks on the front porch. Each night had entertainment, but the final night was the cherry on top; a private concert by Lady Antebellum for the MB guests!
There are many words to describe the experience- bucket list, once in a lifetime experience, etc. Overall we had a wonderful time with first class service and accommodations, and made many new friends. What a privilege to be able to attend. Thank you MBUSA!
Dear Internet,
I am getting ready to order my new Mercedes-Benz and I just can't decide on the colors! You'd think I spend enough time looking at the cars to know what I want but I'm feeling indecisive. I thought you might have an opinion.
First, I am not deciding between S63 cabriolets, even thought what is what is in the picture! I am pretty sure it is going to be a C43 Cabriolet. I have really enjoyed my E400 cabriolet but the new E-Class cabriolet won't be ready when I need to switch cars. The engine in the 43 is a lot of fun and the new C-Class design is so beautiful! I know I would be happy with this vehicle. I'm not sure I'll ever be without a cabriolet again!
Now, for the color. My go-to is white/saddle/black top. However, I need to get a different color this time. I'm in a rut. Gotta shake it up! Here are the things I know for sure:
That's it. I am pretty open to everything else. Here is the link to the Build Your Own site. On the Summary Page there is a button to e-mail your build. Please do send it to me! firstname.lastname@example.com
My current favorite combos are: Paint/Leather/Top
Have you seen anything out in the world that you really loved? Is there a color that you think would be perfect for me? Is there a combination I am overlooking? I have about 2 weeks to make up my mind and then another month to change my mind a few times. The order will likely lock in by April for a May build and late June or early July delivery.
For those of you keeping track, my E400 lease is not officially up until November 2017. I am planning to use the Mercedes-Benz Loyalty Accelerator Program to waive my last couple of payments so I can make the switch early. I estimate that I will hit my total allowed miles in July!
Thanks in advance for your help!
Jeremy wanted a very specific Mercedes-AMG C63 so we had to place the order and wait for it to be custom built. He wasn't sure he could wait…but he ended up happy that he did!
His Review from Cars.com:
I have purchased many cars over the years and I must say that this was the absolute BEST experience ever! Jesse Cannon-Wallace was my sales rep (highly recommend her!). She exceeded every one of my expectations. From the way she handled the test drive to the custom order process to the price negotiation and finally to the delivery of the car – it was all flawless. It was almost surreal because I had never experienced a buying experience quite like this. It should always be this easy, but never is. I honestly can't think of any issues encountered in the entire process.
The one thing that stood out most was the level of customer service that she provided. I custom ordered my car so it took 3 long months. Not one time did I have to contact her for an update. She consistently gave me updates down to the day it arrived. I can't put into words how much that meant to me as my past experience with other dealers was quite the opposite.
I know this review sounds a bit over the top in relation to my kudos to Jesse and Atlanta Classic Cars, but I will say with complete conviction that this was the very best buying experience I have ever had!
Thanks Jeremy!
Wendy was referred to Atlanta Classic Cars by her Realtor as she was moving to Atlanta from Chicago, having not owned a car for many years!
"I drove home scared out of my wits on August 6, 2015 and promptly left the car in my condo parking space for 3 weeks until my sister who lives in Macon said you have to come and visit me! So, I bravely got into the car on a Saturday afternoon with my dog Niko by my side and drove the 1-1/2 hours to Macon! I was so proud of myself.
It took me about 2 months to get up the nerve to drive to work from Midtown to downtown (only 10 minutes door to door) but now I drive every day and even drop one of my colleagues off at her apartment every night on my way home. I feel a sense of freedom I had forgotten I felt after 15 years of not driving – it is awesome!
You are a patient and special woman. You took the time to let me practice driving again in the parking lot near the dealership until I felt comfortable enough to drive home. You checked on me that very day to make sure I got home safely and I did…PHEW! You then have consistently reached out to me to check on how I was enjoying living in Atlanta and assured me you were there for me if I needed anything. That kind of personalized customer service is very rare in our world today.
I have been in the hotel business for 33 years and understand the high expectations our guests demand from us. You more than exceeded my expectations of customer care and made an otherwise scary prospect of buying (and driving a car) after 15 years without one very comfortable. I was in a seminar recently where we were asked to describe what kind of car we would be. I said a Lunar Blue Mercedes C250 – classy and a bit sassy! Thank you Jesse! With much appreciation and admiration, Wendy Parker"
Thank you Wendy! It was a pleasure!
I grew up in E-Class wagons. We called them the "cool bus" and fought like crazy over the way back. I've always thought it was a shame that wagons are not more popular in the US. There are however a few devotees out there!
For example, Greg from Texas, contacted me before he ordered the beautiful Indigo Blue E350 pictured above. He was going all out with the features and an unseen color combination. I advised him to hold out for exactly what he wanted rather than settling for what was available on the lot and he is very happy with the result. You can read his very detailed options summary on the MB World Forums.
Autoweek also tested the 2014 E350 wagon recently and said things like "Thirty-something years later, this remains darn near the perfect car. The single car one would need for 99 percent of life's needs." You can read the full article at Autoweek online. I can hardly wait to see one in Cardinal red!
You might also remember Lizzie the Quartz Blue wagon that my clients picked up via European Delivery a few years ago!
And what better testimonial than a guy who does a lot of miles over a very short period of time!
Call me! Let's order a wagon!
I took a little roadtrip this morning to deliver a 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL550 to Oconee County, Georgia!
Don't they look happy to have a new car? And what a gorgeous car it is! I especially enjoyed the Driver Assistance Package while cruising the back roads of Georgia. The Distronic PLUS made is such a relaxing drive and the Active Lane Keeping Assist corrected me a couple of times when I took my eyes off of the road. Also impressive was the mileage…429 horsepower should not get over 27 mpg!
The return trip was in a 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK350. This car has always had excellent go-cart handling and with more than 80,000 miles on the odometer it was still tight and responsive.
And another winner in the fuel economy department. 302 horsepower with aggressive backroads driving and I still clocked in over 25 mpg!
It was a great day for a couple of great roadsters!
I don't buy cars very often and tend to over-analyze the situation, when I do. I had been looking around, looking under the hood, and kicking tires at all major dealership of decent cars and finally showed up at Atlanta Classic Cars facility where I was introduced to Jesse. I like salespeople who know their stuff and can answer questions in detail and over the course of next couple days I posed all kind of queries and test drove all models, even the ones I knew I could not perhaps afford. Jesse was very patient and knowledgeable and helped me find a car that fits my needs perfectly.
Yesterday I took a little road trip in a 2012 Merceded-Benz C250 courtesy car. I drove from Atlanta, GA to Columbus, GA and back before noon using about half a tank of fuel. There was heavy traffic in Atlanta that slowed me down a little but the C250 was a great vehicle for this trip – Fun to drive, plenty of space and the fuel economy was impressive! The 2012 C250 is officially rated at 31 mpg on the highway but I was able to do even better!
This beauty will be retired from our courtesy car fleet in about a year but Atlanta Classic Cars has a great selection of Certified Pre-Owned C-Classes available now. Let me know if something catches your eye!
All I can say is WOW! I have purchased 3 new Mercedes-Benz automobiles previously, but this fourth one was a very special car buying experience!
I was in the market for a new car so I called my very dear friend Kim Cates. Kim and I became friends when I had my car serviced at Atlanta Classic Car before moving to Jacksonville, Florida. She always provided first class service.
Kim put me in touch with Jesse Cannon-Wallace. After speaking with Jesse by phone, she went right to work finding me the right car and the best financing. Within 30 minutes she called me back and asked me to select the exact vehicle I wanted to purchase.
I flew from Jacksonville to pick up my new car a few days later. I was met at the door by Jesse with a big smile! She offered a test drive and began demonstrating all the great features of my new car. She was gracious enough to add a stop at Fryes to purchase the iPhone 5 adaptor so I could connect my phone to the car. We arrived a little before the store opened and she respected my time by using the opportunity to complete the demonstration.
When we returned to the dealership, Jesse introduced me to Eric Palmsteen, Business Manager, to sign the paperwork. Eric went above and beyond to secure incredible financing for me. Additionally, he was so organized that it took just a few minutes to complete the transaction.
Thanks to Kim, Jesse and Eric, there is absolutely nothing more I could have expected or desired from a car buying experience. I've raved about my experience so much that friends in Florida plan to purchase their next vehicle from Atlanta Classic Cars! I strongly encourage anyone in the market for a new vehicle or needs service for a Mercedes-Benz to contact the amazing team at Atlanta Classic Cars! I look forward to buying all my future cars from them.
Oh, did I mention how much I love my new Mercedes? By far it's the best of the four.
Thanks again,
Bill Brim
Thank you Bill – It was a pleasure!
I went on a holiday roadtrip in my new 2013 Mercedes-Benz E350! It was cold, snowy, windy and rainy but the car did a great job! I felt safe and warm the whole time. My fuel economy is a little bit down from past trips but I think that was due to the rough weather and a very full trunk of presents!
In other fuel economy news, a 2012 E350 bluetec purchased here about a year ago is getting 40 mpg! Thanks for sharing Hunter!


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Eating a corn cob, #PotomacPhil will predict DC's weather and political climate at 830 http://pbs.twimg.com/media/CaNhYo8WQAAHjeD.jpg
Ward 2 councilman Jack Evans prepares remarks while #PotomacPhil stands still, since he's stuffed. http://pbs.twimg.com/media/CaNiiQ0WcAAEN1k.jpg
#PotomacPhil is the center of attention. At 830 he'll predict the weather and political climate of DC http://pbs.twimg.com/media/CaNjJmJWcAIeji1.jpg
Planning to @periscopeco #PotomacPhil 's announcement in the next few minutes. http://pbs.twimg.com/media/CaNkMk1WIAAYDU5.jpg
#PotomacPhil did NOT see his shadow, and predicts an early Spring and 6 months of political gridlock. http://pbs.twimg.com/media/CaNn3GEWkAQBKg1.jpg
Everyone wants a photo with a dead groundhog. #PotomacPhil http://pbs.twimg.com/media/CaNoJLWXEAAI3dv.jpg
Where are the roller skaters in short shorts? #PotomacPhil http://pbs.twimg.com/media/CaNpc2MWkAA_eYO.jpg


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- Home
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|Rev. John Wagner, Pastor
|Rev. Wagner joined the FUMC community in 2012. He enjoys keeping the staff on their toes with his sense of humor and has encouraged the congregation with his deep sense of love for our church family. He enjoys traveling, has been involved in theater, and roots for the Browns, Reds and the Buckeyes.
|Henry Folgoso & Dani Ortega de Folgoso, Ministerial Students
|Henry and Dani founded our Hispanic Ministry in 2012 and continue to develop ministry to the Hispanic community in Middletown as they both pursue their ministerial degrees. Originally from Colombia, they bring cultural diversity and unique experience to our congregation as well as a lot of energy, which has been lovingly embraced. Henry and Dani are very active in worship and our ministries to youth and children at First Church.
|Mary Ellen Clinard, Director of Worship
|Mary Ellen loves creating programs and opportunities in worship where musicians can offer their talents to God. In her spare time, she enjoys architecture and doing her best not to kill the plants growing in her garden. She's also involved with the local high school music departments and performing arts theaters.
|Sarah Dean, Office Manager
| Sarah brings her youthful energy to the church staff team. She enjoys practicing her guitar and spending time with family and friends. Shopping for shoes gets her in trouble sometimes, as well as picking on her buddy, Greg!
|Linda Schmitt, Financial Secretary
|After a day of working with numbers, Linda enjoys cooking for her hubby, family, and friends. She makes a mean apple pie and lasagna! Linda also enjoys making a fashion statement with her jewelry.
|Greg Cooper, Building Superintendent
|Affectionately known as "Super Cooper," Greg has never met a piece of equipment or a maintenance problem he couldn't handle! A true Renaissance man, he's also been known to rock a baby to sleep in the church nursery.


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Gaelyn, a National Park Service ranger, spent her break with us. She told us stuff about the Canyon, cleared up misconceptions (mine), and offered to show us amazing high-clearance sights that Prius drivers don't usually witness.
We had listened to a California condor program, and somehow I "heard" that all condors in the wild now came from one breeding pair. That has troubled me every since, because a genetic bottleneck like that is not a "fix." But, Gaelyn explained that a condor won't canoodle with a close relative, and that there was more than one pair involved in the comeback. Whew. Glad I heard that incompetently.
On hot days, condors cool down by uri-cating (peeing and pooping) on their legs. That's an August hiking tip from me to you. I think birds do that all in one activity, but remember: I have no Google.
Humans are still heavily involved with the condor population. The birds are radio-tagged, and blood is taken regularly to watch for lead poisoning caused by lead bullets in game hunting.
The bullet shatters into the guts (and into the meat eaten by hunters and their families), leaving teeny, tiny bits of lead in the gut pile. Condors are scavengers, and a gut pile is the dinner bell. They're very sensitive to lead. It hits their central nervous system and they can't fly, and forget to eat. Eagles are also sensitive to lead, but turkey vultures chew it into clever shapes to sell to tourists.
If you're a hunter, the solution for your kids and the condors is to use copper ammunition. In Arizona, compliance is voluntary, and when you get your license you also get a voucher for lead-free copper ammo, compliments of Cabela. There are still the die-hards. The "you'll get my lead when you pry it from my cold, developmentally-delayed hands" hunters. Is this a multi-generational Darwin award?
[This is more than you've learned from me in four years of blogging, and yet there's more.]
I said they're bison, but I lied (1992, Michael Bolton).
These guys are wild beefalo. Gaelyn says they're genetically closer to cows than to buffalo. The smart ones seek asylum in the Park, where they are protected from lead in their own gut piles.
We think it's rude to call someone by his food name, so what do you think: Cattlo? Buffacow? Mooalo? Buffattle? Buffa-Lite?
Inside the Park, there is a dining room in the Lodge, and a deli alongside it, if you'd like to eat out. There is a Post Office (North Rim, AZ 86052), and a gift shop. There's a general store in the campground (that's where you'll go to surf and buy V-8). There's gasoline nearby, either inside the park or just outside on 67. We found the outside station about 50¢ cheaper per gallon, but don't let me influence you.
|What hump?
Unlike the South Rim, the North Rim has a season. It seems to run from May ides to November, but winter is already here on the plateau by then. Come early, or come with long underwear and chains (or whatever your own kink is - I've said too much).
While we were in the thick of monsoon down in Flagstaff, our solar panels were having trouble keeping our batteries topped off. We're in good shape now, but we've started turning off our inverter at night, and when we're gone. I think it's the single biggest drain, and we don't miss it when it's off. Still, Annie has her eye on a couple of full-sun meadows and a field.
What's the difference between a meadow and a field? Like obscenity, you'll know it when you see it.
Fellow boondocker Gail has just installed a Nature's Head composting toilet in her RV - hurray Gail! We hope you enjoy the freedom from dump stations and the less-frequent water trips.
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Stainless Steel Vacuum Chamber
Terra's versatile Stainless Steel Vacuum Chamber meets a host of processing needs in industries from plastics to pharmaceuticals to microelectronics.
Its double-wall stainless steel construction supports vacuums to 29.9" Hg and makes it ideal for use with corrosive materials. This chamber is also ideal for contamination-sensitive applications: the smooth interior surfaces minimize exposure to particles and moisture. An 8" (203 mm) square tempered-glass window mounted in the access door allows full visibility of stored parts, and a silicone gasket ensures an air-tight seal when the door is latched shut. Dual carrying handles simplify transport of the unit.
A 0-30" vacuum gauge and dual metering valves allow easy connection for vacuum pumping and bleeding. This airtight design also allows you to transport materials under negative pressure from one work station to another.
Recommended Pump and Accessories — See Sample Pump Configuration
|File Type
|File Name
|Publication Date
|Manual (PDF)
|Vacuum Chambers: Doc. # 1800-60


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Ten summery songs to kick the winter blues
There's nothing worse than the discerning sense that winter is a timeless black hole and that you will never feel the sun's warmth again in your life. The best way to pretend that the winter isn't sucking the life out of you is to channel any summer vibes that you can get your hands on. One way to do that is to listen to some songs that remind you of sunny days and overall happiness. These ten songs are here to remind you that some day (not soon enough) it will be summer again.


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Young Lewisburg native hospitalized by hit, run crash in Murfreesboro
From staff reports
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. - Police on Wednesday found an SUV described as the car that hit a man who grew up in Lewisburg last weekend, police said.
Donald Faulkner, 22, "is still in stable condition" in Vanderbilt University Medical Center after arriving at the hospital by Life Flight helicopter on June 16 at 1:09 a.m., Vanderbilt spokeswoman Ashley Culver said Thursday.
Faulkner was a Marshall County High School graduate. Police listed his address as Apartment No. 1, 223 Haynes St., Lewisburg, but it's believed he's been living in Murfreesboro. During August of 2010, Faulkner appeared in a Marshal County Community Theatre production of the musical "Broadway."
He was injured during the collision when he was riding a bicycle.
"There have been no warrants issued," Police Major Clyde Adkison said Thursday afternoon about the on-going investigation. "We've not interviewed anyone."
Nashville TV stations televised police traffic video showing the gold-colored SUV did not stop, prompting his sister, Rebecca to tell WKRN, "It is about responsibility and doing unto others as you would have them behave toward you."
Adkison said, "We're still trying to get the video enhanced."
The hit and run was "near the Wal-Mart at the intersection of South Rutherford and Mercury boulevards around 12:30 a.m." Saturday, WKRN said.
Atkison said, Officer Terry Spence on Wednesday located "what he believes to be the vehicle of interest which left the scene. There appears to be evidence which was left on the vehicle."
Scratches and evidense of paint the color of Faulkner's bicycle were found on the SUV.
WTVF reported "A Hyundai Santa Fe crossover was found at an apartment complex" in the vicinity of Middle Tennessee State University, and that "after obtaining a search warrant, police impounded the vehicle for further investigation and evidence processing."
Murfreesboro Police Officer Brice Robbins appeared before Judge Mark Rogers to request and obtain a search warrant for the suspect vehicle, Adkison said. The warrant was issued and executed late Wednesday afternoon. The vehicle of interest has been seized from a local apartment complex located in Murfreesboro. It has been impounded for further investigation and evidence processing.
Meanwhile, police have been searching for anyone who was in the SUV at the time of the collision.
Murfreesboro Police say people with information about the crash should call Crime Stoppers at 615-893-7867.


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Dale's Seasoning ™ Steak Seasoning- 16 oz.
Southern favorite for over 50 years! Since 1946 from Birmingham, Alabama.
Dale's Seasoning is a savory blend of exotic spices that enhances the flavor of beef, pork, lamb, poultry, fish, wild game, and vegetables.
Dale's is highly concentrated and does not require long marinating. Just shake well and add to food before and during cooking.
Item Code: DSS PLU #1071
Product ships anywhere in Canada. | Print Product Info
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Brand Dale's Seasoning ™ in categories Marinades, Sauces, Spices & Seasoning


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By Neha Aggarwal
The T2 Asia Pacific Table Tennis League (T2APAC) is scheduled to begin in June 2017 and as part of the marketing and promotions, the top players have been visiting Malaysia to get clicked in a completely new look.
They are bold and beautiful. The pictures reveal a completely new side of them which will leave you amazed!
You will know what I mean as you scroll down:


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3.7/5 (119 users)
My Rating
By Pratibha Yadav(02 Mar 2013)
The film revolves around Charlie who is nervous about beginning his year of high school. He is extremely shy and slow in making friends on the first day of his class. He only manages to connect with his English Teacher, Mr. Anderson.Charlie is reluctant to tell all this to his parents as this will make them more tensed. Gradually, Charlie gets along with people and manages to make friends. The story is all about the high school life of Charlie and his friends.
Copyright 2010-2013: Gomolo. All Rights reserved. | Terms | Privacy


text: At restaurants, bars and nightclubs, table tents are perfect for advertising food and drink specials and enticing guests to try a featured item. In hotel rooms, table tents are an effective way to advertise pay per view movies, room service menus, breakfast options, or information about your facility or the surrounding area. In stores, table tents are shelf talkers and they no longer need to be boring! They come in a large variety of shapes with multi-dimensional eye catching special effect displays. Want to get your ad or event invitation noticed? Wondering about lenticular versus conventional print advertising? Lenticular mailers get noticed 96% of the time! Lenticular printing is a technology in which lenticular lenses (a technology that is also used for 3D displays) are used to produce printed images with an illusion of depth, or the ability to change or move as the image is viewed from different angles. This modern effect works great on invitations, posters, postcards and Point of Purchase Materials and Displays. If you want your company's next big product launch or special event to really stand out, using lenticular printing is a great way to stand out from the competition.


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Archive for February, 2008
Something to think about
C's feeding issues are especially difficult for people to grasp. The best way I've found to explain it is to say he is absolutely terrified of food. The thought of food can bring up a fear in him so primal it's hard to imagine it wasn't born in him. Yet I suspect the trauma of being re-intubated several times as a newborn (he would cough the intubation tube right out as a NICU baby, something the nurses found amazing), combined with a highly sensitive sensory system, a poorly developed tongue, and motor planning problems are the likely culprits.
The issue first presented itself when he was nine months old. A well-intentioned occupational therapist gave him a cheerio, his first encounter with solid food, and he immediately gagged, choked, and vomited. It was downhill from there. Ultimately we found a feeding therapist (who would even know these people existed unless you needed to know?) and we started seeing her immediately.
Apparently, feeding is one of the most all encompassing things our bodies actually do besides sex. All the senses are engaged, our hands must be able to find our mouths (no small feat for someone with trouble getting messages from the brain to the hands), our tongues must be developed enough to move the food around, and we must be able to swallow. When you think of how all these systems work together for us to actually eat, it's amazing we can all do it.
Many, many people have said to us that we should let C get hungry enough and then he would eat. AHA! If only that were true! There's a small subset of children who will actually starve themselves to death rather than eat a food that scares them. It's difficult for someone who has children who simply just EAT to grasp this. C is not a picky eater, but rather the texture, flavor, and newness of an untried food triggers an actual physical reaction that we all know as the "fight or flight" response.
When we started feeding therapy, we were at war in Afghanistan, and I remember seeing pictures of children who needed help in so many ways. I asked our feeding therapist what would happen to a child like C in a country where he couldn't get this kind of help. Her answer, both abrupt and painful, was, "He would die."
The oldest profession
A recent homework assignment asked C to draw a picture of someone important in our community and write about their job. "What's a community?" he asked. I explained about our little town, and what keeps it running. Police officers, firefighters, doctors, the mayor, his principal at school.
He sat down to write, earnestly holding his pencil in hand. Brows furrowed, he bent over and wrote, "Mommy's job is being a Mom. She takes care of me." He then studied my face for a moment and drew his best picture of me, including his first attempt at eyebrows.
I know he doesn't recognize my struggle with my sense of self these days. But at his deepest core, he recognizes the value of what I do for him. After all, he puts me up on that pedestal where police officers and firefighters live. What more thanks could I get?
It can go either way.
I've seen autism do many things to many families, and more specifically, to many mothers. I've been struck by two types of mothers I've seen, and I can see how it can go either way.
First, the Mom who has such a grasp on her own kids and how they function. She recognizes the difference between autism behavior and kid behavior. She has the delightful ability to advocate for her children without being confrontational, and I envy her that skill. While killing the school staff with kindness, she manages to get what her kids need into their IEPs (Individual Education Plan) and probably makes the IEP team members think it was all their idea in the first place. She is calm, cool, collected, and I want to be around her in the hopes some of it will rub off.
The second Mom, (sadly, I've seen many more of these), breaks my heart. She is beaten down, either by difficulties with her child, frustrations with the school system or the inability to find any doctor who can help. Recently at a meeting for parents with special needs children, she spoke her piece, shaking with anger and rage, and stormed out of the room. I didn't know whether to be relieved or to cry, and frankly, it made me feel horribly lucky and terribly sad for her at the same time.
I can see how it could go either way for many parents. We struggle so to help our children, to make sure they are getting what they need in life and school. Nothing is what we thought it would be, but we of course adore our children. We try to maintain a balance between the time we want to spend with them just playing with no agenda and the time we need to spend with them teaching them important life skills. We stay up late researching, sorting through medical bills, trying to read lab reports, and all the while trying to make sure we are taking care of everything else in our lives.
But I know which Mom I want to be.
Friends in all places
C is the friendliest child in the world. He cares about everyone and everything. He talks to babies, kids, adults, elderly people, animals, planes, trains, cars, flowers, trees and bikes. Still, however, he is the friendliest kid without any friends you could ever meet. He is "friendly" with many children at school, but he doesn't have any close friends. No one is running home from school begging to have him over. If I don't initiate the contact with a parent and invite a child to play, he would never see anyone, because no one ever invites him over. It's heartbreaking.
That's part of why we moved close to my family, because we figured if Ga and Pa were two of his best friends, so be it. His friends will probably always come in unusual forms.
A case in point is a program they have at his school. Mentors come in and volunteer their time once a week to hang out with a child. Generally they are children that are struggling in some way, and while I know C's mentor, "Mrs. T," probably wonders what she can possibly teach him in terms of academics, she gives him the world in his having his own special friend at school who is only there for him. It is the highlight of his week…well, maybe next to gym class.


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New Approach to Stifle Stomach Bug
Modulating stomach chemical may enhance immunity to cancer-associated bug
September 3, 2010 | Leigh MacMillan
The bacterium Helicobacter pylori infects about half of the world's population. It induces immune responses, but these responses do not eliminate the bug. H. pylori persists in the human stomach for decades, leading to chronic inflammation, peptic ulcers, lymphoma and stomach cancer.
Keith Wilson, M.D., and colleagues are exploring the failure of the immune response against H. pylori. They previously showed that H. pylori induces the production of the microbe-killing chemical nitric oxide by macrophages, but not enough to eliminate the bug.
They now report in the journal Gastroenterology that chemicals called polyamines – also produced by macrophages – limit the production (and therefore killing power) of nitric oxide. Treatment of H. pylori-infected mice with an inhibitor of polyamine production increased nitric oxide synthesis and reduced both H. pylori colonization levels and the severity of stomach inflammation.
The findings suggest that modulation of polyamine generation in the stomach may be a novel approach for enhancing immunity to H. pylori.
For other research highlights from Vanderbilt University Medical Center laboratories, see 'Aliquots' in the VUMC Reporter.


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Several Activities Coming to Epcot to Celebrate Earth Day
Spring is in full swing at Epcot as plenty of flowers, plants, and special activities continue to be available to Guests visiting the park during this year's Flower & Garden Festival. In addition to these seasonal offerings, Epcot will celebrate our planet with more activities during Earth Day Weekend, which will take place on April 22-24. All of the new offerings that will be available during the weekend will encourage Guests to learn more about the amazing natural world we all share.
The Jungle Book Matching Activity at The Jungle Book Sand Sculpture
Guests will be able to play a matching game in which they match species featured in The Jungle Book to a fun fact about the unique animals!
Butterfly Citizen Science at Pollinator Garden
Guests will have the opportunity to be a part of our first butterfly citizen science project by collecting data that will help the conservation and horticulture teams learn about Florida native butterflies and their native plant preference.
Meet Captain Ron at The Seas with Nemo & Friends
A professional turtle egg sniffer, Captain Ron the beagle helps conservation experts by sniffing out turtle egg nests to help protect them! Captain Ron will have appearances at The Seas with Nemo & Friends throughout the weekend.
Other activities that will be available at Epcot during that time include the following:
- National Park Foundation map activity
- Become a Bird at the Florida Audubon Garden
- Leap for Wildlife at National Wildlife Federation Garden
- Discover your Footprint at The Nature Conservancy Garden
As a friendly reminder, scheduled activities may be cancelled or modified for any reason without notice.


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What is a church? Is it a building? A line-up of programs? A place to worship? Yes, all these things, but more importantly a church is people—people gathered together by the person of Jesus Christ. Jesus' life, death, resurrection, ascension and coming again, along with his continued presence with us by the Holy Spirit are central to all of life and our life together as his church.
The people at Covenant are just like people all around the world—good, but broken. We are created in God's image and are good deep down to the core. At the same time, everyone I am acquainted with also knows that we are all broken in one way or another. We all need healing, we all need restoration. Here at Covenant we believe that we can experience substantial healing, and we can also be agents of God's hope and healing in our relationships, our community and across the world.
Many people are also aware that there are ways in which we all are lost. Lost things and lost people need to be found. In Jesus, God has set about the business of finding lost people because they matter to him. He invites us into the community of his people to become a part of a caring church family—in particular here at Covenant. He gives us the opportunity to enter into a life-giving and life-changing relationship with Jesus his Son. He calls and inspires us to follow Jesus with whole-hearted devotion through the power of His Spirit and the guidance of His Word.
All people desire meaning and purpose for their lives. Here at Covenant Presbyterian Church we believe that we find meaning and purpose by becoming wrapped up in God's mission in and for the world. We believe we gather to grow inwardly strong so that we can become outwardly focused and be sent into the world with the good news of God's Kingdom.
God desires relationship with the people he has made, and he has made us for relationship. Relationship with him, and relationship with our fellow human beings here in the church and also in the world. Relationships of love and service. Here at Covenant, we strive, with God's help, to be people on the journey of faith that is marked by the love of God and love of others.
Come join us!