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The Last Teary-Eyed Post
Well, it has been a long but memorable road people, but it had to end at some point. This is the last post about my travels in France and I just wanted to sum up my experience. I returned home on December 19, and the days and hours leading up to it were very emotional, happy and sad. Saying goodbye to all my new friends, that by this point, seemed like friends that I had for life was one of the hardest things. Then packing my bags and finding things that seemed like I just unpacked yesterday was tough too. It was nice to see my family and return to the life I once knew, but leaving Aix meant ending an important chapter in my life.
I honestly do not have any bad memories to speak of, and my experience there was the most memorable in my life. I learned a lot about myself and the person that I want to be someday. I have a different perspective on the world now than I did before and the slow lifestyle of the French has taught me patience.
I plan on returning to France and Aix one day, they have both become second homes to me and even now I miss them. I know that my time there after my trip will never be the same because all of those people I came to love and call my family will not be there and I accept that fact. I guess that is the beauty of a trip like this, it is a fleeting moment in time that has its own special place with me or anyone for that matter.
I really want to thank everyone who helped me get there and I met along the way. Mom, Dad, Dr. Morgan and all the other professors at Thiel who helped me, my Grandmother, Dominique my host mom, Peter, Sally, Kelsey, Marie, Brandon, Professor Mobed, and the list continues. I could type for days all the people I want to see/thank one more time.
As some closing statements, I really recommend that everyone who has an opportunity to, go study abroad. It is an experience that is worth every penny and you will never experience anything quite like it even if you go later in life just for tourism. The people you meet will change your life and you will change their lives too.
Well, that will do it everyone. As I end this blog I essentially leave/end the last part of the trip. I am glad so many people got to read and enjoy my blog; it has been a pleasure sharing with all of you. Thanks for your time and safe travels for any future ex-pats or study abroad enthusiasts.
Also: If anyone would like to ask me about my trip or any questions about studying abroad, please contact me on my Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/kristopher.karr
Goodbye for one last time,


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Despite a mention by the Supreme Court, David Gerbier is locked out of the United States.
Ed Bobb punched a few keys and went to jail. Where's the justice?
You can help our newest appeals court judge set things right
The process for restoring the civil rights of felons in Florida works perfectly -- if not restoring their rights is the goal

subset: commoncrawl


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Hoping to share my enthusiasm for economics, I started to create econlife.com several years ago. My teaching philosophy, though, developed long ago.
I've taught at Kent Place School in Summit, NJ for 35 years. Increasingly, as those years unfolded, I became dedicated to explaining the economy so that everyone could understand and enjoy it. More than for the test, I wanted my students to learn about economics for their lives. I wanted to transform "the dismal science" into the "dynamic science".
Happily, I have also traveled beyond my classroom with economics. For high school students, I wroteEconomics Our American Economy (Addison Wesley, 1990, 1994) and for everyone, Econ 101 ½ (Avon Books, 1995). To make economics more interesting, I paired good stories with economic ideas. Focusing on famous people like JP Morgan and not so famous individuals like Minor Keith, the man who brought us the banana, many of these stories related to our history. In addition, I have worked with economics organizations, written financial history articles, and given Econ 101 ½ talks.
In so many ways, teaching economics has taken me to the past, the present and the future. It has connected me to students and teachers, to libraries, blogs, podcasts, business firms, and economists. It has taught me about decision making and voting knowledgeably. It has shown me the amazing ideas and projects that students create.
Now, through econlife.com, it is time for me and my AP Economics class to share all of this with you.
So…let's begin!
Plese note: This is a personal website that is not affiliated in any way with my employer. The views and opinions expressed on this website are not reflective of the views or opinions of my employer.


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Ride in a hot air balloon on your vacation! Take one of our balloon rides in Idaho and get a bird's eye view of the beautiful scenery. Soar across the sky and through the clouds on a magical hot air balloon tour. Toast champagne with your honey on one of our balloon trips. Our balloon flights in Idaho are a romantic way to celebrate an anniversary or propose to your sweetheart. Go on one of our hot air balloon rides and make memories that will last a lifetime. Browse our hot air ballooning in Idaho and plan your vacation today!
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UNION TOWNSHIP, MI (WTVB) - The Branch County Sheriff's Department is investigating a collision last night that sent a motorcyclist to the hospital after the biker ran into the back of a farm tractor which were both eastbound on Dunks Road. It happened shortly after 7 p.m. west on Arbogast road in Union Township.
Deputies say 65-year old Frederick Turgeon of Union City was on the motorcycle and the tractor was operated by 70-year old Clayton Boston, also of Union City. Both of them told deputies that at the same time there was an on-coming vehicle that had its bright lights on.
Turgeon said after it went by he saw the reflective triangle on the back of the tractor but caught it too late to avoid contact and struck the garden disc attached to the rear of the tractor and lost control and was thrown from the bike. Turgeon, who was wearing his helmet, was taken to the Community Health Center of Branch County for treatment and remains in fair condition.


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Categories > Celebrities > My Chemical Romance > Forget About The Dirty Looks
A surprise Visitor1 Reviews
Chapter 10
Frank's POV
The tension after that fight lasted a couple of days, it finally faded as we all got ready for her cousin to come and stay with us. I don't know if it really got better or she just shut down cause she can't stand her cousin. We had all been sleeping separately and it was making Gerard even more upset I think. I was wiping down the table, Drew was doing the dishes and then Gerard putting them away. I must admit these past couple of days shut off to myself got me thinking. What I had come to realize scared me. I had always known somewhere in me that I had lied to Drew that night.
When I told her that I didn't love her like I should. I loved her with ever inch of my being but I also knew that she loves Gerard more and if this is the only way to be with her then, plus Gerard is a little bonus. Don't get me wrong I do care for Gerard as a boyfriend but my heart, my whole heart belongs to her. I looked over at her then at Gerard. He caught my gaze and smiled back. I tossed my rag in the sink just as Drew was finishing up the dishes and drying her hands. Gerard smiled again and approached her. He had tried this countless times in the past couple of days but usually she would shut him down. He leaned over and whispered another I'm sorry in her ear the kissed her on the cheek. I could see that she smiled.
"You're forgiven. " She whispered back and kissed him. I watched him get lost in the kiss, and I had to admit I was feeling a little left out. She must have read my mind again, and pulled away from his kiss, then kissed me. We where interrupted by a knock on the door. We broke a part and I walked to the front door and opened it. Drew was walking into the living room let out a small scream and come running past me and tackled our guest. I stepped aside to let them I didn't recognize him at first. The last time I saw him he had short hair and was like 300 lbs.
"Bob, what are you doing here?" Drew smiled as she pulled away from here.
"Well you have been begging me to come here forever so…" He smiled shyly back.
"Oh let me introduce you to my guys….you remember Frank." she smiled and pointed at me. I took out my hand and he pulled me into a hug.
"Yeah I remember you, wow I think you have actually gown like a inch or two." He We both chuckled.
"Yeah, well you look different too." I started.
"Yeah you look great Bob, I love your hair by the way." she playfully messed it up and he smiled. She is the only one that I have ever seen him let that close to him. Well it was his baby cousin.
"Gerard baby, come here." She called. I watched Gerard walk in from the kitchen with a funny look on his face.
"Bob, this is my other boyfriend Gerard." He greeted Gerard with a small shake and a hug.
"Why didn't you tell us that you told Bob, not that it matters but you could have let us know." I smiled at her taking a seat in the chair as her and Bob sat on the couch. Gee leaned up against the arm closest to her.
"Of course I would tell him, he is the only one I can trust that would understand and be cool with it. I had to tell Liz just because she was here." Drew grumbled.
"Oh yeah I remember you telling me about that, how is Elizabeth doing?" Bob asked sarcastically.
"You know her always bragging to me about how great her job is in LA and that she gets to travel a lot, as a matter of fact she is coming next month to stay for a while." Drew whined. We all sat there catching up with Bob for about a couple of hours. After several begs from all three of us, Bob agreed to sleep on the couch tonight. It was good to see Bob and I know that he will help Drew with the stress of have Liz come and stay. When I woke up the next mourning, and made my way to the kitchen. I could her Drew singing along with a Fall Out Boy song, as I passed the bathroom door. I couldn't help but smile.
I walked into the kitchen to find Gerard and Bob talking over coffee. I poured myself a cup and sat down.
"Drew beat you to the shower." Gerard smiled.
" I know I heard." I grinned along with Gerard and Bob.
"She still sings in the shower huh. You should here her version of that song Bitch by Meredith Brooks." Bob chuckled.
"Yeah well she does a good job of Manson's The Nobodies' " Gerard added.
"Well right now she is singing along with Get busy living." I smiled. They laughed. It was quiet for a moment after that.
"Before she gets out I just want to say that you two can relax I am really okay with your relationship, although just know that if either one of you hurt her I will hunt you down." Bob smiled. Gerard and I both chuckled.
"What's so funny? "Drew asked as she walked into the kitchen and opened the fridge to find something to eat. She pulled out a pizza box from the night before last and grabbed a couple pieces and threw it on to a plate then popped it in the microwave.
"When will you ever learn, the meaning of a healthily complete breakfast?" Bob asked shaking his head.
"What its complete, it has Pineapple which is fruit, ham which is meat, tomato sauce for the veggies, and then bread. How could you get anymore complete." She asked taking it out of the microwave and joining us at the table. I couldn't help but laugh, damn she was cute just cause she was and for the fact that she was serious about every thing she just said. She pulled up a stool between me and Gee and started to eat. After Breakfast we decided to show Bob around the town. Then by a mysterious coincidence we ran into Tristen and the other girls at the grocery store. I was fighting over cereal to get with Drew, Gerard and Bob where talking about something when Hope tackled Drew and I.
"Hey, guys how's it going?" Erica chanted in our ears.
"Fine and you?" Drew smiled as I helped her up from the floor. The rest of the group slowly walked their way up the aisle.
"Bob I would like to introduce you to my friends. This is Erica, Erica's man Ray, Hope, Mikey who is Gee's brother and property of Hope, and this is Tristen." Drew introduced them.
"Good to see you made sure that the guys belonged to the girls. Baby." Gerard laughed and pecked her on the cheek.
"Well its true I mean we all know who is the boss of who." She winked.
"So then who owns who in your situation?" Ray asked with a smirk. Drew grinned evilly
"Are you kidding I am the boss and these two are my bitches." Drew said proudly. Everyone laughed.
"I makes it even funnier cause it true." I added.
We all spent the afternoon together. Bob and Tristen seemed to be hitting it off really well.


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I want to be held and told everything will be alright.
I feel so alone, like, I feel like I don't mean shit to anyone.
at least not to those who I want to mean something to.
I just want to be comforted and loved.
I try so hard to do it for everyone else but, sometimes I fail miserably and others I succeed, can't always win.
but, I wish you could see how much you mean to me, really.
it just sucks to see that I mean nothing close to it, at all.
I deactivated my facebook tonight, just for a little while.
I guess to see who truly cares about me and will go out of their way to see what's going on, to talk to me.
I guess I just want to see who I truly matter to.
I'm probably going to go sleep off my feelings, I'm too hurt and drained to possibly keep myself awake for any longer.
I'm like on the verge of tears because I wish I fucking meant something to someone, to a friend, to anyone.
I just wish I wouldn't fly under the radar so well, I wish I had actual and real people in my life.
I wish I could be loved the way I need to be loved, in every way possible.


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Posted Dec 31, 2012By
Other notable deaths included Andy Griffith, who gave Americans a link to simpler times with 'The Andy Griffith Show' and Larry Hagman, who gave Americans a love-hate villain with J.R. Ewing on 'Dallas.' More celebrity news
Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martin are separating after 11 years of marriage. A message posed on the 41-year-old actr
Sean "Diddy" Combs has changed his name back to Puff Daddy. In the new trailer for his music video,
Mila Kunis and Ashton Kutcher are expecting their first child a source told E! Online on Sunday night. For the full
British star Benedict Cumberbatch is reportedly headed to the London stage to play Hamlet from August to October 20
Kanye West's campaign to get fiancee Kim Kardashian on the cover of Vogue magazine has finally paid off. They
Emmy award winning actor Aaron Paul will play Tobey Marshall in "Need for Speed," a departure from his


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When Porsche unveiled the 918 Spyder Concept , they announced it would have a better Nurburgring time compared to the Carrera GT supercar. Of course, at that time, no one expected that the time would catapult to being a full eight seconds faster.
Originally, Porsche claimed that the Carrera GT would have a 'ring time of 7:32. The Carrera GT surprised them with an actual time of 7:28. This time, Porsche estimated that the 918 Spyder would have a time of 7:30 and their vehicle surprised them yet again with a time of 7:20. Porsche may not have a good reputation for calculating potential 'ring times, but their cars sure have a good reputation for clobbering them.
The 918 Spyder is powered by a V8 engine delivering more than 500 hp and three electric motors with overall output of 218hp. The engine emits just 70 grams CO2 per kilometer and has a fuel consumption of just 3.0 liters/100 kilometers (94 mpg imp). Despite this, the car's performances are impressive: the sprint from 0 to 60 mph is done in just under 3.2 seconds, while top speed goes to 198 mph.
All we can say about this is that we are happy that Porsche has decided to take thePorsche 918 Spyder to production as a limited edition supercar. It should be beautiful and powerful, and Porsche has made sure the price tag will match it. It is estimated that the Porsche 918 Spyder will cost about $650,000. Someone really rich is going to enjoy this car.


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Dual-Output Differentials
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
I get what they were trying to do with the Rise of the Zandalari. They wanted the sense of progression in the 5-mans, like how we did in raids (progress through tier 11, 12, etc.). This didn't quite work out, because running the same 2 instances 7 times isn't exactly exciting or dynamic.
It should have been done like the ICC heroics, where Forge of Souls, Pit of Saron, and Halls of Reflection weren't exclusive from the other heroics, but still enforced an iLevel requirement. Choosing just the Zandalaris randomly could be kept in, with the same rewards. It had the sense of progression for those who followed the storyline, you went from the Forge of Souls, into the Pit of Saron (though the layout didn't quite make sense), and deep into the Halls of Reflection to strike a blow against the Lich King. HoR was unmistakably the most difficult of the 5-man heroics, and really capped off the 5-mans, even if it was Hell.
Blizzard isn't using the 5-man group medium to its full effect, and I think that leads to a lot of stale content as the 5-mans are all the same after a while (trash, boss, trash, bos, ad nauseum). 5-mans can be more than just a starting point for gearing for raids. I think some 5-mans should be an alternate, and separate, route for advancement from raids, and provide a different storyline, which may or may not complement the raid's storyline. Even if eldritch abominations are confronted in raids, there are still smaller villains and that could still have massive consequences, which can be defeated in 5-mans. While many players just want to blaze through heroics, I have a feeling a good number will take notice of a good, fun storyline with suitably epic encounters, even if not in a raid setting.


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God with us. In the Old Testament it occurs only in Isa. 7:14 and 8:8. Most Christian interpreters have regarded these words as directly and exclusively a prophecy of our Saviour, an interpretation borne out by the words of the evangelist Matthew (1:23).


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Ed Bott's 10 Favorite Windows Programs
Summary: Through the years, I've tried a lot of Windows software. This gallery spotlights 10 tools and utilities (many of them completely free) that have passed the test of time. All of them work with Windows XP and Windows Vista. I recommend these programs to anyone who wants to get more out of Windows.
TOPICS: Windows, Operating Systems, Software
11 of 24Image
If the Explorer-style interface is too cluttered, you can switch to this simple list box, which rolls up into a compact window with only the toolbar and a single line.
See full review with download links
FeedDemon's main UI is clean and extremely customizable. The Views menu, for instance, can unclutter the left pane so it shows only folders containing unread items. The right pane can show titles, summaries (as shown here), or full text. And it's also a full-strength tabbed browser.
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Muhammad Ali
View Single Post
East Side Guru
Join Date: Feb 2008
Posts: 5,394
vCash: 1000
Re: Muhammad Ali
Originally Posted by
He's the GOAT HW but I don't like him as a person. You can easily nitpick his resume (some BS decisions, lots of cans, little bit of cheating but they all cheat ) but he's still the GOAT. Damn near 20 years of HW dominance, and the most impressive part of his career was still battling some top opposition deep into the twilight of his career and winning.
I'll never be a fan of his though. He hated white people with a passion (even non racist ones), he even hated his own people (used to brag to blacks about his irish heritage, said it made him better looking). One time he was in the same training camp as Jose Torres and he asked ali " why do you care so much about race?", and ali replied " you wanna know the truth? I hate being black. I'm embarrassed to be black ". Larry Holmes said Ali was the biggest racist he even met, always sucked up to white people and behind the scenes said bad things about blacks.
He couldn't have hated white people that bad since he had Angelo Dundee with him his whole career. But Im interested where you heard Larry Holmes call him one of the biggest racists he ever met. I don't recall anything but good words for Ali in Holmes autobiography....but it has been 5 or 6 years since i last read it.
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Lauderdale Spa Chic
September 1-30, 2014
Oohs and Spas
It feels so good to be pampered. So this fall, take a moment - or an hour, or a day - for yourself during Lauderdale Spa Chic. Greater Fort Lauderdale's most sublime resort spas invite you to indulge in luxury for less. Restore yourself with the full Spa Chic treatment - aromatherapy massage, facial, loofah scrub and reflexology - all for just $99 (a 50% savings). Your Spa Chic treatment is a phone call away. Just dial the phone numbers below to book.
Relax, refresh and renew at a participating spa below:
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Spa 66 at the Hyatt Regency Pier Sixty-Six
The Spa at Lago Mar Resort and Club
SiSpa at Fort Lauderdale Marriott Pompano Beach Resort & Spa
Spa Ocean Sands at the Residence Inn Fort Lauderdale Pompano Beach/Oceanfront
The Spa at The Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale
Bliss Fort Lauderdale at the W Fort Lauderdale
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Day Spas
Dr Patty's Dental Boutique & Spa
Karma 7 Day Spa
Planet Massage
Click here for more info on spas in Greater Fort Lauderdale.
Click here for Tips For Looking and Feeling Your Best, by local experts.


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501stCadians wrote:I fixed it. By hiting it.lol.
This demonstration of the BrikWars spirit brings a tear to my eye
I will give you 1,000 acres of land on Planet Orgy for your people if you aid us in this military conflict.
Moderators: warman45, Rev. Sylvanus
IVhorseman wrote:I'm the Several Hundred Dollar Man!
Rayhawk wrote:"Give him the stick DON'T GIVE HIM THE STICK" was a major part of Knights Kingdom development.
Dr. X wrote:Ach, ok. Here it is (beware, not for the faint of heart):
ahp77 wrote:Dr. X wrote:Ach, ok. Here it is (beware, not for the faint of heart):
I would think that only one female be needed near the my floppy penis, as he could insert the... dildo into into a female any number of times.
I can't believe I just typed that.
Warhead wrote:my head burns with War.
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During negotiations over a new security pact, Kabul demanded that Washington apologize for its military's bad behavior. Such apologies are generally unnecessary and sometimes even counterproductive. Still, reconciliation requires some acknowledgement of past harm.
In the West, it is easy to dismiss Chinese attempts to build up its soft power as tone deaf. But China's efforts are not necessarily aimed at Western audiences. And in other parts of the world, its charm offensive has worked quite well.
Samantha Power lacks the traditional biography and personality of a diplomat. But she could be the transformative UN ambassador that the United States needs.
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Hillary Clinton has had a solid tenure as secretary of state. There have been plenty of accomplishments and no major failures, but nor has there been any world-historical Clinton Doctrine. More than anything else, her continued effort to create one might just lead her to the Oval Office.
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Jalapeño Hushpuppies
This recipe was adapted from a favorite of The Catfish Institute in Belzoni, Mississippi. Substituting beer for milk makes these lighter and tangier.
Yield: Makes 1 1/2 dozen
More From Southern Living
Recipe Time
Cook Time:
Prep Time:
Stand: 10 Minutes
- 1 cup self-rising white cornmeal mix
- 1/2 cup self-rising flour
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1/2 cup milk or beer
- 1 seeded, diced jalapeño pepper
- Vegetable oil
- Combine first 4 ingredients in a large bowl.
- Add egg and milk to dry ingredients, stirring just until moistened. Stir in jalapeño. Let stand 10 minutes.
- Pour oil to a depth of 2 inches into a Dutch oven; heat to 375°.
- Drop batter by rounded tablespoonfuls into hot oil, and fry, in batches, 2 to 3 minutes on each side or until golden brown. Drain on a wire rack over paper towels; serve immediately.
- Note: Keep fried hushpuppies warm in oven at 225° for up to 15 minutes. For testing purposes only, we used White Lily Self-Rising White Cornmeal Mix.
My Notes
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Jalapeño Hushpuppies Recipe at a Glance
- COURSE: Breads, Side Dishes/Vegetables
- CONVENIENCE: Entertaining
- CUISINE: American, Southern
- COOKING METHOD: Fry
- OCCASION: Spring, Summer, July 4th
- PUBLICATION: Southern Living
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text: Chay Lap is an ecoutourism project which is nice because it's helping the local communities. We stayed there for 2 nights and visited Paradise Cave. We did it ourselves rather than as part of a tour. I'd recommend staying here as part of a tour, so then you have a guide who can show you around other places. It is... More


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text: Photos of Amy Poehler With Her Son Archie by POPSUGAR Moms 1/22/10 0 Reactions 0 Shares Print 0 0 0 0 0 Previous Photo 1 of 7 View on One Page Next 1 Photos of Amy Poehler With Her Son Archie Read More Amy Poehler Amy Poehler Proof That Amy Poehler Is Just as Awesome Off Screen 5 days ago The Parks and Rec Cast's Kind Gesture For a Sick Kid Will Melt Your Heart 2 weeks ago Damian From Mean Girls Will Guest Star on Looking 3 weeks ago Your Inside Look at the Emmy Awards! 3 weeks ago Amy Poehler Gets In on the Latest Mean Girls Reunion 8/12 This Just In: Chris Pratt Flashed Amy Poehler 7/31 Get a Personalized Newsletter! Link Love Mom forced to stop feeding baby homemade formula — BabyCenter Blog The easiest ways to save on organic food — The Stir A look inside Fergie's second baby shower — Celebrity Baby Scoop Danielle Jonas debuts her baby bump — People Moms & Babies 7 light and fresh recipes to take you through Summer — FitPregnancy Does where you live affect your risk for PPD? — The Bump Where to find the best deals on school supplies — Real Simple Now this is how you announce a pregnancy! — HuffPost Parents Latest


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Depression is a debilitating and difficult problem to deal with, because the very nature of depression can stop you from seeking help. My approach with clients living with depression is not to seek out root causes, but to attempt to break the cycle of depression through small manageable tasks. As a client you will feel safe enough to try new things in order to make living with your depression, easier and more manageable. You can get control of your life and learn to live and laugh again.
People may medicate their depression with TV, alcohol, food, isolation, or excessive sleep. One definition of depression is "anger turned inward." Talking with a psychologist is one of the best methods to understand your down moods, unusual thoughts, and self-defeating beliefs. Friends may say, "Get over it" about your jealousy toward your sister or your sadness over your girlfriend who texted "it's over" 3 months ago. If you are on medication for already-diagnosed depression, therapy is important to bring new ideas into your brain. If you are considering medication, start with talk therapy. Don't keep waiting for "it" to go away. What's at the bottom of your depression?
Often times depression becomes crippling for those who experience it and they don't have the energy to get out of bed, let alone, know how to create a change. Fatigue, constant sadness, lack of motivation and suicidal thoughts are common in those who suffer from depression and it's important to know that there is a way to manage those feelings and create a more fulfilling life. Through counseling we will address these very complicated issues.
The goals we develop together in counseling will identiy the causes and effects depression has on the client. We will work collaboratively to identify triggers to depression and understand why they exsist and underlying causes to depression as well. We will work together to strive towards building healthy coping skills and improving the quality of the client's life.
When a person suffers from depression, often times he or she may feel trapped, hopeless, sad and unmotivated although they want to change. They may thing that there is no way things can get better, but there is hope in improving life! Through counseling we will identify those triggers to the depressive symptoms, explore past traumas that may be influencing those feelings, and explore positive ways to improve their life.
Are you having any of the following symtoms:
1. Difficulty Sleeping excessive or very little
2. Feel Sad or down most of the time
3. Crying for no reason
4. low energy
5. no motivation
6. difficulty concentrating
7. feeling hopeless or helpless
8. suicidal throughts
9. isolating from others
If you have any of these symptoms you may be experiencing mild to severe clinical depression that may be situational, a bio-chemical inbalance or both. It is important that you follow up with an experienced therapist and/ or your physician. If you need medication, psychotherapy and medication is more effective than only medication.
The most important thing to know is depression is treatable....
I approach the treatment of depression from a biological, social, and psychological perspective, recognizing that client's are susceptible genetically, environmentally, and mentally to depression. I utilize client-centered therapy, medication management, talk therapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy to assist client's in symptom management, coping skill building, goal setting, self-esteem building and increase personal motivation. I provide every client with patience and empathetic understanding recognizing that every individual with recover at their own rate.
Everyone goes through stages of feeling sad or "blue" at different points in their lives. Such feelings are normal reactions to stressful life events, such as a break-up, loss of someone or something you care for, life transitions or even while recalling painful memories from past experiences. When the sadness becomes overwhelming and turns into hopelessness, isolation, change in sleep or appetite, and loss of energy or ability to concentrate, it is time to seek help. As your therapist, I will first help you tackle the overwhelming feelings to find some relief. From there, we will work towards gaining effective tools and using support systems to manage symptoms and regain your life.
When we are depressed, it is often difficult for us to find the energy to seek counseling! Yet, depression is often our body's way of telling us it's time to make a change. I am available to walk alongside you, to help you better understand the emotions, beliefs and circumstances that may be surrounding and escalating your depression. I draw on a number of therapeutic techniques that can help alleviate your pain and enable you to begin feeling better. One of the techniques I use is Rapid Resolution Therapy (I am a certified RRT practitioner) and I find it to be a wonderful aid in addressing issues related to depression.
Sigmund Freud defined depression as anger turned inward.
Indeed, when we struggle with depression, we are often our own worst critic.
But, it needn't be so.
Instead, I can help you to understand your conflicted thoughts and feelings, and assist you in bring harmony to your inner world. You, too, can discover what it is like to live without being weighed down by life.
If you struggle with feeling alone, feel endlessly sad, or that just getting through the day is difficult, these may be indications that you could benefit from seeing a West Chicago IL depression counselor. Finding joy in life again through depression counseling West Chicago, IL is within reach. If you or someone you love in Illinois needs help and is depressed, we hope you will contact one of our West Chicago IL depression counselors for treatment and support. West Chicago IL Counseling for depression. Help is available to you.
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Theravive does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We provide information only. Theravive is intended as an informational resource of independent, private practicing clinics and counselors. We cannot guarantee the credentials or accuracy of any person or information listed on our site. Therapists on our site are not affiliated with Theravive. Please check and verify the credentials of any therapist you contact. Not all therapists listed are psychologists, and in any given city there may or may not be a psychologist listed. You are soley responsible for your use of information obtained on our site and are strongly advised to use due dilegence before choosing a therapist. Read here for more info.


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Biscuit Breadsticks
More From Southern Living
Recipe Time
Prep Time:
Bake: 14 Minutes
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup milk
- 3 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1. Stir together first 4 ingredients. Gradually add milk, stirring to form a soft dough.
- 2. Turn dough out on a lightly floured surface, and knead lightly 5 or 6 times. Pat or roll dough into an 8- x 4-inch rectangle. Cut lengthwise into 8 (1/2-inch-wide) strips. Arrange strips on a lightly greased baking sheet; brush evenly with melted butter.
- 3. Bake at 450° for 10 to 12 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from oven, and sprinkle breadsticks evenly with mozzarella cheese. Return to oven, and bake 1 to 2 minutes or until cheese is melted.
My Notes
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Biscuit Breadsticks Recipe at a Glance
- COURSE: Breads
- PUBLICATION: Southern Living
More Recipes Like This
Chili in a Biscuit BowlSouthern Living
Biscuit-Topped Chicken PotpieCooking Light
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Yes, school has already started back for some of you, but we're here to help you enjoy what is left of summer.
Submit a 97-second video of how your family enjoys summer, and you could win a family membership to Fernbank Museum, four tickets to all IMAX films for one year (minimum of 10 films) and a behind-the-scenes tour of "Geckos: Tails to Toepads."
See full details here, and then get to work on your independent film!
August 9th, 2010
4:48 pm


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(I sat on this particular post a lot longer than I usually do. I read it over and over again. (And, no, I still didn't catch the grammar mistakes.) I wanted to make sure that this was what I really wanted to say. I edited it. I rewrote it. I took a few things out and added a few things in. I might have been a bit insulting and I might have been a tad bit accusatory. I am passionate about the subject and I wanted this to be a powerful piece. Above all, I wanted to be fair. I hope I'm being fair. – A)
Not Without a Fight
It may have been Shaft, my old boss or an angry ex-girlfriend, but somewhere someone once told me, "I might have to break you down, but I'll never let you down."
And, after the last twelve months of being an Astros fan – I'm officially broken down.
…and officially let down.
Yet, through it all, I'm still passionate about the Astros. I enjoy watching them play. I enjoy going to the games. I enjoy wearing their logo. I enjoy talking about them to friends. I enjoy speculating about their plans. I enjoy writing about them on my blog.
I enjoy the Astros.
I mean that.
If I didn't like the Astros, I wouldn't waste my time on this blog.
However, I still reserve the right to be critical. I am critical when they lose. I am critical when they're unprepared. I am critical when they make poor decisions. Being a fan doesn't mean that you have to whistle and clap when your team is losing.
My criticism comes from a place of love - Astros, losing bothers me.
I hate losing.
However, the Astros aren't just losing in the field. They're losing in the stands too. And, at this time, it doesn't appear that they have an effective plan to resolve this issue.
Over the last year, I have been more critical of the Astros than ever. I've gotten mad. I've gotten angry. I've gotten livid. And just when I think I can't possibly take anymore – I get even angrier.
Clearly, this is not a healthy relationship.
But now that the dust has settled and I look back over the last year of Astros baseball, anger has given way to worry. And worry has given way to fear.
Yet, gratefully, fear has not quite given way to resentment or, even worse, indifference. I will always be an Astros fan. But I am no longer critical. I am scared. I'm genuinely scared of what's happening to my team - our team.
I'm worried about the direction of this franchise. I'm worried about what they'll be like down the road – in two years or five years or ten years. Are the Astros setting themselves up for "sustained success?"
Who are these guys? What have they done with our Astros? Why aren't they putting up a fight?
Since Drayton McLane sold the team to Jim Crane, things have gone from very bad to a lot worse. While I feel the organization is making significant headway in acquiring young talent, I have grave concerns about whether the Astros have the ability to create a culture of "sustained success." That seems to be the common motif spoken amidst the midnight afterglow of their business-de-jour defections.
"Sustained Success?"
Honestly, I'm not sure what Jim Crane means by "sustained success."
And that has me worried.
Instead of being angry over the Astros latest blunder – Astros fans are left to wonder what could possibly be next? What will the new regime do next to alienate themselves from their fan base? Whether it is the series of suspect realignment stories, the obscene Community "Partners" signage or jettisoning any remnants from the McLane era, Crane's regime seems much more interested in creating their own standard of irresponsibility than surpassing the standard set forth by the previous regime. How will the Astros widen the gap between fan expectations and competent ownership?
And, sadly, it doesn't seem like the organization gives a damn. Because when you send them questions or comments, they, in turn, give you this: "Thank you for write, we will take you comment into consideration." (By the way, it was pretty disheartening to see Brian McTaggart call out Brian Stevenson for "botching" Deshaies' name. It is as if he completely missed the point.)
I am worried that the Astros are sliding down the slippery slope out of significance and into deep dark hollows of irrelevance. They're focus-grouping their way into the Land of Lost Toys. I'm worried that the Astros are becoming the Indians, Orioles or A's. Jeff Luhnow is building an exciting team, but will anyone care when the Astros finally make it back to prominence?
Who will be left to cheer for the hometown team?
It seems Jim Crane has a plan. He is gambling on your fickleness. He is gambling that he'll be able to make poor and unpopular decisions, but if the team starts winning – you'll come back. And, in my opinion, that is a bet he is going to lose – big time.
Jim Crane has hired an outstanding staff of brilliant baseball people. Jeff Luhnow, David Stearns, Kevin Goldstein, Mike Fast, Oz Ocampo and the rest of the crew will build a respectable on-field product – players that we can be proud of! I firmly believe a winner is being constructed in Houston. And, when that day comes, Crane will ask you all to bury the hatchet and come back to witness the excitement of Astros baseball. But in light of how he's currently doing business, his invitation might just fall on deaf ears. Perhaps someone will say, "Thank you for ask, we will take you comment into consideration."
After the ink dried, after the money exchanged hands and Crane took the keys, almost immediately the Astros were unceremoniously (and suspiciously) demoted into the American League. We were told that Major League Baseball wanted to "even out the leagues" and "cultivate an interstate rivalry with the Texas Rangers." And, now, while dejected Astros fans are currently attempting to muster up manufactured hatred for the Rangers, Jim Crane has, directly or indirectly, cast himself as the willing accomplice to Nolan's Nine rather than the heated rival.
Crane appears to be comfortable as Robin to Ryan's Batman.
Since purchasing the Rangers, Nolan Ryan has been decidedly deliberate with his plans to snuff out our Astros. Ryan came out guns blazin', looking for a fight. Over the last few years, Ryan has changed Round Rock's affiliation from the Astros to the Rangers. He played a role in realigning the Astros into his American League West. Ryan is committed to broadening his market. His team is playing exhibition games against Mexican League teams. His team is playing an exhibition game against the San Diego Padres in San Antonio's Alamodome. And, Ryan's team was named Topps 2012 "Baseball Organization of the Year."
Meanwhile in Houston, the Astros are coming off their second "worst season in franchise history." They're embarking on a widely unpopular move into the American League. They're putting up ridiculous signage. They're running off anyone from the last regime regardless of whether they're worth a damn or not. They cannot guarantee that their games will be televised on many cable providers, and they let their popular broadcaster walk away without putting up much of a fight.
The Rangers sold exactly 3,460,280 tickets in 2012, which averages out to 42,719 fans per game last year.
Meanwhile in Houston, the Astros averaged exactly 19,848 fans per game in 2012 and sold 1,607,733 tickets. The Rangers had over twice as many fans attend their games in 2012 as the Astros did – that should be an alarming statistic for the Houston Astros.
Don't be surprised if the Rangers outsell the Astros in 2013 by over 2 million tickets.
Out of 30 teams, the Astros were 28th in attendance in 2012. Only Cleveland and Tampa Bay fared worse. Division rivals Seattle and Oakland were 26th and 27th. As a matter of fact, the American League brought up the rear in 2012 as they took all 8 of the last 8 spots in average home attendance.
The American League consists of a few teams feasting while the rest famine. There is hardly any middle ground. The Rangers are feasting, and the Astros - grab a bowl and get in line.
Don't feel bad for those eight teams, those bottom-feeders; the owners are still making money hand over fist.
The American League is a far weaker league. However, many erroneously believe that the Astros will benefit from having "meaningful" games against the Rangers, Yankees and Red Sox – but what they're failing to recognize is that for every single "meaningful" game they play against those teams, they'll play four times as many "meaningful" games against teams that no one cares about. Baseball teams cannot attain "sustained success" by nestling the teat of better-run organizations. In no way can Jim Crane create an environment of "sustained success" by acting like a cuckold holding a video camera, while Nolan Ryan wines and dines the people Crane calls "Astros fans."
All the while, shirts and hats with Rangers' logos are moving out the door in local sporting goods stores.
The Astros have been getting their butts kicked by the Texas Rangers since day one. And, these two haven't even taken the field for a single divisional game. Jim Crane is the "I'm just lucky to be here" wrestling jobber. He's in the ring, but he's serving the sole purpose of getting beaten to a pulp and then subsequently pinned by Macho Man Nolan Ryan.
There is nothing in the world that I want more than to see Jim Crane put up a fight. Scratch and claw, it doesn't matter – Crane needs to show the fans that he recognizes there is a problem and fight.
Just fight.
Crane needs to understand that there will be a tipping point when fans will refuse to come back. Astros fans will feel so burnt by the Astros that they will become resentful towards the club. Those feelings aren't easily healed. This situation gets even direr for the Astros when you consider how well their new interstate rivals are doing business. The Rangers are World Series contenders. They have a very competent ownership situation and are actively recruiting disenfranchised Astros fans.
Crane doesn't have to worry about losing me. I'm not leaving the Astros. I'm vocal and I'm worried – but I still care. Even fans that are resentful towards the Astros still care. The people who "just don't care anymore" are the people who will serve as the Astros coup de grace as a prominent fixture in the baseball landscape. As far as a baseball team goes, "indifference" is the scariest word in the world because indifferent fans are, in fact, no longer fans. When fans quit caring about the Astros, they'll turn to other teams or they'll turn to other forms of entertainment. They'll spend their money elsewhere. How in the world will the Astros convince those people to come back?
And when Jim Crane finds that he's burnt every bridge and has a stadium that is only full when the Rangers, Yankees and Red Sox are in town… how does he plan on creating an environment of "sustained success?" How does he plan on making money when the other twelve teams in the league are in town? How does he plan on keeping Luhnow's prized prospects from leaving when they become too good to afford? Is Jim Crane's idea of "sustained success" that of the Kansas City Royals?
Does "sustained success" mean that Jim Crane will make money on this organization regardless of whether fans show up or not?
I don't write my blog for the purpose of indiscriminately eviscerating Jim Crane at each and every opportunity. I believe that I am fair – I even lean on the side of being an "Astros apologist" because I am constantly defending the organization. Truth is, I am rooting for Jim Crane to right the ship. I want Jim Crane to succeed. I want Jim Crane to make a bunch of money and bring Houston a boatload of World Series championships. I had high hopes for Crane, and I believed he was going to fix all of the issues held over from the McLane regime. However, as Lee Street pointed out, "A baseball franchise is a public trust, and to the people who love the Astros, Jim Crane is miserably failing that trust." Jim Crane has, to this point, not met Astros fans expectations – as a matter of fact, he's fallen way short.
An email from a friend ended like this: The Astros were (at best) Jim Crane's third choice in baseball teams, but he should be commended for the skill in which he has made Astros fans feel secure in the knowledge that they are '#2' to him.
I've run out of ideas. I didn't purchase the Houston Astros – Jim Crane did. The onus is on him. Crane needs to come up with the ideas. Crane needs to be creative. Crane needs to find a way to keep Astros fans from buying Rangers merchandise at Houston area sporting goods retailers. Crane needs to fight. Crane needs to find a way to save our franchise.
And, after one year, Jim Crane has shown us that he's unprepared and not ready for the challenge of owning a Major League Baseball franchise.
I am begging, please put up a fight. In the scheme of things, I don't care if the Astros lose all nineteen games against the Rangers in 2013 – but, for God's sake, fight!
Who knows? Maybe Crane can fix this. I'm hoping that Crane will prove me wrong. I hope he's willing to fight for this organization and make Houston proud of the work he's put in. I still have a little bit of faith left in the Houston Astros. It isn't much – but it is all I have.
As corny as it sounds, I see a star in the distance, a single burning ember in the Houston sky, behind the Community Partners Billboard; a tiny glimmer of hope for this imperfect, dysfunctional franchise. But, for the life of me, I cannot tell whether this tiny glimmer is floating away or burning out.
No, I'm not worried about leaving the Astros – I'm worried about the Astros leaving me.


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Posts Tagged 'Republican'
Honest Conservative?
Bruce Bartlett: 'My Life on the Republican Right And How I Saw It All Go Wrong' By Brad Friedman on 11/27/2012, 3:33pm PT We've been quite remiss by failing to offer the The BRAD BLOG's much-sought yet rarely-bestowed "Intellectually Honest Conservative" Award to Bruce Bartlett, Ronald Reagan's domestic policy adviser and George H.W. Bush's Deputy Asst. Secretary for Economic Policy. We were reminded of our delinquency again ... Full Story
Republican base = Low Information Voters
Low Information Voters - the Republican Electoral Base By Bob Regl (about the author) The Republican Party has become the nation's repository for low-information-voters (LIVs). Its evolution into its present form started in the late 1960s when it initiated its "southern strategy"; i.e. after the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Voting Rights Act of 1965 it started to wean southern segregationists from what had been the Southern Democratic party's "Solid South" - the "Dixiecrats." These new ... Full Story
Trickle down doesn't work
Republicans Try to Suppress Facts By William Boardman Congressional research service meets republican memory hole Late on a Friday in September, the Congressional Research Service (CRS), a respected agency within the Library of Congress, released a report concluding, in effect, that there is no objective support for core Republican economic policies. Reducing the top tax rates, the report concludes, has no correlation with the nation's economic growth, but does contribute to ... Full Story
Stealing elections, Republican style
OpEd News presents nine articles on election fraud and dirty tricks as the right wing attempts to subvert the democratic process. If this succeeds, it will be the end of the Republic. By Bob Fitrakis Another Husted Dirty Trick in Ohio Election fraud is anything but "de minimus" in Ohio. Ohio voters didn't choose Bush II & they probably won't choose Romney though the Secretary of State's ... Full Story
Romney failed at being Governor
In Alternet Democracy Danger Signs: Mitt Romney's 800+ Vetoes as Mass. Governor By Joshua Holland Romney's blocks were overridden over 95% of the time. November 3, 2012 | Mitt Romney's "closing argument" redefines chutzpah. "You know that if the President is re-elected, he will still be unable to work with the people in Congress," Romney said on Friday. He warned of a government shut-down, or another debt-ceiling crisis – two examples of ... Full Story
Civil Discourse and The Clash of Ideas
By Lee H. Hamilton The election of 2012 has called attention to how difficult it is for Americans to talk reasonably with one another about public policy challenges. Our civic dialogue — how we sort through issues and reason with one another — is too often lamentable. We live in a politically divided country. Congress, which ought to serve as the forum where politicians of diverse views find common ground, is instead riven by ... Full Story
GOP plays the Christianity card
The Myth of the Christian Right By Mary Shaw (about the author) GOP politicians and their followers love to play the Christianity card. They wave their bibles and wag their fingers at anyone whose behavior doesn't pass their sanctimonious moral judgment. They call themselves Christians, but in Catholic school I was taught that Christians adore and follow Jesus Christ. These ... Full Story
Really, you're still undecided?
Here are some things to think about, if you're still thinking about whom to elect president. One of Mr. Romney's criticisms about the President is the loss of certain "green" businesses that the administration backed. Of those receiving funds, about 8 percent went into bankruptcy. "The Wall Street Journal, aiming for a comprehensive assessment, examined 77 businesses Bain invested in while Mr. Romney led the firm from its 1984 start until early 1999, to see how they fared ... Full Story
Republican Hang-up on Sex
The Republican Hang-Up On Sex And Abortion By Michael Roberts (about the author) I'm not going to repeat the recent stupid and backward pronouncements by zany Republicans on the subject of sex, rape and abortion. Nor am I going to dignify the asinine comments by a set of white guys in the Republican Party who see rape as "no big deal" and that if it is inevitable then the woman should "lie down and enjoy it." And ... Full Story
Taxpayer money for Republicans
Review: Gessler lone statewide official to tap fund for partisan use By Tim Hoover The Denver Post State law says they can use the funds for official business as they "see fit," and Colorado's five statewide elected officials spend money from their offices' discretionary accounts on meals, office supplies, parking, salaries, employee retirement parties and occasional travel to nonpartisan events — among other things. But a review of ... Full Story


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CCleaner Power User Tips
As an author of PCMech I download and try out a ton of software. Of course, this means not only installing but uninstalling as well which leaves behind a bunch of Windows registry crap in many instances.
My preferred registry cleaner of choice is CCleaner because a) it works and b) the price is nice (free). In fact my use of it has been since it was formerly named "Crap Cleaner".
There are a few things I've learned in my use of the software that allows it to do a "better job", so to speak.
1. Run after uninstalling of apps and a reboot
What I previously used to do is run CCleaner right after I would uninstall an app. I don't do that anymore. Instead I will uninstall whatever app I need to, reboot the computer, then run CCleaner. This seems to work much better.
2. Run the registry cleaner multiple times until zero "problems" are found.
While in the CCleaner app, under the big "Cleaner" icon on the left is "Registry" underneath. I run that after running the Cleaner. However what I will do is run that, clean out the crap, then run it again. If it finds more "problems", I will keep running it and "fixing" stuff until it finds zero "problems".
To date, the most I've ever had to run it in a single sitting was 5 times. However I did uninstall somewhere in the neighborhood 10 to 15 large applications that left of lot of garbage behind.
3. Do not select everything under "Advanced" in "Registry".
This might seem like a good idea at first but it isn't. Granted, it won't harm your computer if you put a checkbox in all that stuff, but you're better off either leaving everything unchecked or only check the ones you need cleaned out.
The two I have selected there are "Old Prefetch data" and "Window Size/Location Cache".
There are some that say messing with Windows prefetch is a bad idea, however when I'm installing and uninstalling as many apps as I do, it's more or less required I have to clean it up. To note: I do not disable prefetch, but I do clean it out periodically.
Concerning application window locations, I periodically run into apps that take it upon themselves to move stuff around that I don't want moved around; that's the reason I have that cache cleared.
The #1 reason I use CCleaner is:
It keeps me from having to reinstall Windows every 90 days.
Before I found CCleaner it was guaranteed I'd have to reinstall Windows every 3 months – and did so routinely. It seemed that was the only way to get Windows running smooth again. After CCleaner I didn't have to do that anymore.
To note: CCleaner is not the only thing I use to clean up my Windows. I do manually perform registry edits, inspect the hard drive for "leftover" folders from old apps and so on. However CCleaner does take care of the major stuff that causes most slowdowns in the first place.
11 responses to CCleaner Power User Tips
Tony Keeping January 9th, 2009 at 8:34 am
I find that even running ccleaner if i then enter the programme name in regseeker, find in registry this always picks up more entries.
Drew January 9th, 2009 at 12:01 pm
I've got CCleaner, Tune Up 2008, Wopti Utilities and an in-built registry cleaner in BitDefender (which I really don't use) and I have to agree that CCleaner, is without a doubt, the best around.
Tune Up and Wopti are both really good programs still, IMO, and have certain points or value to make one better over the other. At least between the 3 I'm guaranteed to get rid of all trace elements of any programs that have been uninstalled.
Chalupa January 9th, 2009 at 12:19 pm
Does Windows not have a registry cleaner built in?
doe January 9th, 2009 at 2:05 pm
Rick, also check out REGSEEKER (fileforum.com) for another "tool" in your arsenal…
Drew January 9th, 2009 at 11:00 pm
Who's Rick??
Synapse Syndrome January 10th, 2009 at 3:56 pm
If you were smarter, you'd use Sandboxie or a virtual machine to test out all that shareware, instead of introducing all that shrapnel into your working OS installations.
In any case, there are far more thorough and safe to use registry cleaners than CCleaner. I am not one of those who think that registry cleaners are bad.
Alex January 11th, 2009 at 4:26 pm
Another thing that can be done to clean more crap is go to options, then advanced, and un-check "only delete files in windows temp folders older than 48 hours".
Etalmar July 1st, 2010 at 9:19 pm
I love CCleaner and use it daily, but with my new Win7 64-bit OS, I do not use its registry cleaning feature. I used to use RegSeeker on my old Win98SE desktop, but I tried it once on my Win7 desktop and it found far too many registry items that in my opinion should not be deleted. With these new 64-bit systems, one must exercise great caution in trusting old 32-bit apps to properly detect and clean registry items.
Best reg cleaner July 12th, 2010 at 3:25 am
I choose it because it's free, simply, and yes, good.


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A Light in the Darkness.
"I hate myself" she said. The boy turned around and looked at her.
"And why would you do something like that?" he asked inquisitively.
She looked at the ground beneath her, avoiding contact. "Because; I'm broken."
The boy smiled. "What's so funny?" She asked.
He grabbed one of her hands, and lifted her chin with his other hand, looking her in the eyes. "Because, you think just because one person came through your life, and shattered you into pieces, that someone else isn't going to come and put those pieces back together."
"But who?" She asked.
"Whoever you want to. But if none of those work out, come back to me; I'm sure I can work something out." He smiled and and she smiled. They hung there, in a silent suspension, for several moments.
Finally she broke the silence. "Why did you come into my life? I mean, what made you stop and think 'hey, I should get to know that girl'?"
He brushed a bit of hair out of his face as he thought. "Well, the day I first saw you, you were sitting in a courtyard crying. The second time I saw you, you were with your friends and you were perfectly happy. That right there showed me that you're still the same girl you were before whatever happened. You just needed someone to come and help you back up again. Four months earlier, I had had my heart broken by someone. I figured you'd know how it felt. And you gave me my life back."
She smiled, and began to tear up a bit. He brought her in closer, and she jumped into him, embracing each other. Neither of them had felt that sort of connection in months; two lost souls who happened to find each other, and start something new. Amid the dreary and dark depression that had enveloped both of them, they had found each other and destroyed it together.
I wrote this for a friend. I believe she'll know who she is. I know you've had a rough time, but things will get better. They always do. You saved me, maybe its time for me to save you. :)


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"Battle-axe hatchet combined with a flintlock pistol and dagger. Handle encrusted with bone, white horn, and mother-of-pearl in Silesian style.
Hunting falchion combined with flintlock pistol, Central Europe, first half of 18th century."
"Battle-axe hatchet combined with a flintlock pistol and dagger. Handle encrusted with bone, white horn, and mother-of-pearl in Silesian style.
Hunting falchion combined with flintlock pistol, Central Europe, first half of 18th century."
Outstanding custom award winning B. Hochstract gold inlaid Colt Single Action Revolver with ivory grips and box.
Talk about pimped out revolvers, Tiffany and Co. certainly knew how to work over Smith and Wessons and other revolvers..
What could be more amazing than seeing this beautiful, incredible, outstanding wheel lock musket? The fine detail, craftsmanship, and style of this piece is truly amazing and a wonder to behold. With European Court and Russian style motifs, almost every inch of this firearm is covered with ivory, pearl, and gold inlays. While this may look like a trophy gun for a king during the 17th century, this incredible musket was actually made in the 19th century for a wealthy European industrialist. During this time there was a booming market for replica and reproduction antiques among the upper middle class and the wealthy. Regardless of its time period, it is an amazing work of art.
Another interesting feature that I cannot forget to mention is that this wheel lock musket fires a six shot revolving cylinder. Each chamber would have needed to have been individually loaded by hand with loose powder and shot. The cylinder also had to be rotated by hand as the hammer lacked a mechanism to turn it. However, it is doubtful that this gun would have ever been fired, rather being a display piece and status symbol for the rich and famous.
A Holland and Holland .375 display piece. The stock is actually carved from ivory, floral engravings are on the reciever, and all metal parts are gold plated. I have mixed feelings about this rifle. On one hand a lot of time and craftsmenship went into the rifle, on the other hand it looks kinda gaudy to me.
You need a very expensive liscense to purchase this rifle, not because of gun laws but because of ivory laws.
Cost—- E550,000 or $680,000.
17th Century Flintlock Pistols
These pistols were made in Maastrict, Netherlands in 1655. These pistols, and many other similar pistols, were used as gifts by the Dutch East India Company and other trading companies to help negotiate contracts and business. Amazingly, these pistols are each made from a single piece of ivory.
The set was originally owned by H. L. Vissner, an antique and military firearms collector who specialized in 17th and 18th century weapons. His collection included 943 pieces
Today these wonderful pistols are on display at the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam.
Deadly Beauty


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How it all began <3
I can't believe it's all over. After all the ranting and the problems I had with the show, when I watched it end all I could think was now what will I do with my time? Serenate's love had a tragic end, he was there alone while she got married, but you know what? She was it for him and we know that, there was no happy ending, but I accept it. Not all love stories end that way.
I won't complain about the things I didn't like because there were many, but this was the first tv show I was ever so invested in and even made a tumblr about the two characters.
It's all done now, so I'm going to make this blog a Chace Crawford and Blake Lively appreciation blog <3
That would actually make sense, I'm thinking that was done to troll everyone, people said not to believe all the pictures we have seen. It makes more sense for Chair to get married than Derena.
It would be such a twist if Serenate ended up together, it would actually be really smart of the GG writers to have fooled everyone and gave us a surprise endgame, but I don't think they have it in them to really surprise us when it comes to ships. They're going for the obvious when it comes to ships.
I'm so sorry that I'm replying to this late. Derena has been seriously ruined, I don't see how they can go back from what they've done now to the two of them being together in just two episodes.
Maybe she doesn't end up with anyone, I'm starting to think that might happen..
I'm awful because I just stayed away from this blog and I have a million questions to answer, so I'm sorry this is late.
I really don't know what's happening or if Serenate even has a chance (I've pretty much given up all hope) but time after time Nate always proves that he cares about Serena more, even as a friend and to me at least I can always say yeah well Nate never wrote stupid things making Serena look bad or fake dated her just to write a mean article about her.
Maybe Serena ends the series alone and a strong person (one can only hope for that ending because at this point I don't see how they can redeem Derena)
Honestly it would make sense if they did end up together, but this show is written by people who don't have much intellect, so Serena and Nate will not end up together.
It sucks that this is happening since Dan is so awful to her, but the GG writers insist on having Derena as end game.
I gave up on this show, but at least we still have our Serenate videos and pictures <3 Fanfics is your best bet right now! In my opinion they're more interesting than the actual show.


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The spa town of Mont-Dore is situated within the Puy-de-Dome area of Auvergne, in central France. This is in an area that is dominated by mountains and ancient, extinct volcanoes. In fact, the highest mountain in the area - Puy de Sancy - makes for an impressive backdrop behind the settlement and this is where one of the best winter sporting resorts in central France can be found. Holidays in Mont-Dore are popular at any time of the year, due to the natural beauty of the surrounding area and the sheer number of activities that are available for you to enjoy.
So, as we have already established, there is a winter sporting resort situated on the northern side of the mountain behind the town and this also goes by the name of Mont Dore. There are no less than 30 runs to be enjoyed here and the resort has an excellent reputation. There are also numerous trails for people who enjoy hiking in the valleys and hills around Mont-Dore and opportunities to enjoy fishing, cycling, mountain biking, rock climbing and abseiling, spelunking, kayaking and white-water rafting. With so much to do on your holidays in Mont-Dore, you will never have time to feel bored!
There are some great small and scenic towns just waiting to be explored within the Puy-de-Dome area and the Massif Central is actually a beautiful but relatively little-known region of France. It is imperative to have access to your own transport to really be able to get out and explore all that there is to see in the Auvergne. The one city within this region that you should try your best to visit is Clermont-Ferrand. There are attractions for every member of your travelling party here: from museums such as the Musee du Ranquet and Musee d'Art Roger Quillot for people interested in the history and culture of the area; to a science theme park (Vulcania) for the youngsters and those interested in geology and volcanology.
The weather on your holidays in Mont-Dore will be a typical continental climate. This means that summers are pleasantly warm and dry, whilst winters are cold and snowy, especially at higher elevations above sea level. During the months between July and August, you can expect temperatures to reach the mid-twenties degrees Celsius. In winter, this is more likely to be in very low single digits or just below freezing.
Probably the best bet for your holidays in Mont-Dore will be to use the airport at Clermont-Ferrand (CFE). This is only around a half hour's drive from the cosy and comfortable self catering accommodation in Mont-Dore. Flybe operates a flight to and from SouthamptonAirport (SOU).


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Katie Speck; illustrated by Paul Rátz de Tagyos
Henry Holt and Co. (BYR)
Maybelle the cockroach loves tasty crumbs and scrumptious sprinkles, but she is tired of braving the dangers of Mr. and Mrs. Peabody's kitchen: the flattening feet, the bright light, and especially the cat, Ramona.
Enter Bernice. She's an ant with a head cold who can't find her way back to her nest, and she adopts Maybelle as her new queen. But Bernice has a habit of getting into trouble, causing the Peabodys to think their house is haunted. Can't a cockroach ever get a break?
"An ideal choice for readers who are just starting chapter books." -- School Library Journal
Praise and awards for Maybelle in the Soup:
Texas Bluebonnet Award Master List
* "Delightful details will make adults giggle right along with new readers. . . . Maybelle is one cockroach who will be welcome back any day." —Kirkus Reviews, starred review
"With its short chapters and simple dialogue, this story of friendship and wishful dreaming will engage readers. . . . Recommend this to reluctant readers who might have a penchant for the buggy side of life or those who want more from their world, no matter how young they are." —School Library Journal
Praise for Maybelle Goes to Tea:
"Short sentences, laugh-out-loud situations, and likable characters make this second series entry a winner." —Kirkus Reviews
Katie Speck; illustrated by Paul Rátz de Tagyos


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Henry Loud
Henry Loud
Nickname: Slow Polk, Can't Sprint, Rubber Legs McGee
Favorite Band: Henry couldn't decide between the overwhelming rock tsunami of Loggins and Messina and the raging thunder-punk energy of Toto so he chose testicle throttlers Steely Dan as a proper compromise.
Fun Fact About Henry: Delivered a 3 hour eulogy at George Peppard's funeral prompting Dirk Benedict, who played Templeton "Faceman" Peck, to plug uncapped tubes of Carmex into his ears and deploy them rather than "bear another minute of this insufferable drivel", according to the Carmex Commission on Moisturizing.
Henry races track because he sold all of his shifter groups to purchase a palette of Smarties. Then he took an empty Sprite can, poked holes in the side and smoked previously purchased Smarties out of the newly fabricated crack pipe. He then pulled himself up out of a pool of his own urine, kitted up, grabbed a pedicab and beat Chris Hoy head to freaking head. This is all true and incomprehensibly related in Henry's graphic bio-novel, "Cobra Force Strike Command: Vengeance Is A Go!"
Bio by Ken Klatte.
No trackbacks yet.


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VYMA Music Project at Longfellow
Click here to learn more about the film, "I Am a Fine Musician", a documentary about VYMA Music Project at Longfellow.
VYMA Music Project at Longfellow Elementary is inspired by El Sistema, the immensely successful model of music education that produced Gustavo Dudamel, now Director of Los Angeles Philharmonic. The VYMA Music Project was initiated by VYMA in fall 2009 in partnership with PasadenaLEARNs. The after-school program aims to provide very young children with a free, systematic and high quality classical music education, including free use of instruments.
The curriculum, aligned with the California Visual and Performing Arts Standards, includes music theory, music appreciation, choir, instrumental coaching in sections and two orchestras. Kindergarteners take beginning music. Students attend classes three afternoons each week. Given further funding, the program could be expanded to all PUSD elementary after-school programs, and, in the long term, to middle and high school levels.
VYMA Music Project at Longfellow is part of a larger effort to provide underserved children with the opportunity to join orchestras and choirs. VYMA is a stakeholder in YOLA – the LA Philharmonic initiative to create such programs in Los Angeles County – and is an active participant of the El Sistema USA National Network. The VYMA Music Project at Longfellow puts the City of Pasadena on the musical landscape map, joining a growing number of cities across the U.S. and countries around the world in emulating a music program with a profound social impact.
This after-school program introduces students to orchestral and vocal music in a nurturing and musically exciting environment. Students learn the basics of string ensemble playing and how to work with a conductor, as well as singing in a choral ensemble. Instruction and instruments are provided free to participants.
Benefits of the program: Research indicates that early music instruction has multiple positive benefits on the development of a child (social, academic and musical).
Title I PUSD school Longfellow Elementary was selected as our pilot school in 2009. As a result of its success, the program now continues in an expanded format at Longfellow to accommodate the students who are now joining the program.
Quick Facts about VYMA Music Project at Longfellow Elementary, PUSD:
- Location: 1065 E. Washington Blvd., Pasadena, CA
- Demographics: 79% socioeconomically disadvantaged; 27% English Learners; 18% African American, 66% Latino, 7% White, 5% two or more races.
- Project Partner: PasadenaLEARNs
- Participants: 105 Longfellow students, grades K-5 and Longfellow graduate mentors
- Curriculum: Music theory, music history, orchestra and choir, coaching each week on string instruments.
- Program: 7 hours per week, Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays
- Annual program cost: $109,000
- Funding: Provided by PasadenaLEARNs, along with foundations, businesses and many generous individuals. Thank YOU!
Program Faculty:
- Samvel Chilingarian, Artistic Director
- Anne Rardin,Ph.D., Musical Director, Conductor
- Sandi Holden, Program Coordinator, Assistant Choir Director
- Orlena Ruiz, Choir Director, Musicianship
- Vena Luthey, Kinder Musicianship Teaching Artist
- Circe Diaz-Gamero, Cello Teaching Artist
- Anna Komandyan, Violin Teaching Artist
- Alison Spieth, Violin Teaching Artist
- Heather Lockie, Viola Teaching Artist
- Roxanne Kieme & Jared Long, String Fundamentals
- Caitlin Olsen, Beginning Orchestra


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My husband and I moved to Asheville, N.C. some 10 years ago. We actually did what many of our friends waxed poetic about as all of us began to age and become more introspective about our lives and all discussion seemed to revolve around "roads not taken." We chucked it all, our jobs, the home of our entire adult lives and our friends. Well, of course we didn't chuck our friends but they certainly would no longer be gathering around the hearth so to speak. It's hard to gather from hundreds of miles away.
A dog is a best friend you bring with you. She loved the move. Always inspired, reclaiming her child doggie self in the "out of doors." We hiked at Dupont Forest, we hung out in the North Carolina Arboretum, we explored the Blue Ridge Parkway and marveled at all this natural beauty free for the viewing. Off lead was of course her favorite time. Freedom was Molly. Running free, scampering after squirrels, attacking leaves in the fall as though they were a menacing presence and in the summer time she became "butterfly magnet" in chasing maneuvers that truly defied all gravitational pull. She was seamless in her rendition of a bird as she flew through the air in butterfly pursuit with the greatest of ease and unbelievably enough never seemed to either injury herself or actually catch her prey. This did not restrict the joy of the effort. The winter, now that was worth seeing. Dog was in her element. She loved the snow. Falling snow provided interest for the chasing mechanism it availed her of. Ground snow proved even more alluring as it provided the burrowing opportunity so loved by poodles. Most folks think of Poodles as fluffy cute dogs more of a decorator variety but they actually possess hunting abilities. Why, something might actually be found in that snow bank. Ask Molly, she explored them all.
This winter was going to be different. In these last few years age took its toll on our friend. She became an elderly canine. My husband developed a means by which to re-design regular disposable diapers to accommodate our canine friend. Doggie diapers currently on the market are not really horribly effective when bladder and bowel issues become prevalent. However, with the aid of scissors, proper measurement of tail placement on said doggie, regular baby diapers can be wonderful and we employed them daily. Ambulation became an issue, so did stairs. Hearing was difficult and vision declined. The once intuitive, divining, insightful, " boring into your soul look" our Molly was known for became a vague, confused and faraway look. Does any of this sound familiar? If any of you have ever watched a beloved relative or parent in advanced age it does. All is not lost however. Touch, the universal translator, transcending the need to see, hear or understand became the communicator. Receiving that made her know she was still loved. She was touched, she was carried to the bathroom, she was held up over her water bowl when she could no longer stand so she could take a drink.
There was no apparent pain and on that last morning she wakened me very early by barking. Barking was a noise we never heard at that time. She simply didn't do it anymore. Arriving in the living room I noted that she was still in place on her bed. She was still all covered up and warm but her feet, all four of them were running in place. They were going faster and faster and the barking continued. Not loud, just insistent. She seemed to be smiling. I am choosing to believe that at the end she was feeling fine, her keen mind returning, her doggie legs once failed came under her power again, nothing hurt, her hearing and acute sight returned as in her puppyhood and she was again flying through the air, perhaps finally capturing that elusive butterfly. Now, theologians will tell you that dogs don't have souls and hence they cannot dedicate their souls to God. I don't subscribe to that theory. I do believe dog's go to heaven. We could seek to emulate their kindness, their joy, their acceptance, capacity for forgiveness and their unparalleled ability to love and most of us would fall far short. One could argue about what constitutes a soul but that surely is more than a start. We will see you again Molly.
Patti and Gary Wiles
Innkeepers At Cumberland Falls


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Kid Fails Many Times At Dancing
Posted by mizzanimal on May. 07, 2012
Posted by mizzanimal on May. 07, 2012
"I'll shit on your guitar when You get away" :-)
they would only be protecting us from braindead ragheads..... but do you really want our nation security in the hands of that moron?
I just banged a chick I met on yourmom.com
I do
gake and fay
i saw him jump and fall. thats many times?
jump so hard thatshitkray
The kid is obviously gay.
that's the wrong type of hole you should be putting your head in
dumbass middle schoolers
what's wrong with being gay? homophobs .....
If we were all gay there wouldn't be any of us left. I guess you could say Gayness leads to extinction.
Good. humans are total fags anyways
Thought for a minute that kid was spraying lighter fluid
Leave them to there homo things
I think that first guy shit his pants and was trying to shake it out of his right leg hole.
sooolong gay boiyss
third world fun.
gay boys