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In a shocking revelation, the U. S. Department of Agriculture just confirmed that it will process Valley Meat Co. LLC's application for a grant of inspection to begin slaughtering horses for human consumption in Roswell, New Mexico. The confirmation comes just days after furniture giant Ikea removed its signature Swedish meatballs from markets across most of Europe after they were found to contain horse meat.
"Given the current firestorm of outrage over horsemeat entering the food supply in Europe, it is time for Congress to prevent even one more American horse from suffering this terrible fate and stop horse slaughter in the U.S. once and for all," says Nancy Perry, Senior Vice President of ASPCA Government Relations.
Despite the fact that an overwhelming 80% of Americans oppose the slaughtering of horses for human consumption, Valley Meat will be the first facility to butcher horses for human consumption on U.S. soil since 2007 if its application is approved. Horses are not biologically suited for commercial slaughter and are difficult to stun before dismemberment. They will endure terrible trauma and cruelty if the plant opens for business.
"If the USDA moves forward with allowing the cruel and toxic horse slaughter industry to enter our country, this administration is leading our nation in precisely the wrong direction," says Perry.
Please Take Action Today!
Please call the White House message line at (202) 456-1111 and urge the Obama administration to stop horse slaughter! Here's all you need to say:
"Please use your power to prevent any horse slaughterhouses from opening in the U.S. and to prevent the slaughter of our horses in other countries. Horses are not raised for food. This industry is cruel to horses and endangers consumers, who are eating a toxic product."
Thank you!
This month nine states are considering legislation to criminalize the documentation of animal abuse on farms. "Ag-gag" or anti-whistleblower bills prevent the exposure of photos or video showing the unethical and often highly unsafe practices that all too often occur on industrial farms. This kind of evidence has recently led to cruelty prosecutions, massive food recalls and industry reform. The ASPCA is working hard to make sure these dangerous bills do not become law and you can help by reaching out to your representatives.
There is a reason that footage of farm animals is controversial. The vast majority of U.S. farm animals are raised on factory farms in filthy, overcrowded ammonia-filled sheds. They lead short lives full of suffering and frustration, are bred for unnaturally excessive growth and production, and are regularly dosed with antibiotics to compensate for their wretched surroundings. They also, way too often, are subject to cruel and depraved acts of violence.
The good news is that awareness of farm animal welfare is on the rise in all sectors: among consumers, farmers, legislatures, retailers, prosecutors and even food corporations. Better treatment of farm animals has simply become an ethical imperative, and the ASPCA is on the scene, educating the public, fighting for stronger laws and supporting more humane farming practices.
To learn more, check out our updated and comprehensive web pages containing lots of information on farm animals. You'll find useful information on animals raised for food, what's wrong with factory farming, and great resources for making a difference, including how to make more welfare conscious food choices.
We're thrilled to be your go-to source for farm animal information and encourage you to get educated and engaged to help billions of animals.


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Massif has developed the world's first Nomex fabric designed for comfort when the heat is on. The aptly named Massif Cool Knit FR S/S T-Shirt aggressively wicks sweat away from your skin, keeping you cool and preventing saturation. Soft on the inside and abrasion-resistant on the outside, Cool Knit meets NFPA standards for vertical flame-resistance. The lightweight four-way-stretch shirt has a trim fit, retains its shape over time, and is highly compressible for easy stuffing when you are living out of a pack. Wear alone or as a light base layer.
COLORS: Black or Coyote Tan

subset: commoncrawl


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By Melissa CrawleyMore Content Now
I first fell in love with felt Advent calendars about six years ago when I saw a Christmas tree with 25 superbly decorated pockets at Pottery Barn.
WEEK IN RELIGIONAn evangelical Muslim preacher is being investigated by Pakistani police for allegedly making blasphemous comments about Islam in a viral video that began circulating earlier this month.
A visual step-by-step that will teach you how to glaze a holiday ham from start to finish.
Tis the season to be jolly�and get fat. Fend off holiday weight gain with our practical tips.
And then there were five.The finale of�Survivor's 29th season...
Back before�Big Brother,�Jersey Shore, and [insert popular current reality show title here], there was MTV's�
- Events Calendar


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Tweet to Win a Copy of "Archie Marries…" Signed by Stan Goldberg, Michael Uslan and Victor Gorelick
There's a secret in the comic book world, everyone, not just Betty and Veronica, loves Archie. And if you love Archie and you haven't read "Archie Marries..." you are missing out because it is one the most engaging and rewarding stories to date.
This book explores two of the greatest "What Ifs" ever


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Link Ink: 'The Walking Dead' Game Teased, 'Superman vs. The Elite' Dated and the Gundam MMO
Gaming: A new teaser trailer for Telltale's The Walking Dead game sets the stage for the recently-orphaned Clementine's journey.
Tech: Movie2Comics software can now break down live action movies into (currently super ugly) comics.
Opinion: Tom Spurgeon and a host of creators ponder


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- Action
- Adult Faery Tales
- Adventure
- African-American
- Angels
- Anthology
- Chick Lit
- Contemporary
- Cougar
- Dark Fantasy
- Demons
- Dragons
- Elves
- Erotic Romance
- Erotica
- Fantasy
- Free Stories
- Futuristic
- Gay
- Gay YA
- Ghosts
- Historical
- Holiday
- Horror
- Humor
- Inspirational
- Interracial
- Lesbian
- Magick
- Mainstream
- Menage
- Multiple Partners
- Mystery
- New Adult
- New Age
- Paranormal
- Pirates
- Regency
- Romance
- Romance-sweet
- Science Fiction
- Science Fiction {soft}
- Shapeshifter
- Short Stories
- Shounen ai/Yaoi
- Silver Years
- Spanish
- Steampunk
- Suspense
- Thriller
- Timetravel
- Urban Fantasy
- Vampires
- Werewolves
- Western
Brandi Whyne 1
What do you get when Star Wars meets Sherwood Forest? Mix in a little Pirates of the Caribbean, Fanny Hill, Futurama, and The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy and you get Brandi Whyne and Her Incredibly Erotic Adventures (with Robin Manhood and His Totally Sexed-Out Space Pirates). With a series title that long, you know it's going to be filled with loads of laughs, tons of sci-fi fun and plenty of hot sex! In Chapter One: Captured by Space Pirates! we meet our heroine, the strong-willed, hot-blooded Brandi Whyne. Brandi is a comely lass orphaned at a young age. Now twenty-two and working as a barmaid in hellhole spaceport, Brandi finds her virginity threaten. That is, until a tall, mysterious stranger waltzes into the bar and rescues her. To Brandi's delight her rescuer turns out to be none other than the wickedly handsome Robin Manhood, wanted space pirate and captain of the Pulsating Purple Parsnip. Brandi decides to join Robin's crew of sexual deviants and freedom fighters in their quest to provide the galaxy with a endless supply of cheap adult toys and even cheaper laughter.
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May's Signature Cocktail: The Riverside Mai Tai
There is nothing quite like spring time in the Willamette Valley, the sun is shining, and the flowers are blooming and on rare days you may even find that you can sit outside on the patio in some cold drink sipping weather. As we near our 40th anniversary of the Valley River Inn we flash back for this month's signature cocktail, the Riverside Mai Tai.
Riverside Mai Tai Recipe
- ¾ oz. Spiced Rum
- ¾ oz. White Rum
- Pineapple Juice
- Splash of Orange Juice
- ¼ oz. Myers Rum
- ¼ oz. Crème de Noyoux
- Dash of 151
- Hurricane glass
Fill Hurricane glass with ice; pour in the white and spiced rum. Fill the glass two thirds of the way with the pineapple juice, and add the splash of orange juice. Float the Myers Rum, Crème de Noyoux, and add a dash of 151. Serve with a pineapple and cherry.
We look forward to seeing you at Sweetwaters on the River, a great place to sit outside and enjoy a cocktail in Eugene.
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been diagnosed with
and it seems as if your life has been turned upside down. Now all at once
you have a new diet; you have to monitor your blood sugars two or three times
a day; you might even have to take medications. And failure to properly follow
the guidelines can leave you feeling really ill. How will you and your family
cope with all of these changes?
Hospital has a program that is dedicated to helping adults with diabetes to
answer that question. Whether you are newly diagnosed or have had diabetes
for a long time, this program is for you!
"Living Well With Diabetes" is a four-week program taught by specially
trained nurses, nurse practitioners, certified diabetes educators, and a registered
The two-hour classes meet once a week for four weeks. You may choose to
come to one, two, three, or all four of the classes, depending on your needs
. The topics covered include—
Class One
Class Two
Class Three
Class Four
There is a nominal charge for each adult with diabetes. Family members
may accompany the participant at no charge. Ask your insurance company if
they provide reimbursement for diabetes education programs.
Living well with diabetes: you can do it! And Bridgeport Hospital is here
to help.
For information on days, times, location, and costs for this group program,
or to register, please call us anytime, at 888-357-2396.
We can also provide information about our Gestational Diabetes Program (Diabetes
of pregnancy).


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- Road Race
- Trail
- Triathlon
- Price Point Exclusive Builds
Feedback Sports Universal Tool TrayFully Compartmentalized Compartments specifically shaped and sized to hold lube, cleaner, all tools, spoke wrenches, brushes, rags and even your favorite beverage container.
I bought one of these for myself along with the top-end stand and absolutely love it. Over the last few months I picked up some more tools and needed a bit more room so I bought a pegboard kit at the hardware store and fixed it up to hold everything a backyard mechanic would ever need. It held up to the abuse just fine. I know this voided the warranty, but that's a warranty I'll never need to call in on. The included towel hook and mug holder are a nice touch too. I love mine so much I just recently bought one for a bro for his stand and he was equally stoked. Bottom line, I would absolutely recommend this tray for any stand. Enjoy!
Handy product!! Have all your tools right where you need them and it's clean and easy to install


text: Link Ink: SHIELD's Toys, Mega Man Fan Art Contest And Nintendo's Non-Specific Action Figure by Caleb Goellner January 10, 2013 Movies: The latest batch of Avengers movie concept art gives fans a closer look at SHIELD's vehicles and various tech. Contests: Archie Comics is hosting a special Mega Man fan art contest in honor of the blue bomber's 25th anniversary. TV: AMC's latest The Wa Filed Under: Amanda Hunter, AmandaHunter, AMC, Archie Comics, ArchieComics, CES, contests, custom action figures, CustomActionFigures, customizing, Dragon Ball, Dragon Ball Z, Dragonball, DragonBallZ, E3, fan art, FanArt, Gameista, HeroClix, Heroclix Online, HeroclixOnline, Mega Man, MegaMan, nintendo, Non-Specific Action Figure, Non-specificActionFigure, Over 9000, Over9000, SHIELD, The Avengers, The Avengers movie, the walking dead, TheAvengers, TheAvengersMovie, TheWalkingDead Category: Culture, Link Ink Send to a friend! Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Pin it! Reddit This! Share on Tumblr!


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Username/Password Look-Up
Need Help Logging In to Your Account?
Please visit the ITS HelpDesk, Library Room 102D or Information Technology Services (ITS), Business Bldg., Rm. 121. You will be required to present a photo ID.
If you are enrolled solely in online courses or are unable to visit in person,
or call ITS at 607 778-5011
Broom Community College binghamtom, NY 13902 607-778-5000
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Kate Spade Be Dazzling Holiday Cards by Kate Spade
Everyone enjoys receiving a handwritten note in the mail, and these adorable holiday cards are sure to impress! Features include:
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Flax Stripe Moses Basket Bedding
- No Longer Available -
Our European Flax Stripe Collection is accented with contrast piping; yarn-dyed flaxen stripes have a textured, linen-like feel that creates a cozy nest for your baby.
Show product details...
- Basket Liner: 33" x 17" with wrap-over edges
- Mattress: 27½" x 11½"
- Blanket: 24" x 30"
- Moses Basket: 28"L x 15"W x 10"H
- Rocking Stand: 31"L x 15"W x 23"H
Shown in cloud.
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Seeing the Flood Story Through an Ancient Israelite Lens
Pete Shaw highlights the story of Noah to explore how the story would have been understood in ancient times and from there he goes on to explore how we might consider it today.
The Resource Finder has powerful filtering features — check out the tutorial to learn more.
Pete Shaw highlights the story of Noah to explore how the story would have been understood in ancient times and from there he goes on to explore how we might consider it today.
If the tape was rewound and evolution started over from scratch, Conway Morris says, the evolutionary details would be different, but the end result would be similar: a species characterized by intelligence and complex civilization.
Science and Religion scholar Denis Alexander presents two models for relating Adam and Eve with the findings of contemporary anthropology. This essay was presented at the November 2010 Theology of Celebration Workshop
Can science provide substantive insight into the question of God's existence? Isaac's paper examines three schools of thought regarding the possibility of detecting God's existence through science: Evolutionism, Creationism, and Intelligent Design.
Falk's paper asks evangelical Christians to explore whether they are propping up a bubble that they, not God, have created, thereby isolating themselves from the world of academics. The essay describes five layers that may play a role in unnecessarily blocking entry, or reentry, of agnostic scientists into the realm of evangelicalism.
Mark Noll, historian and author of The Scandal of the Evangelical Mind, enumerates 15 attitudes, assumptions, and convictions he considers to be most influential in inciting anti-intellectual sentiment among evangelical Christians.


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In 1859 on the mail route from Brisbane to Charleville, a small area was taken from the property Victoria Downs and set aside for public use and designated on maps and documents as 'Victoria Downs Reserve'. It became known informally as 'Sadlier's Waterhole' when Captain TJ Sadlier and his wife camped at the property. When the town was officially surveyed in 1880 it was called Morven.
Originally chosen as an ideal camping spot for early travellers into the Outback, a settlement formed. Even today Morven, with its garden beds and picnic tables, is regarded as a good place to take a break from driving.
Morven Museum houses a must-see collection of handcrafted, perfectly recreated miniature buildings from the bark and slab hut days of early Outback settlement, as well as an original kerosene tin hut.
Just 10 kilometres south of Morven is Tregole National Park. Discover the rare Ooline Tree, a rainforest remnant right here in the Outback. Take a break overlooking Sadliers Waterhole or explore the 4x4 stock route trails.
As with most Outback communities the history is colourful and vibrant. Get a copy of the Heritage Trail guidebook and uncover Morven's unique history.
Note: Information on listed products and services are provided by the operator and were correct at the time of publishing. Rates are indicative based on the minimum and maximum available prices of products and services. Please visit the operator's website for further information. All prices quoted are in Australian dollars (AUD).


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Mapaya: A Pictorial Essay
Verdict: A cute little West L.A. creperie run by very nice Japanese owners. But don't let the cuteness factor deceive you - The crepes here are seriously good. Since it's summer, I especially enjoyed their ice cream crepes. AND they'll let you bring in a coffee from Balconi (which is right next door)! I just wished they had a Grand Marnier crepe. This place is ideal for a super-casual tasty weekend breakfast.
- Roast Beef Crepe: Fresh and tender beef.
- Ice Cream Crepe: Generous with the ice cream.
Very cute. That it's tasty really puts the whipped cream on the crepe! http://losangeles.menupages.com/resta...
My wife really enjoyed her ice cream crepe. So much so, she didn't share any of it with me. It's become a nice little corner with Kiriko and Brian's Shave Ice there as well. Pinkberry too.


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The "Flying Houndz Frizbee Trick Dog Show" will perform at 11:30 a.m. and 1:15 p.m., Saturday, June 1, at the fifth annual Woofstock at Sugar Hollow Park in Bristol, Va.
These world-class Frisbee dogs will leap and dance to narrated and choreographed routines under the guidance of their professional handlers. The show and music are family-oriented and interactive. After the show, audience members will be able to pet and get autographs from the stars.
Woofstock gives dog lovers a chance to show off their furry friends and to participate in a number of interactive events. Last year, more than 3,000 people and 800 dogs participated.
"This is something that we do to try to give back to the community that has been so good to us," said Susan P. Taylor, development director of the Margaret B. Mitchell Spay/Neuter Clinic. "We also want to make awareness of our clinic and the services we offer."
This year's 4K-4PAWS Run/Walk will kick off at 9 a.m. The event is an opportunity for dogs and their owners to get some exercise and enjoy a little healthy competition. Those interested may register at www.mbmspayneuterclinic.org or at www.werunevents.com.
At 10:30 a.m. and 12:15 p.m., dogs and their owners may participate in Pets on Parade for a chance to earn titles like Best Dressed, Best Smile, Dog/Owner Look Alike and Cutest Couple.
This year, Woofstock will host its first-ever cornhole tournament. First- and second-place winners will be named in amateur and professional divisions. Registration will be held the day of the event. Cost to compete is $25 for singles and $40 for doubles.
For the fifth year, a K-9 police officer will be on hand to educate people about how to react to a dog attack.
Steve McCall, a border collie trainer from the Chilhowee, Va., area, will herd sheep from Grassy Hollow down to the soccer fields.
"It's probably one of the coolest things we do," Taylor said. "It's really cool to see."
For more information or a complete schedule of events, visit www.mbmspayneuterclinic.org.comments powered by Disqus


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Montgomery County has a "Gen Y" problem, planners believe.
They suggested Monday that one way the county could retain more young adults would be to create more expansive walkable, "10-minute living" communities near Metro stations where people work, live and play.
Only 19 percent of Montgomery's residents is between ages 20 and 34, lower than several neighboring jurisdictions, leaders of the Committee for Montgomery heard during a board meeting at the Universities at Shady Grove in Rockville. Arlington County's population has 36 percent in that age segment, while Washington, D.C., has 31 percent and Prince George's County 23 percent. The national average is 21 percent.
However, the growth in Generation Y, a demographic group sometimes referred to as millennials, in Montgomery between 2010 and 2012 at 3.6 percent was still slightly higher than Arlington, Prince George's and Fairfax counties, though not nearly as much as Washington's almost 6 percent.
"We are at a tipping point," said Gwen Wright, director of the Montgomery County Planning Board, who has also worked as a planning official in Alexandria, Va. "It's tipping in hopefully a very exciting direction."
Generation Y is an important demographic to communities because people in the 20- to 34-year-old group tend to be part of a "tax-base engine" and not use a lot of services such as health care and schools, Wright said. The county is above the national average in its share of residents between ages 35 and 64.
Members of Gen Y tend to use public transportation, walk and bike more, embracing options such as car and bike sharing, said Shyam Kannan, planning director for the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority. Whether residents can walk to a Metro station, restaurant, pub, retailer, health care facility and even a library is one of the most important factors on where millennials live, said Kannan, who was a principal at Bethesda real estate advisory firm RCLCO.
Montgomery County formed a nighttime economy task force to examine how to boost the county's nightlife scene — for the young as well as older people — that has met since May. A recent unscientific poll by County Councilman Hans Riemer, an ex-officio member of the task force, found that many people want better nightlife options in Montgomery.
Besides seeing its population age, Montgomery has witnessed a slowing in general. The number of residents increased 31 percent between 1980 and 1990, while the growth slowed to 15 percent between 1990 and 2000 and 11 percent from 2000 to 2010.
"This signals a maturing community," said Roberto Ruiz, research manager for the county planning department.
Most counties have seen population growth slow in recent years, though some not as much as in Montgomery. Frederick's slowed from 31 percent in the 1980s to 30 percent in the 1990s and 20 percent in the 2000s.
Montgomery also became a majority-minority county for the first time in 2010, with more than half of residents non-white.
The Committee for Montgomery — a coalition of business, labor, educational, civic and community leaders — seeks to look at local economic development issues in a broader, "more holistic" approach, said Carla Satinsky, committee chair. Upcoming meetings will focus on business climate and the workforce.
Board members of the group include Ron Wills of EagleBank, Charles Washington Jr. of Pepco and Marilyn Balcombe, president and CEO of the Gaithersburg-Germantown Chamber of Commerce.


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This incredible poster, "Jordan vs. Magic", features a head-to-head moment between the two NBA legends during that remarkable season, which ended in the Chicago Bulls' first of six Championships of the new decade. Published in poster size exclusively for SportsPosterWarehouse.com, it is a true historic beauty that gives you a taste of the Hall of Fame on your very own wall! As you look at the two legends battling each other one-on-one with intensity you rarely see in today's game, you'll be transported back to a glorious, thrilling, but long-gone era when every game mattered. An incredible piece for any fan of Magic or MJ, perfect for the wall of home or office!
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Medford, Ore. -- Two astronomers from Southern Oregon will take the flight of their dreams to study the inner workings of outer space.
North Medford astronomy teacher, Robert Black and Southern Oregon Skywatchers amature astronomer, Dave Bloomsness were two of 24 chosen to fly aboard NASA's SOFIA - Stratospheric Observatory Infrared Astronomy. A highly modified Boeing 747sp.
The pair went through a rigorous selection process which included multiple weeks of advanced astronomy courses.
"It's like a NASCAR fan getting to race in the Indy500." said Bloomsness who has spent more than five-hundred hours volunteering at North Medford High School's Astronomy Department.
"The most important thing about this for me is for my friend Dave. He has been so selfless. I'm really happy to be able to kinda give back to Dave- He loves telescopes" said Black about his friend who he chose to tag along on the trip.
A total of twelve teams were selected and made up of both armature and professional astronomers.
The Southern Oregon team flies out from NASA's Armstrong Flight Research Center in Palmdale, California next week- spending two nights in the sky. They'll be observing and analyzing the most obscure objects using the on-board infrared lens.
Click the link below to follow their journey!


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Saturday, March 08, 2003GREENSBORO, N.C. (March 8, 2002) - After putting eight runs on the scoreboard last night, the Bucs could not get the same kind of production on Saturday, as UNCG defeated ETSU, 5-1, in Southern Conference baseball action from UNCG Baseball Stadium in Greensboro, N.C. UNCG (13-1) pitcher Jay Metzger (2-0) allowed just one earned run on three hits over 6.0+ innings, keeping the Bucs off-balance all afternoon. The soutpaw retired the first 14 batters, before a single by sophomore designated hitter Davis Burklin (Knoxville, Tenn.) in the fifth inning. Metzger fanned two and did not walk a single batter. Metzger, who tossed 68 pitches on the day, started the seventh inning, but was pulled after giving up a leadoff single. After Jarrett Santos tossed one scoreless inning of relief for UNCG, Chris Mason pitched the final two innings to register his fifth save of the season. The freshman struckout four and yielded just a pair of hits. ETSU (5-9) junior starter Tim Turner (Marietta, Ga.) matched Metzger nearly pitch for pitch. Turner kept the Spartans off the scoreboard until the fourth inning. The southpaw was victimized in the fourth by a pair of errors. Kirk Strebin reached base to lead off the inning on an error. After Jason Sarvis walked, Justin Saltalamacchia reached on another error, allowing Strebin to score. Ryan Gordon followed with a perfect bunt single to load the bases with none out, but Turner fanned the next two Spartans batters. Turner almost got out of the jam, but walked Nate Alden to give the Spartans a two-run advantage, 2-0. Turner settled down after the fourth inning and pitched into the eighth inning. Turner did tire in the eighth inning, allowing three earned runs. Turner was charged for all five runs, four of which were earned, in 7.1 innings of work. Turner struckout five and walked four. Junior second baseman Andy Howdeshell (Maryville, Tenn.) and sophomore outfielder Kevin Brotherton (Erwin, Tenn.) each went 2-for-4, while Burklin went 1-for-4 with an RBI. Howdeshell and Brotherton added two hits apiece in Friday night's victory as well. Strebin went 1-for-2 with a run scored and two walks, while Saltalamacchia, Gordon and Mason each added hits. Mason's RBI double in the three-run eighth inning provided some insurance. The Bucs and Spartans return for the rubber game of the three-game series Sunday afternoon. First-pitch is scheduled for 1 p.m. at UNCG Baseball Stadium in Greensboro, N.C.
|Copyright ©2015 East Tennessee State Athletics. All Rights Reserved.


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Telecom Services & Equipment: Background
The telecom services and equipment industry's political story unfolds like a Shakespearian tragedy.
From almost nowhere, the industry experienced a dramatic rise in prominence during the "tech bubble" of the late 1990s, and campaign contributions rose according. During the 1990 election cycle, the industry as a whole contributed less than $900,000. Ten years later, at the height of the tech bubble in 2000, that total had spiked-- to $16.9 million. The telecom services and equipment industry then ranked No. 25 in terms of campaign contributions among the more than 120 industries the Center for Responsive Politics tracks.
But by the 2008 election cycle, its ranking had precipitously declined, to No. 51. During that cycle, the industry contributed $9.2 million to candidates at the federal level, with 69 percent going to Democrats. Its political clout, in turn, waned.
Even so, the industry has retained some of its political influence in the decade after the tech bubble burst.
This holds particularly true when the industry's federal lobbying efforts are considered. In 2008, the telecom services and equipment industry spend $64.8 million on lobbying, down slightly from an all-time high of $67.3 million. The industry consistently ranks in the top 20 for total lobbying expenditures.
The industry today is made up of well-known cell phone and Internet providers and manufacturers like T-Mobile, Qwest Communications, Motorola, Qualcomm, and Verizon.
Over the last two decades the industry has contributed fairly evenly to the two parties, with Democrats having a slight edge of 53 percent. This balance shifted toward Republicans in 2004 and 2006, with the GOP receiving about 55 percent of contributions. However, the share of contributions going to Democrats spiked after the party retook Congress.
The telecom industry is interested in issues surrounding cellular phone and Internet regulation, increasing accessibility, halting attempts to impose Internet taxes and maintaining access to the spectrum of available frequencies that is controlled by the Federal Communications Commission. Other issues include promoting federal research and development spending, intellectual property law and telecom laws related to fraud, spyware and e-mail spam.
During the past three years, the issue of "net neutrality" has garnered major lobbying attention. "Net neutrality" is a set of policies that would ultimately result in more government regulation of broadband Internet service. The industry claims it would stifle innovation and competition, and for the most part, vigorously opposes it.
The Cellular Telecom and Internet Association is leading the charge. CTIA spent $6.97 million lobbying the federal government in 2008, two-and-a-half times what it spent three years before in 2005, when "net neutrality" first emerged as a federal issue.
-- Steve Spires
Updated February 2010
Feel free to distribute or cite this material, but please credit the Center for Responsive Politics.


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The A-Team (2010)
The A-Team Synopsis
The A-Team follows the exciting and daring exploits of a colorful team of former Special Forces soldiers who were set up for a crime they did not commit. Going rogue, they utilize their unique talents to try and clear their names and find the true culprit. Liam Neeson (Taken), Bradley Cooper (The Hangover), mixed martial arts champ Quinton Rampage Jackson, and District 9 sensation Sharlto Copley, are The A-Team.
The A-Team Release Date
In Theaters June 11, 2010
The A-Team Credits
Starring: Bradley Cooper, Liam Neeson, Sharlto Copley, Quinton 'Rampage' Jackson , Jessica Biel, Patrick Wilson, Dirk Benedict, Dwight Schultz, Gerald McRaney
Written by: Joe Carnahan, Brian Bloom, Skip Woods
Directed by: Joe Carnahan
Produced by: Stephen J. Cannell, Spike Seldin
MPAA Rating: [ PG-13 ]
Distributor: Twentieth Century-Fox Film Corporation
External Info: The A-Team Official Website
Subscribe To The A-Team Updates
if you're excited for The A-Team


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This chest, by Ecodesignz, is made out of strips of bamboo, and finished with a clear, low-glass lacquer. The bamboo laminate is made with E-1 glue, which meets tough European standards for outgassing. Ecodesignz furniture is virtually formaldehyde-free. Available for $245 from Ecodesignz.
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Interpretive Handbook
8603 :
Thallium, 24 Hour, Urine
Clinical Information Discusses physiology, pathophysiology, and general clinical aspects, as they relate to a laboratory test
Thallium is found in some depilatories and rodenticides. Accidental ingestion may lead to vomiting, diarrhea, and leg pains followed by a severe and sometimes fatal sensorimotor polyneuropathy and renal failure. Alopecia (hair loss) may occur 3 weeks after poisoning. The fatal dose is approximately 1 g.
Useful For Suggests clinical disorders or settings where the test may be helpful
Detecting toxic thallium exposure
Interpretation Provides information to assist in interpretation of the test results
Normal daily output is <1 mcg/day.
Exposed patients can have urine output >10 mcg/day. The long-term consequences of such an exposure are poor.
Cautions Discusses conditions that may cause diagnostic confusion, including improper specimen collection and handling, inappropriate test selection, and interfering substances
High concentrations of gadolinium and iodine are known to interfere with most metals tests. If either gadolinium- or iodine-containing contrast media has been administered, a specimen should not be collected for 96 hours.
Reference Values Describes reference intervals and additional information for interpretation of test results. May include intervals based on age and sex when appropriate. Intervals are Mayo-derived, unless otherwise designated. If an interpretive report is provided, the reference value field will state this.
0-1 mcg/specimen
Reference values apply to all ages.
Clinical References Provides recommendations for further in-depth reading of a clinical nature
1. Bank WJ, Pleasure DE, Suzuki K, et al: Thallium poisoning. Arch Neurol 1972;26:456-464
2. Pelclova D, Urban P, Ridson P, et al: Two-year follow-up of two patients after severe thallium intoxication. Hum Exp Toxicol. 2009 May;28(5):263-272
3. Zhao G, Ding M, Zhang B, et al: Clinical manifestations and management of acute thallium poisoning. Eur Neurol 2008;60(6):292-297


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Goals: NASA's Titan Saturn System Mission (TSSM) is a mission concept that would explore Titan's Earth-like system with combined observations by an orbiter, a balloon and a lake lander. The mission would examine the moon's organics and explore the magnetosphere of Saturn and its connection to Titan and Enceladus in order to gain a better understanding of Titan's origin and evolution.
Accomplishments: This mission is a concept that could be used to further science goals to further study the mysteries of Saturn and its largest moon Titan.


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Grants Pass, Ore. -- An Oregon State Trooper was bit by a dog Saturday morning after responding to a disturbance call.
Raven Broswell said her neighbor, Dawn Hemry-Boyle showed up at her house Saturday morning yelling and threatening them with a Pit bull by her side, so they called police.
"We kept telling her to get off the property and she had her dogs with her so we had to put ours inside so that they wouldn't fight."
OSP Trooper, Josh Quick, arrived to the house on the 5800 block of fish hatchery road in Grants Pass.
While trying to arrest Hemry-Boyle, her pit bull bit Trooper Quick in the leg. Trooper Quick then shot the dog in self defense. and the dog ran off. Quick was sent to the hospital and has been released.
Bur Broswell said this isn't the first time Hemry-Boyle's dogs caused trouble with them. And said she is just thankful nobody else got hurt.
"I hope that nothing like this happens again because I was really worried we have neighbors behind us."
Hemry-Boyle is facing several charges including menacing and trespassing.
Police said her Pit bull was euthanized with her permission.
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