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Tours & Packages
- Cultural exploration
- Ecotourism / Green travel
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- Outdoor & Adventure Activities - Air activities
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- »4x4 Off-road Driving
- »Absailing/Rappelling, Bungy Jumping
- »Cave exploration
- »Cycling
- »Elephant riding
- »Horse riding
- »Mountain biking
- »Paintball
- »Rock climbing
- »Trekking / Hiking
- Outdoor & Adventure Activities - Water activities
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Secrets of Lamphun
Tour Overview :
Secrets of Lamphun is a 2 day cycling excursion that takes you trough the enchanting province of Lamphun.
During this unforgettable cycling excursion over peaceful country roads, passing by rice fields, fruit orchards and beautiful temples in small villages you will get to know the rich cultural background of this first Lanna kingdom.
The route goes for a big part trough these small communities where we see the daily activities of the villagers and avoid most of the traffic.
Day 1 55km
The tour starts daily 9:00am from our office Baan Nai Fun 1 in Pa-Dead and takes us southwards following the Ping River over quiet roads and trough small villages while cycling and enjoying the beautiful changing surroundings.
In Lamphun we pass by cycling 2 beautiful Dvaravati styled chedi's
These chedi's are known for holding the relics of Queen Cham-Devi her horse and elephant and are more than 1000 years old.
To learn more about the history of this city we visit the Harinpunchai museum that will give us more insight of this remarkable place. After this visit it is time for a delicious Thai lunch.
After lunch we have a look at a local temple where older woman keep them selves occupied with silk weaving.
We continue our trip by visiting one of the most revered temples in Northern Thailand: Wat Harinpunchai.
After visiting and photographing this beautiful temple we leave the city behind us.
We continue our discovery tour trough rice fields and fruit orchards till we reach our idyllic situated resort where we spend the night. (This resort has a swimming pool)
Day 2 +/- 60km
The second day we start at 8:30 from our resort and we cycle trough a district that is not often visited by tourists so don't be surprised if the locals want to talk to you or show you there merchandise.
The whole day you will be enjoying the beautiful paths that are leading us from one village to another.
In these village's we see the daily activities of the villagers like making rice wine, rice noodles and Sa paper.
While cycling trough these villages we discover several chedi's and ruins, some of them are even more than 700 years old.
We visit a temple that is well known for having the footprints of the lord Buddha.
After this visit we continue our trip and visit a family atelier that makes porcelain dolls. This family atelier is already for more than 50 years in business and the owner is always very proud to show his unique collection of thousands porcelain dolls.
The route brings us back to the Ping River where a boat is waiting for us.
Together with our bikes we embark the boat that will bring us upstream so we can have a rest and enjoy watching the daily activities on the riverbanks.
After this mini cruise we set foot on land and visit a local market where we will have a drink and some snacks before we cycle the last part back to the office where we will arrive at approximate 4:30pm
Highlight :
Lamphun city history, San Patong district, rice fields , country side roads, boat trip, China doll factory , beautiful temples.
Departure Date :
Excursion starts 9:00 AM
Maximum 8 persons per group.
Tour Inclusion :
What is included


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subset: commoncrawl


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Post - Tane
This is me now ... almost 3 years post accutane.. I've been on and off of the drug... for about two full courses and 1 or 2 mini courses. It is not an easy medication to stick through, but if u can... it might be worth it.. i think just if you have tried everything else. Personally I had good results but I know everyone is very different. I still get acne sometimes, especially around my menstraul cycle but it is not as bad as it use to be.
Other Albums by Blue Strawberry
...It's not so bad...: P
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Last upload: 05 Jul 2008 - 16:46
Acne = : (
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My Camoflauge
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Amber G. had seen nearly all of the adoptable cats at the ASPCA Adoption Center in Manhattan one October day in 2011 and feared she might leave empty-handed. But lucky for Diamond, a cat with special needs, Amber decided to check out one more room of cats before heading home.
"When I went into the room and sat on the floor, Diamond just got into my lap like it was the most natural thing in the world, and curled up to purr and sleep," Amber says.
Diamond was classified as an "over-groomer," which meant that she tended to groom herself so much that she was bald in many places.
"The vet told me they hadn't discovered the cause, but she might need medicine in the future," Amber says. "He said, 'Who knows? Maybe she just needs a loving home,' and it turns out that was true."
Over time, Amber has learned that Diamond, now called Frita, becomes stressed when she's lonely. Lucky for Frita, there is plenty of companionship to go around in Amber's home.
"Almost two years later, she is no longer bald and will be by my side from now until forever," Amber says. "Frita now sleeps in a king size bed, likes tuna treats, and loves to play with toy mice."
We're so glad that Amber persevered to adopt a kitty that day at the Adoption Center, and it's safe to say that Frita feels the same way!


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A great metamorphosis effect done with two beautifully made flat black dice. One has four spots on top and three spots underneath. The other has five spots on top and two spots underneath. After pointing out that the top and bottom of each die add up to seven, you quickly change the first die from 4 and 3 to 5 and 2! Quicker than a wink the dice change places again! And again!
No shells, no magnets, no sliding parts of any kind! Just pure magic!
And here is the video demo from the manufacturer:


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Will Montgomery was sent to prison for 8 years after being double-crossed in a heist gone awry. Upon his release, he's ready to leave his criminal past behind and rebuild his relationship with estranged daughter, Alison. His former criminal cohorts are all convinced that he hid $10 Million dollars worth of bonds before he was sentenced. His former partner in crime, Vincent, kidnaps Alison and demands the loot as ransom. Montgomery is left with only one choice: To trust his instincts and join forces again with another old partner in crime, the beautiful, sexy and smart Riley Jeffers. Together they must pull off one more heist so he can get his daughter back... before its too late.
Cast: Nicolas Cage, Danny Huston, Josh Lucas, Malin Akerman, Mark Valley
Produced by:
Directed by: Simon West
Written by: David Guggenheim
Running time: 1hr 36min
Opens: Sep 14, 2012 Limited
|Theaters for Today
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on this day.


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The Blackhawk Low Vis Plate Carrier (10.50" x 13.25") can be worn under your clothes, giving you the added confidence needed in plain clothes. Side release buckles allow for quick removal while the tight style fits snugly to your body.
SIZE: One Size Fits Most
COLORS: Coyote Tan or Olive Drab


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"Frank's Redhot - I Put That **** On Everything!" ~ Ethel
I went with a Sanyo 55" LCD (maybe LED, can't remember ) last year at this time. It's been great.
However, glare was definately an issue for me when deciding. YMMV
2015 Goals:
1) Win the next game.
2) See goal #1
"The problem with internet quotes lies in verifying their authenticity."
-Abraham Lincoln
I am a plasma fan, my buddy has a panasonic plasma and its amazing. Its so clear. And the other posters are correct you get a nice TV for the price with a plasma...and they are more stylish to me as well.
LCD or LED...never had good luck with Plasma.
Thanks for the input guys. I am now concerned about the heat issue with the plasma. My wife likes to turn the tv on when she gets up and it stays on until bedtime (I think she has an ocd with having background noise).
I definitely recommend LED/LCD. Much lighter and easier to move, cheaper to fix if something goes wrong, and less power consumption. I bought a Samsung 42 inch LCD 4 years ago, and it still runs like it's brand new. I use it pretty frequently for gaming, and the wife likes to listen to music on it, so it gets used a lot. If you go LED/LCD, I highly recommend Samsung...
I just bought the 80" Sharp Aquos LED.
So I'm a little biased to the LED.
Deshaun Watson is the TRUTH!


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"This was my first order with Epic Sports and they did a great. job. I did have one very small problem with my order, I ordered 15 pairs of Volleyball Socks and only got 12. However, when I called the customer service line the quickly and promptly got a hold of there vendor and had the additional socks sent out immediatley. The gentleman I talked with was very helpful and courtious. I would definetly do buisness with this company again and recommend them to anyone who is looking for for a great product at a very reasonable price. Thank you epic sports.
Paul " (E7569)
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"A great hat. Our RIVER RAT CLUB loves the look and feel of this hat." (E19722)
Epic Sports
Holloway Ladies/Girls Collegiate Notre Dame Jersey [E35459]


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This amazing print, published in poster size exclusively for SportsPosterWarehouse.com, features one of the greatest boxing photographs you'll ever see. A black-and-white beauty, it captures the raw agression of Frazier as he swings his powerful left; and the trademark evasiveness of Ali as he jukes and jives away from the punch. Taken from the perfect ringside corner angle, the image has so much going for it: the action on the canvas, the ring of lights above, the dressed-to-the-nines fans in the stands, and the scribes and photographers at ringside beyond recording every moment for posterity. Printed in vivid detail on archival Kodak Endura photographic stock, this beauty is worthy of a nice frame and a prominent place on the wall of home, office, or gym!
Product Specifications:


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FILE - In this Dec. 30, 2012, file photo, San Diego Chargers head coach Norv Turner leaves the field at the end of the first half of an NFL football game against the Oakland Raiders in San Diego. The Chargers fired Turner and general manager A.J. Smith on Monday, Dec. 31, after missing the playoffs for the third straight season. (AP Photo/Denis Poroy, File)
FILE - In this Dec. 23, 2012, file photo, Arizona Cardinals head coach Ken Whisenhunt appears before an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears in Glendale, Ariz. The Cardinals fired Whisenhunt Monday, Dec. 31, after six seasons that included the long-suffering franchise's only Super Bowl appearance. (AP Photo/Paul Connors, File)
FILE -- In a Dec. 23, 2012 file photo Chicago Bears head coach Lovie Smith watches his team during the first half of an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals in Glendale, Ariz. The Chicago Bears have fired coach Lovie Smith after the team missed the playoffs for the fifth time in six seasons. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri/file)
FILE - In this Dec. 30, 2012 file photo, Buffalo Bills head coach Chan Gailey walks off the field after his team's 28-9 win over the New York Jets in an NFL football game in Orchard Park, N.Y. Gailey has been fired by the Buffalo Bills after three losing seasons, the team announced Monday, Dec. 31, 2012. (AP Photo/Gary Wiepert, File)
FILE - Philadelphia Eagles head coach Andy Reid during the first half of an NFL football game against the New York Giants Sunday, Dec. 30, 2012 in East Rutherford, N.J. Reid has been fired after 14 seasons coaching the Philadelphia Eagles. The Eagles made the announcement Monday, Dec. 31, 2012. (AP Photo/Peter Morgan, File)
Denver Broncos head coach John Fox, left, greets Kansas City Chiefs coach Romeo Crennel at the end of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 30, 2012, in Denver. Denver won 38-3. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin, left, shakes hands with Cleveland Browns head coach Pat Shurmur after the Steelers' 24-10 win in an NFL football game in Pittsburgh, Sunday, Dec. 30, 2012. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)


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SAR Analysis of small molecule inhibitors of T-cell specific antigen receptor-induced NF-kB activation in a 697B cell line using a luminescence assay
Many cellular pathways leading to activation of NF-kB-family transcription factors have been identified to be participating in host-defense, immunity, inflammation, and cancer. Recently, a unique pathway activated by antigen receptors on T- and B-Lymphocytes has been revealed, involving a cascade of participating proteins that includes CARMA1 (BIMP3), Bcl-10, paracaspase (MALT1), TRAF6, and more ..
Related BioAssays
Related BioAssays
Tested Compounds:
Related Experiments
Data Source: Sanford-Burnham Center for Chemical Genomics (SBCCG)
Source Affiliation: Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute (SBMRI, San Diego, CA)
Network: NIH Molecular Libraries Probe Production Centers Network (MLPCN)
Grant Number: 1 X01 MH077633-01
Assay Provider: Dr. John C. Reed, Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute, San Diego CA
Many cellular pathways leading to activation of NF-kB-family transcription factors have been identified to be participating in host-defense, immunity, inflammation, and cancer. Recently, a unique pathway activated by antigen receptors on T- and B-Lymphocytes has been revealed, involving a cascade of participating proteins that includes CARMA1 (BIMP3), Bcl-10, paracaspase (MALT1), TRAF6, and Ubc13. This pathway is initiated by Protein Kinase C-theta, which induces phosphorylation of components of this signaling pathway [1]. Based on experiments using siRNA and dominant-negative mutants, it has been determined that treatment of cells with the combination of phorbol ester PMA and the calcium-ionophore Ionomycin triggers this pathway, resulting in NF-kB activation [2-5]. Compounds able to block this stimulation will be useful research tools for analysis of the physiological roles of this NF-kB activation pathway.
This assay was originally assigned to the Scripps Research Institute Molecular Screening Center (TSRI MSC) by the NIH during the MLSCN pilot phase ("Primary HTS assay for chemical inhibitors of antigen receptor-induced NF-kappaB activation", AID 465.) In the original MLSCN screen a stably transfected reporter epithelial cell line (HEK293) that contains a luciferase gene driven by a NF-kB responsive promoter was used for compound library screening. The hits identified from that screen were very much less potent when tested in B cell lines. Therefore, in this rescreening paradigm, the primary screen will be accomplished using an NF-kB-luciferase reporter cloned into a human derived B-cell line (697). The goal therefore is to identify compounds that selectively inhibit one of the several known pathways that lead to NF-kB activation in mammalian cells in a T-cell specific manner.
The purpose of this assay is to confirm hits in "uHTS luminescence assay for the identification of chemical inhibitors of T-cell specific antigen receptor-induced NF-kB activation"(AID 435003) and to study the structure-activity relationship on analogs of the confirmed hits. Compounds are either acquired from commercial sources or synthesized internally.
[1] Thome M. CARMA1, BCL-10 and MALT1 in lymphocyte development and activation. Nat Rev Immunol. 2004 May;4(5):348-59. Review
[2] Ruland J, Duncan GS, Elia A, del Barco Barrantes I, Nguyen L, Plyte S, Millar DG, Bouchard D, Wakeham A, Ohashi PS, Mak TW. Bcl10 is a positive regulator of antigen receptor-induced activation of NF-kappaB and neural tube closure. Cell. 2001 Jan 12;104(1):33-42
[3] McAllister-Lucas LM, Inohara N, Lucas PC, Ruland J, Benito A, Li Q, Chen S, Chen FF, Yamaoka S, Verma IM, Mak TW, Nunez G. Bimp1, a MAGUK family member linking protein kinase C activation to Bcl10-mediated NF-kappaB induction. J Biol Chem. 2001 Aug 17;276(33):30589-97
[4] Ruefli-Brasse AA, French DM, Dixit VM. Regulation of NF-kappaB-dependent lymphocyte activation and development by paracaspase. Science. 2003 Nov 28;302(5650):1581-4
[5] Zhou H, Wertz I, O'Rourke K, Ultsch M, Seshagiri S, Eby M, Xiao W, Dixit VM. Bcl10 activates the NF-kappaB pathway through ubiquitination of NEMO. Nature. 2004 Jan 8;427(6970):167-71
Assay materials:
1) 697 NF-kB-Luc cell line obtained from Assay Provider
2) RPMI phenol red (-), Mediatech Car # 17105CV
3) Fetal Bovine Serum, Hyclone cat # SH30396.03HI
4) L-glutamine. Omega Scientific cat # GS-60
5) Na-pyruvate, Sigma cat # S8636-100M
6) Penn/Strep, Omega Scientific cat # PS-20
7) PMA, Calbiochem cat # 524400
8) Ionomycin, Calbiochem cat # 407950
9) SteadyGlo, Promega cat # E2550
Day 1 Procedure
1) Harvest 697 NF-kB-Luc at 2,000,000 cells/mL density. Spin, re-suspend in assay media, count.
2) Seed 15000 cells/well in 3 uL/well 697 NF-kB-Luc to full plate- Aurora 1536 low base white plate # 00029846 plate or non-TC-treated equivalent.
3) Plate with Kalypsys dispenser
4) Spin down plates @ 500 RPM for 1 min.
5) With a LabCyte Echo, dispense varying volumes of 10 mM test compounds in DMSO to achieve dose response concentrations and range (col 5-48) and backfill to equilibrate DMSO concentrations. To control wells (col 1-4), transfer an equal volume of DMSO.
6) Incubate plate for 1 hour in 37oC 5% CO2.
7) Add 2uL PMA/Ionomycin working dilution (6.5 ng/mL PMA/3.25 ng/mL Ionomycin) in assay media to col 3-48 and no agonist media to col 1 and 2 with Kalypsys dispenser.
8) Spin down plates @ 1000 RPM for 1 min.
9) Lid plates with Kalypsys plate lids.
10) Incubate plate overnight (16 hours) in 37oC 5% CO2 incubator.
Day 2 Procedure
1) Remove lid and incubate plate for 10 min in at room temp.
2) Add 3 ul/well SteadyGlo with Kalypsys dispenser
3) Spin plates @ 2000 RPM for 2 min, lid plate and incubate for 10 min at room temp.
4) Read luminescence on Envision Ultra sensitive Luminescent protocol for white Aurora 1536 low base white plate # 00029846
Compounds with and IC50_Mean <= 20 uM are defined as actives in this assay.
To simplify the distinction between the inactives of the primary screen and of the confirmatory screening stage, the Tiered Activity Scoring System was developed and implemented. Its utilization for the assay is described below.
Activity Scoring
Activity scoring rules were devised to take into consideration compound efficacy, its potential interference with the assay and the screening stage that the data was obtained. Details of the Scoring System will be published elsewhere. Briefly, the outline of the scoring system utilized for the assay is as follows:
1) First tier (0-40 range) is reserved for primary screening data and is not applicable in this assay.
2) Second tier (41-80 range) is reserved for dose-response confirmation data and is not applicable in this assay
3) Third tier (81-100 range) is reserved for resynthesized true positives and their analogues
a. Inactive compounds of the confirmatory stage are assigned a score value equal 81.
b. The score is linearly correlated with a compound potency and, in addition, provides a measure of the likelihood that the compound is not an artifact based on the available information.
c. The Hill coefficient is taken as a measure of compound behavior in the assay via an additional scaling factor QC:
QC = 2.6*[exp(-0.5*nH^2) - exp(-1.5*nH^2)]
This empirical factor prorates the likelihood of target-specific compound effect vs. its non-specific behavior in the assay. This factor is based on expectation that a compound with a single mode of action that achieved equilibrium in this assay demonstrates the Hill coefficient value of 1. Compounds deviating from that behavior are penalized proportionally to the degree of their deviation.
d. Summary equation that takes into account the items discussed above is
Score = 82 + 3*(pIC50 - 3)*QC,
where pIC50 is a negative log(10) of the IC50 value expressed in mole/L concentration units. This equation results in the Score values above 85 for compounds that demonstrate high potency and predictable behavior. Compounds that are inactive in the assay or whose concentration-dependent behavior are likely to be an artifact of that assay will generally have lower Score values.
Categorized Comment - additional comments and annotations
From PubChem:
Assay Cell Type: 697
From ChEMBL:
Assay Type: Functional
Result Definitions
* Activity Concentration. ** Test Concentration.
Additional Information
Grant Number: 1 X01 MH077633-01
Data Table (Concise)


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Earth (2007)
Narrated by James Earl Jones, "Earth" tells the remarkable story of three animal families and their amazing journeys across the planet we call home. "Earth" combines rare action, unimaginable scale and impossible locations by capturing the most intimate moments of our planet's wildest and most elusive creatures.
Cast: James Earl Jones
Produced by:
Directed by: Alastair Fothergill. Mark Linfield
Written by:
Running time: 1hr 30min
Opens: Apr 22, 2009 Nationwide
|Theaters for 07/08/11
Pick a day


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Our Why
" We help clients surpass their goals by delivering best-in-class senior leadership teams."
This simple sentence defines our internal focus and how we approach our work.
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Simply put, we help great companies attract and retain great people.


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Photo/Jeffery Salter
A Conversation with Litto and Ines of La Flor Dominicana
Cigar Aficionado Talks to the Power Couple Behind One of the World's Top Boutique Cigar Brands
David Savona
From the Print Edition:
Kelsey Grammer, January/February 2013
The progress of the husband-and-wife team of Litto Gomez and Ines Lorenzo-Gomez through the cigar business has been a fascinating journey. Starting out as virtual newcomers more than 18 years ago, at the dawn of the cigar boom, they have taken their La Flor Dominicana brand from an unknown entity to one embraced by connoisseurs and critics alike. La Flor Dominicanas have placed in Cigar Aficionado's Top 25 consistently over the years, with a Coronado by La Flor named No. 2 cigar of 2006 and a La Flor Dominicana Cameroon Cabinet ranked number No. 12 in this very issue.
Once strictly mild smokes, La Flor Dominicanas now encompass a wide portfolio, and—thanks to a library of gutsy tobacco grown on a company farm in La Canela, Dominican Republic—the brand is today best known for its powerhouse versions. In December, the couple sat down with senior editor David Savona in Cigar Aficionado's New York City offices to reflect on their past and look to the future of the brand.
Savona: I was looking back at your previous interview, done in 1999 and published in 2000. Your company has changed quite a bit. Do you ever look back and see how far you've come?
Litto: I actually do look back, every now and then. It's very interesting how the company has evolved all of these years. Looking back it always makes you put your feet on the ground.
Q: For starters, at that time, almost all of your cigars were mild, and wrapped in Connecticut shade.
Ines: That was the biggest seller.
Litto: Making cigars in the Dominican Republic, being a start-up company, before the cigar boom, you pretty much didn't get access to any other tobacco than Connecticut shade, and Dominican filler and binder. That was the only tobacco available to a start-up company like ours, but it was also the Dominican blend. It was a very traditional blend.
Ines: And the No. 1 cigar back then was Macanudo.
Litto: It was what the cigar blenders at the time liked to blend. It was the old school of Dominican cigars. And obviously it was very well accepted by the consumers. That's what they liked to smoke.
Ines: We used to make the Premium line and the Special Reserve—that was it.
Q: What was the difference with the Special Reserve line?
Litto: It had a little more ligero in it.
Q: But on paper, the same thing—Dominican and Connecticut?
Litto: Yeah.
Q: Litto, you make the cigars and Ines you run distribution for the company?
Ines: We've always kind of divided the company like that. I still take care of distribution, and Litto handles the manufacturing part of it.
Q: Early on, were sales difficult?
Ines: It wasn't the easiest thing. But we went to the Cigar Aficionado breakfast in Orlando in 1995, back when the new magazine was unveiled at the breakfast before the show floor opened. We had received an 88 for one of our sizes. Eighty-eight was a huge rating back then.
Litto: For us.
Ines: And when we got back to the booth we had a line of retailers who wanted to order the size.
Litto: Before that, the first sales were made on the telephone. We would call a retailer, go through the list, introduce ourselves…
Ines: And we would send them samples.
Litto: And we would do a follow-up call 10 days later. And from that, we would get eight "nos," and two "yeses."
Ines: That's how we would get the orders.
Q: So you had to wait. Patience and faith.
Ines: And we would take the opportunity, whenever we went to a city, and we would go store to store.
Q: Was it a warm reception back then? Did they want new cigars?
Litto: No. Not in '94. It was hard, with a lot of hopes. Just a lot of wishes. And a lot of effort. And then came 1995, and things started to get a lot better, easier, and '96 everybody wanted cigars. And a lot of the older guys in the industry are competitors, but they would bring us retailers during IPCPR, during RTDA.
Q: Why would a competitor want to help another?
Litto: It's one of the shortcomings of our industry—we just like each other too much. And that is true. That is true. Nowadays, even in decisions that are made for the future of our industry, we make decisions thinking of people in the industry. And we do like each other a lot. I say it's one of our shortcomings as a joke, but it is one of our strengths. When we had the fire in the aging room at the factory, back in '97, we lost 400,000 cigars. I flew the same day back to the Dominican. The next day, in the afternoon, a tobacco dealer shows up at the factory, and the guy says, "Edgar Cullman Jr. [then the president of General Cigar Co.] sent me to see you and offer anything we can offer you from our company." I had seen Edgar maybe three or four times, said hello to him at a Big Smoke or something.
Q: Wow.
Litto: I was kind of shy to call him, but I had to call him. And he said, "You know, we are first competitors in the market, but we can be friends and help each other." How could you not fall in love with an industry like that?
Q: Going back to the old days, in '99 you said you were making 2.5 million cigars a year. And you said this: "Today, we're still not even close to where we want to take the brand." My question to you now, is how far have you come in those 13 years?
Litto: We have come a long way. Maybe not in the numbers as much as the reputation and the prestige that the name brand La Flor Dominicana has gained over the last 13 years. I think the respect for our brand and for our company is way bigger than our production. We feel every year the recognition is bigger.
Ines: It's more of a sense that we belong in the industry. For many years, there was kind of an insecurity.
Q: Did you ever feel like it was a club that you were trying to get into?
Ines: I think so. Like you have to earn your place. It is a friendly industry, but it's an industry with a lot of tradition.
Q: How many cigars are you making now?
Litto: We are getting closer to 4 million La Flor Dominicana premium cigars.
Q: Is La Flor Dominicana still a boutique brand?
Litto: I love it. We see ourselves as a small house, and I want to keep it that way. We like the concept of a small, family company. The goal has always been the same: to build a great cigar brand. It was never about numbers. It's about building a company for future generations of our family. This is what we do, we're building a great name. Every effort, every minute of work is directed to that goal. If we can't sell more cigars this year, we don't care. If we don't have enough materials to make blends the right way, we won't make them. I remember two years ago, the first four months of the year we had no maduros.
Q: Because of a lack of broadleaf?
Litto: It didn't have the right color. It had the same taste, but it was a couple of notches down in the shade of color.
Q: Are maduros a big part of your business?
Litto: It's a huge part. But if the product is not right, we won't ship it.
Q: Back in 2000, you said most of your cigars—more than half—had Connecticut shade wrappers. And maybe 30 percent was Cameroon.
Ines: Many years ago.
Q: How has it changed? What's your biggest seller now?
Litto: Double Ligero, which has Ecuador Sumatra wrapper. Our top-selling cigar is the Double Ligero 700.
Ines: Then the Chisel. The DL 500.
Litto: The Digger is No. 5.
Q: Digger is No. 5?
Litto: When we first called retailers and said, "We have a new size called the Digger—it's 60 ring gauge by 8 1/2 inches." They would go, "What? Can you come again?" They said, "You guys are crazy." But it has taken on a life of its own.
Q: What's the story of the Digger?
Litto: It was this guy named Digger, from Old Town Fredricksburg [Virginia], he's a customer. A really Bohemian guy, he smoked nothing else but 700s. That's all he smoked. I got into a conversation with him. And we drank a lot of Scotch. A 15-minute visit turned into three hours, and I really hit it off with Digger. He asked me if I could do a bigger version of the DL 700. I told him I'd think about it. A few months later I told my factory supervisor to make a bigger 700. I put the cigars in a box and I sent it to him. It just so happened that the box came at a very special moment in his life, and it made him extremely happy. I smoked it, I loved it, and I knew I would put it in production—and I also knew that the moment I released that cigar it would be called Digger.
Q: Great name. But an 8 1/2 by 60—that wasn't really what the market was clamoring for. Ines, did you think this was a bad idea?
Ines: I said, "Who is the guy? What do you mean?"
Q: Does this happen a lot? Does Litto do things without telling you?
Ines: All the time.
Litto: How about when we bought the farm? I said "Ines, what do you think, should we buy a farm?" She said, "That's a really bad idea." I said, "Ummm….we just bought one." (Laughs)
Q: Wait a minute—is that how it really happened? (Laughs)
Ines: One of our customers would call up and say did you get A, B and C yet? And I would say, "What? Let me check." And I would say, "Litto, do you find it fair I find this out through a retailer?" (Laughs) And then I say, "How much is that going to cost?" (Laughs)
Q: That's why your brand is Flower of the Dominican—you have to come back with flowers every time. Did you really buy the farm that way?
Ines: Yes. Now we have a farm. (Laughs)
Q: So you were a little doubtful?
Ines: It was a big investment for us, being the small company that we are, and we were even more so back then. We put a lot of our income into the farm and making it what it is today. It's a peace of mind, not to have the dependency on the tobacco suppliers. We still buy from other places, but we have a large inventory of our own tobacco. And we're involved in the whole process.
Litto: You've seen our infrastructure. For a small company, our infrastructure is huge. And that's part of the focus, just to have a very solid infrastructure. That guarantees our consistency. Consistency is key. And having that farm is the personality of the flavor of La Flor Dominicana. It's the profile. It comes from there.
Q: Best move you ever made?
Litto: It was the best move for our company.
Q: Ines?
Ines: (Laughs) We just bought more land. He says, "By the way, we just bought this." But I totally agree.
Q: Does every one of your cigars have at least some farm tobacco?
Litto: Yes. Totally.
Q: And are some of your cigars made entirely from farm tobacco?
Litto: The LG Diez and the Small Batch too.
Q: And that's a big change from the last interview—back then you hadn't used a single leaf. That was a long-term investment. How many years did it take?
Litto: Two years for the secos, the lighter leaves.
Q: What's your house style? If I said to you what makes a La Flor Dominicana La Flor Dominicana.
Litto: Tons of taste and consistency. And quality manufacturing.
Q: What got you into making the stronger cigars?
Litto: My own palate was changing. We don't make cigars for market trends. The cigars that come out of the factory reflect my personal taste.
Comments 2 comment(s)
Patrick Morales — Covina, California, United States, — March 21, 2013 9:57am ET
Can we get more photo's of Ines without Litto in them? Please!
Edward Silva — March 22, 2013 6:36pm ET
I agree Patrick........Ines is a very sensual woman!!
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Utah Travel
Welcome to Utah, paradise for outdoor enthusiasts! Use this site to plan and book things to do and see in Utah. From National Parks to ski resorts, mountain lakes to golf courses, beautiful Park City to historic Temple Square, sunny St George to bustling Salt Lake City to tranquil Lake Powell, Utah will surprise you with its variety.
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This instructable will show you how to grow and culture your own glowing bacteria and use it to reinvent the light bulb!
I"ll show you how to grow your very own Vibrio phosphoreum or Vibrio fischeri from fresh sea fish (squid work well) and culture it onto special agar gel that you can make at home or simply buy ready-to-pour. The gel can be formed inside all kinds of things that you want to make glow a cool greenish/blue color !!!!
The glowing vibrio bacteria are marine life forms that live alone or in a symbiotic relationships with fish and squid inside their light organs or as parastites. Alone the bacteria don't really glow but in groups of large enough number something amazing happens called quorum sensing ..... The bacteria upon realizing they have enough of each other around turn on genes that allow them to GLOW !!!! The light that is emitted is super efficient around 98 % meaning that only 2 % is lost through heat, thus the light is cool and that's very COOL.
Here is some good info on v. fischeri
It's these amazing little guys (1/1,000,000 of a meter long) that will power our lightbulb !!!! If properly cultured your lightbulb will glow for about a month using zero electricity and zero pollution!!!! Granted its not incredibly bright but you can save electricity costs if you replaced a night light , or you could use it to read maps or books while camping and not worry about changing batteries in your flashlight and disposing of the batteries causing more pollution !!!!
Water Pollution Tester
This instructable will also demonstrate how glowing bacteria can test how toxic water is. The methods used are much more Eco friendly than chemicals and processing ..... So not only does bioluminescent bacteria reduce pollution , they can also DETECT IT !!!! The glowing process is a direct result of the bacteria's metabolism. Fresh clean water does not affect its cellular metabolism or how bright it glows. However even slight toxins that we can't smell , see or taste can alter the bacteria's metabolism and will reduce the amount of light they can produce. By comparing the amount of light emmited from bacteria treated with clean water to that of the sample at hand ..... Say from a stream near a power plant we can assess the level of toxicity in the water !!!!
Here is a video of what the bacteria look like ALIVE under high magnification:
I am vijetha from Bangalore, India. I wanted to buy some bio-luminescent algae to grow in my lab. But I am not finding it anywhere here. Ca anyone please help me regarding this.
Can someone please help in finding the algae culture dealers in India. Preferable in Bangalore.
A-W-E-S-O-M-E!!! would this work for any kind of ocean-fish residue?
I'm Thinking is there any cheap/free way of producing a living medium for bio luminescent algae for the poor people of the world to give free lighting at night from the solar bottle bulb idea... Any other links or even cheap/free bio luminescant chemicals that may help in the same situation.
where can i buy v. fischeri's culture from Europe?
..... Not sure it of will work but I think it would be an awesome experiment to see if it does ..... As Bill Nye the Science guy says "TRY IT" !!!!
It got a mention on the This Week in Microbiology podcast:
Vincent Racaniello described it as "really quite amazing".
f• • • Fuzzee Dee OUT • • • }~{ <> }~{ ^~^ :->


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BBD Assistant Editor: Joe Marino
The need to be able to stop the run out of nickel and dime defensive packages to match up with spread offensive formations has put the safety position in high demand. Having a safety who can come up and play near the line of scrimmage, but also has the range and instincts to play in single-high looks, goes a long way in being able to field an aggressive defensive scheme.
Two prospects in the 2014 NFL draft in particular offer the ability to perform well in both area, and they received first-round grades as a result.


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Friday, March 05, 2004DAVIDSON, N.C. (Mar. 5, 2004) - East Tennessee State scored 13 runs in the first four innings and cruised to a 15-4 victory over Davidson in the Southern Conference opener for both schools Friday evening from Wildcat Park in Davidson, N.C. The win is the Bucs' third straight and eighth in their last nine games. As they very often in the last eight games, the Bucs (8-6, 1-0 SoCon) got on the board first, sending 10 men to the plate and scoring six runs in the top of the second. Sophomore second baseman Josiah Glafenhein (Knoxville, Tenn.) and junior catcher Caleb Moore (Knoxville, Tenn.) led off the frame with back-to-back walks. The runners moved to second and third on a sacrifice bunt by freshman designated hitter Stephen Douglas (Kennesaw, Ga.). Glafenhein scored as sophomore third baseman Greg Roberts (Douglas, Ga.) reached on a fielder's choice and Moore crossed the plate on a single up the middle by senior center fielder Tim Turner (Marietta, Ga.). With Roberts and Turner on base, sophomore left fielder Matt Traylor (Knoxville, Tenn.) connected for his first home run of the season, a blast deep over the right field wall. Sophomore right fielder Shane Byrne (Johnson City, Tenn.) then laced a single to right and advanced to second on a wild pitch. After a single by senior shortstop Andy Howdeshell (Maryville, Tenn.) moved him to third, Byrne would score on a sacrifice fly by sophomore first baseman Blake Church (Roswell, Ga.). Davidson (3-4, 0-1 SoCon) scored their first run of the game in the bottom of the second to cut the Buccaneer lead to four. With two down, designated hitter Taylor Shoop reached on an error then scored on a single by the next batter, third baseman Jay Heafner. The Bucs erupted again in the third, scoring five more runs to make the score 11-1. Moore, Douglas and Roberts began the inning with consecutive singles to load the bases. Turner grounded out to short to score Moore while Douglas would come home on a sacrifice fly by Traylor. Byrne then followed with a double to left to score Roberts. Howdeshell doubled to score Byrne and he would score on a single to center by Church. ETSU ran their lead to 13-1, plating two more runs in the top of the fourth. With one out, Roberts singled to right for his second hit of the evening. Turner then came to the plate and hit his second home run of the season with a two-run shot over the center field wall. Wildcat third baseman Jay Heafner led off the bottom of the fourth with his first homer of the season, a line drive shot over the left field wall. First baseman Justin Hartanov then laced a double to right center and with one down, second baseman Ronnie Shore gave Davidson runners on first and third with a single to center. But Howdeshell ended the Wildcat rally with a sparkling defensive effort. Shortstop Eli Benefield hit a hard ground ball up the middle that Howdeshell snagged behind second base. He flipped it behind him to Glafenehin to get the out at second then Glafenhein fired it to first to complete the double play. East Tennessee State added a run to their lead in the top of the seventh. Traylor led off the inning with a double down the right field line and later scored on a double by Glafenhein. Davidson then answered with two runs in the bottom of the frame. Wildcat right fielder Sam Navarro led off the inning with a double to left field and advanced to third on a wild pitch. The following batter, center fielder Michael Muniz, scored Navarro with a single to right. He moved to third on a single by catcher Alex Entrekin and scored as pinch hitter Gregory Zage grounded into a double play. The Bucs scored the final run of the game in the top of the eighth. With one out, Roberts hit a single to center and scored later on a two-out double by Traylor. Sophomore righty Jeremy Hall (Gray, Tenn.) continued his strong pitching of late, going the first five innings and allowing one earned run on nine hits. Hall (3-2) did not walk anyone, and struck out two Wildcat batters. Davidson starter Matt Dellinger (0-1) was charged with the loss after allowing 10 runs on eight hits in 2.2 innings. Each of the Buccaneer starters had at least one hit as the Bucs recorded 20 on the evening. Roberts had a game-high three hits while Traylor and Howdeshell each had three. Traylor and Turner tied for the team lead with four RBIs while Roberts scored four runs. "I was proud of the way our guys came out tonight and swung their bats," said ETSU head coach Tony Skole following the game. "When you get 20 hits, you will always have a chance to win. A lot of guys contributed tonight; right now everybody in our lineup is a tough out. I am also very happy with how our pitchers threw; they only allowed one walk and were around the plate all night." Davidson tallied 13 hits, but also left 10 men on base. Muniz led the Wildcats with three hits while Entrekin, Heafner and Hartanov each had three. "It is great to get that first SoCon win," said Skole. "But tomorrow will be a huge game; Davidson will definitely be ready to play" The Bucs and Davidson return to Wildcat Park tomorrow afternoon at 2 p.m. for game two of the three-game set. Live stats will be available on the baseball page of ETSU's athletic website, www.ETSUBucs.com.
|Copyright ©2015 East Tennessee State Athletics. All Rights Reserved.


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Rejser og pakkeløsninger
- Billeje
- Bryllup og bryllupsrejse
- Frilufts- og eventyraktiviteter – i luften
- Frilufts- og eventyraktiviteter – på land
- Golf
- Medicinsk turisme
- Meditation
- Opdag kulturen
- Økoturisme
- Sejlads og krydstogter
- Shopping
- Spa og velvære
- Uddannelsesaktiviteter
- Vandaktiviteter
Tarutao Self-Paddle
Tour Overview :
Koh Tarutao is a large island (25K) and is heavily forested. The West Coast is sloped with several mangrove estuaries, forested beaches and sea cliffs. The East Coast is cliff-cut with several offshore islands.
Tarutao's most striking feature is the pristine hardwood forest that carpets the island. Hardwood trees up to 70 meters often extend down to water's edge. This forest holds numerous species of mammals, birds, and reptiles which may be seen on either nature walks or kayak paddles. During the high season, four species of sea turtle nest within the Park, but sightings cannot be predicted. Tarutao's estuaries contain large and pristine mangrove forests that are heavily populated by mammals, birds, and reptiles. Sightings of macaques, langur, kingfishers, hornbills, pythons, and water monitors are common. Of course, wildlife sightings can never be guaranteed. Tarutao hosts several excellent sand camping beaches as well.
Koh Tarutao was a prison for hundreds of political prisoners during the 1940's. Tarutao is a historical attraction, as the island was once used as a maximum security center for hardened criminals and political prisoners, a place reminiscent of pain and bitterness suffered by the detainees. Once it was cut off from its supplies the prisoners and guards turned to piracy and the waters around the island were very dangerous, but this was a long time ago and it is now uninhabited.
Departure Date : Daily
Remark : The above itinerary can change depending upon weather
condition and tidal level. The trip includes round trip
transfer, soft drinks, seafood lunch, fruit in season,
dry bag, and snorkeling gear will offers.
Day by Day Itinerary :
Date 1 : Trang - Tarutao
Pick-up from Hadyai airport or Trang airport or Hotel. Depart for paddle in fresh water caves at Satun. Depart to Pak Bara with dinner and overnight at Pakpara.
Date 2 : Tarutao - Tarutao
Breakfast. Depart on public ferry for Tarutao (1 1/2 hour). Lunch at National Park restaurant. Paddle on the west coast. Dinner and overnight in National Park.
Date 3 : Tarutao - Tarutao
Breakfast. Paddle in mangrove swamp and explore caves - expect wildlife but no guarantees. After, box lunch. Continue to paddle until sunset. Dinner and overnight in National Park (At Son Bay).
Date 4 : Tarutao - Trang
Explore former prison site. Back to National Park and have lunch. Public Ferry transfer back to Pakpara.


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It's funny how Always Sunny can pervert, and hilariously misrepresent, the world of online gaming but still sort of nail the feeling one gets when playing games like WoW for an extended period of time More »
If last week's episode of "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia" suffered from too much Frank, this week's benefited from a whole lot of Charlie. 'Cause there can never be too much Charlie. http://w More »
Things got a bit meta on the latest episode of "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia ," mysteriously entitled "Charlie Rules the World." As it turned out, the "world" in question was a virtual one, c More »
On " Charlie Rules the World ," Charlie rises to power in a popular online video game, but Dennis wants The Gang to come back to reality. Season 8 has seen Charlie evolving from a powerless wild ca More »
The last time we saw Frank he was proving to Dee that his brain hadn't turned to soup by having The Gang traumatically dig up the remains of her and Dennis' dead, rotting mother. So with his mental ac More »


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Description:HP Tower to Rack Conversion Kit for the ML350 G5*** Note: This item is large and heavy and will ship ground by default. If you require faster shipping please contact us for a quote. Online shipping rates do not apply.Option Part# 412640-B21
Overview:HP Tower to Rack Conversion Kit - ML350 G5 Kit
CategoryProliant Option
Sub-CategoryTower to Rack Kit
GenerationML350 G5
Part Number412640-B21
Products ID455381
[ Manufacturers Specs ]


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This is just something that started out of playing a bit with the Python Image Library.
Nothing especially original: photo bubbling is around by about 2 years, and probably that too wasn't a new thing.
Anyway, the idea is to start from a photo and a mask, created with the preferred bitmap editor (only red & blue pixels are significant):
and auto generating something like this:
Since the generation of the bubbles is automatic, a number of frames can be created, and then an animated GIF can be assembled with a number of tools:


text: Spanish overview faculty program organizations after graduation Links and Resources Jim Becker's Menu of Spanish Resources Enlaces en español Spanish Language and Hispanic Cultures - Start here at this very comprehensive and well organized site. Discover Spain: Information regarding Spain and travel to that country Spanish Studies: A compilation of over 100 Spanish language schools and programs in Latin America and Spain including links to all schools. Also at the site is a sampling of Spanish colloquialisms which is updated weekly. Spain Uncovered MundoHispano Hispanic Magazine On-line Prensa Libre: Central America's largest daily newspaper. El Clarin: Diario de Buenos Aires German and Spanish Web Sites Spain and Spanish in the Net Pedro's Dictionaries Tecla: Text magazine written for learners and teachers of Spanish. It is a joint production between the Spanish Department at Birkbeck College and the Consejería de Educación, Embajada de España en Londres. It is produced weekly during term-time WWW de la UNAM (Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México) Internet words in Spanish


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Detroit LionsThis panorama of the Detroit Lions NFL football team playing at Ford Field was photographed by James Blakeway. The team started in 1929 as the Portsmouth Spartans, joined the NFL in 1930 and became the Detroit Lions in 1934. The Lions played at the University of Detroit Stadium for four years and then moved to Briggs Stadium (later named Tiger Stadium) in 1938. In 1975, the Lions moved to the Pontiac Silverdome, where they played until moving to Ford Field in 2002. The Lions' history includes NFL Championships, several enshrinees in the Pro Football Hall of Fame and one of America's best holiday traditions - Detroit's annual Thanksgiving Day Classic.
Step inside Detroit's glorious football palace! This spectacular poster features an absolutely breathtaking gameday panoramic view inside Ford Field, capturing a hometown touchdown moment. From the action on the field below, to the partisan crowd celebrating the moment, to the scoreboards and banners, to the unique building architecture, it's all here - the entire scene, looking absolutely fantastic for your wall. Printed in brilliant color and perfect focus on high-quality paper stock, and complete with a sharp white border that includes the official team and NFL logos, team title, and a brief descriptive paragraph, this is both a beauty for the wall of home or office, and a great collector's item for years to come. Perfect for the wall of any fan of the Lions, Detroit sports, and big-time NFL action!
Product Specifications:


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53x11 Pace® Mesh Helmet Liner
Lightweight, Moisture Wicking
- Adjustable elastic drawcord
- 3-panel beanie shape dome
- Fully sublimated in digital color
- One size fits all
- Machine washable
This item has been added to your cart.
Product Details
Made in the USA. Offered in Hammer Nutrition 53x11 colors.
Washing Instructions:
Machine wash cold, gentle cycle.
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Product Reviews
Rated 4 out of 5 by Fran from I like the style of the hat but not the draw string. Haven't worn the hat with my helmet yet
Date published: 2014-01-10


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"I saw my first stripper here." Adam Levine, the frontman for Maroon 5, stands in the kitchen area of Los Angeles' Conway Recording Studios, reminiscing with the guitarist James Valentine, his longtime bandmate. Crew members of one of TV's top-rated programs, The Voice, scurry to prepare for this afternoon's taping. The 33-year-old Levine, one of the four coach-judges on the show, has brought Team Adam's six finalists to Conway for a history lesson of sorts: A native Angeleno, Levine has been making records here since he was earning D's and F's in high school. "We made our first demo at Conway, when I was 17," he says, referring to Kara's Flowers, the one-and-done band that eventually morphed into Maroon 5. "I've been recording here ever since." There are perks for such loyalty: The parking spot closest to the studio is marked RESERVED FOR ADAM LEVINE. There are perks, too, for selling 17 million albums, winning three Grammys, and stealing hearts as The Voice's lady-bait breakout star: A gleaming ink-black 1958 Porsche 1600 Speedster convertible sits in said spot.
Levine does not dress like the owner of a luxe vintage roadster. He's wearing black shit-kickers, blue Dickies work pants, and a long-sleeved charcoal-gray henley tee. His hair is closely cropped. His toned arms are blanketed in tattoos. If you still believe in rock stars, Levine fits that bill as well as anyone these days. For traditionalists, there's the ink, the car, the motorcycle collection, the house in the Hollywood Hills, and, until recently, the Victoria's Secret supermodel girlfriend, Anne Vyalitsyna.
"The first time I went to Adam's house," says the country singer and fellow Voice coach Blake Shelton, "I told him, 'Man, you're exactly the rock star I wanted you to be.' There's a grand piano in his bedroom. From his pool outside, you look up the hill and there's the Hollywood sign. I mean, there were models hanging around. It was badass."
But Levine is no nostalgia-glazed revivalist: In addition to the reality-TV gig, there are the collaborations with the Swedish hitmakers Max Martin and Shellback, the on-the-payroll yoga instructor, even the obligatory celebrity fragrance. "Nothing wrong with making money," Levine says. "I'm always quoting the part in Jerry Maguire when Cuba Gooding talks about the 'kwan': 'love, respect, community, and the dollars, too.' I love that shit. Nobody has it all, but for me to even come close is amazing."
Levine carries his stardom lightly; he's well raised, neurotically polite, discreet about his boldface dating, and self-aware enough to know that exchanging I love you, mans with his new BFF Shelton from comically oversize swivel chairs is not exactly Hammer of the Gods material. "I never got down with conveying a larger-than-life vibe," he explains. When talk turns to the "yachts and coke" lifestyle of the eighties-excess pinups Duran Duran, Levine smiles sheepishly. "I guess I'm more a houses-and-weed guy," he says, and he may be exaggerating the weed part.
As a makeup artist blots Levine's forehead free of moisture ("Thank you." Blot. "Thank you"), a Voice producer signals for him and Valentine to head to the studio next door, where Team Adam awaits. A camera crew rolls tape. Levine adjusts the mic pack clipped to his jeans. "By the way," he says as he steps onto the pathway outside, "the stripper wasn't mine."
Levine and Valentine sit in the middle of Studio C, sharing stories of Maroon 5's 10-year "journey," in reality-TV-speak, with the moon-eyed aspirants of Team Adam. It's part music-biz master class, part promo op for the band's upcoming album, Overexposed: Levine and Valentine wax romantic about their salad days ("James and I lived together until I was 27"), offer encouraging notes about the democratization of music, and field questions on everything from coping with paparazzi to overcoming stage fright. "Do I really have moves like Jagger?" Levine quips, referring to Maroon 5's career-rejuvenating smash. "Fucking A, no, I don't. But I was going to tell everybody that I did and hoped they believed me."
Nearly two hours later, the producers indicate that they have all the footage they need. Levine looks crestfallen; he asks his charges if they have any more questions, anything at all, and the segment winds on for another 20 minutes. Levine is a talker, and a good one, too, as viewers of The Voice have come to appreciate. The show's best episodes are the blind-audition rounds, where the coaches—Levine, Shelton, Christina Aguilera, and Cee-Lo Green—sit in front of a bunch of unknowns and attempt to sweet-talk them into joining their respective teams. It's a brilliant reproach to Simon Cowell's pompous bullying—a Trading Places–esque maneuver in which the power imbalance between the haves and the have-nots is reversed. Week after week, Levine kills it during these segments. Pitching his services as a mentor, he appears guileless: His insights are pinpoint-accurate, his praise believable, his desire to help these talented wannabes unquestionably heartfelt. Even his bro hugs ooze sincerity.
"So many times, when you meet somebody whose work you respect, they end up being a dickhead," Shelton says. "But Adam has to be the most real, honest, easy-to-talk-to person that I've met in all of show business. He's just a good dude with superhero powers."


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I don't see moron or idiot becoming passe but if ****** is offensive then people should look at their reasons for continuing to say it. I still operate under the rule that it's okay to offend someone as long as you can make peace with your reason for doing so and live with the consequences. But I'm not sure there's a good reason out there to continuing to say ******.
Overall, I think people are far too PC, especially my brethren on the left. It's like they are far too worried about a specific word instead of the general intent of the phrase. If you're purposely insulting someone, it shouldn't matter what words you used to do it...
Last edited by Locke; 10-26-2012 at 03:47 PM. Reason: typo
Total Depravity
Unconditional Election
Limited Atonement
Irresistible Grace
Perseverance of the Saints
Careful Locke, if you keep posting this sort of stuff I may actually start liking you. I agree, the "word police" need to retire, I see it where I work as well, one of our fish biologists was talking about an abandoned lookout we have, and he referred to it as "unmanned", one of our token feminists quickly corrected him, "you mean unstaffed don't you? It's sexist to think that everyone who works in a lookout is a man." Pretty ridiculous stuff, the guy didn't mean any harm and she correcting him in front of everyone was more offensive than anything he did in my opinion.
I get where he's coming from, but I still don't think that's okay. Half of my family is from Alabama and Georgia and they all grew up saying "n*gger" this or "n*gger" that and it didn't necessarily have to do with black people all the time. Didn't make it okay, though. Culture isn't an excuse. And they've pretty much stopped, now. I mean, if you're using a term that you know offends, and though you don't mean to offend continue to use it anyway, I think you really have to look in the mirror and ask yourself why.
Statler brings up a good example, also, and that's an area where I don't think the PC crowd has it right. For one thing, I don't think "unstaffed" is even a word. Unmanned, however, is. And I think any reasonable person knows that term isn't being used to only signify one gender. I mean, we're "humans", not "hupersons." The Romance languages get around this by giving every word a gender, and the selections are often nonsensical (in other words, not every manly thing has a male gender and not every womanly thing has a female gender). But since English is a hybrid language only some terms -- mostly those borrowed from Spanish and Italian -- have gender significance. The correctives to this really only create confusion, I think, because no one notices them at all. You can't say that with "f@g" or "******."
"....if there is activity in the ball prior to the rubbing action....
Bill Belichick, Sat Jan 24, 2015
"You may think that you are some kind of god to these people. But we both know what you really are."
"What's that? A criminal?"
"Worse. A politician."
Source: Under The Dome
I never got into the whole saying nig*er thing, but I know people who will use "nog" in a sentence who I wouldnt necessarily say are racist. But then again, Im not black so I wouldnt presume to know what they find offensive. I dont know. Culture is a weird thing.


text:
Conant Veranda Outdoor Clock
Gardeners and outdoor decorators will delight in the simple elegance of this timeless piece.
Its classic design and hardy construction make it the perfect addition to any garden or outdoor space.
The Veranda Collection Clock is constructed of solid brass and crystal clear glass designed to withstand a lifetime of outdoor use. Its standard 12-hour clock face displays the time to the second with a pleasing combination of black and brass hands that are accompanied by both a hygrometer and thermometer.
Two mounting options are included: A swivel arm facilitates display so that the Clock peeks into any window in your home. A shorter S-bracket allows for invisible mounting on a flat surface such as a wall, tree or post.
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- Independent
- The Enterprise
- The Recorder
Maryland House Republicans chose a new leadership team Tuesday, electing Dels. Nicholaus Kipke (R-Anne Arundel) and Kathy Szeliga (R-Baltimore) to be minority leader and minority whip, respectively.
The team replaces Del. Anthony J. O'Donnell (R-Calvert, St. Mary's), who had served as minority leader since 2007, and Del. Jeannie Haddaway-Riccio (R-Mid-Shore), who had been whip since 2011.
O'Donnell said Thursday morning the GOP caucus was narrowly divided in choosing its leadership team, but said he had no hard feelings and understands "these leadership positions are not lifetime positions.
"The caucus decided that it was time to head in a different direction, and I'm OK with that," O'Donnell said. "I've been in the elected leadership for the last 10 years," first as minority whip, then as minority leader of the House of Delegates. "Sometimes a change in leadership is healthy. … I'm still committed to the Republican cause. I'm proud of the work we did."
O'Donnell said the number of Republican delegates is at a "modern-day high" of 43 seats following the 2010 election, when he led an effort to successfully pick up six seats.
"In the end, I've always tried, usually at my own expense, tried to serve the greater good, and I look forward to" continuing that, he said. "I'm looking forward to continuing to represent the citizens of Calvert and St. Mary's counties vigorously. … I will continue to be a soldier in the fields."
"I don't think this election was any reflection" on O'Donnell and Haddaway-Riccio, Kipke told reporters after the caucus met in Annapolis. "The caucus is faced with a very tough election because of the gerrymandering that took place in the legislature recently, and we believe we have a plan that will best strengthen our caucus members into that election."
Kipke said he plans greater outreach to center-right organizations throughout the state, such as Americans for Prosperity, Change Maryland and the various Republican central committees around the state to broaden the Republican support.
"We're going to ask them to help us be messengers to those voters who don't necessarily follow politics," Kipke said.
Kipke has served in the General Assembly since 2007, Szeliga since 2011.
The state's new legislative districts are expected to make the 2014 election difficult for Republicans, with one delegate predicting the GOP could lose as many as 10 of their 43 House seats.
Some delegates were concerned O'Donnell wasn't taking an active enough role in fundraising and identifying potential Republican candidates, whereas Democrats seemed to be doing the opposite. Party morale has also taken a blow from a series of Democratic policy victories, including an increase in the state's gas tax and sweeping gun-control reforms.
"It's family business; we took care of it behind closed doors, and at the end of the day, we are 43 strong members of the minority party," Szeliga said of the caucus results.
Del. Kathy Afzali (R-Frederick) said the party was unified and ready to move forward, but that members continued to have "tons of respect for Jeannie and Tony."
GOP officials in Calvert and St. Mary's counties reflected on O'Donnell's leadership in Annapolis.
Calvert County Commissioners' President Pat Nutter (R) said Wednesday he "doesn't feel good" about O'Donnell's removal as House minority leader.
"This guy's done a lot for these counties, and I'm upset about it," he said.
Nutter said O'Donnell represented Calvert County well and thinks O'Donnell will continue to "push for things that should be done" in the county.
"I think he's a very strong individual, and I think he'll represent us 100 percent," he said.
Commissioner Gerald W. "Jerry" Clark (R) said O'Donnell has been an effective minority leader.
"His leadership at the House for a minority party … has been very admirable and very respectful … of traditions of past minority leaders," Clark said. "I guess there's always people in this world that feel they can do a better job. … Time will tell as we go forward."
Clark said he does not see O'Donnell's removal having a major effect on Calvert County.
"He's a good delegate, and I assume he will continue to be one," Clark said, adding that O'Donnell had "great integrity and great passion" as minority leader.
Commissioner Susan Shaw (R) said she believes O'Donnell's removal is not a reflection on the job he's done as minority leader but, rather, of people "wanting a fresh perspective and wanting to change things up."
When someone remains in the same position for a long period of time, "you start to lose new ideas" and an objective perspective, Shaw said.
"I'm not saying that happened with Del. O'Donnell. I think he's done a very good job. At the same time, I can see them wanting some new leadership. I don't think it's a reflection on him; I just think it's time for a change," she said.
During his tenure as minority leader, O'Donnell cosponsored Jessica's Law to strengthen current sex offender laws in Maryland and, on the House Environmental Matters Committee, often "fought excessive regulations that are hurtful to the homeowner," Calvert County Republican Central Committee Chairwoman Ella Ennis said Wednesday.
He was also known in the Lusby community for his efforts to bring local, state and federal officials together to find solutions for homeowners living along the cliffs of Calvert whose homes were in danger of falling into the Chesapeake Bay, since endangered species protections prevented them from controlling erosion on their properties, Ennis said.
"I think Tony O'Donnell has been an excellent leader and an excellent representative for Calvert, and I certainly hope he'll continue to be our elected representative for a long time to come," Ennis said. "… I think he's a great guy. I'm sorry the decision came out the way it did."
"Tony's been a wonderful friend to us. He's done a lot of work for us," Mary Burke-Russell, chairwoman of the St. Mary's County Republican Central Committee, said Wednesday.
Burke-Russell said she is looking forward to seeing O'Donnell and other Republicans at the committee's annual Lincoln/Reagan dinner Friday night in Leonardtown.
"Tony will keep working hard … for Southern Maryland," she said.
O'Donnell served as House minority whip from 2003 to 2006 and was elected minority leader after former leader Sen. George C. Edwards (R-Allegany, Garrett, Washington) was elected to the state senate. O'Donnell received the Edward T. Hall Memorial Award for Outstanding Republican Man of the Year from the Calvert GOP in 1993.
In a statement released Wednesday, Diana Waterman, the newly elected chairwoman of the Maryland Republican Party, congratulated Kipke and Szeliga "on their election to lead the House Republican Caucus through the 2014 election cycle. This will be a great opportunity for us to work together to recruit a qualified group of candidates, develop our slate efforts, and raise money to support our efforts.
"We owe Delegate Tony O'Donnell and Delegate Jeannie Haddaway-Riccio our gratitude for their service to the House leadership," Waterman's statement continued. "They have worked extremely hard to move our efforts forward and it is my hope that we can all work together with the same enthusiasm in next year's election."
Staff writer Jesse Yeatman contributed to this report.


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In The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3, Denzel Washington stars as New York City subway dispatcher Walter Garber, whose ordinary day is thrown into chaos by an audacious crime: the hijacking of a subway train. John Travolta stars as Ryder, the criminal mastermind who, as leader of a highly-armed gang of four, threatens to execute the train's passengers unless a large ransom is paid within one hour. As the tension mounts beneath his feet, Garber employs his vast knowledge of the subway system in a battle to outwit Ryder and save the hostages. But there's one riddle Garber can't solve: even if the thieves get the money, how can they possibly escape?
The cast includes Denzel Washington, John Travolta, James Gandolfini, Luis Guzmán, John Turturro, Michael Rispoli, Ramon Rodriguez and Adrian Martinez.


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Succulent Roasted Lamb In All Its Glory - The Wonderful Barbacoa at Aqui Es Texcoco (San Diego) [Review] w/ Pics!
(Formatted with All Pictures here:
Ever since being introduced to the tasty Barbacoa de Borrego (Slow-Roasted Lamb traditionally covered in Maguey Leaves) last year, I've been on a quest to find the best version possible. After El Borrego de Oro's dried out version left me disappointed, I wasn't sure if I'd ever be able to try this authentic Lamb dish in all its glory outside of traveling to Mexico.
That is until a wonderful recommendation from kare_raisu about a specialist that only does Barbacoa de Borrego, 7 days a week, immediately caught my attention. While this specialist is located in Chula Vista, I was visiting friends in San Diego and this seemed like the perfect opportunity to do both things at once: Meeting friends and trying out this Lamb specialist known as Aqui Es Texcoco. :)
The restaurant is a standard, bare bones, hole-in-the-wall, with a mesmerizing scent of fresh-roasted Lamb pouring out from the kitchen. When we arrive, the tables are completely packed with people enjoying Aqui Es Texcoco's Lamb dishes. Looking over the menu grants a sigh of relief as it has all the signs of a good specialty restaurant. In this case, they serve Lamb Tacos (regular or Dorados), Lamb Plates, Lamb by the Kilogram, an entire Lamb Head, Lamb Consomme and Lamb Flautas, and you can choose what *cut* of Lamb you prefer! Wow. We excitedly place our order and await the offerings from the kitchen. :)
I start with their homemade Horchata (Chilled Vanilla, Cinnamon and Rice Drink), which totally hits the spot on this warm Summer evening. It's an excellent rendition of the classic beverage, with very light, slightly creamy, refreshing taste that's not too sweet with a fragrant Cinnamon and Vanilla aroma with every sip.
While Aqui Es Texcoco lacks the pit-in-the-earth cooking apparatus (it's not very feasible to dig up the kitchen floor in a restaurant :), they fresh roast Lambs every morning, wrapping them in the traditional Maguey Leaves (Agave Americana) like they do in Texcoco.
Our server brings out 4 distinctly colored bottles of homemade Salsa to pair with our upcoming Barbacoa. Ostensibly, they look like 4 generic bottles of some "throwaway" Salsa perhaps, but after tasting each one directly, nothing could be further from the truth:
(Pictured from the left to right)
The Salsa Borracha is the darkest of the four salsas, made-from-scratch in-house, with Tomatillos and Pasilla Chile. It's the mildest of the four, *gorgeously* smoky, intense with a light burn. My favorite of the four. :)
Their Salsa Verde is made with Raw Tomatillos and Jalapeno Chile. There's a very grassy note and a more immediate spiciness that hits with each bite.
The Salsa Aguacate made from fresh Avocados is surprisingly even more spicy than the Verde. It's more spring-like, slightly silky and very fresh-tasting. Wonderful. :)
But it's the Salsa Morita that hooked my guests: The spiciest of the four salsas, they use the Morita Chile as the basis, and there's an immediate, fiery burn as soon as it enters your mouth. But the heat is intoxicating; there's a real depth and complexity that makes the Salsa Morita irresistible.
The Lamb Consomme arrives first: Made from the Lamb Jus of the slow-roasted Lamb itself, Aqui combines that with Garbanzo Beans, Rice, Chile Chipotle, Chile California, Garlic and Onions and this results in an earthy, vibrant, fresh tasting Lamb Broth that's soul moving. Easily the best Lamb Consomme I've had to pair with Barbacoa. :)
Our combination order arrives with a Half Kilogram of Barbacoa de Borrego ("Lamb Barbecue" according to the menu) with all 4 different cuts of Lamb(!).
Fresh Tortillas, Lime, Onions and Cilantro are served with this order.
We begin with the Costilla (Lamb Rib), adding a bit of the fresh Cilantros, Onions and a dash of Lime: It's juicy, slightly fatty, meaty with a nice textural chew (just slightly), leagues ahead of L.A.'s specialist El Borrego de Oro. Wow! :) When finished off with a sip of the Lamb Consomme or a bit of any of the 4 homemade Salsas, it's one of the great Lamb dishes I've had this past year.
The next cut we try is their Pancita ("All Lamb Organs" according to our server). The Pancita is extremely gamey, intense and has that unmistakable metallic liver flavor. It's a bit too powerful for me and my guests, but I'm glad I tried it.
Their Cabeza (Lamb Head Meat) is fatty, juicy with a good Lamb flavor (more so than the Lamb Rib meat). It's a bit more messy, varied in texture and fatty than most standard cuts of Lamb, but I found it delicious.
And if Lamb Cabeza is your favorite, keep an eye out for their Cabeza Completa (Whole Lamb Head) which looked freaky, disturbing and smelled absolutely delicious all at the same time! :)
Finally, their Maciza (Regular Lamb Meat (from Shank and Shoulder)) is probably the most straightforward of the offerings. It's still moist, leaner than the other cuts, and retains a nice Lamb flavor with each bite.
Continuing on, we try another rare offering in So Cal: Flautas de Barbacoa (Lamb Barbecue Rolled Tacos) with Fresh Cream and Cotija Cheese. The Flautas are so crispy, piping hot and tasting *very fresh*. This is important to note because far too many restaurants have been serving mediocre Flautas with slightly stale shells and dried out meat. Not so here: Aqui Es Texcoco's Flautas are beautiful celebrations of texture and flavor: The crunch of the Fresh Flautas, the smooth and creamy Crema and Cotija Cheese, and the juicy, clean Slow-Roasted Lamb within.
Their Tacos Dorados de Costilla (Lamb Rib Fried Tacos) are hearty, pan-fried Tacos filled with the Slow-Roasted Lamb Rib meat. While there's always something satisfying with freshly fried Tortillas, I think I prefer the non-fried versions better.
Finally, their Quesadilla con Huitlacoche (Quesadilla with Mexican Truffle (Fungus from the Corn Plant)) is a surprisingly non-greasy, light, crispy offering, with Huitlacoche and gooey Mozzarella Cheese melted together in a great pairing. It's very earthy and very mild at the same time.
For dessert we try their homemade Camote Con Miel (Sweet Potato with Honey). It's slow-cooked Sweet Potatoes mixed with Cinnamon, Honey, Sugar and Cloves. It's a nice idea, but it's simply too sweet, becoming cloying after only 2-3 bites.
Service is to be expected at this little hole-in-the-wall: There are 2 servers taking care of the little restaurant, and you just flag one down if you need anything, or go up to the counter / cash register to order more items. Prices range from $1.60 to $33 for an entire Kilogram (2.2 pounds) of Slow-Roasted Lamb. We averaged about ~$13 per person (including tax and tip).
There's nothing like finding a specialist restaurant that excels at what they do: From the amazing Barbacoa de Borrego (Slow-Roasted Lamb) to the pure, spicy, intense Lamb Consomme, to the crispy, juicy Lamb Flautas, Aqui Es Texcoco is one of the best Lamb Barbacoa specialists in Southern California. It easily eclipses the Barbacoa de Borrego offerings I've found in L.A. so far and is a humble eatery worth visiting if you're even remotely in the area.
*** Rating: 8.3 (out of 10.0) ***
Aqui Es Texcoco
1043 Broadway, Suite 108
Chula Vista, CA 91911
Tel: (619) 427-4045
Hours: 7 Days A Week, 8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
re: exilekiss
Well, at least this time you posted when most of us were already asleep ;-). I love the way you write about food and I really like your blog. Thank you.
re: SDgirl
Hi SDgirl,
Thanks for your kind words. :) I hope you like your visit to Aqui if you go.
re: Ed Dibble
Hi Ed Dibble,
Thank you. :) If you end up trying Aqui es Texcoco please let us know how the visit goes. :)
I went there last Saturday as well. Great review and perfect pictures again. Perfect description of the flautaus and huitlacoche. I was suprised by how mild the quesadilla was as well but still enjoyed. Will definitely go back for the cabeza completa and the squash flower quesadilla.
re: rquitaso
Hi rquitaso,
Thanks, and very nice! :) Which cut of Lamb was your favorite (just curious)? :)
re: exilekiss
definitely the head with pancita coming in 2nd. going back to get some lamb head to-go next time. this past sunday, we waited about an hour for a table. it was worth it though.
you have much better pictures than i do, but feel free to check ours out: http://www.flickr.com/photos/renandro...
looking forward to your future reviews. are you from out-of-town hitting up sd spots?
re: rquitaso
Hi rquitaso,
Nice pictures; I'd say your photos are definitely better. :)
Yes, I was visiting some friends in SD. I usually visit SD at least once a year (or sometimes 2-3 depending on if my friends meet me in LA or we go down to visit them). I definitely can't wait to try more restaurants in the area.
Let me know if you have any all-time favorites you think I should try. :) Thanks.
re: exilekiss
you probably know more than i do about sd eats! anything i would suggest would probably disappoint you.
i would recommend, if you haven't tried already, carne asada fries. it's nowhere near authentic mexican, it's no culinary innovation, but it's exactly what it sounds like - carne asada and fries, and it's a guilty pleasure!
the best are found in sd. just go to any (insert any name here)berto's shop.
re: exilekiss
That's above my grad degree and pay grade, so I'll defer to you or Alex about any regional Mexican cuisine background. I just like their chow but, I would be interested to know. Can you help?
re: exilekiss
Yes, I believe it is Sinaloan
re: DougOLis
I was just reading about their history, I believe you're correct. Thanks.
re: DougOLis
Hi DougOLis and cstr,
Thanks for the regional info. I'll put this on my list to try next time I'm in the area. Thanks! :)
Stopped by yesterday, had a craving for some lamb. Just wonderful, tender and flavorful, the problem is wanting to order everything on the menu. Got a half kilo of roasted lamb, lamb consomme and beans with the intent to bring home enough for another meal, perfect. Can't forget the salsa's, nice accent for the lamb. The service was friendly and excellent for a small place, Paco knew we were chounders.


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To celebrate the release of BLINKY BILL THE MOVIE in cinemas September, you could win 1 of 10 prize packs that include a pair of Kids Ugg Australia boots, DVD pack, a Blinky Bill The Movie book set and family pass to see the film.
Here are 13 awesome gift ideas for the Dads to celebrate his special day.
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Entire communities on Instagram are devoted to showing Kmart homewares prepped, preened and hacked into designer items.
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Love dirt bikes? Awed by extreme freestyle action? This poster is for you! Atop a clear blue sky, this amazing design gives you no less than ten of the most intense Freestyle Motocross (FMX) tricks you've ever seen: Double Seatgrab, Rocksolid, Hart Attack, Superman Indian, Deadbody, Stalefish, Cliffhanger Lookback, Nine O'Clock, Cliffhanger, and Kiss of Death Indian. A must for any true dirt biking fanatic!
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Tornado Chasers Season 2 (2013) Autographed Limited Collector's Edition Blu-ray$99.00
Own the definitive tornado series in 1080p HD with bonus features. Available only for a limited run.
For the first time on Blu-ray, the Limited Collector's Edition of Tornado Chasers, signed by Reed Timmer and select members of the cast and crew, is now available for pre-order. Tornado Chasers (a two-time Webby Award Honoree*) is widely recognized as the best, most authentic series about storm chasing.
This Blu-ray edition features the acclaimed 2013 season, which follows extreme storm chaser Reed Timmer as he intercepts some of the biggest tornadoes in history. The 12-episode season features rare and breathtaking coverage of tornadoes including: Young County, TX (5/17/13), Rozel, KS (5/18/13), Edmond, Fallis, and Shawnee, OK (5/19/13), Moore, OK (5/20/13), Cora, KS (5/27/13), Bennington, KS (5/28/13), and El Reno, OK (5/31/13).
The Tornado Chasers Limited Collector's Edition Blu-ray includes the following:
- Two-disc collectible Blu-ray box signed by Reed Timmer and team.
- Fully remastered for Blu-ray with lossless audio.
- English subtitles (main program).
- All 12 episodes of the 2013 season of Tornado Chasers in stunning 1080p high definition with lossless audio.
- "Behind the Scenes of Tornado Chasers": an in-depth, two-part documentary about the making of the series.
- "Storm Science": a two-part education program hosted by Reed Timmer.
- More than 50 minutes of deleted scenes.
- Collection of promos and season trailers.
This signed collector's edition Blu-ray will only be available for a limited run. It will make the perfect gift for any weather enthusiast. Get yours before they fly away!
*Webby Honorees for Best Documentary Series (2013) and Best Editing ("Home, Part 2," 2014)
Blu-ray is Region Free. Blu-ray player is required to play, it WILL NOT work with a DVD player. May not play on Xbox One until pending software update is released.
Please note that autographs are real and as a result may vary some from cover to cover but will always contain Reed Timmer's autograph.


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|Wentzville, Mo.
|High School:
|Ft. Zumwalt North HS
2012-13: Indoor: Ran both the 5000 meter at the MIAA Championships where he finished 14th in 15:40.68 and the 3000 meter where he ran 9:08.45...Finished seventh in the mile at the UCM Classic where he ran 4:29.07...Took fifth in the 3000m at the MSSU Lion Invite finishing in 8:51.86...Was the Lions top finisher in the 3000 meter at the MSSU Open Invitational where he took fourth in 8:45.72...Outdoor: Ran both the 5000 & 10,000 meters at the MIAA Championships where he eighth in the 10k in 32:12.79 while running 15:35.93 in the 5k....Finished 9th in the 1500 meter at the Bill Williams/ Bob Laptad Invite running 4:08.20.
2011-12: Indoor: Took 8th in the 5,000m at the MIAA Championships running a time of 15:19.3 ... took sixth in the 3,000m at the UCM Classic in a time of 8:59.98 ... ran a 4:35.43 in the mile and 9:05.57 in the 3,000m at the Lion Open ... Outdoor: Ran in both the 5,000m and 10,000m at the MIAA Outdoor Championships taking 15th in the 5k in a time of 15:55.6 and 9th in the 10k at 32:43.76 ... took 4th in the 5,000m at the PSU Wendy's Invite with a time of 15:25.68 ... took second in the 10,000m at the KU Relays with a time of 31:02.6 ... ran 4:11.22 in the 1500m at the Williams/Laptad Invite, finishing 10th.
2010-11: Indoor: Ran 4:36:51 at the MSSU Radio Shack Open Invite in the mile… Competing at the MIAA Conference Championships crossing at 8:56.79 in the 3,000m run… 15:25.92 in the 5,000m run at Iowa State Classic...Competed in the mile, 3k, and 5k runs... Had a season best performance in the 5k at the Iowa State Classic, placing 15th with a time of 15:22.72... Ran the 3k and 5k at the MIAA Championships with a 11th and 5th place finish, respectively....Outdoor: Ran 16:14.63 in the 5k at the MIAA Outdoor Track & Field Championships… Finished 31:29.27 at the 2011 Kansas Relays in the 10k.
In High School - a four-year letter winner in both cross country and track for coach Matt Steinhoff at Ft. Zumwalt North High School. He was the conference and district champion in cross country his senior year, as well as a conference champion in the mile, two-mile, and the 4x800m relay team. He was also the district champion in two mile and 4x800m. He holds the school record in the two mile and the 4x800m relay.
Personal - a health promotions and wellness major...born March 26, 1992 in St. Louis, Mo...son of Mike and Tammie Benton...has one younger sibling, Jordan.


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27582 Volo VIllage Road | Volo, IL 60073
More Info 815-385-3644
4 Sale Buy Owner / Vehicle Located Off-Site
Volo Auto Museum attempts to provide accurate information on the automobile listed above. The actual equipment may vary.
Please confirm all vehicle options, accessories and prices with a sales associate to assure accuracy.


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i am adding collar to double ribbed raglan cardigan sweater and just can't seem to make it look right as thought the ribs were continuing up through the collar.
Happy Holidays!
Okay, fellow gurus and knitting fanatics, I am asking for ideas on this -- I have a friend whose Mom knit him some absolutely great sweaters.
Finally folks, I write again! I present to you another hat! This was so fun to design and I personally think that Knitter's did a fantabulous job in showing it off!
See, I'm still here.....knitting away.
Merry Christmas everyone!
Pattern: Helical Hat by Kenny Chua
Magazine: Knitter's Magazine 97, Winter 2009
THis year It will be a NORO GIFTS... INSPIRATION
I want to show you some details...
What Do you think?
I hope to have all finished....
Ok guys, I've been knitting for lo these many years, usually handspun, usually bulky weight.
between viscose and rayon? I'm making a lace scarf for a freind and it's a blend of viscose, silk and linen. Can I just tell her it's a rayon blend?
Just finished the Nevis cardigan by Rowan
The image rises on the stately visage of the Fabulous Tim Gunn:
Attention Designers,


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Aquarium helping to restore native trout
ROAN MOUNTAIN, Tenn. (AP) — Just outside the town of Roan Mountain in upper East Tennessee is the Hampton Creek Cove State Natural Area, where horses and cattle graze on hillsides that rise to meet the Appalachian Trail.
Through the middle of this 693-acre reserve flows the Left Prong of Hampton Creek, with headwaters that can be traced to the mountains that border the upper reaches of the property. The combination of pastureland and forest makes the area a prime bird-watching destination.
The Left Prong of Hampton Creek also is considered one of the finest native brook trout streams in the state.
Late last month, the Tennessee Aquarium released 225 Southern Appalachian brook trout — the only trout species native to Tennessee — into Hampton Creek as part of a long-term effort to restore these slender, colorful fish to their native waters.
The project began last October when biologists with the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency and the Tennessee Aquarium Conservation Institute removed 50 adult brook trout from Hampton Creek and transported them to the aquarium's hatchery in Chattanooga. Eggs and milt were collected from the brood fish, and by late November, baby trout were hatching.
The project marks the first time Southern Appalachian brook trout have been reared in a closed hatchery system that uses dechlorinated city water. Before this effort, brook trout had been reared only at the Tellico Fish Hatchery in the Cherokee National Forest using water from a nearby mountain stream.
Packed in aerated plastic bags, the juvenile brook trout arrived at Hampton Creek after a four-hour drive. The first release site was located just above an artificially enhanced waterfall built to keep rainbow trout from swimming upstream into brook trout territory. Using a small net, biologists scooped several trout from a bucket and watched as the 4-inch fish scattered in the swift current.
"It's nice watching them swim off in water this clear," said Kathlina Alford, biologist with the Tennessee Aquarium Conservation Institute.
At one time, brook trout occupied all of Tennessee's trout waters. Poor logging practices in the late 1800s destroyed much of their habitat, and the fish also have suffered from the introduction of rainbow trout, a nonnative species that out-competes brookies. Biologists believe that across the Southeast, native brook trout now occupy only 3 percent of their original range.
In Tennessee, about 70 percent of the streams that hold Southern Appalachian brook trout are located in the Cherokee National Forest.
Jason Henegar, statewide rivers and streams coordinator for TWRA, said brook trout are vulnerable to the kind of flash flooding that occurred in the East Tennessee mountains last spring because the high water hits at a time when the fish are only a few weeks old.
"Brook trout habitat is stable in most areas," Henegar said. "The big factor now is climate. We really don't have normal weather patterns anymore. It's one extreme or another."
Working their way upstream, the biologists seeded the creek with the hatchery-reared brook trout. As juveniles, the trout had yet to develop the iridescent red bellies and bright golden spots that will characterize them as adults. Like the leaves, the fish would turn color in the fall.
Anglers don't fish for native brook trout because of their size (a 9-inch brookie qualifies as trophy) but because of the waters they inhabit. The farther up the biologists waded with their fish buckets, the narrower and rockier Hampton Creek became.
Partnering with the Tennessee Aquarium on brook trout restoration are the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, Trout Unlimited, TWRA and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
The brood fish were collected from Hampton Creek because the stream has such a healthy brook trout population. The hatchery offspring released last week were tagged so that researchers can monitor their movements and survival.
The brook trout reared at the Tennessee Aquarium hatchery will help repopulate streams where the native Southern Appalachian strain once thrived. Because the hatchery operates on a closed circulation system rather than a system that uses flow-through water, managers won't have to worry about the spread of disease and escaped fish to nearby wild populations.
"We've been able to replicate nature in a closed hatchery system, and that's pretty exciting," said Anna George, director of the Tennessee Aquarium Conservation Institute.
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Herbert Scherzer, MD, medical director of Bridgeport Hospital's Center for Sleep Medicine, responds:
Snoring is caused by vibration of the soft, flexible tissues in the back of your nose and mouth. As the tissues vibrate they also block the airway—so you get less oxygen when you sleep.
These vibrations can be caused by poor muscle tone in the tongue and throat; excess tissue in the throat; an unusually long uvula (that little thing that hangs down at the back of your throat); or obstructed nasal airways.
A sleep study in a laboratory environment such as Bridgeport Hospital's Center for Sleep Medicine may be necessary to determine how serious the blockages are and what effects they have on your health.
Snoring can be cured. Treatments include diet, changing your sleep position, special devices to keep your airway open, and if need be, surgery.
Cardiologist Stephen J. Marshalko, MD, of the Heart Institute at Bridgeport Hospital, replies:
You are correct–Federal health officials have sharply lowered the recommended levels for cholesterol in the blood.
You are in the category of people at moderate-to-high risk for heart disease. (This group includes those with high blood pressure, older people, and those who smoke.) Your LDL cholesterol (the bad kind), is a good gauge of your personal risk—better, in fact, than total blood cholesterol.For people in your category, here are the new numbers:
If your levels are higher than 100, ask your physician if you would benefit from cholesterol-lowering drugs.


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First of all, to those who don't know what poi is:
Quoted from Homeofpoi.com
""Poi" is the Maori word for "ball" on a cord
The Poi was used, many years ago, by the indigenous Maori people of New Zealand to increase their flexibility and strength in their hands and arms as well as improving coordination.
Wahine (female) dancers perform the Maori Poi, a dance performed with balls attached to flax strings, swung rhythmically.
The Poi dance was originally used by the Maori women for keeping their hands flexible for weaving and by the men for strength and coordination required during battle. Poi are also used as a training aid for other ancient weapons like the Mere or Patu (Short club)"
Now days poi is a popular form of entertainment and just plain for fun practice good for cordination.
Glowstringing is a similar art to poi, largely developed and advocated by the rave community, before spreading throughout electronic music culture. It involves spinning glowsticks to make patterns in the air at raves or in the club scene. While often mistaken for poi, it is in fact a separate discipline, and the two styles have had some influence on each other.
Learning the fundamentals of poi make an excellent foundation for glowstringing and advanced fire poi, like in the picture below.
A simple way out would be purchasing a pair of poi off the web. It isn't a bad idea, but as for me, save the $20 or so dollars and get crafty. I personally find I like working with my own crafted items better myself anyways.
But enough of my rambling, lets get started on some basic homemade pratice poi!
for any avid contributors i will be sharing the advertising income depending on what they have submitted, if any of you guys fancy it hit me up on my site, if your not but you still like poi and fire spinning etc head over and check it out an join the forums :) much love www.aboveandbelow.org
Nothing to do with fire. Poi - the food - is definitely an acquire taste.
Hope Google sorts this out.
Just FYI! =n.n=