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A brief introduction may be necessary if you haven't figured out who or what we are by now:
Our log home was originally built in the 1940's as a remote hunting and fishing lodge by the Kirsch family. In those days the only access was by the Alaska Railroad.
|Before the renovation
Tom & Hobbs (me) spent at least ten years restoring the lodge to (beyond) its former glory, re-using as much of the original materials as possible.
Fireweed Station offers a true Alaskan lodge experience, combining authentic history, fine food, and modern quality. In fact, at our place, "B&B" stands for much more than just "Bed & Breakfast". How about "Breathe & Balance", "Bath & Bubbles", "Bagels & Bacon", "Beasts & Birds", "Beer & Banter", "Bocce & Back-Rub"…
Our place has the feel of your favorite Aunt's place in the country; woodstove, claw-foot tubs, smells of fresh air, bread and coffee. Always a friendly welcome. It feels comfortable perched on a stool in the kitchen, jawboning with Tom, sharing a bottle of wine. For me it's a fine balance between having all the amenities to make our guests comfy (indoor plumbing, wireless internet) and living with what we have, appreciating what's right here on our doorstep. Like the Kirsch family we are mostly content to share our home with guests and friends, often blurring the line between the two. We hope our visitors will absorb some of the history, catch a glimpse of earlier days' Frontier living and find a little peace at the end of the dirt road.
|Wild Alaskan Fireweed


text: Do you want to be the real focus in the crowd? If you do, you have got the perfect place. Here I highly recommend this women dress to you. This women dress is designed with sexy flower print. It's a sleeveless dress with perfect combination of cuteness and durability fit to dress in summer. This sleeveless dress can meet all of your needs and dress you beautiful and attractive. It is mainly made of silk and polyester. This fashion dress is with unique waist belt design, suitable to be dressed as a decent party dress. It is of fashionable sweet and elegant style, showing your figure vividly. This is an eye-catching women dress, which will give you a new look. Made of high quality material, this women dress is quite soft and smooth to wear in summer. The unique flwer pattern design makes this best women dress fashionable and attractive. Designed with proper length, this dress shows your slimness and your sexy legs vividly and makes you attractive and elegant. Great looking and well-made women dress is an absolute must-have for your wardrobe. Let your feminine sensibilities shine in this women dress. This sleeveless dress is also comfortable on a stroll through the park, at Sunday brunch with friends, or at your Monday morning board meeting. Surely you will be the focus when you enter all your party events wearing this captivating sleeveless dress. ## Product Description Specification Buying Guide Return Policies Quality Guarantee FAQ Specifications: Sexy flower print design of this sleevelessdress can make you look sexy and elegant The sleeveless design can create an eye-catching to you and you can show your elegant arms in this women dress Made of high quality material, this fashion dress is comfortable for wearing in hot summer days The classic comfort of the women dress blends with the texture, comfort and elegance Simple yet gorgeous, this women dresses is a must-have in any woman's leisure wardrobe The beautiful women dress can bring you elegance and make you more confident Coating Material: 85% Silk & 15% Polyester Lining Material: 85% Polyester & 15% Cotton Details: Made of high quality material, this women dress is comfortable for wearing in summer Sexy flower print design would make the women dress more fashionable and popular The V-neck at the back makes you sexy and attractive The waist belt with bowtie can help to show your figure vividly You can match it with your stylish bag and high-heel shoes in summer How to Measure: Size in Detail: Size Bust Waist Length Inch cm Inch cm Inch cm M 33.1 84.0 27.6 70.0 35.4 90.0 L 34.3 87.0 28.7 73.0 35.4 90.0 XL 35.4 90.0 29.9 76.0 35.4 90.0 XXL 36.6 93.0 31.1 79.0 35.4 90.0 NOTE: These dimensions are for reference only. Specific dimension varies from person to person Types of Lady Dress: The Shirt Dress: The shirt dress has a button-down bodice and features a shirt collar and sleeves. The bodice attaches to the skirt and often includes a self-belt or some way to separate the bodice from the skirt. In the 1950s, shirt dresses were quite popular and featured full knee-length or slightly below-the-knee-length skirts. Today's shirt dresses are similar (minus the crinoline) and are ideal for career wear or church attire. Wear pearls or a scarf with a shirt dress to emphasize its classic appeal The Sheath Dress: The simple sheath dress is usually sleeveless or strapless. It's form-fitting and usually falls just above the knee. One of the most versatile of dresses, the sheath is ideal for both daytime and evening events. Audrey Hepburn wore a black sheath dress in the film "Breakfast at Tiffany's," adding even more to the sheath's popularity. Want proof? Vintage clothing experts at Vintage Textile say that Audrey's sheath sold for $800,000 at a recent auction. To get Audrey's look, add oversized pearls and elbow-length gloves The Sundress: Little girls are adorable in their playtime sundresses, but come summer, grown-up girls like to wear these, too. Sundresses usually come in summer-weight cotton, bright colors and floral patterns. Thin, spaghetti-style straps or halter tops are common identifiers. Wear your sundress downtown for lunch and shopping, then to the beach. Keep accessories minimal to emphasize the playful and carefree nature of the sundress The Wrap Dress: The wrap dress flatters virtually every figure. Similar to the shirt dress, the wrap dress has a skirt attached to a wrap-style top. The wrap is usually an attached sash extending from the inside of the dress. Pull the sash through a hole in the side of the dress, wrap around your waist like a belt, and tie toward the center of your torso or your side. The result is an elegant, figure-flattering bodice with a sash that minimizes the size of your waist. Mock wrap dresses are quite popular in matte jersey and look great at the office The Maxi Dress: The maxi dress made its debut in the late 1960s with its heyday in the 1970s. The top usually resembles a sundress with spaghetti straps or a halter top. Often, maxi dresses gather just below the bust and then sweep to the floor. The length of the maxi dress is its hallmark. Many maxi dresses also feature ruffles at the bottom for a true 1970s look. Maxi dresses are more casual and look great for everyday wear How to Dress in Women'sAttire: Pair a suit with a white blouse. To keep the look professional, put a white or off-white blouse with a dark suit. Stick with basic cotton button-down blouses without ruffles or other embellishments Combine a dress with a jacket. A dress can be professional if paired with a suit jacket. The dress should be at least knee length and in a dark to medium color. A print dress is fine if the print is muted and conservative. When choosing a print dress, consider whether a man in your office would wear a tie in the same print Stick with pumps or flats. Pumps are the quintessential business shoe for women. Choose a pump with a closed toe and a two- to three-inch heel in black, brown or navy. As an alternative to heels, and to wear with pantsuits, flats are a good choice. Again, a closed toe is appropriate here. Your flats should look like a man's loafers Style hair conservatively. A professional woman's hair does not provide distraction to herself or anyone else. Long hair should be pulled back or put up and secured in place. Short hair should be neatly styled out of the face Choose jewelry carefully. Too much or too big jewelry could take the professional edge off of your look. A wristwatch and wedding rings are acceptable and one pair of non-dangling earrings Package Included: * 1 x Dress

subset: commoncrawl


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DHS Secretary Admits Real ID Fraud-->
Friday, September 19, 2008, 5:08 pm, by BeatTheChip
The excuse given by the proponents of Real ID - America's first national ID card and its accompanying non-secure national database of personal information - was that it would prevent terrorists from entering the country. Now, in an August 13th speech at the University of Southern California, the Secretary of Homeland Security, Michael Chertoff says well ... it's really not going to do that.
by Buddy Logan - RestoreTheRepublic.com
James Sensenbrenner (R-WI), the instigator of the bill back in 2005 stated the following reason for tracking and maintaining data on each and every American citizen: "The goal of the Real ID Act is straightforward: it seeks to prevent another 9/11-type attack by disrupting terrorist travel."
Experts in the electronic security field said implementation of the act would only increase identity theft and would do little to prevent terrorists from entering and motivating within our borders.
Bruce Schneider, internationally renowned security technologist, said "All the 9/11 terrorists had photo IDs. Some of the IDs were real. Some were fake. Some were real IDs in fake names, bought from a crooked DMV employee in Virginia for $1,000 each." He goes on to say, "Harder-to-forge IDs only help marginally, because the problem is not making sure the ID is valid. Our goal is to somehow identify the few bad guys scattered in the sea of good guys. In an ideal world, what we'd want is some kind of ID that denotes intention. We'd want all terrorists to carry a card that says "evildoer" and everyone else to carry a card that said 'honest person who won't try to hijack or blow up anything.' Then, security would be easy."
These points were strongly argued against by Sensenbrenner, DHS and other proponents of the Real ID act. Now, three years later, the Secretary of Homeland Security himself admits the card will really do little to prevent terrorists from entering the country.
In a speech before the University of Southern California National Center for Risk and Economic Analysis of Terrorism Events, Chertoff stated "The first thing we do, using again traditional 20th Century methods, is we try to make it harder to counterfeit a card and this is a pretty good approach if you're going to use a card-based identifying method by itself. We've put chips in passports. We've created pass cards. We've put bar codes in. We've embedded certain kinds of holograms, all of which are designed to make it more difficult for people to fabricate these cards, and we've required higher standards through things like our Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative which governs what people need to show when they cross a land border or our Transportation Worker Identity Card or even the Real ID Initiative to strengthen the security of our driver's licenses.
"But while this has done something to deal with the issue of forgery and counterfeiting, it's certainly not a complete solution because time and again, I certainly have seen intelligence that tells me that sophisticated criminals and sophisticated terrorists spend a great deal of time learning to fabricate and forge even these improved cards. The net effect of this may be that it's going to be harder for people on campus here to get a drink when they're under 21, but unfortunately it's not going to be that much harder for the most sophisticated dangerous people to counterfeit an identity card."
Now that Real ID has begun to be implemented in most states, is the DHS secretary beginning to pave the road toward bio-chipping?
This information, brought to my attention by our Pennsylvania State Coordinator, Jim Compton, is strong evidence of a hidden agenda regarding Real ID.
Make sure your state legislators understand these points. If the Real ID card is not going to prevent terrorists from entering the country, then why are we accumulating a national database of U.S. citizens, and why is the Real ID card being touted to the stockholders of manufacturer L1 Identity Solutions, as soon to be used for identity in a whole range of commercial applications?
Read the full speech given by DHS Secretary Michael Chertoff.


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GENERAL 2G Network CDMA 800 / 1900
3G Network CDMA2000 1xEV-DO
Announced 2012, February
Status Available. Released 2012, February
BODY Dimensions 112.4 x 59.9 x 12.5 mm
Weight 125 g
- Touch-sensitive controls
DISPLAY Type TFT capacitive touchscreen, 16M colors
Size 320 x 480 pixels, 3.5 inches (~165 ppi pixel density)
Multitouch Yes
- TouchWiz UI
SOUND Alert types Vibration; MP3, WAV ringtones
Loudspeaker Yes
3.5mm jack Yes
MEMORY Card slot microSD, up to 32 GB
DATA GPRS Yes
EDGE Yes
Speed Rev. A, up to 3.1 Mbps
WLAN Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi hotspot
Bluetooth Yes, v3.0 with A2DP
USB Yes, microUSB v2.0
CAMERA Primary 3.15 MP, 2048x1536 pixels
Features Geo-tagging
Video Yes
Secondary No
OS Android OS, v2.2 (Froyo)
Chipset Qualcomm MSM7627
CPU 800 MHz
Sensors Accelerometer, proximity, compass
Messaging SMS(threaded view), MMS, Email
Browser HTML
Radio Stereo FM radio with RDS
GPS Yes, with A-GPS support
Java Yes, via Java MIDP emulator
Colors Black
- MP4/H.264/H.263 player
- MP3/WAV/eAAC+ player
- Organizer
- Document editor
- Image editor
- Google Search, Maps, Gmail,
YouTube, Calendar, Google Talk, Picasa integration
- Voice memo/dial
- Predictive text input (Swype)
Standard battery, Li-Ion 1650 mAh
Stand-by Up to 300 h
Talk time Up to 7 h


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Ours is God!!!
As we have said from the beginning, we want God to be the hero of this story! After today, it appears that is exactly what is going to happen...
First, God continues to answer your prayers with timing...
We had our first appt. today with the OB dietitian. She shared with me a few things that we will need to change for the sake of pregnancy and our little one's safety. However, there aren't too many changes and we think these should be fairly easy transitions. She is sharing all of those things with the Keto dietitian. So, when we meet with her tomorrow, she will be able to design meal plans based on the new recommendations.
Second: as we were leaving that appt., we received a call from the cardiologist's office that he could see me sooner. So, we went straight over to his office. He said that my heart is healthy!! That is a huge praise!! I was told that my heart was 1/3 smaller than that of a healthy sedentary female & my stroke volume was 1/3 less. He said that with the POTS diagnosis, my stroke volume might be lower while standing. However, laying down, my heart is just the right size & stroke volume is on target.
Mayo is one of the leading research facilities with POTS. This doc shared with us that the main thing they have learned is that it is not a cardiovascular issue, it is an autonomic issue; thus, treated best by Neurologists. He used to treat POTS patients, but they no longer do at Mayo...he said that he can't tell me what to do, but he can tell me what not to do. That is: Don't see a cardiologist for POTS. Well, the only two docs we have found in Dallas that treat POTS are cardiologists. So, we are going to need to uncover more there.
He kept stressing the autonomic aspect of POTS. Throughout this journey, we have been told that my seizures sound autonomic in nature, but no one was really willing to give them a name. This doc kept emphasizing how the POTS is autonomic. So, we did some research on autonomic seizures and it's amazing how accurate this description is...it even says to test your thyroid levels. My first real health issue ever was when my thyroid went crazy in 2004. We have been asking the docs about how it could play into all of this...every single one answered that it couldn't...well, we found some research today that stated otherwise.
Thus, we were super excited about my appt. this afternoon with the endocrinologist. We just knew that he would be able to put all of the pieces together and explain how my thyroid was the start of all of this...well, he said, "your thyroid numbers are fine. Do you need anything else from me?" Grrrr....
We tried asking the question fourteen different ways to get at the fact that just because we were supplementing the right amount doesn't mean that my thyroid is treated 100%. He didn't agree and said that all he treats is the thyroid and if it was anything else endocrine related, he would have to send me on to another specialist. So, he has referred us to another that we hope we can see tomorrow.
Finally, we went to see if we could get an appt. with the neuro (so that we don't have to come back on the 15th). Though it was after 5p, he agreed to see us!!!! WOW!!! So, he basically told us everything we've already been told and said that he doesn't really know what to do, but maybe we should add another med.
I asked why we would do that since I had more seizures on meds than I've had since switching to the Ketogenic Diet. He said it's because I am still having seizures. I kept trying to make the point that I'm having fewer than when I was on meds, but it kept going over his head. So, we agreed to go home, pray about it, and talk about it once we are in the 2nd trimester. Research shows that once you have tried 2-3 meds and they each fail, your chances are less than 5% that another will work. I've been on nine different meds....so, the statistics are low!!!
Anyway, the final options that he offered are surgical and aren't yet approved. So, it would be next year, at the earliest, before they could even consider those choices....However, he feels meds are the way to go...
It was so frustrating leaving his office and not feeling like we uncovered any answers. So, this has got to be about the Lord & His healing. We meet with the dietitian in the morning to look at the diet in more depth and see how we can better treat these...the man that brought his son (that had epilepsy) to Jesus for healing, was told by Jesus to Pray & Fast. The Keto Diet mimcs fasting. Thus, we keep telling ourselves this is a Biblical approach!!! This is about God being the hero of this story since man can't seem to do it on his own!!!!!
All of this to say, we have an appt. with the dietitian and the pituitary specialist tomorrow. Then, we should be headed home...your prayers are such a special gift to us.
Thank you & sorry I don't have any good pictures!!!
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How to dramatically improve your LinkedIn engagement
I hope you're getting dozens of clicks and comments on every post you share on LinkedIn. But probably, you're not. If this goes on long enough, you might start questioning why you're posting content on LinkedIn at all. It's the end of the year, after all – a lot of us are thinking about our […]Read More


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What is Tilt Scroll?
Tilt Scroll is a root application that allows you to scroll things on your Android device without actually touching the screen. Think of it like a non-Touchwiz version of Smart Scroll on Samsung phones. It's currently free in the Google Play Store with an in app purchase that costs $1.79.
The app premise is fairly easy to understand. It allows you to scroll things on your screen without actually touching your phone. It does this by utilizing the gyroscope in your device. When you tilt it, it scrolls. It's a function that can be turned on and off at will so you can scroll normally if need be. The free version comes with features like scrolling vertically and horizontally, the ability to select a scrolling area when multiple scroll areas are present on screen, and various activation methods. There are also no ads.
In the paid version you can adjust the speed of the scroll as well as the acceleration and deceleration of the scroll and you'll get an automatic and manual mode which affect how the tilt behaves under certain situations. You can also scroll directly to the top or bottom of a page by using the volume buttons. About the only hangup is that you do need root for this app and, of course, an accelerometer in your device.
A good substitute for Samsung's Smart Scroll.
- The app does what it says it does. It allows you to scroll by tilting your device.
- Supports horizontal and vertical scrolling.
- Tilt Scroll has a surprising amount of customization.
- The free version isn't bottlenecked like many free versions of paid apps.
- There are some bugs and issues here and there, according to user reviews.
- You have to have root. This is hardly the developer's fault but non root users can't use this at all.


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Attraction Information
- Museums and Art Galleries
- Railway and Transport Attractions
Suitable for ages: Young Children (4-8), Older Children (9-12) and Teenagers (13-18)
Venue type: Outdoor
Coventry Transport Museum is largest collection of British Road Transport in the world with over 230 cars and commercial vehicles, 250 cycles and 100 motorcycles. Fun for all the family!
A full range of family holiday activities are available. Or please contact them for an Education Pack if you would like to take advantage of the exciting range of educational activities.
There's plenty to do so allow plenty of time to see everything and be aware that there may be queues for the Thrust SSC landspeed record simulator at busy times.
- Wheelchair Friendly
- Toilets Available
- Baby Changing Available
- Parking Available Nearby
Getting There and Contact Information
Millennium Place, Hales Street, Coventry, West Midlands, CV1 1PN, England
Click here to visit Coventry Transport Museum's website
024 7623 4270
Standard Opening Times and Pricing
Opening hours
Monday to Sunday 10:00 - 17:00
Closed December 24th, 25th, & January 1st.
Museum admission free.
New 4D Land Speed Record Simulator
Adults: £5
Children & Concessions: £3.50
Family Ticket (2 & 2): £15.50
More Information
Eating information
Esquires Coffee House situated within the museum serving light refreshments. Open daily.
Disabled toilet facilities and separate area for baby changing and feeding.
Gift shop
The shop 'Past and Presents' stocks a nostalgic range of merchandise that incorporates gifts for the motoring enthusiast and a unique range of items celebrating a bygone era. Teachers resources and 'goody bags' available.
Baby food facilities
Café will warm milk for parents.


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Cha Cha Matador cap $85 ravinstyle.com , Grace ring $18 prettyinpeace.etsy.com, black leather boots with contrasting white stitching mine since 1999! Hayden Harnet Yoko Colorblock dress $220 ravinstyle.com. Now where will we go? And, what will you wear? Don't forget to link up! Peace.
Shutter Click & Chat 10/5: Mother Nature's Marvels
A tree, a bird, a blossom, a berry-show me one of Mother Nature's marvels.


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Want to try for a job aides in kindergarten? Try to keep track of all the children and their whims of the game Baby Sitting. Be careful that children do not have long to cry and wait for you to help.
© Free online game Baby Sitting.
Online Games:
Online Games:
Add to favorites
Online game Baby Sitting
These flash games
Friends Dress Up Angels and Demons
Friends of Angels: kisses
Friends of Angels beauty salon
Friends of Angels: hairdresser and Dress Up
Friends on vacation Angels: Dress Up
Furby Coloring and Dress Up
Scooby Doo Love Quest
Scooby Doo Ghouly Grooves
Fair in Bikini Bottom 2
Ski Style
Ultimate FlashFace
Energy in Energy Out
Princess Peach Figure Skater
Indian Fashion
My Horse Farm


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Joint pain can be caused for many reasons. Perhaps a sports injury, or clumsiness as a few people I know, maybe arthritis, overuse or some sort of medical condition. In my case about eight years ago I broke my right wrist and the year after one of my fingers in my right hand; both times while playing football. With time I healed yet I'll admit I've paid the price ever since.
From time to time it hurts and limits what I can do while working out or performing other activities. I try to be careful, I also let it rest, I'll have a massage in that spot and if it's to painful I'll take some ibuprofen.
It can affect men or women. However women particularly suffer more from either knee or hip pain.
There could be many reasons as to why:
- rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, fibromyalgia, bursitis, Chondromalacia patellae, gout, infectious diseases, osteoarthritis, osteomyelitis, a sports injury, a car accident, tendinitis and overuse among many other.
Should you do the same? My advice: If you are unsure of the cause of your symptoms, or if you do not know the specific treatment recommendations for your condition, you should seek medical attention.
However recent research published in the Journal of Rheumatology, The Mayo Clinic, WebMD and many other sports injury clinics suggest that certain simple strength training routines can help.
In one of the study, individuals with arthritis engaged in a four month-long exercise program consisting of simple weight bearing exercises, such as squats in their own homes. The exercisers experienced a 43 percent reduction in pain and a 44 percent improvement in physical functioning. The exercisers were able to walk, climb stairs, sit, and stand more easily than their non-exercising counterparts.
According to the study, individuals who are self-motivated may be able to manage their arthritis pain with exercise and reduce the need for pain medication. While pills help pain and stiffness, they don't do a thing for your muscles or joint strength.
The study concludes that exercise is effective because muscles act as shock absorbers for the joints; they are able to cushion the impact of their body weight on various joints during activity. The stronger the muscles, the better they are able to absorb this shock.
Some other recommendations for knee pain:
Some other recommendations for knee pain:
- Rest - take some time off to allow the acute inflammation to subside
- Heat & Ice application - Use ice when there's swelling like just after an injury or after activities that irritate a chronic injury (within 48 hours) and apply heat before activities that irritate chronic injuries such as muscle strains. Heat can help loosen tissues and relax injured areas... just don't burn yourself.
- Stretching -
- Physical Therapy is sometimes recommended depending on the cause of your problem
- Anti-inflammatory medicine
- Certain supplements can also help like calcium, Glucosamine with Chondrotin, MSM, vitamin D, fish oil, Omega 3, Omega 6, flaxseed oil, CLA among a few.
Pause for a moment and imagine where would you be or how will your body feel if you didn't eat properly, and exercised even a bit. Your joints and the rest of your body would be in some serious bad conditioning.
I hope the information here helps you out. Would like to know what you do to manage pain in your joints if you experiment these.
Get Fit - Stay Fit!
I hope the information here helps you out. Would like to know what you do to manage pain in your joints if you experiment these.
Get Fit - Stay Fit!


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Community Portal site
Orçamento $100-300 USD
We are looking to develop a business/community portal. This Portal will include th efollowing:
1. Business listings
2. E-Marketplace
3. Forums
4. Classifieds
5. Advertisement(banner) manager
6. Article manager
7. Polls
8. News(I have the script for this)
10. Membership management
11. Event Calender
12. Noticeboard
13. Payment gateway
It should be a secure well designed site. NO CHANCERS PLEASE.
I do have a more detailed document but would first need to see all the bids and first see sample work that you have done. This is an urgent project and there will be much more work coming your way should this project be successful. We are looking to develop a long term relationship. Timeline- 1 month from beginning of project.


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Saturday, February 25, 2012
Sam Adams
Sam Adams, I know what everyone is thinking the beer! Well no not really he's a rapper. I went to this concert because my cousin told me what a huge fan she was. This concert was packed out. Probably the most people I had seen in this place ever. It was so hot in there I was sweating! Everyone was sweating actually. haha Here are the pictures from his performance.
~Tiffany Lyn
Posted by Tiffany Lyn Photo at 10:10 PM
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What's a guy so today I am finally getting around doing a project that I've been wanting to do for months now and that is to convert my headlights LED I've been using college involves actually just upgraded to a high performance halogen but I do want to compare with the LEDs and I do just want to tell you looks when I ordered the lobster Amazon they only came in pairs so I had to buy 2 of pizza 287 volts to a formal round I'll meaning wanted beach I did him other customer service to their website there are more than happy to send you 1.
So I do suggest emailing the birds you want like that but out of the patient though I ended up buying both standing on the song once identifying the tuning LED headlights that because comparing price just back from what other products on the market http://telkomrdc-media.com these ones were the best that. I could find and I actually got them on my car days ago and absolute love them though I do recommend these lines the turnout llama by I do want to drop $100 under $20 for the high end. Someone that could be the one artistic on so let's get to it.
So the difference of these lights. If you. That this is a Philips crystal vision old truck for the low beam that you'll be seeing and this is the new Mick tuning LED headlight gold so we fired up for you just so you can see for yourself. Alright so I finally got the low beam. LED light installed. I did have a couple issues getting it in its kind of tricky because this fan housing is so low profile to the to the poll that then the wire that hold your balls in place. It couldn't really get around fan housing in order to latch in place and I did get so locked in place but as you can see there's still a little bit of movement so I'm gonna do is just modify the boot though death due to goes around it I'm so that will hold in place a lot better anyway so I'm I'm not too concerned but it was a little bit of a trick to get on but you can just a cigarette out.
I think now that we have resolved although could down that night. Here let's just thinking on the other side they're all done. The. As I said before I do have another study that I need you read out so if you want to upgrade to LED headlights. Just let me know and all hook you up and so don't forget to subscribe and leave me a thumbs up if you found this helpful I'm it lets me know whether or not my views are helping so artsy next articles.


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Before I get started, I want to assure everyone reading this blog entry that I do not regard any one religion as any better, or worse than any other. I am an atheist and proud of it.
Yesterday I visited the Los Angeles Cathedral for the first time. It is also known locally as the "Rog Mahal" or the "Taj Mahoney" after the local cardinal, Roger Mahoney, who oversaw its construction.
I really, really wanted to hate it. Here's why:
The estimated final cost of its construction was $190 million. That doesn't even include the land or the furnishings, such as the main altar that cost five million bucks. The front doors that cost three million. The lectern that cost two. The bishop's chair cost one million dollars, the president's and deacons' chairs cost $250 thousand each. Every single one of the numerous chandelier/speakers cost $150 thousand each.
And the exterior is hideous. It looks like it's sheathed in plywood. It has no character.But, meanwhile, in the year that the cathedral was opened, 2002, the L.A. Archdiocese, facing a budget shortfall of $4.3 million (about 14 of those magnificent chairs), closed its ministries for students, the disabled, minorities, and gays and lesbians.
In 2006, faced with court settlements from child molestation cases that Cardinal Mahoney had attempted to sweep under the carpet, that might amount to a portion of forty million dollars, the church plead poverty.
The real estate portfolio of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, more than 1,600 properties, is estimated at over four billion dollars in value. Only $175 million of that is not exempt from property taxes. (If the Archdiocese had to pay property taxes, it would owe about $50 million per year to the County of Los Angeles. That would pay for a school or two.)
(By the way, I don't want to single out the Catholic church. If you took all the tax-exempt property holdings of all the religious institutions in Los Angeles County, and taxed them at the standard rates, the county's budget would be in surplus rather than deficit.)
In 1976 a very rough, low estimate of tax-exempt church property nationwide, was about $120 billion in value. If you only adjust that for inflation since, not even taking the general rise in property values, or further purchases by religious institutions into consideration, the 2008 figure would be about $450 billion. That was a low estimate.
So, like I said, I wanted to hate the place.
And though I do hate the idea of it, on the inside, architecturally, artistically, I liked it a lot. I think it ought to be taken away from the church for back taxes or whatever excuse the government can come up with, and turned into a public performing arts center. Maybe the furnishings can be sold to give the operating budget a kick start.
This picture doesn't come close to doing it justice: (This is the only picture in this blog entry that I took.)Now this is coming from someone who generally loathes church architecture. I think Notre Dame is an abomination. Westminster Abbey ought to be leveled, the Vatican crushed under the feet of some giant reptile risen out of the Tiber.
Why I detest church architecture is best summed up by one building, a primary example of architecture as the expression of an ideal. (Please keep in mind that I'm speaking aesthetically here. Ideologically, I find equal fault with all religions.)
The Mezquita in Cordoba, Spain was once a mosque. It is now a cathedral. This picture gives you a rough sense of what it was like when it was a mosque:It was in a garden setting, largely open to the sky, a series of graceful arches with very little internal decoration. A place where people were encouraged to come, sit on the floor, read, think, discuss. From an architectural perspective, it was built to enhance the senses and thoughts of the people who came to it.
Now here's what it looks like after the Catholic architects got to it:They stuck a huge, vaulted, ornate ceiling over all of it. They filled in a great many of the arches with heavy, dark sculptures and paintings and altars. What little natural light finds its way into the building, does so through thick, dirty stained glass high up. It has been built to render the people entering into it awestruck, dumbstruck more like it, it suppresses the senses by overwhelming them.
What I like, architecturally, about the Los Angeles Cathedral is that it is relatively simple. Sure, it's got high vaulted ceilings, but it has enormous skylights and surfaces and colors that make use of all that natural light. The art is not oppressive, heavy-handed, it is in soft, organic colors and in spite of its religious nature, does to an extent reflect the community. It is beautiful, but not overwhelming. A place in which a person can reflect upon things, rather than be beat over the head with them.
It would be a great addition to Los Angeles, if only it could be wrested away from the control of the tax-dodging charlatans that run the place. And there's a whole lot of other buildings around town that I could say the same thing about.
In the course of researching this blog entry, I came across a quote from Ben Franklin that should appeal to my readers who believe in free markets and who believe that churches should be no more tax-exempt than you or me.
"When a religion is good, I conceive it will support itself; and when it does not support itself, and God does not take care to support it so that its professors are obligated to call for help of the civil power, it's a sign, I apprehend, of its being a bad one." -- Benjamin Franklin
31 May 2009
THE POVERTY OF THEOCRACY and ARCHITECTURE
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Me: Tate why do you love me so much?
Tate: Because Jesus made me!
Emma: It's like heaven is our home and this world is our school and we come here to learn and then we go back home.
Me: Your right Emma. Did you learn that in primary?
Emma: No, I just figured it out!


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It's time once again for the weekly roundup of homestead happenings. A cold spell has plagued us for the past week, but we had ample warning that it was coming and were able to prepare.
Zorro has been using his father's axe to split firewood. It took him 30 minutes to split his first log, but since then he has only improved. It's rather nice to have such a productive outlet for his boundless energy.
While their brother split firewood, Rosie and Boo gathered straw to stuff the doghouses with. Katie is pregnant (oops!) and will whelp around the end of November. It's been four years since we needed to keep a litter of pups indoors, but I think that's what the winter will hold for us.
I finally feel that I have perfected our bread recipe, and the system for making it. Fresh bread three times a week has been quite a hit around here. I I think my system just might deserve it's own blog post.
Monday night there was quite a commotion when a pick-up rolled at the edge of our ravine. 2 ambulances, 3 Emergency Response trucks and 7 police cars lined our tiny dirt road. Zorro and I slunk bare-foot through the woods and watched from the darkness, prompting My Man to make some vague remarks about Children of the Corn. I ignored him, of course.
This spring a peregrine falcon migrated through and took an inordinate interest in my chickens. We spent the day outside waving sticks and shouting, and were relieved to find ourselves falcon' free by the following day. This event had slipped from my mind, until a looked out our large picture window to see a rooster running for dear life as a falcon dove towards him, pulling up just in time to avoid hitting our greenhouse. There were two falcons this time, but being autumn our chickens have plenty of sheltering growth to hide under, and it wasn't many hours before the falcons moved on. I'll need to make sure we're alert to this issue in spring in case they come back through again.
Still, a falcon! not just one, but two of them! How cool! As long as our chickens are safe, I don't mind taking a day or two so we can observe these splendid birds.
I've been finding some interesting photography on my Kindle lately. What big eyes you have, my dear!
See my beautiful colored pens? While I was
agonizing over my choices thoughtfully deliberating my options, My Man swiped up both packages and I ended up not having too choose. Now I can feel that snuggly "I am so loved" feeling every time I sit down to plan something or write in my (growing) collection of notebooks.
Last but not least, it would appear that some events are generational. Like playing in massive amounts of fine powder, and looking slightly guilty when caught.


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Every time my friends and I are in Seattle, David insists that we go up the Space Needle, and Ian shoots him down. Too touristy, too expensive, waste of time. It's been an ongoing joke — albeit not a very funny one — for years.
So when the day came last month that we were in Seattle and Ian was not, we each shelled out the $19 to shoot up 500 feet in a golden bullet elevator in a breathtaking 45 seconds. I had been up once when I was 5 years old, and, although I don't remember it, I felt myself instantly revert to a state of childlike wonder when we stepped outside.
We couldn't have picked a better day to go, with clear skies in every direction, including the snowy mountains we had just passed through earlier in the day. We stayed almost three hours — though I can imagine staying all day — watching ships come and go, northbound airplanes U-turn back toward SeaTac, families and friends also reverting to childhood.
The people-watching was almost as good as the people-listening. With everyone cramming elbow-to-elbow for balcony space, you don't think too much about who else is listening to you. I am listening to you, and recording you like a creep.
I recorded for 17 minutes and cut it down to the loudest and clearest pieces of conversation. I tried to include different languages and recurring themes (i.e. the Ferris wheel, making sure someone doesn't drop an electronic device through the wires).
Even though all the clips are in chronological order, I like how separate bits seems to be in coincidental conversation with each other (i.e. "Where're you running from? I never saw you move so fast." / "I wanna go in! I wanna go in!").
People are pretty wonderful, aren't they?


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This birthday differed from previous ones in other notable ways as well. Unlike elementary school, where your name gets mentioned during the morning announcements, and you proceed to the front office to pick up your special Happy Birthday pencil, and Mom is allowed to supply treats to your class for an end-of-the-day celebration...in Middle School you get nuthin'. In fact, when I innocently inquired as to whether Derek would like me to share the news with his soccer buddies, the answer (not unexpectedly) was a horrified and vehement NOOOOO! Evidently the Code of Brotherhood in 6th through 8th grades calls for a heartwarming ceremony...of birthday punches...to honor the celebrant and provide good fortune in the coming year. Now, who wouldn't want that kind of attention? Oh yeah...anyone in their right mind...) So, I refrained from spreading the word this past weekend. But someone let the proverbial cat out of the bag at school anyway, and he told me that he'd suffered quite a few blows to mark the first day of his thirteenth trip around the sun. (And also three hugs: from me, from his girlfriend, and from one teammate, who reportedly picked him up completely off the ground in his enthusiastic clutches. At least there was some love, to go along with the rough delivery of "luck".)
Then when he returned from soccer practice he regaled me with the tale of how one of his pals had greeted him upon his arrival with an enthusiastic shout of "There's Derek, it's his birthday!" At which point the entire squad had commenced a rowdy chase...while attempting to pelt him with all available soccer balls. (Imagine a dozen sweet-but-over-enthusiastic-and-uncontrolled boys...running amok...that must have been quite a scene.) "Hmm, I wonder how they found out," I mused, "because I didn't mention it to anybody." Ohhhh... then it dawned on me, and I sheepishly confessed: "except...I might have posted it on Facebook this morning..." He just stared at me, open mouthed, before going off on a sarcasm-laden tirade, something along the lines of "No, you didn't tell anyone, just the WHOLE WORLD (blah blah blah)..." I wasn't really listening, you see, since I was busy laughing on the inside at inadvertently having caused his team riot. Eh, these things happen, yeah? He appears to have survived the birthday trauma, and safely entered into his teenage years with minimal scarring...so far.
And just think, we haven't even had the family party yet...with CAKE. So I'll just have to remind him: fret not, my son, the best truly is yet to come...
|13 days
|13 months
|13 years!


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The American health care system gets a bad rap, but we actually have it pretty good: When you call 911, someone answers. If you're in a life-threatening emergency, medics and doctors will do everything possible to save your life — regardless of the situation or religion of the people involved.
That apparently isn't the case in Pakistan. A week ago, Muslim doctors left a 30-year-old city worker to die for a shocking reason: It was Ramadan, and they didn't want to be "unclean."
According to Pakistan Express Tribune, the young man named Irfan Masih was cleaning a manhole in a small Pakistani town. Respiratory distress put him unconscious and he was rushed to a hospital … but the staff did almost nothing to help.
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"The doctors refused to treat him because they were fasting and said my son was 'napaak (unclean),'" Masih's mother Irshad told the Express Tribune in Pakistan.
There's no doubt that a manhole in Pakistan is not the world's most sanitary place, but reports indicate that doctors would not even touch the dying young man. Irfan's brother told the newspaper that he cleaned Irfan as best as possible before rushing him to the hospital.
TRENDING: Watch: Border Agent Expertly Flips Script on CNN, Leaves Host Speechless
"The doctors then gave him an oxygen cylinder, but Pervez claimed it was empty. Irfan died before they could get another," The Daily Caller explained.
Advertisement – story continues below
The month of Ramadan is observed by followers of Islam throughout the world. While it is common for Muslims to abstain from eating and drinking in the day during the holy time, most medical professionals continue doing their jobs.
In fact, a 2013 article by the American Osteopathic Association interviewed several Muslim doctors in the United States and found that while Ramadan presents a challenge, professional physicians routinely work through it.
"In general, fasting teaches endurance, stamina and patience," explained Sarwat Makkani, an doctor of internal medicine in Texas. "Good physicians have all three of these qualities."
It looks like some doctors in Pakistan don't share that view. By using Ramadan as an excuse, they broke the trust that citizens place on doctors — and a young man is now dead as a result.
H/T The Daily Caller
Please share this article on Facebook if you're infuriated by the actions of these Pakistani doctors.
What do you think of this bizarre excuse? Scroll down to comment below.


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"..a distinction must be drawn between acts of mindless terror…and acts committed in the course of a war of national liberation."
That would be true, if the Israeli's where the invaders, they are not. The Palestinians, however, are.
Dugard, then states that the only way to stop the terror is to give into what he calls the reasonable demands of the Palestinian invaders. I guess in this fool's twisted brain the total eradication of Israel is reasonable, because that is what the Palestinians want…that and nothing else. Negotiating is pointless.
If you would like to tell Herr. Professor what you think of him, he is part of the faculty at Leiden University…
Office: Steenschuur 25, 2311 ES Leiden (Room B1.31)
Post address: Postbus 9520, 2300 RA Leiden
E-mail: firstname.lastname@example.com
Nazi SOB]]>
"The government gives them the drugs, builds bigger prisons, passes a three-strike law and then wants us to sing 'God Bless America.' No, no, no, God damn America, that's in the Bible for killing innocent people, God damn America for treating our citizens as less than human. God damn America for as long as she acts like she is God and she is supreme." Rev. Jeremiah Wright, 2003
And this…
"We bombed Hiroshima, we bombed Nagasaki, and we nuked far more than the thousands in New York and the Pentagon, and we never batted an eye,"
And of course this….
"We have supported state terrorism against the Palestinians and black South Africans, and now we are indignant because the stuff we have done overseas is now brought right back to our own front yards. America's chickens are coming home to roost…"
So does Obama hate America? The people around him certainly do.
Well now they want to try it again, March 13,16 the 800 member (in total) IVAW will be in DC lying their asses off just like Kerry did 37 years ago. Will they succeed? Hard to say, unlike '71 when the MSM had a complete monopoly on news, today, we have the new-media to counter their lies.
Unfortunately though, those lies will still be broadcast to millions of Americans…]]>
Associated Press – LANCASTER, Pa. — The family of a middle school student who was given detention for wearing a T-shirt bearing the image of a gun has filed a federal freedom of speech lawsuit against the school district.
Donald Miller III, 14, went to Penn Manor High School in December wearing a T-shirt he said was intended to honor his uncle, a U.S. Army soldier fighting in Iraq.
The shirt bears the image of a military sidearm and on the front pocket says "Volunteer Homeland Security." On the back, over another image of the weapon, are the words "Special issue Resident Lifetime License – United States Terrorist Hunting Permit – Permit No. 91101 – Gun Owner – No Bag Limit."
Little creep should have worn a "Fuck Bush" T-Shirt instead, then he would have been ok.
Officials at the Millersville school told him to turn his shirt inside out. When Miller refused, he got two days of detention.
Only 2 days! what's this? That little monster should have been frog-marched out of the school in cuffs.
His parents, Donald and Tina Miller of Holtwood, have accused the Penn Manor School District in a lawsuit of violating their son's First Amendment rights with a "vague Orwellian policy" that stifles both patriotism and free speech.
Patriotism and Free Speech, in a public school! perish the though!
But an attorney for the school district said school must create a safe environment for students in the post-Columbine era, and bringing even the image of a gun to school violates the district's policy.
"Even the image of a gun…" What the hell do they do about text books with pictures of the Minutemen? Oh wait… never mind, public schools aren't teaching that stuff anymore.]]>
Want to make a leftist nervous? Try these suggestions from the incomparable Gary Wolf.
"…It said in a report that the growth of postcode lotteries and the "woefully inadequate" state of out-of-hours care are being aggravated by the centralised system…"
"…spending on the NHS has doubled to £100billion since 2000. The service is heading for an "embarrassing" £1.8billion surplus this year"
Yet, people aren't getting the health care they need. This is the sort of thing we can expect over here if Hitlery of BO have their way.]]>
[Empahsis mine]
Police in Orlando Fl. began to notice that women where arming themselves in response to an increase in rapes and other crimes. They also began to notice that the crime rate was dropping.
For this reason the Law Enforcement Alliance of America has file an Amicus Brief with the Supreme court in favor of gun rights.
"Oral arguments in the case are scheduled on March 18, and the LEAA brief is just one of 46 that have been filed on the side of seeking affirmation that the Second Amendment does, indeed, document a right for individuals to own guns in the United States."
We know that unfortunately the gun grabbing commutards in DC need to be reminded again…Forcefully
The brief notes when the Georgia town of Kennesaw decided to require all residents, with exceptions for conscientious objectors, to keep a firearm at home, home burglaries fell from 66 to 26 to 11 in consecutive years.
Uh Oh and you silly gun grabbers thought that the rate would go up.
"…The brief cites a study that discovered, based on interviews with felony prisoners in 11 prisons in 10 states, one third of the felons had been "scared off, shot at, wounded or captured by an armed victim," and nearly four in 10 had decided against committing a specific crime because they thought the victim might have a gun."
"Seventy-four percent agreed with the statement that 'One reason burglars avoid houses where people are at home is that they fear being shot,'" the study said."
"The brief suggested the nation's crime rate could rocket should more restrictions be placed on guns."
More Guns, Less Crime…Enough said!
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (RINO)., CA is in hot water over his private jet usage. Schwarzenegger, who has been crusading against the Global Warming
Hoax Crisis is looking like a hypocrite, because he uses a private jet to commute back in forth from his Brentwood mansion to the Governor's office in Sacramento. The Gov. could move into the 12,000 square foot Governors mansion in Sacramento, but he doesn't want to leave his more hi-tone mansion in Brentwood.
The guy's at HotAir say it best:
"…When global-warming Chicken Littles start living as though the crisis actually exists, then the rest of us will start believing it. Arnold could start by dumping the private jet and flying commercial. Even better, he could show a little sacrifice by moving into that 12,000-square-foot shack that the state has to maintain whether he's there or not. Global warming activists want to limit our own living choices — they can start with their own."
Fly commercial, with peasants! Live in that little (12,000 sq. ft.) hovel… How gauche.
Try this:
"…A parent wrote the following letter to explain the everyday horrors of "Everyday Math." "Everyday Math was being used in our school district. My son brought home a multiplication worksheet on estimating. He had 'estimated' that 9×9=81, and the teacher marked it wrong. I met with her and defended my child's answer. The teacher opened her book and read to me that the purpose of the exercise was not to get the right answer, but was to teach the kids to estimate. The correct answer was 100: kids were to round each 9 up to a 10. (The teacher did not seem to know that 81 was the product, as her answer book did not state the same.)"
Its called Everyday Math, or Connected Math, NCTM Math, Math Expressions. Constructed Math, Standards Based Math
Intergrated Math, Chicago Math. A better name for it is 'Fuzzy Math', This and other crap are why American Public schools are turning out a worthless generation of kids, that can barely read, write and perform basic math. Read More
Stupidity is painful kids….
The anti-American leftist attacks on the US Military continue with little or no opposition. In this special report Michelle Malkin details the recent history of leftist/dhimmicrat attacks on the US military, and once again puts the lie to the lefts ludicrous claim that they "Support the Troops."
That the left hates America and the military is undeniable; that is their right of course, a right paid for in blood by those they hate. Peaceful protest is one thing, but what these bastards are doing is treason. Now the only question is this-what to do about it? Clearly most Americans are unwilling to act against these people in any way other than writing the occasional angry letter. Official outlets are also unwilling to do anything meaningful either. Is it time to take the gloves off with the left, if they continue down this path?
When reason fails…]]>


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Pvt. Joseph C. Taibi, of Frederick Street, was killed in action in Tunisia, North Africa, on April 8, 1943.
Born on April 16, 1920.
He served with the 47th Infantry, 9th Division, PVT JC. His service number is 32057408.
Taibi VFW Post #6265 was established in his honor in Belleville, N.J.
Read more.


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Monthly Archives: May 2012
Slow-Cooker Lasagna Primavera
Contributed by Robin Robertson, author of Fresh from the Vegan Slow Cooker * (The Harvard Common Press, 2012). One of the things I like most about using a slow cooker is its versatility. While it is ideal for cooking beans, stews, soups, and chili, it can also be used to cook some things that may surprise […]
White Bean Soup with Corn and Red Peppers
This hearty soup of navy or cannellini beans, corn kernels, and red bell peppers is easy and family-friendly. It can be the be the centerpiece of a meal or an introduction, depending on what else is being served. If you're inclined to bake, Quick Three-Grain Brown Bread goes well with this, and you can pop […]
Tomato Tortellini or Ravioli Salad
There's something really satisfying about filled pastas like tortellini or ravioli, especially now that there are several vegan varieties to choose from. Combined with summer's ripe tomatoes and basil, they are the basis of a delicious main dish salad. Look for them in the freezer section of natural foods stores.
Southeast Asian–Style Vegetable Stew
Broccoli, cauliflower, green beans, and peppers mingle in a rich coconut–peanut base, making a stew that's great all year round. Adapted from Vegan Soups and Hearty Stews for All Seasons. Photos by Theresa Raffetto.
Chinese Noodles with Spicy Szechuan Bean Curd
If you master this delicious stir-fry of Asian noodles and spicy tofu, you'll be less inclined to reach for that Chinese take-out menu!
Bean-Thread Noodles with Crisp Vegetables in Peanut Sauce
Brimming with barely-cooked vegetables, this noodle dish makes a good light dinner. Leftovers packed in a container and eaten cold also make a terrific change-of-pace offering in a brown-bag lunch.
Spinach, Sprouts, and Pineapple Smoothie
This green delight — a smoothie featuring the green goodness of spinach and sprouts with the sweetness of pineapple — offers ultimate refreshment, and the coconut water is immensely hydrating. It's great over a couple of pieces of ice if the day is very warm. Bottoms up!
Cold Pasta with Tomatoes and Basil
The companionable summer duo—tomatoes and basil—becomes quite a delicacy when teamed with pasta in a dish that's best served at room temperature. See the variation below — adding vegan mozzarella makes it a Caprese-style pasta dish.
Pasta Caponata
Serve this tasty pasta salad all year round. It's flavored with traditional eggplant caponata ingredients (including olives, ripe tomatoes, and fresh herbs), and it's great for an everyday dinner, potluck, or buffet. It's best served at room temperature. Photos by Evan Atlas.
Vegan Pasta Salad Niçoise
The ingredients of Salade Nicoise—green beans, white beans, ripe tomatoes, and cured olives— join forces with pasta to make a delectable cold dish. Baked marinated tofu stands in for tuna, another standard Nicoise ingredient. This makes a heaping helping even with only 8 ounces pasta, making it a nice summer potluck dish.
Three-Bean Pasta Salad
Adding pasta to the popular three-bean salad combo gives it a contemporary twist. This party-sized pasta salad goes with just about anything else you're serving — grilled vegetables, veggie burgers, tofu or tempeh dishes — it's a most companionable accompaniment.
Orzo and Black Bean Salsa Salad
Bursting with Southwestern flavors, this pasta salad, made with tiny rice-shaped orzo, is as flavorful as it is easy to make. It features corn, prepared salsa and lots of cilantro. Serve with vegan quesadillas any time of year, or with grilled vegetables and a simple slaw for a nice summer meal. Photos by Hannah Kaminsky.


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Saturday Sept 7th from 10:00 to 5:00 at Petsense in Lebanon. (Their address is 621 S. Cumberland St. Suite G) Petsense forever Home 2013 National Pet Adoption Weekend.
Thursday, August 22, 2013
Adoption Event Petsence in Lebanon,TN
Posted by Karen at 11:19 AM 0 comments Links to this post
Monday, August 19, 2013
We got kittens
Petfinder for pics and more info.
Posted by Karen at 4:39 AM 0 comments Links to this post
Saturday, August 10, 2013
would abandon her on a country road. She waited all afternoon for her
'person' to return. Every time a large truck would pass, she would step into
the road and watch it hopefully as it disappeared from sight. It took all
afternoon to convince her that I was her only option. So being temped with
food, she finally allowed herself to be leashed. Bunny's past life probably
wasn't as good as we'd have liked it to be, but it was the only one she
knew. By the looks of her coat, an old vehicle had probably been what
shelter she'd had from the elements.
New chapter. Bunny is realizing that life can be better! She loves being
petted and going for her daily strolls. She is such a calm, pleasant girl.
Just a pleasure to be around, doing whatever you want to do. Though her
exposure...has been limited, she seems to be fine around children and cats.
Bunny is about 3-5 yrs old, and possibly a Brittany Spaniel/Beagle mix ? She
is UTD on shots, heartworm negative, and ready to go to her forever home
where she will be treasured for the rest of her life. Would you like to meet
her? If so contact Micah at 615-260-4379
**************Bunny's adoption fee is $75.00*********
Posted by Karen at 12:15 PM 0 comments Links to this post
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|When you fall, I will be there to catch you -With love, the floor
Played around with one today at the academy and it's sweat. Fits perfectly in my Comptac 320 holster unlike the Bladetech where it doesn't lock in. Downside is that I had to wait a week or so for the next batch.
A few others who own the 226 X5 in various editions all have dumped them for the 320 version.
|Web Clavin Extraordinaire
Do you know if there is the ability to put on optics other than the SIG Romeo? Their website suggests the cut is only for the Romeo...but maybe they just don't want to promote someone else's product.
Chuck Norris put the laughter in "manslaughter"
Educating the youth of America, one declension at a time.
|When you fall, I will be there to catch you -With love, the floor
Right now the bolt pattern is for the romeo1. Maybe other base plates will eventually be produced by someone but right now, no.
I don't think there has ever been a semi-custom pistol made that has been as good as the Performance Center 3rd gen guns with the exception of maybe the SIG X5.
The PC 5906 ruled IDPA and the PPC9 ruled PPC. The Mastershop X5's aren't popular in PPC maybe because of a rule change that made shooting a custom 1911 make more sense.
Let the pictures of everyone's PC 3rd gens commence
I know the PPC9 is a fine PPC Auto gun, a friend picked one in side by side comparison with M952.
But I don't think I have ever seen a PC 5906 in IDPA and I have shot since 1997.
I had a regular 5906 which I could not hit squat with and saw another in use. But no PC 5906 around here.
|addicted to trailing-throttle oversteer
I'm not a competitive shooter but I'd wager that the CZ Shadow camp might take issue with this.
|When the will is strong, everything is easy
I asked a similar question at SHOT. My rep disassembled the X5 model on the wall and another nearby 320. They reassembled it with standard p320 grip. So the likelihood is high.
They said there were some early meetings that some people wanted the X5 to be it's own monster, but the general consensus was that the P320 platform should interchange.
"You can avoid reality, but you cannot avoid the consequences of
avoiding reality." Ayn Rand
|When you fall, I will be there to catch you -With love, the floor
I've only seen one in the last five years. While it was shoot very well, ruled is a bit strong.
Hated carrying the 5906 and earlier on duty. While vastly different, this era long past.
Here's a article with the top IDPA back in 2009. None seen.
Back then it was Glock and the S&W M&P. Those days are gone. New models have now taken over.
|Perpetual Student
All correct.
|Unapologetic Old
School Curmudgeon
Not sure about the objectivity question, he states pretty openly in the first sentence he worked with Sig to create what he wanted and was happy about the result so he is being honest in saying he isn't objective but an invested party who is proud of his product.
That being said, it looks like it will be a sweet shooter.
- "This town reminds me of something in the bible."
- "Which part?"
- "The part right before god gets angry"
I don't know squat about the P320 X-Five. But I do worry, from handling the regular P320, that my 1911-accustomed thumbs-forward grip rides right on the slide stop/release.
And I do know that G&A is little more than a glossy multi-manufacturer brochure with extra words....no thanks.
USPSA question; I assume that once the P320 X5's are on the approved Production list, the Gray Guns flat faced PELT triggers should be allowed on any P320. I am looking at the Carry Optic Division for my P320, milled for a Shield RMS, but I have the flat trigger from Bruce. Hoping the X5 release will mean I don't have to change back to a curved trigger in order to compete. Does this seem like a safe assumption?
It's a separate model so I don't think the approval of the X5 means X5 parts are approved for use on all 320s. I may be wrong but I think you need a trigger that appears cosmetically identical to a stock 320 trigger.
I'm pretty sure you'll have to change back to the curved trigger if you want to shoot CO.
|The Persian
Appendix D4 section 21.6:
"Any other components which are externally visible may ONLY be replaced with OFM parts which are offered on the specific model of gun or another approved gun from the same manufacturer except as specifically clarified below."
A turbo: Exhaust gasses go into the turbocharger and spin it, witchcraft happens, and you go faster.
Mr. Doom and Gloom
"King in the north!"
"Slow is smooth... and also slow.
I had read that and my interpretation is that since the flat trigger will be offered on the P320 X5, that it could qualify under either of those provisions. As in, a). Same model P320 (interchangeable FCU, etc.) and b). Another approved gun (if they don't consider the X5 variant the same model as the P320). Is that how you are reading it?
|The Persian
I read it as you can take any part from a SIG pistol on the NROI production approved list and put it on any other SIG pistol. The only exceptions are barrels.
A turbo: Exhaust gasses go into the turbocharger and spin it, witchcraft happens, and you go faster.
Mr. Doom and Gloom
"King in the north!"
"Slow is smooth... and also slow.
This is correct. The flat trigger would then be legal for use on other P320s for Production and Carry Optics.
That is great news and I apologize for the misinformation.
|Behold my
Hiya! For clarification, once the X5 P320 is on roster, the Grayguns PELT-F will be acceptable for USPSA Production, being a cosmetic analogue to the factory flat trigger. The same situation already obtains for our PELT-C, which is legal now.
I literally can't wait for mine. I finally ordered one and I'm dying to shoot it, but the public comes first.
Designer and custom pistolsmith at Grayguns Inc. Privileged to be R&D consultant to the world's greatest maker of fine firearms. Now: Get some Lucas Extreme Duty Grease from Top Gun Supply and SIG Pro Shop, dammit! And remember: MOAC is coming again in 2017!
Visit us at http://opspectraining.com/product-cat/videos/ to order yours, and Thank You for making GGI the leader in custom SIG and HK pistols.
Bruce Gray, President
Grayguns Inc.
Grayguns.com / 541-468-3840
Thanks for the definitive answers.
I am trying to convince SWMBO that I "need" the X5 now. Until that happens I will enjoy playing with the two I have now, especially after the PELT upgrades. Still hoping to see a flat faced trigger for the P229 Legion from Bruce. This message has been edited. Last edited by: md-dave,
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Right now in one of Scott's classes they are having a suture (doing stitches) competition. The winner will receive a grand prize. I think the pot is upwards of $1500 right now. Currently he is in 4th place. Wish him luck!
Here is a picture of them suturing on felt pads. Practice makes perfect!
Oh, and I have to tell you really quick... Scott is sitting across from our friend Nathan, who the kids have lovingly dubbed 'Daddy's Nathan'. "Daddy, are you going to study with your Nathan? Nathan is Natalie's daddy, huh? Is that you Nathan?"
Ha ha ha! Well, he *does* see Scott more than we do!


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Tel.: +55 19 3262 0011


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Saturday, October 15, 2011
I used to swim a lot when I lived in Maryland. Since I moved, I have not had as many chances to swim as I would like. I miss being able to swim whenever I felt like it in the summer and in a pool larger than the kiddy pools (yes the local pool is a kiddy pool). I actually miss swim teams where I would see friends and be in the pool often, winter and summer swim teams. Swimming was one of my social activities along with marching band, where I could and did make friends. Another reason I miss swimming is because it help to keep me in shape, and since I don't swim anymore, I have become out of shape. I truly miss swimming.
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'Mad Men' Season Five's Most Depressing Moments
We run down the season's lowest – but no less intriguing – points
Lane Pryce commits suicide - Episode 12, 'Commissions and Fees'
The British financial officer had been showing signs of money trouble as early as the season premiere, but it wasn't until later episodes that we learned how dire his situation had become. When Don finds out that Lane had embezzled funds from SCDP to pay back taxes (and forged Don's signature on the check), he has no choice but to demand his resignation. Personally and professionally humiliated, Lane takes his own life by hanging himself on the door to his office – following a botched attempt to asphyxiate himself in his brand-new Jaguar – leaving his colleagues to discover his dead body.


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Hornell, James, 1865-1949
Hornell, James
James Hornell
VIAF ID: 29776780 (Personal)
Permalink: http://viaf.org/viaf/29776780
Preferred Forms
- 200 _ | ‡a Hornell ‡b James ‡f 1865-1949
- 100 1 _ ‡a Hornell, James
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- 100 1 _ ‡a Hornell, James, ‡d 1865-1949
- 100 0 _ ‡a James Hornell
4xx's: Alternate Name Forms (2)
- 400 1 _ ‡a Hornell, J.
- 400 0 _ ‡a James Hornell ‡c British zoologist
|Administration report for the year 1918-19
|African bark canoes
|The aims and achievements of the Madras Department of Fisheries ...
|ancient village Gods of south India
|The archaeology of Gorgona Island, South America : <"St. George" expedition to the South Seas, 1924>
|Bibliography of scientific publications
|The biological results of the Ceylon pearl fishery of 1904 with notes on divers and their occupation
|Boat types now existing in India
|Brighton Hog-Boat or Hoggie and the Fishing Lerggers of Brighton
|British coracles and Irish curraghs
|canoe hull from Manihiki
|canoes of Melanesia, Queensland, and New Guinea
|Canoes of Oceania
|canoes of Polynesia, Fiji, and Micronesia
|The chank bangle industry its antiquity and present condition.
|chank shell cult of India
|The children of Noah : Jewish seafaring in ancient times
|common molluscs of South India
|Constructional parallels in scandinavian and oceanic boat construction
|curraghs of Ireland
|Evolution of the Clinker - Tuilt fishing lugger
|fisheries of Norway and Denmark
|Fishery reports for 1922
|fishing and coast craft of Ceylon
|Fishing in many waters
|fishing industry in Malta with suggestions for its further development
|fishing Luggers of Hastings. Parts I and II
|fishing methods of the Madras Presidency. Part II. The Malabar Coast
|The Indian bêche-de-mer industry: its history and recent revival.
|The Indian pearl fisheries of the Gulf of Mannar and Palk Bay
|Indonesian influence on East African culture
|The journal of marine zoology and microscopy : a plainly-worded biological magazine
|Lecture on the minor marine industries of the Madras Presidency
|Madras marine aquarium
|Marine fish-farming for India
|Marine fishery investigations in Madras, 1914-15
|Marine zoology of west coast
|A new protozoan cause of widespread mortality among marine fishes.
|Notes on the cichlid fishes of Malabar
|The origins and ethnological significance of Indian boat designs
|Origins of plank-built boats
|Outrigger-attachments in the Society Islands
|The outrigger canoes of Indonesia
|Outrigger - Nuggar of the Blue Nile
|The practice of oyster culture at Arcachon and its lessons for India
|The present depletion of the oyster-bed of Sind its causes and the remedies
|Report on the fishery resources of Sierra Leone
|Report to the government of Baroda on the marine zoology of Okhamandal in Kattiawar
|Reports from the Ceylon marine biological laboratory
|The sacred chank of India : a monograph of the Indian Conch (Turbinella Pyrum)
|sailing ship in ancient Egypt
|Sea-trade in early times
|South American balsas : the problem of their origin
|South Indian blow-guns, boomerangs, and crossbows.
|statistical analysis of an inshore fishing experiment at Madras, 1919
|String figures from Fiji and western Polynesia
|String figures from Sierra Leone, Liberia and Zanzibar
|tentative classification of arabe sea-craft
|tongue and groove seam of Gujarati boatbuilders
|Water transport : origins and early evolution
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Personal Information
Gender: Male
- GB - United Kingdom
- eng - English


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Letohatchee Woman Dies in Single-Vehicle Crash
A single-vehicle crash on Sunday, July 16, has claimed the life of a Letohatchee woman.
Patricia Jo Samolsky, 50, was killed when the 2000 Jeep Cherokee she was driving left the roadway and overturned. Samolsky, who was not using a seat belt, was ejected and pronounced dead at the scene.
The crash occurred on Lowndes County 62 approximately 10 miles east of Fort Deposit. Although circumstances surrounding the crash are still under investigation, alcohol and speed are believed to be factors.
Nothing further is available as Alabama State Troopers continue to investigate.


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The disease of us not getting to watch our full share of EPL matches on television. Suddenly the sun is shining brighter, the birds are singing sweeter, the flowers are blooming, and I have a smile on my face that even the sight of Michael Ballack couldn't take away. ESPN has won the rights to broadcast 46 EPL games next year (2009-2010), live and in HD. Yes, I said live and in HD. ESPN quietly went after these matches after Barclays officially ended its association with failing Setanta (a channel that you could only get on Direct TV). You can read the full article here.
"Premier League football is one of the world's most sought after sports properties, and we are very excited to be expanding our business in the UK with England's top football product," said Russell Wolff, Executive Vice President and Managing Director, ESPN International. "This move demonstrates our commitment to British sports fans and our ongoing commitment to delivering football to fans around the world across a variety of media."
I love you ESPN..I love you.


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Description: Organic source, hollow drone in stereo.
Description: Sound of boxes being stacked on a isle of a supermarket and packaging being ripped. Ideal for projects that require this type of sound effect.
Genres: Sound Effects , Interiors
Description: Interior full house audience watches performance. Vlite occasional murmur. Continuous take. Great texture.
Description: Quiet, with occasional coughs and feeling of spectators. No talking. Stereo.
Genres: Sound Effects , Interiors
Description: Library, interior ambience: small, quiet #4
Description: Airy drone with overtones recorded in an old stairwell. Stereo.
Description: This is the sound of blowing balloon and explo
Description: Kids chat and talk on their bus ride. Stereo. Field recording.
Description: Clinical Examination, Reception, people waiting sitting bg beep electronic board indicative noise office and city
Genres: Sound Effects , Interiors
Description: pub with drunk czech people and music in the background


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Tom Selleck, star of the CBS hit "Blue Bloods," says his show "may be a family drama, but it isn't 'The Waltons'." Each episode ends with Sunday family dinner, which for Sellleck, "involves a lot of the pressures and tensions that everybody has been sitting on. The audience can almost anticipate what often can turn into a discussion or argument or a little of both."
The TV vet plays New York City Police Commissioner Frank Reagan on the first-year series. His father (Len Cariou) is former commissioner, and he has three children: a detective (Donnie Wahlberg), an assistant D.A. (Bridget Moynahan) and a rookie officer (Will Estes). Another son, Joe, died in the line of duty before the series started and this provides an ongoing storyline.
Indeed, the May 13th season finale ("The Blue Templar") addresses Joe's death again and according to Selleck is, "a very good show and emotional." He is considering submitting this episode to the Emmy judging panel if nominated.
In a phone interview with senior editors Rob Licuria and Chris Beachum, Selleck admitted, "What attracted me to the script was that it was character-driven as opposed to procedural. The script moved me, which usually means I must get it emotionally, even if I don't know why."
Selleck is no stranger to the Emmy Awards, having been nominated seven times (five Best Drama Actor bids for "Magnum, P.I.," Guest Comedy Actor for "Friends" and Best TV Movie/Mini Actor for "Jesse Stone: Sea Change"). He won his only Emmy as Thomas Magnum in 1984 when he happened to be hosting the ceremony. "When I was backstage, it was very, very nice because Roger Mosley, Larry Manetti and John Hillerman ("Magnum, P.I." co-stars) were backstage with me because we were all about to go present an award after mine came up," recalled Selleck. "I was a bit stunned."


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Facebooking > PM-LIVE.COM | Progress Magazine – Official Fan Page
Progress Magazine is dedicated to exposing the experiences of people who exemplify the ThinkForward™ philosophy among music, fashion and art culture.
The ThinkForward™ philosophy is one that does not recognize traditional culture boundaries but instead is a lifestyle choice that spans many music, fashion, and art genres. It holds on to the common theme of moving culture forward in thinking, words, and practice.


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I like looking at guys (straight guys, mind you!) who wear pink. On my way to work today I saw this guy waiting for a ride. Nice pink long-sleeved shirt! Had my eyes glued to him. I find them to be more masculine... and BRAVE enough to wear that color, amidst all conclusions that pink is feminine AND/OR effeminate.
Had I read it somewhere during my merchandising career stints that the color pink originally was intended to be worn by males? Yes, males. As in men. Macho. Gentleman. Hombre. Lalaki. Papa. The logic apparently behind it is that this color, when worn by the male specie, sends out a signal to the ever vulnerable female that makes the latter fall for this shade. Hence, 'physical' attraction. The guy then gets his catch.
Whether myth or fact, yeah... it gets me. LOL well, he smiled first.
.... and that was that (sigh!)
Therapeutic. Scribbling on my scratch pad. Live life. Purr often. Cuddle much. Like a cat.
Thursday, October 06, 2005
Pretty handsome in pink!
Scratched by Yang at 4:19 PM
3 comments:
- karina blessica said...
ako din. i find guys who wear pink more handsome and interesting. ",)
- October 7, 2005 at 12:09 PM
- dien03bheiby said...
guys who wear pink? yep, i find them interesting too---bold to be exact.
i have a guy friend who doesn't m wearing pink and he's cute wearing that color.
- October 8, 2005 at 6:05 AM
- Vicki said...
Hey there, Just chekcing in haven't stopped in for a little while and have missed a lot.
Guys in Pink are very nice, wish my hubby would have the guts to wear it but he's "too macho" for pink he says....lol
- October 8, 2005 at 6:51 AM
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I've been away from blogging for quite a while, lots of project have been done during that time, literally had no time to blog... obvious excuse for being silent, I know … but not anymore… let's continue our quest to perfect code! Resume mode is on!
Friday, March 25, 2011
Long time no see…
Posted by Sergey Klementiev at 1:29 PM
1 comment:
I liked this post very much as it has helped me a lot in my research and is quite interesting as well. Thank you for sharing this information with us.ReplyDelete
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Summer schooling at Home
Alex's forth grade year was less than ideal. His grades were good, but what he actually learned sucked! The more years we have in public school the more I realize that these students are only being taught to the test, not to knowledge. One thing that became shockingly apparent right after school let out, is that Alex had no idea what was a state or what was a country. He mentioned one day that the country of Arizona must be really mad about all the illegal aliens in their country to make laws about it. Now I am all for discussing current events with our kid (which we do all most everyday since we are a news junkie household), but I was floored that he thought Arizona was a separate country. After a quick verbal quiz we discovered that he was completely confused on the topic.
Enter a mom made Summer School packet.
Nearly every day Alex does some sort of school work. We are using Handwriting Without Tears to improve his printing and cursive, and have all ready seen an improvement. We do Math drills every day both 4 digit addition, multiplication and division. We are reviewing Money skills, especially since he now earns an allowance. Reading comprehension, grammar, and writing skills are reviewed in a rotating basis throughout the week. States and their capitals are done every day with a new state each day. I found some awesome coloring and flashcard sheets for each state online and we slowly build up our flashcard deck each day.


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We did manage to have a week off, spending it in England, eating for the best part of the time. It was partly inspirational, partly nostalgic, mostly unhealthy, but definately cheaper than in Finland! What follows in this post is a photographic diary of what we ate... well, not nearly ALL that we sampled, but consider it as The Best Of.
Highlight of our culinary adventures was our lunch at Arbutus in Soho, London, where we had four courses with wine and also got the cookbook. Everything was delicious or at least interesting, and service was truly attentive and friendly. Up there in our top 5 dining experiences, for sure.


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Dial Up Is The Nuts
I also phoned up AOL to get my broadband transferred to my new number. They said it would take 10-15 days, why I'm not sure, I thought we were in the 21st century but obviously not. They said I could go on dial up for free though which I thought about before realising my new pc doesnt have a modem...
So I went to a coffee shop with internet and forked out £40 for a monthly pass. I messed about with some 50NL but kept getting disconnected before I realised where the best place to sit was. Unfortunately for a coffee shop which advertises itself as very internet orientated, the place has a whole 2 (yes 2) plug sockets. One upstairs, one downstairs. Lol. So basically when you go in there it's like a stealth movement. You first of all get the seat near the power point, and then get the internet best spot. Or vice versa, load of bollocks basically.
Here are my stats for 200NL at the cafe. Please note - I am not a nit. I just play like one. Seriously, every hand had a 3 in it most of the time. Apart from one time when I had 33, and so did the other guy :-) I won't force the action in these instances. I did ok $ wise anyway.
Hands: 640
Profit: $348.45
Two things I have noticed. Firstly, you dont get many hands in playing 3/4 tables. Secondly, I don't like reeking of smoke each day because even in the 'non smoking area' you still get covered in the stuff.
So I went to PC World this afternoon to buy a dial up external modem. Just to give it a shot. I spent £25 to get it, only to get home and find it had nowhere to connect to on my pc cos my pc is too new for it :-( I went back with my pc and the modem and the guy offered to give me an exchange for one with which has a usb cable instead - even though I didnt have the receipt (tho he did serve me when I went the first time) or a box or half the components! Ship it! I got home. I tried to log on. Couldn't. Ended up on the phone to a call centre for half an hour and finally I am now online, in my flat, but on dialup. Never felt so sweet. It's slow, but I've written this quick enough, been on CR which is bearable speed, and I've datamined 16 tables throughout with no problems. So I can now play in here. Including the £40 fee at the cafe (which I'm gonna go to tomorrow to download all the latest CR vids, some dj mix sessions and maybe watch PB) and the £30 for the new modem, it's cost me £70 to get online. I won about £180 at the cafe so I guess thats ok.
This is also good news because it will allow me to compete to the maximum in the 1k challenge starting next week. I'm buzzing for this.
Good luck at the tables,


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Thursday, November 19, 2009
CAST - Book Builder
Have you ever wanted to create a book that students could have read to them? Do you want students to create their own books online. Well here is the tool for you. Book Builder is created to allow all students access - Universal Design Learning - to the content you are teaching.
Posted by Beth Beaulieu at 9:33 AM No comments:
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Try out Diigo!
Diigo has free educator accounts to use with students. It went really well. I need more people to share this with.
Posted by Beth Beaulieu at 5:15 AM No comments:
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The third podcast of theTVaddict.com's second season is now ready for download. This week, Dan and Ari read listener email, discuss your TV favorites and fill Toronto fans in on how they can get up close and personal with Ari [for a nominal fee of course!]
You can listen to our podcast by pressing 'play' below or by heading on over to iTunes.[audio:http://cdn.libsyn.com/thetvaddict/thetvaddictpodcast_S02E03.mp3]
You can also subscribe to our podcast by clicking any of the following links:
As usual, comments are greatly appreciated, as well as reviews on iTunes. Got a question? Feel free to email it to email@example.com


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A few years back, Charlie Murphy entered the podcast world with his series Charlie Murphy Presents The Podcast. On the show, Murphy would discuss a variety of topics with special guest in NYC. Back in 2014 right after the shooting of 18 year old unarmed black man Micahel Brown; Charlie had a lot to say on the matter. In a now released visual of the discussion you can hear Murphy's strong opposition on the police attached to the incident using deadly force. He goes to explain that the shooting could have been handled in many different ways. Murphy would have turned 59 years old today.
Published in Lifestyle


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For all the talk that Microsoft overpaid for Mojang, I offer my own little angle on the subject.
So yes. Microsoft paid $2.5 Billion for Mojang, to acquire the studio and Minecraft.
There's been a lot of discussion over the last few days about this deal. Some have argued that it was a tad expensive. Some argued that it would see eventual non-parity with other systems, fearful that they might not get to enjoy their game any more. Some have even suggested it's evidence that Microsoft is pulling out of hardware and focusing on big-brand software and merchandise. All excellent arguments. There are lots of great discussions and for once, I'm pleasantly surprised that the discussions have been so sprightly, lively and interesting.
My viewpoint? Well, I'll expand on my Eurogamer post.
After a bit of thought – getting beyond my, "$2.5 billion for an indie studio with one successful game under their belt, without the genius that built that brand up, seems a bit overkill…" – I quickly began to realise that, if I'm right, that that price is more than justified. Not only that, it could be the best – and most brutal – business move we've seen in years. It requires consideration beyond the basic voyeur of 'Will I Still Be Able To Play Minecraft?' Because that's the wrong question. But we'll address that later.
First, we need to get Minecraft out of the way.
Minecraft is superficial to the discussion; there's obviously no way Microsoft can make that $2.5 billion back by mere sales of the game, or even content packs or additional tools. Depending on which analyst you choose to believe, at current profits, it would take Minecraft between twenty and fifty years before Microsoft even broke even on the deal, let alone made any actual profit. Would a company like Microsoft simply buy an indie studio with one game and none of the actual genius talent that built the brand up for so much money to gain access to that one brand? Possibly, but not for $2.5 billion. It's a facetious discussion. Minecraft, to my mind, is NOT why Microsoft bought Mojang for so much money.
Why would I be confident stating that? Well, you need to know where Microsoft has been, where it's going and what Mojang has… beyond Minecraft.
Microsoft hasn't had a lot of luck of late in the consumer electronics market. The XBox One has been sluggish, now being consistently outsold by the Wii U (you know, that Nintendo console you all thought was dead this time last year? Yeah, that one!). It bought Nokia with the ambition to have a smartphone line – only to find it's hardware, and Windows-based OS, lagging in the market somewhat behind the likes of Apple and Samsung, as well as the Android platform. The range of Surface tablets have been critically applauded but with accusations of being overpriced or behind the curve, those tablet devices haven't set the world on fire. So too has Microsoft seen criticism of its "Cloud" – the online infrastructure that was meant to revolutionise how we play games and how they run, it's been a constant sea of disappointment.
Being a business, Microsoft obviously doesn't want to lose money – it probably doesn't like losing, full stop. It would like all of these fragments to be pulling their weight; to compete and be seen competing at a more serious level. Outside the usual Enterprise thing, Microsoft has been losing traction for years, always seemingly one step behind, always close – but never quite there. It's here the Mojang sale begins to make a lot more sense.
Minecraft is a bit of a phenomenon. It's available on a variety of devices, and relies on dealing with companies to make sure those games run well, smoothly and are sold at the right price. Mojang is well-placed; it's had many years now to firmly entrench Minecraft into the market as a solid, immovable object, being available on everything from Apple and Samsung devices to the PlayStation 4 and soon, the PS Vita. All of these companies have likely, at one time or another, confided in Mojang things it needed to know; specifications, marketing strategies, access to devkits and firmware, perhaps even system tools for debugging. Mojang is unlikely to have got rid of this information just because Microsoft is buying them out (even if that'd probably be the morally decent thing to do).
With a new range of mobiles, tablets and updates to come, Microsoft now owns and operates a game which will ensure these companies have to deal with it… and likely hand over details.
Does that sound sneaky? In an age where information is leakier than a colander, where companies fight tooth and nail to compete and be seen competing, defending their patents and trademarks with an almost vicious ferocity, Microsoft has in effect bought the flat next door. And it's quite likely that it's going to be one of those very creepy neighbours, always wanting to know what you're doing. Checking your mail. Offering to 'clean your windows'. Asking about what you were shouting about last night. That sort of thing. Microsoft has become a presence; an undeniable, unshakable presence… where it really isn't all that welcome, if truth be told.
In the short term, companies will have to honour deals already made. They will have to provide the basics in order to get the content for the game that was promised. It would be foolish to think Microsoft isn't very interested in these comings and goings, working out its own next move, and whether it will be competing or not against it. It's a brutal bit of business – and effective. It puts other companies in a difficult position. Because one of their rivals is now one of their clients; whilst still simultaneously being a rival. It's an awkward situation.
Now that question from earlier; "Will I Still Be Able To Play Minecraft?"
The real question is – will others WANT Minecraft going forward now? Think about it; in order to keep selling Minecraft, to keep it updated and running at peak efficiency, companies like Samsung, Google, Apple and Sony will likely end up needing to give Microsoft what could be considered… delicate information. Again, this is one of their rivals. Who will need to be informed of any major hardware, firmware or network changes in the meantime. Microsoft could indeed promise "to not use it for ill-will", but seriously, if you buy my take on it then you'd probably consider that the whole deal was made of ill intent and such promises would be ultimately seen as hollow. In order to 'win' this particular battle, the only tactic is to not play it; to withdraw, and to not supply the product on newer hardware going forward. Or if they do, it certainly won't be there in the opening weeks and months.
But Microsoft knows that would draw ire from millions of players – people who now expect and demand that Minecraft run on their devices. To be seen reneging on this front, to be phasing out support for such a successful game, would be damaging on a PR front, even if it makes sense from a business standpoint. After all, why would you deal with a company who may have the intention of stealing critical information in order to further their own rival products? Consider the risks for Sony – new firmware changes offering a brand new service. And conveniently, turns out Microsoft is making a rival product and has been for a while. How on EARTH did Microsoft get that information?
Customers however simply won't care about that. They don't care about corporate secrets, or the importance of developing unique features away from the prying eyes of your rivals. They just want Minecraft, damnit! They don't care. They really, truly couldn't care less. Minecraft. Now. Do it. Or we go… well, to a device which WILL run it. And you can bet your ass that will be a Microsoft product…
The question I asked myself was; is this legal?
Well, to a certain extent, yes but also, no. Microsoft has a chequered history on stifling competition; it's had plenty of fines in a variety of places over the years for its heavy-handed approach to gaining dominance, and here we are with possibly another very good example of it. It will be up to individual companies to sound the warnings, to appeal to competition commissions or high courts. Ultimately, it will be judges and experts who will consider if the deal gives Microsoft an unfair advantage (
Well, duh!) in the current climate. But that could take years. And it will be very costly. And there will likely be appeals. By the time any actual verdict is made, most companies and manufacturers will have probably made up their minds whether or not to deal with Microsoft over continued support of Minecraft.
My personal viewpoint is through all of this, Minecraft will end up a Microsoft exclusive, but not because it wants it to be, but because the market has rejected the interference of Microsoft in their business. There will be some major hangovers this week as companies worry about what information Microsoft may have access to now, just from buying Mojang. Many more will need to consider how they conduct their business affairs with someone who is quite likely seeking sensitive information. Others will have to consider the value of selling Minecraft, and the consumer desire for it, against the possibility of handing over specifications to Microsoft in the future. It's a bleak picture, but it's one that will need to be carefully considered. And in future, Microsoft may even be forced to give up large parts of its business by governments and courts, for fear of excessive market influence and dominance (after all, it could go both ways – Microsoft may be more easily able to dictate the direction of others!).
The beauty of the deal is that like it or not, they HAVE to deal with Microsoft, one way or another. Ignoring them is no longer an option. Microsoft is there, inside their boundaries. It now owns one of the worlds most popular pieces of software. It now enjoys a very nice cross-section view of the near-future; it sits in a position where further information may end up coming to it, than chasing around. Mojang, therefore, is Microsoft's 'Trojan Horse'. It's there, and it's inside the confines of enemy territory. What Microsoft, and others, do next will be very important. It will set an agenda. It will dictate how lines are drawn.
Microsoft has made probably the smartest acquisition possible then; it has a product others have been and may want to keep selling. It has access to short-term information, and possibly even mid-term changes on the way. And there will be no escaping the reality that, like it or not, these companies will have to deal – in the short-term at least – with Microsoft, whether they like it or not.
So again, the question – is Mojang's $2.5 billion value justified? I'd say yes.
For what Microsoft are getting…. you could even call that cheap.