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Good fences cost good money. Though some homeowners opt to DIY the job, most count on fence builders to help with the design and handle the construction. We found some in the area that were highly rated by their customers; unfortunately, we also found some that weren't held in high regard at all. And our mystery shoppers discovered huge price differences among companies bidding on the same job.
Begin by reviewing and deciding on fence type, materials, finish, height, spacing and width of slats, and post size. Also decide whether you want extras such as latticework or an electronic gate. Most fence builders provide catalogs you can examine.
Before investing in an alarm system, take a step back to evaluate—and improve—your home's overall security. You can do many things to enhance protections that cost much less than an alarm system but do just as much good.
We recommend you first improve physical barriers to intrusion before considering an expensive alarm system. But there is evidence that alarm systems do make a difference. Here is advice on the pros and cons of alarm systems and help planning one.
Even if you purchase a home security system with all the bells and whistles, it might not do you any good if it's designed poorly or installed sloppily. When hiring an installer, consider several points.
Start by asking the big questions. Carefully consider what you think you want, focusing on what you'd like to gain and possible options for obtaining it.


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Depression and Christmas
- Matt Anderson, MD
- 2010 15 Dec
The "Holiday Blues," anxiety and even depression affect many people about this time of year. To some, remembrance of pleasant childhood memories now gone forever contrast with today's unpleasant realities. Issues such as family strife, unemployment with financial constraints, loneliness from prior losses of loved ones, isolation, unrealized expectations and even family gatherings with tension from estranged relatives may contribute to sadness and despair. The time of joy, cheer, wonderful family reunions and the enjoyment of deep, meaningful relationships just doesn't exist for many. Personal circumstances mock "It's a Wonderful Life."
But unfortunately, feelings of hopelessness and despair occur at any time of year for others. Unrelenting depression haunts the souls of many Christians day after day after day with nothing to blame, no clear cause and no sudden discovery of the underlying problem.
As a Christian medical doctor, I care for many committed Christians and have heard what follows.
She described her symptoms to me. She felt down, had no joy in formerly joyful activities, wanted to hide in her bedroom and pull the covers over her head, cried at anything and nothing, constantly barked at her husband and children and had considered suicide. She found simple chores impossible. Fellowship became painful to endure. Prayer became a hollow exercise. She searched her life for unconfessed sin and confessed it all. Worship meant talking with congregants after the service which took all her effort. She cried as she spoke. She tried everything her friends recommended; get out more, pray more, study the Bible more, exercise, take the latest nutriceutical, eat organic and even, "snap out of it." Nothing helped. I prescribed an anti-depressant for her.
Depression is the word in the church that must not be spoken. Those taking anti-depressants may find themselves stigmatized by pastors, elders or church members. I've had patients forbidden by husbands and elders from taking medicine for serious depression. I've had many Christian women take anti-depressants secretly, fearing the backlash waiting them should the church or their family find out.
I've heard some pastors rage from the pulpit, "We've given up God for a happy pill! Instead of depending on the power of God and the truth of his word, we've become the Prozac generation! Doctor's pass out depression pills like candy!" Perhaps you've heard sermons like that as well. Few conditions generate more controversy in the evangelical church than depression.
The word "depression" does not appear in the ESV translation of the Bible, but the Bible certainly addresses sorrow and despair often with vivid descriptions.
Even in David, the man after God's own heart, speaks of his despair. In Psalm 88:3-9, David writes,
For my soul is full of troubles,
and my life draws near to Sheol.
I am counted among those who go down to the pit;
I am a man who has no strength,
like one set loose among the dead,
like the slain that lie in the grave,
like those whom you remember no more,
for they are cut off from your hand.
You have put me in the depths of the pit,
in the regions dark and deep.(ESV)
David also wrote,
"Save me, O God! For the waters have come up to my neck. I sink in deep mire, where there is no foothold; I have come into deep waters, and the flood sweeps over me. Psalms 69: 1,2. (ESV)
The Bible generally attributes sorrow and despair to enemies or unconfessed sin, both of which can decidedly cause depression. Secret sins hurt the most. Failure to repent, turn from the sin and receive forgiveness and failure to appreciate the glory of God, the magnitude of His sacrifice, the joy of His service and the wonder of His love and His holy word can cause the Christian enter the darkness of despair.
The seriousness of spiritual depression and the need of repentance, forgiveness, turning from sin, restoration of relationships, seeking the face of God and recognition of the sovereignty of God cannot be overemphasized. Spiritual depression robs us of the certainty of God's care and providence. Pastor and elders must boldly proclaim the gospel seeking restoration of the straying or troubled saint. The family of God needs to be involved; encouraging, coming along side, supporting and helping the downcast. God can heal if He chooses—and He does.
The puritans recognized depression and called it melancholy of the soul. They admonished confession, repentance, forgiveness and pleading at the throne of God for mercy. But the Puritans also recognized an endogenous depression which happened to the spiritually upright, to those with no cause for the turmoil and despair within. Richard Baxter, a Puritan pastor wrote, "If other means will not do, neglect not medicine; and though they will be averse to it, as believing that the disease is only in the mind, they must be persuaded or forced to it."
My story continues,
When she return four weeks later, she said, "Doctor Anderson, I feel normal for the first time in eight years. I can pray and worship and fellowship again. Christ has become more real than ever. My husband and family cannot believe the change."
Pastors, elders and the church family need to acknowledge the medical side of depression and not just the spiritual side of depression. Medical depression exists and affects the saved and unsaved alike. The seriously depressed who find healing and relief in medical treatment benefit from the common grace of God which is showered on all humanity (it rains of the just and unjust alike). Those saints should not be castigated, belittled or shunned.
True medical depression is hard to understand for those who have never experienced it. But the depressed who find themselves in the pit with no way out, those who view suicide as a relief from this despair and those who wish for death every night as they crawl into bed understand. They need kindness, understanding, and help from the church without the side looks and whispers. They need the body of Christ to come along side, provide Christian love, care and help, just like one would with a grieving widow. The depressed need understanding and prayer, not a scold.
Matt Anderson, MD is an obstetrician/gynecologist who has practiced for 28 years. He and his wife have four married children and 14 grandchildren. He is a member of the American Association of Prolife Obstetricians and Gynecologists (aaplog.org). He and his wife attend the Mounds View campus of Bethlehem Baptist Church in Minneapolis, MN. Dr. Anderson has written for WORLD Magazine (worldmag.com) and occasionally blogs at mdviews.wordpress.com.
Publication date: December 15, 2010
Visit Crosswalk's Christmas Facebook page at www.facebook.com/LuvChristmas.

subset: commoncrawl


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Chicago Blackhawks Chairman and Winnetka resident Rocky Wirtz brought the Stanley Cup to NorthShore University HealthSystem's Evanston Hospital Tuesday.
Wirtz's wife, Marilyn also said hello to Kellogg Cancer Center patients during the early-morning meet-and-greet. Families served by the hospital's Infant Special Care Unit were also on hand to connect with a piece of Chicago sports history.
"This is phenomenal; a day I'll never forget," said Kevin Tietz of Grayslake, who placed his 4-month-old son Calvin Philip Tietz in the bowl of the Stanley Cup.
"It's been a long road for us and it's (seeing the Stanley Cup) absolutely amazing," said Tietz, who...


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moonmonkeylabs necesitaba un nuevo diseño de papelería y lanzó un concurso de diseño en 99designs.
Un ganador ha sido elegido entre 83 diseños de 12 diseñadores freelance.
Moon Monkey Labs
We are a young, vibrant, up-and-coming mobile application company that focus' on consumer applications for the BlackBerry.
Our work is split into two categories. We create our own applications and market them directly to consumers. We also contract with companies that are looking to add a BlackBerry application to an existing product or need BlackBerry development expertise.
Our unique concepts bundled with exceptional user interface design allow our applications to stand out.
Our target demographics are consumers and clients. Mostly we will be using these business cards at developer conferences or similar events as well as when meeting potential clients.
The winning design will be a unique outside-the-box approach to a business card. Our approach to strategic marketing requires a business card that will stand out from every other one in a pile of business cards. Young. Fresh. Edgy yet professional. Let our requirements guide you, but most importantly use your artistic ability to tune into the right feel. The brand should be reflected in the logo/business card – moon, monkey & lab!
We don't have a preference on the colors. Surprise us!
We are looking for a two-sided design. We are open to layout
We need to convey contact information (name, email, address, phone, mobile, url, twitter) and show off a logo. The logo could be the theme of the card. Be creative with the layout, as long as it is unique and makes sense. We are open to a cartoonish design just as much as to a contemporary clean looking design.
We are looking to get the business cards made at moo.com and they are providing the following art guidelines. They are slightly different from what 99designs.com lists below.
- Full Bleed size: 1039 x 697 pixels (300dpi), 88mm x 59mm (300dpi), 3.46" x 2.32" (300dpi)
- Final size when trimmed: 84mm x 55mm, 3.30" x 2.16"
Other than that we are looking for the standard .ai and .psd layered files with the font(s) used.
*****edit(1/26): It was pointed out to us that moo.com does not do diecut cards and becauce we do not want to limit your ideas to the 'regular' business card format, we are happy to use other printers like uprinting.com who do rounded and die-cut business cards.
We are looking forward to your submission. If you have a question, please ask.


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Person familiar with the situation: Clemson hires UAB's Smith as new women's basketball coach
Clemson has hired UAB's Audra Smith as its new women's basketball coach.
A person familiar with the situation spoke to The Associated Press Monday on condition of anonymity because Clemson has not officially announced Smith's hiring.
Smith is expected to be introduced on campus later Monday. She replaces Itoro Coleman, a former standout guard for the Tigers who was fired last month after going only 25-63 in three seasons as head coach and 10-38 against Atlantic Coast Conference competition.
Smith has spent the past nine seasons at UAB with a 138-138 record. The Blazers went 18-13 this past season and played in the WNIT, losing a first-round contest to Auburn.


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Write a News Story
Meet a Pioneer Pilot
Amelia Earhart Home
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About Amelia Earhart Life
By: Neosha B.
Virginia, Age 11
On July 24,1897 there was a child name Amelia Mary Earhart. People called her ''Lady Lindy''. She was raised by her father because her mom and father seprated because of her father drinking promblem.Amelia,father was a lawyer.Amelia had attened a shool.The name of the school is Hude Park High School in Chicago.Amelia wanted to Byrn Mawr College in Pennsyvania.Her career was in Los Angeles in 1921 when she was 24 years old.Amelia worked as a Nurse Aid in a Military Hosptal in Canada in the Word War 1.Amelia was the first women to climb 14,000ft. The first job Amelia wanted was to become a docter. Amelia was the first women to recive a pilots license from FAI.Amelia Earhart had died in July 2,1937.
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text:
Paul Emerick announces retirement
Veteran USA center Paul Emerick announced his retirement from rugby today. Emerick, whose international career began a decade ago, earned 53 caps for the USA and played in three Rugby World Cups. He was also part of the USA Eagles Sevens team at 17 World Series tournaments and played professionally in England, Italy, Northern Ireland and Wales over eight seasons.
It is a reluctant retirement for the 33-year-old after he was sidelined by an ankle injury in November last year: "No one wants to retire because of injury," Emerick said, "but as we get older our bodies start to defy our minds.
"I've been fortunate to make a career out of playing rugby. Hopefully I'll be remembered as a guy who always played his guts out for his team."
The center/wing's first exposure to the sport was at the University of Northern Iowa in 1999 and representative honors quickly followed. Emerick toured with the Collegiate All-Americans in 2001 then began his long service to the USA's national team in 2003. His playing career also ended with the Eagles -- his ankle injury came in a USA victory over Romania last November.
Today Emerick's coaches in those bookend national team appearances both lauded his contribution. USA coach Mike Tolkin said the center had been popular with Eagles fans because he had "always hustled, tackled hard, run hard, and been a massive impact player for the Eagles. He has worn the Eagle jersey with pride on every occasion and made his country proud. I am privileged to have been a small part of it."
Former USA coach Tom Billups who was the first to cap the then 23-year-old Emerick said: "Paul's international and professional career is one of American rugby's success stories. His play for the United States was full of pride and purpose. He has become an aspirational figure within the rugby community and I could not be more proud of his career."
Emerick's 53 appearances for the USA put him 4th on the all-time appearances list for the Eagles, and his 17 tries for the team is second all-time behind only the legendary Vaea Anitoni (26 tries).
Now based in Denver, CO., Emerick said his first and his final World Cup appearances were among career highlights. Playing against Fiji in 2003 was an eye-opener as a young player, he said, while in 2011, "our last match was against Italy and I felt I had one of my best games as an Eagle." Also a regular with the USA Eagle Sevens team, Emerick savors being part of the squad that reached the final of the Adelaide World Series event in 2010.
"I've had plenty of ups and downs professionally, but rugby has always been fun and I'll always be grateful that I had the chance to play one of the most dynamic sports in existence."


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text:
Dating Your B.C. Rich Guitar
Dating B.C. Rich neck-through guitars is relatively easy, although slightly imprecise by the 1980's. Begining in 1972, the first B.C. Rich guitar was stamped 'Proto', and subsequent guitars were consecutively numbered beginning 001, 002, 003, etc. These consecutive numbers ran up to between 340 and 360. This system was used for the guitars distributed by L.D. Heater.
When distribution came back to B.C. Rich in 1974, a system of serial number coding began using a 5-digit code (XXYYY) with the first 2 digits indicating the year and the last 3 indicating the production number. That would make the first guitar of 1974 to have been numbered 74000, followed by 74001, 74002, 74003, etc. Throughout the '70s, production numbers were low enough that the serial numbers pretty much reflect the year of manufacture.
In the late '70s as production grew, the serial numbers begin to get ahead of themselves since only 1000 numbers were available in a series. With production growing rapidly by 1980, the serial numbers had gotten about two to three years ahead. For example, a bass guitar that is documented to have been purchased (not necessarily made) in 1980, bore the serial number #82595. Although neck-through production never surpassed approximately 2200 guitars a year, as the '80s progressed, the serial numbers continued to get ahead of the actual year. By 1981 the numbers were about four years ahead. This gap remained fairly constant until Bernie Sr. turned the production over to Class Axe in 1989.
Bolt-neck guitars are less precise for the usual reasons. The serial number is stamped on a neck plate, and like every other company, when the guitar was being finished, someone grabbed a plate out of the box and put it on in no particular, precise or documented order. These do not follow the same XXYYY dating scheme as the neck thru models. If a guitar has a number of 89321, for example, it was probably built in 1987, but it could have been assembled a bit earlier or later than 1987.
If it is a USA model, it will say "Made In The USA" on the headstock just below or beside the B.C. Rich script logo. The serial numbers are a bit hard to date because there was no uniform way they were assigned a number at Bernie's original shop. The neck plates were pre-stamped and pulled out of a box at random when it was time to install the neck onto the guitar or bass.
The Bolt On guitars serial numbers started with "BC" followed by five digits (BCXXXXX). Between 1989 and 1993 Class Axe took over production of B.C. Rich instruments and also used the "BCXXXXX" numbering scheme as well as "RXXXXXX" for it's imported models. Class Axe did make some USA instruments of very good quality. Once again, the guitar will indicate that it was made in the USA by the "Made In The USA" stamp on the headstock. These will also have a small "TM" next to the script logo.
The USA bolt on guitars never followed the same serial number sequence as the neck thru models, which were numbered using the (YYXXX) format with the first two digits being the year, and the last three digits being the production number. Also, keep in mind on the 2+3 (five digit) serial numbers, they got out of sequence in the early to mid 80's. In other words, a guitar with serial number "84532" could have been made in 1982 or 1983, not 1984 as the number would suggest. They got back on track in 1993. Also, at some point in 1999 or 2000 the "Made In The USA" below the script logo disappeared on most of the guitars built.
In the year 2000, they changed to the letters "BO" (Bolt On) and three digits (B0XXX), which was the actual production number, but there was no number stating the year the guitar was built. The import guitar models before November of 2000 have a serial number starting with the letter "F", the USA models do not.
In November of 2000 B.C. Rich implemented a new date stamp format for serial number coding of it's imported models. . This started on the January 2001 models. All B.C. Rich models, both imported and usa handmades implement this same year time date stamp and guitar production number format:
121XXXXX first digit = year of manufacture
second digit = means nothing until double-digit years get here again
third digit = quarter of manufacture
digits 4 thru 8 = production number
Current US-made B.C. Rich serial numbers follow the same year and guitar production number format. (example - serial number #24123 was the 123rd guitar made in 2004)
There are many amps out there that offer multiple channels with separate EQ sections, multiple effects loops, and more switches and lights than you could shake a stick at. Cornford takes the opposite approach and keeps things simple for sonic integrity while still offering features that are now considered a must for most professional applications: master volume, effects loop, switchable channels, reverb, etc. Featuring top-notch handwired PTP construction, Cornford amps are amongst the most touch-sensitive and dynamic amps that we've ever laid our ears on.
What does touch-sensitivity and dynamics mean in a guitar amp? It means your hands are in control of the amount of loudness and overdrive gain that you get out of the amp, not the amp's controls. Pick hard and you get a raunchy classic rock crunch. Ease off on the picking to play legato lines and the amp responds beautifully with a smooth attack and bloom in the notes you sustain. These are the things that Cornford amps excel in. If you're tired of the tap dance routine and constantly fiddling with the amp's controls to dial in a variety of great sounds, check out a Cornford and focus on your playing.


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Plant toxins are sequestered by many animals and the toxicity is frequently advertised by aposematic displays to deter potential predators. Such 'unpalatability by appropriation' is common in many invertebrate groups and also found in a few vertebrate groups. However, potentially lethal toxicity by acquisition has so far never been reported for a placental mammal. Here, we describe complex morphological structures and behaviours whereby the African crested rat, Lophiomys imhausi, acquires, dispenses and advertises deterrent toxin. Roots and bark of Acokanthera schimperi (Apocynaceae) trees are gnawed, masticated and slavered onto highly specialized hairs that wick up the compound, to be delivered whenever the animal is bitten or mouthed by a predator. The poison is a cardenolide, closely resembling ouabain, one of the active components in a traditional African arrow poison long celebrated for its power to kill elephants.
1. Introduction
Since the discovery of the African crested rat, Lophiomys imhausi [1], the adaptive significance of the rodent's specializations, notably its peculiar coloration and generally sluggish behaviour, has escaped satisfactory explanation [2]. The ability to expose a bold black and white fur pattern has invited speculation about mimicry of spiny porcupines Hystricidae [3] or skunk-like zorillas Ictonyx striatus (Mustelidae). Indeed, Lophiomys has been held to exemplify a rare example of Batesian mimicry among mammals with the zorilla as a model [4]. While it is possible that a piebald face and flank stripes might have sufficient resemblance to the zorilla's pattern to deter some predators, Lophiomys is probably too poor a copy of the zorilla to qualify as its mimic. Furthermore, it is commonly overlooked that the crested rat is normally inconspicuous and that its long grey-tipped fur envelops its body completely (figure 1). Its black and white flanks are only exposed when the animal is disturbed or excited.
The belief that Lophiomys is poisonous has long been current in Kenya [2,5,6]. Of particular interest is a tract of hairs that are of unique structure. We have confirmed the suggestion that this tract of hairs can acquire toxic properties and we assert here that they, together with other specialized behavioural, morphological and anatomical adaptations, have led to a powerful defence, highly unusual for a mammal. Flaring of the fur is triggered by external interference or attack on the animal, whereupon white and black banding of the longer hairs on either side of the lateral line effects outlines of the tract in a bold white and black 'target' design. An aggravated rat pulls its head back into its shoulders and turns its flared tract towards its adversary as if actively soliciting an attack. This display may or may not be accompanied by vocalizations.
A complex of defensive traits in the crested rat would have evolved against natural predators; however, most reliable observations about their efficiency and effectiveness have come from numerous reports of encounters with domestic dogs. One dog, on seeing a crested rat after the former had survived a putative near-death encounter, displayed every sign of fearful aversion (P. Bengough 2010, unpublished observation). Several descriptions of symptoms exhibited by dogs that have bitten Lophiomys range from mild lack of coordination, mouth-frothing and signs of general distress to collapse and rapid death, apparently from heart failure (M. Coverdale 2008, unpublished observations). One autopsy of a poisoned dog described pale mucous membranes and white blood cells with toxic granules, defective blood-clotting and associated generalized bleeding (S. Ghalay 2009, unpublished observation). In two cases, dogs that were seen to have attacked a crested rat took weeks to recover from severe and disabling symptoms (M. Coverdale & T. Hobbs 2008, unpublished observations).
These reports and anecdotes all demonstrate that although there is little or no evidence of the rat physically piercing any tissue, its defence is surprisingly effective against larger mammalian predators. The adaptations that enforce deterrence and details of the mechanisms involved are equally surprising.
The closest equivalent to this phenomenon reported to date concerns hedgehogs (Erinaceus europeus) chewing the parotid glands of toads Bufo and slathering the resultant mixture of saliva and toad venom onto its spines [7]. While this self-annointing is known among hedgehogs to make pricks from hedgehog spines more painful and irritating, there is, as yet, no evidence for lethal/terminal effects on the predator. The primary effect of such behaviour and use of substances seems to be to augment the pain and discomfort inflicted by the spines. In the case of Lophiomys, there is no evidence that a response to the toxins is dependent on any kind of wound. Mere contact between the mucous membranes of the predator's mouth and toxin in the rat's hairs would seem sufficient to precipitate symptoms of acute poisoning. Further research may reveal a pathology whereby mucous membrane cells are permeated directly without the need to actually wound an aggressor. For example, the possibility that Lophiomys saliva might introduce facilitating agents such as non-polar cardenolides deserves investigation. Unlike the hedgehog, which relies on its spines for both deterrent and punitive effects, the exposure of Lophiomys to damaging bites would seem to have selected for a suite of mitigating structures. These include an armoured skull, enlarged vertebrae, and dense and thick skin, in addition to fearless behaviour, all of which imply reliance upon a form of deterrence that must be extremely fast-acting in order not to be consistently more costly and dangerous to the prey than to the predator.
Although the gross structure of flank hairs has been described under low-power microscopy, and its possible function discussed [2], some more detailed features of the microstructure of these hairs under scanning electron microscope (SEM) were first described by Stoddart [8], who, like Kingdon [2], suggested that the hairs might be adapted to absorb secretions from an apparent 'belt of glandular tissue fringed both above and below by short stiff hairs' that lie 'at the base of the crest and extend the whole of its length' (p. 552 in [8]). General characterization of the dorsal hair above the flank hair tracts as a 'crest' is misleading inasmuch as dense, long hair grows over most of the body. An excited Lophiomys is more aptly described as 'parting' the fur along its flanks, rather than 'raising its crest'. Furthermore, the specialized flank hairs do not 'fringe' a supposed glandular area but are, instead, densely but loosely rooted in a leaf-shaped tract of apparently differentiated skin that tapers away from behind the ears to end over the pelvic–femoral angle. Noting the uniquely complex structure of Lophiomys flank hairs, Stoddart suggested that pungent odours might serve to protect the animal from predators. To the human nose, Lophiomys does not smell strongly and dogs have been reported to show no sign of being deterred until actual oral contact with the rat has been made. This implies that an absence of olfactory cues and the deterrence must be learned by the predator from direct contact with the rat or from individuals observing the reactions of other predators.
2. Hair morphology
While glandular structures underlying the flank tract have yet to be demonstrated, a more exact and detailed description of the hairs is needed, especially in the light of their now-known toxin-holding function. We have investigated the structure and function of the crested rat's highly specialized hairs in this context. Rather than growing at the ill-defined base of a 'crest', the hairs grow along two lateral lines that run across the flanks (figure 1a). The animal exposes these tracts of somewhat shorter hair (mean 28 mm, range 18–32 mm) by means of specially modified dermal muscles (figure 1b). These muscles erect the animal's long (mean 46 mm, range 38–52 mm and externally grey) fur upwards above the lateral line, while simultaneously deflecting fur downwards below the lateral line.
Hair is parted not only in response to disturbance, but also to allow the animal to apply poison to the specialized flank hairs. When presented with pieces of Acokanthera branch and root, we observed a living wild-caught crested rat to gnaw and masticate the bark and selectively 'slaver' the lateral-line fur between repeated bouts of gnawing and chewing. Such mastication appears to liberate the ouabain from the bark and mix it with saliva to form a coarse colloid, which is then specifically applied only to the lateral-line hairs. Fragments of bark that drop to the ground while applying the colloid are carefully picked up and chewed again. Over a period of 5 days, three separate short bouts of bark-chewing, followed by application of the colloid, were observed. This individual ignored leaves and raw green fruit of Acokanthera both as food and as material for mastication. Other individuals have been seen to carefully 'groom' their flank hair tracts, but in the absence of any plant material and without any obvious stimulus.
When relaxed, long grey fur covers the lateral-line tracts, and, to a large degree, screens the tracts from the light and repels moderate rain. If toxins in the lateral-line hairs are at all light-sensitive or soluble in water, as seems likely, then insulation from both elements may be just as important a role for the long hair as keeping the rodent warm or making it less conspicuous.
We examined the structure of the lateral-line hairs under both light electron microscope and SEM, and have discovered that the hair exemplifies unique, exceptional optimization and economy of structure for sequestration and delivery of toxins [9,10]. The central portion of each main shaft develops a thin but strong outer cylinder perforated by abundant vacuoles (figure 2). This perforated cylinder encloses fibrillar strands that remain mostly separate, but can adhere to each other or to the outer cylinder along short stretches. These long fibrils are numerous and cumulatively act as a 'wick', as we have demonstrated (figure 2d) and observed with our captive specimen. Indeed, as the colloid is applied to the hair, one can observe an almost instantaneous flip from reflective gloss to opaque invisibility, which suggests rapid absorption. In the electronic supplementary material, a short film demonstrates such absorption through capillary action along the interior of each hair cylinder (electronic supplementary material, video S1). Once a hair has become saturated, the colloid appears to dry as a semi-viscous secretion (figure 2a). The hairs' open lattice ensures that processed or 'groomed' hairs cannot be touched without contacting the poisonous colloid/secretion.
Over 120 years ago, Arnaud [11] extracted and isolated ouabain, a crystalline glycoside from the bark and roots of the Acokanthera tree. Used for poisoning arrows in Somaliland [11], it has become famous as the weapon of choice by East African elephant hunters [12]. For more than two centuries, the bark extract also found use as a clinical treatment against congestive heart failure [13]. Ouabain's activity, as for all cardiac glycosides, comes from its capacity to inhibit the Na+/K+-ATPase, thus greatly increasing the force of cardiac muscle contractions [14].
3. Hair contents
Our Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy pilot study of the compounds found inside the hairs strongly suggests the presence of ouabain (figure 3). Specifically, ouabain seems to be the active ingredient transferred from the bark to the hair as our spectra had strong peaks at 1530, 916, 880 and 796 cm−1 and lacked peaks more typical for acovenoside, which is another toxic compound sometimes found in Acokanthera bark. In addition, our spectra showed signatures indicative of additional compounds such as lignins or tannins, suggesting that more detailed investigation is likely to elucidate a selective natural extraction system driven by the rats' masticatory behaviour and salivary chemistry. Importantly, the FT-IR spectra of the Acokanthera bark and of the compounds in the active part of the Lophiomys hair are very similar. This confirms our assertion that the compounds slathered onto the rat's lateral-line fur derived from the bark of Acokanthera.
While key to its unique toxicity, the highly modified lateral-line hairs of the crested rat are not its only interesting morphological modification. For example, a study of the animal's skull suggests that direct contact with predators has selected for extra shielding of the brain (figure 4). The skull has invited a comparison with the armoured head of a turtle [2] and earned one supposed subspecies the name L. i. testudo. Margins of the frontal, squamosal and parietal have extended around the orbit and over the cranium to create a 'cranial helmet', while dense bony 'pimples' (rugose osteoblasts) extend over the bridge of the nose and most of the external surfaces of the occiput. These cranial features are unique among rodents. Superficially similar elaboration occurs in the zygomatic region of the paca Agouti paca, where a position around the buccal cavity supports the hypothesis that this has more of an acoustic than protective function. By contrast, bony elaboration in Lophiomys skulls covers or surrounds solid tissues, the brain, nasal passages, eyes and temporal muscles.
4. Other adaptations
Moreover, there are other interesting macro-morphological modifications associated with the rat's toxicity. For example, the animal has an unusually dense, tough and close-textured dermis, which can be interpreted as predator-selected. The skin is resistant to all but the sharpest of teeth, claws or beaks. The fresh skin of one Lophiomys specimen showed bruising consistent with the rat having been previously savaged by dogs, but the dogs' teeth were either unable to penetrate the tough dermis or the dogs desisted before their teeth could tear through. Species-specific specializations include an elongated vertebral column with three extra thoracic vertebrae and one extra lumbar vertebra forming a backbone that is exceptionally robust and flexible. All vertebrae have enlarged the bodies and short spines (figure 1c). The clavicle is highly atrophied, allowing the broad scapulae exceptional mobility, possibly enhancing the protection of the neck and anterior thorax. An exceptionally large, weakly sacculated stomach is unique among rodents [15], implying a complex physiology for processing plant material [16], resembling that of a fibre-digesting forestomach fermenter. Yet such a conclusion would be vitiated by the fact that easily digested plant parts are the main source of nutrition [16]. The observation that non-fibrous foods are the norm has been confirmed from extensive analysis of faeces in the wild (J. Kingdon 2010, unpublished observation). This could imply other, as yet unknown, functions for the digestive tract of Lophiomys. Given that substantial quantities of very poisonous material frequently enter the rodent's mouth, albeit temporarily, it is plausible that detoxification might be among the specializations of the Lophiomys digestive tract.
Possibly, a key to future studies of the animal's ability to deal with the toxicity of Acokanthera bark to its own health is the salivary glands of crested rats, which are unusually large for their taxon. Because some mammals' saliva produces proteins that bind to plant polyphenols [17,18], it is possible that Lophiomys salivary secretions are adapted to augment or process ouabain (and possibly other plant toxins) in significant but currently unknown ways, among them enhancement of the toxin's capacity to permeate cells. Among some ouabain-insensitive invertebrates, the location of an ouabain-binding site on the DNA sequence has been narrowed to a single amino acid substitution (asparagine for histidine) at position 122 of Na+/K+-ATPase α-subunit gene [19,20]. Possibly, some similar adaptation prevents ouabain from damaging the rat's cellular functions. Ingestion of ouabain into the mouth presents no visible risk to the rat, but what role the salivary glands (or digestive tract) play in this immunity remains to be elucidated. Once the physiological and genetic foundations of Lophiomys immunity are fully understood, there could be implications for molecular or pharmacological applications in human medical therapies.
In terms of understanding the long-term evolution of specialized hair, a recent phylogeny [21] identified four major muroid subdivisions, and allocated Lophiomys its own lineage close to the divergence between Gerbillinae and Murinae. Among the former is a distinct radiation of proto-gerbillines with modified hair: the spiny mice (Acomys), link rats (Deomys) and brush-furred mice (Lophuromys). While no very close affinity between these genera and Lophiomys can be envisaged, it raises the possibility that incremental elaboration of dorsal or flank hair might have very ancient evolutionary origins [22], particularly if selective advantage in relation to predators can be shown, as we do here for Lophiomys.
5. Conclusions
Our confirmation of toxicity by acquisition in Lophiomys suggests that the superficially random suite of peculiarities that we have listed can all be explained as adaptations connected by the evolutionary thread of predator selection. Without regular augmentation of toxins to the flanks, a canopied skull, dense dermis and reinforced skeleton would all be insufficient to deter predators. For both rat and predator, the bold (and memorable) flank pattern represents a costly signal [23]. Significant costs to Lophiomys would suggest that the survival of the rat will continue to rely on readily available supplies of ouabain within the range of northeast African Apocynacae species.
While the details of this extraordinary relationship between mammal and plant require further field and laboratory work, our observations exemplify the power of predation to select for very unusual defences in prey species and, in this instance, astonishing integration of a large suite of behaviours with complex structures. The rat's behaviour in the presence of a predator directs the latter's attention and attack towards a well-advertised specific area, where a painful and poisonous surprise awaits. Micro-structural modification of the hairs growing within this specific area (presumably evolved by small increments) allows them to serve as exceptionally efficient receptacles for self-applied poison. Likewise, chemical adaptation of saliva and tissues probably maximizes deterrence to the predator, while avoiding or minimizing self-harm from the toxins. Finally, macro-structural modifications of separate elements of whole-body anatomy (skin and skeleton) have evolved to make survival more likely by attracting and then 'managing' the bites of a predator.
6. Methods summary
Microscopy was performed using an Olympus SZ40 dissection microscope with a Canon A640 digital camera. Samples for SEM studies were coated using an AuPd target for 180 s (resulting in a 6–10 nm layer) and imaged using a Jeol Neoscope (Nikon, UK) under high vacuum at either 10 or 15 keV.
For spectra acquisition, we used a Nicolet 6700 Fourier transform infrared spectrometer equipped with a liquid-nitrogen-cooled MCT-A detector together with a single bounce diamond attenuated total reflectance (ATR) accessory (Thermo Electron Corp., Madison, WI, USA). Spectra were acquired at 4 cm−1 resolution from 6000 to 500 cm−1 using a Happ-Genzel apodization, a Metz phase correction and no zero filling. Spectra were obtained from an average of 64 scans at 5.0632 cm s−1 mirror speed. All spectral operations were performed using Omnic 7.3 (Thermo Scientific, Madison, WI, USA). Spectra were neither deconvolved nor smoothed; the only applied correction was an offset at 4000 cm−1 and a normalization of the intensity. The ouabain and acovenoside spectra were recorded from a thin film cast from an aqueous solution on the ATR crystal. We obtained the Acokanthera bark extract spectrum by immersing the bark in 70°C demineralized water for 10 h before casting the solution on the ATR crystal. Lophiomys imhausi hair extract was prepared by washing several hairs with demineralized water. Both extracts were purified by using 0.2 µm pore size filters under vacuum. Unwashed and washed hair spectra were acquired by directly pressing different parts of specimen hairs with an anvil on the ATR crystal.
Hairs were taken from National Museums of Kenya skin Catalogue number NMK 180396 Coll Sept 2010 Field No D. 1.
J.K. initiated the study and wrote the first draft; B.A. provided hairs and background information; J.K., T.O. and M.K. documented poison-slathering behaviour; F.V. and C.H. performed scanning electron microscopy and structural analyses of the hairs; T.G. and M.B.-A. analysed the compounds within the hairs and are indebted to Cedric Dicko for pilot studies. All authors contributed throughout the analysis and writing process. Thanks to Philippa Bengough, Chris Thouless, Miles and Elizabeth Coverdale, Tennai, Susanna Rouse, Richard Mwenda, Surita Ghalay, Darcy Ogada, Tony Archer, Fumi Mizutani Wells, Ian Hardy, Henk Beentje, and John Michael Lock.
- Received June 3, 2011.
- Accepted July 13, 2011.
- This journal is © 2011 The Royal Society


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Ann Hughes out in Fox 23 layoffs
Layoffs at station part of consolidation with sister station WTEN 10
Fox 23 main news anchor Ann Hughes, one of the most recognizable faces in the Capital Region TV market for more than a decade, has been let go by WXXA, along with sports anchor Kristian Read and chief photographer Barry Sanders, as the station continues to merge news operations with its new sister station WTEN 10.
Three other Fox 23 employees from outside the news department were also laid off Wednesday, WTEN General Manager Andy Alford said.
"As we consolidate our resources we had to make staffing decisions," Alford said.
More cuts could come after the operations merge at WTEN headquarters next month. "As we prepare for consolidation of the two buildings," Alford said, "we will continue to analyze our staffing needs."
Hughes joined WXXA in June 1998. Her tenure ended in the middle of the February sweeps rating period. Tuesday night's 10 p.m. newscast — delayed by President Barack Obama's State of the Union Address — was her last with the station.
"I kind of knew it was coming," Hughes said. "I'm grateful for these almost 15 years and the viewers who have trusted me."
The two stations have been combining news operations in recent weeks. Lydia Kulbida (WTEN) and John Gray — Hughes' former co-anchor on Fox 23 — are now teamed on WTEN 6 p.m. newscasts, and will appear together on the Fox 23 10 p.m. news show.
Since the merger last year, staff cuts have come from the Fox 23 side of the operation.
"I appreciate all the effort those employees put forth at that station," Alford said of the six let go. "They are great people."
email@example.com • 518-454-5467 • @MJMcGuire


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Stuffed on display at Centro Box Hill
My work Stuffed is now being displayed at the Centro Box Hill shopping centre (that's in Melbourne, Australia for you international members!). I entered the SMILE Photo competition and it made the final for the local Centro!
So come to Centro Box Hill and see STUFFED! It's number 15, in front of the Sussan store (near target)


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Great Rooms: Livia's Dining Room in Rome
I haven't offered anything under my Great Rooms series in so long that I forgot such a thing existed. So for your consideration: Livia's dining room.
This is the villa of the wife of Emperor Augustus, ca. 30 B.C., and may have been part of her dowry upon marriage. It was discovered in the 1500s and attributed to Livia much later; excavations have been ongoing. Also, it was believed to be a summer residence because several of the rooms were subterranean — the earth would keep them cool.
Anyone interested in any of this history should go immediately rent I, Claudius (don't touch the figs). But picture this: you're the wife of the emperor and standard bearer of good taste, so what else would you have adorn your dining room but an elaborate garden in fresco?
At first, you may think this a bit crude compared to the frescoes of the high Renaissance, but look again. The way the leaves and flowers torque and fold are incredibly sophisticated in terms of shape, gesture, value and color — this wasn't any artists first time at bat. There's an ambiguity to the sky/ground relationship that renders the room haunting and mysterious, yet quiet moments of whimsy keep the mood light. It's been noted elsewhere that the rendering of horticulture is quite specific, though here my notes fail me. Suffice it to say, I'm impressed.
As per museum notes, Livia started the trend for garden frescos in dining rooms for the following centuries. You can sit on the benches here and almost imagine a dinner of wild boar and grapes.
MORE INFO: Palazzo Massimo, Rome
- Mark Chamberlain, interior and decorative painter


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The Clown Of The Waterways Has Returned!
By Jim Evans
It was at least three feet long the biggest mink I've ever seen. I watched it play in the water alongside my canoe for a good 10 minutes, explained the animated voice on the telephone. Since completion of the program to return the river otter to its native habitat in the Mountain State, Division of Natural Resources personnel have received many calls about the otter each year. Each caller is very excited about a unique experience in the wilds of West Virginia.
The river otter historically lived throughout most of North America, from northern Mexico to the Arctic Circle and from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean. By the early 1900s, however, it was absent from much of its historic range, a victim of stream pollution and unregulated trapping. As our larger rivers became polluted and the fish disappeared, so did the river otter. Acid mine drainage was devastating to otter habitat in West Virginia. Good otter habitat was also good beaver habitat, and otters were often caught along with beaver. As the beaver disappeared in the quest for fashionable felt hats, so too did the otter.
West Virginia, being the last frontier in the East, was one of the last states to see the otter extirpated. A few river otters were found in the South Branch of the Potomac in Grant and Pendleton counties and Red Creek in Tucker County as late as the 1950s. Although the state legislature gave the river otter total protection in 1925, populations were too low for this colorful clown of the waterways to survive.
As stream pollution in the East and mid-West states abated and fish and other aquatic organisms returned to our rivers and wetlands, many state wildlife agencies began to explore the possibility of reintroducing the river otter back into their native habitats. West Virginia was one of the first states to successfully reintroduce the river otter. From 1984 to 1997, DNR personnel reintroduced 245 otters into 14 major rivers of the state.
Otters were obtained from Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina and Louisiana. Most otters were caught with soft-catch foothold traps and transferred to holding facilities for one to two weeks before being transported to West Virginia . Most were caught by trappers in these states. They were routinely given a health check, vaccinations and released back into the wild within 24 hours. Studies conducted early in the release efforts by West Virginia University graduate students indicated that otter populations were doing well.
The river otter is the largest member of the weasel family found in West Virginia. Other members of the weasel family living in the state include the mink, long-tailed weasel, least weasel, striped skunk, spotted skunk and fisher (which was also reintroduced into West Virginia).
Adult males are about 1/3 larger than adult females, weighing from 10 to 25 pounds and stretching 35 to 60 inches from the head to the tip of the tail. An otter's body, muscular and torpedo-shaped, allows it to swim swiftly and easily through the water. The stout tail, making up about 1/3 of the total body length, is used as a rudder while swimming. The head is broad and slightly flattened, with a large nosepad and stiff bristly whiskers used in locating prey. The otter has small black eyes and small rounded ears. The short legs are equipped with five fully webbed toes on each foot that propel the otter in its aquatic home. The fur is dark brown to reddish brown on the back with a light brown, tan, or silver color on the throat and belly. The otter's dense, oily underfur overlaid by glossy guard hairs makes it well suited for thermal regulation.
The river otter, a carnivore, is well adapted to catching food in its aquatic habitat. Crayfish and rough fish such as carp and suckers make up the largest part of the diet, but they readily eat frogs and muskrats. Of course, the otter will take game fish, as several trout pond owners have found out. Otters tend to catch the first fish available so they will normally select the slowest moving prey. This is why suckers and other rough fish are primary items on their diet.
An amusing incident occurred when the DNR decided to pursue an otter reintroduction study. An article was written about the otter study in Wonderful West Virginia magazine. The editor, needing a picture of an otter to go with the article, found a picture of an otter sitting proudly on an ice-covered stream eating a five-pound large-mouth bass. Obviously, the article didn't endear the otter to Mountain State bass anglers.
Otter scats are often found in toilet areas located on high banks, islands and points along river banks. Scat often contains fish scales and crayfish remains. Biologists study these toilets to determine the presence of otter and to document food habits.
Adult river otters normally breed in the spring, with estrous periods of 42 to 46 days. The female otter may advertise her estrous condition by marking at scent stations and takeouts such as river slides. The male otter is an aggressive mate but is solitary and does not form a pair bond with the female. After mating, the males abandon the females. Pregnant females have a gestation period of 288 to 375 days. A phenomenon common to many members of the weasel family called delayed implantation occurs, in which the development of the blastocyst is delayed until it implants into the wall of the uterus. The actual birth takes place 60 to 63 days after the implantation of the blastocyst. This allows the birth to occur the following year at a better time for survival of the young.
Pregnant females usually go to remote natal areas, such as a small tributary of a larger stream, to give birth. Otters often use an abandoned beaver house, a burrow of some other animal, a cavity among streamside roots or a logjam for their natal dens. Peak rates of birth occur in March and April. Litters average two to three silky black, blind, helpless pups which are totally dependent on the mother otter. After birth the female otter moves her young to an area of abundant prey where the young otters can develop. The pups stay with the mother from seven to eight months and then disperse on their own. The siblings often remain together for the first year.
Otter populations are not high even in good habitat. One family group per 10 or 20 miles of stream is considered a good population. River otters are generally nocturnal or crepuscular, so early morning or late evening is the best time to see them. They often congregate around activity centers with abundant food and cover. Pools below dams, oxbows, islands and riffles that stay free of ice offer good places to see otters. Intelligent, active and inquisitive, otters spend much of their time exploring new surroundings and objects. Their ability to make a game out of any activity is almost legendary. They are noted for their playful behavior and habit of sliding down steep river banks. They have a bounding or loping gait on land and their distinctive bound and slide mode of travel on snow is unmistakable. Curious and near-sighted, they often approach within a few feet of a boat or person on shore.
Ten years after completion of the otter releases, DNR personnel needed to know the river otter's status in West Virginia. During earlier studies the otters were monitored using telemetry transmitters and receivers to determine locations, movements and mortalities. Bridge surveys and observations were used to determine their status during the later studies. Biologists surveyed stream banks around selected bridges for three consecutive years. They found otter sign at 19 percent of bridge locations throughout the state.
Since the river otter was extirpated from much of its native range in North America, 21 states and one Canadian province have successfully reintroduced the otter. What does the future hold for the river otter in West Virginia? The otter seem to be doing well; however, there are several more streams and rivers where otter may eventually become established. These include the Potomac, Monongahela, Ohio, Kanawha and Big Sandy rivers.
The otter is a valuable furbearer species. In North America 50,000 otters were sold in the 1970s at a price of about $3 million. Trapping is currently prohibited in West Virginia to allow the otter time to repopulate their native streams. Since otters may also enter beaver traps, many trappers modify their underwater traps to allow otter to go through the trap without harming them.
Why did the DNR return the otter to its native home? Ask any angler or hiker who has seen an otter. Ask a beaver trapper who carefully modifies his set to avoid catching the otter peering at him through a hole in the ice. They will all tell you that West Virginia 's pristine streams and mountain valleys are not complete without the clown of the waterways.
Jim Evans is supervisor of Game Management Services and stationed in Morgantown.


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A 43-year-old Kankakee County man has died after a single-car crash earlier this week near Momence, Illinois State Police said today.
Lamont Watson of St. Anne was driving alone northbound on 12000 East Road in a 1997 Buick LeSabre about 11:10 p.m. Wednesday when he failed to stop at Illinois Route 114 and ran off the road north of the T-intersection.
He was taken to Riverside Medical Center in Kankakee County and then airlifted to Loyola University Medical Center in Chicago, where he was pronounced dead early Thursday, police said.
The crash is still under investigation, according to a release from the Illinois State Police District 21.


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I have a theory - all men who like to cook are always fantastic cooks, and Henry Skipper proves my theory.
By day he serves as CEO of the Mighty Eighth Air Force Museum, but when he gets home, he becomes a chef extraordinaire.
I got a hint that he loved cooking while preparing to open the Pub inside the museum two years ago. He was very inquisitive about the English sausage, bangers, that were on our initial menu. I thought he was just being nice to the new kids on the block and trying to make us feel welcome with his curiosity, until a few days later he came to my office and asked, "Do you know where I can buy duck fat?"
Now, what museum CEO knows about cooking in duck fat? It wasn't long before he was coming down to the kitchen telling us about a new dish he made or a new cooking gadget he bought. Henry is a man who loves to cook and is an adventurous cook who doesn't shy away from complicated dishes - in fact, he embraces them.
Henry attributes his love of cooking to several things, other than that he likes to eat. It began where most good cooks are born, at his mother's table.
"She was a great Southern cook," he says. "I was always hanging around the kitchen with her."
Henry and his dad loved to fish and hunt, so his mother learned to prepare wild game and seafood to perfection. In fact, he tells me that his "wild bachelor party" before he married his beautiful wife of 41 years, Jan, was a wild game supper that his mother prepared for him and his friends at their house. Now that's a man who loves his mother's cooking.
Henry followed in his dad's footsteps and went to work for Great Dane, retiring after 30 years as senior VP of sales and marketing. His job required him to travel all over the country and entertain clients. His travels fed his love of food and allowed him to taste and experience a plethora of cuisines from all over the country.
"I never ordered anything on the menu I could get at home," he told me.
When I asked if there was anything he ordered he didn't like, he didn't hesitate. "Borscht," he replied quickly. "And I had it at the Russian Tea Room in New York."
I admire him for even trying beet soup. I don't think I could - no matter how famous the restaurant was for it.
Though he has traveled and tasted food from all over the country, he is quick to let you know that some of the best seafood in the country is in Southern waters. He loves fresh caught Georgia shrimp and says his wife, Jan, makes the best shrimp salad in world. (It stands to reasons that a man who loves food would marry a woman who could cook.) He is a regular at Russo's and, though he doesn't have as much time as he did during his three short years of retirement before taking over at the museum, he still loves to fish the local waters and dine on his fresh catch for dinner.
Henry is an avid reader of classical cookbooks and loves to buy kitchen gadgets. He reads every issue of Saveur magazine and prepares many of their recipes.
"Cooking is like fly fishing," he tells me. "You have to filter everything else out - clear your mind and focus on what you're doing."
Henry does have this one eccentric obsession with topping foods with a fried egg. I've heard of a fried egg on a hamburger, and I can see where a fried egg on a BLT would be good, but I just can't get a grip on his spaghetti for breakfast recipe.
"I like to use leftover spaghetti with my favorite sauce (Bolognese) all mixed together, fried in a little olive oil until each side is crisped and topped with a fried egg for breakfast."
You can try Henry's spaghetti for breakfast, but I think I'll stick to the other two recipes he shared with us, Fish En Croute and White Beans, both of which were ravenously devoured by my staff the minute the photo shoot was over. All well-seasoned cooks - their contented smiles affirmed my theory - a man who loves to cook is always a fantastic cook.
Teri Bell is co-owner of Miss Sophie's Marketplace at the Mighty Eighth in Pooler. Go to sophiesmarketplace.com.
Henry's Fish En Croute
Henry's favorite fish for this recipe is fresh local shad filets, but this recipes works well with any fish high in oil and of sufficient thickness to withstand the cooking time without drying out, such as fresh wild salmon.
2 fish filets, about 1 pound
1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed
9 ounces of fresh spinach (steamed and drained)
2 shallots, minced
½ cup dry white wine
1 tablespoon flour
¼ cup sour cream
1 tablespoon lemon juice
3 tablespoons butter
Pinch red pepper flakes
Kosher salt and pepper to taste
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 egg mixed with 1 tablespoon water
Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
1. In a medium sauté pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add shallots and sauté until soft (1-2 minutes)
Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Add flour to shallots and garlic and stir to combine. Slowly stir in white wine and reduce until almost evaporated. Add spinach, lemon juice, sour cream, red pepper flakes, salt and pepper. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
2. Roll pastry sheet out thin and place on a parchment lined or greased baking sheet. Lay one filet on pastry, spread spinach mixture on top of the filet and top with the second filet. Gently fold pastry over fish, cut off any extra pastry leaving about a 1 inch edge around the fish, brush the edges with egg wash and seal.
3. Bake at 400 degrees until brown, 20-25 minutes. Remove from oven and allow cool for 5 minutes before slicing.
White Beans (French Country Style)
This recipe should be served with roasted or grilled pork, chicken, lamb or wild game birds. The meat can be served over the beans for presentation.
1 package of dried Porcini mushrooms, soaked in 2 cups of water
1 26 ounce container of chicken stock
1 tub of Knorr® Homestyle Stock - Chicken
5-6 tablespoons butter
2 packages shitake mushrooms, thinly sliced
3 small bunches green onions, green & white parts, chopped
3-4 cloves of garlic, minced
1 teaspoon parsley
1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced
2 cans great Northern Beans, drained and rinsed well
2-3 Roma tomatoes, chopped
1 tablespoon olive oil
1. Drain porcini mushrooms, reserving the liquid and discard mushrooms
2. In a stock pot, combine chicken stock, Knorr Homestyle Stock and 1½ cups of liquid from the dried porcini mushrooms and reduce down to 1 cup, approximately 30 minutes.
3. In a medium non-stick skillet, melt the butter. Add the shitake mushrooms and sauté for 1-2 minutes. Add the onions, jalapeno pepper and garlic and cook for 1 minute. Gently stir in beans, parsley and reduced liquid, bring to a slow simmer for 3-4 minutes and remove from heat. Taste for salt & pepper (Henry prefers truffle salt.)
3. Transfer to a warm platter. Top with meat of your choice, spread fresh diced tomatoes on top and drizzle with olive oil.


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Anonymous on 02/10/2013
I moved in 2/2/13. The next night my skin became itchy. I have seen a few tiny bugs, but nothing I have identified. The itching has become worse over the week I have been there. I just called the manager and complained. He informed me the previous tenant complained of bed bugs multiple times and it was treated multiple times in the few months she lived there. I really feel that this should have been disclosed before I moved in. I am now contantly itching and very uncomfortable. This is a huge an
d costly inconvenience I really wish I would have investigated more fully before moving into the building and neighborhood.
Dermot on 10/07/2011
If you have a problem with bedbugs at 225 Hyde St please email [email protected] and I will have the issue taken care of asap. Just be sure to put Bed Bugs in the subject field.
jm on 03/31/2011
A month or so ago I saw a full-sized one crawling on the bed... though further exploration netted no evidence of the critters.. we did seem to get weird bites sometimes but, seems like our unit on the 4th floor is okay.
Lauren Manary on 11/09/2010
Working on a news story about bedbugs in the tenderloin! Would love to interview someone....
here's my email: [email protected]
Since you guys have all shared your story here, I would like to just get a quote for my story. This building has had a problem for a few years.
bitten on 09/17/2010
If anyone at this address would like to discuss the bed bug issue, possibly devise a way to approach the management, or just commiserate feel free to contact me: [email protected]
Thanks and best of luck to you.
bitten on 09/17/2010
I have been seeing them lately. It started out with what I thought were hives from a food sensitivity. I found a couple on my bed one night and looked them up on the internet and that explained everything; itchy red spots = bed bugs.
I have been living here for 3 years and this is my first encounter with the critters. I've been doing my best to keep the area clean, and have been dusting the bed and sleeping area with diatomaceous earth. So far, the bites seem to be subsiding, but not 10
bed bugged on 08/19/2010
Yes, an infestation can definitely be confirmed in this building. I do believe SF has new regulations pertaining specifically to bed bug infestations, so something really needs to be done at this point. When you have 5 apartments and counting reporting this, you can be sure the little buggers are spreading like wildfire and truly could become a health concern and serious nuisance.
Bitten! on 08/18/2010
Oh wow, if I suspected having them before, I know it now :( I used to wonder why my pajama tops had so many blood spots on the back of the collar, but now I can confirm it is bed bugs. I just cleaned under my bed and threw out a bunch of stuff, but don't know if that will help. Unfortunately I work at home sometimes, and see the babies on my bed crawling towards me during the day!
It's not likely anything will be done about it in this building as there is a history of neglect where these iss
ues are concerned. Also, I suppose one cannot expect to be treated as a human with any rights when one is unfortunate enough to live in the 'wrong' neighborhood. I feel for my fellow tenants and hope the issue doesn't escalate. But if it does, we may actually see some justice, as the health department may intervene. And it is not just poor people who get infestations by the way...
II on 05/27/2010
I had an outbreak a few months ago where I was getting bitten multiple times every night. After multiple treatments, I still see and get bit occasionally. It's nowhere near what it use to be but they're still here. I've learned to tolerate the occasional bites while I look for another place.
"Bob" on 03/27/2010
Just found one of the little bastards crawling in the bathtub, of all places.I've been here for years, and this is the first time I've seen one. Having seen the previous report here, it's good to know the manager has seen fit to warn the tenants. Or not.
"Bob" on 03/27/2010
Jill on 03/06/2010
#205 03/05/10: I started seeing bedbugs about a month and a half after I moved here this past September. I saw two on the carpet and was suspicious even though I didn't know what they were yet. I finally got a clue when I saw a third one crawling toward me while I was sitting in bed working on my laptop (ugh, shiver). Then I lifted up my mattress and there were 7 or 8 of them clinging to the bottom of my mattress. Have seen many more since, even though the problem has not been "severe." I did a
bunch of research on these things-- have eyes like a hawk when it comes to spotting bedbugs now. They are elusive and sneaky, and *extremely* difficult to get rid of. I've noticed that the awareness level here (in the US) seems pretty low, but I am hoping that will change since it is becoming a significant problem again. But if you want to really effectively get rid of them it's a pretty big production. And at the very least the units next to, across from, above and below you should be treated at the same time, but ideally the entire building (not likely at my address). The building manager has been compliant with me when I asked that my unit be treated (3 times now), but I recently found out for sure that he has been dishonest with me about the extent of the problem in the building and how much he has been doing to deal with it. He lied to me when I asked him if my neighbors had seen any. He said only two other tenants in the entire 6 floor building have complained, and that he asked my immediate neighbors and they said no, they haven't seen any. Then I started asking around-- not so, many people in the building have, including the person who lives across the hall, the one above me, and a second wave of bugs started invading my apartment after the guy next door to me moved out. I also found out that the guy who used to live in my unit moved out *because* he had bedbugs and couldn't deal anymore, so there were probably still some in here when I moved in. The manager has also tried to make people think that they brought them in themselves, as well as insisting that no one else has complained. My neighbor across the hall finally got his requests for pest control treatment met, and I had been pestering the manager about doing that for awhile before it finally happened. Haven't seen any for about a week and a half now...I didn't see any for 2 weeks once awhile back. That doesn't mean they are gone, and there's no question the whole building is having an infestation problem, even if it hasn't reached all floors yet. I am going to basically live out of plastic bags as much as possible for 6 weeks or so to keep those little vampires out of my stuff!
530 bedbug reports near this address:
|155 Hyde St
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|168 Hyde St
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|381 Turk St
|0.084 km
|305 Hyde St
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|455 Eddy St, Apt 1406
|0.116 km
|334 Hyde St
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|351 Turk St
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|587 Eddy St
|0.144 km
|508 Larkin St
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|550 Larkin St
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|556 Larkin St
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|425 Eddy St
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|320 Turk St
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|378 Golden Gate Ave
|0.161 km
|454 Larkin St
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|Larkin St
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|248 Golden Gate Ave
|0.182 km
|Phoenix Hotel
|0.186 km
|401 Hyde St
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|400 Hyde St
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|669 Ellis St
|0.201 km
|Verona Hotel
|0.206 km
|Hotel Verona
|0.207 km
|519 Ellis St
|0.211 km
|430 Hyde St
|0.219 km
|260 Mcallister St
|0.232 km
|Abigail Hotel
|0.236 km
|260 Mcallister St
|0.236 km
|455 Hyde St
|0.238 km
|516 Ellis St
|0.240 km
|270 Mcallister St
|0.242 km


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Alumna Karen DeSalvo, MD, MPH, MSc, will be the new national coordinator for health information technology, effective Jan. 13.
DeSalvo, who earned a BA in biology and political science from Suffolk University in 1988, moves to the health care IT leadership position from New Orleans, where she has served as the city health commissioner and senior health policy adviser to Mayor Mitch Landrieu.
"Dr. DeSalvo has been at the forefront of efforts to modernize the New Orleans health care system," wrote Health & Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius in a note to her staff announcing the appointment.
"Throughout her career, Dr. DeSalvo has advocated increasing the use of health information technology to improve access to care, the quality of care, and overall population health outcomes," wrote Sibelius.
GovernmentHealthIT calls her "an advocate for strengthening the U.S. public health infrastructure" in the article "10 things to know about Karen DeSalvo" .
The article quotes a 2012 DeSalvo talk, in which she said: "The traditional role of public health departments at any level of government is changing. It's moving out of a direct-delivery service model and into a broader focus on the population's health and public health about those highly important, winnable battles with chronic diseases and the causes thereof, like obesity and smoking, but also some of the challenges in health care access and disparities in care."
DeSalvo was the College of Arts & Sciences graduate commencement speaker in 2010 and was awarded an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree at that time. She also has served on the University's board of trustees.
Among other honors, she was named a 2013 Public Official of the Year by Governing Magazine for transforming "New Orleans' health department from one of the worst in the country — focused on clinical care and responding to illness — into a national model that's focused on wellness and community health."


text: August 2, 2018 unhappy birthday wishes Originally posted 2017-09-16 01:50:00. Related posts:Mary Anne MacleodIce MelterGonna eat that Related This entry was posted in Funny Pictures, Animals, Funny Pictures, Animals, Cats, Funny Pictures and tagged in #funny, #humor, #laughs, #memes. « Im a Lady Cat duct tape » Robert J Turner http://www.robertjturner.com I work for a web hosting company, islandhosting.com. I have a Son and happily married. I enjoy working with Wordpress and Funny Stuff. View more posts from this author


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My mum 'cause my dad's new "wife" sorta took him away from me. She even lied saying I'd see him soon but that was 2 years ago...
So my mum by default since I haven't heard much from pop =w=
*OFFLINE* Trying to get back in the habit of posting...
Awww, that's sweet. I don't really acknowledge my parents all that much as 'parents'. Not because they are bad at parenting or anything, they act more like a friend would then a parent is all. Then again I should be saying parent, not parents. I don't have a father, my mother isn't doing so hot either. Drugs and all, unemployment. Hmm.
[No information available]
My mum, as she didn't completely f**k my future up.
It's foolish to fear what we've yet to see and know. ~Itachi Uchiha
My mom. She influences me more of good than my dad. Frankly speaking.
i love my dad for bits.. since he was the only paarent that stuck around -._-
reboot, reload, restart shoot for the stars
Zamoha and MistyCandace.
I`m leaving Crunchyroll today.
I dislike them both generally for my own reasons. But I do not love either of them(or anyone) more or less.
Riesel wrote:
When I was a little boy, dad decided to teach me about life by breaking my dog's neck.
I could never face him again. But now I really appreciate his action. He died a few years ago in a miserable death full of regrets.
I tried to be a better person, but now I believe that ultimately I'll become the same.
Don't say that. You have control over your life. I stress to you. Don't take a scripted fate.You can only live life with regrets if you don't do what you truly want, If you don't say what you truly want.If you are unable to do either of those.Make it a goal so you ultimately can when oppurtunity presents itself.If you can't stay true to yourself. It will build up more and more. I know this is random. And I know I'm probably no help. So take it with a grain of salt if you want to.
I can't choose between my parents. Sometimes I'm not sure if I love them at all...
Other times I love them because they haven't just deserted me like some people I know.
I'm extremely grateful for the fact that they are letting me live at home through college.
I would be saddled with some pretty high bills due to my interests if it were otherwise.
Sometimes I feel like they are really lucky to have the patience to deal with me, though.
I test them a lot, and more of it is situational than really deep-seated issues. I hate it.
This being said, I'm not very good at showing my appreciation to them. It's difficult for me. :\
死んでる。Hic nunc est hodie, cras absit. Ad praesens, nusquam quasi nihil.
Well I don't know who my dad is and I really don't care for my biological mother so I would have to say neither. I just have one really special person in my life that I would move the world for.
Gah what do you want now?
'When you find something worth fighting for, you never give up'
They're both really sweet in their own way And they both have their times when i like one better than the other!
going crazy!!!
Well, both my parents are going too prison sooooo
I guess my mom. Ive always hated my dad, as he was never there. And even though he was never there, he still tried to purpoely screw with me and my mothers life. and now we are in this mess
Ononoki has invaded your wardrobe.
Mom. She's the closest person in the world for me.<3
Helvetin perse! Joo, ei vituta, ei yhtään. Saatana! Vittu vedän itteni hirteen!
I love them both equally. No more, no less.


text:
Seven Deaths Confirmed in Arkansas
Authorities have now confirmed seven deaths in Arkansas after a severe storm
< Midwest Rain May Cause Flooding
Apr 23, 2013 07:00
Category: General News
Category: General News
More Charges For Boston Bomber
BOSTON (AP) — He's already been charged with using a weapon of mass destruction, in the Boston Marathon bombings -- but more charges are ahead for Dzokhar Tsarnaev (joh-KHAR' tsahr-NEYE'-ehv). State prosecutors expect to charge him separately in the killing of an MIT police officer who was shot in his cruiser Thursday night on the school's campus in Cambridge. Federal prosecutors could also add new charges when he's indicted in the bombing.


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Improved wellness is the topic
About 40 people participated in the Winning with Wellness luncheon at the Adams County Memorial Hospital on Wednesday, hosted by the Adams County Wellness Initiative.
Mayor John Schultz began the program, explaining that the Wellness Initiative was founded in November of 2009 and since then has strived to improve the mental, emotional, and physical wellness in Adams County.
Kim Fullove and Diana Macklin gave a history of the initiative, beginning in 2009 and highlighting its growth to the present day.
Dr. Michael Alter followed with a demonstration of the Wellness Initiative's website, which is www.acwinningwithwellness.com. He explained that the goal of the website is to become the county's "one-stop shop" for all things wellness.
It will list healthcare providers, wellness classes, and events for the community.
Alter added that the Wellness Initiative hosts these things for free, and encouraged the community to submit wellness events to the website.
Nancy Manuel announced that Adams County has been chosen to receive a grant to help research and prevent childhood obesity, and that the Wellness Initiative plans to host events for this in coming years.
The audience was split up into three groups to brainstorm about questions related to wellness in Adams County, and then Sarah Conrad thanked everyone for coming and participating.


text:
Ke$ha Gets A 'Glamour' Make-Under
Ke$ha shows off a softer side in this photo shoot for Glamour's March issue, featuring cover girl Amanda Seyfried.
Here's what the 24-year-old pop star, who got a make-under, shared with the mag:
On succeeding as a female rock-star: "I know that I have balls. I have bigger balls than a lot of the men that I meet. I'm just a ballsy motherf—–. I'm not afraid of pushing boundaries. That's what you have to do to become an icon."
On her onstage and real life humor: "I'm just very amused by 5-year-old humor. Don't get me wrong: I do destroy men on a weekly basis. It's like a hobby. I'm like a praying mantis. They f— me, and then I eat them. But who isn't amused by a giant, dancing penis? Sometimes when I'm sad, I make my assistant put on the penis outfit and bounce around my house."
On getting photographed without makeup: "My makeup is usually left over from the night before. I'm not really worried about the photographs because if I tell my fans not to give a f— about the haters, then I have to practice what I preach. I embrace the imperfections and celebrate them."
On her future in the music industry: "Eventually, I would love to be on my deathbed and looked at as an icon. Right now I'm still at the baby stages of my career. But that is the goal."
For more on Ke$ha, check out Glamour.com!


text:
Message Board
Aron Ralston Message Board
Talk about the novels, new and used books that Ralston has written!
Author Ralston's Book Reviews
Between a Rock and a Hard Place
Aaron Ralston is a 27 year old who loves adventure. He takes off one Saturday to climb in some remote canyons in Utah. This is nothing out of the ordinary for Aaron as he is an avid outdoorsman; however, what is not ordinary for Aron is he fails to tell anyone where he is going. As a boulder loosens under Aron's feet, he tumbles with it until it lands with his right hand caught between the boulder and canyon wall. Aron knows he is in deep trouble as...


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Reserve online or call 01993 824 252
Start your shortlist by clicking on the icon next to any property
A fabulous four bedroom and three bathroom modern air conditioned/heated property, this townhouse is situated amongst 20 villas in the centre of the resort just minutes walk from the tennis centre, hotel, golf courses and restaurants. The community has a large pool situated with view from each terrace, and is heated for some periods throughout the year.
*This property has reduced sport rates for 6 people.
Ground floor:
Living/Dining Room: Sofas, coffee table, television, CD player, dining table and chairs, with access to outside patio with table and chairs and sun loungers.
Kitchen: Oven, hob, table and chairs, dishwasher, microwave, fridge/freezer, washing machine, toaster, kettle, with access to outside patio.
Cloakroom with WC and washbasin
First floor:
Master bedroom with en-suite bathroom: Double bed, bedside cabinets and built in wardrobes.
En-suite bathroom: Bath with shower, double washbasin and WC.
Bedroom Two. Twin beds, bedside cabinets, built in wardrobes.
Bedroom Three: Twin beds, bedside cabinets, built in wardrobe.
Bathroom with shower, WC and washbasin
Second floor:
Upper terrace: Views to pool and sun beds.
Lower ground floor;
Bedroom Four: Twin beds, bedside cabinet wardrobes and television
Bathroom: Shower, washbasin and WC.
Saturday changeovers in July and August please. Wi-fi available.


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Slapjack, the international language.
Communication happened in part through the common rules of card games for students from Tsuruta, Japan, and their hosts at Hood River Valley High School this week. Hood River families hosted 20 high school and middle school students from Aomori Province, home to Hood River's Sister City of Tsuruta, in a three-day stay that took in museums, waterfalls, Bonneville Dam, and a day at Hood River Valley High School, wedged between visits to Seattle and Portland.
Though the stay was short, it was worth it to Taunesha Shelton, an HRVHS sophomore and host student.
"I like to learn about other countries, and how we're different," said Shelton, whose family has over the years hosted nine foreign students, including Tsuruta visitors.
"It's been good to learn about them on a personal level."
In one of the visitors' quieter moments, they paid the traditional visit to the grave of Ray Yasui, patriarch of the Hood River Valley Japanese-American community.
Tuesday was spent at the high school. Ten HRVHS students escorted one or more students to their classes.
"A lot of kids wanted to get involved," said student Nell Smith, a previous host to Tsurutans who helped organize last week's visit as part of her Leadership class. "I had a lot of volunteers, which I guess surprised me a little," Smith said. "Some of them were kind of bummed out when I told them there were no other kids (to accompany)."
"I think they want to have contact with kids who don't speak English. It's really interesting, because you can't really understand how someone can't understand English. We're born with it so it's interesting to be around someone who doesn't speak English and to have to communicate." Smith said it has been a learning experience for the Hood River kids.
"They're learning there's a lot to the experience, in some cases more than they thought, I think. They learned there was more to it than just hanging out at lunch hour, and that they needed to try to work with the Japanese students because they're here to improve their English. It was more than some of the kids expected, but I think it has been a good experience for them."
Shelton said that in her experience, the Tsurutans are typically shy but that several of the visitors have been more outgoing. The American and Japanese youth know many of the same card games, so communication happened via mutual knowledge of rules.
"You can communicate on easy terms," Shelton said. "We've really enjoyed slapjack." In general the language barrier has been a factor.
"You use a lot of hand gestures, and showing them what it is you are talking about," Shelton said.
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text:
GREENSBORO, N.C. – Host Guilford College used a dominating offensive performance Saturday afternoon to key a 56-29 ODAC football victory over Shenandoah.
The Quakers (3-2, 2-0 ODAC) rolled up 705 yards in total offense on their way to the win over SU (2-3, 1-1).
Sophomore quarterback Matt Pawlowski did most of the damage, throwing for 360 yards and six touchdowns on 26 completions in 31 attempts.
Pawlowski was 5 for 5 for 103 yards and three TDs in the third quarter as GC turned a 21-0 halftime contest into a 49-7 advantage.
Trailing 21-0 at the break, Shenandoah appeared to get back in it on its initial drive of the third as sophomore Brandon Adams hauled in a Drew Ferguson pass and sprinted 77 yards for the Hornets first TD of the game.
Unfortunately, it took Pawlowski just one play to answer, as he hit Drew Smith with a 75-yard TD strike to bring the margin back to 21 points.
He would throw two more TD passes in the stanza, at 7:16 and 4:35 (both to Josh Jurgevich) to seal the victory for the Quakers. The TD pass was his final one of the game as he sat out the fourth period.
But Shenandoah refused to fold its collective tent.
Adams hauled in another TD pass, this one a 30-yarder from Justin Neff, to make it 49-14 with 55 seconds remaining in the third.
After Jurgevich scored his final touchdown, Andrew Smith had a 1-yard TD run at 6:50 and Cedrick Delaney a 78-yard TD reception from Ferguson to complete the day's scoring.
Ferguson ran in a bobbled PAT snap for the final points of the game.
Shenandoah had 445 yards in total offense on its own with Neff throwing for 174 yards and Ferguson 161.
Adams had 119 yards receiving on four catches and Delaney 114 on just two receptions.
Michael Wroble paced the defense with seven tackles.
SU hosts Catholic next Saturday in a 1:00 homecoming contest.


text:
Stanford University targeted Northwestern's Jim Phillips for its vacancy at athletic director, telling him he is the school's top choice. But Phillips told an executive at the firm conducting the search that he is not interested in the job, sources told the Tribune.
Phillips was out of town Saturday and unavailable for comment. But sources said that even after Phillips' initial "no thanks" reply, the school asked to meet with him in the Chicago area. Though the job would pay as much as $1.4 million a year, Phillips declined.
The job became vacant when Bob Bowlsby left to become commissioner of the Big 12. Bowlsby pushed for Phillips, a Ph.D. who last month was named AD of the Year for the Central Region by the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics.
Phillips last year signed a 10-year contract with Northwestern after being courted by Illinois, his alma mater. Phillips and wife Laura have strong Chicago roots, and Phillips is working to gain approval from NU's Board of Trustees for a massive facilities upgrade.
Twitter @TeddyGreenstein


text:
posted by Eugenia Loli on Thu 18th Jan 2007 00:32 UTC, submitted by falko
Adobe Systems has finally released the long-awaited Adobe Flash Player 9 for Linux. This version of Flash Player was meant to be feature-comparable to Adobe's latest Windows and Mac OS versions, and is the first version of Flash on Linux that really is just as good as the Windows and Mac OS versions. Additionally, a tutorial on how to install it on Ubuntu and on Fedora.


text:
Enceinte Kef 103/3
troc contre : Attente de proposition- 0
Reference Series Model 103/3 (1986-93)
Improving on the redoubtable Model 103.2 was no easy task, for this compact and refined two-way loudspeaker, much admired for its accuracy, ruggedness and consistency, had enjoyed great popularity among domestic and professional users for many years. But technology and techniques advance steadily, and the 103-sized performance package had been considerably improved.
Model 103/3 was a three-way system incorporating KEF's unique coupled cavity bass loading method, and its own version of the KEF KUBE low-level equaliser. The combination of these two design elements provides unusually extended low frequency response and exceptional power handling.
Specification: Model 103/3
System Type: Three-way, stand-mount
Enclosure type: Coupled cavity
Size: 575 x 265 x 317mm (22.6 x 10.4 x 12.5 inches)
Weight: 17kg (37.5 lb)
Nominal Impedance: 4ohms resistive (20Hz-20kHz)
Rated maximum power: 200W programme (into 4 ohms)
Frequency response: 50Hz to 20kHz +/-2dB at 2m on reference axis (-6dB at 35Hz, Q=0.5)
Sensitivity: 92dB at 1m on reference axis for a pink noise input of 2.83V (anechoic conditions)
Maximum output: 110dB on programme peaks under typical listening conditions
System: SP3078
Drive units: B160 bass unit (SP1217), B160 midrange unit (SP1218 - later replaced by SP1222), T33 tweeter (SP1210)
Crossover: SP2086
Sans La Box !!!


text:
Bring the vacation home with you with the Santorini 30" x 50" Chat Fire Pit Table. This petite fire pit table is perfectly designed to accompany a love seat and two club chairs, making it an ideal place to entertain friends and family. The Corsica is designed with a rectangular hearth top that sits inside a metal rim.
- Made in the USA
- Dimensions: 30" L x 50" W x 24" H
- 10" x 30" Burner
- Beautifully handcrafted with sustainable materials
- Use liquid propane or natural gas (includes conversion kit)
The Santorini 30" x 50" Chat Fire Pit Table features an elegant rectangular tile table top in several porcelain tile finishes. Offered with 9 different base finishes and 8 different porcelain tile table tops to choose from, ensuring a hands-on approach that allows you to match this Santorini Fire Pit Table to your outdoor living space.


text:
About OldGreyTroll
These folks are using a different definition for the words "innovation and growth" than you are.
You: innovation = creating new things
Them: innovation = getting money from newly created things
You: growth = more new things
Them: growth = more money from new things
See what Crade said above. He wants Apple to take the gamble on how well the album will sell by giving him an advance. He wants guaranteed income even if the album bombs.
Nice work if you can get it.
Without digging too deeply, I see that the Slashdot article says UVEX sponsors Lindsey Vonn.
Even if UVEX is not directly giving money to the IOC, they are contributing resources that allow the IOC to have a show. It seems to me that the IOC has an interest in having the widest possible pool of athletes that they can exploit as cast members for their shows. Company contributions to athletes increases that pool by allowing more athletes to afford to show up.
I'm certain that most, if not all, companies that sponsor athletes do it so their name becomes visible to people who are most likely to be interested in the gear or services they sell. In this case, the IOC seems to be forcing them to make the contributions anonymously. This seriously reduces the incentive to make the sponsorship.
If this continues, I foresee fewer corporate sponsorships leading to fewer athletes.
Funny you should mention hockey.... One of the factors that makes Dan Snyder look so bad is comparison to the class act that the Washington Capitals owner Ted Leonsis is putting on. I've heard die-hard 'Skins fans talk about wearing Caps jerseys to 'Skins games with signs that say 'Don't you wish Ted was the owner here, too?"


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Gunmen in Pakistan kill 2 anti-polio workers
PESHAWAR, Pakistan (AP) — Gunmen killed two anti-polio workers Sunday in northwest Pakistan, police said, the latest violence directed at efforts to eradicate the disease from the country.
The two attackers shot the two Pakistani health workers while they were on a vaccination drive in rural Kandar village, said Swabi District Police Chief Mohammad Saeed. The gunmen arrived on foot and then disappeared, he said.
No one claimed responsibility for the Sunday attack. Some Pakistani militant groups oppose the vaccinations and accuse the workers of spying for the U.S. They point out the case of a Pakistani doctor used by the CIA to collect blood samples of the family of Osama bin Laden in order to track him down and kill him in Pakistan in 2011.
Islamic militants also try to block inoculation campaigns by portraying them as a conspiracy to sterilize people and reduce the world's Muslim population. Over the past year, nearly 20 health workers from the anti-polio campaign have been killed.
Pakistan is one of the only three countries, along with Afghanistan and Nigeria, still affected by the polio virus. As many as 58 cases were reported in Pakistan in 2012, down from 198 in 2011.
The World Health Organization said in late March that some 240,000 children have missed U.N.-backed vaccinations against polio because of security concerns in Pakistan's tribal regions bordering Afghanistan. It said the health workers have not been able to immunize children in the North and South Waziristan regions — Taliban strongholds — since July 2012.
The shootings came a day after a Pakistani al-Qaida-linked militant group, Lashkar-e-Jhangvi, killed 24 people in the southwestern city of Quetta.
In the first of Saturday's attacks in Quetta, a blast ripped through a bus carrying female students, killing 14.
When the victims were taken to the nearby hospital, a suicide bomber struck there. Other attackers captured parts of the complex, triggering a siege by security forces in which four paramilitaries also died.
Lashkar-e-Jhangvi claimed responsibility for the attacks. Six attackers also died in the siege.
Most of Quetta remained shut Sunday in mourning. On a visit to the city, Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan promised to find and punish the culprits.
The Pakistan Muslim League-N party, of which both he and Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif are members, has pledged to bring peace to the country by holding negotiations with militant groups like the Pakistani Taliban.
Khan said the peace dialogue was still open but only for groups that were ready to end violence. "We will hold dialogue with those who are willing to do that," he said. "Those who only want to stick to militancy and terrorism — they will get the same treatment."
Also Sunday, gunmen shot and killed three police officials at a checkpoint in district Qila Saifullah in southwestern province of Baluchistan, said government official Bashir Ahmad. He said it was not clear what group the attackers belonged to.
Besides the Lashkar-e-Jhangvi, the province has long been a scene of low level insurgency by nationalist groups fighting for a larger share of regional national resources.
Associated Press writers Abdul Sattar in Quetta and Matiullah Achakzai in Chaman contributed to this report.


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A drunk shit is the first shit you take after a long night of drinking, which usually is a little more stinkier than normal
Lani: Man, I had like 4 shots of patron, 3 jack and cokes and a couple of jagerbombs last night... I think I need to take my drunk shit now.
by Nat0069 April 22, 2008
The shit you have to take the day after drinking a lot, where no amount of toilet paper will ever be enough.
"Dude, why are you walking funny?"
"I just took a drunk shit... Can I use your shower?"
"I just took a drunk shit... Can I use your shower?"
by Wevet April 12, 2013
buy the domain for your cat blog


text:
A present people will remember
A gift that is unique
interesting and pleasurable,
the right touch to thank a client or a colleague
It is now over 15 years we have been shipping french traditional cheeses all over the world.
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Make ordering as easy as a smile
1 - Our team is ready to help you with your requests, Call us at +33 2 47 66 17 17 or contact Pascale at email@example.com.
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* From 5 to 20orders : 5%
Please place your orders at leats 10 days before your delivery date for your packaging.
3 - We provide a premium class service : A tasting menu printed up with your corporate logo and a personal message system is also in place


text: The Sacrament of First Communion According the Catholic Encyclopedia, infant communion was not uncommon throughout the Christian Church in the first centuries. However infant reception of the Eucharist was much more universal in the East, even then. It was not the general standard in the West, though the Eucharist was received by infants and very young children at certain times, especially at baptism or when severely ill and in danger of death. The current practice in the Roman Rite – that children receive First Communion upon reaching the age of reason – was established at the beginning of the 13th century, at the time of the Fourth Lateran Council. The Catholic Encyclopedia explains that this is not a fixed age in number of years, "but rather the arrival at a certain stage in mental development, when children become able to discern the Eucharistic from ordinary bread, to realize in some measure the dignity and excellence of the Sacrament of the Altar, to believe in the Real Presence, and adore Christ under the sacramental veils." Adapted from the Catholic Encyclopedia and Wikipedia.