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Ruwe, Canaries Blank Lincoln 9-0
SIOUX FALLS, SD -- The Sioux Falls Canaries scored early and often while Kyle Ruwe tossed a complete-game shutout en route a 9-0 defeat of the Lincoln Saltdogs on Tuesday night at Sioux Falls Stadium.
Canaries veteran Nick Van Stratten went 3-for-5 and finished a double shy of the cycle with three RBI. In the second inning, he socked a two-run triple, his 10th of the year, for a new team single-season record. Van Stratten surpassed previous record-holders Tyrone Pendergrass (2003) and Patrick Reilly (2008).
Van Stratten's first hit was a leadoff home run in the first inning, his fourth of the season that sparked a three-run first inning rally.
Cory Morales followed with a triple and scored on J.P. Ramirez' sacrifice fly, and Jared Clark added a big fly with a solo home run, his 14th this season.
The Canaries (19-32) tacked on four more runs in the second inning and added singletons in the third and fifth for their first shutout win of the year.
Ruwe (5-5) used 113 pitches but worked efficiently in the two-hour-and-16- minute ballgame, scattering just five hits. A leadoff man reached just once, and Ruwe worked with multiple runners on base just once. He notched his second complete-game of the year.
Canaries rookie Kevin Dultz had a career night, going 3-for-4 with three runs scored and a home run, just the second of his young career. Morales also had three hits with an RBI.
Lincoln starter Matt Bywater (2-3), freshly activated from the disabled list, lasted just three innings and suffered the loss. He allowed eight runs, six earned, and nine hits while walking two and striking out one.
The two teams split a four-game series, and the Canaries improved to 5-3 in July.
The Canaries open a four-game series against the Sioux City Explorers at 7:05 p.m. on Wednesday at Sioux Falls Stadium.
Courtesy: Sioux Falls Canaries


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General Chess Openings
21 Item(s)
Grid List
This is a collection of opening traps by Grandmaster William Lombardy. The traps are great and cover every opening system. They need to be studied.
Modern Chess Opening Traps
Winning in 15 Moves or Less: Chess Tactics, Brilliancies & Blunders in the Chess Opening
Through the study of the games in this volume, you will improve your opening play, opening repertoire, strategies and tactical ability. This volume features some of the best games and tactics from the previous nine volumes, one game for each chapter in the previous books. Therefore, this book will provide you with a firework of great games and excellent puzzles to be solved.
Catastrophes & Tactics in the Chess Opening - Selected Brilliancies from Volume 1-9
This major work of the famous Russian chess openings theorist Alexei Sokolsky is distinguished by its original approach to the subject. Whereas other standard books deal with openings mainly in the form of lines and variations, Sokolsky's is a distinctive and analytical treatment. The effect of the openings on the game as it proceeds is explained and developed.
The Modern Openings in Theory and Practice
A Definitive Study of All Important Openings
Chess Openings Theory and Practice is a remarkable book, unequaled by any book of that era or since. It is not a mere openings book with long columns of moves followed at the end by punctuation marks such as + -- or =. It presents opening ideas and games, often including the first game where each opening was played, plus the history of the opening, the names of famous players who played this opening and the ideas and plans on which the opening is based. It provides ''idea variations''.
Chess Openings - Theory and Practice
This book is exactly what is claims to be: A handy reference guide to the basic chess openings, yet small enough to be carried around in the pocket.
A Pocket Guide to the Chess openings
300 Ways to Win In the Opening
A modernized collection of 300 traps in the chess openings used today. The dead wood of traps in unused openings has been cut away and replaced try new traps in the latest openings. Each trap complete in itself-an introductory explanation, opening moves, diagram of position when trap is sprung, concluding moves to check-mate, or decisive win of material. All classes of players, weak or strong, need the vital information in this book to avoid pitfalls or catch an unwary opponent napping.
Winning Chess Traps
Practical Chess Openings is a basic openings book covering all the major openings, in alphabetical order. At the beginning of each section is a general description of the opening and its history, including the names of famous players who played it.
Practical Chess Openings
Moderne Theorie der Schacheröffnungen
Three Knights Game, Four Knights, Italian game, Two Knights, Russian Defence, Vienna Game, including the King's Gambit A new opening book by Keres - which for many chess fans the big event! No doubt rightly, for the well-known Soviet chess grandmaster knows not only how to explain the current state of opening theory, but he has enriched himself with important ideas in the theory of many openings. His basic opening works therefore receive the most recognition worldwide.
Dreispringerspiel bis Königsgambit - GERMAN EDITION
Chess Archives was published monthly by a team of Dutch chess opening analysts, headed by former World Champion Dr. Max Euwe. If a new opening trick or trap were discovered, one could be sure it would appear soon in Chess Archives. Readers of established books like Modern Chess Openings could have an unpleasant surprise when a line the were playing had been refuted by new discoveries. That was unlikely to happen to any reader of Chess Archives because the new issues would always contain the latest stuff.
Chess Archives
This work has been updated in 2012 to include all of the latest World Chess Championship matches by Garry Kasparov.
Garry Kasparov's Opening Repertoire
This is a combined work, taking five separate books and combining them into one volume, but then re-dividing them into two volumes.
A Complete Chess Course - How to Win at Chess - VOLUME I
This book presents the indispensable foundations for the understanding of the variations of the chess openings.
The Ideas Behind the Chess Openings
This is THE book that first introduced a concept that has revolutionized tournament chess for most players. The concept is simply to create a database of chess games, sorted by openings, and then see which opening moves produce the best results. This book concludes that the overall winning percentage for White is 59%.
The Blue Book of Charts to Winning Chess
Traditional chess openings emphasize control of the center. Flank Openings are opening systems first developed by such players as Reti and Nimzowitsch in which the player of the white pieces concedes control of the center to Black, but then seeks to undermine the center and cause it to collapse with attacks from the sides. Grandmaster Raymond Keene explains the concepts and ideas behind these chess opening systems.
Flank Openings
This is one of the most interesting, most unusual and most instructive chess books ever written. Seven of the World's Strongest Chess Grandmasters were each asked to write down their thoughts about how a serious chess amateur might best approach the problem of, very simply, ''opening'' a chess game?
How to Open a Chess Game
From a Three Time US Open Champion
International Master Al Horowitz goes through every major chess opening system and provides just one line of play for White, one line of play for Black, and the reason for each move by White or Black. This book will not show the reader how to win every game, but it will provide an easy route which will enable the player to get a reasonable, playable position out of the opening with good winning chances, even against the strongest opponents, without having to memorize a bunch of opening lines.
How to Win in the Chess Openings
A Century of Chess Evolution
This book is one of the great classics of chess literature. The author, Imre Konig, was an International Master of Chess and a great analyst as well as an entertaining writer. He describes the development of chess opening theory and discusses lines of play no longer in vogue but which remain powerful weapons for the practical tournament player.This book was originally published in 1950 as ''Chess from Morphy to Botwinnik''.
Chess from Morphy to Botvinnik
This is probably the most famous chess book ever written and is certainly the most influential chess book ever written.Paul Rudolf von Bilguer (21 September 1815 - 16 September 1840) was a German chess master and chess theoretician from Ludwigslust, Mecklenburg-Schwerin.
Handbuch Des Schachspiels - GERMAN EDITION
When ''White to Play and Win'' was first published, it created a great sensation because the author, Weaver W. Adams, claimed to be able to prove that White has a win by force from the very first move, against any defense. Although the author was never able to prove his central thesis, he did prove that these lines were lethal against the average tournament chess player.
White to Play and Win PLUS Simple Chess
The Worrall Attack in the Ruy Lopez
The Worrall Attack in the Ruy Lopez
International Chess Enterprises:''Just as every golfer who wants to lower his score practices chipping and putting above all, the ambitious chess player studies the opening. Covering all openings, this book provides and concise and authoritative summary of the best opening moves. No attempt is made to explain the reason behind the moves, though all variations are evaluated using internationally-accepted language-less symbols, thoroughly explained in the preface. The tournament player who wished to brush up on his favorite opening cannot do better than to take a look at Inside Chess Openings before the game.''
Unbeatable Deal
CLEARANCE - Inside Chess Openings - PAPERBACK
Regular Price: $9.95
Special Price $2.00
21 Item(s)
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subset: commoncrawl


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Jit The Shit Vs Nicc Baggz Freestyle Battle @ Lil Bankhead & DJ Infamous Rip The Mic [MC War Edition]
"Big K.R.I.T., F.L.Y., Kill Will Producer of Fire Flame judge the Lil Bankhead & DJ Infamous Rip the Mic Battle on V103"
Please click the "Report" button below if the video on this page is not working properly.
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U.S. Equal Employment
Opportunity Commission
NASHVILLE – A federal judge has affirmed a million-dollar judgment against Whirlpool Corporation in a sex and race harassment lawsuit filed by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) the agency announced today.
Judge John T. Nixon denied Whirlpool Corporation's motion to alter and/or amend the judgment of the court, entered on Dec. 21, 2009, that Whirlpool pay $1,073,261 in damages to the discrimination victim.
"This woman was victimized by serious, ongoing abuse, and was severely and permanently damaged as a result," said EEOC Regional Attorney Faye Williams. "A sizeable amount of damages was called for, and we are pleased that the judge agreed."
The EEOC's lawsuit had charged that Benton Harbor, Mich.-based Whirlpool violated federal law when it tolerated the harassment of Carlotta Freeman, an employee at a Whirlpool plant in LaVergne, Tenn., by a white male co-worker because of her race (black) and sex. The abuse lasted for two months, the EEOC said, until the co-worker physically assaulted Freeman and inflicted serious permanent injuries.
During the four-day trial, the court heard evidence that Freeman reported escalating offensive verbal conduct and gestures by the co-worker over a period of two months before he physically assaulted her. The court heard that four levels of Whirlpool's management were aware of the escalating harassment, but that Whirlpool failed to take effective steps to stop it. Further, Freeman suffered devastating permanent mental injuries that will prevent her from working again as a result of the assault and Whirlpool's failure to protect her.
Such alleged conduct violates Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The EEOC filed suit (Civil Action No. 3:06-0593) in U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee after first attempting to reach a pre-litigation settlement through its conciliation process. Following a bench trial, Judge Nixon awarded Freeman $773,261 in back pay and front pay, and $300,000 compensatory damages for non-pecuniary injuries.
On Jan. 15, 2010, Whirlpool requested that the court reduce the damages. The corporation claimed that the court had erred when, among other things, it awarded front and back pay without considering the fact that the plant where Freeman worked had closed. Whirlpool also claimed the court erred when it relied on certain information from Freeman's expert witness.
In denying Whirlpool's motion, Judge Nixon noted that it had "wide discretion to make whole the victim of unlawful discrimination." For that reason, the court "declines to find that failing to so cut off the award of front pay to Freeman constitutes a clear error of law or manifest injustice."
Carlota Freeman intervened in the case and was represented by Nashville attorneys Helen Rogers and Andy Allman.
The EEOC enforces federal laws prohibiting employment discrimination. Further information about the EEOC is available on its web site at www.eeoc.gov.


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Featured News - Current News - Archived News - News Categories
The referendum for the Grand Island School District's proposed $6,377,000 transportation facility will go to public vote on Tuesday, Dec. 18, from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. at Grand Island High School.
Grand Island residents will not see an impact on their taxes because of the proposed construction as 19.4 percent of the construction costs will come from capital reserve funds and from borrowed monies. New York State building aid will cover 80.6 percent of the cost.
The new 16,000-square-foot "bus garage" will occupy space adjacent to the current transportation facility behind Charlotte Sidway School on Baseline Road. Construction should begin early in 2014. The current bus garage will be converted into a buildings and grounds facility, relocating staff and equipment from Eco Island on Staley Road to this centralized location on Baseline Road. The building at Eco Island will be used for the district's nature preserve classroom.
The new building will include:
•Office space
•Bathrooms and lockers for staff
•Parts storage
•Expanded parking for buses and staff cars
•Off street parking for parent cars (adjacent to the Sidway athletic fields)
•A loop road which will move buses along back of the athletic fields to exit onto Baseline on the north side of the property.
More details regarding the proposed new transportation facility may be viewed on the district website: www.k12.ginet.org, along with an architectural rendering of the building and site plan.
Administrators and the Board of Education encourage the public to vote on this project on Dec. 18. Voters must show ID, be a U.S. citizen of at least 18 years of age and a district resident for at least 30 days.


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McCormick Theological Seminary
Alumni/ae Association Annual Meeting
McCormick Days — October 28, 2008
The meeting was called to order at 12:35 p.m. by President Laura Reasoner, who welcomed everyone and thanked them for staying for the meeting. Grayson Van Camp, director of continuing education and alumni/ae relations, opened the meeting with prayer.
President Reasoner appointed Carol Wehrheim as the secretary for the meeting.
David Esterline, dean of the faculty and vice-president for academic affairs, greeted the group and reported two new faculty appointments:
· Jeff Japinga, associate dean for the Doctor of Ministry program
· Frank Yamata, associate dean of the center for Asian-Americian ministries and professor of New Testament?
He noted that the Board of Trustees, in May, approved the establishment of an institute for cross-cultural education
The minutes of the annual meeting on October 22, 2007 were approved by consensus.
Gordon Zerkel, in the absence of Denise Plaire, placed in nomination the following slate, on behalf of the nominating committee:
President Elect
Richard A. Williams, M Div 2004
Campus minister, Apage House, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
Board of Trustees Representative, Class of 2011
Jose F. Morales, Jr., M Div 2005
Associate pastor, Iglesia del Pueblo Christian Church, Hammond, IN
Executive directory, Hope Center, Hammond, IN
Members at Large, Class of 2011
P. Gregg Neel, M Div 2001
Executive presbyter, Presbytery of Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI
Denise L. Plair, M Div 2007
Associate minister, True Foundation Transformation Church, Chicago, IL
Members at Large, Class of 2010
Joy Myers, M Div 2000
Associate pastor, First Presbyterian Church, Edwardsville, IL
Shannan Vance-Ocampo, M Div 2001
Associate pastor, Rumson Presbyterian Church, Rumson, NJ
2009 Nominations Committee
Joy K. Challenger, M Div 2005 (Moderator)
Minister to children and youth, Third New Hope Baptist Church, Detroit, MI
Michael D. Jacobs, M Div, 2001
Associate pastor, Trinity United Church of Christ, Chicago, IL
Yung-Suk Kim, M Div 1999
Associate professor of NT and early Christianity, Virginia Union University, Richmond, VA
Alice Geils Nord, M Div, 1998
Associate pastor, Faith Presbyterian Church, Sun City, AZ
Irene Pak, M Div 2007
Young adult intern for racial justice and advocacy, PCUSA, Louisville, KY
Carol Wehrheim, MA 1964
Writer, editor, consultant in Christian education
Since no nominations came from the floor, it was voted to elect the slate as presented.
President Reasoner thanked those persons who had agreed to serve in the various capacities She welcomed the new president Nanette Sawyers to the office.
Grayson Van Camp introduced the recipient of the Distinguished Alumni/ae Award, Judy Lee Hayes.
President Reasoner reported on the May Board of Trustees meeting. Specific concerns related to alums are building up the endowment and increasing the number of alumni/ae who contribute to the seminary.
Christine Vogel, dean of students and vice president for student affairs, reported that the new director of recruitment is ????? There are 50 in the incoming class, seven short of the goal number. The goal for the incoming class next year is 60, which will be a challenge to the recruiters. She urged those present to pass names of prospectice students to her and asked the Alumni/ae Council to look for ways to assist in recruitment.
There begin no further business, it was moved, seconded, and voted to adjourn at 12:50 p.m.
Respectfully submitted
Carol A. Wehrheim


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Multiple Sclerosis&Breast Cancer awareness fashion production
Added Feb 8, 2013
Menahamiya, Israel
To the first fashion producing by my label, "OkkaOkka" , I wanted to give a real existential significance beyond demonstrating the clothes themselves.The garment we wear is the ultimate expression of ourselves. Who are we? Sometimes the answer to this question receives a dramatic echo. Rinat survived breast cancer after discovering the lump during breastfeeding. Rinat describes herself fiercely and inspiring us all to be happy and live joyfully despite hardship and loss. Her beauty radiates and complements the comfortable and caressing clothes of "OkkaOkka", embracing her figure.
Ruthie is living and coping with MS,Multiple Sclorosis , an autoimmune disease in which the body attacks and destroys the fatty skin of brain cells. That way "short cuts" of neurological failure causes electrical changes in the body. Tall Ruth was a biology teacher in high school before she got sick, she is a mother of three children, and demonstrates how good you can look even if you jave MS.
Warm credits are given all the wonderful production team, which fully volunteered to give our heroines a fun day and commemorate their beauty. Ofra Soll,the legendary makeup artist did her wonderful magic( https://www.facebook.com/ofra.glazersol?fref=ts), Dalit Zarenkin,the champion hairdresser did it big time! ( https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000581824910&fref=ts), Sam,the head chef of " Rotenberg",the restaurant I love so much (https://www.facebook.com/rutenbergrest?fref=ts), Shalev Man, The legendary and talented photographer (https://www.facebook.com/shalevman?fref=ts), Heidad Litman,the talented graphic editor and production assistant for her multi assistance (https://www.facebook.com/heidada?fref=ts), Addie Kilav is the father and his charming daughter , Shlomit Kozlo, had lent the production their amazing shoes, bags and wallets ( https://www.facebook.com/adikilavdesigs?ref=ts&fref=ts), "Una Una" who lent us lovely beautiful shoes (https://www.facebook.com/unauna.shoes?fref=ts) , Studio Zohara, "Art on tights", who lent us stockings and tights which are beautiful, unique and creative. I thank my dear husband Moshe who bothered,drove and took and carried all the stuff needed.
This product is for sale
By Liora Litman-Cohen at OkkaOkka
6 Comments Sign in to add a post
Feb 19, 2013, 12.25 PMby vasea
I just love them and your idea is great.
Feb 10, 2013, 03.15 AMby rberge
1 Reply
Feb 11, 2013, 02.31 PMby Liora Litman-Cohen
Thanks,done ! :-)
Feb 9, 2013, 08.52 AMby freakusbzzz
Fantastic, i love the outfit with the balloons in the picture
1 Reply
Feb 11, 2013, 02.30 PMby Liora Litman-Cohen
thanks F!!! :-)
Feb 9, 2013, 12.24 AMby schnui
Congratulations Liora. This is all amazing and your friends look wonderful. You must be so proud of your hard work and creative talent. I wish you every success. xxxxxx
1 Reply
Feb 11, 2013, 02.27 PMby Liora Litman-Cohen
Thanks S!!!! :-)
Feb 8, 2013, 10.35 PMby Mary Athey
What a fabulous photo shoot. The colours designs and the photos are fab as are.the stories of the people involved. good luck with your label x
1 Reply
Feb 11, 2013, 02.27 PMby Liora Litman-Cohen
Thank you so much M!
Feb 8, 2013, 10.15 PMby fashionfreek
Excellent work and wonderful pics and they do look lovely in your label.The colours are fab!!! All the best to you.xxx
1 Reply
Feb 11, 2013, 02.26 PMby Liora Litman-Cohen
tjanks a lot FF!!!
Add to Favorites 3 people added it


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A Kiva borrower in Talca, Chile
These days, Silicon Valley culture can be found many miles south of northern California. The fever around innovative startups has crossed the border, spreading to nearly every country in the Americas.
From Rio de Janeiro to Bogota, Latin American cities are trying to generate that startup environment that's proven so effective at reinvigorating the business market and attracting foreign investors.
One of the first cities, with arguably the most interesting and innovative program so far,... Continue Reading >>


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There are no Upcoming Shows listed for this comedian.
Joe Fernandez
Joe Fernandez — a half-Cuban, half-Irish, (Or Cubish) comedian. Growing up in Texas, he had an affinity for the sport of baseball and dreamed of playing for the Houston Astros, but when his body didn't grow up with his dreams he moved to performing comedy. Joe has been performing since the age of 15 and has improvised with comedy groups at iO Chicago, the Annoyance, and the Playground theater. Joe has been performing stand-up consistently for 4 and a half years now and was a finalist for the Andy Kaufman Awards as well as a member of the Chicago Just For Laughs Festival in 2011. He also has performed in the World Series of Comedy in Las Vegas, the Boston Comedy Festival, the Laughing Stock Comedy Festival, and the Laughing Devil Festival.
Joe Fernandez's Upcoming Shows
Joe Fernandez is Known For


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The Chicago Fire U.S. Soccer Development Academy squads went 1-1-0 against local foe Sockers FC Saturday at the Toyota Park practice field.
The Academy U-17/18 team opened the day with a 1-0 win.
"It was a sloppy game, again," admitted Academy Director Larry Sunderland. "We were not particularly good on the day."
But his team picked up a crucial result.
Midfielder Brandon Medina scored the game-winner in the 56th minute on a free kick from 24 yards out that beautifully curled into the lower corner.
The Fire U-17/18s (10-5-6) are now unbeaten in seven matches since the winter break.
They maintain their hold on fourth place in the Mid-America Division and stay in a wild card position for the playoffs.
The playoff format consists of 19 seeded teams and 13 wild card team to make up a 32-team field. For the Fire's division the top three teams automatically receive seeds, while most conferences have two seeded teams.
"It's the luck of the draw where you end up in your bracket for playoffs. As long as you are in the playoffs the rest is [up to fate]."
The 18's went into last year's postseason the top rated team in the country but bowed out in the group stage.
"That was just a case of peaking early and coasting into the playoffs. It was an easy season for them because they were that good."
The team sits in the eighth wild card spot with five matches left on the season. According to Sunderland, it's an ideal situation after his team was complacent down the stretch last year.
Chicago travels to Columbus to face fifth place Crew Soccer Academy Saturday at 1 p.m. at the Obetz Training Facility.
"It's another MLS game, we always look forward to it, because the soccer is much better. Both teams will try to play good soccer."
The team wraps up the weekend Sunday when they take on Internationals FC just outside of Cleveland at 9 a.m.
The Chicago Fire U-15/16 side (12-4-6) fell to the Sockers FC 1-0 on Saturday.
"The 16's disappointed it was a match we fairly dominated. We had one error and it cost us three points.
Despite having the majority of the run of play, a defensive lapse led to the lone goal of the game in the 46th minute.
"A lot of chances, [we] probably had 70 percent of the possession. We didn't finish our chances and then we had one let down."
The Fire dropped their first match in 11 games dating back to November 11, 2012.
The 16's are searching for the form they had prior to the Winter break with another month to find it before the playoffs.
Even in defeat they held onto their second place standing and are currently seeded 15 league-wide.
Despite being placed in the group of death last year with Seattle Sounders FC and Real Salt Lake, the Fire 16s moved on to the Development Academy's national finals in Houston, Texas.
The Fire will hope to emulate a run similar to last year when it lost in the semifinals to New York Red Bulls.
"The 16's were coming into the up cycle and caught it at the right time. I'm getting the sense that they are doing that right now."
The U-15/16 Academy faces Crew Soccer Academy and Internationals following the conclusion of the U-17/18s matches this weekend.
"[MLS Academies] respect what we all do. A lot of the time when we play games against other MLS teams we are looking at their players as much as we are looking at our own."
Chicago Fire Academy Player Development Update
The Chicago Fire U.S. Soccer Development Academy squads went 1-1-0 against local foe Sockers FC Saturday at the Toyota Park practice field.


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More than 60 productions registered with the N.C. Film Office this year
North Carolina's film and television industry had one of its most successful years ever in 2013 with productions spending at least $254 million statewide, according to projections released by the Governor's Office on Tuesday.
During the calendar year, more than 60 productions – including film, television and commercials – registered with the N.C. Film Office. Collectively, the projects compiled nearly 5,700 production days across 30 of the state's 100 counties, according to the release.
Aaron Syrett, director of the NC Film Office said Tuesday that the numbers generated for the report were "very conservative projections" based on the information gathered from intent-to-film forms each production completes before filming begins.
"It is important to have these numbers early (because) they let us know how are markets are growing or declining," Syrett added.
The release calculated more than 4,000 "well-paying crew positions" were created this year. In total, about 25,000 job opportunities were available, including roles for background actors.
A rise in television production is responsible for a large chunk of the reported spending amount. Fox's fall hit "Sleepy Hollow," summer's no. 1 series "Under the Dome" and HBO's final season of "Eastbound and Down" were all along the series that filmed in Wilmington this year. Showtime's Emmy-winning crime drama "Homeland," shot in Charlotte, also contributed to the figure.
Syrett said he expects the $254 million figure to increase once the productions are audited and the final figures are released in May. At that time, numbers for each individual production will be available.
It is unclear how the report will affect the ongoing fight to keep the state's film industry tax incentive, which gives qualifying productions a 25-percent tax credit for money spent on certain services in the state. The incentive is set to expire at the end of 2014 and will be a key issue at the next state legistive session in May.
But Witt Tuttle, acting assistant secretary of Division of Tourism, said the report demonstrates the impact of the industry on the state.
"It is a big industry and an important industry," Tuttle said. "The question now is how best to support the industry and the state at the same time."
Hunter Ingram: 343-2327
On Twitter: @WilmonFilm


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Car Review
2012 Porsche Panamera: New Car Review
Pros: Mid- and upper-end models offer astounding performance; surprising rear passenger and cargo volume; Hybrid version offers 30 mpg highway.
Cons: Bubble-back styling isn't for everyone; options costs accumulate quickly; segment offers compelling competitors
The Porsche Panamera hit the market in 2009 and was hailed as a novel-if controversial-sedan from the manufacturer who banked their reputation on sports cars. Although Porsche's gamble on the SUV market proved successful (and led to the recently announced Macan, a smaller spinoff of the Cayenne), the Panamera sedan received a mixed reception, largely due to its bulbous styling and unlikely launch amidst a global recession.
History, at least so far, has been kind to the Porsche Panamera. As of spring 2012, no fewer than eight variants of the high-end sedan have become available: base ($75,200), 4 ($79,800), S ($90,300), 4S ($95,200), GTS ($109,900), S Hybrid ($95,000), Turbo ($136,700), and Turbo S ($173,200). And while the Panamera's look barely differs between models, the specifications are staggeringly different: the base model can hit 60 mph in a respectable six seconds flat, while the quickest, the Turbo S, achieves that speed in a supercar-like 3.6 seconds.
It may be an affront to purists who believe the Porsche crest should only grace highly focused, two-seater sports cars, but the Panamera has succeeded by attracting new buyers to the marque and offering a benchmark in the hotly contested high-end sports sedan field.
Comfort & Utility
Porsche has long espoused a "form follows function" design philosophy, and the Panamera is no exception. With a greenhouse that is rounded to maximize interior volume, its exceptional headroom was reputedly ordained by former Porsche CEO Wendelin Wiedeking, who demanded that the sedan's back seats accommodate his six-foot-two-inch frame. With a coupelike center console that bisects the length of the cabin, the rear quarters aren't exactly sprawling-and it only accommodates two-but there is an overall feeling of airiness thanks to the tall roofline.
Despite its sedan layout, the Panamera shares some elements with crossover vehicles that have elevated profiles for greater cargo capacity. An automatic liftgate is standard, and roof-mounted hinges enable a large aperture for loading large objects, making the Panamera more of a plus-size hatchback than a traditional three-box sedan. The trunk offers comparable storage volume to the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and the BMW 7 Series, but when the rear seats are folded down, an expansive 44.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity becomes available.
The seats are supportive and sporty but comfortable enough for long drives, and front occupants are treated to the cabin's focal point: a button-intensive console that has slowly made its way into the rest of the Porsche lineup. While it may not be the most pared down design, the feature is distinctive, stylish, and easy enough to acclimate to- and given the proclivities for Porsche customers to stray off the beaten path, that's certainly not a bad thing.
Porsche is an engineering-focused company, and in keeping with that, the Panamera offers a wide array of cutting edge features in unexpected places. For instance, optional bi-xenon headlights in black ($1,345) not only incorporate an auto-leveling and washing system, they have static and dynamic cornering abilities and speed-sensitive headlight range control. Auto start/stop engine technology works with the seven-speed dual-clutch transmission to optimize fuel economy, while adjustable suspension dampers are available for $1,990. Auto-leveling air suspension can be had for $3,980, while an active anti-roll system with torque vectoring adds $5,000 to the MSRP.
Available creature comforts are also tech-heavy. A 16-speaker, 1,000-plus watt Burmester sound system is one of the finest available in any production car, and runs a steep $5,890. Rear multimedia entertainment via two seven-inch color touchscreens is available for $2,990.
Each tier of engine is packed with techy features, from VarioCam Plus variable valve timing to the Turbo S's special titanium/aluminum turbine wheels, which allow for quicker response time and help produce 553 lb-ft of torque during brief periods of overboost. Ceramic brakes are also available for $8,520, offering fade-free, track-ready stopping capabilities for the most demanding (and deep pocketed) drivers.
Performance & Fuel Economy
Thanks to the extensive use of aluminum for weight savings, the Panamera lineup manages to walk the tightrope between high performance and relatively low fuel consumption. Not one Panamera model is subject to gas guzzler tax.
Although the base V6 model achieves a decent 18/27 mpg, good numbers for a large sedan capable of 160 mph, the Panamera S Hybrid bests that by hitting 60 mph in 5.7 seconds-3/10 of a second quicker than the V6 model-and returning 22/30 mpg. The hybrid's win/win of performance and fuel economy may not justify its $19,800 premium, but it could be a no-brainer for many a spendy Porschephile, who will also likely fall for the plug-in hybrid when it reaches the U.S. market in 2014.
The GTS's 430-horsepower V8 enables a 4.3-second 0-to-60-mph time, but for truly blistering performance, look no further than the Turbo and Turbo S models, which produce 500 and 550 hp respectively and are capable of launching the four-seater to 60 mph in 4.0 and 3.6 seconds. Both models return 23 mpg on the highway.
The Porsche Panamera incorporates eight airbags for upper body, knee and side protection. Optional rear side airbags use a roll sensor that activates curtain airbags and belt latch tensioners.
The Panamera's body structure incorporates strong boron alloy and multiphase steel into the passenger cell for sturdiness. Up front, a longitudinal and crossbar structure absorbs energy using two different load paths, which helps protect the interior in the event of an accident. Also shielding the footwell is a stainless steel structure prepared using a special process involving high-pressure molding.
Other safety features include standard park assist, available adaptive headlights, traction control and stability control and active all-wheel drive.
Driving Impressions
It may be a large sedan with an imposing footprint, but twist the ignition key with your left hand in Porsche's Le Mans-inspired tradition, and the Panamera takes on the personality of a sports car.
Everything starts with the oversize centrally positioned tachometer. Its orange needle implicitly suggests that engine rpm is of more immediate concern than vehicle velocity. Get the thing going, and the steering feels direct and responsive, making the Panamera feel smaller than it should given its outside dimensions. Handling is intuitive and responsive-and grippier than any sedan has a right to be. It won't be confused with a Boxster, but the Panamera's ability to address the road belies its heft in a way that validates Porsche's reputation as an engineering company first and a car manufacturer second.
How fast will the Panamera take you? The answer varies dramatically depending on your budget: with a $98,000 price differential between the base V6 model and the Turbo S, acceleration ranges from adequate to breathtaking. Put this way, the top-tier Panamera model is a full second faster to 60 mph than the base model 911 Carrera. Now that's impressive.
Other Cars to Consider
Aston Martin Rapide - Starting at $207,895, the British-built Rapide is pricier than the Panamera, but it's also a rarer, more delicately appointed and more exotic 2+2 as well. And while the Panamera's back seat has coupelike styling affectations, it's considerably more spatially generous than the unapologetically snug rear quarters of the Rapide. The Aston Martin's V12 makes all the right sounds, and its sumptuous curves exude a far sexier flair, but die-hard drivers will prefer the Porsche's purposeful sense of function and performance.
Audi A8 - The Audi A8 4.2 Quattro starts at $78,750. The long-wheelbase L variant brings the price up to $84,700, and the $133,500 W12 6.3 model packs a 500-hp 12-cylinder engine for top-level performance. It may lack some of the feedback and feel of Porsche's bubbly sedan, but the Audi excels in interior design and high-end details. We expect the A8 to attract buyers more concerned about enjoying creature comforts and a lavish interior than the more driver-oriented Panamera.
Maserati Quattroporte - Propelled by a 4.7-liter V8 and available in S form with 434 hp ($127,250) or as a Sport GT S with 444 hp ($135,200), the Maserati Quattroporte is a more sensual choice that's philosophically closer to the Aston Martin Rapide than to the Panamera. A bit long in the tooth-the current model was first introduced in 2004-the Quattroporte may not come close to the Panamera's performance level or degree of tech savvy, but it does offer a style treatment that's arguably more elegant than the humpback Panamera.
AutoTrader Recommends
The Porsche Panamera comes in so many variants, all good, that the choice is up to your appetite for speed and the amount you're willing to pay for it.


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About this Business
- HoursSun10:00 AM - 9:00 PMMon-Fri9:00 AM - 10:00 PMSat9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
From Our Editors
Tan Pro USA has been compensating for the less-than-ideal latitudinal coordinates of Ohio since 1998. It was then that they opened their first tanning outpost furnished with 30 UV beds, and they have since expanded operations to 43 stores throughout the state. They stock each location with ample tanning units, rendering appointments an archaic formality equivalent to gifting a sheep to your defense lawyer. After customers stroll in, they can slide into an Ergoline 1100, which boasts four ultra-performance facial tanners and two high-pressure shoulder tanners. Staffers advise which lotions enhance traditional tanning results along with explaining the benefits of the UV-free VersaSpa spray-tan booths. Harnessing infrared heat, VersaSpa booths impart a glow to entire physiques or targeted trouble areas, such as the inside of the armpits.


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Simple Multiplication
by Henry E. Dudeney
The number 142,857 shown in the
diagram can be multiplied by 3 in an unusual but yet simple way. All
that is necessary is to move the 1 to the other end of the row, and
the thing is done. The answer is 428,571.
It is known there is a number that, when multiplied by 3 and divided
by 2, the answer will be the same as if we moved the first digit
(which in this case is to be a 3) from the beginning of the row to the
end. Can you guess how many digits this number consists of? Don't be
surprised by looking at the solution!
Step Through:


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Ive not seen much talk about double counter pets, but I could be interested in seeing what people have found or use:
Dragonkin counter:
Undead takes less damage from dragons and only one Ive seen with humanoid attacks is Scourged Whelpling
Humanoid counter:
Beasts takes less damage from humanoids, and out of the grubs with undead attacks Mr. Grubbs seems to be the overall best one to milk the undead attack.
Undead counter:
Aquatics takes less damage from undead, and from what Ive noticed frogs is those with critter attacks. But with tonguelash requiring high speed to work consistently, Leopard Tree Frog seems the definite choice with its 325 speed.
Magic counter:
Mechanicals take less damage from magic, and the only mech with dragonkin damage is Mechanical Pandaren Dragonling
Critter counter:
Humanoids take less damage from critters, and while theres a few humanoids with beast attacks, I feel Curious Wolvar Pup really stands out as a critter mauler.
Aquatic counter:
Magic pets take less damage from aquatics, and only one with flying damage afaik is Jade Owl
Elemental counter:
Critters take less damage from elemental, and snails in particular have a nasty aquatic attack to hurt elementals. Like a breed 6 Shimmershell Snail
Mechanical counter:
Mechs stand out as having a singular hard counter in elementals that both takes less damage from them as well hurting them with elemental attacks. I am fond of Elementium Geode with its combo of crystal overload and stone rush.
Flying counter:
Dragonkin takes less damage from flyers, and while there is a lot of dragons with magic attacks to hurt flyers. I find that Chrominius stands out with his 1shotting potential from Howl+Surge of Power
Beast Counter:
Fliers take less damage from beasts, while they are hurt by mechanical attacks. Only pet with such a combo is unfortunately the Dragon Kite tcg pet as far I know.
What other pets would you folks think of note for this list? Though I would say it makes a quite good core for any prospective pet battler looking to make solid teams.


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Food Production Operations Are Waking Up to Breakfast Trends
Chasing consumer demands means automating with flexibility.
Why should a plant manager care about the trendy new food he saw on a cable show last night? Because it could end up in the R&D lab tomorrow and in his own plant's machinery shortly thereafter. While some trendy dishes are flashes in the pan, the ones that aren't can end up affecting factors from machinery design and selection to plant productivity and throughput.
How might your plant be affected by the demand for hand-held sandwiches? What if instead of bread, biscuits or bagels, marketing says you need to make pancakes or waffles? If the traditional oil in the formula is replaced by a trans fat-free one, what will that do to your machines? Likewise, changes in how you make potatoes, mini muffins, cereals or anything can mean an upgrade to your equipment and processes.
The flexibility to adapt to ever-changing trends is a key competitive attribute of your plant if it's to keep track with consumer demand and the flood of new products you may be asked to retool for tomorrow.
Top chefs, fast feeders
"Fast feeders" are driving breakfast trends, owing to that product category's treatment as a day-part, not exclusively an early-morning meal. Major chains not only put lots of effort in coming up with compelling new products; they also put the marketing muscle behind new launches, adding a significant chunk of business for the processors chosen to produce them.
Tapping trends is seldom revolutionary. Some of the biggest growth areas for breakfast foods this year "aren't all that new," says Bob Goldin, executive vice president at consulting firm Technomic (www.technomic.com), Chicago, because many have been on the horizon for at least a few years.
"About 80 percent of our business is with the food manufacturers or processors. And most of what they develop, especially for breakfast, is largely driven by the restaurant chains," says Goldin.
And what do the big chains want? "Those chains are continuing to look for products that fit consumer needs for portability, for value, for good taste and health. That's what consumers seem to be looking for in the breakfast day-part."
While retail grocery and frozen sales are relatively flat, foodservice is where the action is, he says. "There have been innovations with breakfast fast sandwiches in the retail chains, but they're not setting the world on fire," Goldin says. So processors continue to pursue high-volume, national foodservice account opportunities for muffins, bakery items, proteins and breakfast items across the board.
As breakfast outperforms the overall food industry, fast feeders drive new breakfast sandwiches, yogurt parfaits, meal-replacing smoothies and oatmeal. Most of these product concepts started in McDonald's and Starbucks.
So where do they get their ideas from? Top chefs at a world-renowned eateries such as French Laundry or Alinea or Noma. If one creates a hit using lingonberries, "for all we know, we could see lingonberries on the breakfast menu at McDonald's next year," says Leith Steele, senior account manager for Andrew Freeman & Co. (www.afandco.com), San Francisco. And then? An explosion of lingonberries first in gourmet stores and then larger grocery chains over the next year or two.
Steele's firm predicted potatoes would be huge trend for 2011 and 2012, expanding product ideas to let dining customers get customized cuts, mix-ins, dips or toppings. Likewise for hash-slingers, for whom "My Roasted Potatoes" could be the next big thing for custom mix-ins of sausage and more.
She also says that "breakfast any time of day" will grow, as will sandwiches using biscuits or even savory sandwiches using waffles, french toast or bread pudding with ham or other breakfast meats.
Somewhere in between the fast food giants and the grocery stores is a lucrative niche especially for some former commissary operations. Lord knows, they're not making airline food anymore, but the same operations are assembling products, for all day parts, at convenience stores.
C-store work has picked up so much that "many are looking at automating and making mechanical operations out of what was done by hand," says Bob Grote, pres./CEO of Grote Co. (www.grotecompany.com), a Columbus, Ohio, maker of slicer/applicator and sandwich automation equipment.
"Customers have asked for conveyors to assemble sandwiches – they have to be flexible enough to handle different sandwiches and have a clean-in-place belt – maybe depositors to add cream cheese or condiments or sauces," he continues. "A little automation can save incredible time and manpower on lines that used to have a dozen or 15 people assembling different parts of a meal."
At the end of last year, Grote debuted a horizontal bread cutter, a dual-lane, stainless steel unit designed to horizontally cut virtually all types of fresh sandwich breads and rolls, including croissants, breakfast biscuits, bagels, submarine buns and Panini. The cutter easily transfers the breads or rolls to a sandwich conveyor to continue the assembly process in automated or semi-automated fashion.
At the end of the line, packaging is moving toward automated "butcher paper-style" wrapping, not foodservice film or shrink-wrap, "because paper wrapping looks like it was applied in the convenience store by hand, rather than at some factory," Grote says.
And it's not just the C-stores. Higher-end grocery stores that are doing a good fresh breakfast or sandwich business also are looking at automating their in-store processes, he adds.
For every new size and shape of food, there's a machine. Robert Reiser (www.reiser.com), Canton, Mass., has seen an "an uptick in machines used to portion and form potato products," says John McIsaac, vice president of strategic business development.
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Hagel seeks answers to military ethics crisis
WASHINGTON (AP) — Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel said Friday he sees no simple answer to why the U.S. military is suffering so many ethical lapses, but he vowed to get to the bottom of a trend of embarrassing disclosures.
He told a Pentagon news conference that even with an accumulating tide of reports of generals and admirals abusing their positions and facing an array of accusations of unethical behavior, the moral fiber of the military remains strong.
"But some of our people are falling short of these high standards and expectations," Hagel said.
Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel announces some personal changes, Friday, Feb. 7, 2014, during a briefing at the Pentagon. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)
Just in the last few weeks the Air Force and the Navy have disclosed investigations of cheating on tests by officers and sailors involved in nuclear operations. The Air Force also is pursuing a drug use investigation, and sexual assault and harassment cases have surfaced across the services.
"Competence and character are not mutually exclusive," Hagel said. "They are woven together. They must be. And an uncompromising culture of accountability must exist at every level of command."
Hagel said he doesn't know the full dimensions of the problem, which has been growing in visibility for more than a year and was a point of emphasis by his predecessor, Leon Panetta.
"I think we need to find out, Is there a deep, wide problem? If there is, then what's the scope of that problem? How did this occur? Was it a constant focus of 12 years on two long land wars, taking our emphasis off some of these other areas? I don't know. We intend to find out," Hagel said.
Hagel said he would assign a senior general to his staff soon to coordinate with the military services their plans for attacking the problem of ethical lapses.
Separately, Hagel announced that President Barack Obama has nominated Robert Work to be deputy secretary of defense, replacing Ashton Carter. Carter resigned in December. Work is a retired Marine officer and currently the chief executive officer of the Center for a New American Security, a Washington think tank.
Sorry we are not currently accepting comments on this article.


text: Watson Realty Corp's Homes For Sale Application, Powered by Smarter Agent, obtains your location and instantly returns information about all the homes for sale around you. When available it uses GPS already in your cell phone, or you can search by address, city, community or zip code. This user-friendly application can really help you in your property search. Download Watson Realty Corp's Homes For Sale Application to have all the real estate information you need in the palm of your hand.


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Product 2/5
Donate to our school project and receive a thank-you card with a photo of some of the children, as well as a free gift from A Thread of Hope.
Our part of this project is contributing to the operating expenses of the intermediate school in El Triunfo, Solola, Guatemala. Once these expenses are covered, we will purchase school supplies for the children attending the same school.
Another friend of Asociacion Maya, Ken McGuffin in Toronto, has been raising money to pay the operating expenses and various capital expenses for a new intermediate school (Basico) in El Triunfo, Solola, Guatemala, the rural community with the largest number of Asociacion Maya co-op members. Beginning in January 2008, the current elementary school building began to be used in the afternoon for the new intermediate school.
Education opportunities for the children in the villages are limited. The publicly funded school in the village only covers grades one to six. Few children go beyond grade six since they must pay for further education, including transportation, books, supplies, uniform and some or all of the tuition. It is a cost that few of the families can afford. Many children leave school because they see no hope for being able to continue past grade six.
In 2007 Ken raised money to provide scholarships to six children to attend 7th and 8th grades at a school outside the village -- a small fraction of the students who are eager to learn more. In 2008 Ken and I worked with the development committee (part of the community council in the village of El Triunfo) to look at plans for providing additional educational opportunities in the village.
It cost approximately $27,000 to set up the school with equipment including student desks, office equipment, and blackboards, and to pay for teacher salaries plus the salary for a director and a secretary. Fifteen computers were purchased for a student computer lab. An additional $3,000 pays for scholarships for six students studying outside of the community.
The project has no religious or political agenda. We are simply providing the resources to enable a community to provide better educational opportunities for their children.
Please consider the school project in your charitable giving. Also consider making a contribution in lieu of or in addition to giving holiday presents this year.
For US residents: Make a tax-deductible donation by sending a check with A Thread of Hope School in the memo line, made out to UCDF (UPAVIM Community Development Foundation) to Barb Lorraine, 808 E. 23rd St., Bryan, TX 77803. A tax receipt will be mailed to you. Thank you to UPAVIM Community Development Foundation for agreeing to pass on 100% of donations to the school project!
If you do not need a tax deduction, you can click on Support Our Projects and donate via credit card, or send a check made out to A Thread of Hope, with School in the memo line and mail it to A Thread of Hope, P.O. Box 1764, Brookline, MA 02446-0014.
For Canadian residents who want to donate: The school is an official project of the Social Justice Committee of Bloor Street United Church. Visit the churchs page at CanadaHelps.org at http://www.canadahelps.org/CharityProfilePage.aspx?CharityID=s1844. Click on Donate Now and select Guatemalan Projects McGuffin under Funds. You can also send a cheque payable to Bloor Street United Church. To Ken McGuffin, Manager, Media Relations, Rotman School of Management, University of Toronto, 105 St. George Street, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3E6
Please e-mail or call with any questions. Thank you so much for your support!


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Stanford Law Review Online: Privacy and Big Data
The Stanford Law Review Online has just published a Symposium of articles entitled Privacy and Big Data.
Although the solutions to many modern economic and societal challenges may be found in better understanding data, the dramatic increase in the amount and variety of data collection poses serious concerns about infringements on privacy. In our 2013 Symposium Issue, experts weigh in on these important questions at the intersection of big data and privacy.
Read the full articles, Privacy and Big Data at the Stanford Law Review Online.


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Death notice published Jan. 21, 2013 in The Mexico Ledger
Evalena "Bunny" Reagan, 73, of rural Montgomery City, died at 8:43 a.m. on Sunday, Jan. 20, 2013, at her home after a lengthy illness.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, at the Schlanker Funeral Home in Montgomery City. Burial will be in the Montgomery City Cemetery.
Visitation is from 3 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.
Condolences may be made to www.schlankerfuneralhome.com.


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product description
Related Products:
O'Malley, Daniel
Wood - Oak
Maker: Daniel O'Malley (click to see more by this maker)
Item num: 91585
*** This is handmade and one-of-a-kind ***Blade length: 12.00 in.Total length: 17.25 in.Blade height (at heel): 1.58 in.Blade thickness (near bolster): 0.08 in.Item weight: 10.32 oz.
Description: This is a rehandle job that was done for a customer on Kitchen Knife Forums. The customer sent in a really beautiful stabilized oak burl slab of wood and asked that I clean up the blade and rehandle it to make it a bit more dramatic. He wanted me to keep the handle fairly true to the original Foster Brothers handle, but make it a bit more round.
The blade needed quite a bit of cleanup. Someone had taken it to a grinder at some point and so there were marks along the blade. I reground and satin finished the blade, keeping as much of the maker's mark as possible. I was really pleased that the mark was nearly unaffected. I left the last hints of divots left behind from oxidation� we didn't want to make this look like a new knife! While I was working on the blade, I decided to round the spine and sharpen it so that it would be ready to go.
Once the original handle slabs were off, there was a bunch of rust underneath. I cleaned that off so that the handle wouldn't rust from the inside, though we wanted to keep the tang solid to help balance the weight of the long blade. The handle kept the rectangular shape of the Foster Bros. knife. The customer didn't want sculpting, other than to make it rounded. I left the handle relatively robust, since this is a knife style that tends to be used for a long time. To my hand, it was a pretty perfect size. I chose brass hidden bolt rivets and a central mosaic rivet that combined brass and copper. I felt this went well with the natural tones of the stabilized oak burl.
Availability: Not currently available


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|Kyle Busch Wins ISM Connect 300
|Modified Season Sweep for Santos
|Bell Wins UNOH 175 Truck Series Race
|Mile Kyle: Busch Takes Pole for ISM Connect 300
|Short Track Extravaganza Set for Sept. 2018
|New England Themed Going Away Gift for Junior
July Race Dedicated to First Responders
Before 2012 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race winner Kasey Kahne was recently put to the test with local firefighters in Concord, N.H., New Hampshire Motor Speedway vice president and general manager Jerry Gappens made a special announcement regarding the July 13 Camping World RV Sales 301.
"We are using the platform of the largest sporting event in New England to increase the awareness of the survivors and of those who protect and serve all of our communities," said Gappens, who declared that the Camping World RV Sales 301 will be dedicated to the men and women who lay it on the line every day. "It is our honor to be a part of this."
For the second straight season, Gappens has reached out to corporate sponsors to buy tickets to allow first responders and their families to come to the race. Last year, over $10,000 in first responder tickets were donated from corporate sponsors.
The events of the last few months are a heartbreaking reminder of the sacrifices made by our first responders. Brentwood Officer Stephen Arkell, Firefighter Michael R. Kennedy and Lieutenant Edward J. Walsh Jr. of the Engine 33 Boston Fire Dept., laid down their lives for the safety and well-being of our New England community.
Our speedway operations rely on the rapid response of men and women like these. All lay it on the line to keep the drivers and fans safe. On a given NASCAR weekend, including the upcoming July 13 Camping World RV Sales 301, the speedway have close to 600 first responders on property who help protect the competitors and fans on-track, pit road, garage areas, grandstands and camping and parking lots:
- Just under 150 firefighters and fire marshal investigators
- Just under 250 fire extinguishers
- More than 100 local and state police officers
- More than 70 EMTs and paramedics
"Race weekend could not happen without our first responders," said Gappens. "This is our way and our corporate sponsors' way of saying, 'thank you for all you do.' "
To purchase tickets to the July Camping World RV Sales 301 or September SYLVANIA 300 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series weekends, please stop by our Ticket Office, visit the speedway website at www.nhms.com, or call our Ticket Hotline at (603) 783-4931.


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PHILADELPHIA — One second Milan Lucic saw his center David Krejci get leveled by Mike Richards at the Boston blue line, and the next the Bruins left winger saw the puck heading toward the Philadelphia blue line for a scoring opportunity.
A multi-faceted threat like Lucic, who's expected to provide both scoring and toughness, obviously faced a dilemma at a critical juncture of the first period of Wednesday night's Game 3 of the Eastern Conference semifinal series with the Flyers.
Lucic opted to go for the puck, rather than try to make Richards pay physically. One won race and a perfect feed to a streaking Miroslav Satan later, Satan had a goal and the Bruins had a 2-1 lead they never relinquished.
"There was kind of two scenarios that you can do. Obviously, you can go and fight the guy. I noticed it was an opportunity where we had a 2-on-1 and looking back it was probably it was probably the better decision to go and get that goal to be up 2-1," said Lucic today at Wachovia Center, where the Bruins mostly took the day off in preparation for Friday's Game 4. "So it was just something that I just went with my instincts and saw the opportunity that we could capitalize on and we did.
"It was a good way to swing back the momentum after a big play like that."
Considering Lucic's rough reputation, and all the ridicule the team endured just two months ago about not retaliating for Matt Cooke's hit on Marc Savard, Lucic's decision was probably more difficult than under different circumstances. But in his mind, he was thinking with a playoff frame of mind, as opposed to how he would've responded in the regular season.
"Obviously, you never want to see a key guy on your team go down like that. It was a clean hit, so you can't say too much bad about it. The shoulder was down. It was a clean hit, obviously. Worse scenario came out for Krech," said Lucic about his teammate who is done for the season after surgery for a dislocated wrist. "But it is different [than in the regular season], obviously, because it is playoff hockey where you don't want to put your team down with a five-minute penalty or an instigator that you can get yourself out of the game for 17 minutes."
The Bruins can't afford to lose any player for any amount of non-injury-related time, so Lucic's response was right. He made the Flyers pay the best way possible.


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Adoption & Foster Care
Site containing articles, discussion forums and links to blogs on a variety of aspects of adoption.
Adoption S.T.A.R. (Support, Training, Advocacy & Resources)
Williamsville-based New York State Authorized Non-Profit Agency which assists both adoptive and birth parents.
Child Welfare Information Gateway - Adoption
This site from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services offers a variety of information on all aspects of adoption.
Children Awaiting Parents (CAP)
This Western New York based organization's mission is to recruit foster and adoptive families across the U.S. for children who have been waiting the longest for a family.
New York State Adoption Service
This site, from the New York State Office of Children and Family Services, allows potential adoptive parents to search for children available for adoption and locate answers to many faqs.
New York State Office of Children and Family Services
Locate information on foster care such as requirements for parents, publications, forms, faqs, testimonials, health services, websites and more.
U.S. Department of State – Intercountry Adoption
Locate general adoption information from the U.S. Department of State using an alphabetical list of foreign countries around the world.


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Car Review
2014 Kia Forte: Real World Review
The 2014 Kia Forte has been totally redesigned in hopes of capturing a larger number of shoppers interested in a compact car. It boasts new styling, a new interior, new powertrains and a long list of available equipment, all intended to move the compact sedan from an also-ran to class leader. So how did Kia do? We spent a week behind the wheel of a well-equipped Forte EX to find out.
Impressive Equipment
You couldn't ride in or drive our Forte EX test car and not be impressed by its wide range of equipment. The sticker price on our car was around $25,000, a figure that included two packages: the Premium Package and the Technology Package. Both delivered exactly what they promised.
The Technology Package features a navigation system to go along with Kia's excellent UVO infotainment system. The system was highly intuitive, and we very much appreciated it, but we were more taken with other Technology Package highlights, including xenon headlights, LED taillights and dual-zone climate control. Not many cars in this class offer all of that equipment.
Opt for the Premium Package, which our test car also included, and you'll be surrounded by some truly high-end luxury equipment. How many compact cars can say that they boast front parking assist? Or a ventilated driver's seat? Or a heated steering wheel? Our Forte test car impressed us with all of those items and many more features once considered to be reserved for luxury vehicles.
Powertrain Pros and Cons
Everyone appreciated the get-up-and-go of the Forte's 173-horsepower, 2.0-liter 4-cylinder. In fact, we strongly recommend that drivers opt for the Forte EX, if only to get this engine. That's because the base-level Forte LX includes a 148-hp 1.8-liter, which seems a bit taxed in some driving conditions. With the 2.0-liter powerplant, our staffers saw fuel economy between 27 to 30 miles per gallon in city and highway driving, excellent figures that stand on the high end of the Environmental Protection Agency's 21 mpg city/29 mpg hwy rating.
The only problem? Nearly everyone complained about the Forte's engine noise. While the engine didn't feel rough, it certainly sounded louder than the powertrains in rival vehicles, especially at idle. It wouldn't be enough to make us avoid the Forte, but it is an issue worth mentioning.
On the Road
Of course, the Forte isn't all about powertrain and equipment. We really enjoyed the sedan's driving characteristics, and nearly every staffer was impressed by the direct feel of the Forte's steering. It's come a long way from Kia models in years past, where steering could be numb and unpleasant. We also appreciated the Forte's composure over bumps, potholes and various other challenges of day-to-day driving. The smooth ride is especially a big deal in the compact car world, where many automakers save money by skimping on ride quality. Not so in the Forte.
Our Take
In the end, we were highly impressed by the 2014 Kia Forte. Generally speaking, the sedan's driving experience is excellent, as is its 2.0-liter engine. Our only gripe is engine noise, but we can live with it, especially as we're enjoying the long list of equipment ranging from the Forte's cooled driver's seat to its heated steering wheel and Kia's useful UVO infotainment system.
Would we consider the Forte to be the best car in the compact sedan class? Possibly, though we'd urge drivers to check out the Dodge Dart and the latest Mazda3 before reaching a conclusion. Either way, we recommend the Kia Forte over more popular compacts like the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla.


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WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2011 will empower players more than ever to define their destiny and gameplay experiences in a dynamic and ever-changing WWE. Along the way, your decisions will decide gameplay scenarios, allowing for more spontaneous WWE action in and out of the ring. Enjoy a greater level of interactivity that allows you to customize your WWE experience and control your destinies in all-new Road to WrestleMania story-driven campaigns.
You've seen the Superstars' greatest moments on WWE programming. You've shared them and lived through them on television, on the web, and at the arenas. Now, it's time for you to define your ultimate WWE moment, in the most interactive experience in the WWE Universe. This is your moment.
Also known as: WWE SmackDown 2011, WWE SmackDown versus Raw 2011, WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2011 Featuring ECW
Release Region: United States
Release Date: October 26, 2010
Publisher: THQ
Release Region: United Kingdom
Release Date: October 29, 2010
Publisher: THQ
Release Region: Japan
Release Date: February 3, 2011
Publisher: THQ
Release Region: Australia
Release Date: October 21, 2010
Publisher: THQ
Also available on: PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, Wii, Xbox 360
WWE SmackDown vs. Raw ... at IGN
WWE SmackDown vs. Raw ... at GameSpy
WWE SmackDown vs. Raw ... at GameStats


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ENGLEWOOD, Colo.—Smashburger's founder is launching yet another new fast-casual restaurant concept, this time centered on customized, oven-baked pizzas made and served within minutes of ordering.
Live Basil Pizza already plans more outlets following its opening Thursday in the Denver area. In a setup similar to Chipotle Mexican Grill, customers go through a line choosing what ingredients they want on their thin-crust pizzas before the dough goes in an oven that can cook a pizza in 150 seconds.
Co-founder Tom Ryan says he thinks fresh, fast pizzas made before a customer's eyes is where the market is heading. A handful of shops, including 800 Degrees in Los Angeles, have similar concepts. Plans for such a chain were announced previously under the name Honest Pizza.
Ryan and former Quiznos CEO Rick Schaden also recently launched Tom's Urban 24 in downtown Denver.


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Cowboys give Romo six-year extension
Irving, TX – The Dallas Cowboys signed quarterback Tony Romo to a blockbuster six-year extension on Friday.
According to multiple sources, the deal is worth $108 million with $55 million guaranteed. In addition, NFL.com reported that the pact includes a $25 million signing bonus. Romo receives more guaranteed money than the six-year, $120.6 million contract that Joe Flacco recently signed with the Baltimore Ravens.
Flacco, a Super Bowl champion, got $52 million in guarantees.
The deal makes Romo the highest paid player in franchise history. Romo will earn $11.5 million this season. The paper also stated that the new deal will reduce Romo's cap hit, which was slated to be $16.8 million in 2013.
"This is a significant day in terms of securing stability for our team for the future," Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said.
"Tony is uniquely qualified to lead this team at the quarterback position for the next several years. He has an abundance of experience and familiarity with our offensive philosophy, our head coach and the personnel around him. He is moving into a period of time where he can maximize all of his natural skills while continuing to build upon the talents that he has developed since entering the NFL. He has a proven-veteran-quarterback grasp of the intellectual side of the game. He knows how to run an offense and run a team. He knows how to win games and has done it in a lot of different settings and under a lot of difficult circumstances."
The 32-year-old Romo, who has just one postseason win in nine seasons, would have become an unrestricted free agent after the 2013 season.
Last year, Romo threw for a career-high 4,903 yards to go along with 28 touchdowns and 19 interceptions. However, his passer rating of 90.5 was the lowest of his career.
Romo, who joined Dallas in 2003, has completed 2,097 passes for 25,737 yards, 177 touchdowns and 91 interceptions in 121 career games.
Romo's lone playoff win came during the 2009 season, when he had a 104.9 rating in a 34-14 win over the Philadelphia Eagles in the first round.
"I want to thank the entire Jones family for believing and trusting in me to finish my career as a Dallas Cowboy," Romo said. "There will be no greater reward, besides winning a Super Bowl, than playing my entire career as a Dallas Cowboy.
"I am excited about the year ahead and some of the changes that we have made to allow us to be a better team going forward. This is an organization that always gives us a chance to win, and that is always the main focus here. We haven't had the type of success that we have all wanted the last few years, but I do know that we are on the verge of doing that. I have been around good teams and bad teams and our team is about to take that next step with a lot of things that are taking shape around Valley Ranch. Today just further instills that and I am excited about our team and the direction we are headed."


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I don't find it surprising at all if you consider what it takes to be an executive of a major corporation. A corporation, based on US law, is akin to a person (I disagree with this, but whatever...). A corporation's sole purpose in "life" is to create wealth for it's shareholders. Therefore, if a corporation was actually a human person, it would be one devoid of compassion, remorse or social empathy whose focus is only on money, i.e. a psychopath. In order to control a psychopath, one must also be a psychopath. And how easy it is to be a corporate psychopath when there are few if any legal punishments to correct your behavior.
This is why we have corporations responsible for polluting large amounts of public land, air and water. Responsible for poor product safety leaving tens of thousands of people dead in the name of profits (BP, GM, Pacific Gas and Electric, etc...)
Sure there are likely some unique cases, but I think that there is a disproportionate amount of psychopaths leading corps as compared to how many there are in general society.
Corporate executives are essentially the "brain" of a corporation. Corporations don't control themselves. In order to control a corporation, your main goal has to be profits. Maximizing profit is how you get to become a corporate executive. Even the most "moral" executives often cut corners on community benefits to maximize profits.
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Before Atha Vermillion started running in 2008, she couldn't even last for a half-mile.
"I had my fifth child in 2005 and had 50-pounds to lose," the Santa Rosa Beach resident said. "I was a little bit lost."
Now, five years later, she's a certified running coach through Road Runner's Club of America and training for the Tallahassee Ultra Marathon. This past October she ran the Chicago marathon. Needless to say, she's way past the half-mile mark.
"From that first day, I was hooked," said the 38-year-old.
After about seven months of running, Vermillion had shed her excess weight, has more energy and even more clarity, she recalls. But the benefits of running go beyond physical changes.
"Sometimes, it's therapy," she said. "I come up with some of my best ideas while running."
It wasn't long until she started to enter races and set bigger goals for herself.
"I signed up for my first 5K in October 2009," she said. "After that I told myself, �If I can run a 5K, then I can run a 10K� and so on. I'm a goal setter. Since my first day running, I wanted to get better. Now, I'm addicted."
After years of running races, Vermillion set a new goal for herself: to become a certified running coach.
"One of the reasons I wanted to become a trainer was because when I first started running I didn't know anything," she explained. "I wish there had been someone I could've looked to for advice, whether it's nutrition or properly fitted shoes. I want to help others."
This past August was a big month for Vermillion. She completed her training in New Orleans and became an official Road Runners Club of America Certified Coach and was also selected by Oiselle, a women's running apparel company, to run for their team.
While her latest venture as running coach is new, Vermillion said she is enjoying every minute of it.
"I love everything about it," she said. "My very first client � she hired me the day I was certified � never ran before and has already run two 5Ks in November. If you can put your mind to it, you can do it."
That first client would be Leisa Johnson. Before working with Vermillion, Johnson said she never ran. In fact, she hated it.
"I was terrified to run, but Atha made it less scary," she said. "She has really inspired me. I'm thinking of going for a 10K. It scares me, but it was scary when I first started running in September too.�
Vermillion's training varies with each client. Some are out of town, like one client who works offshore. Some prefer the Galloway run/walk method. No matter the situation, she has a plan for them � whether it's a one-time planning session or monthly services. Her current clients range from early 30s to mid-50s, new runners to seasoned marathoners.
"Whenever I get to see them cross that finish line, it feels like it's me," she said.
A great asset to her clients is Vermillion's understanding of balancing work, life and fitness. She talks the talk and walks the walk, or rather runs it.
"It's about support and understanding," she said. "I realize the struggle when the alarm goes off in the morning and you don't want to wake up."
Vermillion has no doubt that she will be running well into her golden years and beyond.
"There's a lady at my track club meet-up who just celebrated her 81st birthday. I will probably be that lady," Vermillion said with a smile. "Life is either a grand adventure or nothing at all. I never take one finish line for granted."
GET RUNNING: You can join Atha and fellow runners for a Monday run along 30A. The Run 30A group meets at 6 p.m. at Pizza by the Sea, every Monday and runs three-six miles. After the run, enjoy dinner with new friends as the restaurant offers discounts to everyone in the running group. For more information, or to learn more about Vermillion's training programs, visit www.runwithatha.com and www.facebook.com/runwithatha.


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Deeply Appley Apple Cake
February 13th, 2013 | Category: Cakes
How I wish "applest" was a word. There really is no better way to describe this apple cake. After considering several titles, some of which are bordering on outrageous, like "The Applest Apple Cake", "Ridiculously Appley Apple Cake", "Appleooza Cake", and the humble "Sweet & Sour Apple Bundt Cake", I've decided to name it Deeply Appley Apple Cake. And if you've ever tried Deeply Appley Apple Crumble from ...


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Due to the fast evolution of Web programming, the stateless nature of the HTTP protocol brought many problems to certain Web applications that required maintaining their state across several HTTP requests. This demanded a rapid development of several mechanisms aimed at tackling this issue through diverse methods.
Particularly, in the universe of PHP programming, session management emerged as a direct response to the above mentioned problem, and currently this mechanism is being used by PHP developers worldwide, in cases where a Web application needs to keep track of its "state" during the occurrence of different HTTP requests.
Whether you're a beginner developer or an experienced PHP programmer, it's quite probable you've already used some of the built-in functions included within the PHP session management module, when constructing user authentication systems, shopping carts or web-based email applications, to name a few illustrative cases.
Indeed, PHP sessions are very simple to use. They hide all the complexities inherent to where and how to store session data, and provide developers with a transparent mechanism for managing information that must persist or keep state even if different HTTP requests are triggered across the same Web application.
Since PHP sessions are one of those things that sooner or later you must learn as a PHP developer, in this article I shall provide an overview of them. I will begin with the basics of how to use them, highlighting their strong points and weaknesses, and finally explore some of their most advanced concepts. By the end of this series, you should have all the knowledge that you need to start using the most common PHP session management functions, so you can use them during the development of your own applications.
With the preliminaries out of the way, it's time to move on and start out exploring the features of the session management mechanism in PHP. Let's get going!{mospagebreak title=Working with persistent data: the basics of session management}
The first step involved in the use of PHP sessions is naturally indicating to the PHP interpreter that some kind of persistent data must be stored in the course of a session, in such a way that this data will maintain its value across different HTTP requests. How is this done? Basically, when a session is created, these are the key operations performed by the PHP session management mechanism:
- A cryptographic session identifier is created (known as the session ID), which is saved in the client in a cookie (this is the default behavior), or propagated by the URL as part of the query string (also known as URL propagation).
- Session data is stored on the server in text files (the default directory for storing session data is /tmp), but this behavior can be easily changed to save session data in shared memory or even database tables.
- The corresponding session ID is associated with saved session data, in this way providing a method for tying a particular user to this data.
Right, these are at least the basic operations performed internally by the PHP session module, when a new session is started. As you saw, they're very comprehensive.
Before I show you some illustrative hands-on examples, let me explain how session IDs are propagated across different HTTP requests. First off, the PHP session module uses cookies as the default way to propagate session IDs between different pages. Additionally, IDs can be propagated by GET/POST requests, by appending to each URL the name of the session together with the corresponding session ID. The following example shows how to pass a session ID between pages:
<a href="sesionscript.php?<?php echo 'PHPSESSID='.session_id()?
>">Click here
In addition, PHP offers the global constant SID, which can be used to propagate session IDs within the URL, as follows:
<a href="sesionscript.php?<?php echo SID?>">Click here
Finally, it's possible to propagate session IDs by using the powerful "URL rewrite" feature, which automatically parses relative URLs and includes the session ID as part of the querystring. To enable this handy feature, PHP must be configured with the "—enable-trans-id—option and then recompiled.
Having explained the different methods for propagating session IDs, here's a simple script that creates (or resumes) a session, and registers some data in the superglobal $_SESSION array:
// register session variables
// display session variables
echo 'My first name is '.$_SESSION['firstname'].' and my last
name is '.$_SESSION['lastname'];
As you can see, the above script is very simple. It first creates a new session or resumes an existing one by the "session_start()" function, and then stores my first and last names respectively as session data. As I explained before, if there is not a previous session, PHP will first generate a pseudo random session ID, then create a session file on the server using that ID, and save the serialized data in this file. In addition, the corresponding session ID will be stored in the client by using a cookie.
Of course, this sequence is the default behavior of the session module. However, as you'll see later on, this process can be entirely changed, in order to utilize either shared memory or database tables for storing session data.
Now, I'll continue exploring the PHP session module, by using some other interesting functions. Have a look at the following example, which uses the "session_id()" function:
echo 'Old session ID :'.session_id();
// generate a new session ID
echo 'New session ID: '.session_id();
In this case, after running the above script, these are the values outputted to the browser:
Old session ID :e0c9904e70f283343f5aba1bad09aa69
New session ID: b0169350cd35566c47ba83c6ec1d6f82
As shown above, the "session_id()" function comes in very handy either for retrieving the ID of the current session, or for generating a new session identifier. To increase the overall security of a session, generating a new ID sometimes can be quite useful, in order to avoid possible session ID interceptions from malicious users. In case you need to regenerate the ID of a current session, PHP also provides the "session_regenerate_id()" function, which can be used as follows:
echo 'Old session ID is '.$oldid;
echo 'New session ID is '.$newid;
And the corresponding output for this script would be similar to this:
Old session ID is 8245009bcf9e24a738804323e779a3b7
New session ID is 680ee3c504bdecaf270539b254dd97df
In this example, as its name suggests, the "session_regenerate_id()" function is used to generate a new ID for the current session, but the good thing is that session data is always maintained. This function is extremely useful for avoiding some issues related to session ID fixation, and should be utilized in order to increase the security of session handling scripts.
Now that you've learned how to use some helpful PHP session functions, handy for manipulating session IDs, it's time to leap forward and continue exploring other functions included within the session management module. Please keep on reading to learn more.
{mospagebreak title=Ending a session: using the "session_destroy()" function}
In many situations, the logic of a particular PHP application requires that a specific session be terminated. In order to end an active session, PHP includes the "session_destroy()" function, which as the name indicates, destroys all the data associated with the current session. It's worth noting that this function doesn't unset any of the global variables tied to the session or the respective cookie. The use of this function is exemplified below:
As I said before, calling the "session_destroy()" function doesn't delete the corresponding session variables or associated cookies. Thus a typical script, excerpted from the PHP manual, which destroys the current session along with all the session variables and the cookie associated to it, is listed below:
// destroy a session and all variables and cookies associated
with it.
$_SESSION = array();
setcookie(session_name(),", time()-48000,'/');
In the above example, all the session variables are unset by the line:
$_SESSION = array();
while the corresponding cookie is deleted by the following code:
setcookie(session_name(),", time()-48000,'/');
Additionally, all the registered session variables can be freed up with the "session_unset()" function. However, for a complete and secure deletion of the entire session, it's recommended to use the "session_destroy()" function in conjunction with the superglobal $_SESSION array and the "setCookie()" function, as shown in the example above.
Nevertheless, there are some extra issues worth considering when ending sessions. In case the session ID is transmitted by cookies, they will be deleted as soon as the browser is closed. Bearing in mind this condition, you should configure (when possible) the "gc_maxlifetime" and "gc_probability" directives of the php.ini file, in order to instruct PHP to trigger its garbage collection mechanism, in accordance with the requirements of the application being developed.
Fine, at this point, you hopefully learned how to create and destroy an active session. Therefore, let's move on to the next section and continue exploring a few more handy session functions.
{mospagebreak title=More session functions ahead: finding out the name of active sessions}
Just in case you didn't know, the PHP session module offers many other helpful functions that can be used for obtaining the values of specific parameters, which are included within the set of directives of the php.ini configuration file. However, let me first show you another illustrative example, which displays the name of an active session:
echo session_name(); // displays PHPSESSID
// generate new session name
session_name('NEW_SESSION_NAME'); //displays NEW_SESSION_NAME
echo session_name();
As shown in the above script, the name of a session can be obtained by using the "session_name()" function. Very similar to the "session_id()" function that I described a few lines above, this function returns the name of the active session or assigns a new name to it.
After running the previous snippet, the output I get on my browser is the following:
If a new session is started with the same browser or even with a different one, the value returned by the "session_name()" function (without passing any argument to it) will always be "PHPSESSID," because this is the default session name assigned in the php.ini configuration file.
Right, as you saw, the PHP session module exposes many interesting functions, either for retrieving or manipulating some parameters assigned as default values within the php.ini file. Keeping in mind this concept, join me in the next section to learn how these values can be used (or eventually changed) within your PHP scripts.
{mospagebreak title=Configuring the PHP session module: using some helpful session functions}
True to form, PHP also exposes a bunch of handy functions, aimed at returning and modifying some configuration parameters assigned as default values in the corresponding php.ini file. Over the next few lines, I'll provide an overview of some of them, so you can have a clear idea of the role they play within the overall PHP session management module.
My list of examples begins with the "session_cache_limiter()" function, which returns the current setting of the "session.cache_limiter" directive, included in the php.ini file:
echo session_cache_limiter(); // default value is 'nocache'
// set new cache limiter to 'public'
echo session_cache_limiter();
// set new cache limiter to 'private'
echo session_cache_limiter();
As shown above, the "session_cache_limiter()" function allows you to return or change the settings of the "session.cache_limiter" directive. This parameter controls how server responses will be cached by the browser, and its default value is "nocache." This means that any client/proxy caching process will be disabled by default in PHP.
On the other hand, if a value of "public" is assigned to this parameter, it will allow proxies and the client to cache content respectively. A value of "private" will disable caching by proxies, but enable caching by the client. As you may have guessed, all the cache directives are handled directly by the appropriate HTTP headers.
Now, it's time to have a look at another handy PHP session function, in this case "session_cache_expire()," which returns and eventually modifies the settings of the "session.cache_expire" directive:
echo session_cache_expire();// default value is 180 seconds.
// set new cache expire value
session_cache_expire(20); // set cache value to 20 seconds.
echo session_cache_expire();
The above example shows how to use the pertinent "session_cache_expire()" function. Of course this function should be utilized when cache is enabled, and its default value is 180 seconds. If a new setting is assigned to this directive (the example sets a new value of 20 seconds for caching contents), the current value will be replaced with the new one.
Eventually, if you're going to modify the "session.cache_expire" setting, keep in mind that the default value of 180 seconds is assigned to it with every new HTTP request, so you should change this directive each time a request is triggered and before calling the "session_start()" function.
Another helpful function that will allow you to modify the value assigned to PHP session storage modules is the "session_module_name()" function. In case you didn't know about this feature, PHP can be configured to use different storage modules. As you saw before, the default storage module is "files," but it's possible to modify this setting, in order to use shared memory, by assigning a value of "mm," or utilizing user-level callback functions, which are used in conjunction with the "session_set_save_handler()" function. For this last option, the assigned value should be "User."
Now, here's an example of how to use this function:
echo session_module_name().'
'; // default value is 'files'
// set new module name
echo session_module_name(); // displays 'user'
After demonstrating a simple implementation of the "session_module_name()" function, I'm going to finish (for the moment, so don't worry) the discussion of PHP session-related functions, by explaining the combination of "session_set_cookie_params()/ session_get_cookie_params()" functions. Here's a couple of examples that show how to use them:
In the above script, the "session_get_cookie_params()" function is used to return the settings of the following php.ini directives: "session.cookie_lifetime," "session.cookie_path," "session.cookie_domain" and "session.cookie_secure." And the output I get on my browser is listed below:
Array ( [lifetime] => 0 [path] => / [domain] => [secure] => )
As you can see, the above function returns nicely the values assigned to the php.ini entries that I mentioned before. Its counterpart, the "session_set_cookie_params()" function, should be used in the following way:
And the output would look similar to this:
Array ( [lifetime] => 3600 [path] => /cookiepath/ [domain] =>
mydomain.com [secure] => )
In this case, this function sets new values for the corresponding php.ini settings, which will only be valid during the execution of the script in question. Thus, if you need to keep the new assigned values across different HTTP requests, the function should be called each time a new request is made. Simple, right?
At this point, I provided you with a pretty educational overview of some of the most important PHP functions included within the session management module. However, if you're now thinking this is the end, I'm afraid you're wrong. There are still more topics to be covered related to PHP sessions, so be patient and read the upcoming articles.
To wrap up
In this first part of the series, I covered the basics of the PHP built-in session mechanism, as well as some of its many useful functions. However, as I said previously, I'm only scratching the surface of PHP sessions.
Over the next article, I'll explain a few additional PHP session functions, aimed at achieving a greater level of control over the entire session mechanism. Caught your interest? Fine, see you in the next part!