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Bigotry: The Dark Danger
A model of Muslim that incites wars in the name of Islam and that encourages killing and bloodshed leads some Christians and Jews to form an incorrect opinion regarding Islam. They imagine that the BIGOTED mindset that emerges in the name of Islam is true Islam. They do not know that this bloodthirsty system has nothing to do with the real Islam and is even a lifestyle diametrically opposed to it.
Some people imagine that various types who appear to be Muslims but who carry out actions that have no place in Islam and live within a mindset that totally conflicts with the spirit of the Qur'an are genuine representatives of Islam. As a result of that erroneous opinion, some of our Christian brothers in particular strongly oppose Islam and Muslims, regard them as a grave threat and prepare to fight against them. They attempt to equate the bloodthirstiness, enmity, cruelty, lovelessness, ruthlessness, lack of conscience and lack of affection they see in such people with the Qur'an. The fact is, however, that those who espouse a bloodthirsty system have nothing to do with true Islam. They do that out of a nonsensical faith they invent out of their own ignorance. Otherwise, there is no such mindset in the Qur'an. Our Lord describes people with a mindset that espouses bigotry, seeks to mix religion with nonsense and make it impossible to live by and to deceive people in the name of Allah as follows in the Qur'an:
Among them is a group who distort the Book with their tongues so that you think it is from the Book when it is not from the Book. They say, 'It is from Allah,' but it is not from Allah. They tell a lie against Allah and they know it. (Surah Al 'Imran, 78)
True Islam is the Islam revealed by Allah in the Qur'an and manifested by our Prophet (saas). In other words, Muslims have a responsibility to live by the Qur'an and the Sunnah of our Prophet (saas), not by the nonsense and invented interpretations of bigots. Their measure must be the Qur'an and the Sunnah, not nonsense. True Islam is the Islam of the Age of Felicity, in which people follow the Qur'an and the life of our Prophet (saas). The affectionate and loving, protective and noble life of our Prophet (saas), who attached great value to art, beauty, cleanliness and kindness is the most perfect role-model for Muslims. In the same way that examples not from the life of our Prophet (saas) are not esteemed by Muslims, so non-Muslims must not think of Islam in terms of the dark lifestyles of certain bigots.
On this subject, our Christian brothers need to bear in mind the following statements:
The bigoted mindset is as hostile toward Muslims as it is toward Christians and Jews
This sinister mindset people try to ascribe to Islam is BIGOTRY, not real Islam at all. The bigot claims to act in the name of Islam. But he is loveless, with a dark soul, fanatical and without understanding. He is the enemy of all beauty, art and science. He is even the inimical to life itself; and to joy and happiness.
The bigot regards all kinds of beauty with hatred. He hates flowers, and children, and cats, and dogs and rabbits. His spirit and soul are empty. As revealed in one verse of the Qur'an, such people are, "like propped-up planks of wood" (Surat al-Munafiqun, 4). There is nothing even resembling love in their souls. They attach no value to human beings and no importance to any living thing. There is no room for consideration, love or compassion in their hearts.
As a result of all this, the bigot also hates women. One of the main features of bigots is their enmity toward womankind. Treating woman as third-class citizens is a fundamental characteristic of the bigot. Communists, Darwinists and those who to date have regarded Islam with a hostile eye have made verbal assaults against Islam, accusing it of a supposed hatred of women. But this enmity toward women that they oppose is a characteristic of fanatical and backward bigots, not of Islam, which attaches the greatest value to women and praises and protects them. (You can find more information about the importance attached to women in the Qur'an from here.)
In the same way that the bigot loves nobody, so nobody loves him. Everyone detests the presence, logic, lifestyle and way of thinking of the bigot. Even bigots detest bigots. That is why there is constant division and rancor among them. They can never live in peace and happiness together. Like their souls, their lives are in utter darkness.
The bigot may be found in all faiths and sections of society. There are people in Christian and Jewish communities, as well, not just among Muslims, who seek to turn religion away from its true essence, and to inflict a dark and bloodthirsty state of mind instead of the joy and love bestowed by faith in Allah. What we are discussing here is people who try to infiltrate themselves among Muslims. But the fact is that the bigot represents a polluted and perverse idea, no matter from what faith or section of society he comes from.
As a result of this frightening state of mind, the bigot desires bloodshed. He wants bloodshed everywhere. He can only find peace with blood and oppression. He can only express the hatred within him by causing blood to be shed and speaking with hostility. These people, who espouse bloodshed in the name of Islam, spread hatred of and rancor toward Christians, Jews and even Muslims, and who drip hatred and loathing from their lips, are very definitely NOT MUSLIMS, but bigots under the influence of the way of the antichrist.
For these reasons, our Christian brothers must properly distinguish between genuine Muslims and bigots, between true Islam and the bigoted mindset. Only then will they be able to see that the lifestyle they are opposed to is bigotry, not Islam.
Bigots are the army of the antichrist; they neither apply the Qur'an, nor let others apply it.
Backwardness, fanaticism and bigotry IS THE GREATEST ARMY OF THE ANTICHRIST OPPOSED TO ISLAM. Our Prophet Muhammad (saas) reveals this in a hadith:
"Seventy thousand scholars from my community, all wearing turbans, will follow the dajjal [antichrist]." (Imam Ahmad Ibn Hanbal, Musnad, p. 796)
In referring to the people who will follow the antichrist in the hadith, our Prophet (saas) speaks in particular of THOSE WHO EMERGE FROM WITHIN THE UMMAH (COMMUNITY) OF ISLAM AND REGARD THEMSELVES AS SCHOLARS. Through this hadith, our Prophet (saas) indicates that it is bigots who are the main group who, as supporters of the antichrist, will act against all the friends of Allah and do the worst damage to religion.
In another hadith our Prophet (saas) says:
"People will spring up in the End Times: but their brains will not function. They will speak fine words when they. The will read the Qur'an, but their faith will go no further than their throats..." (Buhari, 3611, 5057, 6930, Muslim, 1066, Abu Dawud 4767, Ahmed ibn Hanbal, Musnad 1, 81, 113, 131, 289; Al-Tayalisi, al-Musnad, no. 1984.)
As set out in the hadith, these people will speak very finely and read the Qur'an; but 'their faith will go no further than their throats.' In other words, they will not base themselves on the Qur'an. These people will speak of the Qur'an but will not be devoted to it and will rule by mixing nonsense up with it. They will regard the provisions of the Qur'an as inadequate and will implement a faith they invent themselves under the name of Islam. There, a significant proportion of the army of the antichrist will emerge from every religion, and they will constitute bigots who seek to damage their own faiths and the world.
Bigots' aim is to stop people applying the Qur'an. In adding things to Islam that have nothing to do with it, they reject those parts of the Qur'an that are incompatible with their own foolish ideas. For them, it is a cause for tremendous rage the way that the Qur'an recommends love, peace, affection, brotherhood and unity and encourages beauty, art and science. The quality and depth of soul resulting from living by the moral values of the Qur'an, a Muslim model that is rational, esthetic, modern and full of love, is incompatible with their own nonsensical religions. That is why the antichrist uses bigotry and fanaticism to strike at Islam and seek to do away with it.
This point now needs to be made clear; there may be honest people who genuinely love Allah but who espouse ideas that actually have no place in true Islam, either from lack of knowledge or inaccurate education. We need to differentiate between these people and bigots who deliberately try to add nonsense to religion. The former are people who will accept the truth once they have been enlightened by the luminosity of the Qur'an. Almighty Allah is He Who always shows His genuine servants the true path.
The Qur'an has declared war on bigotry
THE QUR'AN HAS DECLARED WAR ON ALL SCOURGES RESULTING FROM BIGOTRY, ON UNHAPPINESS, OPPRESSION, LOVELESSNESS, FANATICISM, ANGER AND BLOODSHED. The Islam based on the Qur'an IS THE EXACT OPPOSITE OF BIGOTRY. Islam teaches peace, love and friendship. It encourages unity, the praising of the name of Allah all together, brotherhood and world peace and security. People who ignore the verses of the Qur'an and others who distort the verses in the light of their own foolish minds and purport to use them as evidence and thus claim that Islam encourages war, are making a serious error. As our Lord reveals in verse 25 of Surah Yunus, "Allah calls to the abode of peace." According to the Qur'an, active war is only permissible for defensive purposes. The condition is imposed that a Muslim can only wage war in the event of an attack, to defend his life. Our Prophet (saas) is the person who applied this in the clearest way. All three wars fought in the time of our Prophet (saas) were waged for defensive purposes, and forgiveness was always advised. During the Battle of the Trench, for example, our Prophet (saas) had a rampart erected to protect Muslims from attacks by the other side.
In the Qur'an, Almighty Allah makes war lawful for Muslims only under specific circumstances:
Fight in the Way of Allah against those who fight you, but do not go beyond the limits. Allah does not love those who go beyond the limits. (Surat al-Baqara, 190)
But if they cease [fighting], Allah is Ever-Forgiving, Most Merciful. (Surat al-Baqara, 192)
In order for Muslims to go to war, the other side has to go on the offensive. War can never be resorted to in order to protect a cruel society that is aggressive and does not listen to reason. In such a case, Muslims have a duty not to go to extremes; in other words, they may only fight defensively. Moreover, according to Islam, no harm must befall women, children or the elderly. As our Lord reveals in verse 192 of Surat al-Baqara, Muslims are also advised to stop fighting once the other side does.
Again in the Qur'an, it is clearly stated that killing is a sin:
"...if someone kills another person – unless it is in retaliation for someone else or for causing corruption in the earth – it is as if he had murdered all mankind. And if anyone gives life to another person, it is as if he had given life to all mankind. Our Messengers came to them with Clear Signs but even after that many of them committed outrages in the earth." (Surat al-Ma'ida, 32)
Those who do not call on any other god together with Allah and do not kill anyone Allah has made inviolate, except with the right to do so, and do not fornicate; anyone who does that will receive an evil punishment (Surat al-Furqan, 68)
As is clear from these verses, it is a sin in the Qur'an for a Muslim to kill. In Surat al-Ma'ida, Allah reveals that although the envoys He sent warned people of that sin, many of them still overstepped the bounds. In other words, although this is set out in the Qur'an, there are still people who find the Qur'an inadequate and go beyond proper bounds and engage in unjust oppression and bloodshed. These people are the fanatics and bigots who claim to act in the name of Islam but are in fact under the influence of the way of the antichrist.
Declaring war on Islam is not how to get rid of bigotry
Those who ascribe bigotry to Islam in an ill-informed manner and seek to eliminate that bigoted system generally fall into the error of adopting a hostile attitude toward Islam. Deliberate efforts have been made to spread the perspective toward Islam in question, especially by the atheist and Darwinist press, intellectual organizations and influential circles. These circles deliberately misrepresent Islam, engaging in incitement using conditioning techniques such as saying, "This is what Muslims are like, they will not let you live, so you had better annihilate them before they annihilate you." They have been charged with doing this by various sinister forces. Under the influence of that conditioning, some Christians maintain that the Qur'an and Islam have to be eradicated if the oppressive and unjust system created by bigotry is to be done away with (Surely Islam and the Qur'an are beyond that). But this policy, a violation of reason and good conscience, merely leads to the feeding of bigotry and backwardness, contrary to expectations. Attacks on the Qur'an and true Islam further strengthen the bigoted system that espouses bloodshed and violence and desires lovelessness. This means being angered by the bigot but declaring war on Allah (Surely Allah is beyond that) and is an exceedingly foolish way of behaving. The way to eliminate bigots and the bloodthirsty system espoused by them is to emphasize the Qur'an and true Islam and bring about the Islamic Age of Felicity. Muslims living joyful, outward-looking lives based on love, affection, friendship and brotherhood and sharing a mindset that espouses democracy and freedom and is modern and progressive will burn bigots to dust. Therefore, our Christian brothers must support true Muslims against the bigoted mindset that is inimical to both Muslims and to Christians and Jews; they must encourage people to live by true Islamic moral values.
Combating bigotry is a religious observance for Muslims. Because opposing hypocrisy is one of the commandments of the Qur'an. 'Bigot' is another way of describing the 'hypocrites' referred to in the Qur'an. Almighty Allah refers to hypocrites, and unbelievers and those with sickness in their hearts, and they all ascribe equals to Him. They are the enemies of the Age of Felicity, THEY DECLARE WAR ON THE QUR'AN IN THE NAME OF THE QUR'AN. The perverse way of thinking that is loveless, devoid of compassion, uncultured and ill-educated, that dislikes art and science, that does not think deeply and seeks to make religion something complicated, a matter of showing-off, and that develops a religion constantly equated with prohibitions and inventions is 'backwardness,' in other words 'polytheism.' THE BIGOTED SYSTEM DEVELOPED IN TOTAL OPPOSITION TO THE QUR'AN, THAT REGARDS THE QUR'AN AS INADEQUATE AND APPLIES THE EXACT OPPOSITE OF THE COMMANDMENTS IN THE QUR'AN IS A PERVERSE SYSTEM THAT NEEDS TO BE CRUSHED BY MUSLIMS. For that reason, the most effective intellectual campaign against it comes from the Muslims of the Qur'an, in other words, from us.
The solution to bigotry comes from espousing the Islam of the Age of Felicity and the true moral values of the Qur'an. Hazrat Mahdi (as) will do that in our day. For that reason, it is most important that the way of the Mahdi be supported. The way of the Mahdi contains love, peace, brotherhood, security, peace and friendship. It contains joy, happiness, art and beauty. It means freedom, liberty and democracy. It is modern and progressive. It is terribly dangerous to support the bigoted system that represents a scourge on the whole world by attacking true Islam. The bigoted system that constitutes a threat to the three great faiths will come to an end only when the Qur'an is fully applied and the way of the Mahdi (as) is strengthened and supported. The Islam of the Qur'an will leave neither shamanists, nor atheists, nor satanists nor Darwinists behind. This is the sole and definitive solution.
Christians and Jews will also be at peace when people live by true Islamic moral values
It is very important for our Christian and Jewish brothers to interpret what we have described in reference to such concepts as love, peace, democracy, liberty, happiness and modernity as a "well-intentioned analysis." These are not our personal opinions. THEY ARE FOUNDED IN THE QUR'AN. They are in agreement with the spirit of the Qur'an, all the examples we see in the Prophet Muhammed (saas) and the approval of Allah, the Rahman and Rahim. That is how the Qur'an was implemented in the time of our Prophet (saas). Bloodshed exists only in the nonsensical ideas of the bigots. Bigots controlled by the antichrist have depicted bloodshed as true Islam, misleading vast masses of people, and have sought to spread it across the world.
It is essential that our Christian brothers should see the true Qur'an and its great message. The Qur'an is a ray of light for anyone looking at it with good conscience. Everything that makes people happy and enlightens the world is in the Qur'an. Living by the Qur'an as people did in the Age of Felicity will bring total well-being and beauty to the world. For Muslims to apply the Qur'an in that way will be a source of peace, happiness and clam for Christians and Jews, as well. The young people that emerge as a result will enjoy exceedingly happy lives. The joy that is part of human nature but that has vanished under the influence of the system of the antichrist will return to society. Art will develop, and artists making real art will appear. The architecture that disappeared under the influence of the system of the antichrist will be restored to life. Because security, peace, happiness, friendship, brotherhood and, most important of all, love of Allah will spread widely. When love comes, art will come to everything, too, and beauty, joy, happiness and science. The perspective of the Islam of the Qur'an is founded upon affection, compassion, love, reason, consistency, behaving in a balanced way, thinking logically, looking at events in a positive manner, making sacrifices and seeing the best in everything. A world in which people apply Islam in that way will thus be one of extraordinary beauty for Christians and Muslims, too.
What Christians must oppose and wage an intellectual campaign against is bigotry, Darwinism and materialism, the foe of all three faiths. What they must support and espouse is people living by Islam as set out in the Qur'an and the way of the Mahdi that will bring that about in our day. When they support that, bigotry, fanaticism, backwardness, Darwinism and materialism will disappear, an air of festive rejoicing will enfold the world and everything and everywhere will be enlightened. When they support that, the corruption of bigotry will enjoy no success whatsoever. Churches and synagogues are under the protection of Almighty Allah, as revealed in verses of the Qur'an. Our Christian and Jewish brothers will worship as they please and attain the ease and beauty they desire. Muslims will live in a state of love and brotherhood with Christians and Muslims, wars will come to an end and the world will become a place of well-being, peace and security.


text: Although the combined viewfinder/rangefinder of the LEICA M even helps photographers with minor eyesight deficiencies to focus precisely, optimum eye-to-camera matching is the best alternative. The M system correction lenses provide this, and they also make composing images in the viewfinder more comfortable than it can be with eyeglasses. These lenses are available in grades of plus / minus 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2 and 3 diopters. Prior to ordering, it should be noted that the Leica M's viewfinder is preset by default to -0.5 diopters. So anyone wearing glasses of 1 diopter strength would require a +1.5 diopters M system correction lens.

subset: commoncrawl


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On Monday Apple made the Apple TV Software Update 5.1 available to owners of second- and third-generation Apple TVs. Among the update's major additions are support for iOS 6's shared photo streams, AirPlay broadcasting, and iTunes account switching.
First things, first: You have to get the Apple TV Software Update 5.1 onto your device before you can experience its promised enhancements. You can download the update by going to Settings -> General -> Update Software on your Apple TV and choosing to download and install the update. The update takes a few minutes to download.
Install the update. and you'll see a splash screen that outlines the latest changes (and other previously offered updates including support for Hulu Plus). Click Continue to move to a familiar interface.
To use the Shared Photo Stream feature, select the Photos app (which will show a number badge if there have been any additions to streams you've subscribed to), and click Select. In the resulting screen you'll see not only your iCloud photo stream (if you've enabled the feature on another device) but also streams shared with you. Next to each entry is the number of images in the stream. To view a photo stream, select it and press Select on your Apple Remote. For shared photo streams, you can elect to see images in a slideshow, use the stream as your Apple TV screen saver or unsubscribe from the stream. Select Settings in the Photo Stream screen, and you can choose to turn off your photo stream, turn off shared photo streams, or sign out.
Also within Settings, you'll spy an improved AirPlay command. Select it, press Select, and you discover that you can now choose AirPlay compatible devices to play audio streaming through your Apple TV (including other Apple TVs and Macs). Unlike with iTunes, you can choose just a single AirPlay-compatible device—you can't choose multiple speakers. On this screen, you can also choose the option to require a code before AirPlay can be used with the Apple TV.
Choose iTunes Store in the Settings screen, and click Select; in the resulting screen, click on the Accounts command. In the screen that appears, you can not only sign out of your account, but add additional iTunes accounts—the iTunes account of a family member, for example. Once you've added that account, you can switch to it, thus having access to the content assigned to that person's Apple ID.
The update also offers three new screensavers—Cascade, Shrinking Tiles, and Sliding Panels. You access them through the Screen Saver command in the Settings screen.
Within the Trailers app, you now have the ability to search your local area for movie times. In the U.S., launch Trailers, navigate to the Showtimes command, enter your Zip code, click Submit, and local theaters appear. Select a theater to see what's playing. Choose a movie playing at the selected theater and you can see its showtimes. On this same screen you'll find other theaters in the area also showing the selected movie. Choose one of those theaters and you'll see its show times.
The update also includes the option to rearrange icons for third-party apps on the Apple TV's home screen. (You can't rearrange the Movies, TV Shows, Music, Computers, and Settings icons). For example, select Netflix and hold down the remote's Select button. The app's icon will begin wiggling. Use the direction buttons on the remote to move the icon to a new position. When you're happy with its placement, just click Select again to plant the icon in its current position.
Finally, the 5.1 update adds support for SDH (Subtitles for the Deaf & Hard of Hearing) subtitles. Apple also claims that the update includes general performance and stability improvements.


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What Is the Stuff That White People Like, Really?
Dating site OkCupid analyzed the profiles of 526,000 users to discover the "interests, hobbies, tastes, and self-descriptions specially important to each racial group." So, what do white people like? Tom Clancy, Van Halen, golfing, and the Red Sox. Duh.
By taking the profile essays of a big group of its users and isolating the words and phrases used frequently and uniquely by each group, OkCupid's in-house statisticians (who have really figured out how much people love to read pop-scientific statistical breakdowns about themselves and their interests) were able to figure out what qualities and interests were liked by each racial group in particular. (The example they use: "all kinds of people list sushi as one of their favorite foods. But Asians are the only group who also list sashimi.")
So, what did they find out? Well, many of your stereotypes will be confirmed. Others may be shattered! But mostly, yes, white people have the taste we have been conditioned to expect after decades of cutting-edge stand-up comedy. Here are some of the things that popped up on the list of white people phrases:
- Tom Clancy
- Van Halen
- Golfing
- Harley Davidson
- Ghostbusters
- Phish
- The Big Lebowski
- Soundgarden
- Hockey
- The Red Sox
- "I can fix anything"
- "A few beers."
- The Red Sox
- Jodi Picoult
- Mascara
- Ireland
- Nicholas Sparks
- Horseback riding
- Bonfires
- Flea markets
- Nora Ephron
- "I'm blond"
- "My red hair"
- Diet Coke
Ha, wow, looking at all of those together? I never, ever want to date a white person. But white people weren't the only ones to receive this treatment, of course—the blog's got rundowns of profiles for six other racial/ethnic groups. You could start writing your own stand up act, right now! For example, did you know that:
- Black women on Ok Cupid love soul food, Maxwell, and Law and Order? (Me too, black women! Call me!)
- Different racial groups highlight different personal attributes? (White men: "I can fix anything." Black men: "I am cool." Latino men: "I'm a funny guy." Asian men: "I'm a simple guy." Indian men: "Loving guy.")
- Asian men on Ok Cupid love Calvin & Hobbes, surfing the net, and L.A. Confidential? (Me too, Asian men! Call me!)
- Middle Eastern women on Ok Cupid are basically all hipsters? (Unique phrases include: Cat Power, The Unbearable Lightness of Being, quirky, Brooklyn, and—crucially—MFA.)


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A Quick Guide to Liposomal Vitamin C
This blog does not intend to provide diagnosis...
What is Liposomal Vitamin C?
Liposomal vitamin C is an advanced form designed for better absorption and utilization within the body. Liposomes are small spherical cells that are composed of an outer layer made of fatty acids known as phospholipids derived from either sunflower or soy. Liposomes also have an inner compartment composed of water and water-soluble active ingredients. The water-soluble ingredient like vitamin C is protected within the inner compartment by the liposomal structure.
The primary advantage of liposomal vitamin C is improved absorption. The ability of our intestinal cells to uptake higher dosages of vitamin C has a threshold. That is why higher dosages of vitamin C can cause excessive gas and/or diarrhea. The bioavailability of liposomal vitamin C is significantly greater than regular vitamin C, it is taken up into the body at almost double the level that of regular vitamin C. Liposomal vitamin C is often promoted as an oral alternative to getting an intravenous (IV) dosage of vitamin C.
Health Benefits of Liposomal Vitamin C
The health benefits of liposomal vitamin C mirror those of regular vitamin C. The primary function of vitamin C is the manufacture of collagen, the main protein substance of the human body. Since collagen is such an important protein for the structures that hold our body together (connective tissue, cartilage, tendons, etc.), vitamin C is vital for wound repair, healthy gums, and the prevention easy bruising.
In addition to its role in collagen metabolism, vitamin C is also critical to the antioxidant system, immune function, the manufacture of brain chemicals and hormones, and the absorption and utilization of other nutritional factors.
There have been a number of scientific investigations with liposomal vitamin C. In one interesting trial, liposomal vitamin C was shown to prevent reperfusion injury - tissue damage caused when blood supply returns to the tissue after a period of a lack of oxygen. Reperfusion injury is a concern with many heart and cardiovascular procedures and occurs after a heart attack or stroke. Intravenous vitamin C also prevents to prevent reperfusion injury, vitamin C is given intravenously, but since liposomal vitamin C has such a high absorption rate, it is an oral alternative.
In the study, on 4 separate randomly ordered occasions, 11 men and women were administered an oral placebo, or 4 g of vitamin C via oral, oral liposomal, or intravenous delivery. The data indicate that oral delivery of 4 g of vitamin C encapsulated in liposomes produces circulating concentrations of vitamin C that are greater than regular vitamin C, but less than IV administration. Yet, the protection from ischemia–reperfusion-mediated oxidative stress is similar to the protection provided by intravenous administration.
One of the primary uses of high IV doses of vitamin C is in improving the quality of life in cancer patients. Since liposomal vitamin C has higher bioavailability, it may be a great alternative to IV administration.
Another popular use of liposomal vitamin C is the common cold. It has been over 40 years since Linus Pauling wrote the book, Vitamin C and the Common Cold. Dr. Pauling based his opinion on several studies that showed vitamin C was very effective in reducing the severity of symptoms, as well as the duration of the common cold. There are now over 30 clinical trials involving 11,350 study participants designed to judge the effectiveness of vitamin C in the prevention or treatment of the common cold. While the results from individual studies may be mixed, when the results from higher quality studies are pooled researchers have concluded that vitamin C can be quite beneficial in reducing the risk of developing a cold. This conclusion especially applies to individuals in high-stress situations.
Sunflower Derived Phospholipid
The best carrier for liposomal vitamin C is phosphatidylcholine (PC), a key component of lecithin. PC helps to hold the liposomes together. Ideal ranges should be between 250-500 mg of PC per dose in a liposomal vitamin C formula. The PC has its own set of health benefits. The most common sources of the PC are soy lecithin and sunflower lecithin. Sunflower may be the best choice as it removes the GMO issue and also produces a more stable liposome. If soy lecithin is used it should be from a non-GMO source.
Liposomal Quality
In order to produce the results, the liposome must be manufactured properly. The correct size should be between 100 to 400 nanometers in size and the liposome be quality tested at an FDA regulated facility to for quality control.
Homemade Liposomal Products
There is a lot of promotion on the Internet to make your own vitamin C. However, the process of basically just mixing vitamin C powder, vodka, lecithin, and water in a blender and whip it up to make a liposomal mixture is not going to produce the necessary quality of liposome to be an effective carrier for vitamin C.
The RDI for vitamin C is 90 mg/day in adult men and 75mg/day in adult women with a suggested upper limit of 2,000 mg/day. Liposomal vitamin C, due to its enhanced absorption is suitable for daily use as well as for specific indications.
Safety and Side Effects
In general, the same concerns with regular vitamin C also apply to liposomal vitamin C. Both are very well tolerated, but liposomal vitamin C will not lead to gas, bloating or diarrhea even at higher dosages. Dosages of vitamin C greater than 2,000 mg are associated with a higher risk for kidney stones.


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A selection of previously uncollected essays from David Foster Wallace is coming out in book form in November.
Both Flesh and Not gathers 15 essays never published in book form, including "Federer Both Flesh and Not," considered by many to be his nonfiction masterpiece; "The (As it Were) Seminal Importance of Terminator 2," which deftly dissects James Cameron's blockbuster; and "Fictional Futures and the Conspicuously Young," an examination of television's effect on a new generation of writers.
Wallace's previous collections often included expanded articles with extra material cut from previously published pieces (like the cruise ship one and the state fair one). It would be wonderful to read a longer version of his NY Times piece on Federer but for obvious reasons I'm not holding my breath. Even just the first paragraph makes me want to sit down and read the whole thing for like a fifth time:
Almost anyone who loves tennis and follows the men's tour on television has, over the last few years, had what might be termed Federer Moments. These are times, as you watch the young Swiss play, when the jaw drops and eyes protrude and sounds are made that bring spouses in from other rooms to see if you're O.K.


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Your spacious one-click shopping bag: the Bike-Shopper with QL2.1 system can be quickly attached to and removed from your rack. The flexible market and shopping bag remains stable – also on bumpy roads. The adjustable carrying straps allow it to be carried comfortably on your shoulder (adjusted by push buttons) and will not be in the way during biking. A waterproof Quick-Seal closure provides protection from rain. Occasional use of ORTLIEB lubricant will keep the closure running smoothly.
Further features:
Internal valuables pocket in size DIN A4
Padded carrying handle
Lateral 3M-Scotchlite reflectors
Weight: 3 Pounds
Dimensions: 12 x 8 x 6 inches


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Posts Tagged 'Teakettle Junction'
A weekend trip to Death Valley National Park
By: Tara Wilson (12 year old daughter of editor, Aaron Wilson) Death Valley is an amazing place with so much to see! On our 3 day trip to Death Valley National Park, we saw many of the breathtaking landmarks. On the first day, Saturday the 18th, we drove from Bishop, where we had stayed on Friday night....January 30th, 2014 | Weekend Adventures | Read More


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Over at MacRumors they've discovered what appears to be a new Automatic Update feature set to arrive with iOS 5. Put simply, the change could see iPhones and other iOS devices updating apps without the need for tedious syncing.
The leaked text/feature, since removed from view by Apple, appeared in the app update section when a MacRumors reader went to update their library. Added to then usual scrawl was this new line:
Or if your device has Automatic Download enabled for apps, your updates will download to your device without having to sync.
The leak also hinted that a sync-less update option could be available for other iOS items outside of just apps. That this development throws further fuel on over-the-air update rumors and wireless syncing is an understatement, especially given Apple's hasty response in getting the leak patched up and removed.
Whatever the case may be, we'll certainly know exactly hat's planned in iOS 5 on Monday at WWDC. [MacRumors]
WWDC 2011 Predictions | Here comes iCloud, but what else?
Watch our liveblog here!
Keep your eyes clamped on our liveblog from 10am EST today. More »


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WASHINGTON – The difference between the sexes has long been a rich source of humor. Now it turns out, humor is one of the differences.
Women seem more likely than men to enjoy a good joke, mainly because they don't always expect it to be funny.
"The long trip to Mars or Venus is hardly necessary to see that men and women often perceive the world differently," a research team led by Dr. Allan L. Reiss of the Stanford University School of Medicine reports in Tuesday's issue of Proceedings of the
National Academy of Sciences.
But they were surprised when their studies of how the male and female brains react to humor showed that women were more analytical in their response, and felt more pleasure when they decided something really was funny.
"Women appeared to have less expectation of a reward, which in this case was the punch line of the cartoon," said Reiss. "So when they got to the joke's punch line, they were more pleased about it."
Women were subjecting humor to more analysis with the aim of determining if it was indeed funny, Reiss said in a telephone interview.
Men are using the same network in the brain, but less so, he said, men are less discriminating.
"It doesn't take a lot of analytical machinery to think someone getting poked in the eye is funny," he commented when asked about humor like the Three Stooges.
While there is a lot of overlap between how men and women process humor, the differences can help account for the fact that men gravitate more to one-liners and slapstick while women tend to use humor more in narrative form and stories, Reiss said.
The funnier the cartoon the more the reward center in the women's brain responded, unlike men who seemed to expect the cartoons to be funny from the beginning, the researchers said.
The new insight could improve understanding of such conditions as depression, the researchers said.
"The bottom line is that I think it contributes to the foundation of understanding individual differences in humans," Reiss said. Humor is used by humans to cope with stress and to establish relationships, and it can even help strengthen the immune system.
Reiss' team studied the response of 10 women and 10 men to 70 black-and-while cartoons, asking them to rate the jokes for how funny they were. While the volunteers were looking at the cartoons their brains were being studied with an MRI to determine what parts of the brains were responding.
In large part, men and women had similar responses to humor, using parts of the brain responsible for the structure and context of language and for understanding juxtaposition.
In women, however, some areas were more active than in men. These included the left prefrontal cortex, which the researchers said suggests a greater emphasis on language and executive processing, and the nucleus accumbens, or NAcc, which is part of the reward center.
Reiss said he was surprised at the NAcc finding. The researchers theorized that because women were being more analytical they weren't necessarily expecting the cartoons to be as funny as did the men.
Then, when they saw the punch line, the reward center lit up, indicating something pleasant and unexpected.
Arnie Cann, a psychology professor at the University of North Carolina, Charlotte, commented: "Given the findings in the current study, that women appear to use more executive functions, it could be that they are more engaged in scrutinizing the humor to decide if it fits their views on what is acceptable humor. Once they decide the humor is OK, they could be experiencing a relief-like response."
That would fit in with the finding that women experience more reward from the joke, said Cann, who was not part of Reiss' research team.
Women enjoy jokes more than men….but not fart jokes!
WASHINGTON – The difference between the sexes has long been a rich source of humor. Now it turns out, humor is one of the differences.


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How did a small foundation with entrepreneurial roots help
change the culture of early childhood education, public school
nutrition, and disaster readiness in Santa Barbara County?
The Orfalea Fund helped to bring about new standards in early childhood education, school food, and disaster readiness by doing in-depth research, taking risks to discover what works, bringing together dedicated partners to execute programs, and helping families, educators, and policy-makers raise their expectations for a healthier, more resilient community.
Good nutrition and the ability to learn are inextricably connected. The School Food Initiative envisioned a culture of school food personnel fully trained, equipped, and inspired to provide healthy, cooked-from-scratch school meals. Today, that vision has resulted in healthier meals available daily to over 50,000 students throughout the county.LEARN MORE
By studying the most recent research on early childhood education, the Orfalea Fund was able to invest where it mattered most: in the relationships among directors, teachers, and parents, in the quality of environments, and in the establishment and documentation of best practices. The result was preschool accreditation at eight times the state average.LEARN MORE
Santa Barbara County is subject to fires, floods, earthquakes, and mudslides — all of which have already happened, repeatedly. With the Aware and Prepare Initiative, The Orfalea Fund experimented with an investment in preparation, and the entire community joined us. Now, the county is not only ready for the next disaster, but 400,000 people are safer — every day.LEARN MORE
From the start, The Orfalea Fund explored ways to create sustainable results, not perpetual programs. We are not the first philanthropic entity to sunset, but we were surprised by the lack of practical information available to limited-life foundations. As a result, we chose to document salient aspects of our own sunset that may be of use to others.LEARN MORE


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Can two loves find their way back to each other despite an addiction and a hardened heart? Will their love overcome it all?
Francesca Taymon is young, successful, and broken. A tragic accident years ago haunts her to this day, and she blames only one person--the one that holds her heart. When she finally gets her first case, will she be able to handle seeing him again? Can she do her job and keep her heart intact?
Cade Kelling doesn't take life seriously. He's reckless and irresponsible, drinking all his problems away. When his parents bail him out for the last time, will he be able to handle seeing Francesca after all of these years? Will he be able to tell her what really happened that night 5 years ago or will he lose her forever?
And the most important question….
Can these mangled hearts be mended?
Cover by Samantha Bagood at Cover Pub
Release Date: July 12, 2013
Felicia Tatum was born and raised in Tennessee. She always loved reading, and at the age of twelve began writing. Her passion for creating stories grew and in May 2012, she finally wrote her first novel, The White Aura.
She still lives in Tennessee with her daughter and her kitty. She loves cooking and books. Animals are some of her best friends. She watches a lot of Disney channel and often dreams up new book ideas. She's currently writing the second book in series, as well as a romance novel. Her dream is to write as many books as possible while entertaining as many people as possible.


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Internet Marketing Services – Getting the Most From the World Wide Web
Internet Marketing Services come in all shapes and sizes. These days, the internet is taking over and a countless number of people are making money from the World Wide Web.
Many businesses have even jumped into the online spectrum and are now advertising through the internet as well as selling directly from the internet to make the most revenue possible. And they are!
But, what are the best ways to utilize the web? What are the secrets to marketing on the internet?
Optimizing every area of your efforts is the key and internet marketing services and agencies can help you do that.
If it was easy, everyone would do it, but without utilizing a company that provides all the internet marketing services you need, your road to success may be short lived or not even get started.
Well, there are a few tips and tricks to working within the World Wide Web and first and foremost, the secret is consistency. If you want to make the biggest impact through the internet for your company, business or service industry, then you must stay consistent.
Stay consistent with your posts and stay consistent with connecting through the internet.
There are a wealth of ways, many of them free, that can increase your marketing as a whole through the internet.
Social media sites are taking over as the easiest and quickest way to make an impact through the Web. But unless you have a person within your company that can be designated to keep up with social media etc., you may want to enlist the help from an internet marketing services company.
Sites such as Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube are all free to use and easy to get started with.
The secret with marketing, like I said before, is through consistency. So, start an account with each of these sites and start utilizing them for all that they offer.
Posting constant advertisements is NOT the best use of social media. Instead, make virtual friends and offer specials and sales that can only be found on the internet. The way to market your services in the most effective way possible takes work, but it is completely possible just by using the internet. And internet marketing services provided through a reputable company is the best way to get your company to the top fast.
Post a video to YouTube promoting your business or create a website dedicated strictly to what you have to offer. Soon, you'll start to see your business grow and through the marketing you do on the web, you will notice a huge increase in your overall customer base and your sales in general.
Internet marketing services are worth the investment and should not be compared to lesser ROI types of advertising.
Author: Steve Berchtold


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Claudia Gordon at Scaled Composites, Mojave, California.
Virgin Galactic Gets NBC as Media Partner for First Commercial flight
By James Shillinglaw ~ November 10, 2013
Space is the final frontier, at least as far as tourism is concerned, and Virgin Galactic is set to be the first commercial company to offer space tourism. Now the company has a media partner to cover that auspicious event.
Sir Richard Branson's Virgin Galactic has signed an exclusive deal with NBC Universal to televise the inaugural commercial space flight of SpaceShipTwo. Sir Richard and his children, Holly and Sam, are scheduled to be the first private passengers to travel into space on SpaceShipTwo from Virgin Galactic's terminal at Spaceport America in New Mexico, with a launch tentatively scheduled next year on some date still to be determined.
NBC News' Peacock Productions will feature coverage across NBC Universal's brands and platforms, including MSNBC, CNBC, SYFY, The Weather Channel and NBCNews.com, culminating in a primetime special airing on NBC the night before launch, as well as a three-hour live event on the Today show hosted by Matt Lauer and Savannah Guthrie.
"Virgin Galactic is thrilled that NBC Universal will join us on our exciting first journey to space," said Sir Richard. "in this first chapter of commercial space travel, we will help make space accessible and inspire countless more people to join us in the pursuit of space exploration and science innovation."
Virgin Galactic, owned by Sir Richard's Virgin Group and Aabar Investments PJS, is on track to be the world's first commercial spaceline. The company has already accepted nearly $80 million in deposits from roughly 640 individuals who want to travel into space. Travel agents trained in space tourism who are members of the Virtuoso luxury travel consortium have booked many if not most of those passengers.
The new spaceship (SpaceShipTwo, VSS Enterprise) and carrier craft (WhiteKnightTwo, VMS Eve) have been developed for Virgin Galactic's vehicle fleet by Mojave-based Scaled Composites, founded dby Burt Rutan, SpaceShipOne is built to carry six customers, or the equivalent scientific research payload, on suborbital space flights. The vehicles will allow an out-of-the-seat, zero-gravity experience with views of Earth. The VSS Enterprise and VMS Eve test flight program is well under way leading to Virgin Galactic commercial operations, which will be based at Spaceport America in New Mexico.


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If you've never shot yourself in the chest, Sebastian Cupid can tell you it hurts like hell. Still, he'd rather take three bullets to any part of his anatomy than find his brother's body in an alley, drained of blood. Now Sebastian is facing an inquiry from three gods while an innocent mortal lies comatose in a bed just down the hall, and she's the only eye witness.
Armed with next to no information and a lifelong history of resentment, Sebastian's only pool for suspects is his step-family, who uses questionable methods to spread hate in the mortal world. But then disappearances begin to happen on both sides of the family. As gods clash and Temples fall, they pit power against power to survive. Little do they realize, the only one that can save them is the least powerful of them all.
Donate Blood
To find out how to donate blood or to request J.J. Martin to host an event in your home town, please visit our Donate Blood page.


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May 2008 New Products
April 8, 2008
Ashdown Little Giant Bass Amps The new Ashdown Little Giant 350 and 1000 (shown) bass amps weigh only 6.6 pounds and 7.7 pounds, respectively, and can fit into the
|Ashdown Little Giant Bass Amps
The new Ashdown Little Giant 350 and 1000 (shown) bass amps weigh only 6.6 pounds and 7.7 pounds, respectively, and can fit into the front pocket of the average bass guitar gig bag. Both models measure just 8.27" x 2.6" x 12.2", including an internal power supply, and include switchable active/passive instrument inputs, 7-band semi-parametric EQ, Deep and Shape switches, effects send and return, and a pre/ post switchable balanced DI output.
|Basone Guitars Double-H
Basone Guitars has released the Double-H, a hand-carved electric with a chambered Honduran mahogany body, a quilted maple top and a neck made of two-piece flamed maple. The guitar also features Sperzel locking tuners and the Superbridge, a highperformance bridge and saddle system from Graph Tech and TonePros. Every part of the guitar is completely customizable, and orders can be placed through Basone's website
Starting at $1800
|Mackie Hotwire VT12 Amplifier
Mackie's Hotwire VT12 combines authentic tube tone and premium voicing with extreme sonic flexibility and customizable features in a unit that weighs less than 25 pounds. The Hotwire VT12 has a fully reconfigurable analog tube circuit path, enabled by Mackie's patent-pending Mode Switching technology, which allows players to switch between Class A and Class AB-style amp circuits. Through this instant "re-wiring," the tube preamp profiles 12 different classic tube amps.
List $1999.99
Lanthum Products Drapesters
Drapester guitar covers provide easy-to-use protection from dust and direct sunlight for guitars left on guitar stands. The patent-pending design stays on without straps or ties and fits all standard acoustic or electric guitars. The limited edition, 100 percent cotton fabrics won't snag on strings or harm finishes. Drapesters also keep curious fingers away between sets or practice sessions.
Starting at $59.95
|Orange 40th Anniversary Custom Shop Amplifier
To commemorate the 40th anniversary of Orange amplification, the company has released the limited edition 40th Anniversary Custom Shop model. Each amp will be hand-wired and fitted with a Plexiglas front panel. The production model will be a 40th Anniversary OR50, and will feature Orange's eight section output transformers and an updated version of the HF Drive control, first seen in the early seventies.
|X2 XDS-PLUS Digital Wireless System
Designed specifically for working musicians, the XDS-PLUS combines the portability of a stompbox device with the performance of the XDR95 rackmount system. The system features X2's proprietary companderless digital format and new dual-diversity (anti-jamming) technology for the sound and feel of a direct wire connection with extended operating range. Additionally, the XDS-PLUS is also 2009 Compliant, meaning that it's free from DTV and FCC licensing concerns and can roam virtually anywhere throughout North and South America without issue.
|Kustom Double Cross Tube Amp
Kustom introduces the Double Cross, an all-tube, 3-channel guitar head. The Double Cross platform consists of three distinctively voiced channels: Rhythm, Lead I and Lead II. Each Lead channel can be modified via the four separate function switches located at the four endpoints of the cross design on the control panel. These switches uniquely blend additional 12AX7 tube stages, letting players actually alter the gain/EQ/attack structure of their preamps. This amp also includes a footswitchable effects loop and a 6L6/EL34 bias switch for changing tube types.
|BSM Rory Gallagher Treble Booster
The BSM RG tribute model is based on the BSM HS-C Custom model, modified to nail Rory Gallagher's signature tone. Compared to the HS-C Custom, the RG tribute model offers more gain for a punchier sound with good crunch, but includes the same volume control. The pedal is true bypass and can only be powered by battery – there is no external power supply jack.
|Fishman Matrix Infinity Undersaddle Pickup
Starting with the popular Acoustic Matrix pickup, the Matrix Infinity now includes a new active, endpin-mounted preamp for great sound quality and responsiveness. Soundhole-mounted rotary Volume and Tone controls allow the player to make a variety of easily accessible dynamic and tonal adjustments, and a switchable voicing feature accommodates all body sizes and different performance situations. The Matrix Infinity is available in two saddle slot widths – 1/8" (3.2mm) and 3/32" (2.3mm).


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Rick Perry Is Not Going to Let Being Rick Perry Destroy His Campaign
Yeah, so Texas poo-stepping governor Rick Perry wants to abolish some agencies that oversee ... things, and he can't always remember what those things are. But he's not going to let his poor memory stop him from becoming America's next president, so put that in your cowboy hat.
"Anytime you're standing up in front of how many million people we were and you have a loss of a train of thought, sure it impacts you," he said during an appearance this morning on CBS's The Early Show. "But the fact is, one error is not going to make or break a campaign." Just as nobody talks about how he confused the 16th and the 18th centuries during a GOP debate last month, nobody will talk about how he forgot what the fuck he was talking about last night a month or two from now. Everyone forgets in America! It's how we cope and move on with life.
Perry also went on the Today show this morning to reiterate that, while he might be an idiot, he's not a quit-iot; that's Sarah Palin's role. In explaining last night's moment of forgetfulness to the NBC crowd, Perry joked, "There are so many agencies of government out there we'd like to forget. The Department of Energy was one of those." When he becomes president he can abolish all of the federal agencies. That way, they can never embarrass him again.


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A huge change is coming, and I'll tell you all about it in my next post.
But for now, here's a short and sweet compilation of some recent delights, as it's been a while since I've posted about the random foodstuff I've bought and enjoyed.
For the past year or two, I've been buying five:am organic yoghurt. It now comes in many flavours, and I haven't tried them all, though I'm actually quite in love with just the natural one with no added sugar. The tub in the picture below is of the vanilla bean yoghurt - as you can see, they're pretty generous with the vanilla. I still like some of the more niche yoghurts that I get elsewhere, but this stuff is great and has the upside of being easily available in the major supermarkets. I have my eyes on trying the coffee bean, as well as the dark caramel, next.
|five:am vanilla bean yoghurt.
I've also just used up the last of my jar of Salt with Attitude from Green Farmhouse. I actually purchased this on a whim at a shop in a local airport whilst on an interstate trip. I rarely buy food souvenirs at airports, but this just looked like it would be delicious, and it was. With sea salt, sesame seeds, bush tomatoes, chillies and spices in the ingredient list, there is definitely some jazzy attitude there, with a bit of kick and a bit of zing. I think the rich, piquant flavour of the native Australian bush tomatoes really give it an extra edge. When I use this instead of regular salt, the dish takes on a distinctive new flavour.
|Green Farmhouse Salt with Attitude.
Last but not least, Jarrah honey. Where have you been all my life? I got this on last year's trip to Perth because I was intrigued by the claims that the health benefits of this honey surpasses many others. What no one told me, was that it tastes like caramel popcorn. Yes. Seriously. Sweet, nutty, divine - I'm happy just licking it off a spoon! Mine was from The House of Honey but I suppose any minimally processed Jarrah honey from a quality producer should be just as good. I'm so in love.
|Jarrah honey, purchased from The House of Honey in Western Australia.
I hope you enjoyed my Australian-centric edition of tasty odds and ends. Stay tuned for my big announcement in the next post!
Click here to read the rest of the post!


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Women Are Narrowing the Gap in IT Jobs
They make up 31 percent of the tech workforce, and that number is growing.
Women in information technology jobs are earning roughly the same salaries as their male counterparts, provided they share equal levels of experience and education and parallel job titles, a recent report found. Now, a new report shows that the number of women it IT jobs is also on the rise.
Dice.com's Tech Trends for the first quarter of 2013 indicates that while women still only make up 31 percent of the IT workforce, this year has marked some notable job growth for women in the field. According to Bureau of Labor Statistics data, 46 percent of new tech positions have been awarded to women since the start of 2013.
Meanwhile, the unemployment rate for all tech professionals was 3.5 percent in the first quarter, compared to 7.7 percent for the overall U.S. workforce. The last time unemployment for IT professionals was above the national average was the first quarter of 2004, Dice noted.
Technology consulting continues to dominate the job growth in IT, with more than 17,000 new positions added since the start of 2013. But other areas, including manufacturing, data processing and hosting, continued to lose jobs since the start of the year, Dice found.
Several other jobs had unemployment rates below the national average for IT, including Web developers (1.0 percent), network architects (1.7 percent), software developers (2.2 percent) and database administrators (2.8 percent).
Although many IT professionals have good job prospects given the low unemployment rate, most are not leaving their jobs, Dice found. During the first two months of the first quarter of 2013, for example, 380,000 in professional and business services quit their jobs on average, down from 389,000 per month in the fourth quarter of 2012, according to BLS data. That's also down significantly from the previous recession, which ended in November 2001, when 494,000 quit their jobs each month.
IT professionals are not immune to layoffs or discharges, either, Dice found. The number of layoffs and discharges in the first two months of 2013 averaged 386,500 for employees in professional and business services. "Having more layoffs and discharges than voluntary quits is the job market we have, not the job market anyone wants," the report states.
NEXT STORY: Terrorism, the government and bias


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Smash Cakes - Baby's 1st Birthday
Mia's Minnie Mouse Smash Cake
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4" Vanilla cake with blue butter cream and edible ears & bow. Free with any 1st birthday cake or 1st birthday 2 dz. cupcake order. $5 when added to a cake or cupcake order for any other age.
|Posted on October 20, 2012
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We have engineered solutions and delivered on our commitments for more than 50 years. Our commitment to your operating plants only grows stronger. We provide a full range of nuclear fuel and operating plant products and services to keep your plants running safely, reliably and efficiently.
We are your partner to help you achieve and maintain cost-effective plant operation, meet regulatory requirements, execute plant life extensions and uprates, and realize safe and efficient outage performance.
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We deliver a complete range of advanced I&C products, control system component services, outage support and training.
Find Out More
Check out our broad range of fuel-handling equipment and manufacturing capabilities.
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Electrical parts, reactor internals, steam generators, and much, much more. Find the components you're looking for here.
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We provide customized training in fuel; maintenance & field services; and plant design & operations targetable to new employees, experienced personnel and management.


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As we close in on opening day (May 4), we hear from a lot of Season Pass holders who are hoping we'll invite them to get their new Season Passes processed ahead of time.
Sure enough, we have a number of days and times:
Still planning to order Season Passes for this year? Our current discounted prices are available through May 3.


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Whitney Lake, Whitney Lake Trailhead - Homestake Road, Summit County - Eagle County - Clear Creek County, Colorado
Whitney Lake - 5.25 miles
Whitney Lake Trailhead - Homestake Road
|Round-Trip Length:
|5.25 miles
|Start-End Elevation:
|9,110' - 10,956' (10,956' max elevation)
|Elevation Change:
|+1,846' net elevation gain (+1,895' total roundtrip elevation gain)
|Skill Level:
|Dogs Allowed:
|Bikes Allowed:
|Horses Allowed:
|Related Trails:
Whitney Lake - 5.25 Miles Round-Trip
Whitney Lake is located 2.62 miles from Homestake Road in the Holy Cross Wilderness. It lies at the base of Whitney Peak (13,271') in a thick subalpine forest. The short hike is highlighted by verdant aspen groves, flower-covered slopes and good fishing at the lake. Despite a few steep sections the trail is generally moderate and ideal for families:
The trail rises quickly from Homestake Road through the first of three aspen groves. It moderates across the base of an airy slope (.5 miles : 9,510') before turning sharply uphill with views across the Homestake Creek valley.
The trail enters another stretch of aspen and steepens to a second open slope with emerging views of Savage Peak (13,139') and adjacent peaks in the heart of the Sawatch (1.2 miles : 10,050').
Note swaths of skunk cabbage, a member of the lily family with large, lettuce-like leaves. Skunk cabbage is thermogenic, meaning it can produce heat that exceeds ambient temperatures. It's this complex metabolic process that creates the unpleasant smell for which it's named.
The trail reaches a third aspen grove that's abruptly succeeded by mixed conifers leading to a bridge over Whitney Creek (1.65 miles : 10,430'). If damaged, it may simply be easier/safer to get in the water and cross the creek (especially for backpackers).
A short, steep push from the bridge soon levels in a tall spruce-fir forest to Whitney Lake (2.62 miles : 10,956'), which is hemmed against the south flank of the Whitney Peak massif.
The lake is ringed by thick timber, but social trails thread much of the shore with good access for anglers. Note: campsites at the lake may be closed for revegetation. Contact the Holy Cross District for the latest information about camping and fires at Whitney Lake (970.827.5715).
Interactive GPS Topo MapKey GPS Coordinates - DATUM WGS84
- N39 25.721 W106 24.665 — 0.0 miles : Whitney Lake Trailhead - Homestake Road
- N39 25.695 W106 25.135 — .5 miles : Level across base of open slope
- N39 25.755 W106 25.434 — 1.0 miles : Steep climb through aspen grove
- N39 25.675 W106 26.053 — 1.65 miles : Cross Whitney Creek on bridge
- N39 25.527 W106 26.331 — 2.0 miles : Steep push into subalpine forest
- N39 25.547 W106 26.960 — 2.62 miles : Whitney Lake
Worth Noting
- Relatively moderate grades and clear trail conditions make Whitney Lake an ideal family hike.
Camping and Backpacking Information
Backcountry Camping
- Dispersed backcountry camping is permitted in the Holy Cross Wilderness Area. Self-registration permits are available at the trailhead and/or Wilderness Boundary. There is no fee or limit to the number of permits issued. Backpackers must carry a completed registration form with them for the duration of the trip.
- Camping is prohibited within 100' of any lake or stream. Group size is limited to 15 individuals.
- Campfires are permitted for dispersed camping in the backcountry, with potential seasonal restrictions. Campfires are not permitted above or within .25 miles (440 yards) of treeline, or within 100' of any lake or stream in the Holy Cross Wilderness.
- Contact the Holy Cross Ranger District (970.827.5715) for the latest weather, trail conditions and trail-specific guidelines when planning your trip. The office is open M - F from 8am - 4pm.
- Gold Camp is a developed campground on Homestake Road. There are also many undeveloped campsites along Homestake Road with no fees. These are not marked but the turnoffs for each are fairly clear. Be mindful of adjacent private property.
Fishing Information
- Fishing is permitted at Whitney Lake with a valid Colorado fishing license.
Rules and Regulations
- Dogs must be leashed or under strict voice control at all times.
Directions to Trailhead
The Whitney Lake Trailhead is located on Homestake Road, 4.6 miles west of Highway 24.
From I-70, take Exit 171 (just west of West Vail) and follow Highway 24 south 12.4 miles to Homestake Road (right turn). Anticipate this turn, as it comes quickly on a bend in the road.
Take Homestake Road 4.6 miles to a small parking area on the left (south) side of the road. The Whitney Lake Trailhead begins across the road (north side). Note the trailhead sign is fairly hidden and the parking area is unmarked.
Contact Information
Holy Cross Ranger District
24747 US Highway 24
Minturn, CO 81645
White River National Forest
900 Grand Ave.
P.O. Box 948
Glenwood Springs CO 81602


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Cain's rough inning the difference vs. Cubs
MESA, Ariz. -- Jeff Samardzija was able to avoid getting hit by a comebacker Sunday. Matt Cain wasn't as lucky.
Cain took a shot off his right leg and was limited to one inning in the Giants' 4-3 loss to the Cubs.
Alfonso Soriano lined a single off Cain's leg in the first. Soriano's hit loaded the bases with one out, and Nate Schierholtz then grounded out to first, driving in a run. Dioner Navarro followed with a three-run homer to open a 4-0 lead. Cain was pulled after the one inning.
"It's part of the game. You hope you get out of the way," said Cain, who was not expected to miss his next outing.
Francisco Peguero doubled with two outs in the Giants' first and scored on Guillermo Quiroz's single off Samardzija. Pablo Sandoval hit an RBI double in the third and Quiroz added a sacrifice fly in the fourth to make it 4-3.
Samardzija was able to work his fastball and split but called his slider "garbage." He'll try to get a feel for that in his next start.
"The slider last year was key for me," said the right-hander, who is entering his second full season as a starter. "To be pulling it in and leaving it up high was unfortunate but it's first time out. It's a big pitch for me."
He also showed his quick reflexes, dodging a shot from Quiroz in the second. Teammate Darwin Barney hit a comebacker at Samardzija during a live batting-practice session at Fitch Park before games began.
"Both of them were about as close as they get," Samardzija said. "I got out of there in proper time. Apparently, the coaches in Spring Training said, 'Stay up the middle' with these hitters. Cain took a couple up the middle and I did, too. It's part of the fun. You have to be on your toes and ready to go."
Up next: Buster Posey is expected to start at catcher in Monday's exhibition against the Chicago White Sox, combining with left-hander Madison Bumgarner to form the Giants' battery. Posey did not travel to Mesa on Sunday, though he stayed active by working out at the Giants' Scottsdale Stadium complex. The National League's reigning Most Valuable Player performed for just three innings and flied out to medium-deep right field in his lone at-bat in Saturday's Cactus League opener against the Angels.


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USDA Grants and Rebates
The USDA offers grants and rebates to assist rural small businesses and agricultural producers. They do this by conducting and promoting energy audits, and providing renewable energy development assistance (REDA).
Rural Energy for America Program Renewable Energy Systems & Energy Efficiency Improvement Guaranteed Loans & Grants
What does this program do?
Provides guaranteed loan financing and grant funding to agricultural producers and rural small businesses for renewable energy systems or to make energy efficiency improvements.
Who may apply?
- Agricultural producers with at least 50% of gross income coming from agricultural operations, and
- Small businesses in eligible rural areas.
- NOTE: Agricultural producers and small businesses must have no outstanding delinquent federal taxes, debt, judgment or debarment.
What is an eligible area?
Businesses must be in an area other than a city or town with a population of greater than 50,000 inhabitants and the urbanized area of that city or town. Agricultural producers may be in rural or non-rural areas.
How may the funds be used? Funds may be used for renewable energy systems, such as:
- Small and large solar generation
- Biomass (for example: biodiesel and ethanol, anaerobic digesters, and solid fuels)
- Geothermal for electric generation or direct use
- Hydropower below 30 megawatts
- Hydrogen
- Small and large wind generation
- Ocean (tidal, current, thermal) generation
- Funds may also be used for the purchase, installation and construction of energy efficiency improvements, such as:
- High efficiency heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems (HVAC)
- Insulation
- Lighting
- Cooling or refrigeration units
- Doors and windows
- Electric, solar or gravity pumps for sprinkler pivots
- Switching from a diesel to electric irrigation motor
- Replacement of energy-inefficient equipment
What funding is available?
- Loan guarantees on loans up to 75% of total eligible project costs
- Grants for up to 25% of total eligible project costs
- Combined grant and guaranteed loan funding up to 75% of total eligible project costs
What are the guaranteed loan terms?
- $5,000 minimum loan amount
- $25 million maximum loan amount
- Up to 85% loan guarantee
- Rates and terms negotiated with the lender and subject to USDA approval
- Maximum term of 30 years for real estate
- Maximum term of 15 years for machinery and equipment
- Maximum term of 7 years for capital loans
- Maximum term of 30 years for combined real estate and equipment loans
What are the grant terms? Renewable Energy System Grants: $2,500 minimum; $500,000 maximum
Energy Efficiency Grants: $1,500 minimum; $250,000 maximum
Are there additional requirements?
- Applicants must provide at least 75% of the project cost if applying for a grant only.
- Applicants must provide at least 25% of the project cost if applying for guaranteed loan, or guaranteed loan and grant combination.
- Renewable Energy System projects greater than $200,000 require a feasibility study
- Energy efficiency projects require an energy audit or assessment.
How to get started? Applications for this program are accepted year round at your local office.
Who can answer questions? Contact your State Rural Development Energy Coordinator.
What governs this program?
Basic Program – Code of Federal Regulation, 7 CFR 4280, Subpart B
This program is authorized by Title IX of the Agricultural Act of 2014, (2014 Farm Bill)
Why does USDA Rural Development do this?
This program helps increase American energy independence by increasing the private sector supply of renewable energy and decreasing the demand for energy through energy efficiency improvements. Over time, these investments can also help lower the cost of energy costs for small businesses and agricultural producers.


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Metropolitan PHILIP, Bishop THOMAS Celebrate Groundbreaking Weekend With St. George Faithful
The weekend of June 4th through the 6th proved to be a joyful and historic event for the community of St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church, Bridgeville, Pennsylvania. Starting with the arrival of His Eminence Metropolitan PHILIP, His Grace Bishop THOMAS and Archdeacon Hans on Friday, June 4, a weekend of celebration was set in motion for the groundbreaking of the new St. George Church.
On Saturday, June 5, our beloved Hierarchs began the day by meeting with some of the parents, teachers and children of our parish. The morning consisted of a dialogue between Metropolitan PHILIP and our children, and a special arts and crafts project. The groundbreaking Ceremony was celebrated at 11:30 a.m. on the land where the new St. George Church will be constructed. Metropolitan PHILIP and Bishop THOMAS blessed and planted a wooden cross on the land where the church will be built. Parishioners, visitors and friends of St. George Church, along with local clergy, seminarians and dignitaries were in attendance.
Great Vespers was celebrated on Saturday evening followed by a dinner with the Hierarchs, Parish Council members and members of the Groundbreaking Committee. Our deepest gratitude goes to our Parish Council Chairman Matthew Deep and his wife Catherine for their leadership within our community. A special thanks also is given to Gabriel and Kim Antypas, co-chairs for the weekend's events, whose efforts made this weekend one of the most beautiful and meaningful events in the life of St. George Church.
Many faithful parishioners and clergy celebrated the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy on Sunday morning at St. George Church. During the Hierarchical Liturgy, Metropolitan PHILIP ordained Sub-deacon Bogdan Bucur to the Holy Deaconate. Our congratulations to Deacon Bogdan and his family, AXIOS!
The weekend concluded with the Grand Banquet held at the Pittsburgh Airport Marriott. The Master of Ceremonies of the banquet was Mr. Joseph Ferris, Vice-Chairman of St. George Parish Council. Over two hundred and fifty parishioners, clergy and friends of St. George, gathered for an evening of dining, fellowship and entertainment. During the dinner, a beautiful solo was sung by Carina and Natalie Antypas which truly inspired the attendees. Another highlight of the evening was a surprise celebration of Fr. Jason DelVitto's twenty-fifth anniversary as the pastor of St. George Church. Fr. Jason will celebrate his 32nd year in the Holy Priesthood this October 1. Fr. Jason was ordained by Metropolitan PHILIP at the dedication of the Antiochian Village on October 1, 1978. Sub-Deacon Paul Abernathy, a most faithful and dynamic parishioner of St. George Church and a recent graduate of St. Tikhon's Seminary, was also honored at the banquet. Paul delivered a beautiful testimony in honor of Fr. Jason. View a photo gallery created by Cheryl Ferris, here.
Photos by Lynn Stein and Cheryl Ferris


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February 12, 2013
Bikes Belong and Portland State University team on groundbreaking research
A new research study is underway at Portland State University (PSU), designed to measure the societal impact of next-generation protected bike lanes, called green lanes. Green lanes are dedicated, inviting spaces for people on bikes in the roadway, protected from cars and separated from sidewalks.
Lessons from the Green Lane, a Comprehensive Evaluation of Protected Cycling Facilities, is collecting quantitative data to examine ridership, safety, and the economic impact of green lanes in six major U.S. cities. The study, which kicked off in September 2012, will run through December 2013.
Because green lanes are relatively new in the U.S., more data is essential to determine their impact on society: Do they encourage more people to ride? Are they safe? How do they affect local businesses, drivers and pedestrians? This study will be the most extensive research project to date on these designs and will provide quantitative answers to these imperative questions.
The researchers will rely on video data collection in each of the cities – Austin, Texas, Chicago, Memphis, Portland, Ore., San Francisco, and Washington, DC. They will also design and implement surveys to develop their analyses.
The Bikes Belong Foundation's Green Lane Project is helping to fund the research through a $75,000 pass-through grant from the Summit Charitable Foundation, an environmentally-focused philanthropic organization based in Washington, D.C. The Green Lane Project works with the six leading cities to catalyze the creation of world-class bicycling facilities in the U.S.
At PSU, Oregon Transportation Research and Education Consortium (OTREC) researchers Chistopher Monsere, Jennifer Dill and Kelly Clifton are leading the research.
"I'm thrilled to be entrusted with this opportunity to evaluate the progress and the trajectory of a next-generation trend: growing green lane infrastructure," said Monsere. "We look forward to collaborating with the Green Lane Project to identify and ensure best practices, so that these bike facilities are reaching their full potential and intended use."
In addition to the funding from the Summit Charitable Foundation, the research study has received $160,000 from the National Institute for Transportation and Communities, $20,000 from the Bikes Belong Foundation and in-kind support from Green Lane Project cities to complete the study.
"Through the Summit Charitable Foundation's support and PSU's expertise, the Green Lane Project will have access to the most concrete data gathered since the project launched in May 2012," said Martha Roskowski, director of the Green Lane Project. "We're looking forward to seeing additional quantitative evidence of the benefits of green lanes for cities."
A comprehensive report of the study findings will be released in January 2014. Results and feedback based on this study will help to determine the trajectory of the Green Lane Project, after two years in operation.
Source: greenlaneproject.org
Related articles:
Sustainability.org.il > תחבורת אופניים >


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Debian packages for web2py
Some time ago I discovered the easy of use of Python and I fell in love with it : itñ(TM)s a very productive language, easy to understand, multiplatform, multipurpose and with a lot of documentation and free code around to use and learn from.
Later, I discovered Django and felt more or less confortable with it. Then, about a year ago I found web2py and I fell in love again for exactly the same reasons I like Python. web2py is to web frameworks what Python is to languages: easy to read, multipurpose, jQuery integration, with free documentation, coding and checking the results of your code without leaving the web browser, lots of examples and free code to learnÁ much easier to understand than Django and (from not my only personal point of view) much more productive.
For some time, Iñ(TM)ve been using web2py starting it right from its sources. Now Iñ(TM)ve finished packaging it for Debian, so Debian and any of its derivatives (as Knoppix, Ubuntu, LinEx, etc.) can install it as a package.
Iñ(TM)ve just uploaded the packages and sources to the New Debian queue where they still have to pass the check of the ftpmasters to be (or not) accepted in the Debian repository. In the meantime, the packages are available at:
- python-gluon: with web2py libraries, needed to server web2py applications using Apache or other web werver
- python-web2py: (depending on python-gluon) : with web2py rocket server and admin, welcome and example applications.