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The icy winter weather is coming in thick and fast and there's never been a better excuse to shed those extra layers and travel abroad to find a place where the sun is always shining.
And when you fly with South African Airways, the perfect vacation to an all–year round summer destination is only a click away. So, put away those winter woolies and set your sights on Perth, the biggest and most beautiful city in Western Australia.
As South Africa's most awarded airline, we strive to give each and every one of our travelers the very best in cost–effective, stress–free travel. So, say goodbye to stop over's, and connecting flights because when you fly with South African Airways, you fly direct, with as many as 6 direct flights to Perth available weekly!
Of course, planning your trip can be almost as exciting as the journey itself. Accommodation, car rental and other travel services can be tricky to come by when travelling abroad. But, whether you're booking your trip for business or for leisure, we've got everything you need to make your travels just that much easier.
Whether you plan on flying Business or Economy class, there's a seat with you name on it so books yours now with our easy and effective online booking engine and you could be taking flight before you know it.
There's a lot to remember when planning your trip to Perth, but the last thing you want to forget about is South African Airways. So, book your seat now and see the world with SAA.
Visit flysaa.com.
Until next time, travel safe!
Known as one of the world's most isolated capital cities, Perth is a laid–back, quite and safe destination for anyone planning to travel Australia.
Kick back and sink tour toes into the sand of one of the many pristine beaches along the Perth coastline or, if you're looking for a bit of adventure, take a stroll through the many parks and nature reserves. Looking for an adrenalin rush? Why not take on the Australian waves and try your hand at one of the many exciting water sports on offer.
There is something for everyone in Perth so book your tickets with South African Airways today.
We provide the fastest connection between Australia & Africa with 13 weekly flights, 6 of which fly direct to Perth.
Johannesburg to / from Perth
Business Class:
In Business Class, we offer award winning flat-bed seats and our Business Class seats on A340–600 are completely lie–flat to ensure that our premium travelers receive the optimum in comfort. (Images are attached.) SAA offers attractive, competitive fares in Business Class to Africa and our global network of destinations.
Economy Class:
SAA offers generous ergonomic Economy Class seats with seat–back videos. The travel experience is further enhanced by a wide range of audio & visual programmes on demand. Now you can kick–back, relax and enjoy the flight.
Airport Lounges:
In Perth, SAA offers Qantas Club Lounge for both Business Class travelers and Gold Card members to enjoy.
South Africa specials
* Above fares are on a return basis, inclusive of all taxes and are subject to change due to currency fluctuations.
All fares are subject to availability.
Terms and conditions apply.
Book now on flysaa.com or through the SAA Call Centre on 0861 606 606
For Call Centre bookings, please quote booking code: mn28jun12
Number of seats in totality: 44091
International specials
* Above fares are on a return basis, inclusive of all taxes and are subject to change due to currency fluctuations.
All fares are subject to availability.
Terms and conditions apply.
Book now on flysaa.com or through your local SAA office
When you're booking through an SAA office, please quote the following booking code: mn28jun12
Number of seats in totality: 680
For special fares from other departure cities click here.
SAA, your preferred airline, opens up the world of travel to you;
We now offer comprehensive holiday packages. With 75 years of trusted experience and flights to over 700 destinations in South Africa and around the world, there are so many places to explore. To make the choice easier we have assembled a collection of some of our favourite packaged holidays for your convenience.
Visit the ancient sights of Italy on a scenic train tour or take the whole family to Disneyland Paris. A cruise to exciting ports in the Mediterranean might be just the ticket for you to relax or a romantic weekend in Cape Town with dreamy views of Table Mountain and the ocean might do the trick.
See more >>> browse through our website and find the perfect package for your next holiday at an affordable price.
Online Check–in
With South African Airways, you can travel smart by avoiding check–in queues and travel stress. Now you can prepare for your trip from the comfort of your own home with our easy–to–use online check–in services.
Check in and print your boarding pass at home within 24 hours of your flight's departure time. Simply visit flysaa.com and use the 'Manage My Booking' tab.
Remember, Home Boarding Pass Check–In and Printing closes 3 hours before departure time so don't leave it too late!
Upon arrival at the airport, you can also avoid the rush by making use of our self–check–in kiosks.
Are you in the mood for a little adventure? Then visit Lagos, Nigeria– the second fastest growing city in Africa. Known for its music, night–life and a vast array of over a dozen beautiful beaches to choose from, Lagos is gradually becoming a major tourist destination and is a must–see for anyone exploring the wonders of Africa.
Lagos, also referred to as Eko or Las Grid by the locals, is truly a hidden gem of Africa so book your seat with South African Airways and experiences Nigeria's rich culture and everything else that the beautiful city of Lagos has to offer.
Hermanus Whale Festival
Situated in Walker Bay, near the Southern–most tip of Africa, you'll find Hermanus, a place that offers some of the best shore–based whale–watching opportunities in the world. Southern Right Whales are the stars of this incredible annual whale festival – a must–see for all nature lovers.
During the festival, the Hermanus cliff tops around the bay are packed with eager spectators, although quieter spots can be found a short way out of town. The trick is to get up early in the morning when waters are calmer as this is when and the whales come close to shore, spring out of the water and dive back down leaving nothing but a mountain of spray.
Hermanus even has its own whale–crier, who is able to communicate in morse code. At the blow of his kelp horn, locals and tourists alike scamper like children in the direction of the sound for a chance to get a front–row seat during this whale–watching extravaganza!
In addition to the whale–watching, the festival offers visitors a host of environmental activities, along with a sports agenda that includes the exciting Whale Run Half Marathon.
Where: Hermanus , Western Cape
Date: Sep – Oct 2012 (annual)
Notting Hill Carnival
The very first Notting Hill Carnival took place in 1964 when London's Caribbean Community introduced the carnival as a way to ease racial tensions. Since then, it has become a popular and colourful annual event that is celebrated by more than two million Londoners from all backgrounds.
It is the world's second largest street party after the Rio Carnival held in Brazil. The carnival is full of festivities that include costume parades, a steel band, jazz and reggae performances, and countless street vendors selling exotic Caribbean food for all to enjoy.
Venue: Notting Hill, London
Date: 26 and 27 August 2012
Website: www.thenottinghillcarnival.com
Pick n Pay
South African Airways now offers you the convenience of paying for your airline ticket at any Pick n Pay store. Simply go to your local Pick n pay, present your e–mail confirmation and/or your 17 digit Pick n Pay reference number to the check–out clerk and pay for your airline ticket. It's as simple as that!
Book your ticket now on flysaa.com
Avis is proud to be in partnership with SAA and ensures that the very best in car rental rates are made available to you.
At Avis, people will always be more important than cars and that means "We try harder" to meet your every transport need.
Book great weekend car rental from R149* per day at the same time as booking your flight to ensure you earn 250 Voyager Miles.
At Avis, we constantly strive for excellent service with a personal touch. From our customer call centre to our wide range of reliable cars, our Avis family will always be there to make sure that you get back to yours.
We will continue to try harder in every way to make your Avis experience a memorable one.
We try harder.
Book your car rental with Avis.
* Terms and Conditions apply


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The information below is designed to help you understand what your latest blood pressure readings may mean for your health -- and to provide tips on what you can do to get or keep your blood pressure in a healthy zone.
NOTE: This information isn't a substitute for medical advice provided by your doctor. If you think you might have hypertension, elevated blood pressure, or hypotension, be sure to discuss your blood pressure concerns with a doctor or nurse, who can help you factor in other important information, such as other medical problems you may have. In particular, the information below may not always apply to those who are very old, very frail, or have multiple chronic medical conditions. View the full blood pressure chart.
Definitions of blood pressure terms
Systolic (the upper number in the reading) is the pressure in the arteries when the heart beats; it measures how hard the heart muscle is working to pump blood throughout the body.
Diastolic (the lower number in the reading) is the pressure of the blood against the blood vessel walls between heartbeats when the heart is relaxed.
What a blood pressure reading of 56/48 means
Readings below 80/60 usually indicate severely low blood pressure, which may have an underlying cause that could indicate a new, serious heart problem or infection. Very low blood pressure can also be caused by an endocrine or neurological condition. However, some people have very low blood pressure but feel fine and are otherwise healthy. Certain medications and nutritional deficiencies can worsen low blood pressure.
What to do if your blood pressure reading is 56/48
Recheck the blood pressure. Don't make a decision based on a single blood pressure reading.
If you're feeling any unusual symptoms or otherwise feel unwell, consider calling 911, especially if the very low blood pressure is new for you.
If you're on medications for blood pressure or for any other condition, they probably should be adjusted.
If you feel fine, consult your doctor and undergo tests to investigate whether there's an underlying cause that requires treatment.
Caring for those ages 80 and over
This level of blood pressure can be very concerning in an older adult. If it's new, it can signal a problem such as dehydration, infection, or internal bleeding. Low blood pressure like this can also be due to taking too much hypertension medication, or it can be a side effect of a medication prescribed for another reason.
This range of blood pressure also puts older people at risk for dizziness and falls, since blood flow to the brain tends to drop right after an older person stands up.
Don't delay in contacting a doctor regarding low blood pressure -- especially if the older person has a dementia such as Alzheimer's disease or is otherwise not able to clearly describe how he or she is feeling.
On the other hand, some diseases (such as Parkinson's disease) do cause chronic low blood pressure in older adults.
5 Surprising Signs of an Unhealthy Heart
Sources: Leslie Kernisan, MD; Robert Ostfeld, MD, M.Sc., FACC; Farrokh Sohrabi, MD; Carolyn Strimike, RN, MSN

subset: commoncrawl


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Homework hassles can often be avoided when parents and caregivers value, monitor, and guide their children's work on assignments. But, sometimes helping in these ways is not enough. Problems can still come up. If they do, the schools, teachers, parents, and students may need to work together to resolve them.
Share Concerns With the Teacher.
You may want to contact the teacher if
In some cases, the school guidance counselor may be helpful in resolving such problems.
Work With the School.
Communication between teachers and parents is very important in solving homework problems. Here are some important things to remember:
Talk with teachers early in the school year. Get acquainted before problems arise, and let teachers know that you want to be kept informed. Most elementary schools and many secondary schools invite parents to come to parent-teacher conferences or open houses. If your child's school doesn't provide such opportunities, call the teacher to set up a meeting.
Contact the teacher as soon as you suspect your child has a homework problem (as well as when you think he's having any major problems with his schoolwork). Schools have a responsibility to keep parents informed, and you have a right to be upset if you don't find out until report-card time that your child is having difficulties. On the other hand, sometimes parents figure out that a problem exists before the teacher does. By alerting the teacher, you can work together to solve a problem in its early stages.
Request a meeting with the teacher to discuss homework problems. Tell him briefly why you want to meet. You might say, "Rachel is having trouble with her math homework. I'm worried about why she can't finish the problems and what we might do to help her." Parents for whom English is a second language may need to make special arrangements, such as including another person who is bilingual.
Don't go straight to the principal without giving the teacher a chance to work out the problem with you and your child.
Approach the teacher with a cooperative spirit. Believe that the teacher wants to help you and your child, even if you disagree about something. It's hard to solve problems if teachers and parents view each other as enemies.
If you have a complaint, try not to put the teacher on the defensive. For example, avoid saying that you think the assignments are terrible even if you think so. You might say, "I'm glad Calvin is learning to add and subtract in the first grade, but he doesn't want to do his math work sheets. Can we find another way for him to learn the same material?" This might encourage the teacher to let Calvin (and the rest of his classmates) try another approach. Perhaps he can learn addition and subtraction by moving around buttons, sticks, or shells.
Let the teacher know if your child is bored with assignments or finds them too hard or too easy. (Teachers also like to know when children are particularly excited about an assignment.) Of course, not all homework assignments can be expected to interest your child and be perfectly suited to her. Teachers just don't have time to tailor homework to the individual needs of each student night after night. However, most teachers want to assign homework that children enjoy and can complete successfully, and they welcome feedback from parents.
Many times homework can be structured so that a wide range of children will find assignments interesting. For example:
While meeting with the teacher, explain what you think is going on. Also tell the teacher if you don't know what the problem is. Sometimes a child's version of what's going on isn't the same as the teacher's version. For example, your child may tell you that the teacher never explains assignments so he can understand them. But the teacher may tell you that your child isn't paying attention when assignments are given.
Work out a way to solve or lessen the problem. The strategy will depend on what the problem is, how severe it is, and the needs of your child. For instance:
Is the homework often too hard? Maybe your child has fallen behind and will need extra help from a teacher, parent, or tutor to catch up.
Does your child need to make up a lot of work because of absences? The first step might be working out a schedule with the teacher.
Has your child been diagnosed with a learning disability or is one suspected? If so, you'll need to make sure your child gets extra help, and the teacher may need to adjust some assignments.
Does your child need extra support, beyond what home and school can give? Ask the teacher, school guidance counselor, or principal if there are mentor programs in your community. Mentor programs pair a child with an adult volunteer who assists with the youngster's special needs, such as tutoring or career advice. There are many good mentor programs operating in schools, universities, community organizations, churches, and businesses.
Make sure communication is clear. Listen to the teacher and don't leave until you're sure you understand what's being said. Make sure, too, that the teacher understands what you have to say. If, after the meeting, you realize you don't understand something, call the teacher to doublecheck.
It may help to summarize what you've agreed to do at the end of the meeting:
"OK, so to keep track of Kim's assignments, I'll check her assignment book each night and write my initials by new assignments. Each day you'll check to make sure she's written down all new assignments in her book. That way we'll be certain that I know what her assignments are."
Follow up to make sure that the approach you agreed to is working. If the teacher told you, for example, that your child needs to spend more time practicing long division, check back in a month to talk about your child's progress.
Homework can bring together children, parents, and teachers in a common effort to improve student learning. The younger your child is when you start to do the kinds of activities suggested in this guide, the better.
Helping your child with homework is an opportunity to improve your child's chances of doing well in school and life. By helping your child with homework, you can help him learn important lessons about discipline and responsibility. You can open up lines of communication--between you and your child, and you and the school. You are in a unique position to help your child make connections between school work and the "real world," and thereby bring meaning (and some fun) to your child's homework experience.
Whether you succeed in doing all of the activities suggested in this guide is not what's most important. What's most important is that you are willing to take the time and make the effort to be involved in your child's education.
(This information is provided by the U.S. Department of Education.)
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A dirty grey funk that builds up in the unwashed nether regions after a few days, it can smell vaguely of peanuts, though that varies depending on the crotch owners diet.
Dude I was scratching my sac and I got groit all over my fingers.
by Dorkling August 10, 2006
buy the domain for your recipe blog


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Which is correct, the "grey" or "gray" spelling?
Have you often wondered "Am I spelling g-r-e-y correctly...or is it g-r-a-y?". How do you spell the color grey or gray? Well, the answer is they are both correct. There are two acceptable spellings. Gray is used primarily in the United States and other areas that use US English. Grey is used in Great Britain and areas that use UK English.
The only exceptions to these rules are:
1. Proper nouns such as a last name; Earl Grey and Zane Grey would not be spelled Gray and L.H. Gray must be always be spelled Gray.
2. Greyhound as in the dog breed.
Äkta OSTRICH QUILL BROWN SNIP Toe Los Altos Mäns Western Cowboy Boot 940307 -
3. Food irradiation (quantity of radiation energy absorbed by the food as it passes through the radiation field during processing). 1 Gray = 0.001 kGy = 1 joule of energy absorbed per kilogram of food irradiated.
When all else fails..
grAy is how it's spelled in America
grEy is how it's spelled in England
"Is it grey or gray?" is likely one of the most frequently asked questions in regards to common misspellings, however there are many other commonly misspelled words related to regional differences. In most cases American spellings seem to be a bit more phonetic. Here's a handy chart.Äkta OSTRICH QUILL BROWN SNIP Toe Los Altos Mäns Western Cowboy Boot 940307 -
See the entire chart of Commonly Misspelled Words
Please retweet and share
if you find this Resource useful
Bookmark This Page!
Äkta OSTRICH QUILL BROWN SNIP Toe Los Altos Mäns Western Cowboy Boot 940307 - What is the difference between grey and gray?
According to a very comprehensive color charted provided by Clorford.com (a trusted resource on color swatches) grey and gray are actually two different "color swatches".
According to a survey conducted both in the U.S. and England, many people believe grey is an actual color perceived as the hue of "silver", and gray is a sliding scale of values from black to white.
Historical Footnote
According to an interesting and authoritative note in the Oxford English Dictionary, the spelling "gray" was championed by Samuel Johnson, English writer and lexicographer and other English lexicographers; but in the twentieth century "grey" became the established spelling in Britain anyway.
Meanwhile, in the United States, "gray" became standard somewhat earlier. Examining two nineteenth-century U.S. dictionaries--Webster's Academic Dictionary (1867) and Webster's Condensed Dictionary (~1897)--and both include entries for "grey" that refer readers to "gray" for the term's definitions. So what is the difference between grey and gray? On the one hand, this indicates an early preference in the United States (or at least at Merriam-Webster) for "gray"; but on the other, it suggests an incomplete victory, since British spellings such as "labour" and "labelled" don't appear in those dictionaries at all.
"No people can be great who have ceased to be virtuous."
—Samuel Johnson, on the behavior of the British colonists in America; "An Introduction to the Political State of Great Britain.


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Flower Medallion Pocket Square
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Attwood Pro Series Rail Mount, Black
Part:Mfg 5012-7, iboats IB00216733, UPC 022697501240
Ships: In 1 Day
General Return Policy
An item(s) may be returned within the first 30 days after the item(s) is shipped to you. Merchandise must be in new, unused condition with all original packaging in good condition; plus parts, accessories, manuals, and/or warranty cards included. You will need to receive a return authorization number (RA #) as well as instructions from our Customer Service Department.
Please start your return online to receive your RA #. Returned item(s) that do not have a RA # will not be accepted.
* Please note: iboats.com does not accept any return merchandise on Canadian & International orders. See our Canada & International Return Policy
Warranty Policy
After 30 days of your purchase, the manufacture of the product(s) will need to be contacted for a warranty claim. If you need assistance finding the manufacturers number please contact our Customer Service Department.
Click here to read about products that differ from our General Return Policy
Most products and orders leave our warehouse in 1 business day. However, select items may take more processing time. Alaska and Hawaii orders please add 1 additional warehouse processing day.


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Ebel Patio Furniture
Ebel Patio Furniture
This is the latest information on the Furniture Decoration Ideas. Ebel Patio Furniture are the latest information and it can be your part when you are confused to choose the right design of your home. Do you like Ebel Patio Furniture ? Maybe it can be your best choice for your decorating idea. It is a dream for those who want luxury and comfortable design.
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National Media and Newspapers
Links to Web sites for the major news outlets in the United States.
- ABC News
- Contains American and world news headlines, articles, chatrooms, message boards, news alerts, video and audio webcasts, shopping, and wireless news service.
- CBS News
- Current national, regional and world news. Links to CBS news television shows, and news video.
- Christian Science Monitor
- The Christian Science Monitor is an international daily newspaper published Monday through Friday. Founded in 1908 by Mary Baker Eddy, it's now also a multimedia website, an e-mail edition, a personal digital assistant (PDA) edition, and a downloadable PDF of the print version.
- Follow the news that matters to you. Immediately receive Breaking News E-mail Alerts in your inbox. Get sports news and score alerts to follow your favorite teams and keep up with the game. Track your finances with CNN/Money's portfolio tracker.
- One of the most honored news organizations online, MSNBC.com is a leader in breaking news and original journalism. MSNBC.com reaches more people than any of the national daily newspapers.
- NPR (National Public Radio)
- An internationally acclaimed producer and distributor of noncommercial news, talk, and entertainment programming.
- New York Times
- The authority and integrity of The New York Times, with the immediacy, utility and depth of the Internet. You'll find most of the daily contents of The Times, along with news updates every 10 minutes from the Associated Press and throughout the day from New York Times editors.
- Newslink
- Offers links to US and foreign newspapers, magazines, radio, and TV networks.
- USA Today
- Online version of the paper.
- Washington Post
- Offers news, opinion, sports, arts and living and entertainment. Includes archives since 1977 and subscription information.


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Diamond Engagement Rings
Choosing a diamond engagement ring is one of the most important decisions you will ever make. The ring professes your undying love for the person with whom you have chosen to share your life, and it will be passed down from generation to generation even after you have passed. At Dara's Diamonds, we understand how essential it is to choose the perfect ring, and that's why we carry only the highest quality, most breathtaking diamond engagement rings, sold at prices that you can afford.
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Diamond Stud Earrings
Diamond stud earrings are the pinnacle of elegance and class. The right pair of diamond studs is guaranteed to turn heads wherever you go, and at Dara's Diamonds, our diamond stud earrings are all of the highest quality. With more than 550 varieties available, you can find exactly what you're looking for in a gorgeous Princess Cut or Round Cut. Additionally, you choose the setting, the backing and the carat, so you can easily find the perfect pair to fit your unique style and individual budget.
Browse our full variety and find the perfect pair of diamond stud earrings for the person you love, or just treat yourself to the diamond gift of a lifetime. Diamond stud earrings are perfect for anniversaries, birthdays, or any occasion at all. Best of all, we offer a lifetime warranty and lifetime exchange policy, so you can buy with confidence.
Diamond Pendants
A diamond pendant necklace is the perfect accessory for exuding style and class. Whether for yourself or for the love of your life, diamond pendants make the kind of gift that will be cherished for a lifetime. At Dara's Diamonds, we stock more than 650 diamond pendant varieties, so you can find the perfect pendant to match any style preference. Choose from 4 unique cuts, find your perfect setting and select between .10 carats to 1.75 carats.
All of our solitaire diamond pendants are absolutely hypnotic in their beauty, and will continue to sparkle brilliantly for generations. Be the envy of all your friends, or show your true love just how much you care. We're so confident that you'll love your diamond pendant, that we offer a lifetime warranty and a lifetime exchange policy. Find your perfect pendant today.
Our Quality Promise
As experts in our field, we promise that all our diamond jewelry meets the highest standard of excellence. With every piece, whether it is a solitaire ring or a hefty 2 carat diamond ring, each diamond goes through a rigorous quality check to ensure authenticity, cut, clarity, color and carat
All of our jewelry, including diamond rings and engagement rings, are crafted from solid 14k or 18k gold. We do not offer gold plating on any of our products. Dara's Diamonds uses cutting edge technology to shape and microscopically inspect our diamonds. We also offer an independent third-party appraisal certificate for each item purchased.
Our Dedication to Our Customers
Our website includes a Diamonds 101 section, a concise guide on what to look for in your diamond jewelry. If you have any questions, you can reach us via email or call us at 888-764-3272. We are happy to help.
Dara's Diamonds works with natural diamonds that comply with United Nations regulations and have been sourced legitimately from reputable mine owners, diamond cutters and diamond suppliers overseas. Eliminating distributors and importers cuts costs and allows us to pass the savings on to our customers. If you find a lower price on diamond engagement rings, stud earrings and diamond pendants elsewhere, we will match it!
All of our fine jewelry comes with a lifetime warranty for repair. Simply send us your diamond ring, stud earrings or diamond pendant purchased from Dara's Diamonds and we will repair them free of charge. We offer free maintenance and cleaning once a year for the lifetime of the item.
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We offer free shipping on orders over $300 (before taxes and after promotional codes). We constantly offer discounts and promotions as well as rebates, so check our site regularly.
Dara's Diamonds is dedicated to customer satisfaction. If for any reason you are unhappy with your jewelry purchase, we offer a 30-day return policy on unused items. Please see our return policy for full details on our refund policy and process.
At Dara's Diamonds, customer safety and satisfaction is a priority. All personal information and payment transactions made through our website are completely secure.
Dara's Diamonds is dedicated to providing the best possible diamond jewelry to our customers. We are accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and are a verified Authorize.Net merchant. We are also a registered StopBloodDiamonds.org jeweler.


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If you haven't updated Facebook on your iPhone yet, do it now.
I was skeptical this morning when I saw the news that the the company was releasing a "faster" iOS app. Like all of you I've sort of forgotten that Facebook even had a mobile version, because trying to access the mobile site or app just put my iPhone at extreme risk of being thrown through the nearest window. I'm not exaggerating, it was awful and you know all know it. I often said it was the company's Achilles Heel, and a self inflicted one at that.
Well, they've ditched HTML 5 and went native.
I'm not going to go into the philosophical issues around the decision. The only real point is, this new version performs.
So far I haven't seen any lags or screen locks (which were constant on the old version). Pictures and text are loading snappy and everything seems to be, in general, staggeringly better all around.
This is a big, big deal for Facebook. They really nailed this. Well done.
Facebook is back in the mobile game.
More at TechCrunch.


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This product is currently sold out.
You can obtain status and/or reserve this item by contacting us. We can also be reached by calling toll free 1-866-326-9377 (Dialing from outside the US +01 314 772 3566) between 10AM and 6PM CST (-6 GMT).
Magic Silk by MalePower is a collection of men's underwear constructed from luxurious 100% silk. Magic Silk's super soft silk is lightweight and airy creating an ultra sexy line of men's underwear that is breathable and comfortable.
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100% Silk.
Machine wash, delicate cycle in cold water. No heat tumble dry or lay flat to dry.
|28-30 in 71-76 cm
|32-34 in 81-86 cm
|36-38 in 91-97 cm
|Extra Large
|40-42 in 102-107 cm


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Trees should be taken care of the same way as you would take care of your child or pet because they offer a lot of benefits not only to homeowners but also to the environment which they consider their home. For trees to stay healthy, they will at different times require various services to prolong their life. Tree service in Smithfield can include tree trimming, tree pruning, tree trimming, tree treatment, tree planting and tree removal. These services are required in various life stages of a tree and can at times be carried out all at once or one by one when the need arises for a particular service. While some of them are personally doable when you possess certain equipment, others need only professionals to perform them. Tree removal can be tricky especially when the tree is located near a structure. Faulty removals can lead to the tree falling onto the house or any other surrounding structures. Expert arborists will see such services come to completion with no damages whatsoever coming to homeowners and their property.
Smithfield tree service cost gets affected by the particular service that's getting rendered. For example, the cost of emerald ash borer treatment will cost around $20 to $30 per year while the tree removal costs might range from somewhere around $150 to $1,500. This price difference is realized in various tree services depending on their complexities which in turn determine the overall costs of tree services. For the services to get performed, numerous factors will influence the final cost of a particular tree service. Such factors include the type of tree. There are many types of trees which present many challenges regardless of the service you're performing on it; be it removal, trimming, or treatment.
The size of the tree also dictates how much labor is to be used and what equipment needs to be utilized. Another factor that influences the tree service in Smithfield cost is the location of the tree. Some trees are difficult to access which leads to more costs. Tree pruning service can cost on average $150 to $875 while purchasing a tree can on average from $200 to $350 and $25 to $65 per hour to plant it when you hire professional services.
For reference it may be helpful to compare the costs from surrounding towns as well:
Various factors can lead to a removal tree service in Smithfield. Some of these factors include the tree forming a bad crotch, the tree having structural issues, and cracks in leaders or main trunks. Trees that are too large for their location and possess a danger to homeowners or their property should also get removed. Other reasons can also include dead trees, trees damaged during a storm, trees with troublesome needles and leaves and so on.
In such cases, you should get tree pruning and trimming services. Employing either of the Smithfield tree service will see your tree restored back to its natural condition as these services aim at eradicating hazardous branches, enhancing the tree's curb appeal, maintaining its health, and improving the quality of flowers.
Yes, tree pruning is viewed to be somewhat one of the harmless tree service in Smithfield, but what people don't know is that excessive pruning can be a health stressor to the tree and can even leave it vulnerable. Improper tree cutting can also be harmful to the tree, especially when it's aimed at giving the tree another opportunity to grow again. Also, while removal can be a necessary evil at times, it's considered to be an act of harm to the tree.
Last updated: Aug 4, 2018


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SENECA FALLS, N.Y. - House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi, the late former first lady Betty Ford and Title IX advocate Bernice Sandler are among the nine women set to be inducted into the National Women's Hall of Fame on Saturday.
The ceremony is being held in Seneca Falls, the western New York village where the first known women's rights convention was held in 1848.
"I'm absolutely thrilled. I can't believe it," Pelosi told The Associated Press this week by phone from Washington before the ceremony. Several of her female congressional colleagues, along with two of her daughters and two granddaughters, plan to attend.
Also being honored are "Sexual Politics" author Kate Millett; horse racing's most successful female jockey, Julie Krone; Ina May Gaskin, who is known as the "mother of authentic midwifery"; and monetary scholar Anna Jacobson Schwartz, who collaborated with Nobel laureate Milton Friedman on "A Monetary History of the United States, 1867-1960," published in 1963. She died last year.
The inductees also include the late Mother Mary Joseph Rogers, who in 1912 founded Maryknoll Sisters, the first U.S.-based Catholic missionary congregation of religious women, and 19th-century educator Emma Hart Willard, who advocated for equal education for women in higher education in the early 1800s.
"The 2013 inductees again represent the spirit of Seneca Falls and the groundbreaking events that inspired the nation and the world," Beverly Ryder, co-president of the board of directors, said in announcing the inductees this year.
Pelosi, from California, is being recognized for more than 25 years in politics and as the nation's first female House speaker and first woman to lead a major U.S. political party. This year she launched a women-based agenda on the 165th anniversary of the Seneca Falls convention, advocating for equal pay for women, paid family leave and affordable child care, which she said is the biggest missing piece to the fulfillment of women's potential.
"Our national security will be stronger, our economy will be more competitive, our politics will be more wholesome and our academic life will be enriched the more we unleash the power of women," Pelosi said.
Ford, who was first lady from 1974 to 1977, shared her struggles with breast cancer and addiction and co-founded the treatment center that bears her name.
Sandler, senior scholar at the Women's Research and Education Institute in Washington, filed the first charges of sex discrimination against 250 educational institutions in 1970. She was instrumental in the passage of the 1972 Title IX law requiring gender equity in every educational program that receives federal funding.
Krone, in 2000, was the first woman to be inducted into the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame. In 1993, she became the first woman to win a Triple Crown race when she rode Colonial Affair in the Belmont Stakes. She was also the first woman to win a Breeders' Cup race at the 2003 Juvenile Fillies.
The Hall of Fame says Pelosi, Sandler, Gaskin, Krone and Millett will attend. Ford's daughter, Susan Ford Bales, plans to represent her mother, who died in 2011.
The inductees join the ranks of suffragist Elizabeth Cady Stanton, tennis pro Billie Jean King, astronaut Sally Ride and actress Lucille Ball. A new class is selected every other year based on the inductees' lasting contributions to society. In all, 247 women have been inducted so far.


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Creative IT, based in London, is an expert nationwide Acer Aspire 1650Z laptop repair centre specialising in high quality
Acer Aspire 1650Z laptop hinge repair and Acer Aspire 1650Z laptop hinge replacement services. Does your laptop not open or close properly or do you have broken or cracked display hinges on your laptop that had been damaged as a result of the laptop being dropped from a height, incorrect handling such as lifting the laptop using the lid, opening the laptop beyond the normal angle or has the hinges become faulty due to normal wear and tear from opening and closing the notebook computer. The laptop LCD hinges often become loose through typical wear and tear and will result in no longer holding up your laptop display.
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In the 70's Fred Carl Jr., a fourth generation building contractor was building kitchens for his clients and saw many of them used commercial ranges in their home. When it was time for him to build his own kitchen, he realized the commercial ranges that were offered were not well suited for the home. His wife wanted a classic looking range like the old Chambers, her mother used to use. His solution was to create a hybrid range that would combine the look and styling of commercial ranges and yet have the safety features and sizes home consumers desired.
Consistency in both performance and design should be a major consideration when building or remodeling a home. With the complete Viking indoor or outdoor kitchen, every single product works together in form and function with the same level of excellence. It's something Viking calls Design Integrity.
Viking offers complete ultra-premium kitchens and truly consistent design, while delivering the quality and performance that make Viking the true market leader. Across all product categories, the knobs, handles, bezels, curves, angles, and lines all follow the same design cues â even the grain of stainless is the same from product to product. This enables the designer to create a perfectly harmonious kitchen in one of three Viking product offerings â Professional Indoor, D3 Indoor, or Professional Outdoor.
You wouldn't install mismatched cabinets and drawers or countertops. Yet design differences are even more dramatic between multiple appliance manufacturers. Traditional or contemporary. Stainless or color finish. No matter the look you're going for, no one can match the Viking kitchen and Viking Design Integrity.
Viking Ventiliation
As a gourmet, you want to fill your kitchen with only the freshest ingredients â including the air. And Viking ventilation systems not only silently subdue even the most pungent cooking aromas, they look fantastic doing it.You also have plenty of fantastic looks and options to choose from â classic chimney hoods, streamlined wall hoods, countertop downdraft systems, and microwave hoods. You can even create a totally custom look. Whatever your style, Viking ventilation keeps it fresh.
The complete Viking kitchen. Completely perfect. If cooking is everything, then the Viking Professional Series kitchen is everything you need. From cooking to cleanup to refrigeration – Viking delivers the ultimate in performance and design. You'll have the power, control, and capacity to cook any dish. And the convenience, features, and style to conquer any party.All Viking Professional products are covered by a full three-year warranty.


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Conveniently sized and affordable, the ESV Value Thinline Bible is also durable, featuring a Smyth-sewn binding and a TruTone cover. This is a quality Bible edition that makes a great gift for birthdays, graduations, and confirmations, as well as an excellent choice for outreach efforts.
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Introductory Price - $21.99 CAGED NO MORE wins 2016 "Activism" Award by Socially Relevant Film Festival INSPIRED BY REAL EVENTS THAT HAPPEN EVERY 30 SECONDS. CAGED NO MORE is a feature...
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For those of you have been familiar with Crossroads for some time, you'll know that Crossroads' Founder David Mainse is an epic storyteller. This Far By Faith, features over 70...
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Why is forgiveness so hard? People who refuse to forgive often sabotage their future and create an emotional cancer that spreads into every other aspect of their lives. Even those...
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His street name was Daylight. But he was a nightmare. On the streets of New York, darkness and violence reigned. Dimas "Daylight" Salaberrios popped his first pill when he was...
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Midsomer Murder Fans
railway station at Chinnor has appeared in the
popular TV series Midsomer Murders on several occasions. In March 2007 the station became Holm Lane Junction for Death in a Chocolate Box, which was produced by Bentley Productions and first shown on ITV on the 11 May 2008. Station signs were changed, buffers were
installed and the station platform and train were drenched, all to create the illusion. You can also see several more images below which were captured by our volunteers Trevor and Rob on the day of filming. See also The Made to Measure Murders and Wainhill (which is a little further up the Line). Why not come along and visit the station, take those memorable images on your own camera and of course, do please ride the Railway - to find out more about all the locations used in the TV series simply go to visitmidsomer.com


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This website showcases the curious fiction novel The Freys of Undair: The Failings of the Gods written by Tysior Civ.
This book presents a unique and creative adventure through a dark and mysterious underground environment. Within this isolated, but dynamic world you will find humor, action, horror, drama, and a taste of every human emotion that can be experienced.
When a person lives, but their memories die, they are born into a new life.
Two groups of people are born into their new lives in an extraordinarily odd and complex series of caverns known as the Freys of Undair. The caves are an unfortunate source of reality. They bend to the presence of the living and provide no support for those who seek the truth. They govern dwellers through pandemonium and perversion and do not yield to ignorance or incomprehension.
The two groups are told they are prisoners and guards, but their identities are only a hindrance. They will be crushed if they cannot look past themselves and their environment to forgo their very beings. Passion, reason, and amity must become sacrificial pillars to support the magnificent weight of the caves.
If their wills are great enough to confront the failings of the Gods, they may both survive and escape from the Freys of Undair.
Copyright 2013-2015 Tysior Civ. All rights reserved.
Images used within excerpts are Copyright shutterstock.com and their respective creators. Some images have been modified for use on this site.


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MANCOS Edie Hurst stood forlornly in front of Absolute Bakerys half empty pastry case.
Is there anything left? she asked wistfully.
Nope, the cinnamon rolls and savory strudels she loves sold out before 10 a.m. at the Mancos bakery and cafe. There were a few oat-and-date bars, some carrot cake with cream cheese frosting and Mexican wedding cookies left. She contented herself with some fruit bars and vowed to be back in time for strudel tomorrow.
Absolute Bakery is one of the most acclaimed cafes and bakeries in the Four Corners, a small-town icon to the past, filling up a 1903 building with plants in the window, used books for sale, art on the walls and all around good cheer.
Why are you here? a waitress asked a young man amiably hanging around the cash register.
To, you know, talk, came the reply.
Most folks come for the famous strudel, cherry and apple, and egg, potato and cheese on this day or the cakes and cookies freshly baked by owner David Blaine every morning. Or they stop in for lunch, where the salad with homemade blue-cheese dressing is scrumptious, the tuna salad is tasty and the squash-ginger bisque lives up to its name with a spicy kick. And the macaroons as big as an orange and dipped in chocolate are not to be missed.
So, you might ask, why Mancos?
Why would a picture-postcard-perfect bakery with a region-wide reputation locate in Mancos? Or a coffee shop that roasts its own beans every day? Or a top-notch new restaurant with an enviable wine list and a French-trained chef? Or a hippie-cool natural food store and cafe with hard-to-find goods such as gluten-free flour and Belgian chocolates?
Its Mancos, after all, the town you pass through on your way to the areas most famous Native American ruin, Mesa Verde. It sports a state highway, a stoplight, a gas station, a few nice B&Bs and some eccentric galleries. The towns marketing gurus champion Mancos as the heart of the Wild West, complete with signs of a cowboy on a bucking bronco along Highway 160 kitschy, but in a sweet, goofy way.
As you round the last bend from Durango and head into town, Mesa Verde rises like an upturned, slant-sided bowl and the Sleeping Ute Mountain juts up behind it. Its as breathtaking a vista as youll see between here and Utah. Looking down from this visual beauty youll see Mancos, population 1,336, elevation 7,000 feet, with the four-by-two-block business district on the south and the residential portion, several dusty, unpaved streets lined with wooden houses and free-ranging dogs, on the north.
The simple answer is that it is less expensive a lot less expensive to conduct business in Mancos than in Durango. Several business owners in the food arena estimated they were saving between 50 and 70 percent of what they would pay to buy or rent a building in Durango.
But there was something else that played into their decision to operate in Mancos the welcome.
La Plata County was not super psyched about another coffee-roasting company, said Matt Lauer of Fahrenheit Coffee Shop.
By contrast, Mancos officials were like Please! Please! Come! he said. It was just so simple.
His coffee shop, newly moved from Zumas Natural Foods and Café into its own spacious building, offers baked goods, loose leaf tea in giant jars, a blackboard menu for grab-and-go items such as breakfast burritos and turkey sandwiches and well, delicious coffee drinks. Youre likely to be waited on by Lauer or his wife, Linda James, both Fort Lewis College graduates, she in sociology, he in political science, which of course, led them to open a coffee shop.
Well, it was almost that simple. Lauer muses over how coffee intersects with many of the worlds premier political issues fair labor, sustainable agriculture and protecting the environment. Coffee, he says, is the second most traded commodity in the world. Number one? Oil.
He likes Mancos for its diversity, noting that it once had a gay mayor and residents are split between old-time ranchers, young, laid-back entrepreneurs like himself and hippies of all ages.
Jason Blankenship, who opened Olio last summer, cites the same eccentric mix of residents, a whole-hearted welcome by local officials and an I-have-your-back community ethic for convincing him to open his wine-bar-restaurant in Mancos.
He returns the favor by sourcing as much produce as he can from local farmers, buying beets, potatoes, cabbage, meat and eggs this winter to use in dishes such as trout schnitzel with roasted spaetzle and sweet and sour cabbage or Colorado lamb and mushroom pie on braised greens.
And for those conscious of the return drive to Durango, Cortez or Dolores, where many of his customers come from, Blankenship offers half-bottles of wine, a rarity in these parts. If you dont feel like a full meal, Olios has a small bar where you can stop by for a glass of wine and say, a small bite such as the peppered antelope carpaccio.
This is exactly what I was looking for, he said, happily surveying the cozy dining room.
Longtime residents of Mancos, Cynthia and Steve Klumker had already found what they were looking for when they bought Zuma Natural Foods and Café six years ago. Theyve built upon that same dedication to local farmers and organic produce and meat that Lauer, Blankenship and Absolute Bakery manager Melissa Blaine espouse at their businesses.
Steve liked the idea of having his own food bank and I liked the idea of selling locally grown fresh food, Cynthia Klumker said. Customers can come here and know they dont have to look for genetically modified on the label.
The cafe is bright and airy and customers greet each other by name as they line up for the homemade chicken and vegetable soup, salad of organic greens and fresh hummus or a panini of roast beef with blue cheese. A sign promoted Fridays special, green chili chicken casserole. The staff tries to fulfill requests for gluten- or dairy-free dishes.
To take with you, the refrigerators in back offer Colorado cheeses, organic yogurt and enormous sandwiches. You can also find freshly made salsa, chocolate-covered espresso beans and every type of corn chip known to man.
Whether Mancos is your destination and strictly for the pleasure of eating, it can be or youre just passing through, it would be a shame to leave hungry.
So, you might ask, why not Mancos?


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The cell phone market is nothing if not dynamic. A couple of years ago, it would have been unthinkable that Blackberry would have slipped to the third most utilized operating system for smartphones.
Android is now number one-and yet that may change with the impending release of the Apple iOS 5 sometime in the fall of 2011. (Not to mention the new Windows Phone 7s have shown signs of being a legitimate force in the near future.)
With all of that turmoil, the obvious question can be overlooked: What is the best smartphone for business-specifically, my business?
To start, the question should be: What is the best smartphone for business users? And the answer often varies based on your job.
For multimedia, perhaps more significant for web development and marketing positions, the iPhone is king. The graphic rendering is fast and sharp, running 720p resolution and up to 30 frames per second. The A4 processor allows for multi-tasking like loading videos, refreshing webpages and making calls at the same time. And the touchscreen functionality, with its multiple contact points, has been groundbreaking in its clarity, speed and ease of use.
Android phones fit much of this same bill-albeit without quite the fast and clear graphic rendering. Android keyboards are touchscreen, and their displays are conveniently larger-like the HTC EVO (which is also 3D, if you want it) or the HTC Sensation. Android phones, since they are a Google product, are also known for their search and mapping speeds. For heavy travelers, this can be a godsend when directions are needed on the spot.
In terms of emailing and correspondence (important tasks for sales positions), Blackberry's QWERTY keyboard provides for fast, (more) error-free typing capabilities. Any communication with clients, whether it's from the office or an airport terminal, should be clean; though slightly slower than a touchscreen, Blackberry's ergonomically designed keyboard buttons ensure this. Blackberry makes the Storm model which uses a touchscreen, but users must still "press" the screen, somewhat negating the advantages of a keyboard and touchscreen at the same time.
Smartphones are extensions of your desk-the importance of their integration with your desktop files cannot be overstated. Each brand of smartphone operating system comes with different ways to communicate with home base.
iPhones sync best with iWorks, unsurprisingly, but few companies base their business around Apple's answer to MS Office. Android-based phones, like the HTC Thunderbolt or Motorola Atrix, are best equipped to sync with Google Docs, if that is your company's office platform. Both iPhones and Androids have fast and easy-to-use apps (e.g., Dropbox) that will simply display Office documents; however, the ability to edit them will vary by app.
Though Window's OS phones are still in single-digit market penetration, they naturally have one of the best integrations with Microsoft Office. If your company exists primarily in Office and spends a great deal of time on the road, going with this up-and-coming system is your best bet. The ability to easily edit while on the go is not to be underrated.
Blackberry brings up the rear in this department. Blackberry's OS provides apps to view documents and spreadsheets, but the rendering and usability are lacking. They are just serviceable for viewing-and editing is painful. As stated before, Blackberry's strength lies in email. Otherwise, its OS and user interface aren't in competition with the rest of the smartphone market.
In the rush of figuring out integrations, graphic renderings, keyboard functionality and processor power, one crucial detail can get left by the wayside: How long does the battery last? There is nothing worse than having to start an important phone call with, "Sorry if I lose you. I'll call you back tonight if my phone dies."
The current iPhones house an impressively powerful lithium-ion battery that's good for up to 7 hours of talk time and 300 hours while idle. Android phones vary, but the Motorola Atrix boasts over 530 minutes of talk time and 350 hours of idle time.
Blackberrys, like the Torch, don't have as an impressive talk-time battery life (330 minutes) but can remain idle for over 430 hours. As Microsoft continues to ramp up to contender status in the smartphone market, they'll have to make due with the Samsung Focus or the LG Quantum's low (300 minutes) battery life.
Smartphones have developed so quickly and with such diverse capabilities in the last couple of years that, though they are now essential for most businesses, deciding on which one is right for you should be dependent upon your daily responsibilities. Once you have those tasks prioritized, you're on the road to finding the smartphone that keeps everything moving.
By Caleb Garling


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Kcal 510 Fat 32.0g Fat(sats) 19.0g Carbs 50.0g (per 100.0g)
How some of these Lindt Excellence bars have escaped getting a ChocolateMission review for as long as they have I will never know!? Having tried Lindt products from all parts of the globe, its pretty amazing that there are still a few bars of theirs' that that have been readily available here in the UK that I haven't reviewed. Thankfully a few months ago, one of my most dedicated readers Phil gave me a nudge in the direction of this Excellence Ginger. Lindt's Excellence range is one of the most consistently high scoring product collections here on ChocolateMission, so I was looking forward to the giving this 'fine dark chocolate with an aromatic taste of ginger' proposition a try. For those unaware, the majority of the Lindt Excellence range that we get here in the UK is in fact produced in France.
As with most Excellence bars this came in a 100.0g format, which was lucky as a bar any smaller wouldn't have fed the mass of work colleagues that congregated round my desk once word was out that there was a chocolate bar in the office :) I needn't say much about the Lindt Excellence packaging - I have said for a long time that it looks classy, sophisticated and worthy of the Excellence branding and nothing has changed in my mind. Inside the branded silver foil wrapping the chocolate looked no different to many other of the the Lindt Excellence dark chocolate variants (See Coffee, 70%), with the thinly portioned, glossy surface further reaffirming the premium product feel.
Breaking the blocks apart two things became immediately evident - the first being the glorious, fresh snap sound at which they broke apart. The next thing to grab my attention were the wonderfully tempting spicy chocolate scents that wafted across my senses. The fragrant smells were nicely indicative of the taste, which was pleasantly forthcoming in it's cocoa flavours despite the relatively tame 47% recipe. In terms of flavour development the unsweetened cocoa flavours were nicely underpinned by influences of milk and brown sugar - even to the most sensitive of tastebuds this wouldn't be a dark chocolate that I don' think anyone could describe as bitter. In previous ginger flavoured chocolates I have reviewed, most of come flavoured using crystallised ginger, though this Excellence bar differed somewhat by choosing to integrate the ginger through natural flavourings. In the context of this bar I thought it was a wise choice, as the spiced ginger flavours were still delivered with as much vigour as any ginger chocolate I have tasted before, yet the texture of the melt was still kept consistently smooth. This wasn't the richest of dark chocolates I have ever tasted, but just a few blocks was enough to satisfy my chocolate needs.
Overall I have to hold my hands up yet again at how ludicrous it was that I hadn't reviewed this bar before now - it proved itself to be yet another gem in the crown of Lindt's Excellence range. This Excellence Ginger wasn't quite perfect (I would have chosen a stronger chocolate recipe myself! The 72% perhaps!?), but in terms of ginger flavoured dark chocolates it still has to be recognised as one of the finer options available on the market at the moment. Lindt's Excellence range is one that can really be marvelled at - it's continues to prove that it is fantastically consistent across a wide berth of flavours from mint, orange, chilli, coffee etc - seemingly the chaps at Lindt HQ France can do little wrong when it comes to producing high quality flavoured chocolates. I'm sure all fans of ginger chocolates fans would really like this and I can say that with great confidence given the rate at which my bar was hoovered up in my work office. Recommended.
8.8 out of 10


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For a paint that's as versatile as it is beautiful, choose BEHR Premium Plus Zero VOC Satin Enamel Interior Paint. This rich, all-surface sheen is great for any room in the house. The pearl-like finish makes it perfect for adding a pop of color to both walls and trim.
California residents: see Proposition 65 information
- Ideal for family rooms, living rooms, dining rooms, bedrooms, kids' rooms, hallways, kitchens, bathrooms, doors, windows, trim, cabinets, shutters and interior furniture
- 100% acrylic finish for easy cleaning
- Versatile and strong finish that displays a pearl-like appearance
- Exceptional hide, 1 can covers up to 400 sq. ft. depending on color selected and surface porosity
- Easy soap and water clean-up
- Exceptional latex formula provides a mildew resistant finish
- Self priming finish that seals the surface
- Actual paint colors may vary from on-screen and printer representations
- GREENGUARD Certified products are certified to GREENGUARD standards for low chemical emissions into indoor air during product usage. For more information, visit ul.com/gg.
- Online Price includes a PaintCare fee in the following states: CA, CO, CT, DC, ME, MN, OR, RI and VT
- Click here for a project checklist


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Department of Evolutionary Genetics
Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology
Deutscher Platz 6
04103 Leipzig
phone: +49 341 3550 - 500
e-mail: mittag@[>>> Please remove the brackets! <<<]eva.mpg.de
Genomes (Kay Prüfer)
The focus of the Genomes group is on learning more about the recent evolutionary history of humans through evolutionary analysis of genome data. For this purpose we use both available software and develop new computational methods. Our analyses are based on comparison of the human genome to the genomes of our closest living relatives, chimpanzee and bonobo, and our closest extinct relatives, Neandertals and Denisovans. Currently the group's efforts are focused on the analysis of a high-coverage Neandertal genome. In addition, the group is dedicated to supporting other projects requiring genome-wide analyses.


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Unisys has announced release 3.0 of its Agile Business (AB) application development software for the firm's own ClearPath MCP and Microsoft Windows environments.
NOTE: The ClearPath MCP (Master Control Program) is an operating environment for ClearPath Servers with software to drive an enterprise-class server. The MCP operating system is a kernel that handles input and output, processes runs, allocates system resources, manages files and data, and provides a library of subroutines.
Using a model-driven approach and employing a high-level scripting language, this release of Unisys AB Suite allows programmers to generate complete applications from a set of business specifications. The firm is calling out its unique selling point here saying that developers do not need to write code line-by-line or separately define databases, transaction managers, and other crucial resources.
According to the firm's Bill Maclean, AB Suite Release 3.0 provides programmers with the capability to modernize mission-critical applications, without changing the core system, so end users can easily access them from mobile devices.
Maclean says that Unisys AB Suite Release 3.0 employs Microsoft Visual Studio and Team Foundation Server for application development and lifecycle management, respectively.
According to Maclean's team, "AB Suite Release 3.0 for MCP is integrated with the Unisys ClearPath ePortal for MCP specialty engine. This special-purpose processor provides web services that enable mobile devices to be integrated into the ClearPath environment. Developers can use Microsoft Visual Studio to quickly web-enable enterprise applications without changing the applications themselves. They can replace outmoded text-based application interfaces with contemporary graphic looks, so mobile users can execute transactions easily on Apple iPhones and iPads, Android devices, and BlackBerrys."
Integration with the ClearPath ePortal specialty engine is intended to make it easier for programmers to modernize server-based applications — it also expands the range of application access options for end users conducting business at the point of customer contact and service.
Unisys has also enhanced compatibility of AB Suite Release 3.0 with the predecessor Enterprise Application Environment (EAE) development system. That compatibility makes it easier to migrate EAE applications to AB Suite Release 3.0 without impacting performance.


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Brunilda Nazario, MD, is the Lead Medical Director at WebMD and is responsible for reviewing WebMD content and ensuring its accuracy, timeliness, and credibility.
Nazario works with WebMD's network of expert doctors and health care professionals where she shares her goals, vision, and the challenges faced in helping to develop an educational and successful learning experience for WebMD's readers. Nazario is dedicated to helping readers understand health information. She is a board certified Internist and Endocrinologist, she is also certified in Advanced Diabetes Management. Upon completion of a certification in bariatric medicine, Nazario is now a Diplomate for the American Board of Obesity Medicine. She is Chair-elect for The Obesity Society's Latin American Association Section.
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Garth Knox was born to play the viola. As a youngster, he already had two sisters who played violin and a brother who played cello. "So for the family string quartet," Knox says, "it was very clear from the start which instrument I would play."
On his new album, Saltarello, Knox traverses almost 1,000 years of music history, playing not only the viola but also the medieval fiddle and the viola d'amore, a forgotten member of the viola family with an extra set of strings vibrating underneath the fingerboard. Knox says the instrument appeared and then disappeared in musical history.
"A lot of babies were thrown out with the bath water," he says in an interview with All Things Considered host Robert Siegel. "And I thought the viola d'amore was a particularly big baby that had been thrown away by mistake. I and others are trying to bring it back and show just how beautiful it can be."
The instrument appears in the album's opening track — "Black Brittany," an arrangement of a traditional Irish song — and in a stripped-down version of a Vivaldi concerto. Instead of the standard orchestral accompaniment, Knox arranged the work for just two instruments: the viola d'amore and a cello.
"I noticed over the years that baroque players like to lighten things up and make it clearer by reducing the number of people playing," Knox says. "And I thought it would be nice just to see how far I could go, and in this Vivaldi piece I think we've reached the limit. I think it gains something. I think it's exciting to hear it played like this."
The oldest music on Saltarello is by the 12th century abbess and composer Hildegard von Bingen; Knox plays it on the medieval fiddle, an instrument that he says looks like what you see depicted in Renaissance paintings.
"You usually see angels playing them," Knox says. "They usually have five strings, and their bridge is flat and you can play all the strings all the time, which is the idea. It's a very beautiful instrument, and it has a very earthy sound."
Immediately following the ancient sounds, Knox jumps more than 900 years to a new piece, Vent Nocturne (Dark Mirrors), written for him by Kaija Saariaho. It's all part of Knox's musical journey.
"I thought it would be very interesting to put things together which normally you don't hear together," Knox says, "and see just what the differences are."
From NPR News, this is ALL THINGS CONSIDERED. I'm Melissa Block.
I'm Robert Siegel, and this is Garth Knox on his new album "Saltarello," playing the viola d'amore.
SIEGEL: The viola d'amore is a forebear of the modern viola, which is Knox's main instrument. It has two sets of seven strings.
SIEGEL: The Dublin-born, Scottish-raised musician plays three-stringed instruments on "Saltarello." He says he's been working the viola d'amore into his music ever since he stumbled upon the instrument in Italy.
GARTH KNOX: The viola d'amore appeared and then disappeared in musical history. And I think it's one of those instruments, which, you know, is - a lot of babies got thrown out with the bath water. And I thought the viola d'amore was a particularly big baby that had been thrown away by mistake. And so I'm not only the one, but I and other people are trying to bring it back now and show just how beautiful it can be.
SIEGEL: Do you think perhaps it was tossed out with the hurdy-gurdy, with the kind of...
KNOX: That kind of thing, you know, is actually forgotten. In a way, it got left behind when music started changing key a lot. But then in folk music, that's not a handicap. You don't change key that often in folk music.
SIEGEL: Now, you played the viola from an early age, which is to say somebody switched you from violin to viola. Is that...
SIEGEL: Was that a measure of your future as a violinist, or why did they make you play the viola?
KNOX: Well, I was kind of born into it. When I was born, I already had two sisters who played the violin, and I had a brother who played the cello. So for the family string quartet, it was very clear from the start which instrument I was going to play.
KNOX: And I only took up the violin and - because I couldn't reach the end of the viola. And as soon I could at the age of 11, I then immediately switched to viola and enjoyed it much more. I never called my fate into question.
SIEGEL: Well, let's turn now to, I guess, the oldest music that you include on this album, which is a sort of a mash-up of something by Hildegard von Bingen...
KNOX: Yeah.
SIEGEL: ...and also Guillaume de Machaut, and you're no longer playing the viola d'amore.
KNOX: I'm playing medieval fiddle here, which is a bit like the hurdy-gurdy but played with the bow, and it's probably as far back as we can go for bowed string instruments.
SIEGEL: What's the medieval fiddle look like? What is it?
KNOX: It looks like what you see in Renaissance paintings. You know, you often see angels playing them. They have usually five strings. Their bridge is flat. You can play all the strings all the time, which is the idea. I think it's a very beautiful instrument, and it has a very earthy sound, which is what I like. So this, as I say, we play a piece by Hildegard von Bingen from the 12th century. It's probably about as far back as we can go. It was first a vocal piece, but, of course, it would have been accompanied by a drone on probably a fiddle or something like this. And so I do this sort of little meditation around this Hildegard von Bingen piece.
SIEGEL: These instruments that you play, these long-lost instruments, were they made by the likes of Stradivarius and so on? Or were these more common folk instruments?
KNOX: Well, the fiddle was certainly a more common folk instrument. It was a more basic instrument and easier to make. And probably, there were very good makers at the time. But unfortunately, there were none which survived from the 12th, 13th, 14th centuries. So we really - yes, we're working on paintings and recreating them and finding things that sound good, basically. But I like to have the sense of where we come from. That's part of my nature. And playing the viola, I really want to know where it came from, which is why I went back first to the viola d'amore and then to the fiddle, which is where all the stringed instruments we play nowadays come from.
SIEGEL: You include on this album a couple of pieces by, I guess, the Finnish composer...
KNOX: That's right, Kaija Saariaho, who I admire very much as a composer. And I thought it would be very interesting to put things together which normally you don't hear together, which is what appealed to me in making the CD was this Bingen piece from the 12th century and put it beside one that was written three years ago and just see what the differences are and where we were at in, well, you know, almost 1,000 years later. And they're both wonderfully rich and stimulating. You couldn't really choose between them.
KNOX: Kaija comes from Finland, from the Arctic waste, and I think you can hear this a bit in the music, beautiful solo across the swirling wind behind, made with viola sounds and light electronics.
SIEGEL: Well, what do you think, for someone who has included a piece from the 14th century on this album and folk music which - I don't know how old it is...
KNOX: Yeah.
SIEGEL: ...does this music have legs? Does electronic 21st-century music have legs and going to be around for 800 years?
KNOX: I think pieces like this will last, yes. And I think in 1,000 years, people will have heard it. In fact, this, you know, the past goes away less and less these days. You know, we have recordings of all these old music from the past, which they didn't have in the past. I think the present will stay around a lot longer than it used to.
SIEGEL: You do something on this - in this album that's very interesting. You include a Vivaldi concerto for viola d'amore. However, as opposed to playing it on a viola d'amore with orchestra, it's arranged for viola d'amore and cello. So there's just two instruments playing a Vivaldi concerto.
KNOX: I've been working a bit in the Baroque field . I noticed over the years, and the Baroque players like very much to lighten things up and make it clearer by reducing the number of people playing. And back in the '50s and '60s, people used to play Baroque music with big orchestras and big choirs. And little by little, it's getting smaller and smaller. And actually, tempos have been getting a bit faster. And I thought it'd be nice to see just how far I could go. And in this Vivaldi piece, I think we've reached the limit because you couldn't really take anything else out (unintelligible).
SIEGEL: You got to have two instruments to play Vivaldi.
KNOX: There are only two. Yes, that's right.
KNOX: But I think everything - all the essential is there and actually gains something. I think it's really rather exciting and interesting to hear it played like this.
SIEGEL: It is lovely, and it makes you wonder why one would have needed the other couple of dozen players there.
SIEGEL: Garth Knox, you mentioned being literally born to play the viola because your oldest siblings already played two violins and a cello.
KNOX: That's right.
SIEGEL: Was the family - are there other professional musicians in the family?
KNOX: I'm the only one who carried on. We used to play together every Christmas, our string quartet. In the beginning, I was the worst and, you know, I then got better and better, and they got worse and worse. In the end, it was kind of torture for me. They completely ruined Mozart's "Eine Kleine Nachtmusik."
KNOX: It's the piece we played every year, I just can't hear it anymore without bringing back those memories.
KNOX: But we had a lot of fun.
SIEGEL: Were your parents musicians as well?
KNOX: My father played the bagpipes, which is a great instrument, and the further away you get, the better it sounds.
KNOX: When it's played inside right next to you, it's almost unbearable.
SIEGEL: Yeah.
KNOX: And my father - my mother played the piano. See, everyone played something, which is the way in Ireland. You know, there's not the separation between performer and listener. Everybody does it.
SIEGEL: Well, Garth Knox, thanks a lot for talking with us about your new album.
KNOX: Thank you, Robert. It's a pleasure.
SIEGEL: Garth Knox plays the viola, the viola d'amore and the fiddle on his new album called "Saltarello." He spoke to us from Paris.
BLOCK: You're listening to ALL THINGS CONSIDERED from NPR News. Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR.


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My husband has been telling me that he's tired of seeing that Olallieberry Dutch Baby on my blog, so today I will change the recipe! What?
Yes, there is a recipe in this post-- and please feel free to scroll past my personal update on why I've been absent. Here goes:
Many of my followers/readers/friends know that I underwent major surgery on June 11th. I had a total left knee replacement. I checked into the hospital, like a brave little soldier-- iPad fully charged, with all my iMagazines downloaded. I factored in that there would be pain involved. I wrapped my mind around there being a six-inch scar down the middle of my knee. I carefully interviewed three orthopedic surgeons, and chose the one who has the best reputation in town.
The surgery was a success. Technically. There were some definite hiccups. Like, my epidural went a bit awry, so when a team of physical therapists insisted I stand up on my new knee within four hours of surgery-- they couldn't grasp my desperate pleas for mercy. My right leg was so numb (from the epidural) that I could not will it to move. The pain! Oh, the pain!
I had no idea I was capable of the guttural screams that came out of my throat-- and I was not giving birth! Once the epidural was removed, and I was given mega doses of gnarly pain meds, I began the arduous work of trying to walk with my new knee. I threw up a lot, and food lost any hint of interest to me. I was discharged on Day #4. The ride home, in the car, wasn't pleasant at all. Getting out of the car was difficult-- as any movement to my knee made those screams come back. I'm not gonna lie-- this is a worse pain than anything I have ever experienced!
The Baking Sheet". There's a lot of vanilla in this recipe, and it's what makes the recipe work. The cookies have a combination of shortening and butter, oatmeal (for texture), brown sugar and white chocolate chips-- all pantry staples.
Where am I today? It was been 2-1/2 weeks since my surgery. Truth be told, the way I feel today, I am having seconds thoughts on my decision to have a knee replacement. Given the continuous pain, the horrible rash on my back (a reaction to the tape from the epidural), the nausea from the medication, a total loss of appetite-- I've definitely had better days. On the positive side, I have a fabulous physical therapist, who comes to my home three days a week. I, affectionately, call him my "Physical Terrorist".
That's another thing-- everyone told me to do my physical therapy, no matter what. Let me tell you, that I admire anyone who can endure the pain of having your knee bent to break up scar tissue. The screams that came from under the pillow that I placed over my face sounded like I was being skinned and flayed alive! My knee is pretty much frozen stiff, and I'm trying my hardest to get it to bend. Apparently, I am so paralyzed with anxiety and fear of pain that I'm causing my muscles to tighten. No matter how many pep talks I've had, I haven't had a miracle breakthrough. Is this a self-pity party? No! These are my honest feelings and angst. Every day, I feel a little bit better and I know that this shall pass.
My future recipes: I have three more weeks to work on my rehab, and plenty of time on my hands to write. Sadly, I can't cook or bake, because I'm still relying on my walker for stability and support. Plus, there's the lack of appetite thing that's going on. Hopefully, that will change-- and I can embrace the weight loss I'm having.
Thank you for listening to my surgery update. I do miss the world of Food Blogging, as this is my creative outlet. My husband and son have stepped up to the plate, to take care of my needs. I feel blessed and very thankful for that. Thank you to those of you who have sent me private emails, wishing me well. They truly do lift my spirits.
I miss not visiting my favorite blogs-- but in truth, food (at this time) has lost interest to me. I know this is a very temporary thing. Most importantly, so are the bouts of boredom, despair and hopelessness. I've been told this is perfectly normal. I am not giving up food blogging! I will be back!
Here's the printable cookie recipe card.


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From Acadia in Maine to Zion in Utah to the North Cascades in Washington, America's 401 national park areas have gates blocking entrance roads.
The last remaining campers and hotel guests in the parks must leave Thursday, and park rangers will patrol to keep others out.
The national parks "belong to the American people, and the American people should have the right to come in," says National Park Service Director Jonathan Jarvis. "But the only way I can protect these places during this period is to shut them down."
Jarvis has furloughed 21,000 park rangers, technicians and other employees given Congress' failure to enact a fiscal year 2014 federal budget. The result is delayed weddings, vacations and adventures planned for years.
"In 1995, I applied for a permit to float the Grand Canyon," says contractor Peter Wisniewski of Troy, Idaho, who spoke from a makeshift camp at blocked national park gates near Lee's Ferry, Ariz.
Eighteen years later, Wisniewski has his private Grand Canyon permit, $16,000 worth of rented rafts, food and gear, and 15 friends maintaining a vigil with him at the national park barricade.
"I think the parks being closed during this shutdown [is] silly," Wisniewski complains. "They're playing politics with my one vacation that I've been waiting for for 18 years."
Wisniewski points to the national forests outside the Grand Canyon and elsewhere that are largely open for recreation during the shutdown. Campgrounds and other developed facilities are closed, but hikers, backpackers, hunters, boaters and climbers are able to drive forest roads and get into the places they play.
The same is true for the 245 million acres of federal land managed by the Bureau of Land Management.
But at national parks, national monuments, national recreation areas, national historic sites and other Park Service areas, no entry is permitted during the shutdown.
"The park is closed, and we're enforcing the boundaries," says Aly Batrus, chief of interpretation at Zion National Park in Utah. "You can get a ticket just for being in the park recreating when you're not supposed to be."
Trespassing in a national park carries a maximum fine of $500 and up to six months in jail, according to the Criminal Resource Manual issued to U.S. attorneys.
"National parks exist because they are protecting irreplaceable resources," says Joan Anzelmo, a former national park superintendent and spokeswoman for the Coalition of National Park Service Retirees.
Anzelmo says "extraordinary natural resources, priceless historic artifacts and archaeology" are threatened when left unattended during the shutdown.
"There would be vandalism and theft," she adds. "There would be destruction in some places. There would be animals that are poached."
At Zion, Batrus worries about the 10,000 American and foreign tourists in the park this time of year.
"Allowing 10,000 people to come in and do whatever they want in the park ... would really be risking the resources" and the safety of visitors.
Many may not appreciate the dangers that some activities present in the park, such as the risk of flash floods in Zion's narrow and popular canyons.
"Without a budget we're not able to explain to people some of the dangers of going into certain areas so you don't have the safety messages," Batrus asserts.
Backcountry camping and risky canyon hikes in Zion require permits and safety briefings that are not available during the shutdown.
Zion and other parks include state highways that will remain open during the shutdown, but visitors are not permitted to stop and venture into the parks.
Jarvis says national parks are more "tightly controlled" than other public lands and have "very specific legal purposes that distinguishes them from the open lands of the BLM and Forest Service."
That's a reference to the federal law that established the National Park Service in 1916. It requires the agency to "conserve the scenery and the natural and historic objects and the wild life therein and to provide for the enjoyment of the same."
This preservation and protection role extends beyond the mandates for other public lands, which permit hunting, oil and gas exploration, logging, mining and other development, as well as recreation and some preservation.
Jarvis also describes national park areas as having "limited access points, gates and entrance stations" — with rangers available to "inform visitors what they can and cannot do."
National forest and BLM lands, he says, "would nearly be impossible to close because there are so many access points. Secondly, those lands are open to a wide range of public activities."
The national parks "are irreplaceable assets and they don't manage themselves."
The mandate to "provide for the enjoyment" of parks means that visitors are accommodated with paved roads, lodges, campgrounds, water and sewage systems, law enforcement, search and rescue teams and firefighters.
"We have a skeletal staff," says Batrus. "We do not have the ability that we normally do" to support visitation and rescue people who get in trouble.
Wisniewski and his friends plan to camp out a few more days, hoping for good news from Washington and the opening of Grand Canyon National Park and the Colorado River.
"Maybe in 18 years I'll get another chance," he says, if the news he wants doesn't come.
The last campers and hotel guests still enjoying America's national parks have to be out today due to the federal government shutdown. More than 400 national park areas are closed, and parks is the key word. National forests and other federal lands are largely open. NPR's Howard Berkes explains the difference.
HOWARD BERKES, BYLINE: Peter Wisniewski and 15 friends are camped outside the concrete barriers now blocking the road to Lee's Ferry, Arizona, where they hoped to begin a 20-day rafting trip through Grand Canyon National Park. It took Wisniewski 18 years to arrange a hard-to-get permit for a private Grand Canyon trip.
PETER WISNIEWKSI: Well we're at $2,000 now for the permit; we have spent $16,000 to rent equipment. Plane tickets. We figured it out. We're about $37,000 in the hole. I think the parks being closed during this shutdown are silly.
BERKES: Wisniewksi notes that national forests outside the Grand Canyon and elsewhere are mostly open. But national parks are unique among federal lands, according to Joan Anzelmo, a former park superintendent now with the Coalition of National Park Service Retirees.
JOAN ANZELMO: They are protecting irreplaceable resources, extraordinary natural resources, priceless historic artifacts and archaeology. And if you leave those unattended, they will not be there for the next generation. There would be vandalism and theft. There would be destruction in some places. There would be animals that are poached. That would impair those national parks that exist and are protected for everyone.
BERKES: National forests and other federal lands are far bigger than most national parks and have many remote entry points, including roads and trails. Access is difficult to restrict. But most national parks have limited access, staffed entrance stations or visitor centers, and critical warnings for hikers, climbers and backpackers. In Zion National Park in Utah, flash floods in narrow canyons are among the risks, says spokeswoman Aly Batrus.
ALY BATRUS: Without a budget, we're not able to explain to people some of the dangers of going into certain areas, so you don't have the safety messages.
BERKES: And Zion and other big parks are very busy this time of year with American and foreign tourists who may not appreciate the dangers or the fragility of natural features and wildlife.
BATRUS: On an average day here this time of year, we'd have 10,000 visitors. Simply allowing 10,000 people to come in and do whatever they want, we would really be risking the resources.
BERKES: The national park mandate also requires accommodating visitors, so staffers are needed to keep water and sewage systems operating, roads maintained, and search and rescue and firefighting teams ready. But 21,000 rangers, technicians and other employees have been furloughed. Jonathan Jarvis manages the nation's national parks.
JONATHAN JARVIS: They belong to the American people and the American people should have the right to come in, but the only way I can really protect the place during this period is to shut them down.
BERKES: For anyone tempted to sneak past barricades or into remote park areas, Aly Batrus at Zion National Park has this warning.
BATRUS: The park is closed and we are enforcing its boundary. So you can get a ticket just for being in the park recreating when you're not supposed to be.
BERKES: Maximum penalties include six months in jail and a $500 fine. None of this eases the frustration of Peter Wisniewski near Lee's Ferry, Arizona, where he's ready to begin his Grand Canyon adventure.
WISNIEWKSI: They're playing politics with my one vacation that I've been waiting for for 18 years. And maybe in 18 years I'll get another chance.
BERKES: Wisniewski says a hundred others are camped there as well, with river permits and reservations for commercial trips, waiting for hopeful news. Howard Berkes, NPR News, Salt Lake City. Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR.


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Photo: Former Stripper LaStarya & Falcons Ray Edwards Hand on Ass Portrait
Doing the Holiday season a lot of couples will have portraits made of themselves to show their undying love for each other. LaStarya and Ray Edwards are no different than any other couple.
Well a little different, but if they are happy that is all that matters.
They decided to have a portrait made that would signify their love and express in graphic detail what the mean to each other..
So what do you think?
Nothing says I love you more than a hand on a nice ass right?
Tony Montana approves this post.