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By Laura Snyder for Central Iowa Press
My husband has the blues. Well, no, he's not depressed, unless you define depressed as "wanting something you don't have." If that were my definition, I'd have to say that he's been depressed since the day he was born.
He is an ambitious man, so always wanting something he doesn't have comes with the territory.
This week, however, he has the "blues". He wants a Blu-Ray player and a Blue-Tooth headset. Both of which he will certainly receive at the first sign of a blue moon.
The Blu-Ray player is non-essential in my eyes because we've got a hi-def TV with a huge selection of movie channels, Netflix and Hulu which should satisfy even the most craven movie addict. Blu-Ray is only for movies you might not be able to acquire using any of the multiple pathways we already have.
Besides, a Blu-Ray player would require me to learn a whole new set of buttons to push on the remote. Not worth it.
Not only that, but, on principle, I would avoid buying anything that was made by a manufacturer that couldn't spell something they should have learned in first grade. It's Blue, not Blu. I can only assume that if the manufacturer cannot spell the word correctly, either the CEO never passed first grade, or it's made in a non-English-speaking country, or they believe the rest of the world can only read phonetically. Why would anyone buy anything from such a pompous individual?
How is the next generation of children going to learn to spell correctly if prominent corporations continue to butcher their own names?
As for the Blue-Tooth headset (one wonders where this name came from, but at least it is spelled correctly), my husband has owned three of them already and each one has found its way into a full cup of coffee. So until they invent a Blue-Tooth headset that is either bigger than the mouth of a coffee cup or is repelled by, or impervious to, coffee, I figure it's easier to simply take our money and flush it down the nearest toilet.
If my husband is "blue", so am I, but not so much in a materialistic sense. I love Elvis Blue Suede Shoes and Blue Hawaii. I have a special affinity for blue skies and my son's blue eyes.
I remember when the "man in blue" used to be the "long arm of the law." My youngest boy wants to be a policeman just so he can drive a cool blue car.
There was a time when laundry detergent was fortified "with bluing for extra whitening." I always wondered why you would use something blue to get something white. It's kind of like taking a bath in a mud puddle, isn't it?
As "blue" as I am, if we were talking about red states and blue states, I would have no problem tossing that conversation into the deep blue sea.
Why is blue used when describing both blue blood and blue collar? Isn't that a conflict of interest or something? And why isn't bluegrass or blue cheese actually blue?
Then there are all the living blues that I love: bluebells, bluebirds, blue blossom, bluebonnets, blue fox, blue heron, blue spruce, bluegill and blue jay. Notice that not one of these natural items had the audacity to be spelled wrong.
Have you also noticed that if you look at the word blue for a while, your eyes begin to cross and it starts to look as if is spelled wrong? Where else in the English language do you find a "u" and an "e" side by side in the same word?
I told myself that I could give myself a blue ribbon if I could blue pencil this column to accommodate every blue word in the dictionary. I have been typing a blue streak, but I forgot blue print, blue plate and blue whale. Now I'm in a blue funk.
So, I'm going to find my favorite pair of blue jeans, scarf down a blueberry muffin, and watch Blue Hawaii on a DVD player that is most definitely not Blu-Ray. I'm blue, but not that blue!


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Envelope permits are issued for a nonspecific and non-reducible vehicle or cargo load that does not exceed 250,000 pounds in gross weight, 14 feet in width, 16 feet in height or 120 feet in overall length and that has at least four axles, unless otherwise approved by ADOT Enforcement and Compliance. All envelope permitees must have an Arizona business address. All vehicles must be currently registered for 80,000 pounds.
Permits can be purchased by one of these methods:
For more information, please see our Permits FAQ.
Arizona Department of Transportation
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Copyright © Arizona Department of Transportation – All rights reserved.

subset: commoncrawl


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Americans' reactions to revelations about NSA spying on our telephone records have a common denominator: We don't like the government keeping these tabs.
Why is it, exactly, that citizens don't mind as much when the private telecommunication companies that provide our phone service keep those records instead?
The answers to that question are complicated and multifaceted. But the key reason is that we have always known — or at least it was never kept a secret from those who inquired — that the telecoms kept those records on file, for a time, at least.
Especially back in the days when long-distance and especially overseas phone calls were markedly more expensive than dialing up your next-door neighbor, the monthly phone bill was a reminder of just how our charges were arrived at, with every call from our land lines indexed as a line item on the bill: what time it was placed to what number for what duration of time. It just figured that the "phone company," especially when there was just one — Ma Bell — held on to those records in case there was a dispute.
When former National Security Agency contractor Edward Snowden leaked the revelation that the spy agency had horned in on the deal, keeping call data from Americans' phones for five years, it struck most of us as somehow plain wrong.
Many of us also misunderstood the nature of that data, and plenty of Americans still assume — wrongly, at least so far as we have been told — that it is the content of the calls themselves, i.e., what was said over the wires, rather than the mere fact that the calls have been placed, that is being collected and stored.
In any case, the move from private to federal government storage of the phone records has had little support even from those Americans outraged at the depth and breadth of Snowden's other revelations.
Responding to the outrage, President Barack Obama, Congress and the intelligence agencies themselves have been crafting proposed changes to the status quo.
The president's proposal to keep the storage of bulk records of Americans' phone calls in the private companies' computers instead of in the NSA's is a welcome one, along with the change to keeping those records for just 18 months instead of the spy agency's current five years. Perhaps an even bigger change to be applauded is the president's call for judicial review of any request by the government to review phone records, except in the case of a national security emergency.
A rival proposal coming out of the House Intelligence Committee would allow the NSA itself to subpoena phone records directly, and it's hard to see how that would assuage Americans' current feeling that their private communications are subject to a kind of guilty-until-proven-innocent review by a rogue agency. We much prefer a judge reviewing the reasons for the request.
And Sen. Dianne Feinstein, long an intelligence community supporter who has lately come out as a lion in winter, with a proper roar about Americans' invaded privacy, wonders if "22 vetted people at the National Security Agency" might not be better equipped to sort through phone data when it is requested rather than private telecom employees.
Another good question.
But we prefer going back to keeping the records, and record-searching, entirely in the companies' hands.


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Dragon Quest: The Hand of the Heavenly Bride - DS
Release Date:20 February 2009
Viewing UK:Also on USA.
Dragon Quest V Hand of the Heavenly Bride is Chapter Five of the saga and comes with new 3D graphics and improved audio. It follows the fortunes of a poor young boy who by a combination of hard work, treasure hunting and dragon slaying, grows up to be a Prince.
Super Gamer Dude
Nintendo DS
This game features its strong and very satisfying plot that spans a lot of generations and gives you the role of being a lonely boy. Being a boy that has been rejected by society, you begin to suffer numerous tragedies and try to survive living alone. As you grow older, you will be trying to make improvements in your life by unraveling your past and reconciling it with your destiny. The destiny that you seek will be answered as you progress through the game from slaying bad guys and performing tasks that each level requires.
On top of your screen, you will witness an expansive map that you will be exploring as you go through your quests. On each of the map that you will be having, you will need to engage in every place on the map and ask the locals that live in it for the things that you will be looking for. There will be a lot of confusing directions and hints on every map however; you will still find it easy to cross each map through the use of the party chat.
Of course a role-playing game is not complete without the battles. On the top of your screen, you will be able to control your main character through the top screen outlining all the information as well as the weapons and skills that you can use. Also, the enemies as well as the battlefields will be confined on the bottom part of your screen. On both screens, you will be able to control your party. You can use the individual skills like use magic, attack an enemy or command all your units to heal together. You will find this game challenging and not boring because of the variation of enemies and their skills that you will be facing. As you move along each level, you will find that the enemy grows stronger.
This game enables you to tame and recruit more than 50 different monster types by defeating each one in the battle. Just like your character, you can let them use and wear anything you like. The total hours to finish this game are about 40 hours, however, that will be accomplished only if you don't make any errors on the quest. Therefore to make it close to that time, you will need to master and practice every skill and every monster ability that you tame. If you fail, you can always start from the beginning.
|Submitted by
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In Defense of Income Inequality
By Peter Schwartz
The issue of income inequality reveals one of the ugliest aspects of today's culture. The ugliness stems not from the existence of income inequality--but from the motives of those who denounce it.
Income inequality used to be a rabble-rousing issue of the left. Now it is being raised by mainstream figures, from the head of the Federal Reserve to President Bush, who are apologetically trying to offer solutions. But what is the actual problem they wish to solve? Certainly, it is not a growth in poverty. To the contrary, between 1979 and 2006--the period during which income inequality has supposedly become more acute--real wages for the median worker rose 11.5%. Even workers in the lowest tenth percentile had an increase of 4%.
No, the alleged problem is not that some are becoming poor--but that others are too rich. The complaint is that while the bottom tier enjoyed a 4% rise in income, the top tier enjoyed a 34% increase. The complaint is that over the past 25 years, the share of income of the top fifth of households climbed from 42% to 50%, while that of the bottom fifth fell from 7% to 5%.
But this development represents an injustice only if we use a perverse standard of evaluation. It is unjust only if we measure someone's economic status not by what he has, but by what others have--i.e., only if he benefits not by making more money, but by making his neighbor have less.
This is the standard of egalitarianism--the standard that demands a uniformity of income, regardless of anyone's ability or effort. It is the standard of envy, whereby a problem exists whenever some have more, of anything, than others. And the egalitarian's solution is to eliminate all such inequalities.
Egalitarianism is the antithesis of the valid tenet of political equality, under which we have equal rights. That is, we have the right to achieve whatever our ambition and talents allow, with no one permitted to forcibly stop us. Egalitarianism, however, is a denial of the individual's right to be left free. It is an abhorrent demand that some people be punished for achieving what others haven't. It is a brazen declaration that an equality of condition must be attained.
And how is it to be attained? By--as the Australians aptly phrase it--cutting down the tall poppies. No one is to be allowed to surpass his fellow-citizen. No one is to be allowed to rise. Which means that the most able must be brought down to the level of the least able. The equal spread of misery and privation is the only "equality" that egalitarians ultimately seek. This is why they extol socialist societies, where all suffer equal destitution, while vilifying capitalist societies, where all are free to advance according to their abilities and where the poorest enjoy greater luxuries than any citizen in a "worker's paradise."
Making others fall does not make you rise. While prohibiting a Thomas Edison or a Bill Gates from becoming fabulously wealthy does indeed reduce income inequality, it does not make the poor richer. Nonetheless, it is what egalitarians desire. They are motivated by what Ayn Rand called "hatred of the good": if they lack something of value, they want to make sure nobody else has it either.
Income inequality is an effect. The cause is the difference in people's economic production. Criticizing income inequality is like complaining that a computer carries a higher price than a paper clip. Price reflects an object's market value--and the money someone earns reflects the market value of his work. There is no fixed, pre-existing glob of income that somehow oozes disproportionately into the pockets of the rich. Wealth is created. The top fifth of the population have ten times more income than the bottom fifth because they have produced ten times more.
In a statist system, people advance through government favors and at the expense of the genuinely deserving. But in a free, capitalist system, income inequality represents something good. It means that exceptional individuals are free to do their productive best, and to reap their rewards. Whenever a Bill Gates arises to make his fortune, the income disparity between top and bottom increases--but so does everyone's standard of living. If so, why shouldn't we welcome an inequality--including a widening inequality--in incomes? And, instead of apologizing for this phenomenon, why aren't our leaders denouncing the egalitarian enviers who want to level us all?


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Reviewed by Sarah B. (age 7) and Nick H. (age 8)
We thought this book was really funny because Elmo turns into a frog. Sarah's favorite part was when Elmo thought it was raining, but it was just the river. She did not like when Elmo eats worms, but that was Nick's favorite part. Nick likes that part because it reminds him of when he ate spaghetti for the first time when he was little. In this book, there is a frog on every page. Elmo is also in the book, "Pig Stye", a book by the same author. We learned a lesson in this book that you should always listen to your teacher.
We think this book is good for people who like comedy.


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Fali előtető
Ez az erős fali előtető ideális megoldás nagyméretű járművekhez. A szabadalmaztatott, automatikus első sínnek köszönhetően a be- és kicsúszás egyenletesen simán történik. Alumíniumból készült, rendkívül ütésálló záródugók.
When travelling in your camper vehicle you have the privilege of being free to stop at the most beautiful places. Simply turn off the ignition, get the table and chairs out, and enjoy the marvelous view. A Dometic RV awning gives you added pleasure: It turns the area in front of your vehicle into your personal mobile patio, which will give you many relaxing hours!
The awning provides shade as well as protection against rain, wind and weather and it can do so much more. With the right accessories you can quickly create an extra living or sleeping room for your mobile home, complete with windows, doors, curtains, fly screens and lighting.
Small or large caravan, rv or campervan – Dometic has a
tailor-made awning solution for every demand. The following table
gives you a first, general overview of the available options. Your choice will depend on the construction of
your rv and, of course, on how much comfort you want.
Here are the three most important criteria to consider before you take
your buying decision:
Once these three questions have been answered, you can proceed
with the detailed planning. Choose the matching awning width and
extension, the colour of the housing and the awning fabric. Then
decide about the extras you want. Our awning accessory range gives you a
whole world of possibilities.
To make sure that no recreational vehicle needs to remain without
an awning, the Dometic range includes awnings for wall mounting as well as for roof mounting. Which fastening method is applicable
in your case, will depend on the construction of your vehicle. We
recommend you to play safe and seek advice from an expert! Your
Dometic dealer should be able to advise you on this matter and will
be able to tell you where and how your awning can be fitted.
Impeccable installation results with vehicle-specific adapters
Vehicle walls and roofs are, among other things, design elements. That means they can have different shapes. With a comprehensive range of adapters Dometic ensures that the vehicle and the awning are perfectly coordinated, so you will get impeccable installation results.
What about the awning size and weight?
The size of the awning depends on the vehicle length and weight is another factor that needs to be taken into account. The longer the awning is the heavier it will be, of course. The spectrum ranges from 11 kg for the smallest models to 58.5 kg for the big ones.
If you are a comfort enthusiast, you are likely to opt for an electric
awning, which slides out at the touch of a button in a matter of
seconds. Three awnings in the Dometic range off er this convenient
option. If you prefer manual crank operation to be independent in
terms of energy supply, you will pick a classic, manual awning model.
There are good arguments for each system version. To make your
decision easier, we have put together all important facts in the table
Patented easy lock flipper
All manual and electric Dometic awnings with support legs are fitted with the Easy Lock Flipper. The patented system allows simple and safe set-up and adjustment of the support legs. When the awning is extended, the inclination angle of the lead rail adjusts automatically to provide convenient access to the support legs. The awning can easily be set up without requiring a ladder. After use the support legs are stored away safely in the lead rail.
You want to use your awning not only when the sun is shining, but
also when the weather is unstable. Aware of this, we have added
smart technology and practical accessories to make our products
weather-resistant. Showers of rain and gusts of wind are no reason
to cancel a barbeque party or cosy get-together, but what happens
in heavy rain or stormy weather?
In order to enjoy the comfort of your awning in complete peace of
mind, you should know how the weather protection on your awning
model works. Which safety features are already included, and what
precautions should you take yourself to prevent damage to your
Our wall awning PerfectWall PW 3800 deserves a chapter of its own. This special model can be extended without using the integrated support legs for a short stop in calm weather. You can also add a wind sensor (optional accessory) to let your awning retract automatically as when the wind begins to blow.
In case of a longer stay it is worthwhile to set up the support legs. Alternatively, you can anchor the awning firmly to the ground with the WeatherKit supplied with each unit. It gives the awning so much stability that you can switch off the wind sensor without worries. In this way you disable the automatic retraction function, so you can enjoy the shade of your awning at all times, even in changing wind conditions.
What do you do when the low sun is glaring in, when heavy rain gets under your awning roof from the front or side, or when you are bothered by passers-by peering in? With our accessory products SunProtect, RainProtect and Rollo + you are well equipped in such situations. Once they have been fitted in place, you can sit back, relax and enjoy the most precious days of the year.
SunProtect is a transparent screen fabric that lets the light through and keeps the heat out. It is available as a front panel or side panel. The front panel has an extension of 1.40 metres and can be supplied for various awning widths. The side panel can be fitted either to the right or left of the awning. There's a matching SunProtect for all Dometic awnings.
RainProtect is made from a grey, water- and wind-proof PVC material. Here again, the front and the side panels are available in different sizes. The front panel is non-transparent, the side panels (also suitable for use left or right) have a panoramic window. They extend down to the ground to provide optimal protection against moisture.
Our accessory product Rollo + is a practical sun and privacy protection blind that can be fitted to the lead rail of just about every wall awning in the Dometic range. It can be positioned to any height and conveniently rolled up back in place after use. To guarantee a firm hold, you can fix your Rollo + to the support legs of your awning, or secure it to the ground with pegs.
Rollo + is available in lengths of 2.60 m, 3.00 m, 3.50 m and 4.00 m. You can choose between two colours – white or grey.


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Tom M needed a new logo design and created a contest on 99designs.
A winner was selected from 47 designs submitted by 19 freelance designers.
Goals 2 Reality is committed to educational development and providing a core of deliverable programs for learning purposes. Along with the online information, people can apply directly on the website, completing a one page form and identifying their dream, goal or passion and why they are so inspired by it. (350 words max). Like Make a Wish Foundation, but no limitations to age, health etc everyone is eligible. We are going into schools, rehab centers, corporate america and workshops.It needs to vectorized and RGB colors. Besides the website I want this used for other purposes like banners and stationary. I love the colors yellow, purple, orange and reds. I want the logo to be attractive to all ages, classy and a sign of intergrity and honor.
No target audiences, targeting schools, corporate america, rehab centers and retirement communities.
As you are all aware, our nation (and the world for that matter) has been experiencing a rapid decline in the real estate market, health care, and an alarming rate of unemployment. An unfortunate side effect during this period is people are starting to settle, lose hope, give up and give in. As our Commander-in-Chief has stated, it is time for all of us to do our part. Goals 2 Reality is going to give people a chance to put their goal down on paper and really think about what they want and with a little support and assistance, people can see, learn and experience success. Success breeds more success and successful, positive, optimistic people are what this world needs more than ever. By learning to set goals and successfully executing them, individuals and groups can learn to move forward instead of waiting for the worst. This project is the culmination of many people. No one can do it alone, but by starting this program, all of us at Goals 2 Reality will hopefully send out a ripple of hope and empower others to see the infinite possibilities available to all.
I have an Executvie Summary I can forward if interested, 3 page overview. Need to be creative and open to any design. Need it to fit into header for my website. http://www.goals2reality.com Nothing that is in there at this moment will stay just put it up and working on uploading content.
The service being offered is the chance for individuals to sit down, focus and learn about the possibilities and the power of Goal Setting. There will be 4 different categories in which people may enter online. There will be 3 overall individual winners as well as one Charity or NPO. For the first category the winner will be picked randomly from a blind drawing. For the second category, the winner will be chosen by the individual who comes up with the most interesting, unique idea for their goal and why. In the third group, the winner will be the entry for the most heartfelt, selfless dream, passion or goal. There will also be a fourth category where any charity or not profit organization can apply, no matter their size.
National sponsors who will assist and provide goods where needed. The money raised on the website will be used to cover what cannot be provided by sponsors.
Find out how a design contest works or learn more about our logo design services.


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Welcome Back,
We hope you all enjoyed the break! We will begin our STAAR writing camp on Monday, March 26th and will end on Monday, April 2nd. Our 4th grade teachers and Specialist have planned great activities to better prepare our students for the state assessment. The STAAR writing test will be on Tuesday, April 10th. Save this date as we will not allow visitors for lunch on this date.If you are interested to see what a released STAAR writing test looks like I have attached the link.Released STAAR writing Test
On a different note, our Dad's Club will be hosting a movie night this Friday, March 23rd. Doors will open at 6:00 p.m. More information to come.
Just a friendly reminder, there is no school on Friday, March 30.
Check out our Facebook page!
Thelma Foster, Principal
Schedule For The Week
Monday, March 19th
4th Grade Math TutoringRobotics
Tuesday, March 20th
3rd Grade Reading TutoringDance ClubBattle of the Bluebonnets District Competition
Wednesday, March 21st
3rd Grade Math TutoringRun Club
Thursday, March 22nd
4th Grade Reading TutoringArt Club
Friday, March 23rd
Dads Movie Night
Looking Ahead
Monday, March 26th 4th Grade STAAR Writing Camp Begins
Tuesday, March 27th 4th Grade STAAR Camp
Wednesday, March 28th 4th Grade STAAR Camp
Thursday, March 29th 4th Grade STAAR Camp
Friday, March 30th School Holiday
Send Your News Tips
605 East Broad Street • Mansfield, Texas 76063 • (817) 299-6300 Terms of Service | Accessibility | Site Map | Contact Us©


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Apennine Range, also called the Apennines, Italian Appennino, series of mountain ranges bordered by narrow coastlands that form the physical backbone of peninsular Italy. From Cadibona Pass in the northwest, close to the Maritime Alps, they form a great arc, which extends as far as the Egadi Islands to the west of Sicily. Their total length is approximately 870 miles (1,400 kilometres), and their width ranges from 25 to 125 miles. Mount Corno, 9,554 feet (2,912 metres), is the highest point of the Apennines proper on the peninsula. The range follows a northwest–southeast orientation as far as Calabria, at the southern tip of Italy; the regional trend then changes direction, first toward the south and finally westward.
The Apennines are among the younger ranges of the Alpine system and, geologically speaking, are related to the coastal range of the Atlas Mountains of North Africa. Similarities have also been observed with the Dinaric Alps, which extend through the Balkan region, including Greece. Nearby Sardinia and Corsica, on the other hand, are dissimilar to the Apennines, their granitic rock masses being linked to outcroppings along the Spanish and French coast, from which they parted some 20 million years ago.
Physical features
The majority of geologic units of the Apennines are made up of marine sedimentary rocks that were deposited over the southern margin of the Tethys Sea, the large ocean that spread out between the Paleo-European and the Paleo-African plates during their separation in the Mesozoic Era (about 250 to 65 million years ago). These rocks are mostly shales, sandstones, and limestones, while igneous rocks (such as the ophiolites of the northern Apennines, the remains of an older oceanic crust) are scarce. The oldest rocks—metamorphic units of the late Paleozoic Era (about 300 to 250 million years ago), with their continental sedimentary cover containing plant remains—represent the relicts of the ancient continental crust of Gondwanaland and are found in small outcroppings. The granitic intrusions and metamorphic units of the Calabrian and Sicilian ranges are also Paleozoic (Hercynian orogeny), but they are believed to be Alpine in origin and only became part of the Apennine chain through subsequent major tectonic movements.
The Apennine orogeny developed through several tectonic phases, mostly during the Cenozoic Era (i.e., since about 65 million years ago), and came to a climax in the Miocene and Pliocene epochs (about 23 to 2.6 million years ago). The Apennines consist of a thrust-belt structure with three basic trending motions: toward the Adriatic Sea (the northern and central ranges), the Ionian Sea (Calabrian Apennines), and Africa (Sicilian Range). During Plio-Pleistocene times (i.e., about 5,300,000 to 11,700 years ago), ingression and regression of the sea caused the formation of large marine and continental sedimentary belts (sands, clays, and conglomerates) along the slopes of the new chain. In the past million years numerous large faults have developed along the western side of the Apennines, which may be connected to the crustal thinning that began about 10 million years ago and resulted in the formation of a new sea, the Tyrrhenian. Most of these faults have also facilitated strong volcanic activity, and a volcanic chain has formed along them from Mount Amiata in Tuscany to Mount Etna in Sicily; most of these volcanoes—including Mount Amiata, Mount Cimino, the Alban Hills near Rome, and the Ponza Islands—are extinct, but, to the south, Mount Vesuvius, the Eolie Islands, and Mount Etna are all still active. Seismic activity is common along the entire length of the chain (including Sicily), with more than 40,000 recorded events since ad 1000. Mostly earthquakes are shallow (three to 19 miles deep), and their occurrence is probably connected to the settlement of the chain in the complicated interaction between the African and European tectonic plates.
The geologic youth of the Apennines and a great variety of rock types are responsible for the rugged appearance of the range today. In the north, in Liguria, sandstones, marls, and greenstones occur. Landslides often occur in these brittle rocks. In Tuscany, Emilia, Marche, and Umbria, clay, sand and limestones are common. In Lazio, Campania, Puglia, Calabria, and northern and eastern Sicily, there are large calcareous rock outcrops, separated by lowland areas of shale and sandstone. In Molise, Basilicata, and Sicily, extensive argillaceous (clayey) rock types occur. Here, the landscape has a thirsty and desolate appearance, with frequent erosion of the calanchi, or badlands, type.
Starting from the north, the main subdivisions of the Apennines are the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines, with a maximum height of 7,103 feet at Mount Cimone; the Umbrian-Marchigian Apennines, with their maximum elevation (8,130 feet) at Mount Vettore; the Abruzzi Apennines, 9,554 feet at Mount Corno; the Campanian Apennines, 7,352 feet at Mount Meta; the Lucanian Apennines, 7,438 feet at Mount Pollino; the Calabrian Apennines, 6,414 feet at Mount Alto; and, finally, the Sicilian Range, 10,902 feet at Mount Etna. The ranges in Puglia (the "boot heel" of the peninsula) and southeastern Sicily are formed by low, horizontal limestone plateaus, which remained less affected by the Alpine orogeny.
The rivers of the Apennines have short courses. The two principal rivers are the Tiber (252 miles long), which follows a southerly course along the western base of the Umbrian-Marchigian range before flowing through Rome to the Tyrrhenian Sea, and the Arno (155 miles), which flows westerly from the Tuscan-Emilian range through Florence to the Ligurian Sea. Also significant is the Volturno (109 miles), which rises in the Abruzzi Apennines near Alfedena and flows southeast as far as its junction with the Calore River near Caiazzo and then turns southwest to enter the Tyrrhenian Sea. In spite of the limited length of the rivers, the action of running water is the chief agent of erosion responsible for molding the contemporary Apennine landscape. The character of the physical geography depends on the varying nature of the rocks in each region and their resistance to water action. The overall aspect of relief, however, exhibits characteristics of an early, or juvenile, stage in the cycle of erosion. In limestone areas, karst erosion, with crevasses worn by water action, predominates. In the highest part of the Apennines there are traces of the erosive action of the glaciers of the last Ice Age, although, unlike the Alps, contemporary glaciers are lacking.
Lakes—which today are small and scattered in distribution—were also much more abundant in earlier Quaternary times (i.e., beginning some 2.6 million years ago). The alluvial Lake Trasimeno (49 square miles [128 square kilometres]) in the Umbrian-Marchigian Apennines is the largest lake of the present range. Other natural lakes, of varying origin, are scattered throughout the range. There are more than 200 artificial lakes created for purposes of power and irrigation.
The climate of the highest section of the Apennines is continental (as found in the interior of Europe) but ameliorated by Mediterranean influences. Snowfalls are frequent, with cold winters and hot summers (average July temperature 75°–95° F [24°–35° C]). Average rainfall—at between 40 and 80 inches (1,000 and 2,000 millimetres) per year—is higher on the Tyrrhenian slopes than on the eastern, or Adriatic, side of the Apennines.
Plant and animal life
The flora of the Apennines is Mediterranean in type and varies with both latitude and altitude. In the north, woodlands with oak, beech, chestnut, and pine predominate. To the south, ilexes, bays, lentisks, myrtles, and oleander (a flowery evergreen herb) abound. Prevailing crops are represented by the olive trees, growing to a height of about 1,300 feet above sea level; citrus fruits, which are well developed in Calabria and Sicily; and grapes, which are found in abundance in Tuscany, Lazio, and Puglia. Other products of the range include sugar beets (in the plain of Emilia), potatoes, vegetables, and fruit. The importance of corn (maize) diminished with the depopulation of hill farms. In the highland areas, pasturing remains the main form of land utilization.
Apennine fauna has been little studied. In addition to typical Mediterranean fauna, many of the indigenous Apennine species (with several species found exclusively within the range, including some insects, the brown "marsicano" bear, the chamois, the wolf, and the wild boar) are now preserved in two natural reserves (Abruzzo National Park and Sila Park) and several regional parks.
People and economy
Since prehistoric times the Apennines have been the home of Italic peoples. Today, the highest village settlement is found at about 4,500 to 5,000 feet above sea level, at the upper limit of cultivated land. More densely populated areas are found in the wide river valleys, which are rich in alluvial and cultivated land (e.g., the valleys of Lunigiana in Liguria, Garfagnana in Tuscany, and those of the upper Arno and Tiber rivers). Internal basins (Foligno, Terni, Rieti, l'Aquila, Sulmona, Avezzano) are also well populated. Rural depopulation, resulting from the lack of development of the Italian south and the attraction of industrial areas in northern Italy and elsewhere in Europe, has reached major proportions. This emigration has nevertheless slackened, mainly as a result of attempts to develop the local economy.
In the foothills of the Apennines, manufacturing industries are widespread, while extraction industries have been developed in the adjacent coastal plain, often in association with important discoveries of natural gas. Such minerals as mercury, sulfur, boron, and potassic salts are also of significance, while the marble quarries—particularly those near Carrara—of the Apennines have been famous for centuries.
The Apennines are crossed by several railway lines, some of them double-tracked. There are numerous roads providing access to the range, although the rugged terrain makes for difficulties. Among the highways that have overcome the barriers of relief with imposing series of tunnels and embankments is the Autostrada del Sole ("Highway of the Sun"), which is the main artery of peninsular Italy and one of the great scenic routes of Europe.
Study and exploration
Various aspects of the Apennines—their geology, hydrography, zoology, and botany—have been studied by the leading Italian universities, the Italian Geological Survey, and such bodies as the National Research Council of Italy and the Hydrographic Service of the Ministry of Public Works. Since the late 1970s many scientists have organized several national research projects concerning the geologic evolution and hazards of the Apennines and have also conducted environmental evaluations and petroleum surveys.Bruno Accordi Maurizio Parotto Thomas M. Poulsen
Learn More in these related Britannica articles:
Italy…the country, radiates the tall Apennine Range, which widens near Rome to cover nearly the entire width of the Italian peninsula. South of Rome the Apennines narrow and are flanked by two wide coastal plains, one facing the Tyrrhenian Sea and the other the Adriatic Sea. Much of the lower…
Italy: Mountain ranges>Apennines are the long system of mountains and hills that run down the Italian peninsula from the Cadibona Pass to the tip of Calabria and continue on the island of Sicily. The range is about 1,245 miles (2,000 km) long; it is only about 20…
Italy: Rural areasVillages high in the Apennines are less prosperous than those of similar elevation in the Alps. They are still isolated, the ground is infertile, and land is rarely owned by those who work it. Tourism and the expansion of cottage craft industries, such as the porcelain making at Gubbio,…
mountain: The western segment of the systemThe Apennines, which form the backbone of the Italian peninsula, were built by the folding and faulting of sedimentary rock deposited on the peninsula. The deformation in a direction nearly perpendicular to that of the Alps was due in part to a phase of the…
Italian PeninsulaThe Apennines, a volcanic mountain chain subject to frequent earthquakes, extends the length of the peninsula; lowlands are mostly along the coasts. The peninsula comprises much of Italy and includes the independent republic of San Marino as well as Vatican City.…
More About Apennine Range5 references found in Britannica articles
Assorted References
- formation
- physiography of Italy


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Alternative Modalities
> Tai chi
Tai chi
Also listed as:
Related terms
Related Terms
Martial arts, meditation, mind-body technique, Qi gong, Simplified Tai-Chi Exercise Program (STEP), Sun-style Tai Chi, t'ai chi chih, t'ai chi chuan, tai chi chih, tai chi guan, tai chi quan, taijiquan, tele-exercise program, visual imagery, visualization, yang tai chi.
Tai chi is a system of movements and positions believed to have developed in 12th Century China. Tai chi techniques aim to address the body and mind as an interconnected system and are traditionally believed to have mental and physical health benefits to improve posture, balance, flexibility, and strength.
Many styles of tai chi have developed since the original set of 13 postures. The modern practice of tai chi often includes sequences of slow movements coordinated with deep breathing and mental attention. Specific forms or poses may last from five to 30 minutes. Tai chi is taught in classes or can be practiced alone. Classes often include fewer than 20 people. Instructors guide pupils through movements, encouraging them to keep their bodies stable and upright while shifting weight. A high level of concentration is usually involved, and sessions are intensely focused and quiet. Exercises can also be practiced alone daily for 15 to 20 minutes, often in the morning.
In traditional Chinese medicine, illness may be viewed as the result of imbalance between two opposing life forces: yin and yang. The practice of tai chi aims to reestablish balance creating harmony between body and mind and between the individual and the outside world. It is said that in the 13th Century, Taoist priest Chang San Fang observed a crane fighting with a snake and compared their movements to yin and yang. Some techniques of tai chi were based on movements mimicking these animals.
In modern times, tai chi is a physical exercise that, when practiced regularly, may increase muscle strength. Preliminary scientific evidence suggests that better cardiovascular health, coordination, and balance may occur from regular tai chi practice.
Evidence Table
These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider.
There is good evidence from several studies indicating that tai chi, if practiced regularly, may help improve quality of life in the elderly. Beyond improved balance and the preventive effects against falls, it appears that the practice may improve overall physical functioning and sense of well-being.
Tai chi may lead to improved sleep quality in older adults with sleep disorders. More studies are needed before definitive recommendations can be made.
Early research suggests that tai chi practice may improve balance and maintain strength. These benefits may be similar to other forms of exercise. Additional research is necessary before a firm conclusion can be reached.
There is not enough scientific evidence to recommend the use of tai chi to change body fat distribution in the elderly.
The data are mixed as to whether tai chi is beneficial for bone health in menopausal women and in the elderly. Although some early results are promising, others report that the beneficial effects of tai chi on musculoskeletal health are modest and may not translate into better clinical outcomes.
Based on a small study, tai chi may provide short-term benefits after traumatic brain injury; however, long-term studies are needed.
Tai chi chuan has been studied in breast cancer patients to improve functional capacity (specifically aerobic capacity, muscular strength, and flexibility). Larger studies are needed to make a firm recommendation.
There is evidence that suggests that tai chi decreases blood pressure and cholesterol as well as enhances quality of life in patients with chronic heart failure. Most studies have used elderly Chinese patients as their population. Additional research is needed before a firm conclusion can be drawn.
Tai chi, as a complement to existing exercise interventions, can be utilized for low and intermediate risk patients. Although promising, more study is needed to make a firm recommendation.
A small trial showed that treatment with tai chi might increase immunity to the virus that causes shingles. This may suggest the use of tai chi in the prevention of chickenpox and shingles, but further well-designed large studies must be done before a recommendation can be made.
There is a lack of scientific evidence to conclude that tai chi is effective for chronic pain conditions. Further research is needed in this area.
Early scientific evidence suggests that tai chi may be helpful as an adjunct treatment to regular vestibular rehabilitation regimes. Tai chi may improve body stability and footfall stability. More studies are needed.
Preliminary research suggests that tai chi may alleviate depression, anger, and fatigue. Better studies are needed before conclusions can be drawn.
Tai chi has been suggested as a possible therapy for improving body composition and improving blood sugar regulation in diabetics. Early results are mixed, and additional study is needed. Tai chi is not recommended over current standard of care for diabetes control.
Several studies suggest that tai chi is a form of aerobic exercise that can improve aerobic capacity. In particular, benefit has been reported with the classical Yang style.
Several studies have examined the effects of regular tai chi practice on balance and falling risk in the elderly. Results are not consistent, and many studies have been poorly designed. It is not clear if tai chi is safer or more effective than other forms of exercise in older individuals. Better research is needed before a recommendation can be made.
Tai chi may aid quality of life in fibromyalgia patients, but additional study is needed to make a strong recommendation.
Early study shows that tai chi may help patients with high blood pressure to reduce blood pressure, cholesterol, and anxiety.
Tai chi may increase the body's immune response in older adults and in individuals with HIV. For example, patients receiving varicella vaccines and who practiced tai chi showed increased immune responses. Although early study is promising, more study is needed.
Tai chi practice may help improve lung function, activity capacity, and quality of life of patients after lobectomy (lung removal usually due to cancer). More study is needed in this area.
Women but not men may experience improved mood as a result of tai chi practice. Additional research is needed in this area.
A small trial in women with osteoarthritis reported that treatment with tai chi significantly decreased pain and stiffness compared with a sedentary lifestyle. Women in the tai chi group also reported fewer perceptions of difficulties in physical functioning. More well-designed studies are needed before a recommendation can be made.
Preliminary research suggests that tai chi may be beneficial in delaying early bone loss in postmenopausal women. Additional evidence and long-term follow-up is needed to confirm these results.
Community-based fitness programs, which include tai chi classes, may improve balance in Parkinson's patients and motivate patients to participate in routine exercise.
Tai chi has been studied in individuals living with various stages of HIV. Preliminary study shows that tai chi may be helpful for stress and improving quality of life, but additional research is needed before a recommendation can be made.
There is not enough scientific evidence showing that tai chi reduces rheumatoid arthritis symptoms, although tai chi may help improve range of motion of the lower extremities.
Tai chi may reduce stress in various populations of people, including HIV patients and children.
Tai chi may benefit social and general functioning in stroke rehab patients but may not be as effective as physiotherapy for balance and speed of walking.
Early study suggests that tai chi practice may be effective in reducing tension headache impact and may also be effective in improving perceptions of some aspects of physical and mental health.
Several studies suggest that tai chi may improve heart and lung fitness, muscle strength, handgrip strength, flexibility, gait, coordination, and sleep and may decrease the risk of osteoporosis. It is not clear if these benefits are different from other forms of exercise. Nearly all of the studies that exist in these areas compare tai chi programs with a sedentary lifestyle, not with another form of exercise. Tai chi has been found to be of low to moderate intensity in the cardiovascular studies thus far, which makes tai chi a candidate for certain rehabilitation programs. Additional research is needed before a recommendation can be made.
* Key to grades
: Strong scientific evidence for this use
: Good scientific evidence for this use
: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)
Tradition / Theory
The below uses are based on tradition, scientific theories, or limited research. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. There may be other proposed uses that are not listed below.
Ankylosing spondylitis, anxiety, asthma, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), bronchitis, cancer, chronic lung conditions, circulation problems, congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease, dementia, emphysema, fibromyalgia, gastritis, gout, hemiplegia, hemophilia, improving concentration, increasing energy, kidney disorders, low back pain, lowering heart rate, multiple sclerosis (MS), neurasthenia, peripheral vascular disease, repetitive strain injuries, schizophrenia, self-esteem, substance abuse, tension, tuberculosis.
Many complementary techniques are practiced by healthcare professionals with formal training, in accordance with the standards of national organizations. However, this is not universally the case, and adverse effects are possible. Due to limited research, in some cases only limited safety information is available.
Adverse effects of tai chi are rarely reported and may include sore muscles or sprains. Tai chi should be avoided by people with severe osteoporosis or joint problems, acute back pain, sprains, or fractures. Advancing too quickly while studying tai chi may increase the risk of injury.
Tai chi instructors sometimes recommend that practice be avoided during active infections, right after a meal, or when very tired. Some believe that visualization of energy flow below the waist during menstruation may increase menstrual bleeding. Straining downwards or holding low postures should be avoided during pregnancy and by people with inguinal hernias. Some tai chi practitioners believe that practicing for too long or using too much intention may direct the flow of chi (
) inappropriately, possibly resulting in physical or emotional illness.
Tai chi should not be used as a substitute for more proven therapies for potentially serious conditions. Individuals should consult a qualified healthcare professional if they experience dizziness, shortness of breath, chest pain, headache, or severe pain while practicing tai chi.
This information is based on a systematic review of scientific literature edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (
Abbott RB, Hui KK, Hays RD, et al. A Randomized Controlled Trial of Tai Chi for Tension Headaches. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med 2007 Mar;4(1):107-113.
Forbes D, Forbes S, Morgan DG, et al. Physical activity programs for persons with dementia. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2008 Jul 16;(3):CD006489.
Galantino ML, Shepard K, Krafft L, et al. The effect of group aerobic exercise and t'ai chi on functional outcomes and quality of life for persons living with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. J Altern Complement Med 2005 Dec;11(6):1085-92.
Gemmell C, Leathem JM. A study investigating the effects of Tai Chi Chuan: individuals with traumatic brain injury compared to controls. Brain Inj 2006 Feb;20(2):151-6.
Irwin MR, Olmstead R, Motivala SJ. Improving sleep quality in older adults with moderate sleep complaints: A randomized controlled trial of Tai Chi Chih. Sleep. 2008 Jul 1;31(7):1001-8.
Irwin MR, Olmstead R, Oxman MN. Augmenting immune responses to varicella zoster virus in older adults: a randomized, controlled trial of Tai Chi. J Am Geriatr Soc 2007 Apr;55(4):511-7.
Lee MS, Pittler MH, Ernst E. Tai chi for osteoarthritis: a systematic review. Clin Rheumatol 2008 Feb;27(2):211-8.
Lee MS, Pittler MH, Ernst E. Tai chi for rheumatoid arthritis: systematic review. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2007 Nov;46(11):1648-51.
Lee MS, Pittler MH, Ernst E. Is Tai Chi an effective adjunct in cancer care? A systematic review of controlled clinical trials. Support Care Cancer 2007 Jun;15(6):597-601.
Li F, Harmer P, Fisher KJ, et al. Tai Chi and fall reductions in older adults: a randomized controlled trial. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci 2005;60(2):187-194.
Maciaszek J, Osinski W, Szeklicki R, et al. Effect of Tai Chi on body balance: randomized controlled trial in men with osteopenia or osteoporosis. Am J Chin Med 2007;35(1):1-9.
McCain NL, Gray DP, Elswick RK, et al. A randomized clinical trial of alternative stress management interventions in persons with HIV infection. J Consult Clin Psychol. 2008 Jun;76(3):431-41.
Taylor-Piliae RE. The effectiveness of Tai Chi exercise in improving aerobic capacity: an updated meta-analysis. Med Sport Sci. 2008;52:40-53.
Taylor-Piliae RE, Haskell WL, Stotts NA, et al. Improvement in balance, strength, and flexibility after 12 weeks of Tai chi exercise in ethnic Chinese adults with cardiovascular disease risk factors. Altern Ther Health Med 2006 Mar-Apr;12(2):50-8.
Yeh GY, Wang C, Wayne PM, et al. The effect of tai chi exercise on blood pressure: a systematic review. Prev Cardiol. 2008 Spring;11(2):82-9.
Copyright © 2011 Natural Standard (
The information in this monograph is intended for informational purposes only, and is meant to help users better understand health concerns. Information is based on review of scientific research data, historical practice patterns, and clinical experience. This information should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Users should consult with a qualified healthcare provider for specific questions regarding therapies, diagnosis and/or health conditions, prior to making therapeutic decisions.
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My name is Marr! I'm a Filipina-American blogger just trying to figure out life. I hope you join me on my quest to discover a happier, healthier & enjoyable one. Whether that's a new podcast, beauty product, or bars in Dallas - I'd love for you to tag along in my thoughts & adventures with me!
All tagged healthy is fun


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Writer Jacqui Boyle, StaffWriter
More Americans than ever are suffering from allergies, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.In fact, an estimated 50 million -- one in five -- Americans suffer from all types of allergies, the foundation reported. Dr. G. Anthony Holt, a board certified allergist who runs a private practice in Springfield, said the majority of people who have allergies in general often suffer from specific seasonal allergies, too. Seasonal allergic rhinitis, also called hay fever, affects more than 35 million Americans, said Dr. Jeffrey R. Leipzig, a practitioner at Allergy and Asthma in Hamilton. People in the Dayton and Cincinnati regions may be especially prone to seasonal allergy symptoms, according to experts. Dayton ranked No. 10 on the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America's Allergy Capitals 2012 report. Cincinnati ranked No. 87. The data measured and compared included pollen scores and the number of allergy medications used per patient. "As a pharmacist in the Day-ton area, I talk to local residents who suffer from allergies each year as well as out-of - town guests who say that their symptoms are much worse when they are in our area," said Tom Coyle, a registered pharmacist at Target in Day- ton, who has worked in the retail pharmacy business in the Dayton area for decades. "Seasonally, Dayton seems to have especially high pollen counts." We asked Leipzig, a fellow of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, what you should know about summer allergies. Q: Spring often most readily comes to mind when people think of allergies. Are allergies a big issue in the summer months, too? A: "Allergies can bother patients throughout the year; however, the combination of high pollen counts, high summer humidity levels, increased airborne mold spores and high pollution levels, all combine to create the perfect conditions to cause significant summer allergy symptoms for many patients." Q: What causes summer allergies? A: "Your immune system mistakenly identifies pollen as foreign invaders, triggering allergic antibodies called Immunoglobulin E (IgE). The antibodies cause the immune system to overreact, which leads to the release of histamine. Histamine then begins the process of common summer allergy symptoms such as [a] runny nose, nasal congestion and itchy eyes." Q: What are some of the worst summer allergy offenders? A: "Grass and weed pollen are the biggest contributors to summer allergy symptoms. Pollens are tiny cells needed to fertilize plants. These culprits cause allergy symptoms. Each plant has a season of pollination. Weather has an effect on the amount of pollen and mold in the air at any time. "One of the most prevalent summer allergy- inducing plants is ragweed, which pollinates in August. Ragweed can travel for hundreds of miles on the wind. A single ragweed plant can produce an estimated 10 million pollen grains daily and more than a billion pollen grains during its life cycle. "Molds also contribute to summer symptoms. Molds are tiny fungi related to mushrooms but without stems, roots or leaves. Their spores float in the air like pollen and need little to grow and thrive. Molds can be found almost anywhere, including soil, plants and rotting wood. Outdoor mold spores begin to increase as temperatures rise in the spring and reach their peak in July in warmer states and October in the colder states. "Summer air pollution, most commonly ozone, also adds to symptoms because of its irritant effects on your breathing passages." Q: What are the symptoms of summer allergies? A: "Common symptoms include itching, sneezing, a clear runny nose and post nasal drainage. "Airborne allergens also can trigger asthma, with inflammation and narrowing of the airways, making breathing difficult and leading to coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath." Q: How are summer allergies diagnosed and treated? A: "An allergist can help diagnosis which allergens, if any, are causing your specific symptoms. He or she will take a detailed health history, perform a physical exam and then test you for allergies. Skin tests show the results within 15 to 20 minutes. These results, as well as your specific symptoms, will be considered when developing an allergy treatment plan. Steps to manage your symptoms may include avoiding the allergens you are allergic to, medications and/or allergy shots (immunotherapy)." Q: When is the best time for summer allergy sufferers to see a specialist? A: "If your watery, itchy eyes and runny nose aren't going away and they're interfering with your life, it's probably time to see an allergy specialist to find out what is triggering your summer allergies." Q: What are some tips for managing summer allergies? A: "There are simple avoidance measures to limit your exposure to the pollen or molds that cause your summer allergy symptoms. They are also helpful for spring and fall allergies. - Keep your home windows closed at night, and if possible, use air conditioning, which cleans, cools and dries the air. - Keep your windows closed in the car. - Try to stay indoors when the pollen or mold levels are reported to be high. - Avoid uncut fields. - Don't mow lawns or rake leaves because it stirs up pollen and molds. Also avoid hanging sheets or clothes outside to dry. - Take a shower after coming indoors. This will wash out mold spores in your hair to keep them from bothering you all night long. - Eliminate mold from your home by fixing leaking faucets and pipes and clean mold from walls and basements - Reduce the humidity in your home. - Consider taking a vacation during the height of the pollen season to a more pollen-free area, such as the beach or sea. - Sign up for the National Allergy Bureau email alert to keep tabs on mold and pollen counts in your area." Q: What else should people know about summer allergies? A: " ... Monitor pollen and mold levels found in your area at the National Allergy Bureau or watching your local weather forecast. Visit pollen.aaaai.org from your iPhone, iPad, Black-Berry or Android and add this app to your home screen." Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2122 orJacqueline.Boyle @coxinc.com.
(C) 2012 Dayton Daily News. via ProQuest Information and Learning Company; All Rights Reserved


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Holiday Inn St Petersburg N - Clearwater
Holiday Inn St Petersburg N - Clearwater
3535 Ulmerton Road
3535 Ulmerton Road
Clearwater, Florida
United States
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Minutes from "St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport" with transportation, the hotel features an on-site restaurant and modern guest rooms furnished with flat-screen TVs and free wireless Internet access.
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Kids ages 18 and under stay for free when sharing their parents' room. Up to four kids ages 11 and under eat free any time of the day in any Holiday Inn® on-site restaurant.
*View Terms & Conditions for Details.
Children's Activities Available.
Children can occupy themselves with adult supervision at the pool, tennis, or basketball court.
|Kids Stay Free
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Standard Wireless Internet service is included for all guests.
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- Car Parking Available
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- We are a pet friendly facility. There is 100.00 dollar, non refundable deposit. up to 85lbs. Pet Fee for over 85lbs , non refundable deposit of 125.00 dollar, Aggresive breed Restrictions.
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King Sid the Great 87 wrote:This is nothing new. I'm pretty sure Congress was immune from rules against insider trading until recently.
Very recently..... Obama signed the law.
From what I remember they weren't really 'immune', they just had different reporting and disclosure rules regarding timing. And they didn't used to face benefit forfeiture for being done on insider trading violations.
shafnutz05 wrote:Bush Sr. is a fun dude. Shame to see his health failing
Ahem...... Naval Aviator.


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The Hope College Great Performance Series will feature the Claremont Trio on Thursday, Jan. 27, at 7:30 p.m. in Dimnent Memorial Chapel.
First winners of the Kalichstein-Laredo-Robinson International Trio Award and the only piano trio ever to win the Young Concert Artists International Auditions, the Claremonts are consistently lauded for their "aesthetic maturity, interpretive depth, and exuberance," as the "Palm Beach Daily News" has said.
The Claremonts celebrated the release of two CDs in 2009 spanning music from Beethoven to Mason Bates. "American Trios" on Tria Records is the first disc to present both of Leon Kirchner's piano trios. The disc also features Paul Schoenfield's "Café Music," Ellen Zwilich's "Trio," and Mason Bates' "String Band" (written for the Claremont Trio in 2002). The group's other recent release, on Ongaku Records, is a collaborative project with clarinetist Jonathan Cohler, including works by Beethoven, Brahms, and Dohnanyi. The recording garnered a glowing review in "Fanfare" magazine and received "Music CHOICE" designation from "BBC Music Magazine," which cited the "splendidly enjoyable" disc's "real intensity through eloquent phrasing and responsive teamwork."
Believing that education on all levels is essential to the future of classical music, the Claremont Trio is extensively involved in teaching the next generation of musicians and music lovers. Sought after for their effectiveness in the classroom as well as on the concert stage, the Claremonts regularly conduct educational outreach activities and master classes, most recently at the Peabody Conservatory's Preparatory Division, where they conducted a mini-residency, and at the University of Washington, where they led a series of master classes. Other recent master classes have been at Eastman School of Music, Duke University, Boston Conservatory, Purchase College at SUNY, and Middlebury College.
Deeply committed to expanding the trio repertoire, the Trio works actively with composers on new works including a piece by Howard Frazin the group will premier this year. The Trio has also commissioned works from Nico Muhly, Daniel Kellogg, Mason Bates, and Hillary Zipper, and has an ongoing collaboration with innovative composer and violinist Daniel Bernard Roumain.
The Claremont Trio has been featured on Japanese and American television and is heard on radio stations throughout the U.S. and abroad, including Australia's ABC, New York's WQXR, Boston's WGBH, Chicago's WFMT, Salt Lake City's KBYU, and Columbia University's WKCR.
Twin sisters, violinist Emily Bruskin and cellist Julia Bruskin, formed the Trio with pianist Donna Kwong in 1999 at The Juilliard School. The Bruskins both play old French instruments, Emily's violin a Lupot from 1795 and Julia's cello a J.B. Vuillaume from 1849. Donna Kwong is a Steinway Artist. The Claremonts are based in New York City near their namesake: Claremont Avenue. Kwong is not able to tour with the Trio during the first part of 2011, and is being replaced by the highly regarded Robert McDonald, an award-winning professor at The Juilliard School and one of Kwong's former teachers.
Individual tickets for the performance are $18 for regular admission, $13 for senior citizens, and $6 for children 18 and under, and are available at the ticket office in the main lobby of the DeVos Fieldhouse. The ticket office is open weekdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and may be called at (616) 395-7890.
The DeVos Fieldhouse is located at 222 Fairbanks Ave., between Ninth and 11th streets. Dimnent Memorial Chapel is located at 277 College Ave., on College Avenue at 12th Street.
Additional information about the Claremont Trio may be obtained online by visiting www.hope.edu/gps.


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HANG TIME HEADQUARTERS — Chris Paul's free-agent summer is over.
He's sticking with the Los Angeles Clippers, as expected, and Tweeted out the news for anyone who didn't know:
That ends the major free agent business of the summer for the Clippers, who added Doc Rivers as their coach and senior vice president of basketball operations last week.
Paul has agreed to put his signature on a five-year, $107 million deal that will include the standard opt-out after the fourth year. Paul will not be able to sign the deal until July 10th, when the league moratorium on signing new deals is lifted.
Any suggestions of the Clippers doing business the way they did during their leanest years seem to have evaporated with the Rivers ranking as the highest-paid coach in the league along with stars like Paul and Blake Griffin piling up the big bucks. Time will tell if this sort of spending leads to the championship caliber team that everyone involved desires.


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Brussels, 26 January 2011
Smarter use of scarce resources: Commission launches flagship initiative for sustainable growth
Natural resources, from raw materials to food, water, air and ecosystems, are fundamental to the functioning of our economy and our quality of life. But global strains on them are increasing. Building a more resource-efficient Europe is therefore crucial to the EU's economic and ecological security. The European Commission today set out its views on a strategic framework that should deliver a more sustainable use of natural resources and the shift towards resource-efficient, low-carbon growth in Europe.
European Commission President José Manuel Barroso, who steered the launch of this initiative, said: "Continuing our current patterns of resource use is not an option. They put too much pressure on our planet and make our economy more dependent on external supplies. A smarter use of scarce resources is therefore a strategic necessity, but also an economic opportunity. Through more resource-efficiency, clearer long-term policies and joint investments in green innovation, we are strengthening the basis for growth and jobs for our citizens and delivering on our climate and energy objectives."
This strategy is the seventh and last of the Europe 2020 flagship initiatives which aim at building smart, sustainable and inclusive growth for Europe. It establishes resource efficiency as the guiding principle for EU policies on energy, transport, climate change, industry, commodities, agriculture, fisheries, biodiversity and regional development. By using synergies across these policy-areas, the strategy will be instrumental in reaching a variety of EU objectives, from reducing European greenhouse gas emissions by 80 to 95% by 2050 to reforming the agricultural and fisheries sectors, from reducing food insecurity in developing countries to making the Union more resilient to future rises in global energy and commodity prices.
The strategy already lists a number of specific initiatives to be tabled in 2011, e.g.:
The Commission will now make concrete proposals in these policy areas. Their implementation will be monitored in the framework of the Europe 2020 strategy.
For more information
MEMO/11/43 discusses a number of resource efficiency considerations and highlights best practices by Member States, businesses and international partners.
Europe 2020 website: http://ec.europa.eu/europe2020/index_en.htm
Resource-efficient Europe: http://ec.europa.eu/resource-efficient-europe
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What the #@$&!? Ohio Curses More Than Any State in America
Words cannot describe how awful the language the people of Ohio use. Well, words we can't say without getting our mouths washed out with soap, anyway.
In a strange new survey, Ohio has "bleeped" its way to the top as the state where people curse the most. On the less salty front is Washington, which is the state where people swear the least and probably greeted this news with a wholehearted "Golly gee willikers!"
Mobile advertising company Marchex created the list by analyzing dirty words uttered in 600,000 phone calls made over the last year by customers to various companies. It also found 66% of all the blue language was came out of the mouths of men, as if that's some big effin' surprise.
States Where People Curse the Most
1. Ohio
2. Maryland
3. New Jersey
4. Louisiana
5. Illinois
States Where People Curse the Least
1. Washington
2. Massachusetts
3. Arizona
4. Texas
5. Virginia
Marchex also did some digging to find the most and least courteous states, based on number of times the words "please" and "thank you" were said. South Carolina took top honors in that one, while Wisconsin needs to get its act together -- it finished dead last.
Most Courteous States
1. South Carolina
2. North Carolina
3. Maryland
4. Louisiana
5. Georgia
Least Courteous States
1. Wisconsin
2. Massachusetts
3. Indiana
4. Tennessee
5. Ohio


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Breaking News
Jay-Z is putting Jerry McGuire to shame -- because his budding sports agency just signed three-time NBA all-star Kevin Durant.
The OKC Thunder superstar just posted an Instagram of he and Jay signing docs that make him Roc Nation Sport's newest client.
Durant is the latest in a growing list of HUGE athletes jumping ship to Jay's new venture ... like NY Yankee Robinson Cano, NASCAR superstar Dale Earnhardt Jr., and NY Jet Geno Smith
Durant is Jigga's first NBA star.
FYI -- Durant is currently in the middle of a massive 5-year, $89 million contract with the Thunder. His move to Roc Nation has more to do with landing big money deals off the court.


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Free Christian Career Center newsletter. Featured jobs and resumes, tips and tools to discover the work you were designed to do!
Find out more >
Find a Job! Post Your Resume! Search our Job Bank and find the job you're looking for! Submit your Resume. It's All Free!
|For more information on how to be featured, see: How to Advertise your Organization's Jobs.


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Ryan Pasco necesitaba un nuevo diseño de logotipo y lanzó un concurso de diseño en 99designs.
Un ganador ha sido elegido entre 69 diseños de 28 diseñadores freelance.
We are a business that connects potential travellers to travel agents. Think of it as 99designs for the travel and tourism industry. This is an exciting, new and innovative product and we want your help to make it that extra bit special!
We are targeting the travel market and travel industry in general. The items we currently cover on the site (which is not currently live) are Flights, Hotels, car hire and package holidays. However our unique selling point is the ability to build a hotel package to suit any need, however specific, complicated or demanding. We offer a personal solution. We are trying to appeal to people who currently use online travel sites, for both pleasure and business travellers, aged between 20 and 60, male and female. We are targeting anyone that needs/wants to travel. Think of it as an Online Travel Market place.
We really want the logo to say something about the company. We like the ideas of planes, ships, hotels. the logo should just read 'Holidaycrowd'. It would be good if you could somehow differentiate the two words 'Holiday' and 'Crowd'. You could use a different colour, or a different font? But keep it as one word.
We would like you to bring your creativity to the table and have fun with it! We don't have anything specific in mind, but think travel.
In terms of colours, We like Greens and Blue's but we are open to anything.
Descubre cómo funciona un concurso de diseño u obtén más información sobre nuestros servicios de diseño de logo.


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LAS VEGAS — Friday was moving day, as in moving on out for the 14 teams that filled out the consolation bracket of the first-ever Summer League tournament. The day featured seven games in two arenas spanning more than eight hours of basketball.
Eight teams will get back to action in Saturday's quarterfinals in the Championship bracket with the semifinals on Sunday and the inaugural championship game on Monday night (9 p.m. ET, NBA TV).
Here's a look at who did what in their final appearance of the summer.
Non-rookie of the day: Austin Rivers, the 10th overall pick a year ago by New Orleans and who now must wonder where his playing time will come in a backcourt that includes Jrue Holiday, Eric Gordon and Tyreke Evans left coach Monty Williams with something to remember, scoring 23 points on 9-for-13 shooting, plus three assists in 32:29.
Other notables: Atlanta's Mike Scott, the 43rd pick a year ago who played in 40 games last season for the Hawks, had a huge day with 25 points, 10 rebounds and two assists. He made all 12 of his free-throw attempts. Denver's Luke Harangody had 17 points, and Memphis' Donte Green scored 16 points. Mavs point guard Justin Dentmon, who has toiled overseas and in the D-League with a few 10-day NBA contracts sprinkled in, lit it up late in a loss to Chicago for 23 points while hitting. Trail Blazers guard Terrel Harris finished strong with 25 points on 11-for-19 shooting and six rebounds.
Rookie of the day: We have a tie in this category. Sacramento's Ben McLemore put on a show with a spectacular 19-point third quarter that helped the Kings get their lone win of the summer over the Hawks. He was 10-for-21 from the floor and had nine rebounds. Spurs forward Hollis Thompson, who played in the D-League last season coming out of Georgetown, pushed San Antonio to a final-day, 90-80 victory over Milwaukee with a box-score-stuffing stat line: 21 points (8-12 FG, 2-2 3FG, 3-3 FT), four rebounds, two blocked shots and a steal in just 28 minutes.
Other notables: McLemore's teammate Ray McCallum, a second-round pick, continues to impress with his quickness and smarts. He delivered 12 points and 11 assists (we also must mention Kings forward David Lighty going 8-for-9 from the field for 16 points). Bucks point guard Nate Wolters scored 20 points on 8-for-13 shooting and added five rebounds and three assists in the 90-80 loss to the Spurs. The Knicks got a huge lift from their bench in a 91-80 win over the Clippers. Terrence Jennings, who has played overseas and in the D-League, had 14 points and nine rebounds while D-League rookie of the year Tony Mitchell out of Alabama had 15 points and four rebounds. Bulls second-round pick Erik Murphy, who suffered a broken nose earlier in the week, paced Chicago past Dallas with 19 points (7-for-10 shooting, 3-for-5 on 3s) and 13 rebounds. Teammate Tony Snell, the 20th pick out of New Mexico, had 20 points, seven boards and three dimes.
Coming Up: The quarterfinals of the championship bracket gets started at 4 p.m. ET when the 18th-seeded Heat take on the seventh-seeded Cavaliers. Then it's No. 3 Phoenix taking on No. 6 Toronto, the No. 4 D-League Select team against No. 5 Charlotte and finally No. 1 Golden State against No. 8 Los Angeles Lakers.


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Going into effect on Sunday, February 12, AT&T is increasing the activation fee on phone upgrades from $18 to $36 according to a memo issued to all AT&T store managers according to BGR. This brings the activation fee equal to the current rate of $36 for starting a brand new service plan. As directed by AT&T corporate management, store employees are supposed to define the fee as costs associated to picking out a new phone as well as activating the device. However, the increase in the fee doesn't change when a customer is able to qualify for a new phone upgrade. Anyone planning on upgrading their phone soon can still get the $18 activation price if they upgrade by the end of today.
AT&T issued a statement regarding the doubled fee which stated "Wireless devices today are more sophisticated than ever before. And because of that, the costs associated with upgrading to a new device have increased and is reflected in our new upgrade fee. This fee isn't unique to AT&T and this is the first time we're changing it in nearly 10 years."
While there certainly may be increased costs in educating the consumer on the features of new smartphones, it's highly unlikely that the cost of enabling an existing account on a new phone has increased over the last ten years. If anything, costs have been driven down by automating the activation process and swapping out a SIM card to a new device isn't exactly difficult.
Consumers that have already educated themselves on which phone fits best with their lifestyle will likely be the most unhappy with AT&T's move to double the activation fee. By increasing this fee before the launch of the next iPhone this summer, AT&T puts themselves in a position to collect an additional $30 million dollars off the 1.7 million people that purchased an iPhone 4 within three days of launch during June 2010, assuming all early iPhone 4 adopters stick with AT&T for the new model.
AT&T isn't the only carrier to increase the fee for the upgrade process. On September 9, 2011, Sprint also doubled the activation fee from $18 to $36. However, many Sprint monthly plans are designed to be cheaper than competitors like Verizon and AT&T, thus the change didn't draw much ire from consumers. If consumers are looking for cheaper activation rates, T-Mobile charges $18 to upgrade a phone and Verizon charges absolutely nothing if the contract has been completed. Even more interesting, an iPhone user switching from AT&T to Verizon at the launch of the next iPhone will pay a dollar less to activate a brand new phone on Verizon compared to upgrading a phone on AT&T's network.
AT&T's failed attempt to acquire T-Mobile during 2011 was likely a factor in this decision to double the activation fee as well as newer software like iMessage that's shifting people away from expensive text messaging plans. It's also possible that AT&T is attempting to eliminate users on grandfathered unlimited data plans by encouraging them to consider other networks during the next phone upgrade. Families with multiple phones to upgrade will also be hit harder with this decision and may consider moving to another carrier.
Verizon got into a bit of trouble last year when it attempted to roll out a new fee that would charge current customers a $2 "convenience fee" for paying their bill over the phone or through the online site. Consumers revolted against the plan and Verizon ended up reversing the decision before users abandoned Verizon for other cellular carriers.


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Host Tiffany Haddish enters 'Black Panther' to fight Chadwick Boseman for the title with help from Jada Pinkett Smith, Queen Latifah and Lil Rel Howery.
Mustard and Nick Jonas perform their hit song "Anywhere."
Chris Pratt shares nine important tips for his fans to remember.
Lena Waithe thanks her own personal trailblazers and reminds us to remember those who paved the way.
Millie Bobby Brown accepts the Best Performance in a Show award for 'Stranger Things 2.'


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Story highlights
- Password management firm lists year's 25 worst passwords
- Top three on the list: "password," "123456" and "12345678"
- "jesus," "monkey" and "ninja" also made the list
- Entries came from common passwords posted by hackers
If any of your passwords are on this list, then shame on you -- and go change them now.
SplashData, which makes password management applications, has released its annual "Worst Passwords" list compiled from common passwords that are posted by hackers. The top three -- "password," "123456," and "12345678″ -- have not changed since last year. New ones include "jesus," "ninja," "mustang," "password1," and "welcome." Other passwords have moved up and down on the list.
The most surprising addition is probably "welcome."
"That means people are not even changing default passwords," CEO Morgan Slain told TIME Tech. "It doesn't take that much time to make a new password."
You should have different passwords for all of your accounts. To make it easier to remember them all, Slain suggests thinking about passwords as "passphrases." For instance, use a phrase like "dog eats bone" and add underscores, dashes, hyphens, and other punctuation marks to satisfy the special character requirement: "dog_eats_bone!"
Here's the full list:
1. password
2, 123456
3. 12345678
4. abc123
5. qwerty
6. monkey
7. letmein
8. dragon
9. 111111
10. baseball
11. iloveyou
12. trustno1
13. 1234567
14. sunshine
15. master
16. 123123
17. welcome
18. shadow
19. ashley
20. football
21. jesus
22. michael
23. ninja
24. mustang
25. password1