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Markets closed mixed on Wednesday without much fresh fundamental news for direction. Overnight there were some heavy sellers of January soybeans and the overall negative bias remained for the back months of soybeans. December corn settled 1 ¾ cents higher at $4.43 ½, November soybeans 1 cent lower at $12.87 ¾, and December wheat 3 cents lower at $6.90 ½.
If there has been an impact on the markets from the partial government shutdown it may be more related to lower volatility than an overall negative or positive affect. The price swings appear to be tapering as the trade waits for production and export data from the USDA. The cash market continues to talk about Chinese demand for US corn but we won't have an accurate sales estimate until the USDA starts reporting again. Even if the Chinese are ramping up their US corn purchases it shouldn't make a significant dent in our final carryout assuming we get that strong national average yield we are expecting.
We have been voicing our concern over the past few days about the Federal Crop Insurance price protection expiring this month. There are many in the market who believe most of our downside risk has been capped around this $4.50 level and can't go lower. Consider 2008 for example. December 2008 corn had a contract high that summer of $7.99. By October 9th it was down to $4.38 ¼ but it didn't stop there. It fell to a contract low of $2.93 ½ on December 5th! This is why we recommend replacing that insurance "put" as it expires this month. Many producers could be left without that protection, only to see the market break into the end of the year. Like always, we can't predict the future but we can try to position ourselves to maintain profitability if this were to happen.
Here is a chart of December 2008 Corn (blue) along with the Dec08-Dec09 Corn Spread (black). I included the spread to show that it also continued to widen as the price dropped. We are currently at 41 ¾ cents carry from Dec13-14 but that got up to well over 60 cents in 08.
Harvest Price Example
There are 23 business days during October which means every day you will have 1/23rd (4.35%) less price protection on your crop insurance "put". The average December corn price so far in October is $4.42 after 7 trading days which makes up over 30% of the harvest price already. To show how this is already limiting your coverage take the following as an example:
Seven days are already set at $4.42 but the remaining 17 days theoretically trade at an average price of $4.00.The equation is (7days/23total)*$4.42 + (16days/23total)*$4.00 = $4.12 ¾ final harvest price instead of $4.00. The higher price means less "revenue" lost and even though a producer had a good insurance put on he may not be getting the payment he would otherwise be expecting at $4. As time goes on this discrepancy will only get larger until the insurance "put" has expired and no protection is left.
Those who are relying on that "guaranteed revenue" are less and less covered everyday and need to make a decision of whether or not they want to stay protected and take action. If you would like to look at a strategy to help with the crop insurance in detail please contact an EHedger risk manager to discuss a trial of our services at 866-433-4371.
Crop Insurance Subsidies are Bad, but Health Care Subsidies are Good?


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Regal Entertainment Group $25 Gift Card
Give the gift of movies with Regal gift cards. They are the perfect gift for every occasion. Regal gift cards are good towards both admission or concession purchases and are redeemable at any Regal Entertainment Group theatre nationwide, including Regal Cinemas, United Artist Theatres and Edwards Theatres. Regal gift cards are not only the best gift in entertainment, but are completely hassle free and have no expiration date or dormancy fees.
Regal Entertainment Group operates the largest and most geographically diverse theatre circuit in the world, with over 530 theatres in 37 states and the District of Columbia.
Terms & Conditions
Regal CineMedia Corporation is not a sponsor or co-sponsor of this promotion and is not affiliated with this program. Please see back of gift card or visit www.REGmovies.com for terms and conditions of use. Regal Entertainment Group is not liable for any alleged or actual claims related to this offer. ©2010 All rights reserved - Regal Entertainment Group, Inc.
Your gift code will be posted on your account profile, under "My Gift Cards" within 10 business days of verifying your purchase.
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If you have one of the Stiletto line of receivers this is especially important for you. It will help you understand how and why you get reception in certain areas.
- The What? What are repeaters? These repeaters sit above buildings and receive satellite signal and retransmit them throughout the city.If you've ever been on the top floor of a large building and looked over at another building and saw satellite dishes and a bunch of other high-tech looking devices most likely you saw some sort of a repeater. They give us all a signal where normally we would not be able to get one.
- The Who? No not the band, I am talking about who is affected by Sirius Signal Repeaters.Sirius Signal Repeaters are placed in Urban areas to effect the most amount of people based on their ability to get signal. Most people across the country in rural areas can get a signal with standard antennas that come with their radios.That is the reason repeaters are only placed in concrete jungles(cities). Without these repeaters even the Sirius Executives in New York could not get a signal.
- Where are they placed? Los Angeles, New York, Washington D.C., San Francisco, Atlanta, Miami, Chicago, Detriot, and Philadelphia are just a few, almost every main city has been accounted for.
- How do repeaters work? Repeaters sitting high above the city will receive the satellite signal,then retransmit that signal to receiver that would not normally get a signal. You can look on select radio to see which kind of signal you are getting if you access the Aiming or Signal screen on the menu of you Sirius Radio, it will say SAT or TER. SAT signal is the direct signal from the Satellites above and TER signal is the Terrestrial signal from repeaters.
Sirius has spent a lot of time and money getting us all the ability to reach their content and for that we thank them.


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As if Janet Jackson hadn't been embroiled in enough family drama this year.
An attorney for the pop icon is demanding that Vanity Fair retract a story published online and in its November 2012 issue that claimed Michael Jackson's burial in 2009 was delayed because Janet demanded that the funeral not take place until her brother's estate had reimbursed her for the $40,000 burial-plot deposit she gave to the cemetery.
"Untrue" and "outrageous," lawyer Blair G. Brown called the story in a letter to V.F. editor-in-chief Graydon Carter.
Confidential emails: AEG execs were worried about the King of Pop in the days before his death
Rather, Brown wrote, Janet paid for the funeral and Michael's estate reimbursed her for "some of those expenses" the following year. There were also private expenses that she never sought to be repaid for, Brown added.
"This story is particularly hurtful and distressing because of Ms. Jackson's strong desire to serve her brother, whom she loved dearly," the attorney continued, "and her wish to stand with and support her family."
Team Janet also took issue with the excerpts from the book "Untouchable: The Strange Life and Tragic Death of Michael Jackson" that Vanity Fair also published this month, noting that the burial-plot story sprang from the info in the so-called exposé.
Paris Jackson remembers dad on what would have been his 54th birthday
Calling the article "replete with additional false and defamatory statements" regarding Janet, Brown demands that the magazine publish a retraction and reach out to any media outlets that based reports on the V.F. article to inform them of the retraction.
Huffington Post, the New York Daily News and London's Daily Mail were namechecked as a few of the sites that picked up the story, "exacerbating the damage to Ms. Jackson's reputation."
Vanity Fair has not yet returned a request for comment.
Michael Jackson was ultimately interred at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale, Calif., on Sept. 3, 2009--a little more than two months after his death.


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Something to Think About...
The concept of cognitive disabilities is extremely broad, and not always well-defined. In loose terms, a person with a cognitive disability has greater difficulty with one or more types of mental tasks than the average person. There are too many types of cognitive disabilities to list here, but we will cover some of the major categories. Most cognitive disabilities have some sort of basis in the biology or physiology of the individual. The connection between a person's biology and mental processes is most obvious in the case of traumatic brain injury and genetic disorders, but even the more subtle cognitive disabilities often have a basis in the structure or chemistry of the brain.
A person with profound cognitive disabilities will need assistance with nearly every aspect of daily living. Someone with a minor learning disability may be able to function adequately despite the disability, perhaps even to the extent that the disability is never discovered or diagnosed. Admittedly, the wide variance among the mental capabilities of those with cognitive disabilities complicates matters somewhat. In fact, one may reasonably argue that a great deal of web content cannot be made accessible to individuals with profound cognitive disabilities, no matter how hard the developer tries. Some content will always be too complex for certain audiences. This is unavoidable. Nevertheless, there are still some things that designers can do to increase the accessibility of web content to people with less severe cognitive disabilities.
Functional vs. Clinical Cognitive Disabilities
There are at least two ways to classify cognitive disabilities: by functional disability or by clinical disability. Clinical diagnoses of cognitive disabilities include autism, Down Syndrome, traumatic brain injury (TBI), and even dementia. Less severe cognitive conditions include attention deficit disorder (ADD), dyslexia (difficulty reading), dyscalculia (difficulty with math), and learning disabilities in general. Clinical diagnoses may be useful from a medical perspective for treatment, but for the purposes of web accessibility, classifying cognitive disabilities by functional disability is more useful. Functional disabilities ignore the medical or behavioral causes of the disability and instead focus on the resulting abilities and challenges. Some of the main categories of functional cognitive disabilities include deficits or difficulties with:
- Memory
- Problem-solving
- Attention
- Reading, linguistic, and verbal comprehension
- Math comprehension
- Visual comprehension
The main reason why these functional disabilities are more useful when considering web accessibility is that they are more directly related to the concerns of web developers. Telling a developer that some people have autism is not very meaningful unless the developer knows what kinds of barriers a person with autism might face on his or her web site. On the other hand, telling a developer that some people have difficulties comprehending math provides the developer with a framework for addressing the needs of this type of audience.
Additionally, clinical diagnoses are not mutually exclusive in terms of what difficulties the people face. There is often considerable overlap of functional disabilities within clinical diagnoses. A person with memory deficits may also have difficulty with attention or problem-solving, for example. This kind of overlap fits within a medical model, but is not particularly helpful to web developers, who simply need to know what the person can or cannot do.
Memory refers to the ability of a user to recall what they have learned over time. A common model for explaining memory involves the concepts of working (i.e., immediate) memory, short-term memory, and long-term memory. Some individuals with cognitive disabilities have difficulties with one, two, or all three of these memory types. Some users may have memory difficulties that impair their ability to remember how they got to content. Consider a complex form that displays multiple error messages at the top of the form when submitted. It may be very difficult for the user to remember multiple errors, or perhaps may even forget the error information before they are even able to address that error.
Some individuals with cognitive disabilities have a difficult time solving problems as they arise. In many instances, their resilience can be low and the resulting frustration is such that they choose to leave the site and not persist to solve the problem. One example of this would be the presence of a 404 error from a bad link, or a link that does not take them where they thought they were going.
There are many individuals that have difficulty with focusing their attention to the task at hand. Distractions such as scrolling text, blinking icons, and pop-up windows can make the web environment difficult or even impossible. Even for typical users, such things can be irritating. Good design principles would limit these instances to only that which is necessary to convey the content.
Some people with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) have difficulties learning, but oftentimes this is due to their distractibility, rather than to any kind of inability to process information. People with ADHD can be impulsive, easily distracted, and inattentive. On a positive note, some people with attention deficits are highly creative and very productive in short bursts, with an abundance of energy and enthusiasm. On a less positive note, it can be difficult for people with ADHD to stick to a task for a long period of time.
Avoiding anything that draws a person's attention away from the main content and using good design, such as color, white space, and simple presentation can help users focus on important content and functionality.
Reading, Linguistic, and Verbal Comprehension
Some individuals have difficulties understanding text. These difficulties may be mild or severe, ranging from minor challenges to a complete inability to read any text. It would be unreasonable to expect web developers to accommodate the entire range of reading abilities. The difference between non-readers and genius readers is simply too vast. It is reasonable, however, to expect developers to write as simply and clearly as is feasible, taking into account the primary audience and including those who may have difficulty with some of the content. After all, an estimated 15-20% of the population, including many of the brightest minds of recent generations such as Albert Einstein, Thomas Edison, and Henry Ford, has some sort of language or text comprehension difficulty.
Here is one example of a reading problem. Note that it may be one of perception or of processing. See if the associated accessibility fix helps you.
What is being said in this phrase?
Tob eornot obe
Now check the power and importance of embedded graphics as a way to enhance the context of the written word by looking at the phrase with a graphic.
Non-Literal Text
Non-literal text, such as sarcasm, satire, parody, allegory, metaphor, slang, and colloquialisms, can be a problem for some readers. In some cases, readers will not realize that the words are not meant to be understood literally. A writer who says "I just love getting stuck in traffic when I'm already late for work" probably means the opposite of what this sentence actually says. Sarcasm such as this can be confusing to some readers. Similarly, someone who reads she must "get her ducks in a row" may not realize that the author is probably not referring to real ducks at all. The author is suggesting that the reader get organized or disciplined, using the comparison of a mother duck with her ducklings lined up behind her in order to illustrate the concept.
Non-Existent Text
The unstated assumptions and implied meaning of written content may seem obvious to the writer, but readers may not have the necessary background knowledge. Some readers may not have the skills to infer meaning from text without additional help.
Math Comprehension
Mathematical expressions are not easy for everybody to understand. This does not mean that authors should avoid math entirely. For people who are comfortable reading equations and thinking mathematically, the best way to explain mathematical concepts is to use equations. On the other hand, often it is helpful to explain math conceptually, either with or without the formulas. Conceptual explanations help readers understand the reasoning behind the math.
Visual Comprehension
Some individuals have difficulties processing visual information. In many ways, this is the opposite of the problem experienced by people with reading and verbal processing difficulties. Individuals with visual comprehension difficulties may not recognize objects for what they are. They may recognize the fact that there are objects on a web page, but may not be able to identify the objects. For example, they may not realize that a photograph of a person is a representation of a person, though they can plainly see the photograph itself (as an object) on the web page.
For these people, a moving, talking person in a video may be easier to identify and mentally process than a static image of a person in a photograph. Video and multimedia, accompanied with narration, may be the best way to communicate to these individuals.


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Creative director Mike Ferrer wanted to make the Caesars Entertainment Corporation logo out of various objects such as knives, high-heel shoes, round stones, and more. Each object represented an aspect of the brand from celebrity chefs to spas.
Creative Director: Mike Ferrer
Copy Writer: Mark Bielik
Art Buyer: Shannon McMillan
Photographer: Adam Voorhes
Notes about project: [1]
After Mike finished having his brilliant idea, he was struck with a dilemma; how on earth would he pull this off? He wanted it to look real. That's something objects just layered in Photoshop aren't going to achieve. And something only a select few, very expensive, very busy CGI artists can pull off…. So?
Art buyer Shannon McMillan to save the day! When this landed on her desk she knew; Adam and Robin. Are they brilliant CGI artists? No. Can they line up some knives to form a logo AND light the heck out of those knives? Damn right they can!
1. Voorhes. "Caesars Campaign, no CGI required." February 10th, 2012. Photos © Adam Voorhes Link via Dude Craft


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Australia coach John Connolly said it was too soon to say if his side had gained any valuable insight into World Cup pool opponents Wales after the teams played out a dramatic 29-29 draw at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff.
The sides are due meet at the Millennium on Sept. 15 next year in a Pool B clash and before that match they will get to know each other better when Wales play two Tests on their off-season tour next year in Australia.
But after a thrilling contest that saw Wales score two tries and Australia four, Connolly stressed how much could happen between now and their next Cardiff clash.
"There are so many variables 12 months away," the experienced coach told reporters.
"Both sides are very similar. They each have four provinces and you saw what happened with Wales in the Six Nations when a number of their senior players were injured. The year before they had won it," he said.
Australia built a 17-6 lead on Saturday at the end of the first quarter after left wing Cameron Shepherd scored the first of two tries and Matt Giteau, moving to scrum-half in the absence of Wallaby captain George Gregan, rested for this tour, caught the home defense napping with an opportunist try.
But Giteau then missed a couple of penalties and although Wales had lost new captain Stephen Jones to a knee injury the fly-half's replacement, James Hook, had a memorable home debut.
The 21-year-old landed all five of his goalkicks and -- either side of half-time -- tries from Wales's Shane Williams and flanker Martyn Williams put the match back in the balance.
However, Australia regained the lead in spectacular fashion when full-back Chris Latham ran in from 50m and left Gavin Henson stranded on the turf for a brilliant solo try.
But the conversion was missed and Hook landed his third penalty three minutes from time to draw the scores level.
"At 17-6, we had numerous opportunities to put the nail in the coffin," Connolly said after what was the first draw in 24 matches between the sides.
The Wallabies might even have won the game at the death had not their scrum, described as their "Achilles heel" by Wales coach Gareth Jenkins and often a source of weakness in the past, let them down.
The Wallabies were deep inside Welsh territory when Wales's forwards wheeled their scrum and so reversed the put-in before clearing down field.
"We've got to take some ownership of that," said Australia captain and openside flanker Phil Waugh, "eighty seconds from the end of the game and we don't have our heads on."
The match was also disappointing for Stephen Jones when his first outing as captain of Wales was cut short in the 24th minute.
Now the British and Irish Lion is doubtful for Wales's Tests later this month at home to the Pacific Islands (next Saturday), Canada (Nov. 17) and New Zealand (Nov. 25).
"I am pleased we got the draw, but it was very disappointing for me," Jones said. "I have got to wait and see how the knee responds to treatment now and it is too early to say how long it will need to recover."
Jenkins, whose first two Tests in charge of Wales ended in defeats away to Argentina in June was still left searching for a win after his first international on home soil.
"We are pleased with the performance. They kept us on the back foot for long periods of the game and really tested our defense," Jenkins said.


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Debordieu Colony
RE/MAX Southern Shores sells homes in DeBordieu Colony near Pawleys Island, SC
Discover the unique qualities of DeBordieu Colony, an oceanfront, gated community comprised of 2,700 acres between Pawleys Island and Georgetown, South Carolina. DeBordieu Colony is where miles of quiet beach, peaceful marshes, golf, tennis and South Carolina's famous low country charm combine to make one of the East Coast's most extraordinary private communities. A peninsula between the Waccamaw River and the Atlantic Ocean is home to DeBordieu Colony, Pawleys Island, Litchfield and Murrells Inlet. Slightly inland you'll find unspoiled natural beauty, black-water rivers and tidal creeks. DeBordieu Colony is a year-round retreat, waiting for YOU!
DeBordieu Colony is much more than a summer retreat or a beach house. For those who seek solitude, the winter months provide the perfect getaway because the days are sunny, the nights are cool, and the beach is the domain of walkers and shell collectors. In the spring, you will find blooming azaleas, live oak trees draped in hanging moss, magnificent sculpture gardens and historic homes. In the fall, waterfowl are commonplace as they fly across the sky in search of nesting places. A short drive to the north, Myrtle Beach offers shopping, theaters, dining, and amusement parks; and to the south are the lovely cities of Georgetown and Charleston that make the history of plantations and southern hospitality come to life.
Today, many visitors come to the coastal area of South Carolina for the temperate climate, gracious living, and rich history. At DeBordieu Colony residents find a sanctuary to unwind and slow down among native live oaks and ocean dunes, whether they're snoozing in a rope hammock, rocking on a cottage porch swing, or hitting a golf ball on the world-class course. From sandy beaches, championship golf and nature-based activities to history and culture with first-class dining and shopping, DeBordieu Colony has it all!
DeBordieu Colony pampers its residents with low country cuisine served at the private oceanfront Beach Club, live music at the Blue Heron Beach Grill, and relaxing snacks at the oceanside pool and gazebo bar. DeBordieu Colony is southern living at its best!
RE/MAX Southern Shores knows DeBordieu and the Pawleys Island real estate market
DeBordieu welcomes you to a private, gated, golf course community featuring luxury real estate available as a primary home, second home, vacation property, or real estate investment. If your dreams are of a place where nature is as protected as it is breathtaking and where a private lifestyle of comfort, leisure and good taste flourish, the DeBordieu is where you've always wishes you could live.
Homes in DeBordieu Colony are found along the DeBordieu Creek, the golf course as well as ocean front. DeBordieu Creek is a deepwater channel providing direct access to North Inlet and the Atlantic Ocean. The views from creek front properties overlooking the marsh, North Inlet, and beyond to North Island, are spectacular. A handful of lots are still available for you to build the custom home of your dreams.
RE/MAX Southern Shores, the #1 selling real estate agency along the Grand Strand, invites you to access listings for DeBordieu lots, villas and single family homes by using the search features on the left of this website. Then call a RE/MAX Southern Shores agent at 843-839-0200 for personal attention to your DeBordieu Colony tour!
Search Debordieu Colony Homes for Sale
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* All data pertains to single-family homes


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Are you looking for a special home, in Naples, Fort Myers or Sarasota areas? When you hear Charlie's friendly voice answer the phone, you know you've called the right builder! Charlie can help you locate your next dream home, in the community you desire with the right amenities, all from the comfort of your home.
Her first hand knowledge of communities, floor plans and the surrounding areas make her an expert in the Southwest Florida market!
How can I assist you today?
Are you looking for a special home, in a unique location that is convenient to your needs? Dan Retheford, Lennar's Internet New Home Consultant can help you locate your next community from the comfort of your home. Dan's knowledge of the local communities and the surrounding areas will save you valuable time and money in the long run! Dan is ready to answer all of your questions today!
Consider Dan your personal assistant for all Lennar communities in the Naples to Sarasota areas!
If you are ready to buy a new home, Amber would love to help you make that process easier!
Amber has lived in the Sarasota/Bradenton area for the past seventeen years, and would be able to better assist you in your new home search with Lennar Homes. She has experience with Lennar Homes and also has worked as a real estate agent. Amber will help you narrow down your search to the area and community that you are looking to buy in. She loves what she does, and would love to help you in your search!
If you have questions about financing, Amber can connect you to a home loan advisor with our in house finance company, Universal American Mortgage Company. We make things as easy as possible so you can enjoy the experience of buying a home. Please contact Amber to help make buying a new home enjoyable and fun!
Alex Hemphill is the perfect liaison for you! She has experience in on-site sales as well as construction, mortgage lending, and can help answer any questions you may have about any of our beautiful communities from North Lakewood Ranch to South Naples and everything in between. Rest assured that you are in good hands and with a trustworthy builder. She looks forward to making your home buying experience as easy and fun as possible! Contact Alex today!
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Looking for ways to support and honor U.S. military servicemembers and veterans who protect our security and freedom? In years past, you could wrap up a care package and mail it to "Any Service Member" for the holidays, but with increased mail restrictions, the Pentagon is asking people to help through financial contributions, letter-writing and e-mail, purchasing authorized pre-made care packages, or volunteering time through non-profits.
Below are links to programs that offer aid to our military -- everything from care packages to emergency services to military family support. Show your pride in our armed forces today, either by purchasing a gift or card for a servicemember, or donating to programs that support our military.
Cards, Letters, Gifts, and Care Packages
In addition, the U.S. Postal Service is no longer accepting "Any Service Member" or "Any Wounded Service Member" letters or packages. Mail to "Any Service Member" that is deposited into a collection box will not be delivered. Instead of sending an "Any Wounded Soldier" letter or package to Walter Reed, please consider making a donation to one of the more than 300 nonprofit organizations dedicated to helping our troops and their families listed on the DoD Community Relations website.
The following charitable organizations help send gifts, cards, and care packages to our troops:
Adopt a Platoon -- Support the troops through gifts and sponsored mail.
Any Soldier -- Sponsor care packages to servicemembers in Iraq.
Army and Air Force Exchange Services -- Purchase gift certificates for active and hospitalized servicemembers.
Blue Star Mothers -- Organizes postcards to troops and care packages, and is currently petitioning Congress for reduced air fares for servicemembers.
Books for Soldiers -- Donate books, movies, and more.
Cell Phones for Soldiers -- Donate your old cell phones, which pay for calling cards for our troops.
Commissary Gift Certificates -- Give the gift of groceries -- buy or donate gift certificates.
A Million Thanks -- Collects emails and letters of appreciation for our armed forces.
Operaton Dear Abby -- Send greetings and messages of support.
Operation Give -- Donate toys to be given to the children of Iraq.
Operation Gratitude -- Contribute to care packages sent to our servicemembers.
Operation Homefront Hugs -- Contribute to care packages, or adopt a servicemember.
Operation Troop Aid -- Provide care packages for our deployed U.S. Servicemembers.
Operation USO Care Package -- Sponsor a care package for $25.
Help with Mailing Packages
Instructions on Sending Mail to Servicemembers -- Straight from the U.S. Postal Service, instructions and recommendations on sending individual mail to servicemembers.
Health Care, Hospice, and Recovery OrganizationsThe following charitable organizations offer programs that provide comfort and support to our wounded veterans and their families:
American Red Cross Armed Forces -- Offers medical services to active duty, veterans, reservists and families nationwide.
Angels of Mercy / No Soldier Left in Need -- Donate clothes to wounded soldiers returning stateside, or donate to long-term rehabilitation programs
Armed Services Blood Program -- Donate blood that will be sent to areas of need around the world.
Blinded Veterans Association -- Volunteer and scholarship organization provides care and support for blind veterans and their families.
CAUSE: Comfort for America's Uniformed Services Elite -- Provides comfort items for troops recuperating in military hospitals and rehabilitation centers from wounds and injuries.
Fisher House -- Support families whose loved ones are being treated at military and VA hospitals.
VA Voluntary Service -- Volunteer to help care for wounded veterans.
The Walter Reed Society -- Walter Reed Society helps provide for the needs of many returning injured servicemembers and their families.
USO -- Donations to the USO pay for hospital support for recuperating soldiers, USO entertainment tours and other important services.
Transition, Scholarships and Vocation Rehabilitation
These organizations provide transitions services, scholarships and vocational programs to help servicemembers and their families re-integrate in to the civilian world.
The Freedom Alliance -- Organizes donations and contributions for our servicemembers, and also awards scholarships.
Operation Purple -- National Military Family Association (NMFA) volunteer program provides educational camps for military children.
Soldiers' Angels -- Support group aids wounded Soldiers with transitional backpacks, personal visits, and phone calls, etc., and also sends thanks via letters and email to the U.S. military and its allies.
Counseling and Other Relief and Support Organizations
The following organizations provide a wide range of services and support for our troops and wounded veterans including counseling, financial support, housing, emergency services and more:
Air Force Aid Society -- Official support and relief organization for Air Force servicemembers, veterans, and families.
American Legion -- Organizes blood donation, volunteer networks, purchase flags of support, and more.
The Armed Forces Foundation -- Provides support and education help to our troops.
Armed Services YMCA -- Provides educational, recreational, social and religious support to the military.
Army Emergency Relief -- Official support and relief organization for Army servicemembers, veterans, and families.
Coast Guard Mutual Assistance -- Major support and relief organization for Coast Guard servicemembers, veterans, and families.
Freedom Calls Foundation -- Contribute to videoconferencing facilities that put servicemembers in touch with their families.
Freedom Fund -- Send letters of thanks to the troops, or donate to funds that support deploying servicemembers.
The Home Front Cares -- Provides support for the Pikes Peak Region's military families of all services by distributing funds, goods and services to needy families.
Homes for Our Troops -- Assists injured veterans and their families by building new or adapting existing homes for handicapped accessibility.
Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund -- Fund provides unrestricted grants to the families of military personnel who have given their lives in the current operations in defense of our country.
Military Pets Foster Project -- Nationwide network of foster homes cares for the pets of deployed personnel.
Navy/Marine Relief Society -- Official support and relief organization for Navy servicemembers, veterans, and families.
Operation Child Care -- Provides child care services for the families of Reserve and National Guard members.
Operation Hero Miles -- Donate your unused frequent flyer files to servicemembers.
Special Operations Warrior Foundation -- Provides college scholarship grants, financial aid and educational counseling to the children of Special Operations personnel killed in an operational mission or training accident.
The Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) -- Provides services and support for survivors of late servicemembers.
Unmet Needs -- Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) program donates money to help with military families' financial necessities.
Veterans and Families -- Sacramento, Calif.-based organization is building support services for returning veterans.
Veterans of Foreign Wars -- Features a full range of veteran services and advocacy programs.
Wounded Warriors Fund -- Donates everything from phone cards to TVs to wounded soldiers.
Yellow Ribbon America -- Show your support with a yellow ribbon.


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Fans who hoped Kristen Stewart would ease off the onscreen drama and suicide attempts can take heart: Stewart promises her character Bella will be less "tortured" in "Eclipse."
Stewart gave a preview of her character to Entertainment Weekly, which also features details of the much awaited engagement scene between her Bella Swan and Edward Cullen (Robert Pattinson).
"I wasn't as tortured as I was in 'New Moon.' Bella really knows what she wants in 'Eclipse,' " Stewart said. She's not just a dumb kid talking because she's in love."
Not to say that she doesn't have her moment with the other undead man in her life, Jacob Black (Taylor Lautner). They kiss in the movie, which Stewart felt was "really weird." It wasn't just because she thinks of Taylor as a kid brother, but also because she knows her character is made for Cullen (Pattinson)
Producer Wyck Godfrey promises the duo's vampire-human engagement scene will not disappoint.
"She walks into Edward's room and there's a beautiful four-poster bed and it's like, 'Wow, here we go.' "


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This Just-Finished Hemi Gem Is Precious Metal To Brenda And Steve Ashby
Convertible Hemi cars are among the rarest of the breed when talking classic muscle cars, and that is saying something. In most cases, less than a dozen examples were built in a given model year; in 1968, it is believed that just nine Coronet R/Ts were built with King Kong under the hood. As a result, the idea of building one from scratch even better than new makes sense. After all, nobody would be foolish enough to modify an original now.
For Brenda and Steve Ashby, putting together the car you see here was a labor of love that took three years. It was a big hit at the YearOne Experience last spring, where it debuted just hours after being completed. The car is now a far cry from what it was when it landed in the Ashby garage three years ago.
"Steve's brother's wife was threatening to call the junkyard and send it to the crusher," says Brenda now. "This car was a case of lock jaw waiting to happen; you could put your finger through the metal in just about any location on it. Steve jumped at the chance anyhow, but let's just say I didn't share his vision for it."
Despite the condition of the gold 318 car, it was a convertible Mopar, and Steve already had an idea of what he wanted. This would become a drop-top that could take on anything Detroit had built back in the day, chew it up like gum, and leave it stuck to the pavement wondering what happened, even in the curves. The worn out body was sent to C&T Automotive Restorations in Ringgold, Georgia, where Dirk Carter and Chuck Tinker began working their magic on it.
That magic included both panel replacement and fabrication; for instance, two decklids and two hoods were combined to create the single good versions on the car now. Since the new five-speed transmission is wider than the old 904, a custom tunnel was also fabricated. Suspension upgrades include an AlterKation K-frame with a rack-and-pinion layout up front, and a custom panhard bar and four-link suspension install in the back. Afco shocks rounded it out, and the largest 15-inch Billet Specialties rim that could fit the OE tubs (8-inch width) host BF Goodrich T/A radials. Dynamat and Dynapad sound deadener was added as well, keeping noise while cruising to a minimum.
Getting under the hood, Steve chose an out-of-the-box Mopar Performance crate engine displacing 472 inches. Wanting to retain the factory's single four-barrel intake, C&T selected the latest EFI "psuedo-carb" outfit from Retrotek. They mounted the controller in the console ahead of the shifter, and added a 3/8-inch fuel return-line to maintain proper pressure. Dirk told us it took only about an hour to dial it up after installation. The unit is capable of flowing 1,200 cfm; a change to the internal injector size brought this down to a more manageable 850, still more than enough for this engine. Other custom touches to the engine area are Bouchillon brackets and a late model compressor hooked to the factory A/C unit that was in the car originally. Local fabricator Ronnie Ross was called in to rework the tti-built exhaust using Doug's electric cutouts inside the three-inch pipe, with hidden Cherry Bomb mufflers added. With the cutouts closed, the car sounds stock.
Back in the day, four on the floor was the only choice for gearheads. Today, with the many options available, the crashbox in this Coronet is a full-tilt Tremec TKO 600 five-speed, stirred by a ball-handled Hurst shifter and hung on the back of the mill through a Lakewood safety bellhousing. Since dragstrip abuse was not the sole goal of the package, a 3.55 SureGrip-equipped Dana 60 is now out back.
The final touch was the final body prep and paint, which was ably handled by Extreme Exteriors, also in Ringgold. Laying down silver PPG paint can be tricky, but the body shows no flaws; it is a basecoat/clearcoat process using a custom blend based on the Coronet's factory silver hue. C&T then handled the final assembly, finishing up in time for the car to be at Road Atlanta last May.
Steve admits he plans to show the car for a while, but that did not preclude him from taking out for some quick parade laps on the road course and even trying his hand at the autocross. While it did not cost as much as a "real" Hemi car might, he did allude to the fact that he was way over budget. Nonetheless, cranking down the front stretch at 100-plus mph, taking home the first place trophy from Horsepower TV, earning the NAPA Sponsors Choice Award for Best Mopar, and knowing Brenda had caught the "vision" makes this Dodge a real gem.
Fast Facts
'68 Dodge Coronet R/T Convertible Tribute
Car Owner: Steve and Brenda Ashby, Marietta, GA
Mopar Power
Building torque and power came easy; just a check written for a Mopar Performance 472 Hemi. The mild-mannered mid-size lung in the lineup dynoed out at 525 ponies after being equipped with a Retrotek fuel injection outfit, which fits right on the factory-supplied single-four intake. Chuck Tinker and Dirk Carter, who did most of the work on this car, put the EFI together and had it running within an hour after some minor computer tweaks. It's "jetted" via internal injector to flow 850 cfm. Internally, the engine is right out of the crate.Add-ons included a new A/C compressor mounted with Bouchillon brackets, and a full tti exhaust outfitted with a hidden Cherry Bomb muffler inside custom-built Doug's electronic cutouts thanks to Ronnie Ross.
A Hurst shifter mounted in the console stirs through five forward gear clusters in the Tremec TKO 600 box.
SureGrip and Dana 60 pieces will handle whatever traction is available; a 3.55 final cog is for street/strip use.
Horsepower and Performance:
Up on the dyno, the package kicked out 525 ponies; on the racetrack, it sounds like it
Sure Grip
It's all 21st Century-AlterKation K-frame, rack and pinion, adjustable shocks were added up front, while C&T fabbed up the rear four-link and custom panhard bar to clear the gas tank.
Front and rear discs, courtesy Wilwood.
15×8 Billet Specialty five-spokes.
255R60-15s up front, 275R60-15 out back, and all compounded to TA Radial formula by BF Goodrich.
High Impact
Credit for the sheetmetal work again goes to C&T, who created some panels from scratch and made the most of available OEM replacements.
Final paint by Extreme Exteriors and Bill "Junior" Queen, owner.
Mostly OEM, C&T did fabricate new mounting brackets for the console and also did a stealth Kenwood CD/stereo install, with the handheld controller mounted inside the center console hatch.
Best Performance: n/a
Special Thanks:
Coronet R/T restorers and friends, YearOne, Summit, NOS Mopar, Dante's Mopar Parts, and others.


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As of this week, a total of 131 ferret-badgers, one Asian house shrew and a puppy bitten by a ferret-badger have tested positive for rabies infection, the Central Epidemic Command Center reported yesterday, adding that the number of cities and counties that have confirmed cases of rabid animals remained unchanged at nine.
A total of 556 wild carnivores, 273 wildlife animals of other types, 714 dogs, 49 cats and 42 bats have been tested as of Tuesday, and the main species found infected with the disease remains the wild Formosan ferret-badger, the center said.
The authority also reported a case in Taitung in which a man was attacked by a ferret-badger on Sunday.
The man was bitten on his right index finger and right ankle. He received a post-exposure rabies vaccine on Tuesday when he sought medical attention, and subsequently received human rabies immune globulin (HRIG) on the same day at another facility, Centers for Disease Control Deputy Director-General Chuang Jen-hsiang (莊人祥) said.
The man was scheduled to receive the second dose of vaccine yesterday.
The ferret-badger that caused the injury was sent for testing on Tuesday and was confirmed of infection on Wednesday night, bringing the total number of infected ferret-badgers to 132.
Meanwhile, the first rabies infection in a dog, confirmed last week, has stirred another round of debate on whether animal experiments on dogs are to be conducted.
The Council of Agriculture said that it would "definitely" conduct animal experimentation.
"Experimentation on animals still has to be conducted because the virus strain found in the Formosan ferret-badgers is already an idiosyncratic branch," the council's Bureau of Animal and Plant Health Inspection and Quarantine Director Chang Su-san (張淑賢) said, adding that the infectivity of the virus in both ferret-badgers and dogs has to be assessed.
However, Tunghai University life science professor Lin Liang-kong's (林良恭) suggested the opposite.
He said that following the news about the rabies-infected puppy, a group of researchers have been considering the possibility, based on studies and observation, that bats are the reservoir host of the rabies virus, while ferret-badgers are just the victims.
There is no need for testing on dogs, Lin said, adding that healthy ferret-badgers should be captured to see whether they are infected with rabies.
Lin said ferret-badgers would be proven "innocent" — as in not being the reservoir host of the virus — if found with no virus.
Bats belonging to genera Eptesicus and Myotis have been confirmed in the US to be the reservoir host, or carrying rabies virus without exhibiting symptoms, according to Lin.
"Bats of both genera can be found in Taiwan. There are seven species of Myotis bats in the country," Lin said.
The bats living in forests or flying around can easily elude surveillance and their numbers are difficult to estimate. It is possible that the virus had spread to ferret-badgers through the food chain, Lin said.
"If a bat, weakened by the virus, falls to the ground, and its body is then eaten by a ferret-badger, the latter would be running around with the virus and spreading it among its population," Lin said.
As the genetic sequence has shown that the virus strain found in Taiwan has evolved independently for more than 50 years it is reasonable to assume that it did not evolve with ferret-badgers, which did not exhibit symptoms or infect dogs until very recently, Lin added.


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How to bring together solidarity, organic farming, respect for biodiversity and the environment. Cliff House Hotel is working on a multi pronged strategy.
We do not use exotic fish or fish born from intensive, destructive practices. All our fish is sourced from local suppliers and sourced according to the seasons. We collect herbs and vegetables daily which are grown by members of the St Raphaël Centre in nearby Youghal, which is a centre for disabled members of the community. All efforts to minimise and reduce waste are made by all members of our team to align with our eco friendly strategy to cut down on waste costs.


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Systems Engineering Job Vacancies
Click here to view available jobs
Volunteer Vacancies
Do you have to deal with complex technical problems where there are many stakeholders and many possible solutions?
INCOSE UK exists to help those who deal with such situations on a daily basis.
Our members are involved in all aspects of systems lifecycles from concept through to operational use and eventual disposal, covering both technical and management processes, and come from a wide variety of backgrounds and business domains.
For more information about INCOSE UK why not visit the ABOUT US pages of this website.


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Liberty News
Pattie Mallette, mother of Justin Bieber, inspires students to take action
Through a powerful story of grace and redemption, bestselling author, producer, and inspirational speaker Pattie Mallette challenged students at Liberty University Convocation on Monday to take action rather than just talk about their intentions.
"We are not made to sit on the sidelines while people suffer. We are commissioned to make great change in this world," she said. "Today it is my responsibility and it is your responsibility to step up and make a difference."
The reason many people do not follow their calling, Mallette said, is because they are discouraged by criticism based on their circumstances — what she called "you are only" statements, such as "you are only a kid from the projects."
Mallette is best known as the mother of pop sensation Justin Bieber, but she has not let her son's celebrity overshadow the powerful work God has done in her own life.
She shared her story, which is detailed in her bestselling book, "Nowhere but Up," explaining how despite overwhelming circumstances, including neglect, abuse, addiction, attempted suicide, poverty, and an unplanned teen pregnancy, God never gave up on her and ultimately captured her heart with His love.
Now, Mallette dedicates much of her time to humanitarian efforts. She recently launched her foundation, Round 2, which seeks to offer a second chance to those who have been knocked down by providing assistance and resources to those in distress. She supports crisis pregnancy centers — which were a tremendous resource to her during and after her pregnancy. Liberty Godparent Home, located on Liberty's campus, is similar to the facility where she received assistance.
Mallette said there is a place for programs to help the less fortunate, but ultimately "people are God's Plan A."
As an example, she shared the familiar story of David and Goliath from I Samuel 17. She described how the Israelites came dressed for war every day for 40 days but retreated in fear each time because of the giant Goliath's heckling. When the shepherd boy David came to the battlefield, he too was discouraged by the giant's words, but instead of drawing back, he took action.
"In spite of the condescending disapproval and the sheer size of the feat ahead of him, something rose up inside (David) against injustice to take action," she said before quoting David's words to King Saul in verse 32, "Let no one lose heart on account of this Philistine, your servant will go out and fight him."
This is what made David different from the rest of the crowd, Mallette said.
"David makes one of the greatest leaps for anyone, in my opinion: he goes from (saying) 'Someone should do something about this' to 'I will be the one to do something about it.'"
Though David felt belittled by Goliath, he rose up and defeated the giant himself.
"If we are going to be the people who impact every corner of culture, we need to take that leap," Mallette said. "We have to develop the attitude, like David, that says I will do whatever it takes to fight against oppression and injustice."
In a brief interview after Convocation, Mallette said her first visit to Liberty filled her with hope for that fight.
"I think it is amazing here. I am honestly really inspired by the amount of people here and their ability to impact so many corners of culture."
Mallette also enjoyed a chance to explore campus with President Jerry Falwell, Jr. and his family, and even took a ride down one of the new tube runs at Liberty Mountain Snowflex Centre.


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A new survey finds only about 30 percent of people use passwords to lock their cellphones, according to a recent worldwide survey done by the Web security company McAfee.
Experts say not having a password lock on your phone could open you up to identity theft. Many people in the survey admitted to leaving their log in information and password stored on APPS. Some people do mobile banking, and if your phone is stolen without a lock, thieves can have access to a lot more than just your contacts.
The survey found women are slightly less likely to password-protect their phones.
If you smartphone is stolen, experts recommend filing a police report, notifying your employer and contacts, and also changing your passwords to things like your e-mail and banking information.
The survey also found the most common passwords were "1-1-1-1" and "1-2-3-4".


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Sure, when he first took office he pretended that he was going to be just the regular ol' Joe that you elected to office, even waffling a bit on whether he wanted to move into Gracie Mansion and give up his everyday comfortable life in a modest rowhouse in Brooklyn. (Remember all of those great photo ops of the mayor out there early in the morning shoveling his sidewalks just after he got elected?)
Well, apparently the chance to live rent free on prime Upper Manhattan real estate overlooking the East River was just too much to pass up, so in the end he decided to move on up. But surely that was just more of a logistical and practical matter as to be centrally located in the city he was elected to represent, and he wasn't just jumping at the chance to get a taste of the high life without putting a dent in his bank account.
That was until he decided to remodel, because of course you can't move into a mansion and expect to use all of that old furniture. But furnishing a house of that size has got to be expensive, so where in the world would a public servant get the money to do that? It's not like de Blasio has the largesse that our last mayor enjoyed to buy however-many-room's worth of new furnishings.
Easy solution, you just reach out to a furniture store and ask them to give you the stuff for free! You're probably thinking that the First Family would stay practical and reach out to Bob's Discount Furniture or some place like that, but that would prove you are a classless commoner who doesn't know the first thing about asking for a handout.
No, de Blasio and his family approached the shi shi boutique West Elm to help them makeover Gracie Mansion, because no price is too large when it's for free. Sure, the furniture is technically donated to the Gracie Conservancy and will theoretically be used by future mayors and their families, but reports say that West Elm has been catering to the de Blasio's own personal style, including taking the family's height into consideration.
But surely that is the only time that de Blasio is going to try and game the system and wade dangerously close to appearances that he is using his new influence and post for his own personal gain. Surely, the only time right?
Wrong. Now reports surface that the mayor is refusing to reimburse taxpayers for transportation expenses he incurs while running personal errands. Technically, there is nothing wrong that, according to the Conflicts of Interest board, but pretty much every other elected official, including Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito, Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer, Comptroller Scott Stringer and former Mayor Michael Bloomberg, to name a few, make sure to either not use taxpayer-funded transportation for personal business or reimburse the city when they do.
After all, this isn't anything-goes Albany.
But hey, maybe all of these new perks will trickle down to the common folk, like those of us in the media. We hear (we assume our invitation was either lost in the mail of just not sent yet) that the mayor will be hosting a little fete for media types like ourselves; a little party at Gracie Mansion where we can get our chance to suckle on the teet of the taxpayers for at least one evening, enjoying free hors d'oeuvre – or appetizers for the less sophisticated – and fine wine, probably even a few bottles from the mayor's recent trip to Italy, where the local transportation was billed to NYC, incidentally.
What's that you say? We have to pay $30 if we want to go.


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After several days of having my default Stack Overflow page flash at me when it loads, I finally worked out what the problem is. The filtering of ignored tags is being performed in the JavaScript code.
Wouldn't it make much more sense to perform it in the SQL query (or otherwise server-side) that generates the data for the page?


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Reds walk off with first win on Votto's first hit of year
Heroics come after club lost four-run lead, built largely by Phillips' HR
CINCINNATI -- The sacrifice bunt is often derided by the new-school baseball crowd because it gives away an out and can take the bat out of the hand of the better hitters.
No one has ever accused Reds manager Dusty Baker of being new school. Baker believes in the sac bunt through thick and thin, for better or worse. Twice in two games this season during key situations, he has used it.
It backfired on Monday but worked to perfection in the ninth inning just ahead of Joey Votto's RBI single, his first hit of the season, in Wednesday's 5-4 walk-off win over the Angels.
"Sometimes it works, and sometimes it doesn't," Baker said after the win.
In the bottom of the ninth, during a 4-4 tie, Angels lefty reliever Scott Downs plunked leadoff man Shin-Soo Choo with his first pitch. Chris Heisey was ordered to bunt and executed the sacrifice toward the mound to move Choo to second base and bring up Votto.
On Opening Day in the eighth inning, Brandon Phillips was hitting ahead of Votto when he laid down a sacrifice to put runners on second and third. Votto was intentionally walked, and the next two batters struck out to end the rally before Cincinnati lost in 13 innings.
This time, with Phillips on deck as the cleanup hitter, Votto was offered a first-pitch breaking ball and laced it to the right side under the glove of lunging first baseman Albert Pujols. Second baseman Howie Kendrick backed up in the short outfield but couldn't get a handle on the ball as Choo scored without a throw to the plate.
Both Votto and Baker knew there wasn't a right-hander warming in the bullpen. Neither was surprised that Downs came at the hitter.
"I tried to just be ready with whatever I was going to be presented with," Votto said. "I've been presumptuous before in my career, and I think it's burnt me. I've learned a lesson to just deal with what's in front of me and show respect to my competition."
"When I bunted Heisey, I thought it was a pretty good chance they would pitch to Joey," Baker said. "They might pitch around to get him out, and then they were going to walk Brandon to get to Jay Bruce. But they never got to Brandon."
Angels manager Mike Scioscia had no issue going for the Downs-Votto matchup.
"It's pick your poison," Scioscia said. "They've got a strong middle of the order, their guys hit both lefties and righties, and the ball just squeaked under Albert's glove. You always consider it, but if we would've gotten that out there and then maybe try to go after Bruce, we could've maybe seen our way out of that inning."
Aroldis Chapman issued a two-out walk in the top of the ninth but had a scoreless inning to get a victory that came despite the Reds blowing an early 4-0 lead.
Angels starter C.J. Wilson retired his first 10 in a row but had back-to-back one-out walks to Heisey and Votto in the fourth. There were consequences as Phillips launched a 1-1 pitch well into the left-field seats for a three-run homer in his return to the lineup's cleanup spot in place of the injured Ryan Ludwick.
It also snapped a brief 0-for-7 streak for Phillips to start the season, while the Reds had scored only one run over their first 16 innings.
"It felt good to swing the bat, get things going for the guys," Phillips said. "I knew we were struggling a little bit getting hits and driving in some runs. I'm glad I came through."
Todd Frazier's RBI single scored Bruce to make it 4-0, but the lead would not hold up.
Reds starter Mat Latos looked good most of the night but made two mistakes. Latos gave up a leadoff homer to center field by Kendrick in the fifth inning on a 91-mph fastball up and over the middle of the plate.
Los Angeles made the Reds less comfortable in the seventh with two outs when Alberto Callaspo lifted an elevated 0-1 fastball from Latos into the right-field seats for a two-run homer that made it a one-run game. It was Latos' 100th and final pitch.
"We were trying to get that one last out out of Latos, and he hit it out of the ballpark," Baker said. "He made a mistake and got the ball up. He was trying to sink it down."
In a no-decision, Latos finished with three runs and seven hits allowed over 6 2/3 innings. Latos walked one while striking out eight. The Angels evened the score in the eighth against Jonathan Broxton as Frazier's error at third base while being handcuffed by a Pujols grounder eventually led to a run scoring on Mark Trumbo's RBI groundout.
At that point, the Reds were faced with the prospect of extra innings for the second game in a row, and a potential 0-2 start to 2013. Baker's strategy and Votto coming through prevented either from happening.
"You certainly don't want to go too long without that first [win]," Baker said. "Once you get that first one, now you can relax a little bit and just play."


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At MemorialCare, we understand how important reliable, consistent and safe patient care is to you and your family.
When the Institute of Medicine (IOM) issued their reports on quality of health care in America,
, MemorialCare was already committed to the creation and integration of a robust patient safety program as an essential component of our quality patient care.
Patient Safety Resources
- Watch a Patient Safety video:
- 20 Tips for a Safe and Speedy Recovery
- National Patient Safety Foundation
- Joint Commission International Center for Patient Safety
MemorialCare Focus on Patient Safety
We believe that accountability for patient safety is embedded in a collaborative relationship involving our governing board, administrative leadership, our medical staff, employees, you and your family.
Our Patient Safety Program is a formalized, multi-faceted plan that is evaluated annually. It includes the following critical components:
- Leadership Commitment - Our administrative and medical leadership has defined patient safety as a MemorialCare priority in strategic planning, employee performance evaluations, organizational culture, and resource allocation.
- Culture of Safety Survey - Regular feedback is encouraged and solicited from our physicians, employees, and patients about patient safety aspects. The feedback information is aggregated and integrated in the annual review and the MemorialCare Patient Safety Program.
- Patient Safety Education - Ongoing, current patient safety education is included in physician and employee development programs. The multi-faceted approach includes awareness campaigns, written articles, continuing education programs, seminars, pocket cards, and clinical tools. Our Patient Education Program encourages your active participation in learning about safety strategies and practicing them in each health care interaction.
Leaping Ahead in Patient Safety
MemorialCare hospitals, including Long Beach Medical Center, Orange Coast Medical Center and Saddleback Medical Center, were honored with an "A" Hospital Safety ScoreSM by The Leapfrog Group, an independent national nonprofit run by employers and other large purchasers of health benefits. The Hospital Safety ScoreSM is calculated under the guidance of The Leapfrog Group's Blue Ribbon Expert Panel using publicly available data on patient injuries, medical and medication errors, and infections. U.S. hospitals were assigned an A, B, C, D or F for their safety score.
MemorialCare have voluntarily completed the Leapfrog Survey every year since 2002.
MC*21 The Next Generation of Care
MemorialCare have embarked upon MC*21, a system wide effort to improve and simplify care delivery processes.
MC*21 provides frontline caregivers with state-of-the-art tools for care, including innovative equipment for documentation and information retrieval. The result is greater efficiency, enhanced patient safety and more time for caregivers to do what they do best — care for patients.
But MC*21 is about much more than new technology. This effort greatly facilitates the implementation of evidence-based, best practice medicine. Additionally, MC*21 redefines the way physicians and hospital staff work and communicate with each other. With streamlined electronic medical records systems in place, caregivers have more time for one on one health care delivery.


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A leading archaeologist has warned that illegal climbers are damaging Silbury Hill.
Heavy rain has led to standing water around the monument and the sodden ground is being eroded by trespassers climbing the hill.
Access to the man-made mound, which dates back to 2400 BC, has been prohibited for a number of decades.
Jim Leary, an archaeologist for English Heritage, said: "I would really ask people not to go up the hill. It is leaving some really rather hideous scars and eroding our beautiful monument.
"They are going up and it is very wet and they are eroding the side of the hill."
The hill is almost completely cut off by a moat with surrounding fields also underwater due to the recent heavy rain.
However, Mr Leary said that as far as the monument was concerned the flood water was nothing to worry about.
He said: "It is not a very common phenomenon but it has happened before in 2007 when it was very wet, and also in 2000.
"The mound has been there for 4,500 years and I'm sure it will continue to stand despite the weather."


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"The cure for boredom is curiosity. There is no cure for curiosity. "
Are you a curious person? I'm going to guess yes.
Most people who are interested in family history are inherently curious. They want to know all sorts of personal things about their ancestors and their curiosity frequently rewards them with trips to wondrous places. My blogging friend Terry Thornton writes about one particularly curious member of his family, his aunt Dorie. Dorie's aggressive curiosity over a neighbor's business earned her a spot in family lore, writes Terry.
"From that moment on, my family has called all nosey folks 'Aunt Dorie'," Terry says.
You may have an Aunt Dorie in your own family; you might even be one yourself. Take this test:
You may be a curious person if …
- You ever took apart a watch or clock just to see what makes it tick.
- You mixed every liquid you could find in your dad's workshop just to see what would happen.
- You prefer actual reality to the TV version.
- You can pick up any volume from a set of encyclopedias and be entertained for hours.
- You ever stood before a mirror in a darkened room and crunched a wintergreen Lifesaver between your front teeth to see if it sparked.
- You ever sneaked a peek at a Christmas gift and carefully rewrapped it before the big day arrived.
- You mixed aspirin and Coke to see if the combination would really make you drunk.
- You ever buried a dead animal and dug it up months later just to see what happened.
- "Do Not Enter" signs set your mind to racing, wondering what's in there?
- You don't take Prego's word when it says "it's in there."
A healthy dose of curiosity is necessary in any family history project. Here are 10 reasons why you should be curious and some tips on how to develop a sense of curiosity.
Writing tip of the day: What big family question would you like answered? What are you doing about it?
Larry Lehmer is a personal historian who helps people preserve their family histories. To learn more, visit his web site, send him an e-mail or follow him on Twitter.
Flickr photo courtesy of Dan4th.


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San Diego council nixes mayor's request to pay legal fees
The San Diego City Council rejected Mayor Bob Filner's request that the city pay his legal bills Tuesday and voted to sue the mayor to recover any costs the city incurs over a sexual harassment lawsuit filed by his former communications director/.
The council took the actions on a pair of unanimous votes on the same day an eighth woman went public with accusations the mayor made unwanted advances.
"This is part of due process," City Attorney Jan Goldsmith said. "If Bob Filner engaged in unlawful conduct and the city is held liable, he will have to reimburse us every penny the city pays and its attorney fees."
The dispute over legal costs comes as a pair of competing recall efforts against Filner, who is accused by eight women of behavior such as groping, unwanted kissing and sexual advances, began in earnest Monday.
Lisa Curtin, director of government and military education at San Diego City College, became the eighth woman to go public with allegations about Filner when she told KPBS that he made unwanted advances to her during a meeting in 2011, when he was a Democratic member of Congress, the station reported.
Curtin said that Filner asked to meet with her privately at the conclusion of a business meeting, and that once alone with her he asked about the wedding ring she was wearing. She replied that she had been married for 25 years, she said.
"He then asked me if it could come off while I was in D.C. and if I would go out with him," Curtin said. "I said I really didn't think so. And at that point, he pulled my hand closer to him and he reached over to kiss me. I turned my head at that moment and on the side of my face, I got a very wet, saliva-filled kiss including feeling his tongue on my cheek."
Curtin said she did not report the incident to police at the time but has since reported it to the San Diego Sheriff's Department, which has established a hotline for reports of alleged misconduct by the mayor.
Irene McCormack Jackson, Filner's former aide, filed suit against the mayor and the city last week alleging, among other things, that the mayor told her he wanted to see her naked and asked her to work without wearing underwear.
STORY:Mayor Bob Filner to undergo therapy
Filner apologized for his behavior and said he would undergo "intensive therapy" for two weeks starting Aug. 5. The former Democratic congressman, who was elected to the city post in November, has rejected repeated calls to resign.
Seven of the nine San Diego City Council members have called on Filner to step down. Resignation calls have also come from top Democrats such as Sen. Dianne Feinstein, the state's senior senator, and national party chairwoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz.
"Intimidating women is not in Mayor Filner's job description,'' council member Kevin Faulconer said. "His employer -- San Diego taxpayers -- shouldn't have to bail him out of the mess he created.''.
Filner has hired a private attorney, Harvey Berger, to defend him in the lawsuit.
Filner is the first Democratic mayor of the nation's eighth most populous city in 20 years.
Contributing: Associated Press
Follow @ccamia on Twitter.


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At WindEnergy Hamburg Pilz will be exhibiting automation solutions that can be used to monitor safety functions and operating modes on wind turbines. The main focus of the Pilz stand will be on safe speed monitoring, which allows wind turbines to operate efficiently in compliance with the standards. Some of the innovations on display include an I/O module for safe speed monitoring in the automation system PSS 4000. In Hamburg Pilz will also be providing information about its range of services en route to CE marking.
Ostfildern, Aug 3, 2016
Pilz at WindEnergy Hamburg (27-30 September 2016), Hall B6, Stand B6.342 – Simple, safe automation of wind turbines
Standard-compliant speed monitoring
Pilz offers a complete range of products that is proven worldwide on wind turbines. The products are used to monitor and control plant states at any time and to meet safety-related specifications. The speed monitor PNOZs30, configurable control systems PNOZmulti and the automation system PSS 4000 monitor standstill, (over)speed, position, broken shaft, speed range and direction of rotation in accordance with EN ISO 13849-1 up to Performance Level (PL) e.
Safe processing of analogue values
All functions relevant to the safety of the wind turbine can be monitored and controlled using the automation system PSS 4000 from Pilz . Thanks to the safe processing of analogue values, PSS 4000 is not only able to regulate speed but can also calculate values such as acceleration in the event of sudden gusts of wind and then control the plant accordingly. The I/O module for safe speed monitoring is new to the automation system PSS 4000. With just one rotary encoder the module monitors safe speed, direction of movement and stop functions up to PL e. Operators benefit from higher productivity, reduced downtimes and simpler maintenance and repair of their wind turbines.
Support en route to CE marking
At the exhibition Pilz will be exhibiting its comprehensive range of services for wind energy – from consulting to international standards and industry standards, to risk assessment, validation of safety functions and professional support en route to CE marking. The automation company provides information on how customised services can be used to minimise existing risks. The required safety regulations can also be implemented in such a way that sources of error and interference are identified early, costly downtimes are minimised and the plant's service life is extended.
Pilz is exhibiting at WindEnergy Hamburg 2016 in Hall B6, Stand B6.342.
Further information at: https://www.pilz.com/de-DE/windenergy
Pilz de México, S. de R.L. de C.V. Safe Automation
Convento de Actopan 36 Jardines de Santa Mónica
Tlalnepantla, Méx. 54050
Telephone: +52 55 5572 1300
E-Mail: email@example.com


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"The Tonight Show" is returning to New York with Jimmy Fallon as host.
Fallon will take over hosting duties from Jay Leno in the spring of 2014, NBC confirmed on Wednesday. Leno has hosted the show for 22 years in Burbank, Calif.
"I'm really excited to host a show that starts today instead of tomorrow," Fallon said in a statement.
U.S. & World
Leno joked in the statement: "Congratulations Jimmy. I hope you're as lucky as me and hold on to the job until you're the old guy. If you need me, I'll be at the garage."
Steve Burke, chief executive officer of NBCUniversal, called Leno an "entertainment icon."
"His long reign as the highest-rated late-night host is a testament to his work ethic and dedication to his viewers and to NBC," Burke said in the statement.
Leno and Fallon teamed up earlier this week to address news reports of the transition with a humorous parody of the "West Side Story" song "Tonight."
"The Tonight Show" has been based in Burbank since Johnny Carson moved it west in 1972.
The show will return to its original home in New York, where it was first conceived in 1954. The show will be taped at 30 Rock and executive-produced by Emmy-winning "Saturday Night Live" creator Lorne Michaels.
At the time of his departure, Leno will have the distinction of being the second longest serving host of the nightly entertainment program. "The Tonight Show" began airing in 1954 with Steve Allen behind the main desk. He remained until 1957 when he was succeeded by Jack Paar (1957–1962), who was followed by Carson (1962–1992), then Leno (1992–2009, 2010–2014) and Conan O'Brien (2009–2010).
When Carson stepped down in 1992 it was rumored that David Letterman, the then-host of NBC's late-night spot immediately following "The Tonight Show," would be his successor. Soon after Leno was announced to the position, Letterman decamped to CBS where he has hosted the "Late Show with David Letterman" in the same time slot as "Tonight" ever since.
In a switch that garnered as much publicity as the Carson/Leno/Letterman change, current host Leno departed the program in 2009 to move into prime time with "The Jay Leno Show," which would air at 10 p.m. and be a lead-in to "The Tonight Show." Conan O'Brien took the reins as host and the show was moved from Burbank to a new studio located on the back lot of Universal Studios Hollywood.
It was a short-lived change. After only eight months O'Brien left NBC when negotiations to keep him as host of the show – albeit in a later time period – broke down following the announcement that Leno would be returning to the coveted late-night slot. The move came on the heels of a ratings falter at "Tonight" and conjecture over the success of "The Jay Leno Show" in prime time. O'Brien returned to late-night television that same year hosting "Conan" on the cable channel TBS. Leno resumed his host duties on "The Tonight Show" and brought the program back to the Burbank studio.
In an interview with the New York Times, Leno addressed the impending Fallon hand-over by dispelling rumors that the negotiations were not amicable or in any way similar to the O'Brien brouhaha. "The main difference between this and the other time is I'm part of the process. The last time the decision was made without me. I came into work one day and — you're out," he said, adding that this time around "there really aren't any complications like there were the last time. This time it feels right."
As for his future plans after stepping down, Leno, who will turn 64 in 2014 and has been married to his wife Mavis for 33 years, told the New York Times that he expects to be "back on the road, being a comedian again."


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Buy Publications through Newsstand on Your Kindle Fire HD
There's a world of periodicals out there, from magazines to newspapers, just waiting for you to explore them. Kindle Fire HD's color display makes browsing through color magazines especially appealing.
Tap Newsstand on the Home page of Kindle Fire HD and then tap the Store button to see several categories of items.
First, there are Featured Magazines with 30-day free trials displayed across the top. You can swipe right to left to scroll through these.
Below Free Trials, you see categories such as Best Sellers, Business & Investing, and Entertaining (though the categories might change on a regular basis). You can tap the See All button above any category to see a more complete list of included items.
When you find the publication you want, follow these steps to buy or subscribe to it:
Tap the item.
A screen appears showing pricing, a description of the publication, and Subscribe Now and Buy Issue buttons.
Tap Subscribe Now or Buy Issue.
The button label changes to read Downloading. During the download process you can tap the Cancel button if you change your mind. When the download is complete, the button label changes to Read Now.
Tap the Read Now button to open the magazine.
Note that the magazine is stored in your Amazon Cloud library where you can read or download it to your Kindle Fire HD via Newsstand at a later time.


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Modern day drag racing: nitro, knowledge, and cold-hard cash
The quarter-mile mix is actually quite simple. Take one aftermarket Hemi block, add a variety of bulletproof hardware, such as a billet crank and heads, a huge 14-71 supercharger, twin magnetos and plugs, and the strongest fasteners known to man. Now place the engine at the front of a driveline that doesn't use a transmission and a high 3.20:1 rear-gear ratio at the end of a perfect driveshaft. Put this combo into a short-wheelbase chrome-moly chassis with the driver seat right behind that big blower. Add one custom-built carbon-fiber Team Mopar Parts Dodge R/T body to cover it, stick one Mr. Dean Skuza in the hot seat, and fill the fuel tank with the legal 90 percent nitromethane/ 10 percent methanol mixture. Result: 4.80 seconds at 300-plus mph.
For many of us with day-to-day jobs, nothing would seem more exciting than becoming a full-time race car driver. After all, it seems like a fairly easy life; travel the racing circuit, hang out with guys like John Force, sign a few autographs, and wheel the car down the quarter for a couple of miles each weekend. No problem, right? As you might imagine, there is a lot more to it than that. We hooked up with Team Skuza at the NHRA MAC Tools Gatornationals in March to get an inside glimpse of what it takes to go nitro-Funny Car racing in the year 2001.
DEAN SKUZA: The Pilot
"I saw my first Funny Cars when I was 10 or 11 years old. My dad was holding my hand when they warmed it up, and I spilled my Coke because I was reaching for my eyes and my ears. Nobody told me this was going to hurt…" stated Dean Skuza to author Cole Coonce in the Sept. '98 issue of Drag Racing Monthly.
Truth be told, Skuza is one of the few top drivers today who has actually worked his way to the top, starting with a small-block bracket car to a supercharged altered, then to a fuel Funny Car that he once referred to as "my iron mistress." Supported in part by his father, Don, Dean made his never-forgotten childhood dream to go nitro racing a reality and eventually assembled a Funny Car program on a slim budget in his parents' garage 10 years ago.
Now with a five-year sponsorship program from Mopar Performance Parts, a well-oiled crew that is capable of running with the best teams on the planet (in February, Skuza recorded the quickest e.t. in history after the 90 percent nitromethane rule was instated by NHRA), and a hunger for victory, the Brecksville, Ohio, native has the financial and personnel resources to dethrone even a John Force.
"We were very happy when the Mopar Parts deal came together," said the 35-year-old driver and team owner. "We've had a good relationship with them for several seasons, and when they found out our previous sponsor would be leaving us at the end of 2000, they stepped up to become our major sponsor. We need money to do this, and getting it from Mopar Performance Parts couldn't be a better deal for our team."
Skuza's career began when he made his first lap down a dragstrip at age 15. Once he "graduated" to blown big-blocks, he took his first championship, winning the Midwest-based Supercharged Outlaws season-long crown in a big-block-powered Fiat in 1989. After looking at what was needed to go Federal Mogul-style alcohol racing, he decided to build a nitro Funny Car, since the costs were similar until the fuel gets into the motor. That led to a part-time effort in 1992 and 1993. By 1994 he was running the entire tour. His father, Don, supported that effort out-of-pocket; Don owns Quality Synthetic Rubber, a company that supplies Detroit and others with quality OEM parts. He agreed to help Dean get started in racing as a profession, but Dean's job was obtaining sponsorship, which he quickly acquired from Mopar Performance Parts, along with such companies as Cornwell Tools and others.
In the ensuing years, Skuza has finished in the Winston Top 10 points every year but one, including a Fifth in 1999, all under the tuning guidance of Lance Larsen. A 4.997 at Dallas in 1997 gave Skuza the 12th spot in the exclusive Castrol Four-Second Club. He has won two titles in 12 final-round appearances and has the best win/loss record to Force of anybody currently in the Funny Car category.
"I don't remember being scared when I first got in the car and made a run," says Skuza. "I don't know if that was good or bad. Frankly, I was more worried about the motor and everything; since I had built this thing myself, I was more concerned about that. Once you get used to what the car is going to do, it's violent off the starting line; you're thinking more about the mechanical things, how things sound, and your reaction time. I never think about who I'm racing against; any one of these guys can get around you, and any one of them can have a problem. My focus is on getting this car to the other end of the track as quickly as I can; who I'm racing doesn't affect that."
The Mopar Parts Funny Car is a Murf McKinney-built structure that is 125 inches longs and weighs 2,350 pounds with Skuza in the hot seat. The engine is a 496-cid Keith Black block with Brad Anderson heads. A Crane cam, hard parts from Clevite, Brooks, and Venolia, and a lot of nitromethane pushed down into the bores through an SSI blower, goes into the engine. The mixture is sparked by two super-voltage MSD magnetos and comes out of the Hedman Husler Hedder exhaust system in long flames.
Raw nitro is a mono-propellant (oxygen is in the molecular structure) and is pumped into the motor in vast quantities, with the unburned portions still combusting as it comes through the headers. This fuel volume helps keep the motor cooler by washing down the ports and piston tops; it also creates a dangerous possibility called hydraulicing, where compression buildup from a broken rocker arm or a valvespring can cause the fuel crammed in a cylinder to explode like a huge pipe bomb. These forces are enough to break billet crankshafts, split cylinder blocks in half, and turn supercharger housings into shrapnel. NHRA rules and safety advances by the racers themselves have made this a much rarer occurrence than previously.
In his press kit, Skuza said what he loves most about racing are the hundreds of little victories he experiences by merely running a decent time. Just like a person who enjoys the process of restoring a car or custom-building a vehicle for the street, there is a lot more to nitro racing than simply the result. Getting the car down a tricky racing surface is a victory for both the driver and the crew; nobody wants to beat themselves. When you can do it as Skuza did earlier this year-the fastest time since the nitro rules changedthat run is even more special. As for winning races, Skuza is philosophical.
"We are here to win races for our sponsors and our fans and ourselves," said Skuza. "However, you don't just land in the final; each run in both qualifying and eliminations is part of the race. We want to be fast, but we want to be consistent and satisfied that we did our best. I have a great crew; all of these guys are very, very good at this. If this wasn't fun, nobody out here would work this hard, but in a lot of ways, this isnt a job; it's just what we do."
And the appeal of staying in there? "When people say I'm crazy for choosing my line of work," continued Skuza, "I tell them I'm chemically dependent; I'm dependent on nitromethane. I became hooked when I was a little boy, and it has guided me through my entire life."
LANCE LARSEN: The Scientist
Lance Larsen grew up in the Los Angeles region when it was the hot bed of drag racing. Like Skuza, he was hooked on nitro after his first race (Lions Drag Strip in Long Beach in 1965) but was old enough to begin working immediately. He became a journeyman mechanic, running with the well-remembered Coca-Cola Cavalcade of Stars in the early '70s. After a stint in business, he returned to the dragstrip in 1981 and tuned Jeb Allen's Top Fuel machine to an NHRA World title. Larsen's first encounter with Skuza occurred while Skuza was still on his learning curve; Larsen heard the engine running and offered some advice. Nobody listened, and moments later all eight rods exited the block right on the starting line. The Skuzas realized Larsen would be a real asset, a deal was struck, and now Larsen is in his seventh year with them. As crew chief, Larsen manages the team and the parts. He coordinates the help, makes the calls on the tune-up, and basically manages the day-to-day team effort. He has been around long enough to know there are few absolutes in drag racing, but knowledge and analysis go a long way when making the right decisions.
"You get yourself in trouble if you think any of this is ground in stone," said Larsen. "I don't use just the barometer or the temperature reading and things like that to make a single guess. For instance, if it is wet or humid, even if the air is below sea level, that will require a different change than racing at 2,000 feet in dry weather, even if the numbers match. You just kind of have to learn this stuff; I';ve got 35 years out here, and I have people I can talk to if I get lost. Luckily, that hasn't happened in a while."
Larsen keeps pages and pages of records (all on computer now), and he can tune the car using this data. When they could run all the nitro they wanted, the tune-up was kept within one tenth of one percent of a mapping equation the team developed and uses; it is now three tenths of one percent since the fuel percentage is no longer something that can be changed.
"This equation, which Ronnie Swearigen developed while he was on the team, uses multipliers for the atmospheric changes and multipliers for the mechanical changes," said Larsen. "I've adopted some additional things to it, but it is accurate enough now that we almost always have a baseline we can go to. After looking at the information, I then bring the mechanical side up to match what the atmosphere equation, or root number, equals. It's not difficult if you do the math, you just need to have that baseline to start with. This is an objective science, just like a satellite positioning system. If you know a base number from that, you can go back to that number and be at the exact same place you started."
Lance's years of experience has made Skuza one of the few who has not suffered through multiple fires in the last decade. Once the car is set up for the track, the chassis doesn't change, leaving it to the engine and clutch to adapt horsepower to the conditions of the moment. Of course, Funny Cars are maintenance-intensive beasts, and between rounds, the team replaces all bearings, exhaust valves, pistons, and rods, but not because the latter two wear out every pass; Larsen simply wants fresh, cool parts to make sure the torque specs are correct when the engine gets reassembled. The team has eight complete short-blocks and eight sets of heads ready to go when they arrive, plus spare parts. This prevents the crew from getting exhausted by rebuilding engines at the track all night.
"When the motor is right, it's simple to make consistent, living power; the clutch is the most critical part. Of course, this is the engine-the fuel volume, spark, those things are my deal; John Stewart handles the clutch."
JOHN STEWART: The Sorcerer
Like Skuza, John Stewart is a member of an elite club; at 18, he drove his family's Top Fuel car into the Cragar 5-Second Club for dragsters; and like Larsen, he had his own business for a while, but returned to the track and helped Shirley Muldowney win her unprecedented third World Championship in 1983. Today, Stewart is considered one of the best clutch tuners in the business, and Larsen is the first to admit that Stewart's job is the toughest.
"What he does really is a black science," says Larsen. "I can go through my notes, do the math, and be confident that I can make exactly what I need in terms of horsepower. John keeps records as well, but he has to know what every part of the track is like and how much power he can let the engine apply to the back tires without smoking them. It's not so much a guess as it is the knowledge of the racing surface itself, understanding how the tires will work on it, and adapting the clutch to make them work."
When talking to Stewart, who is pretty laid back, one gets the impression he indeed has to "read the signs" to figure out just what is going to happen inside with that fat clutch can behind the Hemi.
"The first variable is the track itself; how much rubber is down on it, how does it look," says Stewart. "You can see it with your eyes, feel it with your hand, and feel how much grease is coming out of the track from the heat; I hate the grease. If the track is hot, you will not be able to use as much clutch; if it is cool, you can put more horsepower to the rear tires."
The clutch is the bag of tricks on a fuel car. It is a stack of five discs with steel "floaters" in between each one, mounted to a hub with several tall stud "towers" around the parameter. The idea is to allow the clutch to absorb some of the power so that the car does not overpower the starting line and smoke the tires, then set the clutch to lock up as the car progresses down track. Between each pass, those smoldering discs need to be serviced, and the clutch man will install new floaters, three new discs, two older discs, and resurface the rest of the unit as the engine crew does its job.
Once Stewart decides what the track will take, two variables are set. One is the amount of weight added or subtracted to the primary "fingers" which are six little arms that apply pressure to the clutch at the initial launch. This is calculated via per-finger gram weight measured by half-nuts; to take three grams off (which is the weight of one half-nut) means that you will remove a total of 18 grams from the clutch. A fair total average would be approximately 90 grams total, or 15 grams per arm, with half-nuts added or removed, based on conditions.
Meanwhile, a group of pneumatic timers that will be activated by a micro-switch under the accelerator are set as well. These timers are attached to the clutch housing via pressure-fed air lines, allowing the throw-out bearing to transfer more and more horsepower to the output shaft and rear wheels by closing an air gap between the clutch discs. Secondary fingers handle this using the applied air pressure. In the case where a track is really hot or slippery, the clutch may be slipping to some extent during the entire run.
This technology has allowed drag racers to go from 0 to 320 mph through the rear tires in a quarter-mile; without the clutch slippage, the car would instantly spin the tires right off of the starting line. As the car progresses down the racetrack, more power is applied to the rear wheels via downforce and speed. John uses a metering block with a group of five air jets (like Holley carb jets), one for each line, that controls the amount of pressure that will go to the clutch during the run, while the timers are set so that they are actuated in microsecond increments. So as the car leaves the line, timer 1 will come in at .62 seconds, timer 2 at 1.48, timer 3 at 2.12, and so on, until the car is applying all 5,000-plus horsepower to the racing surface. Tire heat and growth is also critical to making this happen.
The team will normally attempt to go out on their first run with less clutch than they might need, in hopes of establishing a solid baseline. Since this lap is normally during the heat of the day, that first lap will give them a potential setup for the better, cooler evening air. Stewart said he doesn't make serious adjustments in the staging lanes unless the weather changes considerably; both he and Larsen both agree it is easily possible to "out think" yourself in one of these things.
THE TEAM: The Heroes
Nothing is simple about fuel racing, and Stewart and Larsen spend so much time analyzing data, they really can't be hands-on mechanically, even if they want to. So, a group of guys spin the wrenches between rounds, making sure the car is ready to go for the next run. While Dean is busy talking with the fans and sponsors or playing with his son Don II, Lance and John are in the truck determining air/fuel ratios and clutch settings, and patriarch Don is mixing fuel and performing other tasks while seven guys are thrashing on the equipment.
Racing nitro isnt for everyone. If you want to stay at home most of the time and avoid crowds and hot, dirty work, or avoid the agony of working all weekend to see your efforts go up in a instant puff of smoke (or worse, a ball of fire), you're probably not fuel-racing material. On the other hand, as Skuza said, nitro is like a chemical addiction: the smell of it burning, the cackling sound of the horsepower with its licks of flame, and the incredible speed and danger of explosion. Many former racers admit that they never go back to the track once they quit. The fact that every machine on nitro at major meets derives its heritage from Mopar engineering makes it all the sweeter for Chrysler fans.
"NHRA Winston Drag Racing is the only form of motorsports that is completely 'maxed out'," said Skuza in conclusion. "We're not worried about conserving tires or anything for that matter. We take the most modern technology and apply it to go as quick and as fast as we can…whatever it takes at any cost. Is that American or what?"


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I found this article on The Toilet Paper Entrepreneur titled "Best Ways for Women to Promote & Market their Business". I am not "shameless" in my promotions so I'm not sure all of this will work for me but the ideas are good and worth sharing.
Here is an excerpt from the list. Read on for the rest of the suggestions.
1. Finding Your Allies
My tip is related to online marketing: clearly
identify what you're about and don't try to be all things to all people...more...
Handmade + Cute
Handmade, Cute and Kawaii for Mother's Day - 20% Off!


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