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Friday, May 29, 2009
Differentiating FHH from Primary Hyperparathyroidism
Primary hyperparathyroidism, as we are all aware, usually results from either a parathyroid gland adenoma or 4-gland parathyroid hyperplasia. The PTH level is either high or inappropriately normal, and as a result there is constant high urinary calcium reabsorption, constantly high Ca reabsorption from bone, and increased 1,25-OH vitamin D synthesis leading to increased Ca uptake in the gut. The urine calcium concentration is high; hence, the increased risk of nephrolithiasis in these patients. Also, the urine concentrating ability may be diminished in primary hyperparathyroidism.
In contrast, the defect in familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia is genetic--an autosomal-dominant-inherited mutation in the calcium-sensing receptor gene. Despite hypercalcemia, PTH levels are normal to only mildly elevated. The urine calcium concentration is low (often measured as the urine calcium:creatinine ratio, which in FHH should be <0.01). The urine concentration ability is usually intact in FHH. It is important to make the distinction between primary hyperparathyroidism and FHH because parathyroidectomy surgery is usually highly effective in the former but not the latter.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Zebrafish Model of Cystic Kidney Disease
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Potassium-Sparing Diuretics
Monday, May 25, 2009
The importance of residual renal function
Sunday, May 24, 2009
How to lose a kidney
The link is here.
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Minnesota Vikings Players' Illegal Bumex Use
Why would these professional football players be taking bumetanide? Did they have refractory anasarca with a history of congestive heart failure? Of course not. Diuretics are frequently used as a masking agent for illicit anabolic steroid use, as they may dilute the urine enough to reduce the concentration of substances in the urine.
Actually, it's somewhat controversial as to why these players (not just the Williamses) actually took bumetanide, as no steroids were detected in these urine samples. The use of diuretics as a masking agent for steroids is less effective now that more sensitive techniques such as HPLC are used. And as this informative article on "The Steroid Report" blog points out, several non-FDA-approved dietary supplements marketed for weight loss have trace amounts of bumetanide in them.
One thing is for sure: with the Vikes' heading into the pre-season with two terrible choices for their starting QB (Tarvaris Jackson & Sage Rosenfels), Minnesota will need much more than a strong loop diuretic to compete this season...
Friday, May 22, 2009
Betel Nut Chewing
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
History of the Milk-Alkali Syndrome
The milk-alkali syndrome first rose to prominence when Bertram Sippy in 1915 developed a regimen for the treatment of peptic ulcer disease that involved drinking large volume of milk on an hourly basis along with "Sippy powders" that contained significant amounts of sodium bicarbonate. This provides really an ideal setup of a situation in which hypercalcemia, metabolic alkalosis, and acute renal failure can occur simultaneously, the hallmark of the milk-alkali syndrome.
It was not until 1936 that the toxicities associated with the Sippy protocol were tied to hypercalcemia by a Dr. Cope, who determined that in patients with milk-alkali syndrome the hypercalcemia and metabolic alkalosis could be relatively rapidly reversed by stopping calcium/base input and giving fluids. Although it is seldom used, the moniker "Cope's Syndrome" is occasionally used to refer to the acute- or subacute- forms of milk-alkali syndrome.
In 1949, Burnett et al described a chronic form of milk-alkali syndrome which involved the long-term toxicities of these metabolic derangements, including manifestations such as renal failure secondary to nephrocalcinosis and band keratopathy, in which calcium deposition on the cornea occurs. Fittingly the chronic form of milk-alkali syndrome is sometimes called "Burnett's Syndrome."
With the advent of H2-blockers to more effectively deal with peptic ulcer disease, the milk-alkali syndrome became quite rare for several decades as the general population's intake of popular antacids such as TUMS was greatly reduced. However, there has been a more recent increase in milk-alkali syndrome, particularly in women, with the increased attention to osteoporosis prophylaxis with calcium supplements. Several recent reviews cite milk-alkali syndrome as the third-most-common reason for hypercalcemia requiring hospitalization, after malignancy and primary hyperparathyroidism.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Acetate-Based Dialysate: The Middle Ages of Dialysis
Monday, May 18, 2009
Genome-Wide Association Study for CKD
A recent article just published in Nature Genetics by Kottgen et al identifies several loci which appear to confer susceptibility to the development of CKD. How did researchers identify these genes? By a genome-wide association study. Briefly, researchers obtained genetic samples from some of the largest existing public health databases--such as the Framingham Heart Study, just to name one--and performed a genome-wide associated study in order to identify single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that are associated with a low estimated GFR (using either creatinine or cystatin as the measurement of GFR). They identified significant SNP associations with low GFR in the genes UMOD, SHROOM3, GATM-SPATA5L1, CST, and STC1.
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Kidney-Themed 30 Rock Episode
Friday, May 15, 2009
GBM Collagens & Alport's Syndrome
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Big Pharma Nephrology
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Stranded on a Lifeboat
We all know that if you are stranded on a lifeboat in the middle of the ocean, you are not supposed to drink the salt water. Why is this the case--shouldn't the kidney be smart enough to retain the water and excrete the salt?
It turns out that the high osmolarity of seawater (usually >1000mosm/L) either approaches or exceeds the concentrating capacity of the kidney--and therefore you can't expect to retain any free water. In addition, seawater contains high concentration of magnesium and sulfate-containing minerals which can result in an osmotic diarrhea when large quantities are ingested; this can exacerbate free water loss which may likely already be high due to high insensible losses from wind and sun.
Some animals have impressive adaptive mechanisms to maintain homeostasis of osmolarity in a high salt environment;for instance, the albatross' nasal gland excretes a highly-concentrated salt solution, and the shark rectal gland has the same ability as detailed in another post.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
alpha & beta intercalated cells of the collecting duct
Monday, May 11, 2009
Transvaginal Nephrectomy
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Chronic Pain in ADPKD
There are many potential reasons for ADPKD patients to get pain syndromes:
1. Cyst Growth: Obviously the growing cysts themselves can cause pain by compressing on other structures or stretching out the renal capsule.
2. Cyst hemorrhage: Hemorrhage into a cyst can also occur, causing acute pain. Sometimes this is associated with gross hematuria, though only if the cyst is in communication with the rest of the nephron.
3. UTI's/recurrent pyelonephritis: not surprisingly, this is more common in women than in men. Again, because not all cysts communicate with the urine, it's possible that you can have a cyst infection even with a sterile urine. If there is an infection, it's also important what antibiotic you chose, since not all antibiotics have good penetration into the cysts. Penicillins, for example, are not very good at penetrating cysts; fortunately, both quinolones or Bactrim are quite good at cyst penetration.
4. Nephrolithiasis: up to 25% of ADPKD patients have nephrolithiasis; the most common type of stone in ADPKD is uric acid stones.
5. Chronic back pain: enlarging cysts can cause increased abdominal girth, leading to increased lumbar lordosis.
6. Polycystic liver disease: the same process which causes cyst formation in nephrons commonly causes cyst formation in bile ductules, though this is usually asymptomatic. Occasionally, severe liver cyst growth can cause severe abdominal distension and pain.
Friday, May 8, 2009
Two-Hit Hypothesis & ADPKD
But why are only 1% of nephrons involved? What's different about the affected nephrons compared to the unaffected ones? One current thought (though this remains controversial) is the "two-hit hypothesis." As described in this excellent 1996 Cell paper, researchers managed to isolate epithelial cells from individual cysts in ADPKD individuals. First, they demonstrated that individual cysts are monoclonal, and therefore derive from a single renal tubular epithelial cell. Then, they demonstrated that within the majority of each monoclonal population, there was loss of heterozygosity at the PKD1 locus. In other words, cysts arise from cells in which a "2nd hit" of the remaining good copy of PKD1 suffers a somatic mutation. This mechanism is much like how tumor suppressor genes (such as APC in colon cancer). The fact that the PKD1 gene is so large (46 exons) makes it especially susceptible to the possibility of mutation. Thus, although the disease is inherited in an autosomal dominant fashion, at a molecular level the cysts themselves are autosomal recessive. This "two-hit hypothesis" is one possible explanation as to why only a small fraction of nephrons ultimately form cysts.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Kidney Transplant News Item
Anonymous Philanthropist Donates 200 Human Kidneys To Hospital
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
A better way for CKD staging?
An interesting paper in this month's JASN by Hallan et al suggests an alternative staging system: instead of using only eGFR, the authors define a strategy whereby eGFR is combined with the degree of albuminuria to arrive at a new classification system. They arrived at this strategy by looking at over 65,000 adults from an older large-scale health screening study (HUNT2) and determining what factors best predicted the development of ESRD. The authors argue that their newer CKD staging system is much more efficient at identifying patients truly at risk for developing ESRD compared to the traditional KDOQI system.
- They calculate that referring all patients with CKD Stage 3 or above to a nephrologist would lead to working up 4.7% of the general population
- Which would identify 69% of all patients who progress to ESRD.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
The Erythropoietin Receptor
As we all know, erythropoietin is secreted predominantly by the kidney (85% from the kidney, 15% from the liver) in response to hypoxia and its function is to stimulate erythropoiesis in the bone marrow. What is the receptor on which erythropoietin works?
Monday, May 4, 2009
Fibromuscular Dysplasia
There is some suggestion that FMD has a genetic component to it, though no gene has yet been identified. The diagnosis is usually made by angiography showing a "beads on a string" pattern in the affected artery. FMD can affect arteries other than just the renal arteries (e.g. the carotid arteries), but the disease is most famous for its effect on the renal arteries where it may cause secondary hypertension due to activation of the renin-angiotensin system.


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First silver medal for Italy
Maranello (Modena), 16 February – After the bronze medals for Armin Zöggeler in the luge and Alessandro Pittin in the Nordic combined, the Italian delegation at the Olympic Games in Vancouver conquered its third medal with Pietro Piller Cotter in the 15 km cross country freestyle. This is the fourth success in the Olympic Games for the 35-year-old from Belluno after a silver medal in the relay in Salt Lake City in 2002, the gold and bronze medal in the relay and pursuit race in Turin in 2006. This here in Vancouver is his best individual result, coming in just behind the Swiss Dario Cologna and ahead of the Czech athlete Lukas Bauer. Great satisfaction also for Ferrari, engaged in the collaboration project with CONI in Olympic disciplines – studying the athlete's position on the luge, the evolution of the luge's material and bottom, in the Nordic combined – downhill racing and ski jumping – aerodynamic optimisation of the athlete's position during the jump and in all Alpine events the optimisation of the fabrics used for the athletes' overalls.
After the disappointment in the downhill race due to soft snow at Whistler, won by the Swiss Didier Defago, ahead of the Norwegian Aksel Lund Svindal and the American Bode Miller, Italy is now getting ready for the double luge event and the short track race, set for tomorrow at 5pm (18 February at 2am in Italy).

subset: commoncrawl


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I discussed this over at the blog today, but I wanted to get some opinions here too. I know people have complained about this team's lack of defensive ability & toughness for ages now, but who here thinks the conditioning of certain players is the real issue at hand and not entirely the other factors?
I know to start the season Hedo had the injuries to deal with which obviously would affect his own stamina, but what's his issue now? As I mentioned today, he looks like he's smoked a carton of cigarettes on most nights and dragging arse. Same could be said for Jose and also Andrea some games. Is the issue the lack of conditioning and that Jay should be working these guys harder in practice, or are they being overworked and it's just a matter of moderating some of the starters minutes while dispersing more PT to some of the energy players off the bench? (i.e. Weems, Amir, Pops)


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Field trips and mobile classrooms (including Zoomobiles) are invaluable educational resources to help youth develop critical thinking skills and apply their knowledge in a real-world setting. But the more successful your programs are, the harder they can be to manage.
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And, with Doubleknot, you won't lose the personal touch. Every reservation can trigger an email to your staff so they can call to touch base, learn more about the group, and answer any questions. And, of course, every reservation holder receives an automatic confirmation with all the information they need, including your contact information and any special instructions.
Read more about Doubleknot's solutions for field trips andgroup visits (PDF).
Learn how other organizations are using Doubleknot's integrated solutions for group visits and field trip reservations.
Doubleknot, LLC
20665 Fourth Street, Suite 103 | Saratoga, CA | 95070
Phone (408) 971-9120 | Fax (408) 741-1000 | [email protected]
© 2016 Doubleknot, LLC All rights reserved.
Doubleknot, Inc.
20665 Fourth Street, Suite 103 | Saratoga, CA | 95070
Phone (408) 971-9120 | Fax (408) 741-1000 | [email protected]
© 2015 Doubleknot, Inc. All rights reserved.


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I'm consistently amazed that major network shows have such a low success rate, while cable channels like FX never, ever seem to miss on a show. Yes, cable has low ratings expectations going for it. Still, FX has given us comedies like "Archer" and "It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia" without needing to have 30 other comedies fail first. It's uncanny, really. And now the network is coming back with what looks to be another solid comedy in "Wilfred," a remake of a hit Australian comedy. From Deadline:
Wilfred is a live-action comedy based on the popular Australian series of the same name, with Jason Gann, who co-created and starred in the original, also attached to topline the U.S. version. Here's how David Zuckerman, who wrote the U.S. adaptation, describes the project: "Wilfred is about a guy, the girl next door, and mixed-breed dog, Wilfred, who is part Labrador retriever and part Russell Crowe on a bender."
He means that last part literally. The show's main character really is a dude dressed in a giant dog outfit. You can watch some of the best snippets of the show right here. I'm a sucker for British and Australian comedy, so I'm biased, but this looks right up my alley. "The only failure in life is if I had to try." That's a solid line right there.
The pilot for "Wilfred" will be directed by Randall Einhorn, a veteran to the form who's done episodes of "Sunny," along with "The Office," "Modern Family," and more. Not a bad pedigree. And the fact that Gann is reprising his role in this version means little fof the humor is likely to get bastardized in the process. This kind of show would be impossible to duplicate over on network TV, because it would be so distasteful to the broader audience those networks try and court. So thank goodness for niche programming. Because "Wilfred" is one upcoming show I'm very much looking forward to.


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Composing Item Titles on Etsy
An item title on Etsy acts a lot like a good headline. It's designed to grab a buyer's attention and entice the buyer to read more about you and your item. Not surprisingly, then, many headline-writing principles apply when it comes to composing standout item titles for your Etsy business:
Keep it short. Your item title must be brief — no more than 155 characters (including spaces).
Clearly describe your item at the beginning of the item title. This helps improve the chances that others will find your item when searching on Etsy.
Be clever. If you can, use humor, puns, alliteration, rhymes, or other types of wordplay. (But don't try too hard. Your talents may lie elsewhere!)
Use strong words. Avoid vague verbiage! Some words are just better than others. For example, don't just call your piece "small" — also call it "tiny."
Use a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters. Too many all-uppercase words, and it seems like you're shouting. Too many lowercase words, and it seems like you're e. e. cummings.


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The Lakeland College fall choir concert will offer a variety of music that will not only challenge the singers, but will also entertain the audience. The concert is set for Tuesday, Oct. 15, at 7:30 p.m. in the Bradley Theatre on Lakeland's main campus.
Admission is free and open to the public.
The concert will mark Lani Knutson's first concert as the visiting instructor of music and director of choral activities. She joined the college last year as an adjunct director, and stayed on this year after the retirement of Professor Janet Herrick. Knutson came to Lakeland after serving as music director for the Milwaukee Montessori School and music director of the Cantare Chorale in South Milwaukee.
The concert will include performances from three Lakeland College choir groups: the Frauenchor (women's chorus), the Concert Choir and the Lakeland Singers.
The Frauenchor will open the concert performing a mix of folk songs, a Renaissance piece and a new work, "I Started Out Signing," by composer Jocelyn Hagen.
This will be the first time the Lakeland Singers, a group that generally performs at churches in the region, is part of the fall concert. They will perform one of the pieces that is part of their church repertoire, as well as an old jazz standard, "Let's Call the Whole Thing Off."
The concert choir will perform a fast-paced piece by Brazilian composer Ernani Aguiar, two choral standards – "Cantique de Jean Racine" and "Musicks Empire" – a King Singer's arrangement of "You Are the New Day," a minstrel song adapted by Aaron Copland and a song in Swahili entitled "Amani."
Knutson said she the program provides a wide range of music for concert-goers, and some changes for audience members familiar with Lakeland's program. Katie Christensen, a sophomore from Sheboygan, will accompany the Concert Choir, as Knutson wanted to award this spot to a student. The Frauenchor will be accompanied by Associate Professor of Music Arthur Johnson.


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McCutcheon: Brick and mortar will be part of state's prison reform
Prison Study Commission hears from critics of the state's prison system
Gov. Ivey awards $1 million for 2020 Census outreach
Ivey to participate in Rosa Parks statue dedication
Ivey offers support to Operation Iron Ruck
McCutcheon is open to grand deal on gambling
Alabama's Daniels a finalist for national award for cyber tech school
Medical Cannabis Study Commission has a draft bill
Group urges legislators to pass female genital mutilation bills in upcoming session
American Society of Civil Engineers names Chambliss outstanding public official
Reed elected chairman of Legislature's Oil and Gas Study Committee
Medical marijuana users tell their stories to Medical Cannabis Study Commission
Retired State Rep. Pete Turnham has died
Small Business Commission holds listening session in Guntersville
Ivey proclaims Small Business Saturday
Alabama Power's solar fee challenged in PSC hearing
State unemployment rate drops to new low
Retail salespersons, registered nurses are the most sought-after employees
Shelby, Jones applaud Huffaker's confirmation as U.S. district judge in Alabama
Opinion | A new low for the Alabama Supreme Court: A most unethical appointment
Alabama Supreme Court rules against Birmingham, upholds Memorial Preservation Act
Judge orders charter school principal back on the payroll
Former Montgomery cop convicted in shooting of unarmed black man
Marshall Space Flight Center expands collaboration with UA on in-space manufacturing
Boeing's Starliner passes critical safety test
Boeing contracted to build more rockets for NASA
Brooks questions NASA experts with conflicting views on best way to return to the moon
Byrne supports Huntsville for Space Command HQ
Buttigieg campaigns in Alabama
Tuberville: Sessions had his chance to support Trump and blew it
Sessions says he would be honored to welcome Merrill's supporters
Merrill suspends Senate campaign
Buttigieg coming to Alabama next week
Aderholt announces that USDA is making a $62 million investment in rural broadband in Alabama
Alabama Republicans accuse Democrats of promoting impeachment "sham"
Moore, Pringle praise rules protecting Bibles, Christmas trees in VA hospitals
Byrne: Educating illegal immigrants harms Alabama students
Brooks supports rule that could cost 688,000 people SNAP benefits
Opinion | Zeigler writes a book, crayons not included
Opinion | What then should we do?
Opinion | Is PCI offering oceanfront property too?
Opinion | Sessions in? Let the show begin
Opinion | With new leadership, a viable Democratic Party is possible, even likely
Opinion | Hope springs eternal, I hope
Opinion | The race is on for the U.S Senate
Opinion | A day to be thankful — and not so thankful
Opinion | There's a better gambling deal to be made
Opinion | National frustrations hit high water mark
Opinion | Shakespeare and today's political climate
Opinion | Building new prisons is not the answer
Graddick: ADOC, Legislature should address prison overcrowding — not the parole board
Opinion | Speaker Pelosi's prescription for drug prices is worse than the disease
Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey declared a State of Emergency early Tuesday as Tropical Storm Gordon bore down on the state's Gulf Coast, bringing roaring winds and...


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Dirt Bagz Baja Tool Bag - Medium RedProduct images may differ from actual product appearance.
Dirt Bagz Baja Tool Bag - Medium Red
Dirt Bagz' Baja Tool Bag is the ultimate for tool and parts storage. Used by many top race teams. It's Baja Tested. Baja Proven.
•Rip resistant 22 ounce fabric
•YKK Duracoil Zipper
•Puncture resistance increased by inner web lining
•Mounting Hardware included
X-Large: 8 x 4.5 x 18
Large: 6 x 5 x 18
Medium: 6 x 2 x 18
Small: 6 x 3 x 12


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It's The "Bridesmaids" Trailer -- Think "The Hangover" for Ladies
Kristen Wiig stars as a broke and heartbroken woman determined to be the best maid of honor she can be to her friend, played by Maya Rudolph. Co-stars Rose Byrne, Wendi Mclendon-Covey, Ellie Kemper, Melissa McCarthy
We don't waste our time on anything not worth your time. We celebrate the best of what's coming on film and TV. We cheer when our expectations are met and criticize when we're let down.


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Let's face it, med school is not a walk in the park.
So when students are applying, how good does this sound?
"You can come to ACOM and you can also live 150-yards away with a lot of your fellow classmates," said Philip Reynolds, the Associate Dean of Student Services at ACOM.
ACOM, or the Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine, is set to open this August. The medical college is affiliated with Southeast Alabama Medical Center and can hold a class of 162 students. It is 1 of only 34 osteopathic universities in the nation.
"There are very few osteopathic med schools in the country that can claim they have student housing on campus and so that's a huge benefit for us, even on the recruiting side," said Reynolds.
It's a benefit that is clearly attracting students. They've looked though about 2700 applications, interviewed 400 candidates, and received 100 deposits.
"We are anticipating having a diverse community of students and we know that we have the kind of apartments that they need," said Jennifer Dilley, Vice President of Student Affairs at Corvias Campus Living.
At Corvias Campus Living, they know medical schools don't have typical students. They prepared 1 and 2 bedroom apartments for a variety of ages, even families.
"We will have a meditation garden, a lap pool, there will be a club house that is open 24 hours for the students," said Dilley.
Other on-site amenities include 24/7 wireless access, a "tot lot," and an area for pets. Everything is geared towards helping students focus on their education and not a commute.


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You're invited to a Finger Lakes Environmental Film Festival Preview Event and Special MLK Week Screening!
Thursday January 23
7 p.m.
Emerson Suites B
Ithaca College
ITHACA, NY — Students currently enrolled in high school or secondary school in the United States or overseas are invited to submit entries to the Finger Lakes Environmental Film Festival (FLEFF) Dissonance Project, a nonfiction and journalism writing contest exploring the concept of...
If you might be interested in offering a one credit course that takes advantage of or connects with the Finger Lakes Environmental Film Festival, there is still funding available. Please read the FLEFF mission statement below and contact Warren Schlesinger, FLEFF mini course coordinator at email@example.com or at 4-3951 for more information.
Amnesty International in Collaboration with the Finger Lakes Environmental Film Festival Presents
the Ithaca Premiere of
Dirty Wars (Rick Rowley, USA, 2013)
Friday October 4th at 7 p.m.
Health Science and Human Performance Building, Hill 104
Ithaca College
Free and open to the public
Patricia Zimmermann, professor of screen studies and codirector of the Finger Lakes Environmental Film Festival (FLEFF), delivered invited lectures and conducted workshops on documentary new media forms in Guangzhou, China, in December of 2012. She was posted to China as part of the American Film Showcase, a US State Department initiative to foster cultural exchange and understanding.
On December 3, Zimmermann presented a formal lecture on new media entitled "Open Space Documentary: Participatory Media in Action" at Sun Yat-sen University in Guangzhou, China. Showcasing US-based transmedia projects exhibited in previous Finger Lake Environmental Film Festivals at Ithaca College, her talk theorized the function of collaborative, interactive, and permeable new media practices to open up spaces for new encounters.


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Featured articles in current issue:
The TreeWorker (Members only)
The Reporter (Members only)
2019 Products and Services Guide
articles on tree care issues, leading advertisers, an industry almanac,
and cutting edge product news combine to make TCI Magazine a must-read for tree workers, tree care company owners, and anyone who wants a fresh, insightful look at our industry. Plus, TCI Magazine is free to U.S. - based companies.
You can check out our archives to see how we look in print!
Are you a subscriber to TCI Magazine? Then you know how important the publication is to the success of your business.
But did you also know that subscribing to TCI Magazine is just the tip of the iceberg to the benefits that you could enjoy as a member of the Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA)?
Each month in TCI Magazine, TCIA runs a summary of "Accident Briefs," which are taken from published reports or are reported directly to TCIA staff.
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|Valentine's Day S'mores with Homemade Marshmallow Hearts
I was inspired by my favorite bakery/pastry shop/dreamland, Natasha's Mulberry & Mott. Natasha makes multiple flavors of homemade marshmallows in dreamy pastels and they're packaged in sweet glassine bags, tied with a ribbon. So, if you're not up for the homemaking yourself, stop by Natasha's Mulberry & Mott, http://www.natashasmulberryandmott.com. Buy a couple of chocolate bars and graham crackers and you've got a great gift.
For my S'mores recipe, click here!
1 cup of powdered sugar
3 1/2 - envelopes of unflavored gelatin
2 3/4 - cups of granulated sugar
1 1/4 - cup of water, divided
1/4 teaspoon of salt
2 egg whites
1 tablespoon of vanilla (or any other flavoring... orange, peppermint?)
1) Prepare the Pan. Spray a large (9x13) baking pan with non-stick spray and sprinkle it with 1/2 cup of powdered sugar. Set aside.
2) In a mixing bowl, pour 1 cup of water. Pour in unflavored gelatin to soften. Set aside.
3) In a heavy bottomed saucepan, pour in granulated sugar and 1/4 cup of water. Cook over low heat, stirring, until the sugar has melted, about 2 minutes. Raise heat to medium and cook, without stirring, for 8-10 minutes until it is hot and bubbly. Make sure it does not start to turn brown! If you have a candy thermometer, let the sugar mixture heat to 240 degrees. If you do not, you can put a drop a small amount of the sugar mixture from the spoon into a small bowl of cold water. If the sugar stays in a 'soft ball' and flattens out in the water, then it is done. Remove it from the heat.
4) Pour the hot sugar mixture into the mixing bowl with the gelatin. With the whisk attachment, beat on high for 6-8 minutes until the mixture has tripled in volume and is white and glossy. Add vanilla (or other extract flavor) and combine.
5) In a seperate bowl, beat the egg whites until they form soft peaks. Fold them into the sugar mixture, mixing just until combined.
6) Pour the mixture into the prepared pan. Don't worry about getting it all out of the bowl - it is impossible! Spread out evenly, then sprinkle the remaining powdered sugar on top. Refrigerate for 1-3 hours (up to 1 day), until it is firm.
7) To cut into shapes, dip your cookie cutter (or knife for squares) into powdered sugar and press down on the marshmallows.
For my S'mores recipe, click here!


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Chalet Isba has to be one of the best located chalets in Méribel. A short walk brings you to the nearest piste is the Doran at the Tourist Office and from here it is a minute's ski to the Chaudanne lifts and the ski school meeting place. Alternatively our complimentary minibus service will whisk you to and from the main lifts.
It is close to the village centre; that is if you can drag yourself away from the wonderful facilities that the chalet offers. There is a unique home cinema with comfy sofas and a large screen where you can watch your DVDs. There is also a billiard room, a sauna and a hot-tub located outside on the deck.
The main reception rooms are full of character with authentic wooden panelling and beams and a log fireplace, as well as a further cosy lounge on the mezzanine level above.
The chalet is built in to the hillside so the entrance is from the back on the second floor. This allows splendid views from the chalet, particularly from the hot-tub!
Please note that Chalet Isba is registered for a maximum capacity of 15 people only.
We set very high standards for our cuisine, and train our staff extensively before the season starts, to ensure that you will thoroughly enjoy every meal on your holiday with us. We also take our Health and Safety responsibilities extremely seriously, so all our chalet and Chalet Hotel staff involved in food preparation are trained to the City & Guilds qualification – Level 2 in Food Safety during the pre-season training course. For six days of the week for our 2017/18 season, and five days of the week for 2018/19, our staff prepare all your meals, as described below.
A good breakfast is essential on a ski holiday, so we provide both a hot option, as well as a continental selection with a choice of cereals or porridge, fruit juices, plentiful tea, coffee and bread (and croissants in France), cold meats, cheese and preserves, which is normally presented buffet-style for you to help yourself. On our staff's day(s) off, only the continental breakfast will be provided.
Our Chalet Hotels can also prepare a packed lunch for you on request, at a small local charge. For skiers keen to keep their Euro-spending to an absolute minimum, this is the ideal way to keep your costs down!
The traditional 'welcome home' after a day on the slopes will be laid out for you in your chalet or Chalet Hotel, ready for your return, every day except on the staff's day(s) off. A good cup of tea or coffee is the perfect accompaniment to a delicious slice of freshly home-baked cake and keeps hungry skiers happy until dinner is ready.
2017/18 season cuisine
A three-course adult-only chalet dinner starts with Prosseco, followed by an appetiser, main course and dessert, and completed by coffee to round off your evening. Your choice of complimentary quality red and white wines is unlimited during the meal service, and chilled water is also of course always available.
2018/19 season cuisine
Our hosts will cook you a three-course adult only meal 5 nights a week. Consisting of an appetiser, main course and dessert – with unlimited complimentary red, white and rosé wine during service! The staff nights off are a great opportunity to experience some local restaurents and cuisine. Speak to your resort representative for recommendations and help with reservations.
We are very proud of our wine selection for chalets and Chalet Hotels, which combines crisp and fruity whites with medium to full bodied reds, for a variety of palates. In our Chalet Hotels we also offer an additional light fresh rosé to our guests' choice. We select our wines in conjunction with our good friends Nicolas and Véronique – the third generation in the Perret family's fine wine business based in the Savoie. Nicolas is a qualified wine expert, having trained at the prestigious Burgundy Wine University in Beaune. Each season in October, Nicolas & Véronique bring over a new selection for us to sample (someone has to do it!) and together we choose our wines for the coming season, based on our menus and their pure enjoyment factor. Wine is an incredibly subjective and emotive subject, however the feedback we have received from our guests over recent seasons endorses our aims of providing wines to enhance your meal and to suit most tastes. We hope you will enjoy them as much as we do!
In Chalets and Chalet Hotels with family guests, High Tea provides children under 13 years with a healthy menu, tailored more towards children's tastes and puréed food is available for infants on request. High Tea is at 5.30pm, and children do not join the main adult-only dinner.
Families staying in one of our Chalet Hotels may choose to eat separately (High Tea at 5:30pm) or all dine together at the later adult dinner time if children who have received a child discount pay the meal upgrade charge of £39 at the time of booking only.
Vegetarian options are always on our 'Culinary Choice' menu in our Chalet Hotels, and are available in our chalets - just advise us at time of bookings so that we can ensure that our staff can prepare. Other special diets can generally be catered for at a cost of £35 per person per week. Any dietary requirements must be advised to us at the time of booking in order for us to be fully prepared.
All of our chalets and Chalet Hotels will serve a traditional Christmas dinner with a glass of Champagne to start off the evening. This will include roast turkey with all of the trimmings, Christmas pudding, mince pies, crackers and party hats plus a fantastic Alpine atmosphere in which to enjoy the day.
A special festive menu will also be served on New Year's Eve, alongside the added bonus that many resorts put on fantastic firework displays. A glass of fizz, whilst watching fireworks over the snow-capped peaks of the Alps.. what better way to bring in the New Year!
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•3 Valleys ski area •Excellent ski schools •Lively après ski
Meribel has a special place in many Brit's hearts – not simply because it's right in the middle of the biggest ski area on Earth. A resort for long ski days, ski-boot-stomping après and cosy chalets, there's a great deal to do and ski here, which is why many of us have been coming back for decades.
Great for •Families •Groups •Non skiers
Snow Report: Top 105cm, Bottom 40cm
Snow Forecast: 0cm expected this week
Snow History: December average depth 61.5cm
Approx. airport transfer times depend on conditions:
|Chambéry (CMF)
|95km 1h20
|Grenoble (GNB)
|120km, 2h
|Geneva (GVA)
|135km, 2h
|France, Alps.
|First opened:
Meribel & Mottaret lift pass price last reported as €212 (adult 6 day). Ask for a quote when booking Chalet Isba.
Night skiing: Torchlit descents available
Meribel & Mottaret has SE, E, NW facing slopes.
Usually open for skiing December - April.
|Town altitude:
|Top of slopes:
|Bottom of piste:
|Vertical drop:
|Total length of trails:
|Longest piste:
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You thought that finishing his career flat on the turf of Sun Devil Stadium was the most embarassing final image of all-time rushing champ Emmitt Smith one could come up with.
As you should have known from Jerry Rice, it can always get much, much worse
TMZ has learned that retired NFL running back Emmitt Smith and former child star Joey Lawrence are the latest "stars" to jump aboard the ABC groove train and will shake their moneymakers on the TV juggernaut this fall.
And you thought judging a Miss Universe contest was bad. We're not going to say the words "Roberto Clemente" and simply point out that we wish that those old Charles Schwab commercials were true, and that retired athletes all just played shuffleboard and took cruises together. Of course, we bet they'd get a reality show out of that too.
Will Joey Lawrence Be The Next Stacy Keibler? [TMZ]
Emmitt Smith Encourages You To Keep Looking At Him [Deadspin]


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Swimming Pool Blog
Rob Cox, February 18, 2012
Solar blanket pool covers: tips and tricks
Pool solar blankets, aka solar covers are an interesting idea. Invented when the bubble wrap people - Sealed Air, came up with another consumer use for their air cell technology. It began as a home experiment, when one of the engineers took home some heavy duty bubble wrap and put it on his pool; he noticed that it got warmer!
Solar Pool Blankets allow the sun's rays to heat the water and reduce the evaporative loss of heat, water and treatment chemicals. Depending on the length and strength of your daily dose of sun, solar covers can raise the water temperature 10 degrees or more, and retain the heat put in during the day, throughout the night.
Here's some common questions on solar blanket, from our PoolTalk help forum.
Q: How do I buy a solar blanket for a free form shape pool?
A: Buy the smallest rectangle that will cover the longest length and the widest width. Trim it to fit.
Q: How do I install a solar blanket on a free form shape pool?
A: After you have unboxed it, stretch it tight over the pool, and allow the packing wrinkles to relax. Place some weights around the edge, where the solar blanket overlaps the pool deck. Then use a razor knife along the edge of the coping stone. Cut carefully and slowly, all around the edge, keeping the edge taut as you go. You can recycle the leftover solar blanket material.
Q: My last solar blanket only lasted a year, and then it disintegrated!
A: Unfortunate, and uncommon. Here's some tips on increasing solar blanket lifespan:
- Keep chlorine level between 1-2ppm
- Remove solar cover before shocking the pool, keep off until chlorine level is 1-2ppm
- Maintain pH above 7.2. Low pH levels can weaken a solar cover
- Use a solar blanket cover or solar tarp (covers for the cover ;-) when storing outdoors
- Use a solar reel to store the solar blanket when not in use
- Buy a thick solar blanket; they are sold in 8, 10, 12 and 16 mil thicknesses.
Q: My pool cleaner hose gets caught on my solar blanket!
A: Thicker blankets don't usually have this problem. Using hose weights on some cleaners will help to keep most of the hose beneath the water surface. Installing a larger solar blanket that overlaps the deck slightly can help.
Q: How do I store my solar blanket?
A: Very carefully! They are best stored on a solar reel, and then covered with plastic bags or sheets of polyethylene. An Indoor, dry and climate controlled area is best. If you can't fit your solar reel indoors, it's best to roll up and store the solar blanket in the original box, or large can or large yard bag. Make sure that your solar blanket is clean and dry before storing it for an extended period of time. If you leave your solar cover off the side of the pool, laying on the ground, it will deteriorate the cover and also kill grass.
Q: Do I need to buy a solar reel to store my solar blanket?
A: Not if you don't want to, but they do make managing easier, and definately increase their lifespan. If you have a small rectangular pool and some extra deck space on one side or end, you can accordian fold it on deck when you take it off the pool. An alternative product to above ground solar reels is called the solar saddle, a series of J hooks that hang along the back of the pool wall. Solar covers that are bunched up over on the side of the lawn don't last very long.
Q: How do I get the leaves off of my solar blanket?
A: Here are methods for removing leaves and debris from a solar blanket.
- Use a leaf blower to blow leaves to one side of the blanket where they can be removed
- If using a solar reel, hose the leaves off as you roll it up, then use Cover Catch for the last part
- Use a leaf rake skimmer net on a pole to scoop leaves and debris from the solar cover
- Never use yard leaf rake, or do so very carefully, so the tines don't snag a hole


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* Butler gets 18-month sentence but remains in Vatican house arrest
* Convicted of stealing sensitive documents * "I am not a thief," Gabriele tells court in final appeal
* Butler says acted out of "visceral" love for Church and pope
* Vatican spokesman evokes papal pardon
(Adds ex-butler spared jail, further detail, colour)
By Philip Pullella and Naomi O'Leary
VATICAN CITY, Oct 6 (Reuters) - A Vatican court convicted Pope Benedict's former butler of stealing sensitive documents and sentenced him to 18 months detention on Saturday, at the end of one of the most sensational trials in the recent history of the Holy See.
A Vatican spokesman said the pope, who reigns as a supreme monarch in the world's smallest city state, would "most likely" pardon Paolo Gabriele.
Until such time, he will serve his sentence under house arrest in his Vatican apartment and not go to an Italian jail as is foreseen by bilateral agreements due to the Vatican's lack of any such facility, his lawyer Cristiana Arru told Reuters.
She said the house arrest provision had been approved by the Vatican's promoter of justice, or prosecutor, after the verdict.
Gabriele, wearing a grey suit, remained impassive as the court delivered its verdict after two hours of closed-door deliberations that followed closing arguments by the prosecution and defence.
Gabriele had admitted being the source of leaks of highly sensitive papers, including letters to the pope that alleged corruption in the Vatican's business dealings and defended his actions in a final appeal before the court retired.
"What I feel most strongly inside myself is the conviction that I acted exclusively out of love, I would say a visceral love, for the Church of Christ and its visible representative," he said in a flat voice that betrayed no emotion.
"If I have to repeat it, I am not a thief," he added dryly.
The prosecution had asked for a three-year sentence while the defence asked the court to reduce the charges from aggravated theft to misappropriation, and for him to be freed.
The head of the three-judge panel, wearing a black robe with gold tassels, read the verdict with the opening words: "In the name of Holiness Pope Benedict XVI, gloriously reigning, the court, having invoked the Holy Trinity, has reached the following sentence."
The court also ordered Gabriele to pay the cost of the trial out of his own pocket but a Vatican spokesman was unable to quantify it.
The judge said he had given Gabriele a lighter sentence than sought by the prosecution because he had no previous criminal record and because he had "acknowledged that he betrayed the trust of the Holy Father".
The court was told how Gabriele, who served the pope his meals and helped him dress, photocopied sensitive documents under the nose of his immediate superiors in a small office adjacent to the papal living quarters in the Apostolic Palace.
He then hid more than 1,000 copies and original documents, including some the pope had marked "to be destroyed," among many thousands of other papers and old newspaper clippings in a huge armoire in the family apartment inside the Vatican walls.
The prosecution tried to portray Gabriele as a simple-minded man with "illusions of grandeur" who was easily influenced by others but said there was no proof that he had accomplices.
Arru told Reuters in an interview she did not plan to appeal because she felt the sentence was "a just one".
"He is a serene man. He placed himself before justice and is ready to accept any of the consequences," she said after visiting the Gabriele family in their apartment in the Vatican.
"He put his life in the hands of divine providence first and human justice second. He is a man who has no fear," she said, adding that the Vatican prosecutor had agreed that Gabriele would be permitted to take walks in the Vatican gardens under escort and receive relatives.
The trial, which started last Saturday, threw open the window on a betrayal of trust and sensitive secrets in the Vatican.
A former member of the small, select group known as "the papal family", Gabriele was one of fewer than 10 people who had a key to an elevator leading directly to the pope's apartments.
He said during the trial that from his perch as papal butler he was able to see how easily a powerful man could be manipulated by aides and kept in the dark about things he should have known.
In the course of the trial, intimate details emerged of the inner workings of an institution long renowned for its secrecy.
The documents Gabriele leaked constituted one of the biggest crises of Pope Benedict's papacy when they emerged in a muckraking expose by an Italian journalist earlier this year.
The case has been an embarrassment for the Vatican, coming at a time when it was keen to rid itself from the taint left by a series of scandals involving sexual abuse of minors by clerics around the world and mismanagement at its bank.
Gabriele told investigators before the trial began that he leaked the documents because he saw "evil and corruption everywhere in the Church" and that information was being hidden from the pope.
Earlier this week Gabriele accused the Holy See's police of mistreating him while in custody. Members of the force in turn depicted the butler as a man obsessed with the occult, Masonic lodges and secret services.
(Editing by Jon Boyle and Jon Hemming)
Keywords: POPE BUTLER/


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You'll Like The 2012 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD If...
If you've been a longtime Chevy HD fan and it's time to trade-in your old outfit, the 2012 Chevy Silverado HD's numerous improvements will help keep you a Chevy loyalist. If you're an old Ram (formerly Dodge) or Ford guy and you aren't happy with your current rig, you might be pleasantly surprised just how capable the Chevy Silverado HD really is.
You May Not Like The 2012 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD If...
If you're looking for the most powerful diesel engine in an HD truck, Ram's Cummins diesel engine takes top honors (torque, not horsepower). Those who like a little more upscale flair in their trucks might find the 2012 Chevy Silverado HD's styling and interior décor somewhat on the conservative side. A Ram Longhorn or Ford F-350 King Ranch might be more to your liking.
What's New
The 2012 Chevrolet Silverado HD trucks make new strides for 2012, with Chevy claiming best-in-class accolades for maximum fifth-wheel towing, conventional towing and payload.
Interior Features
The 2012 Chevy Silverado HD Work Truck has a more utilitarian interior intended to take a bit of a beating, as well as be more user-friendly to glove-clad hands and dirty work boots. The LTZ trims feature a more upscale dash, door panel and seat design better suited to the foreman than the roughneck. The 2012 Chevy Silverado HD truck's interior is peppered with storage compartments of varying sizes, including a big center armrest/console with a flip-up lid on bucket seat-equipped trims. Bench-seat models have a folding center section with storage and built-in cupholders. When properly equipped, a 2012 Chevy Silverado HD truck can serve as a mini rolling office, with such available features as a mobile WiFi hotspot, USB and Bluetooth connectivity, GPS navigation and XM Satellite radio with NavTraffic traffic updates. Multiple power points throughout the cabin ensure you'll be able to power all of your mobile devices.
Exterior Features
The 2012 Chevy Silverado HD trucks are comprised of the 2500 and 3500 (three-quarter-ton and one-ton) models. Both trucks feature a beefed up version of the 1500 truck's grille and front end, with a larger chrome grille and bumpers, and a raised power-dome hood with integrated louvers. The 2500 models offer the option of 20-inch polished-aluminum wheels, while the 3500 can be equipped with a dually rear end. Tire sizes range from 17-inch (dually, or as Chevy spells it, "dooley") to 18- and 20-inch wheels on standard-chassis trucks.
Driving Impressions
Thanks to its torque-heavy 6.6-liter Duramax diesel V8, we found that towing a 10,000-pound trailer behind the 2012 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD truck posed absolutely no challenge whatsoever. The 2012 Chevy Silverado HD's available Duramax diesel develops 397 horsepower and 765 lb-ft of torque (that's more horsepower but less torque than the Ram HD, and less horsepower and torque than the Ford PowerStroke diesel). Despite the difference in power from its main rivals, the Silverado HD still takes top honors in fifth-wheel and conventional towing, as well as payload figures. The Duramax diesel is a bit loud, but you wouldn't know it from inside the passenger compartment. One of our favorite features on the diesel truck is the "smart" exhaust braking setup. The system works by progressively restricting the diesel's exhaust, depending on speed and grade, to help slow the rig with added compression braking. We tested a number of 2012 Chevy Silverado HD trucks, with gas and diesel engines, long and short beds, and basic to plush trim levels. We found all exhibited a firm suspension, good steering ability and fairly compliant ride.
Pricing Notes
The 2012 Chevrolet Silverado HD truck is offered in work truck, LT and LTZ trim levels with prices starting at a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of just under $30,000; the available Duramax turbodiesel V8/Allison transmission combination adds another $7,100 to the bottom line. The MSRPs of the popular 2012 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD crew-cab models are slightly higher than those of comparable 2012 Ram HDs and slightly lower than 2012 Ford Super Duties (we are talking a difference of a few hundred dollars, if that.) To get the best deal on your 2012 Chevy Silverado HD truck, check our Fair Purchase Price to see what buyers are actually paying in your area. The 5-year resale values should be roughly comparable to the Fords and better than the Rams.
Notable Equipment
Standard equipment on all 2012 Chevrolet Silverado HD trucks includes 4-wheel-disc brakes with ABS and Intelligent Brake Assist and the 6-speed automatic transmission, while StabiliTrak electronic stability control, Trailer Sway Control and Hill Start Assist (but not Hill Descent Control) are standard on single-rear-wheel (non-dually) models and "smart" exhaust braking comes with the Duramax diesel. Also standard are chrome front and rear bumpers, engine and transmission oil coolers, a driver information center, tilt steering wheel, automatic headlamps and front tow hooks. Standard safety features include front-seat airbags and a high-strength tubular steel frame crossmember that improves crashworthiness.
Notable Options
Optional (or unavailable) on the base 2012 Chevy Silverado Work Truck are such basic amenities as cruise control, power locks, windows and mirrors and a rear-window defroster. The next-level LT trim provides most of those, plus remote keyless entry, a CD player and more, but the rear-window defroster remains optional. The top-of-the-line LTZ trim (available on Extended and Crew Cab models) adds that plus leather trim, power seats and much more. Option packages are available, and other major options include navigation, a CD changer, a rear-seat DVD entertainment system, remote start, premium wheels, a sunroof, a rear backup camera, an integrated trailer brake controller and pelvic/thorax and head-curtain airbags.
Favorite Features
Exhaust braking
This system progressively restricts the diesel's exhaust – depending on speed and grade – to help slow the rig with added compression braking.
Remote starting
A favorite on any vehicle, this available feature is especially appreciated on working trucks that operate in hot and cold weather extremes.
Under the Hood
The 2012 Chevrolet Silverado HD truck's standard heavy-duty Vortec 6.0-liter gasoline V8 has a cast-iron block, aluminum heads and cam-in-block variable valve timing (VVT), which allows the engine to use late intake valve closing to improve efficiency and achieve an optimum balance of low-rpm torque and free-breathing, high-rpm horsepower. The 2012 Silverado's 6.6-liter Duramax turbodiesel offers significantly more power and torque, "smart" exhaust braking, the Allison 1000 6-speed automatic transmission, and full B20 biodiesel capability. Its NOx emissions are reduced by some 63 percent via a selective catalyst reduction after-treatment system that uses urea-based diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) in a 5.3-gallon tank that needs to be replenished about every 5,000 miles. Given the Duramax's standard 36-gallon tank, you can theoretically drive up to 680 miles between fill-ups, which equates to almost 19 mpg on the highway (unloaded).
6.0-liter V8
360 horsepower @ 5,400 rpm
380 lb-ft of torque @ 4,200 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: N/A
6.6-liter turbocharged diesel V8
397 horsepower @ 3,000 rpm
765 lb-ft of torque @ 1,600 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: N/A
Editors' Notes
Fresh from last year's overhaul that brought a stiffer frame, more powerful Duramax turbodiesel engine and a revised suspension, the Chevrolet Silverado HD trucks continue into 2012 little changed. In the world of powerful work trucks, the domestic manufacturers monopolize the field. The Ram HD and Ford F-Series HD trucks are equally capable, with one or the other claiming best-in-class in any number of categories, separated by no more than a few horsepower or couple more pounds of towing capacity. For many, the choice of an HD pickup truck comes down to a personal preference based on past experiences. If you're a Ford guy, you'll swear you'd never touch a Chevy, even though the 2012 Chevy Silverado HD can out-tow and out-haul the F-350.


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I hate long commutes, getting stuck in traffic and lengthy, boring road trips as much as anyone. But it's important for us modern folk to have perspective when that happens — we have the ability to cross distances at speeds our forefathers would have written off as science fiction or witchcraft!
This recent article from the blog TreeHugger features some old maps that show us just how long it used to take people to travel across the U.S. The short version is this: the 1800s were a terrible time to be a speed freak.
This first map shows that if you start from New York City, it would take you something like two or three weeks to get down to Florida, and five weeks to get to Louisiana. That trip can be done in less than a day today, provided the driver is up for it.
By 1857, as you can see up top, things had changed dramatically. One could get across the entire eastern seaboard in two days, and halfway across the country in two weeks. As TreeHugger notes, a trip to California still took about a month.
Skipping ahead to 1930, we can see just how incredibly fast rail travel had become. A two-day train trip from NYC gets you to Texas, and three days will get you to California.
Pretty amazing, right? Of course, the advent of the highway system in the 1950s and the mass-purchasing of automobiles by postwar Americans and then their baby boomer kids meant that slow travel across the country was a thing of the past.
How fast do you think we'll be traveling 50 years from now?
Photos: Public Domain viaTreeHugger


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With the Freegal Movies and TV app for iOS or Android mobile devices adult cardholders can stream three films or TV episodes per week. Here's how it works:
- Download the app from the iTunes or Google Play app store.
- Install the app on your device and tap it to open
- Enter your zip code in the box to locate your library
- Choose Williamsburg Regional Library from the list
- Enter your 14 digit library card number to login
- You can browse for films or TV shows, then tap the "stream now" button to watch a show
- You must be connected to the Internet to stream content
Have questions? Contact us here.


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>Most commonly, valve replacement develops from the consequences of bacterial throat infections, such as Strep throat. In the body's attempt to fight off the bacterial infection, the heart valves, as innocent bystanders, sustain damage (called rheumatic heart disease). With the use of antibiotics, rheumatic heart disease occurs less commonly today, but individuals who had this problem during childhood may now, as adults, experience the consequences of the damage to the valves.
>Fitness and Diving Issue
>Anyone who has had heart surgery should be scrutinized a little more carefully regarding medical fitness to dive. With a properly functioning heart valve and no symptoms of cardiovascular disease, the real concern for a diver with an artificial heart valve is the anticoagulation (blood thinning) medication required to keep the valve functioning.
>A mechanical valve (made of metal, polymer etc.) requires medication to keep blood clots from forming on the valve. This, of course, increases the risk of bleeding, and the diver needs to be aware of this risk, especially as it relates to trauma. Heart valves from pigs are also used to replace damaged native valves. These do not require anticoagulation medication, but they wear out sooner and require replacement earlier than mechanical valves.
>For more information on cardiovascular conditions, see the complete article by Dr. James L. Caruso on Cardiovascular Fitness and Diving from the July/August 1999 issue of Alert Diver.


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Precious time is often lost through the handling of Free Pos Systems For Small Business . Similarly, the more cash is handled the greater the security risk in stores. Fortunately, Point of Sale (POS) technology is making better control of cash in retail stores possible, resulting in benefit for both staff and customers.
One German furniture company has estimated that the payment process and handling of cash at the checkout takes between 15 to 25 seconds. As this is only one part of processing pos system, 15 to 25 seconds is quite substantial time and, when the seconds are calculated for the cash handling from every sale throughout the day…till operators are spending more time on this process than most business owners would like.
Then, there is also the concern of cash robbery and theft. On any given day in a retail business, one, a few or many more employees will handle cash. Think how many different times and how many different people will handle cash in a supermarket on any one day. It is also probable that many managers are reconciling cash and making deposits, which is why they use point of sale systems.
How Do You Select the Best Point Of Sale Systems in Free Pos Systems For Small Business ?
The term point-of-sale is used to describe a variety of things. This can include the checkout counter in a store or a place where transactions occur. More frequently, the phrase refers to a computerized cash register. The commonly used abbreviation for point-of-sale is POS. Each letter in the abbreviation is pronounced individually (e.g. P-O-S) versus pronouncing the abbreviation itself (e.g. paws).
When computers were first invented, large retailers were the first to implement point-of-sale systems to help automate many of the tasks involved with operating a retail store. These computers were very large and expensive. This limited the adoption of point-of-sale systems to large retailers such as grocery chains. The introduction of low cost personal computers during the 1980s allowed retail stores of all sizes to improve efficiencies with the help of pos systems.
A common point-of-sale system includes a computer, cash drawer, receipt printer, pole display, bar code scanner, magnetic swipe reader, modem and point-of-sale software. Each piece provides the following functionality:
- Personal Computer - Operates the POS software and provides hardware interfaces for devices such as printers, credit card readers and so on.
- Cash Drawer - A lock box that stores cash and is triggered to open by the pos software.
- Receipt Printer - Prints a paper copy of the sales transaction for the customer.
- Pole Display - LED display that faces the customer and shows each item and price scan.
2. Create inventory records and SKUs via the purchase order
3. Receive goods against the purchase order
4. On hand stock levels are increased based upon receiving
5. Print price tag with bar codes
6. Sell the goods via the point-of-sale cash register
7. On hand stock levels are depleted based upon SKU scans
8. Perpetual Inventory is automatically maintained
9. Generate reports on sales, inventory levels, purchases, and receiving
10. Manage inventory buying and markdown behavior based upon sales trends
As you can see, the simple point-of-sale system grew into a powerful information system for managers and store owners. Today, point-of-sale systems continue to innovate and some even include:
- eCommerce integration
- Integrated accounting
- CRM - Customer Relationship Module
- Electronic payment processing
- Gift card management
- Service order management
- Marketing
- Revolving accounts receivable
- Customer traffic counters
- Integrated video surveillance
- Open To Buy planning
- Linear inventory modeling
- Special order management
- EDI (electronic ordering)
- And much more...
As retail management systems continue to add more robust features, the term point-of-sale will continue to refer to just a module within the overall system.
Why Point Of Sale Displays?
Point of sale (POS) systems are used by hundreds of businesses in order to streamline the purchasing process as well as track the various financial and inventory data that relates to the sales made. Although the general concept behind each system is virtually the same, different industries can purchase POS systems that are tailor made for their needs. Think of it is a delivery service: A bike delivery would work fine for a local newspaper, but UPS would have to shut down if it didn't have delivery trucks. The same concept applies to POS sale systems used in retail stores, restaurants, and hotels. Each specific industry can benefit from a system that is designed for their specific needs.
Retail POS systems are specialized at quick and easy one time sales. The items stored in their database are well defined, and although there can be many colors or sizes offered for one item, there isn't very much variation in the product. If one person buys a black jacket, although the jacket comes in blue, all the people who buy the black on are still getting the same item. This is why retail POS systems are the simplest in nature. In regards to the sale process, all they need is to pull up an item's information from inventory and remove it upon purchase. Of course, this is just in reference the the sales aspect of the system; there are still complex inventory control settings and sales efficiency metrics that that can be used, but in terms of making a sale, the retail system is the most simplistic.
Clearly, when starting a business it important to take the industry specific POS into account. Don't just try and find the best deal, but rather what will work best to make your company run efficiently. Understanding why each system is unique will help when trying to make the decision for what POS system to purchase. Although the examples given were for specific industries, the systems can be applied to different industries that have similar purchasing processes: The retail POS can be used in stores ranging from clothing to electronics and the restaurant system can be used in various hospitality related industries.
What Is A Point of Sale System?
Observe your typical consumer with pos system when they're out shopping and you'll see that most people will buy something that they did not intentionally set out to buy. This is down to a number of things. Call it what you will - 'an impulse buy' or 'because I deserve a treat' or simply 'I have to have it!'
I believe that the simple reason behind a large number of these purchases, are down to clever marketing and eye-catching and believable promotional displays.
Indeed - how many times yourself have you been stopped in your tracks in a store, when first your mind sees a display, then you recognise the product from the advert you saw on the TV the other day and remember that 'this promised to reduce my wrinkles instantly'
So you walk over, stop and pick up the product and read the back of the box. It, along with the literature shown on the POS display re-confirms the claim. You decide it's a bit pricey but you really want to use this product because it will reduce my wrinkles! You want to buy it, because it will make you feel better about yourself. You go ahead and buy it and leave the store feeling happier because of your purchase. You're going to look and feel better!
So, my recommended lists of five steps to increase sales of your product through cleverly manufactured POS displays are:
1. Find a company that understands the needs of you, the client and the targeted market for your project.
2. Give a clear and concise brief and understand the budget. What does your favoured cost include and exclude.
3. Understand your brand, what may or may not the display build company use.
4. Ensure your chosen company has your trust. They will go the extra mile for you.
5. Keep in touch! It's good to talk and silly mistakes will be avoided.
Finally, sit back and enjoy fantastic product sales for all point of sale software!


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Notorious fame-seekers Heidi Montag and Spencer Pratt may be turning the page on their made-for-TV romance -- this time to Chapter 11.
The telegenic tandem burned through $10 million -- plunking down cash for a posh Malibu pad, private jets and financing numerous plastic surgeries -- and are on the brink of bankruptcy, Spencer told Life & Style.
"We were immature, worrying too much about the famous part instead of the actual business part," Pratt told the magazine for its current issue. "In hindsight, we shouldn't have spent any of our money. We should have been low-key and saved."
The duo was in such dire financial straights after "The Hills" stopped production that they plotted call it quits and sell the story of their split to the English TV channel ITV. They even moved to Costa Rica for production of the new show, only to see it -- and their fortune -- crumble around them.


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German rower Nadja Drygalla has left the Olympic Village following a media firestorm in her home country about her boyfriend's ties to an extremist right-wing political party. (Drygalla is the third rower from the left seen above.)
Reuters says German media are reporting Drygalla's boyfriend is a leader of the "Rostock National Socialists" and ran for office under the banner of a party Germany's government actually tried to outlaw due to its being inspired by the Nazis.
Drygalla was actually finished competing, and the AP reports she's assured officials she is "committed to the values of the Olympic charter," so it won't have any effect on competition. But you know the Olympics have finally hit their stride now that we have a Nazi boyfriend scandal.
For a handy master schedule of every Olympic event, click here.


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1. The Alamo was originally a mission before being converted into a fortress for the Spanish Cavalry in the early 1800s.
2. Santa Anna referred to himself as the "Napoleon of the West," and fought more battles than Napoleon and Washington combined.
3. Nearly 200 defenders lost their lives at the Battle of the Alamo, but Mexican troops lost around 600.
4. The motto printed on The Great Seal of the Confederacy is "Deo Vindice" which translates to "God Will Vindicate."
5. The Lost Cause is a movement that seeks to reframe the Civil War with a perspective that puts the Confederacy and the Old South in the best possible light. The movement was based on several accepted tenets, two of which are:
- Confederate fighters were saintly and heroic.
- Slaves were loyal to their masters, and not overly willing nor ready to be free.
6. Rodeo evolved out of cattle-raising in the Old West, and has origins that date back to 16th Century Spanish Conquistadors.
7. The best possible score for a bull ride is 100 points. Half of the points are awarded for the bull and half for the rider.
8. To date, there has been just one perfect score of 100 in PRCA Bull Riding. It was awarded to Wade Leslie in 1991.
9. The Texas Rangers, as a special law enforcement organization was established in 1835. The 56 men were responsible for their own horses, guns and ammunition, and earned $1.25 per day.
10. Today there are approximately 150 commissioned Texas Rangers.
11. The Colt Single-Action Revolver a.k.a. Peacemaker is known as "the gun that won the West," due to its popularity, power and reliability.
12. The Winchester Model 1873 Rifle is a "repeating" rifle which allows rounds to be fed into the chamber mechanically instead of having to be reloaded by hand.
13. In 1843 after Texas soldiers failed an escape attempt from a Mexican prison, Santa Anna ordered that 1 in 10 of the soldiers executed. A clay pot was filled with 159 white beans and 17 black. Those who drew a black bean faced the firing squad at sunset.
14. Santa Anna originally ordered that all of the Texas soldiers be executed, but after protest, changed the order to decimation. (1 in 10).
15. Seventeen-year-old James Shepherd survived the Black Bean Lottery firing squad but pretended to be dead. He lay still with his fallen comrades until dark, when he was able to sneak out of the prison and escape. However he was recaptured 4 days later and immediately put to death.


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Explore Our Hotel
Huntersville, NC Hotel's Near Lake Norman
Welcome to the Holiday Inn Express® & Suites Huntersville Birkdale hotel, located in the beautiful Lake Norman area.
The hotel's picturesque surroundings, spacious accommodations and quick access to area businesses and Birkdale Village make us a top pick for guests lodging in Huntersville.
Our hotel's business guests appreciate the fact that we're conveniently located just off Interstate 77 and only minutes from nearby companies such as Ingersoll Rand, Newell Rubbermaid and McGuire Nuclear Station. With a 861sq ft meeting room that accommodates up to 65 guests, free high speed, wireless Internet access and a 24 hour Business Center, it's easy to see why we're preferred among Huntersville hotels.
From spending the day shopping at Birkdale Village to soaking up the sun on Lake Norman, our hotel's leisure guests have an array of popular activities and attractions at their fingertips. And with a location just north of Charlotte, the NASCAR Hall of Fame, Concord Mills Outlet Mall and the Charlotte Motor Speedway are just minutes away.
Along with being a smoke free facility, our amenities, such as the well equipped Fitness Center and an outdoor pool, make your stay unforgettable. Additionally, the free and hot Express Start Breakfast Bar, with our signature cinnamon rolls, helps you start your day off the smart way. Enjoy a comfortable stay at our Huntersville hotel during your trip!
- Black-out Shades
- Rollaway Bed/Cot Available
- Crib Available
- Iron/Ironing Board
- Separate Hanging Closet
- In-Room Heating and A/C Controls
- Sofa Bed/Sleeper Couch
Bathroom/Personal Care
- Private Bathroom
- Bathroom Amenities Available
- Hair Dryer
- Bathtub
- Separate Vanity Area
In-Room Features
- Mini Refrigerator
- Microwave
- Coffee Maker
- Tea Maker
- Flat-screen TV
- Work Desk with Lamp
- Desk-level Electrical Outlet
- Cable/Satellite
- Premium Channels
- Phone with Voicemail
- Complimentary Morning Newspaper
- Windows Open by Guest
Added Value
- Connecting Rooms Available
- Oversized Bath Towels
- Complimentary Coffee/Tea Supplies
- Full Breakfast Included
- Breakfast Buffet Included
- Continental Breakfast Included
- Complimentary Coffee in Lobby
- Kids Eat Free
- Off-site Restaurant Delivery Available
Business Services
- 1 Meeting Room(s) Available
- On-Site Business Center
- Printer
- Copier
- Scanner
- Office supplies available
Internet Access
- Free High-Speed Internet in all Rooms
- Wireless Internet service is free for all IHG® Rewards Club members
Entertainment & Recreation
- Outdoor Pool
- Outdoor Pool Hours of Operation: 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
- Pool Open from: 16-May-2016 to 16-October-2016
Health & Fitness
Complimentary Fitness Center
2 Treadmills 1 Elliptical 1 Recumbent Exercycle
Hours of Operation: 12:01 PM to 11:59 PM
Fitness Center Type: LIMITED
Fitness Center Equipment:
- Treadmill
- Elliptical Machines
- Stationary Bicycle
Last Renovation of Fitness Center Equipment: 2012
Housekeeping & Laundry
- Daily Housekeeping
- On-site Guest Self-Laundry Facilities
- Hours of Operation: 12:01 AM - 11:59 PM
Added Value
- Wake Up Calls
- ATM/Cash Machine
- Ice Machine
Hotel Details
16905 Caldwell Creek Drive
Huntersville, North Carolina 28078
United States
Check In: 3:00 PM
Check Out: 11:00 AM
Check-in Age: 21
Parking + -
- Complimentary Self Parking Available
Shuttle + -
- Bus, shuttle & private car
Accessibility + -
- Public Entrance
- Guest Rooms
- Elevators
- Public Restrooms
- Registration Desk
- Number of Accessible Meeting Rooms: 1
Accessible Hotel Areas
- Registration Area
- Accessible Guest Rooms
- Business Center
- Meeting Room
- Exercise Facility
- Pool
Hotel Areas with Accessible Routes from Accessible Public Entrance
- Accessible Self Parking
- Van Accessible Self Parking
- Ramp Access
- Portable Bathtub Seats
- Closed Caption TVs
- Telephone with TDD
- Visual Alarm/Alert in Guest Rooms
- Visual Alarm/Alert in Public Spaces
- Communication Kits with Visual Alarms
Provided by Hotel
Pet Policy + -
- Service Animals Allowed
- Only Service Animals within ADA guidelines are permitted.
Facility + -
- Smoke-Free Facility
- Number of Floors: 5
- Total Number of Rooms: 91
- Number of Suites: 91
- Number of Non-Smoking Rooms: 91
- Number of Accessible Rooms: 5
- Connecting Rooms Available
- Public Spaces Renovated in: 2010
- Guest Rooms Renovated in: 2010
Languages + -
Languages Spoken by Staff
- Spanish
Credit Cards + -
- American Express
- Visa
- MasterCard
- Diners Club
- Carte Blanche
- Discover


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Briefings in this tool:
I use supervisor briefings on a frequent basis to ensure my managers and directors are current on "hot button" issues.
Sarah Anderson, HR Manager, Smokey Bones Bar & Fire Grill
Each Supervisor Briefing is accompanied by a PowerPoint presentation for training purposes, which can be used in conjunction with the briefing. The PowerPoint presentation is customizable and can be adapted to fit your organization's needs.


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Inside the blacked-out Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, hallways were littered with bloodied bodies.
Terrorists were still holding 200 people 33 hours after the assault began.
Knowing next to nothing about what they might encounter in the dark recesses of the hotel, Indian Army commandos decided to go back in -- and were met by terrorists firing mercilessly, throwing grenades and continuously switching positions. Read full article »
All About Mumbai • Taj Mahal Hotel • Terrorism


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App Review: Hockey Allstar Shootout by Big Blue Bubble
by Rob on
October 22, 2009
Filed under Daily App Reviews, Games
Having grown up in western Canada there's one thing that becomes a way of life: hockey. I haven't seen many hockey apps come through the app store, so when I saw Hockey Allstar Shootout come into our request queue I decided I just had to give it a go.
Hockey Allstar Shootout is a pretty basic game. The entire premise of the game is to score on the goalie. Then again, that's pretty much the entire premise of hockey itself!! However, with Hockey Allstar Shootout, it's only you and the goalie in the game.
When you launch the game you choose a country. I chose Canada, (and a later game the USA) although there are nine countries to choose from. Selecting the country selects your opponents team, or in this case the goalies jersey. Once you're in the game it's you, the puck and the goalie. You shoot the puck by flicking it on the screen of your device. Deeking out the goalie is the whole key here to get the puck in the net.
Truth be told, Hockey Allstar Shootout is a pretty basic game. There's not much too it other than flicking the puck at the goalie. However, it is a hockey app and with so few of them in the app store then those that love hockey may find it amusing for some time. Just to set expectations though, if you're looking for a game you can play for hours and that advances through levels etc, this isn't it. If you're looking to get your hockey fix for a few minutes then look no further.
What we liked: Hey! it's a hockey game!
What we didn't like: Too basic, game play not sufficient to keep your interest, worth the $1 only to big hockey fans (others will find it a waste).


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Hand-drawn ink and paper animation is a technology that's been around for quite some time, and on the whole, most people might even consider it completely out-dated. Animator Jake Fried took the opprotunity to spice it up a little bit with "The Deep End" by adding coffee and white-out to the mix, but only using one [filthy] sheet of paper.
On top of the neat process, it's one hell of a trip. Hold on tight. [Boing Boing]


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Ja Rule Gets Bad Press?
First of all, you have to understand the background of rappers, where we come from. Even Michael Jordan and Bill Cosby come from the ghetto. The difference is that if you go into the NBA, there's a farm system set up for you which alienates you from being anywhere near anything that has to do with your old upbringings. Hip-hop doesn't have that. So, if I become a millionaire overnight, I really haven't been taught how to use that power, because there's no farm system. So, you can't really blame us for these situations when they get out of hand.
Though he was named Jeffrey Atkins back when he was born in Queens, New York on February 29th of 1976, today he is known only as Ja Rule. A founder of Def Jam's notorious Murder Incorporated, the gravel-throated baritone's distinct voice and impassioned rhymes catapulted him to the top of the charts as one of the world's leading gangsta rappers.
Ja made the jump to movies in 2000, since appearing in such hit flicks as Scary Movie 3, Turn It Up, The Fast and the Furious, The Cookout and Half Past Dead. His latest film is Assault on Precinct 13, a crime thriller where he lends a little street credibility to the production, typecast as Smiley, an imprisoned felon.
BSN: What made you decide to do this film?
JR: "I was flown the script, and asked to check out the role of Smiley, to see if I wanted to be a part of it or not. That's basically how it started. Then I went and met with J.F. [director Jean-Francois Richet]. We kicked it. The funny thing is we actually kicked it more about music than we did about movies, but we vibed. And the rest is kind of history."
BSN: You've parlayed your success in rap into a film career. Is that an easy transition to make?
JR: "No, the movie business is very different from the music business. You see, a lot of rappers are not disciplined. That's why we rap for a living. 'Cause we don't have to be disciplined. We don't have to hide what we do image-wise. The worse we are, the cooler we are. So, it's different for a rapper when he gets into this movie business."
BSN: How so?
JR: "You have to be on point. You gotta be on time. There's a lotta studying involved. You got homework. You have to read your script, go over your character, and then create an inner character for the character."
BSN: You know, Samuel L. Jackson just pulled out of a film when he found out a rapper was attached to the project. Has your presence ever caused a reaction like that on a set?
JR: "Yeah. I think so. I know what homey's probably going through and why Sam's going, 'Nah.' In reality, we're already stars. We already have money. For instance when I did The Fast and the Furious, nobody really knew Vin Diesel at the time. I wasn't the star of the film and only had this itty-bitty part in the movie, but there'd be herds of kids mobbing me. You know what I'm saying?"
BSN: Yeah.
JR: "So, I could see how the tensions start to build. Some actors might think, 'All that attention, and he ain't even the star.' And then the rappers get the chips on they shoulders, feeling, 'I'm rich already. I don't even need to be here.' But it shouldn't be that way. The rappers have to understand that this is a job that needs to be taken as seriously as any other job."
BSN: As a role model, how do you teach your fans that it's not so cool to be undisciplined?
JR: "First of all, you have to understand the background of rappers, where we come from. Even Michael Jordan and Bill Cosby come from the ghetto. The difference is that if you go into the NBA, there's a farm system set up for you which alienates you from being anywhere near anything that has to do with your old upbringings. Hip-hop doesn't have that. So, if I become a millionaire overnight, I really haven't been taught how to use that power, because there's no farm system. So, you can't really blame us for these situations when they get out of hand."
BSN: But aren't gangsta rappers setting a bad example for impressionable young fans when they wage wars against each other?
JR: "Well, it is counter-productive on the part of the artists. But you gotta look at the people behind the scenes that make the money off these artists that go out and feud. They don't want the wars to stop, because it makes them money. Do you understand?"
BSN: Yes I do.
JR: "It's a double-edged sword. It's really hard for us to step out of these situations when they want us to keep pumpin' it, pumpin' it, pumpin' it. You understand?"
BSN: I think so.
JR: "It's very difficult to explain. You'll never see Britney Spears and Christine Aguilera because they're bickering over their music."
BSN: And why not?
JR: "Because they wasn't brought up that way. You understand what I'm saying?"
BSN: I think they might not like it each other, but they probably wouldn't threaten to shoot each other.
JR: "That's because they wasn't brought up that way. When you don't grow up with that mentality, you don't have it. Were you brought up in the ghetto?"
BSN: I was raised in Queens, like you, but back in the Fifties, if that counts.
JR: "Then you probably saw a lot of unfortunate things happen in your 'hood. Some people make it out, some people don't."
BSN: You have your own record label. Can't someone of your stature control his own image?
JR:: "It's the media. I recently got some bad press because of a shooting at one of my after-parties. Here's the skinny on that. I'm a rapper. Let's say I do a concert, and then the promoter books me an after-party that I get paid to attend. If the Crips and Bloods have a gang-bang shootout there, it gets printed in the paper as a 'Ja Rule Shootout.' So, if Ja Rule throws a party, all the 'hood kids come, a fight breaks out and I get blamed for the situation. It's sad because my after-party is never going to be packed with white people, because these parties are all thrown in the hoods of America."
BSN: Would you like to not always have to defend your gangsta image?
JR: "I would love that. But you know it's never going to be like that, because people love negative press more than positive press. It's unfortunate that as hard as I work, as many good things that I do, it's just the negative ones you always hear about."
BSN: Is that the downside of hitting it big in rap?
JR: "I wouldn't call it a downside. It just comes with the territory."
BSN: Do you fear any of the rappers who have a beef with you?
JR: "Nah, my life's in God's hands. Whatever's going to happen to me, God has written for me already."
Latest comments
- Ann GarrisonFebruary 22,2018 @ 08:03 PM
I think you have "Filtered HTML" turned on here. If you switch to "Full HTML," it will probably...
googletag.pubads().definePassback('6785150/BENN/BlackStarNews', [[300,250]]).setTargeting('fold',['BTF']).display();


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by Max Pringle
There's new evidence that California's economic outlook is improving. A new study shows the state is regaining its place as the world's eighth-largest economy this year after falling to ninth during the recent downturn.
"There are numerous signs that the state has finally moved into positive ground after this very long and deep recession," says Stephen Levy, Director of the Center for the Continuing Study of the California Economy, which conducted the study.
He says upswings in key industries like technology, trade and tourism are driving the state's recovery. Levy says the building trades are also trending up.
"The big change this year is that construction has gone from being a negative to being a positive as we're finally beginning to build more homes."
Levy expects California to move ahead of Italy and Russia this year after sharing the eighth spot with them in 2012. The state was as high as number six in the last decade before the rise of China and Brazil.
The next five largest economies in 2012 were India and Canada ($1.8 trillion),
Australia ($1.5 trillion), Spain ($1.4 trillion) and Mexico ($1.2 trillion).


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U.S. Equal Employment
Opportunity Commission
Tepanyaki Fired Server Because of Pregnancy, Federal Agency Charged
PHOENIX – A Clearfield, Utah Japanese restaurant will pay $30,000 and furnish other relief to settle a pregnancy discrimination lawsuit filed by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the agency announced today.
The EEOC's suit (Case No. 1:09-cv-43 TS in U.S. District Court for the District of Utah) charged that Tepanyaki of Clearfield LLC discriminated against Alison Woodbury by firing her because of her pregnancy. Woodbury was hired as a server for Tepanyaki, the EEOC said, but during her initial training Tepanyaki discovered that she was pregnant and terminated her.
Such alleged conduct violates Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy or sexual harassment) or national origin and protects employees who complain about such offenses from retaliation.
"Under federal law, employers must permit pregnant employees to work as long as they are able to perform their jobs," said EEOC Regional Attorney Mary Jo O'Neill. "All workers, including pregnant employees, deserve fairness in the workplace. Women should not lose employment opportunities because of pregnancy."
Acting EEOC Phoenix District Director Rayford O. Irvin added, "Myths and stereotypes that categorize all pregnant women as unable to work are disempowering to both employers and pregnant employees. We are pleased that this settlement will steer Tepanyaki toward better treatment of pregnant employees."
In addition to the monetary relief, the consent decree settling the suit, signed by Federal District Court Judge Ted Stewart, requires Tepanyaki to provide training and other relief aimed at educating its employees about sex discrimination, including pregnancy discrimination, and their rights under Title VII.
The EEOC has issued guidance on caregiver discrimination, which includes pregnancy discrimination. See http://www.eeoc.gov/policy/docs/caregiving.html.
The EEOC is responsible for enforcing federal laws prohibiting employment discrimination. The EEOC's Phoenix District Office has jurisdiction for Arizona, Colorado, Utah, Wyoming, and part of New Mexico (including Albuquerque). Further information about the EEOC is available on its web site at www.eeoc.gov.


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Art Basel Miami Beach 2019 | Highlights
Roddy Ricch on Please Excuse Me For Being Antisocial on Big Boy
Consumers: Inkgeeks is not responsible for the artist that you choose to do your tattoo nor is inkgeeks responsible for the tattoo that you choose.Inkgeeks simply provides a sample portfolio and contact information for the artists.
Artists: All artists that inkgeeks present are subject to portfolio approval. Inkgeeks strives to promote professionally skilled artists.
Ink Geeks was established in 2013, for the purpose of connecting artists to potential clients. The inspiration for the creation of this site comes from personal experiences.
Read more...
© 2019 InkGeeks Tattoos


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This item is in excellent condition. You might mistake it for brand new!
Cabi is a unique fashion company that aims to make the shopping experience more personal and empowering for its customers. This shows through a selection of clothes designed around unique looks, with pieces inspired by international trends, confident professional ensembles, and casual outfits that let you be you. Cabi clothing includes fashionable outerwear, colorful pants and leggings, and much more.Shop all CAbi
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Surely the ultimate bachelor pad would use Sharp's multi-screen display system in every room of the house. Even the bathroom! You never know when you'll have the urge to watch Sharks Vs Crocodiles: 3D! on the loo.
Unfortunately Sharp's first customer for the 5D Miracle Tour system isn't some rich Saudi or Playboy bunny (imagine those movie nights!), but a theme park in Nagasaki, Japan. Yes, really.
Every square inch of the room is covered in screens—the floor, walls and ceilings, with 156 60-inch panels being used altogether. The only image of the system Sharp has released is of a 3D-rendering, but once it opens up at the Huis Ten Bosch theme park, we'll definitely show you images of the first tourist breaking the floor panels. [Akihabara News via SlashGear]


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The Texas House has given early passage to an $875 million spending bill that includes immediate relief for public schools and paying for wildfires that ravaged the state in 2011.
The House on Friday overwhelmingly approved the final spending in the current state budget. It includes an extra $500 million for public schools that districts will be able to spend before the end of the year.
One month remains in the 140-day legislative session. Lawmakers can now turn their full attention to hammering out a final budget for 2014-15.
The latest news from around North Texas.
Some lawmakers tried including money for volunteer firefighter training following the deadly explosion last week at a fertilizer plant in West. The proposal failed over protests that the $10 million cost would shortchange a program that helps feed low-income children.


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Posted by Editoress on 02/12/10
The athletes were faced with flying kilos on the last day of the CCA track training camp in LA. After 4 days of hard work they dug deep to pull out some impressive times with several riders going under one minute. Remi Pelletier-Roy, who was participating in his first CCA camp in LA, "felt good over the week and I was able to show some good speed. I really appreciate my experience here, riding with good track cyclists and learning a lot on the track and off the track ... I'll go back home (knowing) what to work on and come back with better technique and more power."
Team with Moto
Mark MacDonald, a member of the Canadian team pursuit squad that raced to a new Canadian record at the Cali World Cup in December, found it "encouraging to see that after a hard week of training we're still able to go faster than we have in previous camps. Our technique is improving to the point where it feels natural to ride at speed in the group. We developed some good habits early on that make it easier to go fast now."
Some riders spent the week testing out new equipment too. Alex Cataford, who is aiming to be a member of the Canadian team heading to the Junior World Championships in August, was one of them. "Today was only the fifth day that I rode my new Cervelo track bike, which was built up the night before I flew out to L.A. The new bike was quite a treat to ride on the world class velodrome and demonstrated that it was truly a world class bike. The handling, stiffness and aerodynamics of this bike will surely give me the upper hand on the competition for the following season."
LA Team
The next event for the Canadian Track Program will be the World Championships in Copenhagen March 24-28. The team will be named next week. Also due to be released by the end of the month will be the selection criteria for the Panamerican Championships in May, 2010, and Junior Worlds in Montichiari, Italy in August, 2010.
Questions or requests regarding Canadian Track Cycling can be directed to Petrina Tulissi, CCA Track Coordinator at firstname.lastname@example.com, and check out the CCA website for information about all cycling disciplines at www.canadian-cycling.com.
Jean-Michel Lachance
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