text:
Join Zoller's for some whitewater rafting fun on the White Salmon or Klickitat Rivers
Conveniently located on the Oregon / Washington state line in the heart of the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. We've got the perfect whitewater rafting trip for you!
In 1973 my father came home from his regular job and showed the family that he had obtained his river guides business license. I thought we were going to starve… and we almost did. Fast forward almost 50 years and we are three generations of whitewater rafting guides (getting close to our 4th generation). Join the Zoller family and our family of river guides on the White Salmon and Klickitat Rivers. You're going to have a great time. You have my promise.
Mark Zoller – River Guide / President Zoller's Outdoor Odysseys
Zoller's is only whitewater rafting company on the White Salmon River to offer our guests multiple experience options all summer long.
High Adventure – Medium Adventure – Aggressive Paddling – Limited Paddling – The shortest adventures or the longest adventures
Leaders of the industry
Zoller's Outdoor Odysseys has been and will continue to be the whitewater rafting industry leaders and is proud to be not only the pioneer rafting outfitters of the Klickitat River and White Salmon River, but also the longest running, whitewater enterprise in Washington or Oregon. If you know of a whitewater rafting company in Oregon or Washington that has been around longer than 40 years please let us know who they are and we will gladly tip our hats and be happy with second place. It is an honor for each one of us at Zoller's to share the fun of whitewater rafting these very special rivers with so many folks that arrive as a guest and leave as a friend.
Fun whitewater rafting options
In 2012 Zoller's took a bold step (again) and became by far the most versatile rafting company in the area with the addition of two new whitewater rafting options on the White Salmon River. In addition to our standard whitewater rafting adventure, now called the Middle Gorge we have opened up a new launch site further upstream than any other whitewater rafting company and will offer a "higher adventure" rafting option for those who desire a little more kick to their whitewater experience. This new whitewater run will be called the Upper Gorge and water level permitting, we will offer this new run from July – September. Then, in 2013 Zoller's became the first and only rafting company to offer trips on the White Salmon River "Lower Gorge" made available by the removal of Condit Dam and reservoir.
The best of the best!
The White Salmon River has long been known as the best one-day rafting trip in the Oregon / Washington area providing far more whitewater than most rafting rivers provide in twice that amount of rafting miles. Now with our two new options of the Upper and Lower Gorge which compliments our Middle Gorge there can be no questions about the White Salmon River being the #1 commercial whitewater rafting river of Oregon and Washington.
Where are we?
Zoller's Outdoor Odysseys is located in the heart of the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic area which takes in portions of both Washington and Oregon state. Just 12 miles north of Hood River, Oregon and 1 hour and 15 minutes east of Portland, Oregon and Vancouver, Washington you will find us very easy to get to with an amazing amount of scenic beauty all along the way. Click on our directions button for and overview map of southern Washington and northern Oregon and see how easy it is to find us.


text:
CAMBRIDGE, Mass.—The Harvard field hockey team begins the 2010 season with a pair of home games on Labor Day weekend. The Crimson hosts Holy Cross on Saturday at 1 p.m., and Bryant on Monday at 1.
Follow From Home
Admission to Harvard home field hockey games is free, but fans who cannot make it to Jordan Field can follow the action online. Harvard's GameCentral portal features live video with a single-game or season subscription, while GoCrimson.com offers free live statistics.
Crimson Captains
Senior back KJ Warren and junior midfielder Carly Dickson are the captains of the 2010 edition of the Crimson. Dickson is a two-time All-Ivy League selection, while Warren is working her way back to the field after missing last season with an injury.
Returning Statistical Leaders
Chloe Keating led Harvard in goals (10) and points (25) last season as a junior. Carly Dickson registered 17 points and tied for the team lead in assists with seven.
Cynthia Tassopoulos played every minute in goal as a freshman, ranking eighth nationally with 8.82 saves per game. Dickson earned selection to the All-Ivy second team and, along with classmate Georgia McGillivray, was a second-team all-region pick. Keating and Tassopoulos each garnered All-Ivy honorable mention.
Strength in Numbers
The Crimson roster features 20 student-athletes, including 11 returning letterwinners. Eight players started at least nine games last season.
Welcome to Cambridge
In addition to this year's eight-woman freshman class, there are two new assistant coaches roaming the Crimson's sideline. Julie Munson was an assistant coach for six seasons at James Madison, where she helped the Dukes win three conference titles, reach three NCAA tournaments and field the top defense in Division I in 2008.
Jen Long was a three-time All-America defender and four-year starter at Penn State. She was twice named the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year and helped the Nittany Lions reach the 2007 NCAA title game.
History Lessons
The Crimson has won 10 of its 11 previous meetings with the Crusaders, including three straight since Holy Cross notched its only series win in 2006. Chloe Keating logged two goals and an assist to lead Harvard to a 4-1 win last season in Worcester. Carly Dickson notched two assists, and Emma Keller scored in her collegiate debut. Alanna Sikorski scored for Holy Cross.
In the first meeting between the Harvard and Bryant programs, the Crimson defeated the Bulldogs, 4-2, last year at Jordan Field. Keating and Kristin Bannon '09-10 eached registered a goal and an assist for Harvard, while Georgia McGillivray and Keller also scored. Harvard held a 10-2 advantage in penalty corners and outshot Bryant, 21-7, but Courtney Landi scored to get Bryant within one goal before Keller's late marker. Elise Boiseneau also tallied for the Bulldogs.
Hot Starts
Harvard has won its last three season openers. Last season's win against the Crusaders was followed by consecutive victories against UC Davis and Bryant. The Crimson won five of its first six home games in 2008 and four of its first five in 2007.
Scouting the Crusaders
Holy Cross returns 14 letterwinners and six starters from last season's squad that tied for fourth place in the Patriot League. Alanna Sikorski is the team's top returning scorer, having registered 12 points on five goals and two assists last season. Kelly Casey played the entire season in goal, notching a 3.14 goals-against average, a .615 save percentage and 5.94 saves per game.
Scouting the Bulldogs
Bryant takes on New Hampshire Thursday night, seeking its first win after previously falling to Davidson, 5-0, and Georgetown, 6-1. The Bulldogs, in their first year of full Division I status, were picked fourth of eight teams in the Northeast Conference preseason poll. Elise Boiseneau has the team's lone goal so far. She ranked second on the team with five goals and 13 points last season, while Courtney Landi paced the squad with eight goals and 18 points.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
|Fork Tine Length
|44.0 in 1120.0 mm
|Fork Tine Width
|3.9 in 100.0 mm
|Fork Tine Height
|25.6 in 651.0 mm
|Fork Tine Thickness
|2.0 in 50.0 mm
|Fork Tine Weight
|134.3 lb 60.9 kg
|Overall Length
|47.4 in 1205.0 mm
Used for a variety of material handling needs, such as moving bulky or palletized materials on construction and industrial sites, handling bagged fertilizer and seed at landscaping and nursery sites, and similar jobs.
Forks are rated Class II to handle lifting requirements of Skid Steer, Multi Terrain and Compact Track Loader machines.
Offset Pallet Fork Tines are used to prevent loader arm dragging in truck bed applications. Offset Forks are rated Class III for higher lifting capacity.
Fork length options - 910 mm (36 in), 1070 mm (42 in), 1120 mm (44 in), 220 mm (48 in), 1370 mm (54 in), and 1524 mm (60 in).


text:
Forms Jobs
The city is divided into quadrants for the four garbage collection days, Tuesday through Friday.
NEW! Find your collection days with the online Sanitation Service Finder
Holiday collection schedule - changes in pick-up due to holidays
Zoom in on the map to see the quadrant you live in.
This detailed map The detailed Adobe PDF file includes individual route maps and supervisor names [pdf/1.85mb/1p].
Receive E-Mail Notification When New Information is Posted on this PageAs a member, enjoy the benefits of MyCityofWS, including your choice of newsletters, and notifications about events and site updates. Login and Manage Your Subscriptions Now.


text:
Doors: 4:00 PM
21 and over
Nu Androids is a community of music enthusiasts. We invite artists from all around the world to come perform at our weekly events. Come join our family, we're all a little weird.
Connect with us:
Twitter: @nuandroidsmusic
Instagram: @nuandroidsmusic
Soundcloud: www.soundcloud.com/nuandroidsmusic
Event has ended.


text:
Deciding to eat healthier breakfasts, my brother-in-law declared that oatmeal would now be his cereal of choice. But after eating his first bowl, he told my sister, " I sure hope I develop a taste for this stuff. It goes down real rough."
"Well," she asked, "how long did you cook it?"
"You're supposed to cook it?"
Ah, us smart guys.


text:
A selection of books written by women to inspire you during Women's History Month.
This display is a companion piece to the exhibit Remarkable Women Throughout History: Snapshots from Special Collections, located in the Newman Library 2nd floor commons.
Giving to Virginia Tech | Bookstore | Jobs at Virginia
Tech | Contact Us | Equal Opportunity
Privacy Statement
| Principles
of Community | Acceptable Use Policy | Accessibility
© Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University


text:
- Part Number
- Line Diameter
- 7/16 in. (11 mm)
- Working Load Limit (WLL)
- 3,000 lb. (1,361 kg)
- Unit Weight
- 9 lb. (4.1 kg)
3,000 LB WLL Longline with Zipper Jacket
Product Number: DLL-025-3000-Z
Call to confirm availability
Since 1978, Barry cordage Ltd. has been manufacturing and distributing a wide range of industrial-grade, rope-related products and services. Barry's fabrication standards meet or exceed strict industry norms and reflect their unique expertise and innovated solutions with textile applications.
NOTE: Line Diameter: 7/16 in. (11 mm)View Manuals, Certifications, and Hardware Notes
$801.00Send Me A Quote Add to Cart
- Wire Cable Alternative:12-strand, rotation-resistant rope made from lightweight UHMWPE (ultra high molecular weight polyethylene) fiber replaces unwieldy wire cable.
- Minimum 7:1 Safety Factor:Breaking strength is seven times the rated working load limit (WLL).
- Preloading:In-house preloading for low elongation.
- Protective End Covers:Zippered end covers provide abrasion resistance at both ends of the longline. Reflective cinch strap provides high visibility.
- Polyurethane Coated:Provides UV and abrasion resistance.
- Easy Maintenance Tracking:Comes with log sheet, ID Tag, certificate of compliance, and user manual.
- Compliances:Complies with DOI Aviation Management Section C–Exhibit: Helicopter Synthetic Longline Requirements.
- Convenient Transport Bag:Includes a transport bag with a documentation pocket.
- Also Available:Custom line lengths, longline jackets, electrical wire, and connectors.


text:
Welcome to our website! As we have the ability to list several hundred items on our website (our selection changes all of the time), it is not feasible for a company our size to record and playback the descriptions on every item on our website. However, if you have a disability we are here to help you. Please call our disability services phone line at (505) 287-3696 during regular business hours and one of our kind and friendly personal shoppers will help you navigate through our website, help conduct advanced searches, help you choose the item you are looking for with the specifications you are seeking, read you the specifications of any item and consult with you about the products themselves. There is no charge for the help of this personal shopper for anyone with a disability. Finally, your personal shopper will explain our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service, and help you place an order if you so desire.
Search Results Items 1-7 of 7 Products - Page 1 of 1Compare Products
Debby Bluestone Table with 6 Chairs
Regular Price $1,069.99
$969.96Add To Cart
Debby Bluestone Counter Height Table Top with 6 Stools
Regular Price $1,099.99
$999.96Add To Cart
Mango Table w/ 18" Butterfly Leaf 4 Chairs and Bench
Regular Price $899.99
$799.96Add To Cart
Mango Counter Table, Light Oak 54"x36"x54" w/18" Butterfly LF with 4 chairs and bench
Regular Price $1,025.99
$889.96Add To Cart
Tacoma Table Base (30"H) & 4pcs Side Chairs, 17" x 21" x 38"
Tacoma Collection
Regular Price $569.99
$399.96Add To Cart
Counter Height Table 4 chairs bench
Regular Price $1,025.99
$889.96Add To Cart
9pc dinning set regular or counter height
Regular Price $1,359.99
$1,299.96Add To Cart
Items 1-7 of 7 Products


text:
My DS is only 6 months old but we around the house have referred to it as Ninny.
Does your child have a nickname for Breastfeeding?
We'd love to hear what your little one calls it, and add it to our Dictionary of Breastfeeding Names.
Please email us at
Jane's Breastfeeding Resources is run by Jane, a mother of 3 breastfed children who is a Breastfeeding Supporter & Tutor with the Breastfeeding Network, a registered charity in the UK. She has been helping mothers to breastfeed for over 18 years.
Jane's husband, Garry, designed & runs the website.
Come & join us! We have a Breastfeeding Discussion Forum. If you wish to post or join in the discussions, you will need to register with the Forums. We are always looking for contributors to Jane's Breastfeeding Resources. We love to hear about your experiences of breastfeeding, if you'd like to share them with our visitors & can send us your thoughts, we'd love to hear from you....


text:
Sometimes you may want to generate forests or create spheres automatically, as doing it by hand may be too tedious. WorldEdit has a number of tools that allow you to do just that. These commands don't need a region; they use the block that you are standing in.
Cylinders and circles
- //cyl <block> <radius> [height]
- //hcyl <block> <radius> [height]
WorldEdit is capable of producing both hollow and filled cylinders as well as hollow and filled circles. It uses a fast algorithm to generate the objects and the algorithm is capable of creating nice and symmetrical edges. The cylinders are created at your feet and extend upwards. If you are creating a circle, you simply only need to create a cylinder of height 1.
|Example: Creating a filled glass cylinder of radius 5 and height 10|
//cyl glass 5 10
|Example: Creating a hollow glass circle of radius 5
//hcyl glass 5 1
Elliptical cylinders and ellipses
- //cyl <block> <radiusEW>,<radiusNS> [height]
- //hcyl <block> <radiusEW>,<radiusNS> [height]
By specifying 2 radii, separated by a comma, you can generate elliptical cylinders.
The first radius is east/west, the second radius is north/south.
- //sphere <block> <radius> [raised?]
- //hsphere <block> <radius> [raised?]
Both hollow and filled spheres can be created. By default, the center of the sphere will be the block above the one that you are standing on, but if you provide "yes" for the last parameter, the sphere will be raised by its radius so that its bottom is at your feet instead.
|Example: Creating a 4 radius sphere of glass
//sphere glass 4
|Example: Creating a raised 4 radius sphere of glass
//sphere glass 4 yes
- //sphere <block> <radius>,<radius>,<radius> [raised?]
- //hsphere <block> <radius>,<radius>,<radius> [raised?]
The order of the ellipsoid radii is north/south, up/down, east/west. When making ellipsoids, all three radii must be specified.
- //pyramid <block> <size>
- //hpyramid <block> <size>
Creates a hollow or filled pyramid with the specified block pattern and size.
|Example: Creating a 5 high hollow pyramid out of glass with a side length of 10
//hpyramid glass 5
- //forestgen [size] [type] [density]
Forests can be generated with this command. The size parameter indicates the width and height of the square area to generate the forests in. The density can vary between 0 and 100, and numbers like 0.1 will work. Be aware that it is not possible to get 100% density (a tree in every spot) as Notch's tree algorithm won't permit that, and the default density of 5% already generates a very thick forest. Lastly, the command searches the area around you, controlled by the size parameter, and it will descend in elevation a bit in order to find grass or dirt (trees will only be generated on top of those two blocks), but it will not ever go up above your feet. Thus, you will have to stand on a raised platform sometimes in order to fill an entire area. See the list of tree types. that you can use.
|Warning: If you are using the single player version, be aware that these trees cannot be undone.
|Example: Generating forests in a 10 by 10 area
/forestgen 10
|Example: Generating a 0.5% dense 10 by 10 forest
/forestgen 10 tree 0.5
Pumpkin patches
- /pumpkins [size]
WorldEdit can generate pumpkin patches that even contain leaves (Notch's pumpkin patches do not contain leaves). The size parameter is the width and height of the square area to generate the patches within, radiating out from your feet. The density of the patches is currently not adjustable.
|Example: Generating pumpkin patches in a 5 by 5 area
/pumpkins 5
Arbitrary shapes
- //g[en[erate]] <block> <expression>
Generates any shape that can be described with a mathematical formula:
- A torus
- Rotated cylinders
- Jagged canyons
- Any shape you can imagine and boil down into a formula
- -r Use raw coordinates, as they appear on the debug screen (F3)
- -o Use raw coordinate offsets with (0,0,0) at your position/pos1, depending on your settings
- with neither of these flags, coordinates will be normalized to -1..1
- -h Generate a hollow shape. Blocks will only be set if they neighbour any blocks that are not part of the shape.
- x, y, z (input) - Coordinates
- type, data (input/output) - Material to use, defaults to the block/pattern entered
Return value (numeric boolean):
true (> 0) - This block is part of the shape
false (<= 0) - This block is not part of the shape
The expression parser's logical and comparison operators all return 0 (false) or 1 (true), so you can just specify an equation which returns such a truth value.
|Example: Torus of major radius 0.75 and minor radius 0.25
//g stone (0.75-sqrt(x^2+y^2))^2+z^2 < 0.25^2
|Example: Gnarled hollow tree
//g -h log (0.5+sin(atan2(x,z)*8)*0.2)*(sqrt(x*x+z*z)/0.5)^(-2)-1.2 < y
|Example: Rainbow Torus
//g wool data=(32+15/2/pi*atan2(x,y))%16; (0.75-sqrt(x^2+y^2))^2+z^2 < 0.25^2
|Example: Rainbow Egg
//g wool data=(32+y*16+1)%16; y^2/9+x^2/6*(1/(1-0.4*y))+z^2/6*(1/(1-0.4*y))<0.08
|Example: a heart
//g wool:red (z/2)^2+x^2+(5*y/4-sqrt(abs(x)))^2<0.6
|Example: Sine wave
//g -h glass sin(x*5)/2<y
|Example: Radial cosine wave
//g -h glass cos(sqrt(x^2+z^2)*5)/2<y
|Example: Circular Hyperboloid
//g stone -(z^2/12)+(y^2/4)-(x^2/12)>-0.03
This command uses the expression parser.


text:
Steroids News
- Kalpa Pharmaceuticals Limited Edition Read More
Xroids scam or not?
a top question answered with facts.Read More
- Xroids.com moved to Xroids.to Read More
Steroids Tags
anabolic steroids
Buy Steroids
injectable steroids
steroids side effect
steroids for sale
bodybuilding steroids
Kalpa Pharmaceuticals
dragon pharma
british dragon
muscle builder
buy hgh
growth hormone
human grow hormone
oral steroids
balkan pharmaceutics
deca durabolin
human growth hormone
growth hormone for sale
buy jintropin
buy steroids
Etigen 1 mg
Etigen 1 mg
Manufacturer: Lifecare Neuro Products Ltd
Substance: Etizolam
Pack: 100 tabs (1 mg/tab)
Etigen 1 mg
- No reviews found
Please log in to write review
Related Offers
My Cart
Shopping cart is empty
Login Form
Help Online
Buy Anabolic Steroids With Bitcoins | Xroids
Nowadays, Bitcoins is considered to be the most secure payment method because it protects the identity of both the seller and the buyer. BitCoins refers to a digital currency that offers the possibility to convert money into BitCoins.
Ken Shamrock: Yes, I used steroids
The allegations about the World's Most Dangerous Man proved to be true. After years of dismissing accusations -- not to mention a positive test result last year -- one of the Ultimate Fighting Championship's first Hall of Famers finally came clean about his steroid use as a mixed martial artist.
Muscle Building Steroids – Steroids legal muscle building
Building muscle Prendre steroids for muscle building has become almost a fad. Any person found near the bodybuilding prefers to rely on steroids. These steroids are the cons-products easily available on the market. They come in the category of artificial hormones and are also known as anabolic steroids. They help to increase the synthesis of proteins in the human body.


text:
Mitsui Jun – Magic Moment [Translated by Neko-Kun]
English Title: Magic Moment
Japanese Title: Magic Moment
Artist: Mitsui Jun
Circle: Sennen Teikoku
Pages: 29
Filesize: 28 MB
>>Direct Download<<
What's this!? A new translation after 3 years!? Yep O_O
This is the retouched version of Mitsui Jun's 2002 book, Magic Moment!
You can get Fubuki's wonderful scans of the original book here.
Not tooo much to say about this book, other than that it's amazing, like all of Mitsui's works! I definitely want to say a big big thank you to Mitsui Jun himself for sending me (and other western shota fans that have contacted him xD) these gorgeous uncensored, high quality original doujins for free. I did all of my own editing on this book, I can tell you that it makes a HUGE difference having high quality images to work with! He's such a lovely guy ^_^
This book actually contains two stories, "Fallin' Angel" and "Luke & Zack". I have a small note about the both of the titles:
"Fallin' Angel" is the unedited English title that Mitsui Jun gave the story, and seeing as the Japanese title has the same meaning, I left it as it was. A couple of my proofreaders thought it may have been a spelling error on my part, so I just wanted to clear it up here xD
For the "Luke & Zack" story, the book has a character page that has Luke and Zack named "Ryuck & Zaq" in the original scans and "Luc & Zack" in the new version. I went with Luke & Zack for the translation~
Anyway! I really love this book, and I hope that being able to read it in English makes you guys love it too~!
New Fubuki scans coming soon (within the next week, I hope!)


text:
Page 1
|1 of 3
This page
HASKINS & S E L LS NEW YORK KANSAS CITY CHICAGO PHILADELPHIA CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS SEATTLE PORTLAND DETROIT DENVER CLEVELAND ATLANTA SAINT LOUIS BULLETIN DALLAS BOSTON SALT LAKE CITY BALTIMORE TULSA PITTSBURGH WATERTOWN LOS ANGELES SAN FRANCISCO LONDON BUFFALO PARIS CINCINNATI HAVANA NEW ORLEANS SHANGHAI VOL. IV NEW YORK, JANUARY 15, 1921 No. 1 Announcements Salt Lake City: The opening, November 1, 1920, of an office in the Utah Savings and Trust Building, Salt Lake City, with Mr. W. M . McKendrick as manager, marks the establishment of our twenty-sixth practice office and the entry of the firm into Utah where it will carry on practice as public accountants. We have been encouraged to take this step by many friends in Utah who have indicated that we may be of service as a professional organization to the many business and financial interests there, and we appreciate the invitation to enter into relations with the people of a state which has been brought to a place of national importance through the energy, thrift, and enterprise of its citizens. The interest displayed by the bankers of Utah in a paper read by Mr. John R. Wildman, of our firm, before the Utah Bankers Association at Ogden, June 19, 1920, on "Certified Financial Statements as a Basis for Credit" and the adoption of a resolution by that association calling upon members to require financial statements before making loans, not only add to our encouragement but testify to the sound judgment of the Utah banking fraternity. The Salt Lake City office will, through collaboration with our San Francisco, Los Angeles and Denver offices and cooperation with our other practice offices, both in this country and abroad, enable us to render world service to the great Inter-mountain country of which Utah constitutes so important and worthy a part. Mr. N . K . Vincent, C. P. A . , Colorado and Missouri, for a number of years connected with the Denver office, will be attached to the Salt Lake City office as supervising accountant. Portland, Oregon: The chain of our offices along the Pacific Coast was reinforced January 8, 1921, by the opening of an office in Portland. While this territory has been served largely by the Seattle Office, with assistance at times from San Francisco, the demands upon us from Portland and vicinity have prompted us to make our service more accessible by the establishment of an office there. The office is located in the Pittock Block. Mr. Robert J . Leo, formerly of our San Francisco office, has been appointed manager.


text:
ATLANTA -- New Orleans Saints players say their bus was pelted with eggs by airport workers after they touched down in Atlanta.
Tight end Jimmy Graham, linebacker Will Herring and quarterback Chase Daniel tweeted about the incident Wednesday night at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
The Saints (5-6) face the first-place Falcons (10-1) on Thursday night at the Georgia Dome. New Orleans has won four straight and 11 of 13 in the series, including a 31-27 home win over Atlanta on Nov. 11. It remains the only loss for the Falcons (10-1), who otherwise have dominated the NFC South race.
Graham wrote on Twitter: "Bus just got egged after landing in ATL by the ramp workers. Classy!"
Daniel tweeted, "Wow ... we start getting eggs thrown (at) us by airport workers! Guess they do hate us!"
Herring seemed amused by the incident.
"First time my bus has been egged by opposing fans!" he tweeted. The game "should be fun!!"
The Falcons, four games ahead of second-place Tampa Bay, can clinch the division if they beat the Saints on Thursday night and Denver beats the Buccaneers on Sunday.
The Falcons couldn't score after having a second down at the Saints' 1-yard line late in the teams' last meeting. Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan said it was a missed opportunity the team can't repeat in its second chance against the Saints.
"The last time we played them, we fell short a little bit in the red zone," Ryan said. "Playing against New Orleans, it's imperative when you have opportunities in that part of the field, you have to take advantage of them and score touchdowns. I think that's something I can do better and we can do better as a team."
The missed opportunity prompted Falcons receiver Roddy White to say after the game, "It's not like they came out here and won a game. I think we kind of gave it to them."
Saints defensive end Will Smith didn't take kindly to those words, saying this week that White "has a problem with just saying things without thinking before he says things."
White didn't talk with reporters this week.
Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.


text:
ESSAY- God and prayer: Tough on us... and on egos
Gordon Livingston's October 8 essay "Divine design: Survivors right to question unanswered prayers" (The Hook 10/08/09 -10/14/09) verbalizes an almost universal concern, "unanswered prayer." He states that we "try to imagine some divine order that... explain(s) the vagaries of chance... or random outcomes." In essence, he questions the healing attributed to answered prayer, and is puzzled by that which seems "unanswered."
First of all, prayer is more than asking for healing. Or for a corner office. Prayer is establishing and maintaining communication with our Creator. For which we must, of course, acknowledge His/Its existence.
That the universe exists presupposes its creation by some power, principle, designer, (Aristotle's Prime Mover?): a Supreme Being. God.
Believers in God generally feel that there is a relationship between us and Him/Her/It that must be maintained– that God created us, and we are responsible to Him. That and prayer give us hope, an essential ingredient in life.
Livingston says we "choose some system of belief" and "imagine" what amounts to a benign God, and asks why such a God would deny prayer. He also suspects a certain air of superiority among those whose prayers are answered toward those whose are not, and asks why. So would I.
He asks a lot of whys. Okay, a Supreme Being/God by definition could not be a fantasy figure, nor would His existence be of our choosing or imagining. We don't control the universe, so its functions do not revolve around us. We are not– gasp– all-powerful. That humanistic idea is as old as humanity itself and leads to no realistic answers. It also requires little mental effort. It is part of our human nature to want to understand everything, to believe we can ultimately know all mysteries, be in control (read: ego, pride).
By definition, the word "God" denotes a Being beyond our comprehension, whose reasoning we cannot grasp (Isaiah 55: 8-9). When we pray, we by that action reaffirm our dependency, or cluelessness, our necessary trust in Him, our placing our lives and destinies in His hands. That's hell on our egos, and it is also the first and hardest step on a faith journey.
In prayer, we are, bottom-line, acknowledging God's power and control. It's part of the Covenant we Christians enter into with Him through Christ. We may ask for healing or whatever, and we are encouraged to do so in the Judeo/Christian Bible. But in essence, we are recognizing/agreeing that "thy will"– not my will– be done," as Christ prayed on the night of his betrayal and imminent crucifixion. If our prayers are answered "yes" we rejoice. If "no" or "not yet," we who believe recognize God's reasons as beyond our understanding, as Livingston wonders, and we accept that.
Very possibly, "no" answers (i.e. no healing, no instant gratification, perhaps even death) are in reality to be endured as tests of our faith. Big stakes tests.
Think about it: if every prayer were answered "yes," we could avert any and all mishaps– from death to a bad hair day or an unwelcome zit. Life, with nothing to mark it or hope for, would become a meaningless amoeba-like existence, as C. S. Lewis put it "not worth living." A non-test to which we had the cheat sheet.
Now, I can empathize with Mr. Livingston's loss. I too, have watched loved ones die. It is a grievous, heart-rending experience. And, no, the bromides don't console. But whoever promised us this life would be easy? That's a Disney movie ending. And no, we can't know why some people suffer more than others: God's business.
Livingston doubts miracles. I have, in a long life, survived experiences that defied reason, the law of averages, every aspect of our earthbound and limited logic– including a fall off a 15-story cliff for just one. And yes, I attribute my well-being to a God who has a plan/job for me to do. And I will keep that line of communication open to Him.
It is currently popular to doubt, to question, to be cynical about faith in God. That's easy. That's letting the material world shape us. Many in Mr. Livingston's profession of psychiatry think we believers are deluding ourselves by our faith and prayers.
Could be, but what have we given up to pursue our beliefs– violence, hatred, envy, lust, greed, corrosive doubt, and just plain meanness? How bad can that be?
Oh, and the death that Livingston says "puzzles and frightens us"? As a believer, when God's ready for me, I'm outta here. Grinning.
Free Union resident Charles McRaven, the pastor of Waddell Memorial Presbyterian Church in Rapidan, won the Hook's 2007 short-story contest.


text:
Dr. William Atkinson reviews medical content for Healthwise, a
nonprofit organization with a mission to help people make better health
decisions. He has worked in public health his entire professional career, first with the Louisiana State Health Department in New Orleans, and since 1989 with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, Georgia. Dr. Atkinson is on the Medical Advisory Board for the Centers for Disease Control; serves as Liaison Member for the Immunization Action Coalition, St. Paul; and is a Commissioned Officer of the United States Public Health Service. Dr. Atkinson is the head of the National Immunization Program at the Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta.
MD: University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, MO, 1977
Resident in Internal Medicine: Kern Medical Center, Bakersfield, CA, 1978–1981
Chief Medical Resident: Kern Medical Center, Bakersfield, CA, 1980–1981
Fellowship in Infectious Disease: University of California Irvine Medical Center, Irvine, CA, 1981–1983
Epidemic Intelligence Service Officer: Centers for Disease Control Division of Field Services, New Orleans, LA, 1983–1985
General Preventive Medicine Residency: School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, 1983–1986
Masters of Public Health: Epidemiology School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, 1986
American Board of Internal Medicine
American Board of General Preventive Medicine
Tulane University, New Orleans, LA:
No financial report received from reviewer.
Healthwise Staff
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.
To learn more visit Healthwise.org
© 1995-2012 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.


text:
Cruise Fleet:
Diamond Princess
Diamond Princess is a treasure trove of exceptional delights waiting to be discovered. Dine on freshly prepared sashimi in Kai Sushi, watch street performers in the dazzling Atrium, or take in a lavish production show in our state-of-the-art theater. And for a unique treat visit the Izumi Japanese Bath, the largest of its kind at sea.
Ship Facts
- Guests: 2,670
- Crew: 1,100
- Refurbished: March, 2014
- Inaugural Cruise: March 13, 2004
- Christener: Yoshiko Tsukuda (wife of president of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries)
- Guest Cabins: 1,337
- Number of Decks: 18
- Tonnage: 115,875
- Length: 952 feet
- Height: 205 feet
Onboard Experience
Throughout your cruise, whether you love activity or crave tranquility, Princess offers everything you could need for a relaxed, rejuvenating retreat, including a wide variety of freshly prepared cuisine and innovative experiences all designed to help you escape completely.
Indulge your appetite whenever you wish on board Princess. Every hour, our chefs are busy baking, grilling and sauteing great-tasting fare from scratch. Princess offers unparalleled inclusive dining options throughout the ship with a wide range of culinary delights to suit any palate, from endless buffet choice to gourmet pizza, frosty treats, decadent desserts and much more.
Anytime Dining
Just like a restaurant at home, Anytime Dining enables guests the freedom to dine when and with whom they wish, at any time between 5:30 PM and 10 PM. Reservations are available through an onboard dining hotline, but not required, and diners may choose to eat only with their own group, or be seated with other guests. The choice is yours.
Traditional Dining
Harkening back to the Golden Era of sea travel, our Traditional Dining option allows you to dine at the same time each day and enjoy the same tablemates and waitstaff throughout your voyage. Choose from either early or late seating.
Exclusive Club Class Dining
Take advantage of Club Class Dining, featuring expedited seating with no wait, special menu options, dedicated waitstaff and tableside preparations. Exclusively for Club Class Mini-Suite and Suite guests, special Dining Room access gets you to your table quickly.
May vary by ship
Crafted By Curtis Stone
In the Main Dining Room, savor fresh new cuisine designed by award-winning Chef Curtis Stone during every voyage. Personal reflections on the menu by Chef Stone elaborate on each "Crafted" selection, prepared with the most authentic ingredients. Be enticed by dishes featuring delicious meats and seafood, fresh produce and vibrant, bold flavors.
Chocolate Journeys
There are few foods that inspire as much passion as chocolate, and master chocolatier Norman Love has designed some of the most decadent, hand-crafted treats exclusively for Princess' Chocolate Journeys program. Trained in France, and named the Inaugural Inductee into the Chocolatier Hall of Fame by Dessert Professional Magazine, Chef Love combined premium quality chocolate with unique flavors and artful designs to mastermind his exclusive creations found in the main dining room and at Horizon Court.
Horizon Court
Horizon Court offers an endless selection that changes throughout the day to satisfy the most discriminating palate. Indulge in a delightful array of worldwide cuisine, freshly baked breads and regional comfort foods, in a casual setting at breakfast, lunch or dinner. Enjoy fresh fruits, signature pastas and desserts galore along with your favorite beverages and customizable features like create-your-own salads and sandwiches.
Beverage charges apply. Venues and menu items vary by ship and are subject to change.
Prego Pizzeria
A perennial Princess passenger favorite, Prego serves up freshly made Neopolitan-style pizza by the slice or by the whole pie. Named the "Best Pizza at Sea" by USA TODAY, you'll savor classic favorites made with hand-tossed dough, fresh tomato sauce, cheeses and pepperoni or try the daily specials.
Trident Grill
Follow your nose to the Trident Grill where the burgers are flipping and the hotdogs roasting, served with a variety of fixin's and crisp fries. Veggie burgers, bratwurst and grilled chicken breast are also served and all are sure to hit the spot when you are relaxing out on deck.
La Patisserie
For cappuccino, espresso and other coffee specialties, as well as fresh pastries throughout the day, head to La Patisserie for quick treats in a comfortable, casual sidewalk cafe-style setting. Savor a buttery croissant or your favorite cookie while sipping on an aromatic coffees. For something a little stronger, specialty drinks, wine, and beer are available at current menu prices.
24-hr Room Service
We offer 24-hour complimentary room service when you want to enjoy a quiet moment in your cabin eating a delicious club sandwich or maybe that slice of chocolate fudge cake you can't forget. Treat yourself to breakfast in bed, or stay in for an intimate dinner, and perhaps even cocktails, in the comfort of your stateroom. 24-hour room service is just a phone call away.
Specialty Dining
Dining on board a Princess cruise ship is a joyful celebration and our specialty restaurants always deliver an extraordinary experience. They are among the best at sea - or anywhere. We serve dishes made with the freshest ingredients, and our menus reflect regional flavors from around the world. You'll find our specialty restaurants are the perfect place to celebrate any occasion.
- Sabatini's
- Sterling Steakhouse
- Kai Sushi
Original musicals, dazzling magic shows, feature films, top comedians and nightclubs that get your feet moovin' and groovin'. There's something happening around every corner; luckily, you have a whole cruise of days and nights to experience it all.
Movies Under the Stars
Throughout the day and night, our exclusive open-air poolside amphitheater is the go-to destination for feature films, thrilling concerts and exciting sporting events such as live football games. Cozy up under a fleece blanket in the comfortable lounger and feast on complimentary fresh-popped popcorn in the evening or delicious cookies and milk during the day, and enjoy that exciting car chase or mystery thriller on the giant screen.
Original Musical Productions
Crafted by some of the world's top directors and choreographers, our remarkable and dynamic Princess productions transport you to realms as exotic as the destinations we visit. Imaginative shows created in-house feature dazzling stage sets, Broadway classics, popular hits and original numbers performed by some of the largest and most talented casts at sea.
Music & Dancing
When it comes to music and dancing we've got everything that your musical palette may desire. Whether it's tapping your toes to cover bands, singing along in the piano bar, relaxing to classical strings or dancing the night away in the nightclub, you'll be satisfied!
Vegas Style Casino
From gaming lessons to the latest slot machines to prize tournaments, our Casinos offer fun and excitement. If you enjoy blackjack, or "21," and Texas Hold 'Em, our tables play by Vegas rules and if you relish the challenge of roulette, we offer the American version.
Featured Guest Entertainers
Grab a seat, order a cocktail and be prepared to be entertained by our lineup of world class entertainers. From magic to comedy, singers to instrumentalists, jugglers to balancing acts and much, much more, we search the globe for top talent to be featured on our ships. So get ready to be amazed, entertained, mesmerized or just laugh the night away!
Princess Theater
With dazzling stage sets, artists from around the globe, modern hits and timeless classics, the Princess Theater, our largest theater yet, showcases lavish, original productions with dynamic cast members in sumptuous surroundings. In this ultramodern theater, relax in a plush seat with unobstructed sight lines as the velvet curtain goes up, a state-of-the-art lighting system illuminates the stage, and it's on with the show!
Smoking a cigar doesn't have to be a reminder of another era - at Churchill's you can puff on your favorite stogie among like-minded aficionados. Churchill's is a hidden gem where the cozy, pub-like atmosphere invites cigar and cigarette smokers to sit down with a refreshing drink, their favorite smoke and enjoy the evening. Located near the casino, the comfortable lounge is decked out with humidors and high quality cigars for sale.
Club Fusion
When the sun goes down and the moon comes up, it's time to get your feet movin' and your heart pumpin' at Club Fusion. A little eclectic and a whole lot of fun, the dance floor lights and booming sound system invite you to get up and show off your moves and grooves. Karaoke contests, live performances and theme-parties like "60s British Invasion" are just a few of the nightly events that will have you on your feet.
Skywalkers Nightclub
Hot music and cool cocktails set to a DJ spinning popular club tunes is the ideal setting for a night of dancing. Gleaming, ultra modern and ultra cool, this hot spot invites a little stargazing while the colorful neon dance floor invites everyone to get up and boogie down. Boasting panoramic views from its vantage point 15 decks above the sea, it's the perfect place for dancing and socializing.
On every Princess ship, you'll find so many ways to play, day or night. Explore The Shops of Princess, celebrate cultures at our Festivals of the World or learn a new talent - our onboard activities will keep you engaged every moment of your cruise vacation.
Discovery at SEA Programs Our exclusive partnership with Discovery CommunicationsTM lets you come back captivated with Stargazing on our top deck; activities featuring DiscoveryTM hit shows such as Shark Week and Finding Bigfoot; plus our new Encounters with Discovery at SEA speaker series. Get more out of your travels with shore excursions recommended by two of the most trusted names in world travel-DiscoveryTM and Animal PlanetTM.
Festivals of the World
There's nothing like a Princess party to bring people together. Our Festivals of the World hosts onboard events that celebrate timeless traditions from nearly every corner of the globe.* Parties and dancing, lively music and folkloric performances, enriching activities, themed movies and specialty shopping are just some of the ways our Festivals of the World come to life! From Oktoberfest to Rio's Carnival, Festivals of the World is a gala event you won't want to miss.
*On select sailings.
The Shops of Princess
It's no surprise The Shops are awarded "Best Onboard Shopping" from Porthole magazine year after year. On board, you'll find a fabulous range of fine merchandise from brands like Swarovski, Chanel, Estee Lauder, Clinique, Lancome, Calvin Klein, Citizen and Tissot, plus local crafts, keepsakes and souvenirs. And everyday tax- and duty-free savings can add up to as much as 30% off suggested U.S. retail prices.
Art Gallery & Auctions
Great art, like the destinations we visit, can be awe-inspiring. Peruse our extensive art gallery, or attend an art history lecture highlighting some of the world's greatest masters. And don't miss our exciting Champagne Art Auctions, which give you the chance to view and bid on a wide range of fine art, including pieces by famous artists like Thomas Kincade, Wyland, and Michael Godard. There is no charge to attend these lively events.
Photo & Video Gallery
Great art, like the destinations we visit, can be awe-inspiring. Peruse our extensive art gallery, or attend an art history lecture highlighting some of the world's greatest masters. And don't miss our exciting Champagne Art Auctions, which give you the chance to view and bid on a wide range of fine art, including pieces by famous artists like Thomas Kincade, Peter Max, and Michael Godard. There is no charge to attend these lively events.
Platinum Photography Studio
Our Platinum Studio specializes in premium black and white portraits. Skilled photographers using expert lighting techniques will create a suite of stunning photographs that truly capture the essence of its subject. After your purchase, the portraits are professionally printed and mounted at a custom photo lab on premium quality paper. Then, they're artfully packaged and delivered to your home after your cruise.
Freshwater Pools & Hot Tubs
Take a dip in our sparkling freshwater pools and leave your everyday world behind. Unwind on a padded lounger and soak up the sun, catch up on reading, listen to music or dream of your next adventure on board or ashore. And what better way to relax and revitalize after a day exploring the world than a long soak in one of our whirling hot tubs. And don't forget, there is always a server nearby to bring you a refreshing cocktail or favorite beverage.
Sports Court
Feel the court under your feet and the thrill of victory as you sink the ball in for two points. No matter your athletic ability, there's nothing like shooting a few hoops out in the middle of the ocean as you watch the sun set and the stars come out. Our Sports Court is not only set up for basketball but also for volleyball. Pick up a game, compete against fellow passengers for bragging rights, or start your own dream team.
Internet Cafe & Library
Our Internet Cafe is filled with computers so it's easy to access your mail account or browse the Internet for world news, sports and stock trading. Or bring your own electronic devices and access the Internet through our improved onboard wireless service. The Internet Cafe is open 24 hours a day. For those looking to absorb more traditional media, our onboard library is fully stocked with up to 2,000 books, many specifically tailored to your itinerary as well as the classics and best sellers.
Kids, Teens & Family
Leave it to Princess to create experiences the whole family can enjoy. The destinations we visit come to life with our Festivals of the World celebrations and Discovery at SeaTM programs like Shark Week. If you're looking for some friendly competition there's Wii family tournaments, indoor and outdoor sports, and The Voice of the Ocean, our high-seas version of the TV singing sensation where guests choose the winner.
Just For Kids 3-7
Even the littlest guests will delight in this whimsical, forest-themed world that inspires playtime and invites exploration. Kids, ages 3 to 7, can dance, enjoy pajama movie nights, create art projects like Animal Planet puppets and masks or compete in a Lego boat-building contest.
Just For Kids 8-12
Inspired by the great outdoors, this cozy center keeps kids busy with games, dancing and kid-sized Olympic competitions. Their minds stay busy, too, with California Science Center programs like rocket building, or they can explore outer space with Stargazing and learning how to build a model roller coaster. Exciting events like talent shows, theme nights, and treasure hunts encourage new friendships and family togetherness.
Just For Teens 13-17
This contemporary lounge is "the place" for teens - perfect for hanging out and socializing with late-night movie viewing, hip hop dance classes, video game tournaments and sports competitions like dodgeball and basketball. But that's just the beginning. They'll dazzle on the red carpet with our Rock the Boat teens-only party, complete with awards and "mocktails."
Princess makes it easy to sail together in comfort. There is a wide selection of staterooms accommodating up to four guests, and you'll enjoy substantial savings on your third and fourth guests. There are also connecting stateroom options, as well as Two Bedroom Family Suites, with room for up to eight guests, which offer more living space, a balcony and two bathrooms, including a full bath tub.


text:
Bonds' support slips a bit in Hall of Fame voting
All-time home run leader named on 34.7 percent of ballots in second year
NEW YORK -- Barry Bonds didn't gain any ground as he came under the scrutiny of the Baseball Writers' Association of America in its annual voting for the National Baseball Hall of Fame in his second year of eligibility.
The all-time leader with 762 career homers and 73 in a single season, Bonds slipped slightly from 36.2 percent of the vote in his first appearance on the ballot to 34.7 in voting announced Wednesday for the Class of 2014. Greg Maddux, Tom Glavine and Frank Thomas, all contemporaries of Bonds, were overwhelmingly elected, with Craig Biggio falling just two votes short.
"He was the best hitter I ever faced, to be honest with you," Maddux said when asked about the former Giants and Pirates star left fielder during a conference call Wednesday. "When he was in Pittsburgh, he was good. He might have been the best player when he was a Pirate, too. As far as the Hall of Fame is concerned, I definitely respect Barry's ability to play baseball. It was always a privilege to face him. The game revolved around him."
As in any election to the Hall, a player must garner at least 75 percent of the vote to be elected. Last year, of the 569 ballots cast, 427 votes were needed for election. Bonds' name appeared on 206 of the ballots, finishing ninth overall. This year, Bonds earned 198 of 571 votes (429 were needed for election), finishing 10th just behind Roger Clemens.
Bonds knows he is considered one of the most polarizing players in baseball history. For 22 years, he did things his way, going against the grain inside and outside of baseball. The end of Bonds' career was marked by the BALCO investigation, suspicion of performance-enhancing drug use and the federal court case that resulted in a guilty conviction for obstruction of justice. He was exonerated on charges of perjury.
Bonds said that he wishes he had done some things differently.
"But I can't turn back the clock now," he said. "Time has passed. Wounds for me have healed."
On paper, Bonds would undoubtedly have been a first-ballot Hall of Fame contender simply on merit. Playing his first seven seasons for the Pirates and his last 15 for the Giants, Bonds holds the all-time records for homers in a career and a single season, as well as walks (2,558) and intentional walks (688). In the popular metrics of today, Bonds is third in overall Wins Above Replacement (WAR) behind Babe Ruth and Cy Young, third in offensive WAR, sixth with a .444 on-base percentage, sixth with a .607 slugging percentage and fourth with a 1.051 OPS, which combines on-base and slugging percentages. He won the National League MVP Award seven times.
The son of the late Bobby Bonds and the godson of Giants icon and Hall of Famer Willie Mays, Bonds is the only player in MLB history to amass more than 500 homers and 500 stolen bases, finishing with 514 steals. No one else is close -- not even Mays, who had 660 homers and 338 steals in 22 seasons. When his career ended in 2007, Bonds finished 65 hits short of 3,000, four RBIs shy of 2,000 and with 2,227 runs scored.
Hank Aaron, whom Bonds passed on Aug. 7, 2007, with his 756th homer to take the all-time lead, is the only player to amass more than 700 homers, 3,000 hits, 2,000 RBIs and 2,000 runs scored.
Bonds, 49, has said he'd like to get back into baseball as a hitting instructor.
"I'm an expert in baseball, and I don't even have a job," Bonds said. "I'm an expert, more so than a lot of people out there. It should be my career until I'm dead. I should be one of the instructors. I think I've earned it."
Meanwhile, he'll have 13 more times on the BBWAA ballot to see if his fortunes change, as long as he maintains the requisite 5 percent of the vote each year.


text:
Welcome to General Hotel
Since 1955, General Hotel & Restaurant Supply has developed a reputation for quality, integrity, innovation and service. From concept to installation, General can support your every need. We are franchised dealers for virtually every major manufacturer in the Hospitality Industry. All of our Design Engineers, Interior Designers and Sales Representatives are well versed in the latest developments and new products available which can increase the efficiency and profitability of your establishment. Our priority is to assist you in succeeding.
We offer our clients and customers many important benefits:
- Over 60 years of dedicated service in the Hospitality and Health Care Industry
- Complete International Sales, in house Interior Design and Engineering Divisions
- Convenient sales offices located throughout the State of Florida
- A large modern showroom and warehouse facility located within minutes from international air and sea connections, we offer the international customer a reliable and responsible source of supply. We have a state-of-the-art 100,000+ square foot Foodservice Distribution Center including a fully-operational test kitchen and 15,000 square foot Cash N' Carry Store. We offer our customers convenience as well as all of the latest products and services.
- Sales Associates that are known throughout the industry for their high level of knowledge, expertise and above all their professionalism. Not only are they creative and resourceful when it comes to your budgets and limitations, but they stand behind our company commitment to fill your orders punctually and accurately. Let us bring our restaurant supply store to your door!
- Open 7 Days a Week! Visit our restaurant supply store, Restaurant Supply USA, for your every hotel and restaurant supply need seven days a week. We're open when you need it! Forget something? Run out of a critical item during a busy Sunday brunch? Don't worry! We're open and have what you need in stock and ready to go.
- An annual Fall Warehouse Sale & Trade Expo, where we invite our customers to discuss products and view demonstrations with over 100 key factories.
Feel free to call and speak with any of our qualified salespeople and engineers regarding your ideas, concepts, designs or other hospitality needs. Let us turn your dreams into reality!
General Hotel has worked with us on several ventures to achieve this profile. In each instance…Read MoreChef Michael B. Jacobs
Strategic Hospitality Group, Corp.
We are impressed with the timely response, the attention to every request, and the willingness to provide us with the best product at the best price… Read MoreJenny Rojas, Purchasing
Miccosukee Resort & Gaming
General Hotel has been a solid vendor partner of our property for many years. Not only have they delivered products on a timely basis, but also within my budgetary guidelines…Read MoreBarbie Oses, Purchasing
Intercontinental Hotel
Thru my involvement with six different brands you have helped to build over 100 restaurants for me and helped remodel them to the tune of 300 remodels…Read MoreBob Leonard
Consultant to the Restaurant Business
Recently, we remodeled our Fontana Restaurant's exhibition kitchen and rebuilt our Golf Clubhouse. General Hotel provided outstanding service…Read MoreEdmundo Perez, Chief Engineer
The Biltmore Hotel
Walter Simon and his team bring many skills and abilities to the table. They are at the forefront of kitchen design and logistics…Read MoreGregory Sgarro, Executive Chef
Trump National Doral
As we expand our business and locations, General has been our partner in helping to ensure the profitability of our company…Read MoreRamon Rodriguez, Owner
Rey's Pizza
We have a fast paced business and need a company that can keep up with the demands of the party rental industry. General Hotel has demonstrated this ability…Read MoreCarlos Melendez, Owner
Diamonette Party Rental
We need a supplier that can get us what we need, when we need it. General Hotel provides an invaluable service to us by recommending better, and more efficient, equipment…Read MoreNancy Andrade, Owner
Islas Canarias Restaurante
Nosotros estamos muy agradecidos por la ayuda que nos prestaste para realizar la compra de los materiales de la barra. Ya tenemos todos los pedidos y quedamos muy satisfechos…Read MoreChristian Ros
Working with General Hotel has been a very productive and successful experience. It is always a pleasure to work with…Read MoreMaxine Yoss
Shula's Hotel & Golf Club
Receive exclusive offers and deals
on the latest industry trends!


text:
A Bum Rap for Limited Government
Every so often an editorial comes along that is so obtuse that you wonder if it came from human hand. I allude, not surprisingly, to the item in this morning's New York Times, "Limits of Libertarianism," which arises from the kerfuffle over Rand Paul's critique of the 1964 Civil Rights Act for its undermining the private right to freedom of association.
The editorial's main target, however, lies beyond the Paul senatorial campaign. It's the tea party movement and its libertarian, limited government themes. But from the start the Times conflates limited government with anti government. They're not the same. More broadly, the editorial shows beyond doubt that the Times, ever the friend of "enlightened government," finds danger lurking mostly in the private sector. (One wonders just how it is that those not‐to‐be‐trusted private actors become so quickly enlightened once they get their hands on monopoly government power.)
Thus, we're told that the libertarian theory of private liberty has "roots in America's creation, but the succeeding centuries have shown how ineffective it was in promoting a civil society." Really? What history have the scribes at the Times been reading? Their next line, presumably supporting that claim, only compounds the mystery: "The freedom of a few people to discriminate meant generations of less freedom for large groups of others." Is that what slavery was, private discrimination, to be corrected by government?
Apparently, because following immediately is the editorialists' main point: "It was only government power that ended slavery and abolished Jim Crow, neither of which would have been eliminated by a purely free market. It was government that rescued the economy from the Depression."
Where to begin. Skip the Depression point; it's been so often refuted that one does so again only with embarrassment for its authors. The first claim, however, warrants more than passing attention. Contending that only government power saved us from slavery and Jim Crow, it ignores the role of private power – the abolitionists, and the civil rights movement – that brought about that government power. More important, it invites us to believe that government had little or nothing to do with slavery and Jim Crow in the first place when in truth we would have had neither without government's creation of those legal institutions, with legal sanctions that kept them in place. Indeed, it is limited government, government limited to securing our rights, that is the surest guarantee against those twin evils.


text:
(covers information from several alternate timelines)
Headgear was a form of clothing worn on a person's head.
When Caylem made a comedic performance to divert the Mokra Order soldiers in 2372, Augris placed a fruit on his head like a hat. (VOY: "Resistance")
Hats and caps Edit
A hat (or cap) was a device worn on an individual's head. Typically, a visor or brim extended from the front of the hat so as to protect a person's eyes and head from the elements. They could also be a part of casual wear or be worn with a religious background. Hats sometimes had a design on their front, such as words or an image.
Several women wore hats as clothing accessories. Guinan also wore a variety of unique hats. (TNG: "The Big Goodbye", "We'll Always Have Paris", Star Trek: The Next Generation)
Tom Paris wore a hat to cover the haircuts his father forced him to get every summer. B'Elanna Torres tried to hide her cranial ridges under hats and scarves. (VOY: "Faces")
Types of hats Edit
- United Earth Starfleet cap
- This cap with a brim, in the style worn by baseball players, was worn by United Earth Starfleet crew in the 22nd century. Captain Jonathan Archer and Crewman Alex had such a cap with their ship's registry, "NX-01", stitched on the front. (ENT: "Broken Bow")
- Archer, as well as Travis Mayweather and Crewman Ethan Novakovich wore these caps while exploring the first M-Class planet the crew of Enterprise surveyed. (ENT: "Strange New World")
- Reed and Tucker wore caps while stranded on a shuttlepod. (ENT: "Shuttlepod One")
- Archer and Trip Tucker wore these caps while crossing the desert terrain on the Torothan homeworld. (ENT: "Desert Crossing")
- T'Pol wore this cap while trying to be unseen by MACOs after she was relieved of duty by Archer and was confined to her quarters. (ENT: "Hatchery")
- Archer also wore his cap during his venture into Vulcan's Forge to help protect his eyes from the Vulcan sun. (ENT: "The Forge")
- Federation Starfleet officer hat
- Uniform accessory worn by Starfleet officers, including Christopher Pike, in the 2250s, (TOS: "The Cage")
- Starfleet Academy recruits and instructors also wore caps in the alternate reality. (Star Trek, Star Trek Into Darkness) Dress uniforms also had a hat. (Star Trek Into Darkness)
- Baseball cap
- This design of baseball cap was worn by the Niners baseball team consisting primarily of the Deep Space 9 senior staff. The cap featured a baseball with the horizontal design of DS9 overlayed on the right-hand side stitching. Their opponents, the Logicians – from the all-Vulcan crew of the USS T'Kumbra – wore a cap with an IDIC, the symbol of their people, on the front. (DS9: "Take Me Out to the Holosuite")
- Bowler
- Worn by the working class in the late 19th century. (TNG: "Time's Arrow")
- Cowboy hat
- Worn by cowboys in the western era. They were often seen in movies. (ENT: "The Catwalk")
|Warning! This section may contain spoilers for Star Trek: Picard.
- Turban
- Worn by some Humans in the 20th century. (TOS: "Space Seed")
Bajoran hats Edit
Bajoran vedeks and kais, such as Winn Adami, wore special types of hats. (Star Trek: Deep Space Nine)
Headband Edit
Headbands were a strip of fabric worn around the head to keep the hair up and out of the eyes.
In 2263, Hikaru Sulu and Ben's daughter wore a blue headband with when she was reunited with Sulu on Yorktown starbase. pink hairband during the Krall's attack. (Star Trek Beyond)
Lieutenant Valeris wore what looked like a metal headband in 2293. (Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country)
Counselor Deanna Troi usually wore different styles of headbands made of plastic, metal or fabric. (TNG: "Encounter at Farpoint" et al)
Starfleet headbands were usually matching to the division. Crewmembers who wore headbands include Ro Laren(TNG: "Ensign Ro", "The Next Phase") and Henley. The latter was reprimanded by Tuvok in 2371 for wearing one, as it violated Starfleet regulations, though he did remark that it was "festive". (VOY: "Learning Curve")
While the Ligonian First One Yareena wore a headband during the contact with the crew from the Enterprise-D in 2364, security chief Natasha Yar also wore a black headband during her hand-to-hand combat with Yareena at the Ligonian Centerplace. (TNG: "Code of Honor")
An Arkenite at Starfleet Command wore a black band on his head during the Whale Probe crisis. (Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home)
Headdress Edit
The headdress was a piece of material worn around the back of a head. It was normally seen worn by Ferengi.
The recreated Ferengi sciences officer aboard Terrasphere 8 was wearing a headdress matching his uniform color. (VOY: "In the Flesh")
Helmets Edit
Helmets were a device made of a material much harder than that of a hat. They were generally worn strictly for protective reasons, although they could also be worn for decoration.
The helmets included with United Earth Starfleet EV suits, according to Malcolm Reed, after wearing his suit for three days, felt as if it would have fused to his skull, leading him to threaten to "find the designer of this suit make him wear it for three days." (ENT: "United")
Two members of Wilbur's species wore small transparent helmets (as well as overalls and goggles) while walking around on Starbase Yorktown in 2263. (Star Trek Beyond)
Types of helmetsEdit
- Army helmet
- Several of the Onlies on Miri's planet wore helmets resembling those of United States Army soldiers. (TOS: "Miri")
- Football helmet
- On the planet Earth, players of the sport of football wore protective helmets equipped with face masks. One of the Onlies on Miri's planet wore a football helmet similar to those worn on Earth in the mid-20th century. (TOS: "Miri")
- Romulan helmet
- Crew members aboard Romulan Birds-of-Prey during the 2260s wore helmets. Some exceptions included the ship's commanding officer and his centurion. (TOS: "Balance of Terror", "The Enterprise Incident")
- Starfleet security helmet
- Introduced in the 2270s, these helmets were a part of a Starfleet Security officer's uniform, due to the sometimes hazardous nature of their work. (Star Trek: The Motion Picture; Star Trek III: The Search for Spock)
- Klingon helmet
- Light helmets were donned by workers in the underground Klingon dilithium mines of Rura Penthe in the 2290s. They were not in evidence during dilithium mining on Rura Penthe during the 2150s. (Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country; ENT: "Judgment")
- In the alternate reality, all members of the Klingon Defense Force wore helmets that gave everyone the appearance of cranial ridges. (Star Trek Into Darkness)
- Hunter helmet
- The Hunters, a species from the Gamma Quadrant, wore these high-technology helmets during their hunt for a Tosk. The helmets allowed the Hunters to see even the cloaked Tosk. (DS9: "Captive Pursuit")
- Ekosian Nazi helmet
- Within their military, Ekosian soldiers wore helmets identical to those of the National Socialist Party in 1930s-1940s Earth. (TOS: "Patterns of Force")
- Mokra Order helmet
- The soldiers of the Mokra Order wore black helmets matching their uniforms. Inside the detention facility they took them off. (VOY: "Resistance")
- World War III-era Helmet
- During World War III, soldiers were seen wearing combat helmets equipped with cameras in order to record events that occurred on the battlefield. One of these helmets managed to record the Red Angel transport the members of the East Fork Presbyterian Church to the planet Terralysium. (DIS: "New Eden")


text:
Loading notifications...
Surprisingly good! I wasn't expecting this drink to be (lightly) carbonated....it was a nice surprise! Flavor was good and it definitely gave noticeable energy. I tried it before a workout in place of my preworkout drink. I wouldn't replace my preworkout supplement (it gave me a less focused energy) but I would drink it if I needed a little pick me up throughout the day!
We've got four words for you. Good Energy. Smart Organics.
GURU Energy Drink is crafted with natural and organic ingredients to give you the Good Energy you need to accomplish great things, without comprising your health! Add some pep to your step with a 100mg dose of naturally occurring caffeine in each can.
GURU is all about Smart Organics. Their authentic preparation of infused and brewed botanicals includes green tea, ginseng, guarana and echinacea. Plus, it's Certified Organic and Non-GMO Project Verified. Lets get sippin'!
GURU Organic Energy Drink
Sparkling Water, Organic Cane Sugar, Organic White Grape Juice, Citric Acid, Apple Acid, Natural Flavours, Organic Green Tea Extract, Organic Guarana Extract, Organic Echinacea Extract, Organic Panax Ginseng Extract
*This product is not suitable for pregnant women
Nutrition Facts: Per 1 can 8.4 fl oz. (250 ml)
Not a significant source of Saturated Fat, Trans Fat, Cholesterol, Fibre, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Calcium or Iron.
GURU Organic Energy Drink Lite
Ingredients: Sparkling Water, Organic Cane Syrup, Organic Green Tea Leaf Extract, Citric Acid, Natural Flavors, Salt, Organic Stevia Leaf Extract, Luo Han Guo Fruit Extract, Organic Guarana Seed Extract, Organic Echinacea Flower Extract, Organic Panax Ginseng Root Extract
Nutrition Facts: Per 1 can 8.4 fl oz (250 ml)
Not a significant source of calories from Fat, Saturated Fat, Trans Fat, Cholesterol, Dietary Fiber, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Calcium and Iron. *Percent daily values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
Guru energy drink is very tasty, organic and NON GMO which is what I look for in for food and beverages.It gave me steady energy not gittery
Tasty compared to other energy drinks. I'm not big on energy drinks because they usually make me jittery however i didn't experience jitters with this brand
I loved the taste of it. It's a great product. It energizes me throughout the day, even at work. I like the fact that it's organic. I recamend it to friends and family.
It was really good I enjoyed the flavor. It gave me energy without the come down like from other drinks would. I like the fact that it is organic because I am trying to eat and drink healthier without all the chemicals and sugars
Perfect for any weather and quenching as well as energizing! Flavor is easy on the taste buds. Not bitter and did not give me the jitters . .
Loading notifications...
Already have an account? Login


text:
Everyone, it seems, is trying to create new ways for groups of people to work together, from tech titans like Microsoft and Google to up-and-comers like Jive and Box.
Despite the heavy-duty competitive landscape, Smartsheet still feels as if there's plenty of room to operate. And the six-year-old Bellevue company today is getting a ringing endorsement to the tune of $26 million, a cash infusion that Smartsheet plans to use to grow its market share in the rapidly expanding online collaboration sector.
Leading the deal is Insight Venture Partners, with existing backer Madrona Venture Group also joining the round. Total funding now stands at $34 million.
Smartsheet has been operating a bit under the radar in recent years (I've written just one article about them at GeekWire). But the company is growing fast, and the new cash will add a bit more rocket fuel at a time when more businesses are trying to get disparate workforces to collaborate in real time. Smartsheet now has more than 20,000 paying customers, including clients like HomeAway, DHL, Toshiba, ESPN and Sony Music.
"We've been growing the last three years, more than triple-digit growth, and we've been amassing the evidence that there's a flipping huge opportunity here," said CEO Mark Mader, a former executive at Onyx Software where Smartsheet founder Brent Frei previously held the CEO title.
Smartsheet employs 40 people, but it could hire up to 100 staffers with the new cash in the next 18 months, said Mader. (It just expanded at its office space in downtown Bellevue).
Asked how they plan to use the new cash, Mader immediately responded: "hiring."
"It's on the brain big time," he said. "Every aspect of our company is in scale mode right now."
Smartsheet differs from the competition in that it takes the best design elements of Microsoft Excel, and combines it with a robust cloud environment on the backend.
"We believe that we are unique in the sense that we are the only folks who really embrace the known form factor of the spreadsheet," said Mader. "It is a hybrid of Excel, SharePoint, Project and Access, and putting that together into a very consumable framework. And that has landed with people."
Asked more specifically about competition, Mader responded that the biggest impediment at the moment is the status quo of people emailing spreadsheets to one another.
"There is no one competitor that is getting a dominant share of new leads today," he said.
To some degree, Mader sees Smartsheet as the "iPhone of work collaboration apps" in that it ties together a lot various elements in a unified and intelligible way.
"The delivery of that in a highly usable form — that is really hard," he said. The service also is designed so that those in other organizations can easily utilize it, with Mader noting that about half of the 1 million collaborators who use Smartsheet are actually outside of a customer organization's workforce.
That makes customer acquisition even easier, with about half of the revenue to date coming from overseas.
"Nearly two thirds of our new business every month comes through the natural use of the product, as opposed to us having to pay advertising dollars to get it," he said.
Even so, Mader noted that there are "millions of teams that have not yet heard of Smartsheet."
Madrona's Matt McIlwain added that Smartsheet is both easy to use and enterprise grade, noting that the company was patient in how it built the product.
"They also have incredible momentum with enterprises who are starting to standardize on cloud solutions that are collaborative, scalable and mobile — like Smartsheet, Dropbox, Box.net. I can see Smartsheet becoming Seattle's major play in this space over the next few years," said McIlwain.
As a result of the deal, Ryan Hinkle of Insight Venture Partners will join Smartsheet's board.


text:
Have you got a keen eye for trends in the world of real estate? If so, what's stopping you from becoming an investor?
For those who know what they're doing, the world of property investment is a lucrative one. Here, we run through five tips for investing in real estate, giving you the basis for a profitable portfolio.


text:
Does this look familiar to you?
Now follow Medical Mondays on Twitter! #MedMonday
I love Vinca, my mother has it growing all over her backyard. I was going to get some too, but now I know it's poisonous, I'm thinking it over. Thanks Lydia. Important stuff.
I always thought of the chemotherapy meds as heavily synthesized compounds, so this is really cool information about how natural compounds can be powerful as well. Thanks, Lydia!
Love periwinkle! I have them all over and now I've learned something new. Can't wait to tell my stepdad. He's a landscaper.
I think vinca is pretty, especially the type with striped leaves, but my husband hates it and keeps ripping it out whenever he sees it.
When I hear about the medicinal properties of plants like this, I always wonder how people figured it out. Did people just wander about, eating plants to see what happened to them, hmmm?
I have vinca and had no idea it was used for chemo.
I'm glad you didn't go into great detail about the chemo because my sister had to go through lots of it before it stopped working and you know the rest.
WOW! I have a patch of vinca near the road because it's so easy to grow and will tolerated lots of water, heat, and poor soil. I had no idea they were anything more than a pretty flower. Very cool.
No way. I did not know that. That's cool! I'm so proud of myself. By looking at the photo, I actually recognized this one!!
Thanks for sharing your knowledge here. I love learning about these.
I love love love periwinkles! My favourite wild flower - absolutely pretty!! And now I know they are also good for you! Yay! Take care
It just shows you how beauty isn't everything. Go beneath the pretty looks, and you'll find a depth you never imagined.
(lol can you tell the last post I read was on characterization???)
Cool info!
Awesome plants are especially useful for us fantasy writers!
That stuff grows around here. Promise I won't eat any of it.
I've always thought Vinca was pretty; I had no idea it was used in this way. Thanks for educating me! :)
letting the world know of readily available hallucinogens online could be quite dangerous :P I kid, I kid. lol
Love using stuff like this in my novels, too. I spend a lot of time researching herbs and plants that can heal or poison. *rubs hands together and gives evil laugh*
I'm making notes on this one - it could really add some fun to a novel! Thanks again for a great post!
Fascinating. I'll never look at a pretty flower the same way again.
I love that something so pretty is so useful :-)
It's amazing how something so pretty can be so deadly. Well, not really. ;) Thanks for this post. Have a great week!
Whoa, I had no idea. That certainly could make for some interesting story situations. :-) Thanks for the post, Lydia!
I never knew that--it's fascinating! I'll be sure not to eat those flowers from now on. :)
Pretty! And interesting! Very cool little plant there.
Fascinating! (I know I always say that but it's true!)
I don't know about putting them into a story (a poem, though, maybe..hmm...) and I certainly would love to try to paint them.
That is so, so cool. I used to see those flowers all the time when I lived in Vietnam. Now, I'll never be able to look at them the same again.
Also: I had a pathetically proud moment when I totally understood your jargon-alert!sentence. But if I hadn't gotten that, I would've been a very sorry Bio student.
How about using it with a children's book?
A curmudgeon plants it as ground cover around his yard to keep from having to mow as well as prevent neighborhood kids from running across his yard playing. Instead, visitors of all ages are attracted to the blooms. Mr. Curmudgeon then finds hope.
Now if you ever figure out how the Chinese learned what to use it for, or how ancient cultures ever learned how to use such plants, I would find that interesting.
Very interesting. I wondered why hair fell out during chemo. Now I know the treatments also affects other cells that divide rapidly in addition to the targeted cancer cells. Thanks. I learned something new today.
Oh my goodness Lydia, how can something so tiny and pretty pack so much punch. I definitely think this one should be used in a novel. So intriguing.
I had no idea such a pretty flower was used in chemo. Wow. I'll never look at it the same again. But in a good way! :)
So that's why cheno makes hair fall out. Fascinating as ever.
This is news to me! Didn't know this is what's used in chemo.
I've always thought it was a nice decorative plant. Just never knew it could be so helpful and so harmful.
This is great for building on my herbal knowledge. Thanks again for the awesome medical tips! :)
Every time I read a Medical Monday entry, I want NBC to launch a shooting star and play "The More You Know". :) Great work, as always!
Vinca grows in everyone's garden here - it's drought and heat tolerant. I love it. Now I love it for being a lifesaver, too. Too cool :)
I'm going to have to make a mental note not to chew on this one. Very pretty! I love tiny, simple flowers. :)
Cool stuff and it is all over the place. I love to watch the ladybugs crawl on it in the spring.
Fascinating! It's amazing what we find in our backyards, huh?
Wow, crazy. For some reason I thought chemo stuff was more processed chemicals and less organic plants. Very interesting! (shows how much I know, eeeek)
You're going to laugh, but I thought periwinkle was just a color in the expanded crayon box. *face palm*
Can't say I've seen it--I'm sure I have but just didn't know what it was. Now I'll have to look closer.
Tossing It Out
Very interesting!
When I hear the term "periwinkle," the first thing that comes to mind is some shade of blue that I can't identify. (OK, so it's the only thing that comes to mind.)
Wonderful post!
You're better than an encyclopedia, you know that?
We have periwinkles all over our terrace but it never for once crossed my mind that it could be dangerous.
I have heard a lot about Periwinkle. I like it a lot.
Lydia, thanks always for your support and for sharing your talents in this awesome blog! I gave you an award today at: http://thewonderfulobsessions.blogspot.com/
Have a great day!
Wow. Who would have thought? I'm impressed that you know this...
Glad to see this beautiful plant is useful too!
I had no idea chemotherapy came from such a plant. I remember watching my sister-in-law go through that with her leukemia...which wasn't pretty. Fascinating plant.
Vinca is so pretty - I had no idea it's used in chemo. Thanks for another informative post!
Thanks for the info. Maybe I can find a use for it somewhere. the info, not the plant!
I always thought of it as just decorative plant.. good to know more. :)
Wow. I plant Vincas all the time since they are hardy in the cold and the heat. Makes sense they are also medicinal warriors.
I say many thanks to Mr. admin website I read this, because in this website I know a lot of information information that I did not know before his
Testimoni Ace Maxs Menghilangkan Benjolan Di Leher
Dampak Negatif Sering Tidur
Manfaat Semangka bagi Penderita Tumor Parotis
Obat Laringitis Ampuh
Obat Gastroenteritis Tradisional
Obat Herbal Hidronefrosis
Cara Mengobati Infeksi Saluran Pernafasan
Obat Penghilang Batuk TBC
Obat Tulang Rickets
Obat Diabetes Basah Alami


text:
4 dumbest things you do with money
The recession has actually been good for changing how Americans handle their money, making them less likely to overspend and more likely to pay off debts. But there are still a number of common money moves that are just plain dumb. Here are four of the most counterproductive things we do with our money and how you can be smarter.
Also see: Smartest things you do with your money
Bouncing checks: Overdraft laws were rewritten two years ago, allowing consumers to block banks from charging massive overdraft fees without any advance warning. But consumers are still bouncing checks and paying some $30 billion per year in fees as a result. To be sure, banks have set the odds of collecting heavy overdraft penalties in their favor by instituting some sneaky policies - such as "reordering checks" - that are now the subject of lawsuits and regulatory inquiry. But it takes two.
To be charged an overdraft fee, you actually need to spend more than you've got in your checking account. If you don't do that, you don't get charged 35 bucks every time you spend $5 on a latte. Admittedly, some people are just poor -- or starting out -- and their finances are close to the edge. But if you have more than a few bucks sitting in an emergency fund, and you still overdraft, you're making a big mistake. Either put that money in your checking account (and learn not to spend it) or link the savings account to your checking account to cover the overdrafts more cheaply.
Splurging on sales: How many times have you heard somebody say that they "saved" a fortune by buying a bunch of stuff that was on sale? We are psychologically geared to be fooled by "benchmarking," which is comparing the "original price" on the tag to the supposed mark-down price. And retailers know it. Thus they may mark products up in price before they mark them down. And yet, when you see a sale, you're likely to think that you're saving big by buying bigger. When, of course, you're buying big. Period.
Pictures: World's most ridiculously expensive cars
How not to overpay for car maintenance
The Internet and bar codes have made price comparisons pretty simple. Make sure you do your homework before you shop. And then only buy products that you need, regardless of whether they're on "sale" or not. Really want to "save" money? Don't spend it.
Carrying a balance: The good news is that consumers are paying down their credit card balances. The bad news is that they have balances on their credit cards in the first place. If you are carrying a credit card balance every month, you're buying things you can't afford. And, your overspending ways become more costly each month because interest is accruing on old debt while you're building up new. If you can't figure out how to cut your budget, get professional help. You can get budget advice for free at non-profit credit counseling offices, such as those sponsored by the National Foundation for Credit Counseling. If you need to find a local office, go to the NFCC.org site or call 800-388-2227.
Investing through a rear-view mirror: Everybody knows that stocks are miserable investments, right? That's because they've underperformed pretty much every other investment class, including bonds and cash, over the past decade. That's why today's generation of 20-somethings don't want anything to do with stocks. But here's the problem. The rotten stock market is yesterday's news -- just like the unstoppable stock market was the old and not-soon-to-be-repeated story of 2000 -- it was just that no one knew it until it was too late.
Industry experts will tell you that you can look to the past to see how different types of investment will perform. But you can't look to the recent past. That's because markets are volatile, swinging wildly and irrationally over short periods of time. (And 10 years is a relatively short period, in this context.) That's why you never put the rent money in the stock market. But if you have long-term investments that you can leave alone for a decade or more, you'd be foolish to avoid stocks.
Over long periods of time -- like the 83 years of market history tracked by Ibbotson Associates in Chicago -- stocks earned roughly 10 percent on average; bonds about 5 percent on average; and bank accounts barely keep pace with the rate of inflation. If you want to boost your buying power over time, look at how corporate earnings are doing now compared to stock prices. If a company's price/earnings ratio is below its growth rate, it's probably a bargain. Look forward at what you think is going to happen in the economy and with individual companies that you own. Your portfolio is far less likely to crash when you look where you are going, rather than where you've been.


text:
Supportive, light-weight shoes, a sturdy cane ("stick" in Ireland), cool ocean breezes and keen mindfulness allowed for some "hiking" on my recent holidays in Ireland. We kept to well worn paths and all, but it was nice to get out into nature even if it was only a few feet of the roads.
Preparations for these jaunts included cool showers, a fistful of meds and the ever-watchful eye of Caryn as we trod step by spongy, peat supported step… And I'm proud to say that I was one of the few in our group who did not fall during our trekking! Chalk that one up to another lesson of living with MS.
So many times, however, we know that we do fall and as I've commented before we may meet the canvas more often when we are feeling at the upper end of the MS spectrum.
The injuries resulting from said falls are the topic I'd like to open for the weekend. I've read several of your comments about broken legs, ankles, ribs and other bones over the years so it seems fitting.
Lack of sensation, pins-n-needles, drop-foot and so many other MS symptoms can set us up for the fall. Lack of mobility induced sedentary lifestyles can leave our bones brittle and our muscles unable to cushion and control these meetings with the hard under footing.
A close friend is recovering right now from a terrible fall (his second major in 5 years) in a rehab hospital right now. This fall was related to reduced-vision issues, which is yet another warning for me.
Have you had any serious falls due to MS? How do you cope with balance issues when you really need to be on an even keel? Do you have an emergency plan in place in case you do take a fall and have to spend time recovering?
Wishing you and your family the best of health.
Don't forget that you can also follow me via our Life With MS Facebook page and on Twitter.


text:
Prop builder Zander Brandt, whose awesome Mass Effect rifle we've featured previously, has for his next project done something a little faster, a little more obnoxious.
It's the Force-A-Nature, one of the best weapons available for Team Fortress 2's Scout.
While it may not be one of Team Fortress 2's more memorable weapons, that doesn't make this replica any less impressive. I love the gloss effect, giving it that cartoon shine, just like the game.
The cosplay modelling is also a cute touch.
Team Fortress 2: Force a' Nature [Zander Brandt]