text:
Amazon.com is hoping to attract more consumers from China, with a new agreement that will let the U.S. e-commerce company bring millions of products from its international sites to the country as imported goods.
The company's China business made the announcement on Wednesday, with the signing of an agreement to establish its own "cross-border e-commerce platform" in Shanghai's new free trade zone.
Amazon's imported goods will be shipped to and stored at the free trade zone, where the company plans to build a logistics and warehouse center, it said in a statement. In addition, the U.S. e-commerce giant wants to help local Chinese businesses export their goods to Amazon's international customers via the trade zone.
Although a big name in the U.S., Amazon is a smaller e-commerce player in China. In this year's first quarter, it had a 2.9 percent share of the country's business-to-consumer online retail market, trailing far behind Alibaba Group's Tmall.com site, which had 48.4 percent share, according to research firm Analysys International.
Despite the small market share, the company has been in China for ten years, and already expanded its logistics so that it can deliver to 3,000 cities and counties in the country.
China's e-commerce sector is crowded, and Amazon has struggled to stand out, said Vanessa Zeng, an analyst with Forrester Research. Domestic e-commerce sites from Alibaba Group have long dominated the market, but other local players such as JD.com have also managed to gain a major following through promotional deals, she added.
"Amazon's services are fine, but they haven't been different enough to attract more consumers," Zeng said.
That could change with the company's new effort to bring in more imported goods. Chinese consumers like to buy foreign products, with the expectation that they are of a better quality, Zeng said. But in Amazon's case, the company will have to price its imported products low enough, and ensure shipment is fast, otherwise Chinese consumers won't buy, she added.
"A lot of Chinese travel outside the country to buy foreign goods. So if Amazon can open up its inventory, then I think the company will be able to address some of the customer demand," Zeng said.


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With the game day upon you, throw on these Kid's Joel Edmundson Blues New Season Jersey from our online store www.bluesplayershop.com. Get the new royal blue home, 100th anniversary, usa flag fashion, camo veterans day practice and salute to service jerseys here, they're good to help you show your team pride and team spirit as well as the cool material help to keep you relax and comfortable. You will totally inspired by these item when you wear it.
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subset: commoncrawl


text: Glasseye Snapper 70 Posted March 8, 2014 (edited) Does anyone have experience using GPS devices to help map dive sites? They won't work underwater but I'm heading to a dive site (Twin Rocks, Anilao) where most or all will be visible from the surface. So the plan is to take bird-eye-view images from the surface while a GPS tracker records position, and then add the GPS information to the EXIF data based on time stamps. Software to do this already exists and GPS trackers cost as little as $50-100, some even being waterproof to 1m to protect against splashing. Does anyone have experience on getting gps-tracking information or maps on the web with Google earth or other means. Or do I have to go to html5 and code something myself. Does anyone have experience on getting depth information added to the exif data of the images. This is all for a fun citizen-science project so the solutions have to be affordable. However, comments don't have to be limited to "cheap solutions" as others may have grant money or deeper pockets. Thanks for any tips, Bart Edited March 8, 2014 by Glasseye Snapper Share this post Link to post Share on other sites


text:
created Dec 22 2016
updated Dec 29 2016
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text:
Double slim dildo made in America, and made of the highest quality rubber, each Dillio is 100% phthalate and latex free and hypoallergenic.
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- 30.5 cm
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- Fucsia
In the case of payment by bank transfer in advance, the order is sent only when the credit is actually credited to the MAPPEATIA Srl current account, which must take place within 5 working days from the date of acceptance of the order, after which the order is deemed automatically canceled. The reason for the bank transfer must include the identification of the order that is released in the order confirmation e-mail. The bank details on which the transfers are made are shown in the order confirmation e-mail.
In the case of purchase of the goods by credit card payment method, at the same time as the conclusion of the online transaction, the reference banking institution authorizes only the commitment of the relative amount the purchase made. The amount relating to the processed goods is charged to the customer's credit card at the time of the actual fulfillment of the ordered goods. The credit cards accepted are all those that rely on the Visa, Mastercard and American Express circuits. At no time during the purchase procedure MAPPEATIA Srl is able to know the information relating to the credit card of the buyer, as they are entered directly on the website of the banking institution that manages the transaction (with very high security systems); since there is no data transmission, there is no possibility that these data will be intercepted. No computer file of MY SEX IN THE CITY contains, nor does it store, such data. In no case can MY SEX IN THE CITY be held liable for any fraudulent and undue use of credit cards by third parties when paying for products purchased on www.mysexinthecity.com.
In case of purchase through the PayPal payment method, at the conclusion of the order the Customer is directed to the PayPal login page. The amount relating to the order is charged to the PayPal account when the order is acquired.If the order is canceled, both by the Customer and in the case of non-acceptance of MY SEX IN THE CITY, the amount will be refunded to the customer's PayPal account. The cancellation of the order is possible until the moment when it is not yet in stock. The order status is clearly visible in the "Order status" area and can no longer be canceled if the indication "Order in progress" appears. Once the cancellation of the transaction has been requested, in no case can MY SEX IN THE CITY be held responsible for any damages, direct or indirect, caused by delay in the failure to release the amount committed by PayPal. At no time during the purchase procedure MY SEX IN THE CITY is able to know the customer's financial information. Since there is no data transmission, there is no possibility that this data will be intercepted. No computer file of MY SEX IN THE CITY contains, nor does it store, such data. For each transaction made with the PayPal account, the Customer will receive a confirmation email from PayPal.


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In this episode of Cybersecurity Simplified, we'll talk about cybercrime, the increased risk of remote work and what you can do to minimize it.
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text:
Heavenly Father,
We come to You in the Name that is above every name—Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. Our hearts cry out to You. Knowing that You are a prayer-answering, faithful God—the One we trust in times like these—we ask that You renew our spirits, revive our churches, and heal our land.
We repent of our sins and ask for Your grace and power to save us. Hear our cry, oh God, and pour out Your Spirit upon us that we may walk in obedience to Your Word. We are desperate for Your tender mercies. We are broken and humbled before You.
Forgive us, and in the power of Your great love, lift us up to live in Your righteousness. We pray for our beloved nation. May we repent and return to You and be a light to the nations. And we pray for our leaders and ask that You give them wisdom and faith to follow You.
Preserve and protect us, for You are our refuge and only hope.
Deliver us from all fears except to fear You, and may we courageously stand in the Truth that sets us free.
We pray with expectant faith and grateful hearts.
In Jesus' name, our Savior.


text:
Daytona Beach has become synonymous with motor sports—the city is the headquarters for NASCAR and the Grand American Road Racing Association and home to the Daytona International Speedway. Fans flock to the area for the Rolex 24 at Daytona in January, the Daytona 500 and Budweiser Speedweeks in February and the Coke Zero 400 in July. Two wheelers (Harleys, not Schwinns) take over town during Bike Week in March and Biketoberfest in October. Clearly the city has earned its spot on the so.called fun coast of northeast Florida; there's plenty to experience whether you're on wheels or not.
Take a tour of the Daytona International Speedway. Options range from 30 minutes to 3 hours and can include a tour of the infield, pit road, garages and victory lane. The Richard Petty Driving Experience is for those who would rather get behind the wheel of a NASCAR race car, for anywhere from 3 to 50 laps.
LPGA International has been the home course of the LPGA golf tour for almost 20 years. There are two world.class, 4.star courses here, open to LPGA members and guests alike, and tee.time fees start at only $30.
The offerings at the Daytona Beach Boardwalk include a brand.new roller coaster, an arcade that has classic games, and a Ferris wheel that gives riders outstanding views of the area. There are fireworks every Saturday night and free concerts all summer, from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
The seafood restaurant Our Deck Down Under is located under the Port Orange Bridge, right on the Dunlawton Causeway. Locals flock here for reasonably priced sandwiches, salads and raw bar items, not to mention the house.smoked barbecued pork ribs and jalapeño bacon.and.cheese grits. A historically intimate dining experience can be had at the Cellar, an Italian restaurant set in the onetime home of President Warren G. Harding. NBA star Vince Carter opened an eponymous restaurant with a very smart design: One side is a sports bar with comfortable seating and plenty of TVs; the other side, an elegant steak house. The menu ranges from the expected chicken wings and jalapeño poppers to flat.bread pizzas, salads, pastas, seafood, and steaks. The build.your.own.burger option at lunch is a local favorite.
A short drive away, visit the Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse—at 175 feet high, it's Florida's tallest lighthouse. Visitors who climb the 203 steps to the top are rewarded with panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean.
Daytona International Speedway: 1801 W. International Speedway Blvd.; 1.877.306.RACE; daytonainternationalspeedway.com
Richard Petty Driving Experience: Daytona International Speedway, 1801 W. International Speedway Blvd.; 1.800.237.3889; drivepetty.com
LPGA International: 1000 Champions Dr.; 1.386.274.5742; lpgainternational.com
Daytona Beach Boardwalk: 12 N. Ocean Ave.; 1.386.253.0254; daytonabeachboardwalk.com
Our Deck Down Under: 78 E.Dunlawton Ave., Port Orange; 1.386.767.1881; ourdeckdu.com
The Cellar: 220 Magnolia Ave.; 1.386.258.0011; thecellarrestaurant.com
Vince Carter's: 2150 LPGA Boulevard; 1.386.274.0015; vincecarters.com
Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse: 4931 S.Peninsula Dr.; 1.386.761.1821; ponceinlet.org
NOTE: Information may have changed since publication. Please confirm key details before planning your trip.


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|wiki3085: Nto640AmccPpc460exTrunkReleasenotes
Release Notes for the AMCC PPC460EX BSP#
System requirements#
Target system#
Host development system#
Getting Started#
Starting Neutrino#
Step 1: Build the BSP
Step 2: Connect your hardware
On your host machine, start your favorite terminal program with these settings:
Apply power to the target board. You should see output similar to the following:
U-Boot 1.3.3-00249-ga524e11 (Jun 30 2008 - 16:05:51) CPU: AMCC PowerPC 460EX Rev. A at 800 MHz (PLB=200, OPB=100, EBC=100 MHz) Security/Kasumi support Bootstrap Option H - Boot ROM Location I2C (Addr 0x52) Internal PCI arbiter disabled 32 kB I-Cache 32 kB D-Cache Board: Canyonlands - AMCC PPC460EX Evaluation Board, 2*PCIe, Rev. 16 I2C: ready DTT: 1 is 25 C DRAM: 512 MB (ECC not enabled, 400 MHz, CL3) FLASH: 64 MB NAND: 128 MiB PCI: Bus Dev VenId DevId Class Int PCIE0: link is not up. PCIE0: initialization as root-complex failed PCIE1: link is not up. PCIE1: initialization as root-complex failed Net: ppc_4xx_eth0, ppc_4xx_eth1 Type run flash_nfs to mount root filesystem over NFS Hit any key to stop autoboot: 0 =>
Step 3: Setup the environment
Use the printenv command to show the current settings for ipaddr, ethaddr, serverip etc. On your target, type the following, filling in the appropriate IP addresses and ifs file:
=> setenv ipaddr 192.168.1.62 => setenv serverip 192.168.1.253 => setenv bootfile /tftpboot/ifs-ep460c.raw => setenv loadaddr 0x200000 => setenv bootcmd 'tftpboot $loadaddr $bootfile; go $loadaddr'
Once these parameters are configured, you can use the saveenv command to store your changes. Refer to the U-Boot documentation for more information.
Step 4: Boot the IFS image
You can use TFTP download (the default) or serial download to transfer the image from your host to the target.
This method requires a raw image, which is simply a binary image, with a header on the beginning, that allows the bootloader to jump to the very beginning of the image (the raw header), where it executes another jump to the first instruction of the image.
After U-boot is configured, boot the ifs-ep460c.raw image as follows (we'll assume it's in a directory called /tftpboot/) from the U-boot prompt:
=> tftpboot 200000 /tftpboot/ifs-ep460c.raw
At this point you should see the ROM monitor download the boot image, indicated by a series of number signs. You'll also see output similar to this when it completes downloading:
Waiting for PHY auto negotiation to complete.. done ENET Speed is 100 Mbps - FULL duplex connection (EMAC0) Using ppc_4xx_eth0 device TFTP from server 192.168.1.253; our IP address is 192.168.1.62 Filename '/tftpboot/ifs-ep460c.raw'. Load address: 0x200000 Loading: ################################################################# ################################################################# ################## done Bytes transferred = 757600 (b8f60 hex) =>
Now, to run the image, enter:
=> go 200000
You should see output similar to the following, with the QNX Neutrino welcome message on your terminal screen:
## Starting application at 0x00200000 ... System page at phys:0000b000 user:0000b000 kern:0000b000 Starting next program at v00245ea4 Welcome to QNX Neutrino 6.4 on the AMCC PPC460EX Reference Board #
You can now test the OS simply by executing any shell builtin command or any command residing within the OS image (e.g. ls).
Step 5: Replace the U-Boot bootloader with a native QNX IPL and OS image in flash
At some point, you may wish to replace the U-Boot bootloader with the native QNX IPL code. This may be desirable once you've tweaked the OS image exactly the way you want it, and you want the board to boot the image automatically, immediately on power up.
To replace the U-Boot bootloader:
1.Modify your buildfile to generate a binary image.
2.Boot the board as described above, using U-Boot to TFTP-download the raw OS boot image.
3.Ensure that you can "see" the IPL image file ipl-ep460c and the binary OS image file ifs-ep460c.bin from the image. You can get them on the target using QCONN if you are using the Momentics IDE, or access them remotely over a NFS mount that you have configured on your network.
4.Start the flash filesystem driver and erase the last 128KB of NOR flash as follows:
devf-generic -s0x4CC000000,64M flashctl -p /dev/fs0 -o 65408K -l 128K -ve
5.Copy ipl-ep460c to the flash, as follows:
dd if=ipl-ep460c of=/dev/fs0 bs=131072 seek=511
6.To flash the OS image, erase the blocks of NOR flash starting from last 16 MB region (the following commands assume a maximum OS image size of 3 MB):
flashctl -p /dev/fs0 -o 48M -l 3M -ve dd if=ifs-ep460c.bin of=/dev/fs0 bs=131072 seek=384
When the copy is complete, you can reboot; it should now boot from the native QNX IPL. You should see output as follows:
QNX/Neutrino IPL for AMCC 460EX based Canyonlands Board: Commands: d: download image to RAM f: scan flash for image IPL>
7.Enter f or F, and the board should boot from the OS image in flash. You'll see Neutrino boot:
System page at phys:0000b000 user:0000b000 kern:0000b000 Starting next program at v00245ea4 Welcome to QNX Neutrino 6.4 on the AMCC PPC460EX Reference Board #
If desired, the IPL code can be modified to eliminate the prompt and automatically boot from the flash without user intervention. To do this, modify the <main.c> file of the IPL source, located under:
Creating a flash partition#NOR flash
1. Start the NOR flash filesystem driver by issuing the following command:
devf-generic -s0x4cc000000,64M
2. Prepare the area for the partition. Because the Linux images are in the first 22 MB of flash and U-Boot is in the last 640KB of flash, you may not want to erase them. Use the -l (length) and -o (offset) options to avoid these areas. Assuming that we want to create a 20 MB partition:
flashctl -p/dev/fs0 -o30M -l20M -ve
3. Format the partition:
flashctl -p/dev/fs0p0 -o30M -l20M -vf
4. Slay, then restart the driver:
slay devf-generic devf-generic -s0x4cc000000,64M
In this example, you have a 20 MB flash partition starting at an offset of 30 MB from the start of flash. You should now have a /fs0p1 mount on the target to which you can copy files.
1. Enter the following command to start the ETFS driver:
fs-etfs-ep460c_2048 -m/fs/etfs
2. Stop the filesystem on the device, format and continue:
etfsctl -d /dev/etfs2 -s -f -c
You should now have a /fs/etfs mount on the target to which you can copy files.
Summary of driver commands#
The following table summarizes the commands to launch the various drivers.
Some of the drivers are commented out in the default buildfile. To use the drivers in the target hardware, you'll need to uncomment them in your buildfile, rebuild the image, and load the image into the board.
The on-board M41T62 RTC communicates over I2C, so the rtc utility requires the I2C driver to be running.
Known issues for this BSP#


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After enduring two days of criticism much of it from members of his own party – Maine Republican Party Chairman Charlie Webster apologized late Thursday for suggesting that groups of unknown black voters showed up at rural polling places on Election Day.
"It was my intention to talk not about race, but about perceived voting irregularities," Webster said in a written statement. "However, my comments were made without proof of wrongdoing and they had the unintended consequence of casting aspersions on an entire group of Americans. For that, I am truly sorry."
Webster made his initial claim earlier this week in a wide-ranging, post-election interview with Don Carrigan of WCSH-TV.
"In some parts of rural Maine, there were dozens, dozens of black people who came in and voted on Election Day," he said during that interview. "Everybody has a right to vote, but nobody in (these) towns knows anyone who's black. How did that happen? I don't know. We're going to find out."
Webster declined in the interview to identify any of the towns, and he provided no other specifics in interviews with the Portland Press Herald on Wednesday and Thursday.
Initially, Webster said he would send thank-you cards to all of the new voters and track whether any were returned with invalid addresses. On Thursday, he said he has no plan to send any cards.
In his apology, Webster made it clear that his claim did not express the views of the party.
By the time he sent his apology, though, his comments had offended many, including people in the party. The story also was appearing on national websites, including Drudge Report, Gawker and Politico.
The controversy comes at a sensitive time for Republicans, who lost their majorities in the Maine House and Senate in last week's elections and are searching for ways to attract more minority voters.
Lance Dutson, a well-known Republican operative who worked for U.S. Sen. Susan Collins and Maine House Speaker Robert Nutting and ran this year's U.S. Senate campaign of Charlie Summers, said Thursday that Webster should resign immediately.
"Webster's statements should be cause for immediate resignation," Dutson wrote on Twitter. "Any GOP who values future of party should demand same."
Matt Jacobson, a Republican who ran for governor in the 2010 primary, tweeted: "In Navy, when ship runs aground, Captain is relieved. Charlie Webster needs to stop talking. Now."
Webster announced last week that he will not seek another term as chairman of the party. Republicans are expected to elect new leaders Dec. 1.
In an interview before his apology, Webster said he still believes that there were voting irregularities on Election Day and he will continue looking into it on his own time.
"I feel strongly about it," he said. "It's a matter of principle."
Zachary Heiden, legal director for the American Civil Liberties Union of Maine, said Webster's comments veer dangerously close to voter intimidation.
"It's a great thing when new people register to vote," he said. "We should celebrate them, not intimidate them."
The NAACP of Maine called Webster's claim "a racially-motivated attempt to disqualify the (election) results."
"What his statements reveal is what voters have known through this past election cycle: that racism is at the heart of the voter suppression movement," said President Rachel Talbot Ross in a prepared statement. "The NAACP will continue to work each and every day on behalf of all Mainers, to protect their right to vote. Toward this end, we will investigate any and all potential violations of the law by Mr. Webster and his party related to his statements this week."
Rep. Kenneth Fredette of Newport, who was elected Wednesday as the new House minority leader, said last week's elections should be a sign that the Republican Party must be more welcoming. Webster's comments were not helpful, he said.
"Any time you identify specific groups in general terms, that's hurtful," Fredette said. "If there are specific complaints, they should be investigated, but these general statements and claims don't help anyone."
Fredette talked of rebuilding the party during a speech on Wednesday.
He said the Republican Party of Ronald Reagan's presidency won 49 of 50 states in 1984, suggesting that the party's beliefs were widely supported. He said the party must be a "big tent" again.
"Any comments that turn people off, even if they energize the base, can hurt the party as a whole," Fredette said.
Webster said Thursday that he regrets singling out black voters because people have labeled him a racist.
"I have a couple friends that I play basketball with who are black and I'm sure I'm going to get a few elbows the next time we play," he joked.
Webster has been outspoken and controversial throughout his two years as party chairman.
He made headlines in the summer of 2011 when he alleged that scores of college students had voted without establishing residency in the state. Those claims prompted an investigation, but no fraud was uncovered.
Webster was criticized widely within his party for his handling of Maine's presidential caucus in February.
Candidates to succeed Webster are Richard Cebra of Naples, who had to give up his House seat this year because of term limits; Beth O'Connor, a representative from Berwick who lost her re-election bid last week; and David Jones of Falmouth, a supporter of presidential candidate Ron Paul and a relative newcomer to the party committee.
Staff Writer Eric Russell can be contacted at 791-6344 or at:
Twitter: @PPHEricRussell
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text:
Missouri State Highway Patrol Offers Safety Advice For Travelers
It's not just cold, it's dangerously cold. KHQA posted on Facebook that Monday's low of -13 in Quincy is a new record. The previous record was - 9. Subzero weather will continue tonight, with windchill values around - 25 expected. When temperatures are as low as we are experiencing, authorities advise staying indoors, and not traveling unless it is absolutely necessary. The Missouri State Highway Patrol has offered the following safety advice for those that must be on roadways during extreme winter weather:
- Before you travel, gather an ice scraper, tire chains, battery booster cables, flares/reflectors, blankets, gloves, flashlight, and a bag of sand or kitty litter to place in your trunk. Also, ensure your cellular phone is fully charged and functional. Take bottled water and a snack with you. Emergencies cannot be predicted, but planning ahead can help you if one should arise.
- Make sure your vehicle is in good condition with proper fluid levels and at least a half tank of fuel. Keeping your fuel tank at half full or higher prevents gas lines from freezing and will allow you to run the engine and keep warm while waiting for assistance should you become stranded. Allow extra driving time for you to reach your destination at a slow, safe speed. Remember: Missouri law states if you're using your windshield wipers, your headlights must be turned on. It takes only a second to turn on your vehicle's headlights. That second could make you more visible to other drivers and prevent a traffic crash.
- If your vehicle slides off the road, stay with it. Other vehicles could put you in danger of being struck if you are outside your vehicle. Temperatures are frigid and walking for help could put you at risk of frostbite. Frostbite occurs when the skin and body tissues are exposed to cold temperatures for a prolonged period of time. You are more susceptible to this condition the longer you are outside. Frostbite may affect any part of the body, although the hands, feet, nose, and ears are most vulnerable. Wet clothing, high winds, and poor circulation can contribute to frostbite. If you must be outside, wear layers of clothing, mittens rather than gloves, wind-proof/water-resistant clothing, hat, scarf, etc. Limit how long you are outside.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol's emergency number is 1-800-525-5555. Remember, dialing *55 on your cell phone in Missouri will also connect you with the nearest Missouri State Highway Patrol office.
Missouri's Road Condition Report (1-888-275-6636) can help you plan your route before you leave. You may also view MoDOT's Traveler Information Map online for the latest road conditions.


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As a former gymnast, I've been quadrennially frustrated by TV coverage of the Olympics. I don't need the "up close and personal" portraits of a few popular gymnasts. And I don't need Elfi Schlegel and Tim Daggett to point out some subtle things I already know, or to state the obvious that anyone can see for themselves ("oops, a little hop on the landing"). Most of all, I don't want to be restricted to the minimal subset of gymnastics performances that was historically all that got televised.
I've always dreamed of being able to watch raw footage of every performance, and even — why not? — all the warmups.
Finally that moment is at hand. A colleague writes:
It is midnight and we now broadcasting the gymnastics trials live from Beijing.
http://www.nbcolympics.com — click here to watch men's gymnastics trials, then the woman's trials & if you want the soccer game at 5am.
It has been a crazy ride!
As I write this entry on one monitor, a Silverlight viewer on my second monitor is displaying a 2.5-hour replay of the podium training for men's gymnastics. That's the one chance for the teams to practice on the floor of the venue, before competition begins.
It's like nothing you've ever seen on TV. The gymnasts are in their competition uniforms, but the hall is mostly empty — except for other gymnasts. You see the warmups, and you see the practice routines. And you hear whatever there is to hear. At the moment, I'm hearing members of the US team calling out "Go Raj" as Raj Bhavsar practices his parallel bar set. I've been there. I know what goes on behind the scenes. Well, the high school and college scene, that is, not the Olympic scene, but … tuning in like this is a dream come true.
If you're not deeply into men's gymnastics this won't matter to you. But it's certain that, for whatever Olympic sports you do care about, the televised coverage has in the past always fallen far short of what you would have liked to be able to see.
In an NBC press release, Dick Ebersol said:
For the first time, the average American will be able to create their own unique Olympic experience whether at home, at the office or on-the-go.
It's staggering to me to be involved in a Games where we are producing 2,900 hours of live coverage – especially from an Olympics half-a-world away. It's more live coverage from a single Olympics than the total of all previous Summer Olympics combined. The enormity of what we're doing just blows me away.
Me too. This is the Olympics I've been waiting for since the dawn of the Internet.
Go Raj!


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Bepotastine besilate (Ophthalmic)
Generic name: bepotastine besilate [ bep-oh-TAS-teen-BES-i-late ]
Drug class: Ophthalmic antihistamines and decongestants
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 18, 2023.
Uses for bepotastine besilate
Bepotastine besilate eye drops is used to treat itching of the eye caused by a condition known as allergic conjunctivitis. It works by preventing the effects of certain inflammatory substances, which are produced by cells in your eyes and sometimes cause allergic reactions.
This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription.
Before using bepotastine besilate
In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For this medicine, the following should be considered:
Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.
Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated pediatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of bepotastine besilate in children. However, safety and efficacy have not been established in children younger than 2 years of age.
Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated geriatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of bepotastine besilate in the elderly.
Breast Feeding
There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.
Interactions with Medicines
Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.
Interactions with Food/Tobacco/Alcohol
Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.
Proper use of bepotastine besilate
Your eye doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to. This medicine is not for long-term use.
To use the eye drops:
- First, wash your hands. Then turn the closed bottle upside down and shake it one time before putting the medicine in your eye. Remove the cap with the bottle still being held upside down.
- Tilt your head back and, pressing your finger gently on the skin just beneath the lower eyelid, pull the lower eyelid away from the eye to make a space. Drop the medicine into this space. Let go of the eyelid and gently close the eye. Do not blink. Keep the eye closed for 1 or 2 minutes to allow the medicine to cover the eye.
- If you think you did not get the drop of medicine into your eye properly, repeat the directions with another drop.
- Immediately after using the eye drops, wash your hands to remove any medicine that may be on them.
- To keep the medicine as germ-free as possible, do not touch the applicator tip to any surface (including the eye). Also, keep the container tightly closed.
The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.
The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.
- For ophthalmic dosage form (eye drops):
- For itching of the eyes:
- Adults, teenagers, and children 2 years of age and older—Use one drop in the affected eye two times a day.
- Children younger than 2 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
- For itching of the eyes:
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose of this medicine, apply it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule.
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.
Keep out of the reach of children.
Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.
Precautions while using bepotastine besilate
Your eye doctor will want to examine your eye(s) at regular visits to make sure the medicine is working properly and is not causing unwanted effects.
If you are wearing contact lenses, remove them before putting the drops in your eyes. Wait at least 10 minutes after using this medicine before putting your contact lenses back in. You should only wear contact lenses if your eyes are not red. This medicine should not be used for irritation caused by contact lenses.
If your symptoms do not improve within a few days or if they become worse, check with your doctor.
Side Effects of bepotastine besilate
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
Less common
- Red, sore eyes
Incidence not known
- Body rash
- itching
- swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
More common
- Mild taste in your mouth
Less common
- Fever
- headache
- muscle aches
- sore throat
- stuffy or runny nose
- unusual tiredness or weakness
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
More about bepotastine ophthalmic
- Compare alternatives
- Pricing & coupons
- Reviews (28)
- Side effects
- Dosage information
- During pregnancy
- Drug class: ophthalmic antihistamines and decongestants
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Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.


text: The skin around your eyes is not only sensitive but extremely vulnerable to sun damage and susceptible to dehydration. You can't use just ordinary or standard face or hand creams around your eyes. The area around your eyes is such a delicate zone, and the skin is so much thinner than other parts of your body that you have to take extra precautions on products you apply. Eye and Skin Care cream is a crucial part of your everyday skin care regimen. Image Beauty has top dermatologist-created skin care products like moisturizers, night creams, and anti-aging serums that are simple to use and promote glowing and dewy looking skin.


text: .Dd June 1, 2006 .Dt ICHATSERVERDBCTL 1 .Os "Mac OS X Server" .Sh NAME .Nm ichatserverdbctl .Nd Set or query the state of the iChat Server database process .Sh SYNOPSIS .Nm ichatserverdbctl .Ar [ help | ... ] .Sh DESCRIPTION .Nm controls the state of the database process used by Mac OS X Server Chat Service. Use the 'help' subcommand for additional information for this tool. .Nm is provided to support other Mac OS X Server administration tools and is not intended for general command line use.


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Reddish-brown (kombu), natural ecru and black rectangular cloth with twisted warp fringe at each crosswise end. The main design elements, created by the warp ikat technique, are two opposing rows of crocodiles. The lower band contains six interlocked standing figures.
For more information on the Ikat method,visite the website pusaka collection
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WeArt relies on a network of art dealers & independent experts who guarantee you authentic art of high quality.
The WeArt platform proposes a large choice of items within a wide gamma of categories that are sourced from, mainly, well-known art dealers from Belgium and France, and, to a lesser extent, from private collectors.
Our in-house committee selects with great care its affiliated art dealers and applies rigid, internal criteria so that our clients, when acquiring an item, are guaranteed of its authenticity and quality.
Each article on sale on WeArt is first checked, valued and appraised by the art dealers themselves. WeArt, as a rule, double checks the integrity of proposed articles with our team of independent experts who verify whether proposed articles conform to the origin, date, conservation status and estimated value as proposed by the art dealers.
As such WeArt can reassure you, our esteemed client, the acquisition of authentic art, at the right price and correctly described.
Private patrons, collectors and art lovers alike, can also enjoy our services and sell their works of art on our platform. A physical examination of the object will be needed, after which our network of experts will properly describe and estimate your work of art.
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WeArt offices
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text:
swf object (homepage_flash.swf)
Welcome to Imagine Audio Video
"more than just what you hear or see"
The Imagine Audio Video DifferenceImagine Audio Video started business in 1999. With a targeted emphasis on exemplary customer service, Imagine Audio Video has grown every year based upon its clients' referrals…
The secret is in providing full service home entertainment solutions accompanied with "over the top" customer service. This ethic has propelled Imagine into a client referral oriented business. We have learned that taking care of existing clients, "before and after the sale", results in positive references and unsolicited referrals. This belief has not only lead Imagine to major successes in residential fine home installations, but also to the commercial installation market. The evolution into the commercial market has provided continued success with Condo Community Amenities, Apartment Community Amenities, Restaurants and Office Complexes.
Imagine Audio Video prides itself in providing proven technologies for both the residential and commercial markets. The convergence of home and business technologies has opened a world of options that will save you money!
Call Imagine Audio Video for a FREE ESTIMATE at (480) 497-6734.


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A&M-C honors wife of 8th university president
By Scott Harvey
Commerce – The university flag at A&M-Commerce is at half staff Thursday in memory of Carroll Austin, wife of 8th university President Charles J. Austin.
University officials learned this week that Mrs. Austin passed away August 19 in Muncie, Indiana.
Carroll was a Reach to Recovery volunteer for twelve years and served on two American Cancer Society Boards in Statesboro, Georgia and in Hunt County. She started the Louise Drake Garden Club in Commerce.
Her husband served as president of East Texas State University from 1982 to 1986.


text:
Do you travel a lot and always miss the comfort of your home? Or do you only go on a holiday once a year and want it to be perfect?Either way, we can help you organize the trip to Bratislava, may it be for perfect business or leisure. With the help of our website you can quickly find and easily book the accommodation that best fits your needs.
When you go to a foreign city, especially one like Bratislava, Slovenia, that is a popular travel destination, finding the proper lodging might be a difficult task if you don't start making preparations in time. But we can make it easier - on our webpage, by searching according to the appropritae category, you can choose the criteria based on which you want to pick the right Bratislava accommodation.
If you are a young packpacker, tavelling on a tight budget and trying to save money on accommodation, our "Cheap hotels" or "Pensions, apartments, guesthouses" categoriy give you several great options for lodging places that offer discounts.
If you want to feel the local charm of Bratislava but don't want to spend a lot of money, the "Three star Bratislava hotel" is the ideal choice for you: some are located in renewed buildings of past centuries and can provide a special atmosphere as well as comfort.
If you are willing to choose a more expensive lodging just to be in the very heart of the city, you should check out our "Central hotels" - shopping centers, cultural program opportunities, restaurants and clubs, will be just a minute away and sightseeing will only mean a short walk.
You might be interested in our "Business hotels" in case you are a businessman and have special requests, such as high speed Internet access in your room, direct dial telephone lines and the possibility to rent fully equipped conference halls or meeting rooms.
And finally, for those seeking to be pampered in a luxurious and glamorous place, our "Four star Bratislava hotels" and "Five star Bratislava hotels" offer exquisite surroundings, elegant rooms and hiqh quality services.
Just imagine the perfect hotel and be sure we can suggest one exactly like it - planning the vacation of your dreams has never been easier!


text:
So unless you've been living under a rock for the last few weeks/months, you may have heard about a little thing called Windows 7. Windows 7 is Microsoft's latest iteration of its Operating System and along with a slew of other stuff (i.e. security enhancements, pretty new stuff to love, Windows management features, etc.) there's a nice little feature I find comes in handy, especially when you work with a global community like PASS (and you SQL peeps thought this post wasn't going to pertain to you…)
The feature I'm talking about is multiple clocks in your system tray. I'm not sure if this was available in Vista as well but I thought I'd share with everyone how to do it in Windows 7. First click on your clock in the bottom right-hand corner.
Next click on the 'Change date and time settings' link to bring up the Date and Time box. Click on the tab for Additional Clocks.
Once here you can add up to two additional clocks in addition to your default clock for a total number of 3 possible clocks! Simple check the 'Show this clock' box to enable the clock. Use the dropdown menu to select the appropriate time zone you wish to monitor. You can also give the clock a custom label for display purposes. Once you're done click OK.
Now if you click on your clock in your taskbar again you should see your newly added clocks!
I live in Florida so the clocks I like to monitor are either West Coast or India since those are the two time zones I tend to end up working with the most. Sure I could probably do the math for someplace close like the West Coast but I'm a geek, and I like to see my information quick and at a glance.
And since we're talking about Windows 7, I've included in this blog a zip file of step-by-step directions on how to do this (screenshots included) courtesy of another really cool feature in Windows 7 called the Problem Steps Recorder. With this tool you can see step-by-step how a user got to a problem or you can use it to document an issue like I have here.


text:
By Aaron Lommers, The Herald
MARYSVILLE — The Tulalip Heritage boys basketball team has won three championships this season — a league championship, a district championship and a tri-district championship.
At the Spokane Arena on Thursday, the Hawks begin their quest for a fourth — and make no mistake, this is the one they really want.
A state championship is just three victories away for the Hawks, who face Neah Bay at 10:30 a.m. Thursday in the Class 1B state quarterfinals.
A big reason for the success Tulalip Heritage (26-1) has enjoyed this season has been the play of senior Keanu Hamilton, who recently was named the Northwest 1B League's Most Valuable Player.
Not bad for a kid who hadn't played organized basketball until his sophomore year of high school.
For a preview of the local schools involved in the 1A/2A and 1B/2B state tournaments, click here.
Hamilton, a 6-foot-1 guard/forward, was primarily a baseball player before he turned out for basketball nearly 2½ years ago. A natural athlete, Hamilton was fast and could jump, but the rest of his game needed a lot of work.
Asked if Hamilton came in with basic basketball skills, Tulalip Heritage head coach Marlin Fryberg replied, "Yeah … well … not really."
Hamilton couldn't make a layin, couldn't dribble and couldn't shoot. It was a rough start to his basketball career.
"Every time they threw the ball to me, I wouldn't catch it," Hamilton said. "I don't know what (the problem) was, I just couldn't catch the ball. I couldn't even like walk and chew gum on the court. It was bad."
Skills Hamilton's teammates learned as children he was now trying to master as a teen-ager.
"People would stay stuff like, 'You need to pivot. You learn that in kindergarten,'" Hamilton said. "I didn't learn that in kindergarten. I learned that in my 10th-grade year."
Hamilton was a project, but one Fryberg saw potential in from the beginning. Hamilton played on the junior varsity as a sophomore and began putting in the work that would land him on the varsity as a junior. Fryberg even started Hamilton a few times last season.
"That was the best feeling in the world, getting to start, because usually I just get cut from teams because I was really bad," Hamilton said.
Hamilton doesn't have to worry about getting cut anymore. His hard work has turned him into one of the most multi-dimensional 1B players in the state.
"Some kids don't put in that work," Fryberg said. "He's definitely a different kid. To watch him over the past three years and see his progress is just phenomenal."
The Hawks got off to a good start this season, but the first of their three victories over Lummi kicked the season into high gear. A double-digit win evened the regular-season series between the two teams and gave Tulalip Heritage a chance to capture the league title with a win over the Blackhawks in the third and final regular-season meeting — which they did.
In the district-title game, the Hawks defeated Lummi for a third consecutive time.
Riding high, Hamilton and the Hawks didn't stop there.
In the tri-district championship game, Hamilton scored the game-winner in the final 10 seconds and the Hawks knocked off No. 1-ranked Neah Bay.
Tulalip Heritage senior point guard Bradley Fryberg, a senior transfer from O'Dea, beat his defender off the dribble and found Hamilton underneath the basket. With two defenders closing in, Hamilton put up the shot that gave his team a 68-66 win.
Fryberg-to-Hamilton is a one-two combination that has been working for much of the season.
"It's gotten to that point to where it's just instinct now," Fryberg said of his connection with Hamilton. "You just know where he's at."
In just two years, Hamilton has gone from a player who could barely dribble to one of the most difficult players to defend at the 1B level, averaging about 18 points per game.
"He's a coach's nightmare," Fryberg said. "If you try to guard this guy, you've got to put at least two guys on him because he just doesn't quit."
But for all Hamilton has accomplished, there is still one goal left on his list.
"I just want to win state," he said.
After an 81-64 victory over Wilbur-Creston in Friday's regional game, the Hawks are just three wins away.
It won't be easy — three of the top five 1B teams in the state are in the top half of the bracket (No. 1 Neah Bay, No. 3 Tulalip Heritage and No. 4 Pomeroy).
"I told my boys, 'What is a better way than to win it than by playing all the best teams in the state?'" Marlin Fryberg said.
While Neah Bay might have revenge on its mind stemming from the loss to Tulalip Heritage in the tri-district championship, the main focus for the Hawks is doing whatever it takes to get to the semifinals.
"It's just a basketball game to us," Marlin Fryberg said. "We're going to go and put our work in and the best team is going to win — and I'm pretty confident it's going to be us."


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C3G is Thriving, Improving, and Seeking New Members!
Posted September 2nd, 2018 at 06:29 AM by truth
C3G is Thriving, Improving, and
Seeking New Members!
DISCLAIMER: This is not official. This is a fan made custom project.
https://www.heroscapers.com/communit...08&type=sigpic Art by @Sam
Seeking New Members!
DISCLAIMER: This is not official. This is a fan made custom project.
https://www.heroscapers.com/communit...08&type=sigpic Art by @Sam
The Comic Custom Creators Guild, colloquially known as The C3G Project, is a collaborative project that produces Heroscape content based on superheroes and other comic franchises. Since 2009, members of C3G have collaborated to design over 750 custom units to be played with one another. You can check out everything C3G has released in the Books of Index.
Recently, C3G has decided to design more in the public in order to allow our fans and Allies to have a greater say in what we produce. You will find a number of design threads ongoing in the public that you can participate in, including those linked below. As time goes by, we will be keeping a consistent stream of public designs. Many of the Heroes have also begun their own public workshopping threads to gather public opinion and contribution on designs before they begin.
C3G has been undergoing a redesign of many of its threads with the goal of making our content more easily accessible. You'll find newly polished design in the first and second posts of numerous threads, making it easier than ever to find what you're looking for.
The Welcome to C3G thread provides an overview of our project and a directory to all of our resources.
The most helpful contribution you can make to the project is playtesting units. Participation in playtesting helps us design units faster and makes sure they are just as fun and balanced as we envision them. Check out the C3G Playtesting Sign-Ups thread to get started.
If you are interested in designing your own C3G units, the Public Design Workshop is a thread where you can post and discuss design ideas you are working on or thinking about.
Thank you to all of our fans and especially participants who have kept C3G alive and strong for over nine years. We hope to continue providing content for many more.
Posted in Site AnnouncementComments 2
Total Comments 2
|Posted September 2nd, 2018 at 07:56 AM by Scapemage
I have no idea how to edit blog posts or if I can! Apologies.
Great post, though. I've been loving all the energy surrounding C3G lately.
|Posted September 2nd, 2018 at 01:41 PM by IAmBatman
Recent Blog Entries by truth
- OMG, Here Comes C3G 2.0!!! (August 23rd, 2023)
- An AoA Map Competition?! (July 10th, 2023)
- Summertime Custom Competition - QC3 Goes Mentull (June 29th, 2023)
- We're back...and so is Heroscape! (June 12th, 2023)
- Quarterly Classic Custom Competitions are Back (February 16th, 2023)


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I grew up with bears. Winnie, Paddington, The Berenstains, Yogi, even Grizzly Adams. Bears are cute; they just run away. I've seen a dozen bears along Japan's mountain trails and even the big ones flee at first sight. I've never met anyone attacked by a bear. All that stuff in America and Russia must be sensationally reported bad luck.
I run trails year round. I'm more concerned with my heart rate and electrolyte balance than bears. I'm focus on technique, hills and descents, protein and power gels, blisters and saving 10 grams cutting the labels off my clothes. Bears? I'm more likely to fall prey to The North Face marketing than those wild animals.
Every morning I head for the hills around Minakami, Gunma, with a good friend. I get faster; he burns weight so his tattoos retract back to their original shapes. We do 10K in the morning, then another run in the afternoon. Every week or two, I do a long three-hour run. Usually miles from anywhere, usually out of phone range. Never giving a second thought to bears, even when we see them.
This particular day was my long run day, 25K along exposed alpine ridges. Everything was set until the rainy season clouds dropped down to 800 meters. As my run was all above 1,700 meters, I changed my plan to a quick run below cloud-level instead; much safer and easier.
We ran well in the morning coolness and, at the 5K mark, we came across a commotion halfway up a rock face beside the road.
"Cool, a monkey!" I figured. I quite like monkeys.
"It's a bear," my tattooed friend announced as we watched it tumble down the escarpment onto the road. I reckoned I'd just watch calmly as it ran away. The next bit is a collage of blurred images, distorted sounds, jumpy sequences and false memories. Some bits are clear, some missing.
The bear didn't run away. It leered back and forth, smelling us in the air. I was about 15 meters away, while my friend kept running. Whatever goes through a bear's mind had it locked onto me, and it started coming, at first slowly, then real fast.
It didn't take long to realize it had purpose in its stride as it changed from a discombobulated furry lump into a launching streak of muscle, sinew, teeth and instinct. I ran like a schoolgirl. But the bear ran faster. It gained on me so fast, that when I looked back, I realized I couldn't outrun it. I needed another plan.
I'd previously defused dog confrontations from Mongolia to Kurdistan by standing over them and shouting loudly. The dogs backed away after some prodigious staring down. Dogs and bears must be related, the genetic variation minimal. But this bear didn't even notice. Then I remember clearly the realization I had to fight.
Imagine a guy in a fur coat with a set of steak knives. The bear would lurch up on its hind legs and lunge forward, using its arms to grapple towards its foe's mouth (me being the foe). Misrepresented in popular culture, bears are not slow, uncoordinated and dumbly driven. They are fast, precise and intent. This one made a low snarling noise, rolled its eyes and went for it.
The big surprise, though, was how I actually could fight it. I'm no Jackie Chan, but I wasn't completely overwhelmed. Its balance on its hind legs was bad, and blow for blow it actually felt pretty equal. But it was better armed. Every time it lunged, I blocked with my left arm and punched with my right, aiming for its eyes but getting hurt. I could knock it down but it would get up and lunge again.
I don't remember being scared, just incredibly driven knowing whatever I did had real consequences. It was savage. Humans fight with some kind of reason or pathological rage you can judge. Bears don't. I remember wanting it to end, knowing I was getting more and more hurt. At best, I could land blows and make loud noises. The bear could maul, slice and disembowel.
I went down with the bear still coming at me. A distinct claw wound suggests I had a leg knocked from under me. I remember a feeling of intense vulnerability, being out-gunned, knowing I was hurt. I tried for a head-sized rock and managed to get back on my feet, but the bear kept lunging. I recall my hand going into its mouth and feeling a row of teeth. I was getting more damaged, while the bear seemed unaffected.
Bears fight to keep their genes in the game. Those contributing their genes to greater beardom do so by being smarter, faster, and better fighters than other bears. My chance at hedging a role in the Darwinian process is based on a slightly used primate brain, Petzl helmet standards, medical insurance and luck. The way things were going, my own genetic contribution was getting less and less certain.
What happened next sounds unlikely, but extreme situations increase the probability of extreme results. Where the large brain had failed and the rock remained out of reach, something else stepped in. Friend of soldiers and overdose victims, breakfast of champions, millennium falcon of the hormone world. Adrenaline.
With my chewed and slashed arms, I blocked the bear aside, grabbed the ruff of fur behind its head and threw it onto its back. It tumbled off the trail over the rock face down towards the water. I like to think I hurled it off a cliff with one arm, and though it was less elegant than that, the effect was the same. The bear was gone.
Although it seemed like an eternity, all of this took place over maybe a minute. In that time my tattooed friend had circled back, and in a moment of true heroism, pulled a sharpened survey pole from the trackside and come to help, arriving just as I flung the bear. Had the bear not gone over the edge, the primal frenzy of blood, fur and violence would have been spectacular, no doubt. Tattooed people do things like that.
But it wasn't so. We were on the trail several kilometers from the car with a really disgruntled bear roundabouts. We rode the adrenaline wave and used our experience as outdoor guides to execute a plan. I ran alone with my shirt staunching the blood from wounds in my wrists, hands and fingers. My friend sprinted to get an ambulance. We agreed that if I collapsed, I'd try to do so on the road so he'd find me, hopefully before the bear.
Those 10 minutes of running alone, bleeding, buzzing, not knowing my injuries through the misty mountains of Japan was lucidly sublime. I felt vividly alive. Too scared to look at the damage, stop or look back, I shouted to myself to keep it together and went through a detailed plan of what needed to happen:
Get to the car, stay out of shock, keep my breathing regular, try detecting injuries I couldn't see, don't inhale vomit or saliva, don't pass out, keep pressure on open wounds, keep assessing if I'm losing consciousness or if the adrenaline is fading, keep checking injuries, listen for the car, listen for the bear, separate my voice inside my head from my voice outside…
It was surreal and it worked. My friend screamed at me to stay lucid in the car. We were high as kites, even telling the ambulance crew what to do. Hospital was bright, confusing and efficient. Injections, IVs, skin staples, bandages, pink uniforms. It was bang-up stuff. My fancy gear was removed, the meaningless expensive fabrics cut.
The bear factor raised an eyebrow, but otherwise bigger things were going on behind other doors. The doctor said I was lucky. Most bear attacks are much worse, to the face with a lot biting. A nurse we knew came out after hearing a guy with tattoos was yelling orders in the emergency ward.
The adrenaline high lasted many retellings of the tale, then the descent into a boring reality of hospital visits, insurance and immobility crept in. Everyone lost interest except my parents who fretted. Eventually it all became annoying, and I ended up lying about the bandages. I said it was a skateboard accident just to forgo telling the story again.
The extent of my injuries was a lost finger tip, tendon and nerve damage to one wrist, mauled bicep and shoulder, clawed out nipple, an assortment of slashes, gouges, cuts, rips, teeth marks and bruises and gravel rash to both knees.
My altimeter watch had excelled in its unadvertised function as a bear shield, only suffering a small break to the band. My shirt failed to preserve my nipple but bizarrely sustained only microscopic damage to the weave. The fastening device on my shoes remained intact, even outsmarting the emergency nurses. My wicking shorts absorbed the blood from my legs. Each company will be receiving a luridly opportunistic e-mail extolling their products in exchange for replacements. Shock finally emerged a few days later at the hospital when I passed out in the treatment room.
A week after I was attacked, a road worker was mauled. Locals say it was the same animal, and maybe had an attitude from earlier human dealings. The road worker's injuries were much worse. A hunting team was sent out and killed two Asiatic black bears in the area. The female weighed more than 100 kg. and was 150 cm. tall. The cub was male and a bit larger. Evidently unpredictability is part of the species profile.
The team dispatched was mostly old guys from small villages, not trigger-drunk yahoos bristling with firepower. They wore mountain tabi and special badges. These guys have cohabited with bears for millennia, and they settle things sanely. They all have stories of people killed and maimed, yet have no intentions of blasting every bear to extinction to prevent it.
Later, my tattooed friend and I were presented with a bag of bear steaks and bones for soup. I personally was given a paw and a replacement nipple in a weird display of mountain humor. No doubt bear barbecues took place that night, skins were dried, gall bladders and sexual organs finding their way into questionable concoctions. Recipes for kuma-niku include boiling vigorously with ginger, garlic and shoyu for an hour or two, then pouring off the broth before eating. Or make a soup with san-sai and miso, using slivers of meat. Either way, the strong flavor is apparently not to everyone's liking.
The ethics of the whole thing are beyond my grasp – this isn't Shibuya, it is Japanese mountain culture.
The Bear Truth
Have I stopped trail running? No way. But I did learn a few things I'll share. If you want bear facts, read the sidebar by bear expert Oscar C. Huygens. These are my personal observations.
Japanese bears can attack. Not always, not often, but under the right circumstance…whatever that might be. Japan's mountains are filled with walkers, runners, climbers, farmers and photographers year 'round, but attacks are rare.
Bear bells are cheap and easy, even if they do nothing. Minakami locals can't seem to agree if they do anything or not and rarely use them. But every school kid has to wear one.
Anything short of a berretta seems a little paltry, but apparently spray can work and it's better than nothing, though you'll still have to be within arms reach to use it.
Running? Not unless you are very, very fast. You may end up in a bear fight anyway.
Intimidation? Check that off the list. Read the story.
If it has to be fists, you will get hurt. Bears seem to go in with both paws to get a hold, then start biting. They rise onto their hind legs, which have dubious balance. This is your only real window of advantage. Keep knocking those paws away, across the bear's body. It ain't much, but it's something.
Going for the bear's eyes, underbelly or nose involves a considerable divide between theory and practice, as they are well protected behind teeth and claws.
Bear hurling, while not an advocated technique, has reportedly worked with bears before, so if the situation arises, it is worth remembering. Doubtful to be an Olympic event anytime soon.
The fetal position? I'd like to talk with someone who has actually done this.
Expect injuries such as but not limited to gashes, punctures, deep bruising, infection, possibly bone damage, blood loss and facial damage. The story is debatably worth the scars.
Feedback? E-mail email@example.com
Explaining and Avoiding Bear Attacks
With Japanese Black Bear Biologist and Expert Oscar C. Huygens
Unlike North American bears, no systematic analysis of bear attacks has been done in Japan and, except for individual reports, our scientific understanding of these attacks is far from complete. Therefore, current recommendations to avoid such attacks in Japan are based mostly on findings in North America.
• Asiatic black bears (found in Honshu and Shikoku) are more aggressive than American black bears. Brown bears on Hokkaido may be more aggressive yet, and more dangerous because they are much larger.
• Attacks may be on the increase. One possible, yet unproven, explanation is reduced hunting pressure, itself the result of a fast aging and dwindling population of hunters, is causing bears to lose their fear of humans.
• There are two types of attacks: predatory and non-predatory. A predatory attack implies the bear's intention is to kill and consume its victim. Such attacks are extremely rare but do occur in Japan with both species. Playing dead in such circumstances is not a good idea. On the contrary, pick up a rock or anything that may serve as a weapon before the bear gets too close. Try to remain standing and tall (bending down or kneeling once contact has been made is dangerous), but if you have fallen over, go for the eyes and the nostrils. Don't give up.
• Non-predatory attacks are usually the result of sudden encounters and most of these can be avoided. The surprised bear, thinking it is threatened, defends itself by counter-attacking. In such a situation, the more you fight back, the more the bear may feel threatened, causing it to increase the intensity of its attack. In this case, perhaps the best advice is to keep your ground as long as you can remain standing but to lie still while protecting your neck, face and abdomen if you are pushed over.
•Avoid sudden encounters by moving in larger groups, making noise, attaching a bell to your walking stick (better than your backpack as it will jingle more), and avoiding or making extra noise in areas where bears might congregate each season, such as bamboo thickets during spring, berry patches and fruit-bearing trees such as wild cherries during summer, and groves with lots of oak, beech and walnuts in the fall and early spring.
•Note jogging is not a natural activity, and joggers and trail runners are at more risk in predator country. Runners often concentrate on their effort and are less in tune with their surroundings and, by moving fast, they increase their likelihood of running into a bear. If you are running toward the bear, you are a potential threat, and this may trigger a defensive attack. If you are running away from it, you may be a fleeing prey, which may trigger a chase reflex. Thus, joggers should be extra careful and make noise in areas with reduced visibility.
I have, for instance, avoided at least one sudden encounter running downhill on switch backs in a bamboo thicket by hitting each tree I could two or three times with a stick as I ran by it. Maybe not the peaceful running a trail runner may prefer, but the alternative can be even less pleasant.
•Further reading: "Bear Attacks, Their Causes and Avoidance" by Stephen Herrero (or its Japanese translation).
Oscar is a bear biologist and leads bear-watching tours in Central Japan every summer. His tours are described at www.withoscar.com/viewbears or you can contact him directly.


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Man in Spongebob mask robs CdA coffee stand
Coeur d'Alene police are searching for the man who robbed a drive-up coffee stand while wearing a SpongeBob SquarePants mask.
"Lean Bean Espresso" was robbed Wednesday night. Two female employees said the man entered the coffee stand wearing the mask, pointed a gun at them and demanded money.
Police set up a 15-block perimeter and called in a K-9 tracking team, but they were not able to trap the suspect.
Coeur d'Alene Police Sgt. Brett Walton said nearby surveillance cameras caught images of the suspect, who was wearing a dark-colored hooded sweat shirt as well as the SpongeBob SquarePants mask.


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Tuesday, September 19, 2006
Slashfood Sandwich Day
At the heart of a every good sandwich is the bread and I've chosen a wonderfully crafted seven seed sourdough. You just know that whatever you put inside, it's going to taste great.
For the filling, I've opted for a bit of luxury in the form of Tasmanian Smoked Salmon. Instead of the regulation cream cheese, I've used some of the Labne I made and spread this over one side of the bread, then covered it with a layer of baby Asian salad greens and finely sliced salad onion. Underneath the salmon are slices of avocado.
Fold these two halves together and voilà!
Smoked Salmon Sandwich
1 Sourdough roll
2 Labne balls
5 slices of smoked salmon
Mixed baby salad leaves
1 small salad onion, sliced finely
1 small avocado, sliced
Tagged with Sandwich Day
11 comments
- AnonymousSeptember 19, 2006
Looks fantastic! I'd better get off my hiney and get some ingredients together to make a sandwich worthy of this event (better than my regular cheese and tomato business!)ReplyDelete
- AnonymousSeptember 19, 2006
Delicious!! I'm a sandwich fan myself. Gonna try this some day!ReplyDelete
O my gosh!ReplyDelete
I want one this minute!
- AnonymousSeptember 20, 2006
Salmon? Avocado? I love the sound of this sandwich!ReplyDelete
Thanks Ellie - I'll keep an eye out for your sandwich!ReplyDelete
Thanks Jacelyn - spoil yourself and have one today ;)
Hi Plume - just one - I'll make two just in case ;)
Thanks Paz - avocado and salmon just work so well together.
That bread looks really good... do you make it? If so, and it's not too demanding, can you post the recipe?ReplyDelete
Ha, now I know what you do, you're a truck driver....only truck drivers use knots like that to tie down their loads. That is one seriously good sandwhich, loved the way you layed it out.ReplyDelete
Sorry Elizabeth - if i had the recipe I would give it to you but unfortunately this bread comes from a bakery.ReplyDelete
Neil - you found out my secret identity ;)
I agree with 100% on the importance of the bread. I made a cheddar cheese loaf for my sandwich today.
Hi Kevin - your sandwich has me drooling - looks ultra delicious!ReplyDelete
Too bad for me!! And lucky you that you can buy it. It looks delicious.ReplyDelete


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blogs.marketwatch.com China is forecast to spend roughly $1 trillion over the next decade buying up foreign assets, including about $15 billion to $20 billion a year on U.S. investments, according to the Kiplinger Letter. But what, exactly, are Chinese firms buying? Kiplinger offers its best guess as to which sectors will be targeted, based on recent acquisitions: 1) Energy: With China relying on imported energy, it may seek assets here. Kiplinger cites state-owned Sinochem's $1.7 billion purchase for a share of Texas shale formations owned by Pioneer Natural Resources Co. PXD +0.76% 2) Financial Services: Some Chinese interests may look for purchases that offer U.S. financial expertise, "as the Asian giant prepares for the more open financial markets that will come with a consumer economy," the investment letter said. 3) Food Production: Here, the main impetus is securing food supplies not tainted with the litany of food-safety scandals that plague the Chinese market. Case in point: Shuanghui Group's $4.8 billion deal for Smithfield Foods Inc. (Read Craig Stephen's column of China's food-safety ambitions.) 4) Real Estate: While the appetite for U.S. property among individual Chinese investors is well known, Kiplinger also sees more purchases ahead in the commercial real-estate space, along the lines of Fosun International Ltd. HK:656 snagging One Chase Manhattan Plaza, or the Chinese consortium which bought the General Motorsbuilding, also in New York. 5) Manufacturing: This front involves China seeking "to hang on to work that is, in some cases, moving back to the U.S.," according to Kiplinger, citing a recent investment in a U.S. auto-parts plant by Chinese firm Yanfeng USA.
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Christina Wu Prom 16029
- Brand: Tiffany Designs
- Style #: 16029 - Quick Delivery*Quick Delivery*
- Availability: In Stock
- $470
Tiffany Designs have been a leader in the prom, homecoming, and the fashion industry since 1994. They have been in the prom industry for over 20 years with their most exquisite designs every year. They strive to bring the customer a fabulous product that will have you looking ravishing on the night of your event. Tiffany designs showcase prom designs in a structured design to fit any body type to make them feel confident. Tiffany designs offers an array of exquisite yet sophisticated styles from long fitted mermaid dresses to flowy chiffon A-line dresses. Every gown attains a focal point into each design, fit, and make of each dress at an inexpensive price. Select your choice of style with Tiffany designs today at Peaches where we carry a large selection of designs in stock and ready to ship. You can glance through our unique Tiffany designs at Peaches Boutique where you will find the perfect gown for your event.
One shoulder fitted texture crepe gown featuring rhinestone accents and an open, asymmetrical lace-up back. Sweep train.
One shoulder fitted texture crepe gown featuring rhinestone accents and an open, asymmetrical lace-up back. Sweep train.
Quick Delivery:
- Black/rose Gold: 0, 4, 8, 12
- Sky/silver: 12
*A style on our web site listed as IN STOCK can usually be shipped 7 TO 10 business days or quick delivery direct from our inventory. Items that are listed as QUICK DELIVERY must be Special Ordered from the designer's inventory and can usually be shipped in 7-10 days once we confirm availability with the designer. SALE PRICES ARE VALID FOR IN STOCK ITEMS ONLY NOT SPECIAL ORDERS. SALE PRICES ARE VALID ONLINE ONLY! SALE PRICES ARE NOT VALID IN STORE. ATTENTION CUSTOMERS: Items in this sale category are CLEARANCE items. Many of them have been tried on before, and the condition of these sale dresses can vary from brand new to visibly worn. These dresses and prices are available online only. ALL sales are final. Diane & Company does not issue refunds, returns, or exchanges.


text: Jaws are arguably the most important part of a vise. HMH's jaws are hardened tool steel so they will hold hooks well for years and years. And because access to the hook is the most important thing in fly tying, the shape and profile of all HMH jaw styles are carefully designed so that you can get to the hook with your fingers and position materials easily. Both magnum and micro have 30+ years of proven dependability and are Guaranteed for Life. Choose from magnum (hook sizes 12 to 10/0) or micro (hook sizes 18 to 32). Both sets of jaws are compatible with the SX, Spartan and Standard vise models.


text:
Concerts on the Rooftop- LoveMonkeys
Date & Time:Thursday, June 26, 2014 - 7:00pm to 9:00pm
Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center
One John Nolen Drive
Madison, WI 53703
One John Nolen Drive
Madison, WI 53703
A truly unique Madison experience! Enjoy spectacular local bands accompanied by the best views in the city! Concerts on the Rooftop offer a wonderful opportunity for networking after work, or kicking back with friends and family. Feel free to bring a blanket or lawn chair; seating on the rooftop is limited. The Lake Vista Cafe will be open for your enjoyment. Picnic baskets are welcome. Sorry, no carry in alcohol. Proudly serving Great Dane beer, Monona Terrace offers a selection of beverages and casual gourmet faire on the rooftop. In the case of inclement weather, please call 608.261.4000 after 3pm for concert location. Concerts will be moved inside unless otherwise indicated.
Event Cost: Free
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
Pre-Registration?: No
American Sign Language (ASL) Provided?: No
Event Website: Concerts on the Rooftop
Last Updated : 06/02/2014
Category: Live & Work, Community Programs, Visit & Play, Monona Terrace


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FAIRBANKS, Alaska—It is a misinterpretation of the application of the bedrock of scientific naming with regard to the number of moose species that Kris Hundertmark, a University of Alaska Fairbanks wildlife geneticist at the Institute of Arctic Biology, seeks to correct.
The adoption of Carl Linnaeus' two-part, genus-species system of naming, called taxonomy, has been used for centuries on all described organisms on Earth and is considered one of the greatest triumphs in science.
Hundertmark will be presenting his research during the American Society of Mammalogists 89th Annual Meeting June 24-28 at UAF.
"When we give something its own name we're saying this is a unit of biodiversity that deserves to be conserved," Hundertmark said. "If you name something that doesn't deserve a name, you're wasting resources that could be spent on worthwhile groups."
The reference book Mammal Species of the World, which Hundertmark calls the "unofficial bible of what is a mammal species and what isn't," lists two species of moose. The two-species concept is based primarily on a difference in chromosome numbers and the physical structure, or morphology, of moose
Chromosomes are ranked and numbered by size, largest to smallest, and can be depicted in a standard format knows as a karyogram. A typical chromosome pair is shaped like an "X" connected at the middle, though some are V-shaped and connected at the apex. The karyogram for North American moose show 70 chromosome pairs. A Eurasian moose karyogram shows two V-shaped chromosomes that appear to have united to form one X-shaped chromosome resulting in 68 pairs.
"We've always known that North American moose have one more pair of chromosomes than Eurasian moose," Hundertmark said. "But it is a minor rearrangement rather than a functional difference."
The morphology argument is a nonstarter because similar physical differences exist among other animals considered one species and "… moose are distributed throughout the Northern Hemisphere and would be expected to exhibit regional variation in morphology," said Hundertmark.
One way of defining a species is whether two individuals can mate and produce viable offspring. If they can, they're the same species; if they can't, they're not. But transporting moose for breeding experiments is prohibitively expensive and according to Hundertmark it is not unreasonable to assume that the two types can interbreed until it is proven otherwise.
To test the two-species hypothesis, Hundertmark examined the DNA from moose tissue samples collected by colleagues around the world. He arranged the samples into two groups based on the two-species hypothesis and into three groups based on continent of origin - Europe, Asia and North America - and examined the distribution of genetic variation within and between groups.
"It turns out that there are actually three genetic groups of moose, not two, and the genetic differences among those groups do not rise to the level of separate species. It is just regional variation," Hundertmark said.
For more information including registration, schedule, abstracts and author index visit http://mercury.bio.uaf.edu/asm
Kris Hundertmark, IAB wildlife geneticist, ASM conference co-chairman, at 907-474-7159, firstname.lastname@example.com.
Marie Gilbert, IAB information officer, at 907-474-7412, email@example.com, will be available only by email June 19-July 5.
Kerynn Fisher, UA Museum of the North communications coordinator, at 907-474-6941, firstname.lastname@example.com


text:
New Budget Spells More Uncertainty for DoD
Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel acknowledged this reality when he unveiled the budget proposal. "Unfortunately, fiscal year 2014 programs will be significantly and adversely affected by sequester budget cuts in fiscal year 2013. Training cutbacks, civilian furloughs, deferral of equipment and facility maintenance, reductions to energy conservation investments, contract inefficiencies and curtailed deployments will inevitably have rippling effects into fiscal year 2014."
Obama's recommendation to address this problem is a deficit reduction plan — a combination of tax code reforms and reductions in entitlement programs — to replace and repeal the sequester.
Whether sequester will be repealed in a "grand bargain" on taxes and spending remains to be seen. No one anticipated what happened in fiscal year 2013: a modified continuing resolution, with sequester. The legislation gave the Defense Department some flexibility to adjust account imbalances, but the sequester on a base budget of $518 billion tightened things right back down. Going in, the department was short about $10 billion in operations and maintenance accounts. Coming out, O&M is still insufficient.
Civilian furloughs have been reduced from 22 to 14 days. Pay is still flat for government civilians employees, and the military services are beginning to cut back training. As of this writing, the actual cuts to the various appropriations accounts and their impacts have not yet been disclosed, but it is expected that programs in the procurement accounts will be seriously affected.
It goes like this. Less money means fewer "eaches," with less capability per each. The price per item goes up. So for less money, defense gets much less capability at a higher cost per unit. Sequester is specific that all accounts, programs, projects and activities get equal hits, there is little flexibility to protect higher priority programs. All is far from well.
Where does this leave defense in terms of its posture to execute national tasking? On March 20 in Jakarta, Deputy Defense Secretary Ashton Carter said that the rebalance to the Pacific remains the Defense Department's top priority, and that sequester will not have a long-term impact on the strategy or on the future of major military modernization efforts, including Navy attack submarines, the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, the Air Force's KC-46 tanker and long-range bomber, the Navy's P-8 manned maritime surveillance aircraft and high-endurance unmanned aircraft, cybersecurity and space technologies.
A March 15 memo from Hagel directed a "strategic choices and management review." This review is designed to define the major strategic choices and institutional challenges affecting defense posture in the decade ahead. This review is to consider the 2012 defense strategic guidance as the point of departure. In other words, the Pentagon is in the process of changing the direction based on a modified strategy. The outcome of this review will frame the 2015 budget and the next Quadrennial Defense Review due in February 2014. The review is to conclude by May 31.
The budget uncertainty affects every service. Though it rebalances some accounts, flexibility is still lacking. The Army faces a $9.5 billion shortfall in war operations, which is yet unaddressed by the budget, and aircraft procurement is under growing pressure. The Navy does well with carrier procurement funding, but will take hits on its new trainer aircraft, DDG-51 destroyers, F-35 procurement, some training and carrier strike group stand-down. The Air force seeks expanded reprogramming authority to keep the KC-46, F-35 and long-range bomber on track at the expense of lower priority programs.
The president's 2014 budget attempts to square the sequester circle by proposing a kind of "grand bargain" with new revenue — adjustments to the tax code — and some entitlement adjustments, like chained consumer-price index adjustments for Social Security. There are some poison pills in the new budget as well, like capping individual retirement accounts at $2 million. This and other "surprises" are sure to make the proposal contentious.
One only has to look at the divergence of the 2014 budget resolutions in the House and Senate. They are very far apart. If sequester moves into 2014, as seems likely given the late start on all this, the 2014 budget request will be $60 billion over target. The extended debate on this budget will only postpone and mask eventual program deferrals and "kills."
Recall the talk leading up to where we are now. Everyone said that sequester would not happen, but no one knew how it would not happen. The failure to prepare for this worst-case scenario eventuality left the defense community scrambling, and programs are going to be seriously compromised. We will pay more for the lack of preparation. If Washington continues to debate until October and nothing except sequester happens again, there will be an even worse outcome. We don't yet know just how programs will be affected by the 2013 budget.
It seems that Congress, words to the contrary, is comfortable right now with sequester, as it is the only way to make a small dent in budget deficits. Keep in mind, too, that the 2013 budget, the 2011 BCA and sequester do not actually reduce spending, they only slow down the increase.
A final thought: Historical defense budget decreases have contracted to lower levels than this particular drawdown. What has changed with this particular decrease, however, are the increased operational, personnel and healthcare costs. Projections of this trend to 2021 show that these costs consume the entire defense budget, which leaves little to no room for procurement and research. A report by the Center for Strategic and International Studies estimates that personnel will have to level out to the neighborhood of 600,000 troops to make head room for procurement.
We have a budget, but it is not a good one, and the 2014 submission holds scant promise to fix things.
Topics: Defense Department, DOD Budget


text:
Croco Jacquard Socks
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text:
Brynn writes:
How this wine found its way into our wine rack has me baffled. Every time I perused the small white collection in the rack I'd look at this wine and wonder: Did we buy it? Was it a gift? How the heck did it get here?
I once had a great memory for this sort of thing. Then I had a baby. Now I'm stumped.
Where the wine came from is irrelevant — except that it really is bugging me because Gewurztraminer isn't usually on my "go to" list when buying white wine. But after drinking this wine, I might just have to change my buying practices.
I know we've recommended a few Gewurztraminers (or Gewurzt) recently, so it's fitting that I decided to follow our recommendation and drink one.
Even though it was a 2009, I might have let this wine sit even longer, since as I said Gewurtz doesn't usually make my "must drink" list, but last night we were looking for a quick and easy way to cook chicken for dinner. My husband suggested we cook it in a white wine and garlic sauce. I made a quick mental inventory of our dwindling white wine selection, thinking all that's left are wines that I would never let touch the inside of a pan. Then I happened upon the Chateau Ste. Michelle from Columbia Valley.
Since I wasn't sure how long we'd had the wine, and considering I had no plans of coming home one night and popping the cork to drink it alone, I decided the best way to use it would be to cook with it. Typically with chicken I prefer a dry wine (think alcohol percentage in the 13.5 percent to 14 percent range), but surprisingly the 12 percent Gewurzt was fabulous.
I dredged the chicken in flour, browned it on both sides in a large pan, then added four cloves of garlic and about half the bottle of wine. I then let the wine and chicken simmer for roughly 25 to 30 minutes on medium to low heat. The end result? Delicious, moist chicken breasts with great flavor.
We then drank the wine with dinner and shockingly I quite enjoyed it. The wine was light, with the slightest hint of sweetness, but not to the point where it'd turn you away (trust me, "sweet" wines don't fly in our house unless its a dessert wine). The fruit flavors definitely shined in this one, but the crispness balanced the sweetness from the fruit, making the wine refreshing. There was also just the slightest hint of bubbles, giving a tickle to the tongue. I also greatly enjoyed its floral character, which was noticeable on the nose and in the finish.
My final determination? I'll buy this wine again. And at $8 or less, it's a great value.


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"Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith…" Hebrews 12:1-2
There is an article by Stephen Altrogge making the rounds on social media this week titled "Dear Moms, Jesus Wants You to Chill Out." It is a great post, reminding moms that the yoke of legalism is a heavy burden to bear, and that majoring in the minors does nothing to help us love God, our spouses or our children better. I applaud Altrogge's insight into the comparison-plagued mind of the typical Christian mom, daily sailing between the Scylla-and-Charybdis scenarios of motherhood (doctor or doula? Bottle or breast? Gluttony or gluten-free? Public or private? And on we sail…) Modern moms are so often characterized by (and crushed by) the side-long glance of comparison.
But are all comparisons to others harmful to our mothering? I don't think so. In Hebrews 11-12, scripture challenges believers to look to those who have gone before – Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, Rahab – those who endured great hardship and opposition for the sake of doing exactly the thing Altrogge (and Jesus) want us to do: Grow in holiness by loving God and others. What is mothering, if not a race for holiness? Hebrews 11-12 gives us a comparison that is worth our time – a comparison not to those who majored in the minors of legalistic one-upsmanship, but to those who majored in the majors of faith-bolstered preferential love of God and others. And it calls them as witnesses to our own efforts.
That makes this mom want to get off the couch.
It makes me want to redouble my efforts to fix my eyes on Jesus and on the faces of those he has entrusted to my care, to fix my thoughts on the transforming grace of the cross so that my life models holiness to my kids, to fix my efforts on creating a home that celebrates what God celebrates – shared time, shared faith, shared affection. Moms, daily remind yourselves not to major in the minors, but do something else as well: daily remind yourselves to major in the majors.
In matters of legalism, rest – yes – but in matters of holiness, run. Run like your hair is on fire. Cast off everything that hinders: all false measures of righteousness cloaked as homemade bread or spotless kitchen surfaces. But let your newly-found chill mentality toward Pinterest and June Cleaver free up energy to run the race that counts. Because this good work of loving God and loving others is a race for the fit and the fleet, particularly if you're a mom. Psychologists tell us that a child's moral framework – the way they view right and wrong – begins forming at eighteen months and is set by around age eleven. So if you thought you had eighteen years to train them in the fear and admonition of the Lord, you might want to bump up your timetable. You might want to run.
In the faith-fueled race of holiness, some days you will run well and some days you will run out of steam. There is grace for that, and majoring in the majors will require you to draw on it constantly. But get up and run again. Your family does not need you to bake the perfect pie, but they do need you to run with endurance the race marked out for you—-a race that we run for the joy set before us: the joy of running in the very steps of Christ. Not an easy race, no, but a course we can surely complete because of the completed work of the cross. Dear moms, Jesus wants you to run.
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