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Here at Shawnee Mission Ford, we go out of our way every day to prove to our friends and family in the Kansas City MO area one thing: When it comes to driving home in a great new Ford car, truck, or sport utility vehicle (SUV), or a high quality pre-owned vehicle that fits your unique budget, our dealership simply cannot be beat.
While this bold claim definitely sends a strong message, learning more about how we differentiate ourselves from other dealers in the area helps confirm that hyperbole and exaggeration are never part of your time spent shopping for the right Ford vehicle. For starters, the team here at Shawnee Mission Ford aims to make your buying experience as comfortable and stress-free as possible. This means that you will never find pushy promotional tactics or needlessly aggressive sales personnel on our showroom floor.
Of course, having access to the best selection of Ford vehicles in Kansas City and the rest of the surrounding Kansas City region does not hurt either. Whether you are in the market for a powerful new F-150, stylish Fusion, or one of our high quality used vehicles, you can rest easy knowing that our ample inventory has exactly what you are looking for in your next vehicle purchase — all at prices that leave the competition in awe.
Now that you are up to speed with what makes Shawnee Mission Ford Kansas City MO's top Ford provider, there is really one question left to ask: Are you ready to stop in for a visit and get to know the right Ford car, truck, or SUV for you today?
Tired of settling for second best when it comes to your automotive needs? Then you will be happy to know that the latest Ford models to roll onto our showroom floor provide their owners with only the most enjoyable, safe, and exhilarating driving experience found in Kansas City. To prove this point, and bring you up to speed with all that this brand has to offer to discerning shoppers such as yourself, here is a quick look at some of the most impressive Ford vehicles to head your way:
Looking for an SUV that is ready for any task or challenge that comes its way? Then the innovative and engaging Ford Escape needs to be on your radar. As far as how this category leader stands above the rest of the competition goes, it all starts with making the average SUV experience "smarter" via integration with the FordPass app, SYNC Connect technology, and a variety of other tech-friendly inclusions. From here, incorporating a sporty new look and up to 3,500 pounds of towing capability ensure that no job is too big for the most versatile SUV on the road.
Serving as America's favorite truck for right at four decades is an accomplishment that requires a steadfast commitment to excellence, innovation, and rugged durability. Fortunately for the Ford F-150, hammering out each of these goals is all in a day's work. Whether you are a fan of the powerful aluminum alloy body that serves as the bedrock of this truck or more intrigued by the MyFord Touch system and other tech additions to the F-150's cabin experience, one thing is for sure: The F-150 is willing to do whatever it takes to be the top dog in the world of pickups for another 40 years.
Designed to inspire, the Ford Focus is a sedan that constantly aims to break the mold within this crowded car category. Of course, when you pair up access to Ford's SYNC 3 voice-activated technology and driver-friendly safety features, like the Reverse Sensing parking assist system, with a plethora of creature comforts (including a posh leather-trimmed interior and crisp digital displays), breaking the mold on this front and leaving the competition in the dust is really just part of the process for the exhilarating Ford Focus.
What makes the Ford Edge crossover so respected — and sought after — among prospective car owners in the greater Kansas City and Kansas City area? It all starts with a commitment to technology that is second to none. From the Ford SYNC 3 smart car system and the Edge's front-mounted 180 degree exterior camera to cutting edge safety features aplenty (like the available Blind Spot Information and Lane-Keeping systems), this crossover does an outstanding job of ensuring that each and every trip you make is both safe and enjoyable.
Naturally, the team here at Shawnee Mission Ford could go on and on about all of the great Ford models that deserve your consideration as you seek out your next vehicle. However, the examples listed above should do a fine job of showing you exactly why Ford is a brand without compare — and worthy of your business — in today's increasingly competitive automotive marketplace.
Driving home in a great new Ford car, truck, or SUV is always a smart call. However, our friends and family in Kansas City do not just have to take our word for it on this front; plenty of other major players in the automotive industry are also more than willing to step up and go to bat for the Ford brand and all that comes with its latest offerings.
To see just how much truth is found within this statement, you need look no further than the endorsements offered up by both the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHSTA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Specifically, both of these trusted industry voices have bestowed their respective seals of approval upon the Ford line of vehicles by awarding selections from this manufacturer with their highest accolades possible regarding reliability, safety, and performance. If that was not enough, even the Ethisphere Institute has made it a point to count Ford as one of the most environmentally responsible organizations in the world by adding this brand to its prestigious "Most Ethical Companies" list. No other automaker can lay claim to such an impressive — and important — distinction.
If piling up countless awards from some of the most reputable members of the automotive community is not enough evidence to prove that buying a new Ford from Shawnee Mission Ford is always the right call, then it is time to start talking about what comes with being the owner of one of these outstanding vehicles. Specifically, Ford goes out of its way to support new Ford vehicle owners via the following expansive warranty program:
The moral of the story told by these new owner safeguards and assurances? Regardless of which great new Ford vehicle you drive home in, there is no question that Ford is a brand that is willing to do whatever is necessary to ensure that you always get the most out of this important life decision.


text: This Refurbished Bluestone Appliance BBCOD44 Beverage Center has a capacity of 28 standard wine bottles or 84 cans. There are 3 adjustable chrome-plated flat wire shelves and a wire basket to hold cans and bottles of beverages such as beer, water and soft drinks. The control panel allows you to set a different temperature for beverages or wine. The control panel also displays the current temperature inside the compartment and allows you to turn the interior light on and off.

subset: commoncrawl


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XKCD Wallpaper21 Mar 2011
I confess, I like XKCD. Even though some of them are unfunny and others beyond my understanding, sometimes, just sometimes, they strike a chord.
Once I moved to pekwm I found myself with a black plain desktop, what could be better, I thought, than the current XKCD comic in the centre, with the tooltip comment located underneath in an appropriate font.
After some trial and error, I ended up writing this script. It is far from perfect, and will probably end up being broken at some point, although it survived its first trial unscathed. I'm a little embarrassed by my tortuous curl/perl one-liner, ideally I would re-write this whole thing in perl, but it has worked reliably for a couple of months, so I dare say that I will never get around to it.
Currently it works for pekwm, and I dare say it will work for other
lightweight window managers, like openbox, that can use
feh to set the
desktop wallpaper. If not, then it shouldn't be too difficult to modify
the script for your window manager or desktop environment. You can also
run the script without the
-w switch in order to just create the XKCD
image in the directory for your own purposes.
You will obviously need
perl, curl, wget, and fold, if they aren't
already installed on your system. Create a directory, say
~/.xkcd and
save this script in there, along with the
XKCD font, mark the script as
executable. If you read the script, it is fairly self-explanatory I
You basically run it like this:
/path/to/.xkcd/xkcd -w -d '/path/to/.xkcd'
For pekwm, just add a line at the end of the
~/.pekwm/start file:
(sleep 30 && /path/to/.xkcd/xkcd -w -d '/path/to/.xkcd') &
I hope it works for you, feel free to comment any suggestions or criticisms. If you do start using it, it would be fantastic if you could add a comment to let me know.


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and, OF COURSE, they inspired me to do yet another black and white tablescape....
...and POLKA DOTS....
See this BROWNIE..?.
I LOVE the black and white checks and dots! The food looks mouth watering!
Love the black and white and those chair cushions are great! Glad the second brownies were a hit!!
I like the idea of using the bandannas for the napkins.
oooo Color...! I love it... mmm
mckenzie childs would be proud! LOL
I just did a post yesterday on the harlequin pattern I have all over my house! I love your dots.... and checks...
I am loving the black and white! The cushions are so dang cute! I need that brownie right now!! Great idea to put it under the dome! I must try that idea.
Stop by and enter my napkin ring giveaway.
How I love your polka dots, bj! But then..as usual, I love everything you do! How cute it all is.
Then came the brownies under glass...and I fell off my chair!
Yep...looks good but...YUK!
I know! I feel the same way! I'll eat it less often and eat the good tasting stuff! (As she sat stuffing the last of her Klondike bar into her mouth!)
Love and hugs,
Oh yes, you had to have those dots! They are perfect in your sweet cottage. :)
Now BJ, this just SCREAMED your name girl..I love it and look how pretty your table looks...Love the black/white tile did you do that?? Love it girl I'm so sick of my kitchen table it's so big for the space...but it was Len's before we got married 4 years ago and had to let him bring some of his stuff in my house ha ha!! And YUM on the Brownies...Hope your having a great day my friend..Is it snowing there?? Josh said it was snowing in Amarillo Tx and Kyra hated it ha ha!! Love ya sis...Gl♥ria
I love all your dots and checks...especially the tabletop!
I just want to steal those polka dot chair cushions and the tile tabletop...they are so fun!
Great chair cushions! So fun! Your 'scape looks wonderful and the brownies delish!
I truly love those dots!!! :) And your pictures are so cute! Thanks for sharing all of it with us! I will be using your coffee pictures (as you kindly offered) do not worry I will not use the first one ;) ... You will see them on Coffee Friday!
Thanks a lot ;)
Paloma. (from the Coffee Shop)
I just love that black and white table, I love what ever you put on it, it is just so pretty, the polka dot cushions are so so cute, I would have picked them up too, love them...take care my friend...Phyllis
I love your new cushions and it looks great with all your other black and white.
The brownie goes to show the eye can fool you right? Maybe that is why when we see photos and commercials it makes us want it.
Your tablescape is gorgeous! Come see me sometime! Would love to have you visit!
Tales from Bloggeritaville
You are a hoot! First..love the header with your parents letters. Love the table and the chair pads look so cute with it! The brownies in the pan...oh my! I love how you are just real, no showing recipes, just do this and be simple! Home grown pecans huh..very cool! :D
When I saw the polka dots I had to come right over to see! I love polka dots, especially black and white! The chair cushions are wonderful! The tablescape is beautiful! What fun!
Love it. Love it all. ;)
I love your dots and checks! Very cute. And the brownies.......mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm!!!
I'm with you BJ, I am such a sucker for polka dots, and black and white checkerboard too! The dotted chair cushions with your beautiful shiny checked table is so adorable! Love the tablescape:>)
Ooh ooh ooh!!!!! BJ those cushions are just so perfect for your table and chair set-up! And man, no matter how many times I've said it, gotta say it again. I love that tabletop!!!!!
Justine :o )
Every time I see polka dots, I think of you:) Love the chair cushions and bandanas for napkins...thanks for the idea. Hugs to you, have a blessed day!
Polka Dots. Black & White. So cute to have a theme, to catch our eye. I love it!
And more peeks around Sweet Nothings Cottage. :-)
Am I the only one who just loves to figure out layouts? Oh dear I hope not. It sounds sort of as if I'm way too nosy and that sounds way awful. But I'm really not *casing your joint*!!! Really!!!
I have yards and yards of a similar black and white polka dot fabric up in the attic. I can't even remember what I was going to do with it now. :(
Anyway, love the cushions!
...and never too many dots!!!
I love your dots and I love your checks too! Your table was charming. The (real) brownies I am sure are MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM!
P.S. Your header is very cute too!
Hi BJ ... fellow New Years Eve baby. Love the stunning table in black and white. You can never have enough dots, I always say.
Those brownies looked delish, funny they didn't taste good. Glad the second ones were better. :)
The cushions are too cute!
And I love your table too...I haven't seen the bandanas as Dollar Tree, but I haven't been in awhile.
The napkins in my new header are bandanas too..black with green shamrocks!
As for the Brownies, I agree. Better to have the real thing..Moderation in everything!
What a waste of your home grown pecans!
What a great idea with the bandanas!! I never thought of that but I will be looking for some! Beautiful table...so pretty!! Love the centerpiece.
Love all of your poka dots! Those cushions are just adorable!! I must say I was drooling over the brownies until you said they were sugar free and awful! ha! I have to make four desserts for a function this weekend so I will be on a sugar high for weeks! :o) You can bet your boots that I will be taking pictures for the 'ole blawg!
Take care and keep on keeping on!
I am with you on those "healthy" brownies! Most of that stuff tastes like crap.
I really like the black and white tile table -- it really lends the perfect backdrop to your great tablescape. There is such a nice clean graphic quality to your composition.
Hi BJ,
I'm glad you gave in to your DOT addiction once again ... they're just so doggone fun, aren't they? Your table looks great. Love the bandana napkins ... they're perfect for this 'scape!
Those brownies ... wow, I think I gained a pound or two just staring at the screen. I'm with you on most sugar-free stuff (have you tried sugar-free, fat-free ice "cream?"). I think I'll go for the real deal ... in moderation. Well, not too moderate ... I'll come up for air once in a while! ;)
Bye for now,
I love the chair cuhions.
HAHAHAHA. Dots. Yes. I never get tired of it!!!
Very beautiful. I love the dollar store:P
Love, Love, Love it.....Never get tired of black & white. Always stylish & chic.
Now we're all seeing D*O*T*S! and they are soooo cute. Just the perfect accent for your tablescape today. And just gotta love the Dollar Store finds.
I love polka dots and checks and this is just perfect. Such a great tablescape and those brownies look absolutely mouth watering. I would like one please. Just beautiful. Hugs, Marty
How cute those cushions are, and they look great with your black and white table. Your tablescape is perfect, and I love the bandanas for napkins. I still adhere to the philosphy that if it's healthy, it can't taste good! But oooooo Hershey brownies-got to try some of those. laurie
found your blog through a friend's (the coffee shop) and I just have to say that table is gorgeous. (or as we say in the south, Gawgeous). I'm totally loving the idea of the bandanas for napkins. Kinda adds a hint of masculinity to the feminine polka dots.
Hi BJ! Just love dots any color any thing!!! Really cute. Now I say don't mess with brownies you just have to have the fattening ones!!!lol Have a great weekend - Sincerley, Jeannette
Thank you so much for visiting my blog all the way over in Africa - it's lovely to 'meet' you and visit your blog, too. The table settings look lovely - the dots, black & white so striking and the brownie .... ahhhhh ..... delicious !
Bye for now
Lynda, Kilimanjaro, East Africa
Just have to tell you that I just love your new header and all of your fun black and white! Have to ask you, how do you stay so skinny with all of those goodies you're always making?!
HI Dear BJness! Oh, I love your dots and checks! You've made everything look so spectacular! You're good like that! ;) Now those brownies - yummyness is written all over them.
Be a sweetie,
Shelia :)
Dots! What is not to love about Dots?
Your pictures are sinfully good!!
Hi, Your blog is pure sunshine and happiness!! I love dots too, there isn't another shape as cheery as dots.
Your table setting is adorable.
thanks for stopping over at my blog
Hi BJ
Oh boo that those healthy ones didn't taste that good and you had to throw them out!!..but hoorray the others look delish. Yum!
I love the polka dots..and the black and white are soooo pretty and striking. You have to have polka dots when you come across them.
have a lovely day and weekend.
I love the black and white theme. You can't go wrong with brownies! Have a great day! Denise@cottagesisters
I forgot to tellyou I think I will steal the candle in a jar idea as well, just have to find the right jar, a mason jar or a cut crystal or plain, hummmm thanks for the post...Phyllis
The dots are great!! I really like black and white. Your brownies are mouth watering good:)
I love the polka dots, but you knew that! The black and white is stunning and I was all excited about that interesting looking brownie...blah, hate it when a recipe is a bust!
Have a wonderful weekend.
I think your dots are looking awesome. Also still so love that table too.
Alas healthy just doesn't taste as good does it?!
Have a good weekend.
I love the black and whites and the polka dots and the brownies. Yum!...Christine
I saw your wonderful coffee pictures at the coffee shop, and so am paying you a visit! I love the black and white motif!
Hi BJ
You had better keep those brownies under glass--I just may take a bite--lovely tablescape!
The black and white checkered tile table top is perfect for your black and white pieces! I love it.
Oooo, BJ, I love the polka dots! :) Gorgeous table setting! Your pitcher matches my china pattern (I think) Pfaltzgraff Heritage! Whenever you're tired of it send it this way! LOL! Great job - so glad I stopped by! Thanks for your encouraging words the other day! :) Bathroom is ALMOST finished!
Wow, I love your table...the polka dots are perfet with it!
I just love black and white and am partial to checks and polka dots so you know I LOVE your table!
I had to chuckle when I read your healthy brownie that looked so scrumptious went in the trash. At least it looked nice.


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The Glen Lake Community Library, 10115 Front Street, in Empire, Michigan, will host a special exhibit "Footprints in the Sand - Tracing the Path that Led to the Birth of the Village of South Manitou Island" from April 4 through May 17, 2014. The exhibit tells the story of the Village using historical photographs, maps, drawings and narrative. The display opens with a reception on Friday, April 4, 2014 from 6:00 t0 8:00 p.m. Refreshments will also be served. It then can be viewed during regular library hours 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday and 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday and Thursday.
This will be the mainland showing of the exhibit before it moves to the newly restored Haas Cottage in the Village on South Manitou Island. The exhibit is a project of the Manitou Islands Memorial Society (MIMS) and Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore (National Lakeshore). For further information, call the Library at 231-326-5361 or Curator Laura Quackenbush at the National Lakeshore at 231-326-4734.
The "Footprints in the Sand" exhibit is the culmination of a 2007 grant awarded to MIMS by the Americana Foundation. The grant funded the rehabilitation of the historic Haas Cottage in the Village of South Manitou. With effective management by MIMS leaders and hundreds of volunteer hours, the project was completed under budget. The Americana Foundation then approved use of the remaining funds for interpretive exhibits on island history to be displayed in the restored cottage.
The Haas Cottage is one of many projects that fulfill the MIMS's goal to help "preserve the history and cultural resources of Michigan's Manitou Islands by serving as volunteers and partnering with the National Lakeshore in delivery of rich visitor experiences." Work on the cottage was conducted during the summers of 2008, 2009 and 2010 by MIMS volunteers and materials were organized by Gwen Glatz and Rhonda Kruch. The exhibit was created by researcher Linda Henry and photographer David Fox, with additional support from National Lakeshore staff. The original grant was secured from the Americana Foundation by Joe and Rhonda Kruch. The Michigan-based Americana Foundation supports programs that address the protection and preservation of expressions of America's heritage.


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A mish mash of clothing!
My aim over the next six months is to create the perfect capsule wardrobe. For work and play, but hopefully most items will be interchangeable between the two occasions.
Luckily for me I just happen to have a trip to Melbourne, New York and China planned for this year (China, for business, not pleasure... but I'm sure I can fit in a couple of hours shopping time).


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To John Adams from Mercy Otis Warren, 24 July 1780
From Mercy Otis Warren
Plimouth July 24th 1780
You Will doubtless hear from several quarters of the arrival of admiral Greavess squadron who anchored of point Judith 4 days since.1 You have heard from better hands of the present situation of this Country, the Military Manuvers, the political opperations, the Disinterestedness of the Inhabitants and the purity of the Manners.
You have been told that the New Constitution has been accepted, that there is a Canvasing for Elections, and a sighing for the Post of Honour, which however Corrupt the times is not Yet Considered a private station. And perhaps you may hear one of the first acts under the New Establishment is a prohibition of the Trade Newly opened with Britain for the Benefit of a set of Inactive, unoffending, Innocent Men, who to be out of Harms way, have not till Lately shewn themselves in the Capital.2
But these are Matters which Lie so much out of the sphere of Female Life that I (of Late) seldom advert to them any further than is Necessary to Discharge the Duties of the Wife, the Mother, and the Friend, which occupy Every sentiment of my soul. Yet as the first I listen to the Transactions of state, or I should be unworthy of the union with your patriotic friend, and this Leads to Every attention the second Character Can Bestow on the Education and Conduct of his sons, a Deficiency in Either would Cut me off from the Claim which Friendship makes on a small portion of your time.
But as I would not Encroach too far on Those Moments Every one of which I must suppose more usefully Employed, Brevity is the first injuction I lay on myself when I take up the pen to address Mr. Adams: who will always permit me to write from the Native Dictates of a feeling Friendly Heart unadorned with the Flatering Epithets of the Courtier or the Complimentary Style of the polished Lady Eqally pleased with the Embassadour and with Herself.
But as Man Notwithstanding his acknowledged superiority of Ability, Breaks through the Barriers of the Wisest Legislation, no Wonder a feble Woman Should Counteract her own Maxims. This must be my apology if I fill up this sheet and this I shall plead as part of my Excuse for writing a second time to a Gentleman before I have been Honoured with a Return.3
Yet perhaps a Letter wrote by a son whose welfare lies too near my Heart may not have reached you. If any Misfortune to him has prevented he will not need an introduction to you. Your affection to his Father insures him your Friendship, your Benevolence the tender offices of Civility and kindness and I hope his Modesty, Rectitude and Honour will Engage your Esteem.
But a youth of twenty-one seldom knows Either Himself, or the World sufficiently to parry the Thousand arrows which the Blushless Race, both from the toylette and the Gaming Table, Daily level at his Virtue. Yet when the Moral principles are untainted, the more he Discovers the Intriguing spirit of Man and the Duplicity of Human action, the more will he Revere that Probity which shines Conspicuous in a few and the stronger will be his Contempt for the Worthless part of his species.
Mrs. Adams writes fully by this opportunity4 which precludes the Necessity of saying more of your family on this side the Atlantic. To those on the other you will make the affectionate Regards of their and their Fathers Friend & Humble Servant
RC (Adams Papers); addressed: "His Excellency John Adams Esqr Paris"; endorsed: "Mrs. Warren ansd. 9. Decr. 1780"; by John Thaxter: "Mrs. Warren 24th. July 1780."
1. Adm. Thomas Graves' fleet sailed from England on 17 May in pursuit of the French fleet under Ternay and as a reinforcement for the fleet under Adm. Marriot Arbuthnot at New York. Graves reached New York on 13 July, one day after the French had reached Newport. The combined fleet of Arbuthnot and Graves arrived off Rhode Island on 22 July, not the 20th as indicated by this letter. By then the French had fortified their position and forestalled any British attack. Even so, the British fleet's presence curtailed any major offensive actions by the French navy (Mackesy, War for America description begins Piers Mackesy, The War for America, 1775–1783, Cambridge, 1965. description ends , p. 328–329, 347–349; Stinchcombe, Amer. Rev. and the French Alliance description begins William C. Stinchcombe, The American Revolution and the French Alliance, Syracuse, 1969. description ends , p. 135–137, 347–349).
3. Mercy Warren's previous letter was that of 8 May (above), requesting JA's assistance for her son Winslow Warren, to whom she refers in the next paragraph. For the fate of both that letter and Winslow Warren, see note 2 to the letter of 8 May.
4. Several letters by AA probably went by "this opportunity," including those to John Thaxter of 21 July, CA and JQA of 22 July, and JA of 16 and 24 July (Adams Family Correspondence description begins Adams Family Correspondence, ed. L. H. Butterfield and others, Cambridge, 1963–. description ends , 3:375–382).


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A Special Bob James birthday celebration that features some of my favorite uses of the classic song, "Nautilus". See how the art of sampling has evolved through the use of one song. Enjoy! -Cut Chemist
From Hip Hop DX:
In celebration of jazz musician Bob James' December 25th birthday, Cut Chemist of Jurassic 5 cooked up a special exclusive episode of A Stable Sound podcast. With tracks like "Beats To The Rhyme" by Run-DMC and "Daytona 500" by Ghostface Killah, the mix spans Hip Hop songs from 1981-2016, and all sample James' 1974 single, "Nautilus." Normally powered by Dublab, episodes of A Stable Sound podcast run the 1st and 3rd Saturday of every month. Listen above.


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HELSINKI (Reuters) - Fox fur fetched record prices at a week-long auction in Finland that ended on Thursday, as strong demand from Asian buyers made up for weak European spending.
Finland's Saga Furs said the average selling price of fox furs rose to more than $240 per skin, compared with under $180 a year ago. The results offer relief for an industry facing strong domestic opposition to fur breeding.
Nordic countries account for more than half of global production of fox furs, which cost more than mink, and Finland is the world's top producer.
Saga Furs said the price of above $240 was the highest average selling price according to their records, which go back about 50 years.
Finnish lawmakers recently debated a ban on fur farms after activists collected enough signatures to introduce draft legislation - the first such citizens' initiative to make it to parliament.
The bill is unlikely to be passed, however, with a majority of lawmakers expected to oppose the ban as fur breeding is a major industry in Finland's northern region of Ostrobothnia. Parliament's agriculture and forestry committee said earlier this week that it would not support the citizens' campaign.
Reporting by Ritsuko Ando; Editing by Pravin Char


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If you've ever watched an episode of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, you've caught yourself staring at Brandi Glanville's impossibly long, lean legs and wondered aloud to your cat: why don't we look like that? The reality star and mom of two recently revealed what helps to keep her body in tip-top shape and, spoiler alert! credits Pilates for her strong and long figure.
But sorry, as much as I really want to, I'm just not buying it. Brandi explains:
After I drop my kids off at school, I head right to my Pilates trainer. I've had the same one for nine years! I go on bike rides with my kids, walk the dogs, or go for a hike near my home. It's the simple things that make [a difference].
She goes on to say that this Power Pilates class she takes is only three times a week. And her diet? Well. She says that her diet "isn't really the healthiest", which, of course, leaves room for interpretation.
Is it unhealthy because she eats junk food and soda, or is it unhealthy because she eats one jar of baby food a day and binges only on SmartWater and Airborne? Know what I'm saying?
If Brandi really does only work out three times a week and eats whatever she wants, then she needs to acknowledge that she's lucky as shit. I mean, most of us couldn't get away with three hours of sweat a week and stay fit on a diet that's "not the healthiest."
Or, on the other hand, if she's not telling us the full story and she's actually working out three hours a day and subsisting on raw kale juice, I'd like to know that, as well.
Basically, I need to know everything.
Do you think Brandi's telling us the whole truth?
Photo via bravotv.com


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Trade fair & show room
Enjoy hands-on ideas and inspiration with exclusive presentations of our products by Frank Pieper and his design team. Pay a visit to our Lifestyle Lounge in the German town of Brühl and be inspired by our new collection. You can also come and see us at the "Tendence", "Christmas World" and "Ambiente" trade fairs in Frankfurt. We look forward to seeing you there!


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Canine Comics: Six Daring Doggie Adventures (Martha Speaks Series)
The first comic panel was the BEST! Its been awhile since a kids comic struck me as hilarious! The rest of the stories were okay, but I could see how the whole book has kid appeal written all over it. :] The best thing was who fluid and easy the layout was to read----just the write amount of words & bubbles to get kids off to a great start in understanding and learning how comic panel layouts flow.


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|We used cardboard, twine, yarn, buttons,pipe cleaners and fishnet!
We also made shapes using only glue and made sure to put it on thick!
|We used cardboard, twine, yarn, buttons,pipe cleaners and fishnet!
I did something like this, but not with foil...I had them "wrap" it with a large sheet of tissue paper.
Did you use regular aluminium foil or something thicker? Did you get any rips?
I think i just pinned something like this not too long ago! How did they work out? Was it hard to work with the foil? any ripping/tearing? In the pin I found they used heavy duty foil. What kind did you use? These came out great! :)
I love how the colors came through the foil so bold and colorful.
Great results.
Hi may i ask what sort of markers/paint do you use to color the foil? Thank you


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Contact: Kerry Olson, 360 854-7302
Overview: Twelve fires ranging in size from a single tree to 400 acres have been burning in the North Cascades National Park Complex since late June. All twelve fires were started by lightning. The total acreage for all fires combined is 696 acres. Five of these fires are being managed with suppression tactics to protect the public, and infrastructure in the area. The other seven fires are being managed for resource benefits. Park staff members are educating visitors about the benefits of fire in natural ecosystems.
Current Situation: Yesterday, patrols were made from roadside vantage points to observe fire activity. No changes were noted in fire activity from the previous day. Three fires continue to produce light smoke: the Elija and Panther Fires in Panther Creek, and the Brush Creek Fire in Brush Creek drainage. Again, no smoke was observed at the other fires: Cascade Creek Fire and fires in the Crapper Complex. Today, a helicopter reconnaissance mission is planned for the Stehekin area to scout new fire starts due to lighting activity last night. Ground patrols will be made to watch for changes in fire activity at existing fires in the Panther and Crapper Complexes. Helicopters are available to assist firefighters by making water drops if requested.
Conditions and Fuels: Fires are burning in fire adapted ecosystems. Fires are in subalpine and mixed conifer forests.
Weather and Fire Behavior: Skies are predicted to be cloudy with a chance of sprinkles on the west side of the Cascade Mountains and sunny on the east side. Temperatures will vary between 72 and 85. Winds will be 6-11 mph.
Resources Assigned to the Fire: Personnel: Park staff supported by single resources Aircraft: 2 helicopters, one Type 3 (light) and one Type 2 (medium)
TRAIL CLOSURES: The Panther Creek Trail is closed from the trailhead on Highway 20 to Fourth of July Pass until further notice.


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Via Oberdan, 12 40126 40126 Bologna − Italy
If you love the atmosphere of antique residences with lavish history, your choice should be the Hotel Corona d'Oro (Gold Crown Hotel) constructed at the beginning of 1800 in the historical Piazza Azzoguidi in the heart of Bologna. At the end of the XIX century protected by an open glass window, what used to be the internal courtyard has been transformed into an incredibly atmospheric room; the walls display the époque of liberty style. There is an imposing lounge with a majestic arched ceiling and a painting of 15th century that towers over the consoles, reminiscent of a time of splendour that these noble buildings have lived leaving the warm atmosphere.
The guest rooms are decorated according to various periods. However much you try you will not find two rooms the same: in some you will be surprised by the ceilings painted with landscape scenes of the 14th century and in others you will find liberty style ornaments, and some enjoy the fantastic view of the medieval towers of Bologna. The bathrooms are small but well equipped.
The Hotel is located in the city centre, right in the elegant via Oberdan with its fine shops and being the road that guides you to famous Two Towers (Due Torri) a short distance away. Also Piazza Maggiore is quite nearby.
Wireless Internet Point
We have PCs available in the room adjacent to the lobby for guests to access email, use Office suite, or print documents. For guests with personal laptops, the hotel is equipped with complimentary wireless: please inquire at the reception for the password in order to use this service free of charge.
You can book a spot for your car in our private parking garage or in a parking lot. The Hotel Dei Commercianti has an adjacent parking garage(for a fee) that's open from 7 am to 10 pm. The usage outside of these hours must be communicated to reception beforehand.
Pet Friendly
Small pets are welcome at our hotel.
Please inquire at the reception for a pet bed and food bowl for the well-being of yourfour-pawed friends.
Breakfast Buffet and Room Service
Our large breakfast is served every morning from 7 to 11 and we offer: Various types of bread, typical of our region Croissant: sweet and savory Finger food, quiche and toast Hard-boiled and fried eggs Yogurt with or without fruit and cereal Selection of jams, jellies, and honey Fresh artisanal pastries Cold cuts and fresh cheese Fresh seasonal fruit, nuts and canned fruit (pears, apricots, and plums) Assorted fruit and vegetable juice and freshly squeezed orange juice, gluten free.
Please place your garments in the provided bag located inside the wardrobe. If delivered to the reception desk by 9 am, your clean laundry will be returned to you within 12 hours; if left in the room for pick-up by housekeeping, it will be returned within 24 hours. There is no laundry service on Saturdays and holidays. (An additional fee is incurred for this service.)
Luggage Storage
Guests are welcome to leave their luggage at in order to tour the city unencumbered on the day of their departure. Our staff store the luggage in a secure designated storage room by the lobby until your return.
For those who love the outdoors and the pleasure of visiting our city on two wheels we offer Bologn Art Hotels bicycles. This service is free so long as there are bikes available. Ask for themat reception!
Room Amenities
All rooms are equipped with a TV, Sky satellite programming, a well stocked minibar, cable internet, safe, water kettle, and hairdryer. Beyond our standard rooms, this hotel also offers elegant suites, rooms with terraces, adjoining rooms, and rooms with bathtubs. Those who a more private setting may enjoy greater freedom and comfort in one of our elegant centrally-located apartments while still benefitting from all the amenities of the hotel, including the breakfast buffet.
Guided Tour
Bologna Art Hotels organize, every day, interesting guided tours for the main monuments of the city centre which the following itinerary: Piazza Maggiore, the Fountain of Neptune, Palazzo Re Enzo, Palazzo d'Accursio, the Basilica of San Petronio, the Archiginnasio, the Abbey of Santo Stefano, the Palazzo dellaMercanzia, and the two Towers.
Baby Care
In Bologna Art Hotels children under 6 years old can stay for free and will receive a fun little surprise…Additionally we have available for our little guests baby bottle warmers, cradles, high chairs, a microwave to warm up baby food, baby sitter service and a pediatrician doctor upon request: ask Reception!
About Bologna
Bologna is a city with turrets and porticos which stretch out for kilometres, but it is not ostentatious. Often, the city's most valuable treasures can be found tucked away in magnificent Renaissance palaces, in churches which have been deconsecrated and restored, beneath gateways or inside courtyards. The city attracts a considerable amount of visitors each year to a variety of exhibitions. It offers an excellent infrastructure and quality services, which facilitate visitor's stays and help render them as pleasant and enjoyable as possible.
Please fill this form for individuals or for groups and you shall receive an answer written by a live person at Hotel Corona d`Oro. This is the only way you can know exactly what room types are available for the dates you want, and the best possible rate, because you are dealing directly with the hotel.
Bear in mind that websites set up to give an automatic answer, work with allocated quotas given by the hotel, therefore when it appears there are no rooms available for the date you want, this is not necessarily true, because they never allocate ALL the rooms to third parties.
Hotel: Hotel Corona d`Oro
Address: Via Oberdan, 12 40126 40126 Bologna
Region: Emilia-Romagna
Country: Italy
Official website: http://www.hco.it/en/4-stars-hotel-downtown-bologna/hotel
Telephone: +39 051 7457611
Fax: +39 051 7457622
Hotel email: email@example.com
Train: Stazione Centrale (3 Kms.)
Airport: Guglielmo Marconi Airport (8.5 Kms.)
By car:
From Florence: Take Motorway A1, continue in direction north until reaching the outskirts of Bologna.
From Milan: Take Motorway A1 Southeast along the Apennines. From Venice or Ferrara: Follow Motorway A13 Southwest.
From Rimini, Ravenna: Take Motorway A14 West.
Once in Bologna, you just have to follow the signs taking you to the city center "Centro", the Hotel is short distance from Piazza Maggiore.


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Are you looking for the best Reviews Facebook Page?, if so then you are at the perfect place for that.Facebook has over 1.6 billion users in every month and with this number, many people have created so many reviews Facebook pages to the level where identifying the best pages is proving to be a difficult task.However, after a thorough research, we have come up with the best ten Reviews Facebook pages in the entire world that you can use for your business with the utmost trust. The Top 10 Best Reviews Facebook Page, that you will see on the web.
Red Bull
This is an example of a page whose team go hand in hand with their targeted audience.The uniqueness of the content on their page and their apps are a good evidence to this.They know what is best for their audience and how they will respond to it in their best way.One of the outstanding features of this page is their web TV; this has given the audience a good another form of interaction where they are granted the chance to interact with famous athletes.
Burt's Bees
An outstanding feature among the many features of this page is the fact that they use videos and photos, this enables you to view their products behind the scenes.Besides, they also mention the ingredients they use for their products.
Lives cribe
This page has a customer care desk with a direct link to their Facebook page.Therefore you can ask questions or inquire anything about their products and services.
This is another example of reviews Facebook page, it has various outstanding features, and one of them is them is coming up with unfamiliar experiences for their targeted audience.They mostly like to create a nostalgic atmosphere with their audience reminding them of their childhood experiences and by doing so, they create a platform where their fans like to visit more often.
Jones Soda
This page does a fantastic job by coming up with other ways for interaction between their fans and the page.They conduct polls every week and by doing this, they engage their fans.
The Twilight Saga
The good thing about this page is the fact they have utilized the discussion forums where the audience can post matters and others join in to comment giving their views about the posted topic.
Travel Channel
This page is unique in such a way that fans have a space to share their different experiences in traveling.You may share your own experience with others by posting it or you may read other people's stories.
As one of the best Reviews Facebook page, this page has a distinguishing feature where fans are encouraged to take pictures with the Coca-Cola bottles.In this way, the company gets advertised to many other people.
Toy story 3
This page creates fun for the fans in addition to being functional.It is fun in a way that you can turn your image into an animation using their newly invented application.Its functionality comes in where they have made it possible for their fans to buy tickets through Facebook and this makes it fast and easy.
Chicago Grill
This page has tabs which have been meant for certain areas in their menu and besides, they use images to look more appealing to their fans.The above list provides some of the best reviews Facebook pages and their details briefly on why they are successful, these statistics come from a research carried out through interviews and customer opinions.


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Five of Welsh traditional music's liveliest performers will showcase their music at the Folk Alliance International conference in Kansas City from 19-23 February.
High-energy folksters Calan will be joined by guest harpist Gwenan Gibbard, who'll also showcase solo. Mother-and-daughter duo DnA, who made such an impression at this year's most important international professional market of world music – WOMEX in Cardiff have been invited to showcase there too, as have Olion Byw, whose second album has just been launched. And one of Wales' best-loved talents, Sian James, completes the Welsh line-up.
The conference hosts two thousand showcases over four days, and the Welsh artists are part of a bigger British delegation under the banner Horizons – an initiative started in Wales for WOMEX representing a World of Music from the UK and Ireland.
Since 1989, Folk Alliance has served as the headquarters for Folk Music and Dance. With over 2800 members worldwide and an annual conference that is one of the five largest music conferences in North America, Folk Alliance continues to grow and mature while providing a unique range of member services to our community.
To support the Welsh Government's launch of the DT 100 celebrations in the US, Kevin Powell and Cerys Matthews will take us on a journey through Dylan Thomas's legacy with company from Welsh musicians, Patrick Rimes and Gwenan Gibbard, American poets Steve Colman and Nichole Acosta, and American musicians Kraig Jarrett Johnson, Berry and Company and DJ Reborn, at Nuyorican Poets Café, New York City, 25 February.
Speaking ahead of the event, Cerys Matthews said:
"Dylan Thomas is a master of melody and rhythm whose voice is still a huge inspiration to new generations of artists all over the world- from slam poets to musicians, actors to playwrights. He would have been 100 years old this year and to celebrate his genius we are bringing together the two worlds Dylan loved- New York and Wales , and young artists from both worlds will come together through poetry, music and conversation to ask -who was the man behind the headlines? What inspired his writing style and what is his legacy?"
This event will also launch the Dylan Thomas Prize 2014 - a prize for published authors under 30. It was an American writer, Claire Vaye Watkins who received the £30,000 award last year for her exquisitely written book of short stories- "Battleborn'. America has a great success rate in this prize, having produced 3 winners in the last 4 years.
Cerys Matthews continued:
"It'll feel great to doff our collective hats at this small, passionate man who enriched the world so thoroughly with his poetry and writing and I can't wait to revel in his craft and forge lasting cross Atlantic relationships with fellow artists and literature lovers."
The final leg of Wales' journey will take us to South by Southwest (SXSW) Music and Media Conference, offering the unique convergence of original music, independent films, and emerging technologies. Fostering creative and professional growth alike, SXSW is the premier destination for discovery with 18,200+ music delegates and 2,200+ bands showcasing from 55 countries on 100+ stages. Altogether, SXSW presents unmatched networking opportunities, career-building conference programming and over 100 stages of music for showcasing bands and conference attendees. SXSW Music is now in its 28th year.
The 'Cerdd Cymru: Music Wales' mission will see eight Welsh acts head to the world-famous showcase with the aim of pumping money into their businesses and the Welsh economy.
This delegation includes Gruff Rhys who will introduce his American Interior project with Dylan Goch – a bold and ambitious multiplatform tale of adventure set for release in May 2014. American Interior is a unique project that firmly establishes Gruff Rhys as a captivating storyteller, blurring the boundaries and possibilities of song writing, music, literature, film and technology to create a multisensory experience telling the incredible true story of John Evans.
Sweet Baboo, Cate Le Bon, Until the Ribbon Breaks, Mike Peters and the Alarm, Save Your Breath and Gulp concludes the Welsh talent on show.
Eluned Haf, Head of Wales Arts International concluded:
"Wales Arts International are delighted to support this exciting season of Welsh artists in America to maximises opportunities for the arts in Wales and ensures international impact and recognition for the arts from Wales. These are three major opportunities for our artists and arts and we are pleased to see that leading programmers and events in the US are recognising the talents coming out of this small nation. We're actively working towards building an infrastructure for talent in Wales which progresses to great international careers and we want to show that there is fertile ground for the arts and the creative industries to flourish here."
For further information please contact Sian James on 029 2044 1344 or email firstname.lastname@example.com
Notes to Editors:
28th ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL FOLK ALLIANCE CONFERENCE19 – 23 February, Westin Hotel, Kansas City, MO
Folk Alliance Performances:
Calan – 6pm Friday, 21 February, Pershing West
Olion Byw – 8pm Friday, 21 February, Union Hill
DnA – 7:30pm Saturday, 22 February, Penn Valley
Sian James 23:00-23:25; Calan 00:00-00:25; DnA 01:00-01:25
DnA 14:30-14:55; Olion Byw 22:30-22:55; Sian James 01:00:01:25
Olion Byw 14:00 – 14:25; Sian James & Gwenan Gibbard 14:30-14:55; Calan 15:00-15:25; DnA 23:00-23:25; Olion Byw 23:30-23:55; Gwenan Gibbard 01:30-01:55
11 – 15 March, Texas
Save Your Breath, Wednesday, March 12 (4.40pm) Sweet Baboo, Friday, March 14 (2.10pm) Until the Ribbon Breaks, Friday, March 14 (3.50pm) Bohdi, Saturday, March 15 (4.40pm)
These times may change so please visit www.cerddcymru.com for the latest information.


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We were unable to find the page that you requested. We've recently updated our site and have done some rearranging. If you are unable to find what you are looking for please contact Emma.
You can create an account by joining the challenge!
From The Blog
The Energy Challenge E-Newsletter is a great monthly resource with new action items, inspirational stories and answers to your energy questions. Find out about local events, opportunities for savings and what is going on with the Energy Challenge. Sign up today!
© 2009 Center for Energy & Environment · 212 3rd Avenue N, Suite 560 · Minneapolis, MN 55401 · P: (612) 335-5858 · F: (612) 335-5888


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Uses and Gratifications Theory Applied
When creating a media product it s always essential to think carefully about exactly who you target audience is. Of course ideally people outside of your target audience will also watch the show, but it is good to be aiming it at a certain group. Some products I think are made to try and have as as wide a target audience as possible, but these can end up being weak as everyone enjoys it a bit but nobody enjoys it a lot (in my opinion). A media product should have a firm sense of identity, both in itself and in who it's made for (again, my thoughts).
When it comes to age I think my idea (a spoof-sports discussion show) will be best suited to 16-26 year olds. I think 16 is old enough to understand the conventions of typical sports shows, and therefore find our 'spoofing' funny. I think any younger and the essence of our creation won't be apparent. I then think the top of the range will be about mid-twenties as afterwards people may start to lose that sense of finding more 'silly' or comical things as entertaining. Also a spoof-sports show isn't particularly enlightening or productive, and between 16-26 people have more free time. They may be bored with all this free time so watch more comedies as a form of escapism. After mid twenties though adults tend to be busier and may not really be in the mood for such light hearted gags and bits.
I don't think there is particularly any connection between my idea and socio-economic status. In fact I prefer to stay clear of stereotyping different 'classes' anyway for ethical reasons. But if I was going to try and find some sort of possible link, I would say perhaps people at the lower end of the spectrum may not enjoy it as much. This is because to be able to laugh at sports show conventions, you need to not be taking them too seriously. And a possible trend is that lower enders may watch more shows (e.g. match of the day) with at times almost religious conviction. Not to say middle or upper class people don't, but perhaps not as frequently. And because of this these people might not be able to laugh at such things, which is fair enough as to sporting enthusiasts it may not be a laughing matter. But as I said, there is no need in my mind as to draw socio-economic conclusions at all.
If we accepted the stereotype that males like sport more, then I would say my show would be aimed more at males. However I do not. Then again, in my survey most of the people who said they would consider watching a sports-spoof were male. So based on this and not the stereotype, my show may be more suited to guys.
Another thing I noticed on my survey was when asked would you consider watching a sports-spoof show somebody replied 'yeah I would 'cuz sports sucks!'. This got me thinking, I remember there were a lot of people back in school who didn't like sort or P.E., either because they were bad at it or it just wasn't their thing. Sport was seen as a fairly 'cool' thing to be into, and maybe even those that weren't into it were deemed 'less cool'. This obviously wouldn't be a pleasant experience. That is when I thought that maybe my show could be a sort of outlet for that built up contempt at sport or sporty people. In a not particularly offensive way, people who didn't have a good experience with sport at any point in their lives could come together and moc the conventions and expectations we see today. The comedians used on my show would in no way need to know anything particularly about sport, or even like it. So this could create a 'sense of belonging' which comes under the Integration and Social Interaction section of the Uses and Gratifications Theory. All these anti-sport people can come together, and feel at home laughing at sport experts or athletes.
Other uses for my show I think will come under entertainment. People will watch it when bored, as I have said which happens a lot to the age I am aiming my show at. (They may also use it to procrastinate when really they should be doing their media work, but hey that's up to them). They will use it to relax, and as it will be so light hearted and funny, it will be good to relax to. The age group may need to relax as they may be stressed from exams or just generally facing the anxieties of being lost/ in love/ late teen/ early twenties. A confusing and wonderful time for everyone. As well they may get intrinsic cultural enjoyment, as the show will remain up to date and topical. It will sometimes talk about genuine sporting events or players, and make jokes about them. There will be a sense of national piss-taking, (e.g. laughing at how ugly Englands football team is, or about how we always lose at cricket to Australia etc.).
Reception Theory
The purpose of my television show is to entertain, and to highlight conventions in sport or sports shows that people tend to just accept without questing or even noticing. But mostly it is just to make people laugh, and give some comedians a chance to come and be funny while on the topic of sport. Comedy can be interpolated into almost anything, and I think it should be. The show is also a chance to generally discuss sport but on less of a serious note than regular sports shows, and in less detail.
I think my show will be interpreted quite quickly by people as the point of the show will be obvious almost as soon as you start to watch it. I think most people will have a preferred reading, as even though it does make fun of the sporting world, it wouldn't ever be offensive to anyone.
(Unless we get Frankie Boyle on the show.) Despite this, I think some sport enthusiasts and fanatics will not appreciate taking sport anything other than seriously. These people will have an oppositional reading. They may also have a problem with the fact that it won't be experts but comedians, who may frequently get things wrong about a certain sport or league etc. That will leave a few people who are kind of in between, who perhaps appreciate what we are doing although don't really agree with it. There may also be people who are fine with the show morally but just don't find it hugely funny. These will be negotiated readings. When we construct the show we will keep in mind that we want as many peple to have preferred readings as possible.


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Every day, 1,300 Americans are victims of gun crimes, including 32 murders.
The guns used in these crimes don't just "grow on trees" and criminals aren't manufacturing them in their basements. In reality, nearly all crime guns are purchased initially at a licensed dealer, and later diverted to the underground, illegal market.
Any firearm used—or suspected to have been used—in a crime is immediately labeled by law enforcement as a "crime gun".
When police recover a crime gun, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) "trace" every identifiable seller and buyer of the gun, often including straw purchasers and gun traffickers—common ways legal guns end up in criminal hands and wind up as crime guns.
Most gun dealers help keep guns out of dangerous hands. More than 80% can proudly report not a single crime gun traced to their shops.
But a small number of "bad apple" gun dealers disregard public safety to supply the criminal market. In fact, just 5% of all gun dealers are responsible for 90% of crime guns on our streets.
That's why the Brady Campaign is launching a national Stop Bad Apple Gun Dealers campaign that includes filing new lawsuits to hold irresponsible gun dealers accountable, organizing public protests at "bad apple" gun dealers across the country and demanding that all gun dealers agree to follow to a Code of Conduct. Join Brady by signing the petition to Stop Bad Apple Gun Dealers and stop the flow of crime guns to our streets.


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Our last day of conference! There is a great expectancy, as each sister desires to receive something special from the Lord.
Our sister Frieda welcomes us all, encouraging us to trust God to put faith in our hearts so that we may become women of purpose.
Ingrid then thanks the many people who have made sacrifices to make the conference possible and blesses Jesus for opening the doors for the gospel to be shared with such clarity for these three days. She then specially encourages me that this conference has only been the beginning, and that the Lord wants to use me to speak truth to many women throughout the world! There will be difficult times but the Lord will take care of it and see me through! I did not expect that… and can only trust the Lord to equip me for that – and to open the right doors! Help me Lord!
Today my topic is "Law, Faith and Grace". We look at God's plan for relationship with mankind, which has not changed since the Garden of Eden. God introduced the law because of man's fall, as a temporary solution in order to restore the broken relationship caused by sin. It was for a time, until Jesus would come. But now that Jesus has come and paid the price for our sin, took our sins upon Himself, the door is now wide open for any man who wants to have this relationship with God and consequently, there is no more need of the law. In other words, as a result of the sacrifice of Jesus, the law has been brought to an end and God's relationship with mankind has been restored once and for all. When we grasp this revelation, what a freedom it brings to our hearts! We do not have to do anything to please God but have faith in that sacrifice and live by faith.
We can see that the law is an attitude, a misconception that I have to do things to please God; and if I don't do these things, the Lord might be angry with me. We will always fail and will therefore always feel condemned. I share how in the USA I met an old lady asking for prayer. She wanted forgiveness, as there were times she went to sleep at night without having prayed or read her Bible. For years she felt condemned. That is law! We can each create our own laws and put expectations on ourselves as well as on other people. But, am I scoring points with God if I read my bible, or pray for an hour? Do you think God is angry with me if you don't live up to my own laws? I might miss out on some blessings but God loves me despite of my weaknesses and failures! A loud Amen can be heard. One sister on the second row cannot stop crying… as this revelation hits her heart.
We can see through scripture that when the cross works in our heart we accept ourselves as we are, and trust Him to finish the work he has started, in His time.
The lights begin to flash on in many hearts as they realize the freedom that they have, and God's amazing love for them. Jill jumps up and shouts out with delight! We are overwhelmed at Gods deep and glorious love for us. Hallelujah, the Lord has kissed us on the cheek!
As we resume, at the request of many, I sing my new song, "Let Your praise arise", which can be viewed on Youtube and take the next meeting from there. Mama Gashengo opens the second session by sharing a powerful testimony of how the gospel worked in her family. She shares her struggles as she strived to perform as a Pastor's wife whilst feeling completely distanced from her husband. She endured this suffering for 10 years, until they came into contact with Miki and heard the message of the cross. She fights back tears as she expresses her gratitude for the gospel, and the change it has brought to her marriage and family. She declares with joy that she now serves the Lord with her husband, Stephen, as best friends.
I continue sharing, warning the sisters of law in the church and the importance for us to not allow anyone to put law on us. For the just shall live by faith! We need to be a people who serve Jesus with our hearts. We realize that we must take our place, and this means that we need to stand for the truth, in the right spirit. We need to live in freedom and rest, not in fear.
I ask if there is anyone who has never repented of their sin and received salvation. Two women respond. Finally I make a call for those who know Jesus but carry baggage in their heart and life, hindrances that the Lord wants to set them free from. Some are tired of living a false Christian life. They are desperate for the Lord to do something new, to help them to forgive, turn the page and move forward.
There is a huge response from those seeking restoration and for God to set them free. Many sisters from different countries join me as we minister to those sisters who have responded and it is clear that the Lord touches many lives and hearts.
Unfortunately, our time is up as we need to give back the hall at 6 sharp and it is already quarter past!!! So as we finish praying, we quickly sing Malibongwe and all move to the dining room where sandwiches, cakes and tea are awaiting us! We are so thankful that because of King, brothers and sisters from over 22 countries from all over the world were able to benefit from these meetings and be challenged. Thanks King for your availability.
I can only say that it was a real visitation from the Lord. I did not expect anything like this and once again, it has only been by His grace.


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The move is the latest in an acrimonious battle between Digital and AltaVista. Digital bought the rights to the trademark from AltaVista a year ago, but licensed back to AltaVista the right to use the name as part of its company name and as its Web address. Digital sued AltaVista last October for breach of trademark licensing agreement, among other things, after AltaVista changed its Web site to look like that of Digital's search engine.
The latest ruling bars AltaVista from linking its Web site to Digital's search engine in a way that might confuse users into thinking AltaVista is related to Digital. The company also is barred from using the AltaVista trademark for any product or service.
Copyright March 1997, Crain Communications Inc.


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Today's consumer demands instant gratification when they contact a company. In the past this was fulfilled through call-in service: the phone rings, they talk to an agent, they get an answer. Now they face extended holding, automated prompts, unhelpful agents and a sea of transfers.
This irritation–coupled with technology for better, faster service through Web channels–has impacted customers' support preferences. So what does the future hold for customer-company communication?
This was the subject of a recent live online debate moderated by research firm Software Advice. The event, a live Google+ hangout called "Will Technology Kill the Call Center?" featured a discussion about consumer contact channel utilization, technology and the impact of these trends on the future call center. The speakers offered advice on customer contact channel strategy, as well as forecasted what companies can expect from the next generation of consumers.
The panel answered four scripted questions before the discussion was opened up to the digital audience of 40 attendees. If you missed the event, we'd like to share a few key takeaways from their conversation:
Technology Levels the User Experience Playing Field
As was mentioned, customers crave speed to contact. Poor user experience for non-phone channels previously prohibited their adoption, but that has changed. The speakers said virtual agent, chat, self service and other technologies can finally deliver on the promises they made years ago.
As a results, consumers now have the option to choose which channel works best for them. It's up to the company to "right channel" their business–or determine which channels are most important to its customers and invest in those technologies. Companies should consider, for example, that the majority of customer contact will soon come from a smartphone or tablet. Users don't want to tap through self-service login screens, or fish around FAQ pages using a tiny keyboard. So organizations should start investing in ways to best serve these customers.
Don't Silo Communication Channels
All of the speakers agreed that consumers are embracing newer contact channels, such as virtual agents and self service, at a pace never seen before in the contact center world. In fact, a recent Avaya report showed 60 percent of consumers continually change how they contact a company.
This doesn't mean customers are choosing these new channels instead of voice. Rather, they are using self service, FAQs, mobile and other channels in addition to the telephone.
This also means that once that consumer reaches the phone, they are likely at a crucial juncture in their interaction. The speakers said companies need to be smarter when that customer gets there. In other words, they need to be able to track the interaction from beginning to end. Was that customer looking at FAQs before they called the 1-800 number? Did they interact with a virtual agent? These answers can bring context and personalization to the live response experience. This increases efficiency and customer satisfaction.
The Call Center Reborn
The speakers agreed customer contact preference is shifting away from voice, but this won't kill the call center. The concept of a call center comprising phone agents has evolved into a contact center comprising "command teams" who manage customer interactions through multiple channels. That's because today's consumer demands instant gratification, and the reborn center is expected to support those demands, whether they come through Twitter, live chat or a phone call.
This will continue to affect expectations from contact centers and their agents. Companies need to ensure that their contact center has the ability to leverage these various channels together. This means agents will need to be more skilled and technically savvy.
"At the end of the day it's the agent behind the technology that's going to make the difference. While technology will enable agents to be better, faster, more efficient. It will not replace the contact center," one of the speakers said.
About the guest author:
Ashley Furness is an analyst for Software Advice. She has spent the last six years reporting and writing business news and strategy features. Her work has appeared in myriad publications including Inc., Upstart Business Journal, the Austin Business Journal and the North Bay Business Journal. Before joining Software Advice in 2012, she worked in sales management and advertising.


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I've put together a presentation with advice for folks attending Affiliate Summit for the first time.
Have a quick look for guidance on when to arrive, the dress code, what to bring, following Affiliate Summit West 2011 on Twitter, and more.
I will be giving this presentation in person at 10 am on Sunday, January 9 before Affiliate Summit kicks off.
The session is open to all attendees and will take place in the Margaux 1 room at the Wynn Las Vegas.
You can pick up your conference registration materials between 4 pm and 8 pm the night before or starting at 8am on Sunday in the convention registration area of the Wynn Las Vegas.
Visit http://www.affiliatesummit.com for more details on the conference.
Video: First Timers Guide for Affiliate Summit East 2010
First Timers Guide for Affiliate Summit West 2011
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I love Halloween - it's an excuse to dress up and indulge in a bit of a party without the endless palaver of Christmas or the emotional blackmail of a birthday.
I also love it because it's a festival invented by kids, for kids. The idea of ghosts and ghouls and witches and green-slime and calling at the doors of complete strangers looking for sweets is so compelling and thrilling for a child that they have, over the past few years, pestered us adults into turning it into a major event.
Halloween has, of course, got its roots in religion - All Souls Day. And now the Bishops' Conference of England and Wales have issued a statement saying that Halloween has lost it's true meaning and that it shouldn't be about 'occult' celebrations of witchdoctors and zombies and green-face paint and sweets that turn your tongue black, but that our kids should all be dressing up as saints and we should leave the neighbours alone and instead be celebrating this important holiday by taking them to mass.
On behalf of the children I would just like to say to the Bishops – get stuffed!
Firstly, All Souls was a complete non-entity of a religious celebration until the kids got hold of the whole sweets/skeleton/wrapping each other up in toilet paper to make-the-best-egyptian-mummy angle. They invented that and made something out of it. Not you!
Secondly, haven't the English Bishops little enough to worry about when they can issue miserable, boring, pronouncements about people taking religious holidays more seriously – trying to banish the bit of cheap fun out of our lives in the middle of a joyless recession?
And thirdly - oh thirdly. Do you not think that the world's children have suffered enough at your hands, Holy Fathers, without drawing attention to yourselves by passing judgement on how they should and shouldn't be interpreting "your" religious holidays? Generations of being taught to cow-tow to Rome has not proven a particularly healthy route for our children to take after all, resulting largely in endemic abuse and untold misery.
The Irish Bishops have stayed quiet on the subject. They have enough on their plates - keeping their heads down on the subject of anything to do with anything, especially children.
This latest pronouncement, although it seems archaic and laughable, is not merely a sign of how utterly detached the Catholic Church remains from the working of the real world. It can be easily interpreted in the more literal sense; the institution of the church doesn't like children very much. The Pope giving out about Harry Potter is one thing. Rome's complete inability to grasp the dark personal horror of institutional abuse is another.
"They just don't get it," a priest friend of me tried to explain to me once. "You can argue and talk all you like," he says, "the institution of Rome would sacrifice every child in the world to stop one gay marriage. It's a different world. A brick wall."
Newsflash – you might say - the Catholic Church doesn't like women and children? Didn't you read the memo? But as a mother who is bringing her child up as catholic – it is a constant source of horror to me just how much the old boys club that is running the institution which runs parallel to my chosen belief system (I try to live by basic, good, Christian values – they purport to represent me as God's homophobic, morally violent Military Wing and there is seemingly not a damn thing I can do about it!) is utterly detached from my life as an ordinary Catholic mother.
My son will dress as an African Witch Doctor and go the Halloween party at his school, which is Catholic, and the local priest Father Paddy will be there drinking tea and having the craic with the kids and NOT standing outside the school gates with a banner saying "Down with witches!" My son's lovely school, and my kind, intelligent priest, make it possible for me to enjoy the benefits of being a practising Catholic in 2010. Outside of the individual religious that I defer to in the day to day practise of my a la carte Catholicism, the liberalism and tolerance and humanity that contradicts the bizarre belief systems of their supposedly appointed elders, I'd have to leave and become an atheist, or a protestant or perish the thought – a new age dingly-dangly "Buddhist" type which, frankly, all seems like a lot of hard work. I already know the Rosary and most of the Saints – even though I don't encourage my son to dress up as Matt Talbot and wear a barbed-wire cillus belt at Halloween, (although, now they come to mention it….I'm sure there's a few martyrs the Halloween tradition could suitably mimic. Perhaps they should put in an Opus Dei flagellation stand in the €2 shop?)
While the rest of the world remains open-mouthed at the archaic, detached statements emanating from the fossils in charge of what is still our biggest, wealthiest religious institution, ordinary Catholics will continue to let their children dress up as witches and dunk for apples and trick-and-treat their neighbours, because nothing makes us feel more alive than being part of a community, and seeing our children bring creative and enjoy themselves. Some of us, including me, will go the mass and light candles for our dead as well. Surely God – if not His Bishops - is big enough to accommodate both.
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Posted by Kate Kerrigan at 10:19 AM
2 comments:
I love Halloween! It is one of my be favourite times of the year. I will be dressed in a witches outfit, serving sweets and gooey chews to all the lovely little monsters that knock on my door. We go all out and the house will decorated accordingly. I even have Halloween nails at the present!ReplyDelete
Thank you for popping over to my blog Serendipidy. I did enjoy Ellis Island and hope to read Recipes For a Perfect Marriage soon as I have that one too.
Thanks for stopping by and commenting on my book review, my husband is now reading the book too, and loving it just as much as I did.ReplyDelete
As for Halloween, it's all fun and games isn't it? Like you say, if we can't have a cheap bit of fun in the middle of a recession, then what can we have?
Take care.
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This is a question I've been wondering about for some time. Where do people get their regular mecha fix? I order Hobby Japan and Dengeki Hobby Magazine each month but sometimes I get the itch for more.
Where do you guys turn when you want more mecha goodness?
Where do you get your "fix"?
What's on your mind?
Moderator: kosh
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6 posts • Page 1 of 1
Where do you get your "fix"?
If you don't like the news then go make some of your own.
- Posts: 205
- Joined: Fri May 06, 2005 1:55 am
- Location: state college pa
I do the search in the yahoo Japan, they got the picture search not long ago, so I just type in the name of the mache series, then Yahoo will search the website and anything is related it.
original gundam series rule.
my site www.ericguoart.com
my site www.ericguoart.com
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6 posts • Page 1 of 1


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Finding the best policy for your home is very important in this modern age. With home prices becoming so astronomically high, you might not ever be able to afford to live anywhere else should something bad happen to your current residence. Read up on these insurance tips and protect yourself.
Make sure you have homeowner's insurance that includes a guaranteed replacement value policy. Doing so means that the insurance company will have to cover the whole cost of rebuilding your home in case of disaster. Since these costs tend to rise as time goes by, this policy will guarantee that you can afford to replace your home.
Evaluate the needs of the homeowner's insurance when you have family since your household diminishes and your valuable material increases over time. It's worth taking a second look at your policy to see if there are coverage limits on things like jewelry and other high-value items. Individual riders can be requested regarding certain specific items.
When buying a homeowner's insurance policy, what is excluded from coverage is sometimes more critical that what the policy does cover. Flood coverage, for example, is not typically covered in most homeowner's policies, but can be purchased as a separate policy. The same is true for other natural disasters such as earthquakes.
Flood Insurance
Regardless of maintenance, features of your home will determine how much you pay for insurance. The cost of insuring a home with a pool will be high, due to liability. Distance to and from emergency services, like hydrants, is going to affect your premium as well. You shouldn't pick a place for lower insurance rates, but you need to know that factors like that can affect the cost.
If you want to be sure your home and belongings are covered in the event of a flood, the time to buy flood insurance is not the moment it begins to rain. Most flood insurance plans will not cover flood damage incurred within the first 30 days of purchase, so you need to make that call today, rather than putting it off.
You might be able to get a discount on your homeowners insurance if you have a security system or alarm. It's not enough to have local alarm — to qualify for the discount, you usually have to have a monitored service, and the insurance company will ask for proof of this, so make a copy of your monitoring service contract to give them.
Never forget the importance of flood insurance when purchasing a home. Standard homeowner's insurance policies don't normally cover flood damage, but it is evident that flooding can occur in the most unlikely places. Flooding can happen unexpectedly and be very damaging, so make sure you get the right plan.
Putting an addition onto your home will increase your homeowner's insurance rates because there's now more home to insure. Minimize the increase by being smart with your building choices. If you can arrange for steel-framed construction, you may be able to pay less by choosing this less-flammable material. Consider the new roof's fire rating as well.
You can save thousands of dollars and years of payments by making your mortgage payment on a bi-weekly basis, instead of monthly. Ask your mortgage holder about setting you up on this payment program. Since there are 52 weeks in a year, you will end up making an additional couple of payments without breaking the bank or your budget.
Flood insurance may not be at the forefront of your mind when it comes to insuring your home, but it can be a good idea even if you don't live in a flood plain. Living in a low-risk area for floods does not mean that flooding will never happen to you. If your home is located in a low flood risk area, you may be able to get a big discount on home flood insurance.
Insurance Policy
Consider raising the deductible on your home insurance policy. A higher deductible on your insurance policy can significantly lower your annual home insurance premiums. Unfortunately, by raising the deductible, your home insurance company will no longer pay for small claims, such as broken window repair, leaky pipe repair and minor wind and flood damage repairs.
If you are a senior you may get some discounts. Home owner's insurance often offer senior citizen discounts. If your current company does not offer a discount, shop around.
Always select guaranteed replacement value home insurance. This type of insurance policy ensures that your home will be rebuilt, no matter what the cost, in the event of a disaster. This is important as the cost of building a new home tends to increase yearly. Without a guaranteed replacement value policy, if disaster does strike your insurance company may not provide you with enough money to rebuild your home.
A great way you can save on your homeowners insurance is to avoid expanding on your home too much. Sure, you can fix up those odds and ends, but putting that dream patio in your back yard or that extra bedroom on the second floor is going to cause your insurance payments to spike.
While insurance can be expensive, it is a necessary expense. But, there are things you can do to decrease this expense. By raising your deductible, you can lower your premium. Some home improvements, such as a security system or a new roof are also ways to lower your rate. Ask your insurer to provide a complete list of ways you can reduce your policy cost.
Consumer Reports
Check out Consumer Reports before you open a home owner;s policy with any company. Consumer Reports has a great website that makes it quite easy for a consumer to find the information that they seek. The scores that are given, will help you decide if that particular company is one that you want to work with.
Spend some money on fire and smoke alarms for your house to save on your insurance premiums. This protects you and your family and reduces the cost of your policy. You will be surprised at how much your premium can be reduced by simply by installing alarms.
A policy with a guaranteed replacement value ensures that in the event something happens to your home, you will be reimbursed for its entire value — not just a fraction. It will allow you to rebuild a similar home in the event that your home is destroyed and must be rebuilt.
Be sure to update your policy if you make changes to your property. If you do things such as remove a trampoline or a swimming pool or pay off your mortgage, you will see a decrease in your premium. If you add a security system it will reduce your rates as well.
When you are adding on to your home, be aware of how the design elements can affect your insurance rates. Utilizing durable materials in your construction process can lower your insurance costs. These materials are less likely to be damaged by time or natural disaster, which means your insurance carrier may charge less to insure the new addition.
Insuring a valuable item can help one get it replaced or even repaired should something unexpected ever happen too it. It will also help if the item gets stolen from an individuals home. The right insurance coverage for something could make all the difference if something ever happened to it.
Insurance Company
Make sure expensive items are fully covered by separately listing them on your policy. If you have jewelry, furs or expensive electronics, you're going to have to list them separately, since your basic policy only covers your general property. You can list your items individually to ensure better coverage.
If you have recently renovated your home, make sure to let your home owner's insurance company know. That way, should disaster ruin your newly renovated home, you will be reimbursed an amount that reflects the way your home looked after you renovated. Try to call the insurance company as soon as you make these renovations.
Keep insurance costs in mind when considering remodeling of your home to save you money. This can cause your insurance to raise, and you should make sure you know how much it will cost. For example, using wood increases premiums due to its susceptibility to water or fire damage.
Think about raising your liability coverage in order to cover claims for personal injuries or property damage. This coverage will protect you in case there's damage or any injury to someone in your property or resulting from someone's actions in your house. For instance, if your child accidentally damages one of your neighbors' homes, your homeowner's policy will pay for the damage.
Protecting yourself against disaster or damage is just a smart move for you and your family. By using these tips to help you select the right type of insurance, you can make sure that you're receiving the type of coverage you need without having to pay an arm and a leg for it.


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Chili Time Keys:Mouse Description: Click to eat chili. The faster you click, the faster you eat.
Only the best adventure games can be found here. Why not make your way through ancient tombs as Indiana Jones? Games in which you enter in an adventure, with a specific objective!
Tags: chili, hot, challenge, food,
Played: 52122
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|Category: Adventure