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Snake, (suborder Serpentes), also called serpent, any of more than 3,400 species of reptiles distinguished by their limbless condition and greatly elongated body and tail. Classified with lizards in the order Squamata, snakes represent a lizard that, over the course of evolution, has undergone structural reduction, simplification, and loss as well as specialization. All snakes lack external limbs, but not all legless reptiles are snakes. Certain burrowing lizards may have only front or hind limbs or be completely legless. Unlike lizards, snakes lack movable eyelids, which results in a continuous and often disconcerting stare. Snakes also lack external ear openings. Internally, they have lost the urinary bladder. The visceral organs are elongated, with reduction of the left member in relation to the right; the left lung is greatly reduced or even lost entirely. However, snakes possess increased numbers of vertebrae and have developed two novelties among vertebrates: a tracheal lung in the neck region and a venom-conducting system for subduing prey.
Snakes are thought to have evolved from terrestrial lizards as early as the Middle Jurassic Epoch (174.1 million to 163.5 million years ago). The oldest known fossil snake, Eophis underwoodi, was a small snake that lived in southern England about 167 million years ago.
Snakes and man
Snakes are misunderstood and often maligned, primarily out of ignorance about their true nature and position in the natural world. All snakes are predators, but venomous snakes (that is, biting snakes that use their fangs to inject toxins into their victims) have given an inaccurate reputation to the entire group, as most people cannot tell the dangerous from the harmless. Only a small percentage (fewer than 300 species) are venomous, and of those only about half are capable of inflicting a lethal bite. Although snakebite mortality worldwide is estimated at 30,000–40,000 people per year, the majority of deaths (25,000–35,000) occur in Southeast Asia, principally because of poor medical treatment, malnutrition of victims, and a large number of venomous species. Although there are 8,000 venomous snakebites per year in the United States, the average number of annual fatalities is only a dozen or so per year—fewer than are attributed to bee stings and lightning strikes. In Mexico, 10 times as many people die annually from bee stings as from snakebites.
Snakes can control the amount of venom they inject and may bite aggressively for food or defensively for protection. Snakes have a limited amount of venom available at any given time and do not want to waste it on nonprey organisms. As a result, about 40 percent of bites suffered by humans are defensive in nature and "dry" (without envenomation). Statistics show that the vast majority of snakebites occur while either catching and handling captive snakes or trying to molest or kill wild ones. In either case, the snake is only defending itself. Rattlesnakes, for example, are venomous, and large ones are quite dangerous owing to the amount of venom they can inject. However, most are shy and retreating, and none will attack a person unmolested. When approached or molested, they will coil up and rattle as a warning to be left alone, striking only as a last resort. Most cases of reputed snake attack are based upon encroachment by a person into the snake's territory, which makes it feel trapped or cornered, or provocation of a snake during the breeding season. Even in these scenarios, only two snakes have a reputation as dangerous aggressors: the black mamba (Dendroaspis polylepis) of Africa and the king cobra (Ophiophagus hannah) of Southeast Asia. Nevertheless, snakes are inoffensive under the vast majority of circumstances. People are rarely indifferent about them, generally exhibiting emotions that range from religious awe and superstitious dread to repulsion and uncontrollable fear. It is interesting to note that, although most people profess to fear or hate snakes, one of the most visited areas of any zoo is the snake house—proof that snakes are mysterious and fascinating, even if they are loathed. Given their exquisite colours, patterns, and graceful movements as they crawl, swim, or climb, some snakes can be considered among the most beautiful animals.
In common parlance, venomous snakes are often referred to as "poisonous snakes." This phrase is not technically correct, because the term "poisonous" only applies to organisms that unload their toxins when another organism consumes them. Very few snakes are truly poisonous. One of the most common, yet harmless, poisonous snakes in North America is the garter snake (Thamnophis), whose body has the ability to absorb and store the toxins of the newts, salamanders, and other poisonous prey it eats.
Nearly every culture since prehistoric times (including various present-day cultures) has worshipped, revered, or feared snakes. Serpent worship is one of the earliest forms of veneration, with some carvings dating to 10,000 bce. Although Satan is depicted as a serpent in the biblical account of the Creation, snakes are revered by most societies. A vast global compendium of superstitions and mythologies about snakes has sprung up. Many stem from the snakes' biological peculiarities: their ability to shed their skin is associated with immortality; their ever-open eyes represent omniscience; their propensity for sudden appearance and disappearance allies snakes with magic and ghosts; a phallic resemblance embodies procreative powers; and the ability to kill with a single bite engenders fear of any snakelike creature.
The hides of six snake species (especially pythons and wart snakes) are commonly bought and sold in the skin trade. The number of rattlesnakes used for their skins is minor in comparison. Hundreds of thousands of live snakes are collected for sale in the international pet trade. Nearly 100,000 ball pythons and 30,000 boa constrictors are imported annually into the United States. The removal of such enormous numbers from the wild threatens the survival of these species, and many snake populations are in decline as a result of capture and habitat destruction.
Natural history
Most snakes do not spend much of their time doing anything but resting. A snake's primary activity is concerned with either thermoregulation or finding live food, which often involves passive waiting rather than active searching. The thermoregulation problem varies with latitude and altitude. The actions and reactions of a snake in temperate North America are distinct from those of one living in the American tropical lowlands but are similar to those of another living at higher altitudes in the Andes of Ecuador. No matter where they live, snakes are subjected to pressures from the living (biotic) parts of the environment as well as from the physical, nonliving (abiotic) parts. But the amount or degree of challenge to the snake from different segments of the environment changes drastically depending upon the region it inhabits. An individual living in the hot, humid tropics of Africa, with comparatively constant temperatures close to optimum throughout the year and ample moisture from both rainfall and the surroundings, faces environmental problems that are overwhelmingly biotic, involving competition with other members of its own species for food, the challenge from other species of snakes and perhaps other vertebrates for possession of the ecological niche, and constant pressure of the predators that find it a tasty morsel. On the other hand, the common adder, or European viper (Vipera berus), living north of the Arctic Circle in Europe, is the only snake present in the area and lives practically unchallenged in its niche. However, its survival is challenged continually by its physical environment, and death from overheating, freezing, or dehydration is a repetitive threat. These differences between animals from different parts of the world are reflected in their life histories, and it is neither possible nor legitimate to speak of the "life history of the snake" unless one speaks of only a single region or species.
Dormant periods
In the tropics, life continues at approximately the same activity level throughout the year. The only break in the rhythm comes in the dry season—and this only when the dry season is not just a period of slightly less rainfall. At such times, snakes may enter a short period of dormancy, which is at least in part a consequence of the effect that the dry season has upon their prey. This dormant period is similar to hibernation in winter by temperate-area snakes, although little is known about physiological changes that may or may not take place in tropical dormancy. At higher latitudes and altitudes, during periods of maximum stress (which for most snakes are the cold months), the animals must seek out a place where they can be completely inactive and nonreactive, where their inability to respond to the stimulus of danger is compensated for by the absence of danger, and where the surrounding extremes of low temperature and low humidity remain within tolerable limits. Such places are few and far between, and good hibernacula (dens used for hibernation) are recognized over generations and are utilized year after year, with snakes of several different species often sharing a den. It is likely that snakes, like sea turtles, can migrate by using celestial or geomagnetic cues. Scent trails, most commonly laid down by females during the breeding season, are also used. Many of the changes that occur in the individual snake after arriving at the hibernaculum are direct results of its dependence upon the environment. As the body cools, the heartbeat and respiration slow almost to a stop, and there is no muscular activity, little digestion, and no defecation. Physiological changes that are not correlated with or responsive to the surroundings also take place, but not to a degree comparable to those occurring in a hibernating mammal, and there is no "alarm system" to stir the snake into activity if a tolerance limit is passed. In such a case, the snake simply dies.
At the end of the cold season, the snake is totally dependent upon the changes in its surroundings to bring it back to activity; it cannot rouse itself. The stimuli are felt by all almost simultaneously, and snakes emerge by the dozens or even by the hundreds from some denning places. In some species, copulation takes place immediately after enough of the sun's rays have been absorbed to permit the development of an interest in the surroundings; in others, copulation is the final act before entering hibernation, and the sperm remain dormant in the hibernating female. Fertilization of the egg can take place immediately after copulation, but, in at least some species, the female can store the sperm for several years, using them to fertilize successive batches of eggs.
Interactions between individuals
Snakes in both tropical and temperate regions tend to be solitary in their habits. The denning and mating aggregations are, for the most part, the only social events of the season. Sea snakes (subfamily Hydrophiinae) differ in this respect, sometimes being seen traveling in large troops, which seems to indicate an urge to aggregate. Female sea snakes also congregate in large numbers in seawall caves at parturition time, but this may have no social significance, since it seems to be a consequence of availability of a safe place for the young to be born rather than aggregational behaviour per se. There is some tendency for females of certain species in temperate areas to use a single site for egg deposition. Hunting of food is strictly an individual act for snakes; there are no known instances of cooperative hunting, as seen in some mammal and bird species. Hiding places and basking sites are occasionally shared; this again is a consequence of availability, and in the tropics, where hiding places abound, it is rare to find more than one snake at a time under a log or a rock. Except for these few weak instances, there is no development of social behaviour in snake populations—no establishment of social hierarchies, no territoriality, and perhaps no dominance. While combat dance (see below) certainly establishes a dominant individual temporarily, there is no indication that awareness of this dominance is retained by either snake. A dominance that must be reestablished at every encounter does not contribute to a social structure.
The occurrence of mating immediately after emergence from hibernation allows snakes to take advantage of the fact that the females are accessible, concentrated, and receptive. The males are equally concentrated, so pair formation and copulation are a simple matter. Males of some species have nuptial tubercles on various parts of the body, used to stroke or massage the female and, presumably, to arouse her sexually. Even when obvious tubercles are absent, the male uses a rubbing technique to stimulate the female, and in some species a muscle ripple moving along the male's body will provide a lateral caress. There are many descriptions in the literature of courtship dances done by snakes, in which the bodies are entwined and as much as one-third lifted off the ground, the coils ebbing and flowing with silent grace. Unfortunately, in many of these reports, the snakes were not captured and sexed, and the observer simply assumed that a male and female were involved. The combat dance engaged in by two males is believed to be a competitive behaviour for the acquisition of females during the breeding season. As in the courtship dance, the front of the bodies entwine and are raised higher and higher off the ground until finally one snake overthrows the other. It has been suggested that the combat dance is essentially a homosexual encounter, with each male attempting to copulate with the other. In any event, copulation is achieved after a comparatively brief courtship through the insertion of a hemipenis in the female's cloaca (a common urogenital chamber, lying just anterior to the anus). The hemipenis is one of a pair of mirror-image intromittent organs lying in the base of the male's tail, posterior to the anus, and strictly reserved for mating, for the urinary passages empty directly into the cloaca of the male. Either hemipenis can be used in copulation and must be everted through a process of turning itself inside out. This is achieved primarily by engorgement of the organ with blood.
The everted organ is heavily armed with spines, spinules (minute spines), flounces, calyxes, and other ornaments, all of which appear to play a role in ensuring that the male is securely attached to the female for the entire period until the sperm have been deposited. The sperm pass along a deep groove in the hemipenis, which, although open along one margin when examined in a dead snake, clearly forms a tubular passage as a result of the pressures of the engorged margins of the groove. After release, the sperm may immediately move up the oviducts and fertilize eggs just released from the ovary, or they may be stored by the female and released later to achieve fertilization.
Egg formation and laying
Once fertilization has occurred, the egg begins to accumulate additional layers from the shell glands in the oviduct. In some species, this continues until a firm yet pliable leathery shell has been formed, permeable to both gases and liquids but capable of retaining much of its liquid content unless in a very dry place. The female then deposits the entire clutch of eggs in a protected damp, warm, and usually dark place, often along with clutches from other females of the same species, for the same stimuli that lead snakes to congregate for hibernation also take them to the same places for egg laying. Many species immediately abandon the eggs; some remain with the clutch and certainly appear to be protecting them from external danger; and a very few actually assume the role of a brood hen, maintaining a body temperature measurably higher than the surroundings and presumably assisting in incubation. In certain species, additional layers of membranous material are deposited around the embryo, but the calcareous (calcium-containing) shell does not form. Instead, the embryo is retained in the oviduct and continues its development there. This is termed ovoviviparous development, since it is simply an egg retained in the oviduct, in contrast to viviparous, the condition seen in mammals, where the fetus develops in the uterus and establishes a placental connection with the uterine wall to permit exchange of materials with the maternal circulation. But, while an umbilical connection does not develop, there is considerable evidence of an exchange of materials between mother and fetus across their contiguous, highly vascularized membranous surfaces.
Regardless of the devices used to provide it with protection, the snake fetus is always brought to term before the onslaught of environmental conditions that could result in its death. The embryonic turtle can sleep away its first winter in the egg and hatch the following spring none the worse for the experience, but there is as yet no evidence that snakes can do the same. The contrast may result from the fact that the female turtle can scoop out a hole deep enough for freezing temperatures not to affect her brood, but the female snake is restricted, both by her limblessness and by the nature of the egg itself, to egg laying on or near the surface, where below-freezing temperatures are unavoidable. In the tropics, evidence is scanty, but it would appear that there is an endogenous (i.e., controlled from within) rhythm there as well, since young are not produced throughout the year.
Early development and growth
The young snake, whether from an egg or born alive, comes equipped with a sharp cutting device on its upper lip, the egg tooth. It slashes its way out of the rubbery eggshell with this tooth or, in the case of the live-born, cuts its way out of the soft membranes and is instantly competent to cope with its surroundings. Almost invariably, the first act of a newborn snake is to extend its tongue and taste the surroundings, conveying to the Jacobson's organ (a sensitive region in the roof of the mouth) chemical information perhaps more significant than the visual cues picked up by the pair of very inexperienced eyes. Young snakes begin to feed immediately after hatching, displaying considerable ability in the capture and consumption of prey. Venomous snakes are born with functional venom glands and fangs and are capable of immediate utilization of their most formidable weapons. Some of the viperid snakes are born with a bright green tail tip (contrasting strongly with the rest of the body colour), which they are capable of waving and shaking in a way that attracts the attention of possible prey. Within a very short time after birth, the first sloughing of the skin takes place, and the egg tooth is shed at about the same time.
The rate of growth is correlated with availability of food and temperatures high enough to permit full metabolic activity. When all factors are optimal, snakes grow surprisingly fast. A brood of California rosy boas (Charina trivirgata) doubled their length in a nine-month period, growing to only a few inches shorter than their mother, an adult close to maximum length for the species. It has been suggested that all snakes grow rapidly until they reach sexual maturity, after which time growth slows but very seldom stops completely. Snakes have indeterminate growth, which means there is no terminal point in time or size for growth in their lifetime, but they can continue to increase in length until they die. Sexual maturity is reached in about two years by many snakes. In the larger species, sexual maturity comes later, after four or five years or more.
In terms of total length, the reticulated pythons (Python reticulatus)—which inhabit Southeast Asia, Indonesia, and the Philippines—are the largest, growing to more than 7 metres (23 feet) as adults. In contrast, adults of the species Leptotyphlos carlae, a type of worm snake found on the island of Barbados, average only 10 cm (4 inches) long.
A regularly recurrent event during the activity period of all snakes is the shedding, or molting, of the skin. Dormant individuals do not shed, but quite often this is one of the first events to take place after the end of dormancy. The integument of all animals represents the primary buffer between internal structures and the environment, and it is constantly subject to wear, tear, and other damage. The first line of defense against damage, especially when the skin is completely broken, is the formation of a blood clot or a scab, cellular reorganization, and scar formation. The second line of defense is the constant production of new cells in the deeper layers of the skin to replace cells lost or worn away from the surface. In snakes, the replacement procedure has been modified to a considerable degree. The replacement cells are not constantly produced independently of one another but grow on the same cycle and cohere into a complete unit. When this unit is functional, the old skin lying external to it becomes a threat to continued good health. At this point, the snake's eyes become a milky blue, an indication of a physiological loosening of the skin that forms the eye cap. This loosening is duplicated all over the body, although not so obviously. Shortly, the eyes clear, and the snake rubs loose the skin around the mouth and nose and crawls out of it completely, leaving a new, functional skin resplendent in fresh, bright colours. The rattlesnake sheds its skin in the same fashion as all other snakes, but the process is highly modified at the tail tip, where successive layers of keratinized, hardened epidermis are interlocked, or nested, to form the rattle, a device used to ward off large mammals. The use of the rattle is reasonably successful with buffalo, cattle, or horses but spectacularly unsuccessful with man because, through this advertising, the rattling snake precipitates either its death or its capture but seldom its escape.
The snake has overcome the handicap of absence of limbs by developing several different methods of locomotion, some of which are seen in other limbless animals, others being unique. The first method, called serpentine locomotion, is shared with almost all legless animals, such as some lizards, the caecilians, earthworms, and others. This is the way most snakes move and has been seen by any zoo visitor. The body assumes a series of S-shaped horizontal loops, and each loop pushes against any resistance it can find in the environment, such as rocks, branches, twigs, dust, sand, or pebbles. The environment almost always provides sufficient resistance to make movement possible, and many snake species never use any other method of locomotion. Such species, when placed on a surface providing no resistance, such as smooth glass, are unable to move, whipping and thrashing around without progress. Snakes, like fishes and eels, swim by lateral undulation, which is essentially identical to serpentine locomotion. The sea snakes, however, possess a distinct anatomy in the form of a flattened, oarlike tail.
Other methods of terrestrial movement also involve at least some resistance by the environment but usually less than the first. One of these is known as "concertina" locomotion, because the snake in action resembles the opening and closing of an accordion or a concertina. First the tail and the posteriormost part of the body are securely anchored, and then the head and the rest of the body are extended as far forward as possible from that secure base. At the maximum extension, the head and the forepart of the body are anchored and the posterior part drawn up as close as possible in the accordion-like folds. A second cycle follows the first, and the snake progresses. Tree snakes, such as Imantodes and Oxybelis, modify this technique to move from branch to branch and have a strongly compressed body that permits surprising lengths of it to be stiffened and extended, using a modified I-beam effect for rigidity. The third method is called "caterpillar" or "rectilinear" locomotion, because the body moves in a straight line, using a flow of muscle contractions along the sides that looks like a caterpillar in motion. The body musculature is used for sequential lifting, anchoring, and pushing against individual ventral scales, which results in an inching along. It is used by large heavy-bodied snakes, such as the boas and some of the vipers.
The fourth method is the least dependent on friction with the surface and is called sidewinding. This mode characterizes snakes living in the desert (though some non-desert dwellers also use it), where the sand simply gives way under any kind of push. The sidewinder does not progress forward when in motion but actually goes sideways. The snake, lying extended on the sand, lifts the anterior part of the body, moves it several centimetres to the side, and rests that part on the sand, maintaining the rest of the body as a lifted loop. This loop is then progressively shifted along the body to the end of the tail, at which time the entire snake has moved to the side from its previous position. By the time the first loop has reached the end of the tail, a new loop has already lifted the head and started down the body, and the snake looks like a coiled spring rolling across the sand. There is no rolling involved, however, since the ventral surface is always in contact with a substrate and usually leaves its impression behind in the sand, like a footprint. Sidewinding allows minimal contact of the body with hot sand and thereby allows the snake to be active at a time when surface travel would be lethal.
Learn More in these related Britannica articles:
sound reception: SnakesWithout much doubt, snakes developed from some types of early lizards but lost their legs when they adopted habits of burrowing in the ground. Although some snakes burrow, others have taken up different habits: many species live on the surface of the ground, several…
Christianity: Messianic secrets and the mysteries of salvation…to the Ophite view, the serpent of the Garden of Eden wanted Adam and Eve, the first man and woman, to eat from the tree of knowledge (
gnosis) so that they would know their true identities and "be like God" (Genesis 3:5). The serpent, thus, is interpreted as a messenger…
Hinduism: VaishnavismGaruda, archenemy of snakes, and in his four hands are his emblems: the lotus, conch shell, and his two weapons, the club and the discus.…
Southeast Asian arts: Folk artsAnother major motif is the snake, which (even in areas where direct Indianizing influence was not strong) is frequently combined with imagery derived from the cult of the powerful, magical Hindu
naga; often many-headed, this serpent is the patron and guardian of water and treasure, both material and spiritual. The…
human digestive system: The teethThe teeth of snakes, for example, are very thin and sharp and usually curve backward; they function in capturing prey but not in chewing, because snakes swallow their food whole. The teeth of carnivorous mammals, such as cats and dogs, are more pointed than those of primates, including…
More About Snake22 references found in Britannica articles
Assorted References
- distribution
- snakebite
- In snakebite
anatomy and physiology
- circulation
- compared with lizards
- In lizard
- dental adaptations
- size
- skull
animal behaviour
- defensive behaviour
- innate preferences for certain foods
- locomotion


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The Ringling adds to its contemporary art offerings with the debut of the Philip and Nancy Kotler Glass Collection.
Works by some of the leading modern American and European glass artists will be on display Nov. 18, 2013-June 29, 2014 in galleries of the Ulla R. and Arthur F. Searing Wing of The Ringling Museum of Art. The collection features contemporary studio glass sculptures from a number of important artists including Nicolas Africano, Stanislav Libenský and Jaroslava Brychtová, Peter Hora, Karen LaMonte, Michael Glancey and many others. This exhibition will display an overview of the larger donated collection. A more comprehensive exhibition of the collection will occur in the future.
"This glimpse of the Kotler Glass Collection provides the opportunity to witness an art form never displayed before at The Ringling," Steven High, executive director at The Ringling says. "I thank Philip and Nancy Kotler for sharing their collection with the public."
While the addition of this collection marks the first instance of The Ringling collecting studio glass, the museum does have a legacy of collecting glass artworks. John Ringling collected 1st Century Roman glass.
"This generous donation by Philip and Nancy Kotler begins a new collecting focus for The Ringling and makes a significant contribution to our contemporary collection, allowing us to further extend and enrich our visitors' experiences," Matthew McLendon, curator of modern and contemporary art at The Ringling says.
Studio glass is a modern technique of an individual or a small team producing handmade glass artworks. The modern American studio glass movement traces its origin to two workshops at the Toledo Museum of Art in 1962, where small and inexpensive glass furnaces were demonstrated. The workshops spawned the development of independent glassblowing studios across the United States, which encouraged artists to experiment with glass. The Kotlers donated their collection of studio glass to The Ringling in 2012, which marked the 50th anniversary of the studio glass movement in the United States.
The Kolter Glass Collection is supported by a grant from the Art Alliance for Contemporary Glass. The collection is also a part of The Ringling's 2013-14 "Art of Our Time" season, supported in part by a grant from the Gulf Coast Community Foundation.

subset: commoncrawl


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You can expect small classes in the Policy Center, giving you lots of opportunity to discuss issues and questions in depth and to form close professional and personal bonds with classmates and professors. Professors will know your work well, making them excellent resources for references after graduation.
The Policy Center's faculty are true teacher-scholars, experts—in many cases world-renowned—in their respective fields, but dedicated to sharing their knowledge with their students.


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SOURCE: Let's Talk Computers
December 06, 2013 08:00 ET
NASHVILLE, TN--(Marketwired - Dec 6, 2013) - Guests from Que and Thermaltake will appear on radio talk show Let's Talk Computers. Que Publishing, world's largest education publisher, is a Pearson (NYSE: PSO) company. Thermaltake is a major brand for people who build their own computers -- long known for computer cases, power supplies, CPU coolers and accessories -- and they've recently expanded their line to include extra-high performance mice, keyboards and headsets.
Michael Miller, Let's Talk Computers Industry Analyst and Author of "The Absolute Beginners Guide to Computers Basics," continues our series on "Everything you need to Know about Choosing the Right Tablet."
Shannon Robb, Let's Talk Computers Industry Expert on Power Supplies, Cases, and CPU Coolers, as well as Director of Marketing and Public Relations with Thermaltake, begins our series on "What Computer Case Do I Want for My Computer System?"
To find out more about "What Computer Case Do I Want for My Computer System part 1"
and to read a complete transcript of this interview go to:
or alternate url
Listen to the interviews at:
Que http://www.lets-talk-computers.com/guests/que/choose_tablet_b
Thermaltake http://www.lets-talk-computers.com/guests/thermaltake/sr_case_a
Let's Talk Computers, http://www.lets-talk-computers.com, ranks as one of the longest-running computer radio talk shows on the air since 1989. Produced in Nashville, Tennessee, and is broadcast via radio and to colleges and universities everywhere and on the Internet where any interviews can be heard anytime. New shows are uploaded in RealAudio and NetShow formats by Friday, 12:00 PM Central -- radio broadcasts begin airing the following day. Past interview segments are also available on the website.
To assist in evaluating both hardware and software under genuine working conditions, Let's Talk Computers utilizes the expertise and facilities of Total Solutions Intl. http://www.total-solutions.net
Support our Sponsors:
Nexus Group Inc. -- http://www.nxs.net -- The largest independent ISP in Tennessee, serving 87 counties, 3,000 businesses, 900,000 Public School Students, 65,000 Public School Teachers.
Let's Talk Computers is a trademark of the Let's Talk Computers Tennessee partnership. Any use of this trademark without written authorization is strictly forbidden and a violation of state and federal law.
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Sandra Lee
Program ManagerEmail Contact
Let's Talk Computers
488 Saddle Drive
Nashville TN 37221
Phone: 615-662-0322
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LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) Russ Smith scored 18 points, Peyton Siva added 14 and No. 12 Louisville shot 52 percent to run away from No. 25 Marquette 70-51 on Sunday.
The lopsided outcome was somewhat surprising considering what was at stake for both teams in the Big East.
Marquette had an opportunity to take a one-game lead on Syracuse, but the Golden Eagles were left settling for a first-place tie with the Orange. The Cardinals (18-4, 6-3), meanwhile, moved a half-game closer to both schools with their second straight win, remaining in a four-way tie for third.
The Cardinals finished 27 of 52 from the field after an 0-for-8 start while holding the Golden Eagles (15-5, 6-2) to 36 percent shooting (19 of 53). They also outrebounded Marquette 38-26.
Gorgui Dieng added eight points and eight rebounds for Louisville.
Vander Blue had 17 points and Trent Lockett 16 for the Golden Eagles, who have dropped two of their last four games.
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - Austin Hollins hit a go-ahead 3-pointer with 11.6 seconds left, lifting Minnesota to a victory over Iowa.
Hollins finished with 17 points for the Gophers (17-5, 5-4 Big Ten). With Minnesota trailing 59-57, the 6-foot-4 Hollins got open in the corner on an inbound play and made the shot over 6-foot-1 Mike Gesell. Hollins then hounded Gesell on the other end to force the ball out of bounds.
Andre Hollins, who had 15 points, made two free throws to stretch the lead to three, and Gesell's tying attempt rolled off the front rim.
Gesell had 11 points, and Aaron White and Zach McCabe each added 10 for Iowa (14-8, 3-6).


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Paying teacher salaries with mobile phones
I often find that a sure way to generate rather heated discussions in many quarters is to bring up the topic of teacher salaries. They're too low! or: They're too high! They should be linked to [insert some sort of 'performance indicator']! or: Attempts to link them to [insert name of a performance indicator] are misguided (and perhaps even dangerous)!
I'll leave it to others more informed and expert than I am to weigh in on such (often quite contentious) debates. However one might approach such discussions, and whatever conclusions one might draw from them, there isn't a lot of debate about one issue related to teacher salaries that has been well documented, and widely (and rightly) deplored.
Many teachers around the world suffer as a result of poorly-functioning systems to pay the salaries [pdf] they are due [ppt]. This is especially problematic, and notable, given that teacher salaries have for many decades constituted huge percentages of the overall education budgets in many countries. As a World Bank publication from a few years ago (Teachers for Rural Schools : Experiences in Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania, and Uganda) laments, "Teachers in remote schools are [compared with their colleagues in more urban areas] more likely to be the direct victims of administrative failures, which undermine teacher morale and damage the system. One frequently mentioned administrative failure is the delay in paying teachers' salaries and allowances." An 'administrative failure' of this sort can have many causes. Even where sufficient budget exists to pay teachers, flawed teacher salary systems, poor internal controls, logistical challenges related to transport, and corruption can conspire to ensure that in many places, especially in rural areas in poor countries, teacher salaries are sometimes paid only infrequently, often with great delay. The results of this can be devastating for education systems -- to say nothing of the impact on individual teachers, schools, students and local communities.
Back when I worked with the World Bank's infoDev program, one of my responsibilities was to serve as a point person on 'mobile money' issues, briefing groups on emerging lessons and experiences from nascent activities to use mobile phones to transfer money from one person to another. I left infoDev in 2008, just as activities in this regard were really starting to heat up (Kenya's M-Pesa program, the best known 'mobile money success story', launched in 2007), but continued to meet semi-regularly with folks -- colleagues from the World Bank and other international donor agencies, government officials, NGOs and foundations, businesspeople, researchers -- who were interesting in exploring how new mobile payment options might be used in inventive ways to help address some longstanding developmental challenges. (Those totally new to the topic may benefit from watching this short video from CGAP, which demonstrates how mobile money activities look in practice.) Most of these conversations, as it happens, included considerations of how money transfers via mobile phones might be used to ensure that teachers got paid, in full and on time. As I prepare for a trip next week to the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, I realize haven't fielded one substantive information request related to this topic in the past three years.
Up until about 2010, I met quite often with groups who were looking for creative ways to help address the 'paying salaries to teachers in rural areas challenge' and who had seized on the idea of taking advantage of the increasing ubiquity of mobile phones in such areas to help fashion some sort of 'solution'. In the last three years, however, the volume around these sorts of discussions in many quarters has almost died out. Part of this might be explained by the fact that there are now many 'experts' on mobile money issues, people much more expert and well informed than I am about related issues, and so I simply might be 'out of the loop'. (Back in the 'early days' of work on this topic, I could never shake the nagging feeling that the reason that I was approached by so many groups for related information and advice was at least partially a result of the 'in the valley of the blind, the one-eyed man is king' phenomenon.) That said, given that a regular part of my daily work at the World Bank is to field questions related to the use of new technologies in education in all sorts of ways around the world, and that a lot of my job isn't so much about in providing answers, but about helping people formulate better questions, the fact that this question seems no longer to be a topic of much discussion makes me wonder:
Whatever happened to the idea of paying teacher salaries with mobile phones?


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Raleigh-Falls of Neuse Office
Office: (919) 866-4600
Fax: (919) 866-4601
9212 Falls of Neuse Road, Suite 111Raleigh,
Visit our Facebook Page
Mark Preddy
About Me
Our 4,000-square-foot Falls of Neuse branch is located in one of the fastest-growing areas of the Triangle in the heart of North Raleigh. It features two conference rooms, a technology and resource room and is equipped with the latest wireless network technology. The office services the North Raleigh, Northwest Wake County, East Raleigh, Knightdale, Wendell and Zebulon market areas. The Allen Tate Advantage, One Stop Shopping, provides customers with a full array of services including Allen Tate Mortgage Services, Allen Tate Insurance Services, Master Title Agency, Home Warranty and Allen Tate Home Services. In-house representatives for Allen Tate Mortgage and Insurance Services are available to assist clients.
Located close to the 540 Outer Loop and 440 Beltline, the community offers larger lot sizes and estate homes, gentle rolling hills and stately trees. Housing options include established neighborhoods and new construction. The area features many choices for shopping and dining, plus other amenities. The Falls Lake State Recreation Area provides outdoor activities, such as boating, fishing, swimming, hiking, mountain biking and camping along a portion of the state's Mountains-to-Sea Trail.
Residents can be in downtown Raleigh or Durham in minutes, and Raleigh-Durham International Airport is less than 20 miles away, all with easy access to Interstate 40.
The area is near Research Triangle Park and its world-renown universities, providing easy access to educational and cultural events. Residents also can enjoy Atlantic Coast Conference athletics, professional sporting events, concert venues and various museums.
The Allen Tate homeownership partners serving this office are:
Ginger Lynn
Mobile: (919) 624-3084
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Eric Jaffe
Eric Jaffe is the former New York bureau chief for CityLab. He is the author of A Curious Madness and The King's Best Highway.
Exhibit A for the "cities are mean" thesis is the 1964 murder of Kitty Genovese in Queens. Two weeks after the killing, The New York Times ran a story called "Thirty-Eight Who Saw Murder Didn't Call the Police," suggesting that dozens of witnesses did nothing to stop the gruesome event. Subsequent analysis cast serious doubt on the Times report, but the story remains a parable for the cruel indifference of urban life.
In 1968, inspired by the Genovese murder, psychologists John Darley and Bibb Latané studied bystander behavior in the laboratory [PDF]. Test subjects who thought they were alone were more likely to respond to someone having a seizure than when they were in a group. The "bystander effect," as it's now known, has since become one of the most established ideas in modern social psychology.
The underlying factor of the bystander effect isn't necessarily a callous lack of concern for other human beings. (Unless, of course, you're George, Elaine, Jerry, or Kramer watching a fat guy get robbed.) Instead it emerges, in large part, from the decreased sense of personal responsibility that comes with being part of a big crowd. If that sense of accountability could be increased, then the effect might disappear even if the crowd remained.
Using this logic as guide, a Dutch research team says it's found a way to reverse the bystander effect. In an upcoming issue of the Journal of Experimental Social Psychology, Marco van Bommel of VU University Amsterdam and colleagues report that victim assistance increases among a large group of bystanders when a person's self-awareness and accountability are stimulated, say, through the presence of a camera documenting their behavior. Van Bommel et al write:
People help less when there are bystanders present, but when they become public self-aware (by our camera manipulation), the presence of other bystanders leads them to increase helping behavior. … This indicates that the feeling of public self-awareness, as created by the presence of a camera, was sufficient for participants to change their behavior in accord with a pattern that signifies reputation concerns.
To observe their theory in action the researchers invented a fake online forum for people with severe emotional distress. They brought people into a laboratory and had them read five messages posted to the forum. The messages described troubling personal stories, from someone contemplating suicide to someone going through a very bad break-up. The researchers recorded which test subjects responded to the messages, and which didn't.
While studying the interactions in this forum, Van Bommel and colleagues found plenty of evidence for the classic bystander effect. In one test situation, people responded to the distressed messages at a lower rate when they thought there were 30 other people online in the forum — essentially bystanders — than when there were only a couple.
But the researchers were able to flip this effect by making test subjects more self-aware. In another test situation, forum participants saw their name in red on the screen among the 30 or so other forum participants, whose names were in black. That was enough to make them feel as if they stood out in the crowd, and the bystander effect was reversed: these subjects responded to crisis messages more than those who were in the forum without many bystanders.
A follow-up study with a video camera confirmed the influence of self-awareness on bystander behavior. This time, instead of seeing a name in red, test subjects thought they were being watched by a webcam as they navigated the forum. Even this mere feeling of accountability led subjects in a big group to respond to distress messages more often than those without many bystanders.
The researchers consider their tests "among the first to repeatedly demonstrate a reversal of the bystander effect." But what's happening here isn't some magnanimous injection of altruism. If that were the case, then every test subject whose self-awareness increased should have shown more victim assistance. Instead those in the big group of bystanders helped out much more than people who read the distress messages alone.
What's happening, Van Bommel and company suggest, is that people whose self-awareness is aroused in big groups fear they'll be held accountable for their behavior by the other bystanders. As a result they alter their response to account for what others might think. In short, when our reputation is on the line, the cost of inaction increases enough to get us involved.
Of course, responding to forum messages in a controlled lab is hardly the same as intervening in a violent crime. At the same time, the research suggests that cities might get some secondary benefit from the crime cameras that are now being installed around the country at an incredible pace. That people might assist others in need to save their own reputation, rather than out of the goodness of their hearts, isn't the most uplifting discovery. But if the goal is to increase helping, regardless of whether or not we also improve human nature, then it's a potentially useful one.
Top image: Kodda/Shutterstock.com
Given the affordable housing crisis, California cities should encourage single-family homeowners to convert garages into apartments and accessory dwelling units.
UN-Habitat is looking at high-tech urban islands as a potential survival fix for communities at risk from rising seas. This isn't what resilience looks like.
A lot of software developers, according to an unprecedented new analysis.
The landmark Children's Health Study tracked thousands of children in California over many years—and transformed our understanding of air pollution's harms.
Researchers at Descartes Labs are using artificial intelligence to make a better map of the urban tree canopy.


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Dr. Elsayed Ahmed Mohamed
Elsayed's focus as Director IFAW Middle East has been on training government officials who are responsible for implementing CITES convention agreements. In cooperation with IFAW's Wildlife Trade Programme staff, he organizes Prevention of Illegal Wildlife Trade (Wildlife Law Enforcement) training in many Arab-speaking countries and works to increase capacity for fighting the trade within the region.
In addition to working with government officials on illegal trade, Elsayed has implemented Animal Action Education programmes for school children and conservation campaigns for the public in Middle Eastern and North African countries, increasing awareness of key IFAW wildlife and habitat concerns to the community at large. Under Elsayed's leadership a "Think Twice" campaign, which educates tourists regarding the damage caused by trade in wildlife souvenirs, has also been organised within the region.
As a member of the United Arab Emirates national CITES team, Elsayed was responsible for issuing CITES permits and certificates, attending national CITES meetings and preparing United Arab Emirates Humane Handling of Marine Mammals in Captivity Guidelines. Internationally, Elsayed has been a regular attendee at CITES Convention of the Parties for many years.
Member, National CITES Team, United Arab Emirates
Veterinarian, Animal Wealth Department, Ministry of Agriculture, United Arab Emirates
Veterinarian, Quarantine and Inspections Authority, United Arab Emirates
Veterinarian, Quarantine and Inspections Authority, Egypt
Veterinarian, Ministry of Defense, Egypt
Bachelor of Veterinary Science, Alexandria University, Egypt
Advanced Diploma, Fish Health and Diseases, Alexandria University, Egypt
Pocket Manual: Common species in trade in the Middle East and North Africa.
Pocket manual: Common species in trade for South and East Africa.


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Ajebutter22 - Lagos Love
DNA - Star
DJ Neptune ft. Davido - Demo
Phyno - Agu
Iyanya ft. Duncan Mighty - Halle
DJ Voyst ft. Joeboy x Oxlade - Gbese
Medikal ft. King Promise - Ayekoo (prod. Reynolds The Gentleman)
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Landlock Backpack
Or 4 installments of $16.25 by afterpay Learn more about Afterpay
- Poly exterior with nylon lining
- Measures approx 15" W x 23" H x 7" D
- Drawstring top with flap over push lock closure
- Adjustable shoulder straps
- Side mesh and zip pockets
- Front adjustable skate straps
- Interior laptop compartment
- This item is not available for international export
- Revolve Style No. NIXO-MA64
- Manufacturer Style No. C1953 1714
Time determines style. Blending design and sport, we've built watches we can wear when we skate, when we snowboard, when we surf or when we don't. Team designed, custom built watches, soft goods, audio products and more - its about high quality and personal expression. Put one on and see what we mean.
If an item you would like to purchase is out of stock, you can place a Special Order Inquiry. REVOLVE will then check the availability and obtain an approximate arrival date for the item, if available. Typically, it takes up to 3-4 weeks to verify this information.
Placing a Special Order Inquiry is absolutely free and there is no obligation to follow through with a purchase.
- You will be notified by email once we receive the item.
- You may cancel at any time without penalty
- Your card will ONLY be charged when your order is shipped.
- Availability is not guaranteed.


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James North needed a new logo design and created a contest on 99designs.
A winner was selected from 129 designs submitted by 30 freelance designers.
We are a new DIY store, supplying customers with paving, decorative stones, fencing, paint, wooding sheds and all other garden items.
The general public, the DIY person who wants to quality and value at the right price.They need to know that they are dealing with people that know the business.
This is a open page, looking for people to bring it to me, be creative.
Some requirements:
The business name to be in the logo
A symbol to the left would be good.
Colours: blue - but not set on this.
Will need in many formats - Web, Print etc.
Find out how a design contest works or learn more about our logo design services.


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- Home
- Our Shop
- On Sale*
- New Arrival
- Aquarium Gallery
-Size : 40x50cm ( HxL)
-Branches and twigs have been treated therefore, these Special Bonsai Driftwoods can instantly place into your aquarium after a good rinse, unlike the traditional bonsai driftwoods, which have to be boil or soak for a few days, sometimes weeks.
Bonsai driftwoods are handcrafted by our skilled artists. Created from treated driftwood native to South East Asia, then sculpted and treated driftwood make a beautiful accessory for aquascaping, terrariums and paludariums. These unique decorations elevate regular fish/shrimps/plants tanks, making them more than just homes for your fish/shrimps. The tanks become statement pieces; beautiful miniaturized underwater forests to add an ethereal touch to your home. Fish tanks and terrariums are attention-grabbing items – why not make these objects as beautiful as possible? Each Bonsai driftwood from Exoaquaristic is unique, designed to last underwater and a great starting point to begin creating fairytale aquascapes.
-100% Natural Wood
-No Chemical
-Create beautiful centre-piece for your tank
-These all-natural ornaments are not only safe for the water environment of your fish and underwater flora, bonsai driftwood can actually improve the quality of your water. Each item contains tannic acid, which will soften the water and lower the pH level.
How to Treat Bonsai Driftwood ( any Driftwood can apply this )
Best and fast methods
-Boil Bonsai Driftwood for 45 minutes in water ( put a bit of salt in ). Rinse the Driftwood well before introduce it into the tank
-For Large Driftwood, place it into a big container such as : Bath tub , drum , ect . Where you can put the driftwood in properly, then pour boiling water ( with some salt ) until the driftwood is fully submerged. Let it sit for 2 days and repeat this 1 more time.
-Soak Bonsai Driftwood for 2 weeks with Salt or prime water. Change water every 3 -4 days
What moss would i put on my Bonsai Driftwood to create green foliage :
1. Mini Taiwan moss
2. Christmas moss
3. Peacockmoss
4. Subwassertang ( Freshwater seaweed)
5. Fissiden
How to tied Moss to my Bonsai Driftwood and which material ?
Use thin fishing line or green thread or push the moss between the twigs of the bonsai.
Once the driftwood has been properly prepared , clean and tied with your favorite moss. Carefully place the bonsai driftwood in your aquarium just as you designed.
-Bonsai Driftwood Aquarium by : Liem Nguyen
There is absolutely ZERO Risk in buying from our trusted store as we use Encrypted SSL certificates for 100% Security so you don't have to worry about your security!


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FOX Business: Capitalism Lives Here
The markets shook off early losses and climbed as traders weighed better-than-expected economic data with ongoing fears about the fiscal cliff.
Continue Reading Below
Today's Markets
As of 12:15 p.m. ET, the Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed 59.8 points, or 0.47%, to 12872, the S&P 500 rose 11.6 points, or 0.84%, to 1389 and the Nasdaq Composite climbed 28.9 points, or 1%, to 2924.
With the U.S. elections out of the way, Wall Street is looking squarely at Washington, D.C. for answers on how politicians will overcome deep ideological schisms on how to get the nation's fiscal house back in order. Thus far, traders have sold into the uncertainty.
The Dow, S&P 500 and Nasdaq all have all shed more than 3% in the past two days. The Dow and Nasdaq are both at late July levels, while the S&P 500 is at its lowest point since early August. Conversely, the yield on the 10-year U.S. Treasury bond has slumped to its lowest level since October 3 as traders have bought up the safe-haven asset.
President Barack Obama is expected to make his first remarks from the White House since his victory in securing a second term. He is expected to discuss the economy as well as the fiscal cliff -- a painful mixture of spending cuts and tax hikes that go into effect in January. House of Representatives Speaker John Boehner, the highest ranking Republican, is also set to speak on the day. The President and Speaker have had an oftentimes contentious relationship, navigating the crisis over the debt ceiling and other highly-polarized scuffles.
On the economic front, a reading on consumer sentiment from Reuters and the University of Michigan for early November rose to 84.9 from 82.6 in October, topping expectations for a reading of 83. The reading was the highest since July 2007. The measure often has a market impact, especially within the consumer discretionary and consumer staples sectors.
Wholesale inventories jumped 1.1% in September on a month-to-month basis, far bigger than the 0.4% increase expected. Generally, rising inventories are seen as a sign that firms are expecting greater sales and tends to be bullish for economic growth.
A separate report showed U.S. import prices rose 0.5% in October from September while export prices remained unchanged. Economists were expecting import prices to remain unchanged and export prices to rise 0.2%.
In Europe, talks between Greece and the European Union and International Monetary fund over a crucial aid package dragged on. A decision may not be made next week on a $40 billion rescue package, according to a report by Bloomberg News. However, the country is still unlikely to default on a debt payment that is also due next week, the report that cites unnamed sources said.
Commodities markets were to the upside. The benchmark crude oil contract jumped $1, or 1.2%, to $86.13 a barrel. Wholesale New York Harbor gasoline soared 3.1% to $2.686 a gallon.
Gold rose $6.90, or 0.4%, to $1,733 a troy ounce.
Foreign Markets
The Euro Stoxx 50 rose 0.03% to 2480, the English FTSE 100 dipped 0.11% to 5770 and the German DAX slipped 0.58% to 7164.
In Asia, the Japanese Nikkei 225 skidded lower by 0.9% to 8758 and the Chinese Hang Seng dropped 0.85% to 2241.


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Sea Otter: 2009 bikes herald crank design revolution
BB30 take-over sounds death knell for threaded bottom brackets
The BB30 integrated bottom bracket standard will see far wider use in 2009, if the range of bikes using the oversized, press-fit bearing design at Sea Otter is any indication.
At a BB30 presentation, manufacturers such as Cannondale, Kona, Jamis, Titus and Caribou all showed off BB30-compatible bikes while event host FSA displayed no fewer than seven cranksets covering a wide range of uses.
SRAM unveiled a BB30-compatible version of its Red crankset at Sea Otter while Zipp has already been selling its premium Vuma Quad crankset in a BB30 version for several months now. Moreover, Specialized frames equipped with its house brand integrated cranks are also apparently BB30-ready even though the company doesn't officially say so.
Cannondale was accused of needlessly stirring the industry pot when it introduced the BB30 standard years ago. However, much like Manitou and its 74mm post mount brake tabs, Cannondale can now proudly say 'I told you so' as the now-open standard spreads through the industry.
From a strictly engineering standpoint, BB30 is an easy sell. All other things being equal, it's lighter and stiffer than current external-type bottom bracket systems. It also reduces pedal stance width and increases bearing life thanks to the narrower, but larger diameter, bottom bracket shell.
Component maker FSA says that the most dramatic weight savings probably won't come at the high end. By its own calculations, the BB30 version of its SL-K Light crankset sheds just 24g. The biggest benefits will likely be found at the mid-range. For example, FSA's standard Gossamer crankset weighs 936g complete but the BB30 version is just 830g.
The new standard will create some compatibility headaches but a number of companies apparently feel the advantages are too great to ignore. Some of the growing pains may be ameliorated by adapters that allow a BB30 shell to be fitted with a threaded bottom bracket.
Cannondale Rize and Moto models showcase integration
Cannondale, the originator of the BB30 standard, showed off its new Rize trail bike platform that highlighted the effectiveness of its integrated approach to bicycle design. The Rize is claimed to weigh as little as 10.7kg (23.5lb), roughly the same as many high-end full-suspension race bikes, but offers 130mm of travel at either end while supposedly still delivering top-end bump performance and chassis rigidity.
Much of the credit for the feathery weight of the top-end Rize 1 assuredly belongs to the carbon-and-aluminum frame and premium spec but a pair of proprietary parts also helps. The new Lefty Max Carbon PBR fork is among the stiffest front suspension platforms we've used but Cannondale says it weighs just 1.3kg (2.9lb), thanks in part to the integrated stem and steerer tube. The BB30-standard Hollowgram crank continues the 'light but stiff' theme with its directly pressed-in bearings and 30mm-diameter aluminum spindle.
In Cannondale's case, the integrated approach is anything but new but the company has proven that sticking to its once-unorthodox design principles works well.
While not necessarily rife with integrated systems, Cannondale's new Moto looks to be an impressive bit of kit nonetheless as it offers 160mm of travel front and rear in a no-compromise package claimed to weigh under 13.6kg (30.0lb).
The top-end Moto 1's shock linkage is cleverly designed so that its carbon front triangle is always under tensile, rather than compressive, load and the stout single pivot rear end is bridged at no fewer than four locations for good torsional rigidity.
Titus explores the BB30 possibilities
Arizona-based builder Titus showed off its own BB30-equipped hardtail and it was quite the stunner. The unnamed prototype was essentially an off-road version of its Ligero road machine, complete with an Isogrid co-molded carbon fiber-and-titanium top tube and down tube as well as an integrated seat mast capped with a Ritchey head. Convertible rear dropouts also allow for either geared or singlespeed use. Claimed frame weight is just 1.54kg (3.4lb) with an uncut mast.
Why bother with such an extravagant hardtail, though, when full-suspension seems like the default choice these days? According to PR man Jeff Titone, Titus' hardtail sales have soared 50 percent last year as more and more riders re-embrace the performance appeal of their lighter weight and increased responsiveness.
If the new frame also delivers on its promise of offering similar ride characteristics to the Ligero, easily one of the sweetest riding road frames we've handled in recent memory, sign us up.
Titone said the new frame was in the experimental phase for now as it still had to undergo testing. Assuming everything goes well in that department, it's entirely possible that we'll see it in the 2009 lineup along with a BB30 option for other models.
Projected cost on the prototype hardtail hasn't been set yet, but Titone said it'd likely be "no less than US$3500". Better start saving now.


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Kids In Jail - A New Plan
Read the original story. Click the "LISTEN" button at the bottom of the page to hear the story. When you are done, click the "NEXT" button.
Original Title:
CYA Conference Looks at Approach Offering Therapy, Education
Highly-publicized violence and suicides in the California Youth Authority have resulted in lawsuits, legislative hearings and now reform efforts. Now several experts are offering an alternative.
Those attending a daylong conference on juvenile justice reform in Sacramento on Tuesday heard about a different approach with promising results for young offenders.
The CYA officials, parole workers and others who work with juvenile offenders were briefed on how Missouri, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania have had success with an approach that puts small groups of wards in a home-like setting, then provides in-depth counseling.
Dr. Jerry Miller, a former director of youth corrections in Massachusetts and Pennsylvania, said the new system offers better results and lower recidivism, yet costs no more than conventional incarceration. "We were able to get the money and resources to the kids that were being sopped up in these large institutions that are really designed to create crime," he said.
Miller explained that California currently spends $72,000 annually for each CYA ward, enough to easily fund the new program. "You need the flexibility to move money around," he said. "Think of the $72,000 you have in hand the minute the kid is sent away for a year. What would you do with it if it were your kid and he were in trouble? You would not do what California is doing."
Miller told how he closed 10 large state institutions and replaced them with smaller group settings, a project that required reorientation and retraining of workers. "We retrained staff that were in the institution and put them in the community," he said. "They became halfway between a parole agent and a social worker in the community. None of them had to deal with more than five or six kids in that role."
Former CYA ward Jason Treas underscored Miller's remarks, saying California's current system of juvenile justice gives wards little in the way of rehabilitation. "The system never provided me nothing," he said.
He said the only thing wards learn in California's juvenile institutions is how to commit crimes. "You put him in a environment where violence is condoned, where it's promoted, it's inspired, it's fostered, then he's going to become a product of that environment," said Treas.
Crime victim advocates are unenthusiastic about the new approach, saying that violent offenders should be punished when they commit horrific crimes. "Especially with the violent crimes," said Maggie Elvey of Crime Victims United. "Somebody trying to rehabilitate the murderer, give him books and set him loose. [Meanwhile] our lives have been ruined forever."
As part of a legal settlement, the CYA must have formulated the final part of its reform plan, which deals with ward safety and welfare remediation, by November 30.
California houses 3,450 wards in its juvenile institutions. Another 248 are at fire camps and 3,755 are on parole. Figures show about 70 percent of CYA wards re-offend after they are released.
(This story was provided by News10 KXTV Sacramento.)


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Sabina Ampofo Columbus, OH
View Sabina Ampofo's full profile on US Identify to connect online or by mailing a letter, making a phone call, sending an email, and more. US Identify profiles enable you to reconnect with people from your past, find long lost family, or learn about people in your life now.
|Sabina Ampofo's Profile
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RULES + FAQs
3 simple rules as of now:
1. No Hotlinking.
I'm very insistent on this rule. Its the MOST IMPORTANT Rule of DBSKer and must be taken seriously. My contributors and I use loads of our limited internet time just to upload these files for you. It would really be nasty of you to just post our links elsewhere. I will be very upset if you do so.
2. Taking out stuff out of DBSKer.
I don't have a rule against taking any clips/songs/videos/lyrics out of DBSKer. If you wanna upload/post them anywhere, etc., feel free to do so. But try not to misuse this freedom by causing trouble for us. One more thing is, please don't take out tags like [badstar] or [tvfxqforever] or [GOE;SS] because that would amount to stealing. Also, please CREDIT FULLY if you take out lyrics. If it says you need to ask permission, please do. Don't get me in trouble.
3. A word of thanks + credit.
Downloads and lyrics taken out should credit DBSKer. Same reason as in Rule 1, a lot of time was spent doing it. So we would really appreciate some credit or a word of thanks. Also don't forget to check the credits post to see who provided the files and thank them appropriately too.
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Click HERE to ask Krissy.
Q: Megaupload links that display "All download slots assigned to your country ( __ ) are in use".
The easiest solution for this is to download the Megaupload Toolbar as recommended by the site. With the toolbar, you're assured of a download slot.
Q: "Download limit exceeded" message for Megaupload links.
Megaupload only allows one download at a time if you don't have a Premium Account. I just stumbled on this website from one of the forums that helps you generate a premium link. Just register an account first. Then you can copy the URL and paste it in the box given. Then it'll generate a code for you to download. It also works if you don't have the Megaupload Toolbar. This I hope will solve all your MU download queries.
Q: Filefront links just bring me to the main page on Filefront.com.
This means the upload has been deleted by filefront. ARGH. Just let me know which file either by emailing email@example.com or drop a comment in the download post. I'll re-upload the file if I still have it.
Q: What are those files that are named .001, .002, etc and how can they be played? OR; Why can my player only play Part 1 of the clip but not Part 2?
These are files split with HJSplit as they were too large to upload because the filehost does not support such huge files. Just download HJSplit, open the program, select "Join" and then browse for the input file which should be the file that ends with .001. HJSplit will automatically seach for the other files in sequence and join them together. The result will be a full and complete file without any .001 at the end. You may delete the unjoined files and keep the new joined file.
Q: When I play a file there's no visual or no audio. Why does this happen?
Okay.. My guess is you're either not using the appropriate program to play the media files or you don't have the codec to play the files. I'm using Storm Codec or K-Lite Codec Pack (Standard) which should take care of all possible media file types. I recommend you use Media Player Classic (included with the above download pack) that plays your file. You can right click on the video and select "Play with Media Player Classic" or "Open With..", then select Media Player Classic. If this doesn't solve your problem. Then it is beyond me to help you further. Maybe you should try the Tech Discussion Threads at various forums.
If anyone wants to correct me on anything here, do feel free to drop a comment. I'm not exactly an expert in these stuffs. But that's what I know of it from my limited knowledge. With that said, Happy viewing!
Q: What's the difference between softsubs and hardsubs? How do I used them?
Hardsubbed videos have the subtitles attached to the video itself. Therefore, the subtitles comes with the video itself. Softsubs on the other hand are separate subtitle files that operate together with the unsubbed/raw video file. The softsubs usually have the extensions .srt, .ssa, etc. (E.g Offshot movie.srt)
To play the softsubs, you will need the unsubbed/raw video. Firstly, put both the subtitle file and the video file in the same folder. Rename both files so that they have the same name.
Offshot movie.aviOnce this is done. Just double click on the video file. Media player classic would automatically play the softsubs together with the video. If it doesn't work, it might be a codec problem. I can't warrant for that. But I use Storm Codec. It should support any type of video format you may want to play.
Offshot movie.srt
Q: "This video is no longer available" message for embedded videos and "This user/account has been suspended" when clicking links.
This means that youtube has probably suspended the user that uploaded the video. Similarly, email or drop a comment in the post itself and if I can find an alternative, I will replace it.
Additional Info:
When POSTING COMMENTS, do select the "Other" option and enter your name. Although there is a column that requires you to fill in you Webpage URL, this is optional and not necessary. You may leave this column blank. This is because I noticed many of you posted your comments using the "Anonymous" option and left your name at the end instead. So do use the "Other" option unless you intend to remain anonymous. Other than that, thanks for your comments! They are totally appreciated.
That's all for now. Will add on later when I think of more or as questions pop up.


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- 6.28Kviews
- 5likes
- 1favorites
Malachi Marx & Reese Rideout
Starring: Reese Rideout, Malachi Marx
Let's face it, Reese Rideout is a porn phenomenon- The recently awarded 'Man of the Year' shines in every performance he gives on Randy Blue. This made him the perfect choice to pair up with the newbie, Malachi Marx. This is Malachi's first guy-on-guy scene and he dove right on in. Malachi is so fucking beautiful and people are still talking about his break out solo video! In this video Malachi is cruising an alley behind the parking garage of his apartment building where he stumbles upon an embarrassed, (but, not too shy) Reese Rideout jerking his meat to a porn magazine. Malachi is caught off guard but, soon Reese charms the pants off of him (literally). It is Reese who takes control, kissing, grabbing, stripping, and ultimately sucking off Malachi. After working himself up with only a magazine to help him, Reese was more than happy to have a cock to work on and play with. Malachi moaned and groaned with pleasure as Reese slowly licked him from ass to head. Malachi falls back against the bricks in ecstasy when Reese gulps and gags on his large rod. This is a must see video for those who (like me) who think this is only the beginning for Malachi Marx.
Malachi Marx & Reese Rideout


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dpapaio needed a new web page design and created a contest on 99designs.
A winner was selected from 9 designs submitted by 7 freelance designers.
http://www.toolstore.gr is a greek online tool store that is growing at a fast pace. Our aim is to sell hand tools, electric tools, precision tools etc. to any audience in greece.
toolstore is a trademark since november 2009.
We try to keep a website free from commercials, simple and easy to use.
The site is based on oscommerce and its design is quite basic. We would like to improve its design, make it seem more professional and classy without changing its logo.
Anyone that would need to buy tools: professionals, amateurs, workers, electricians, modellers, for hobbies etc.
We would like to improve toolstore.gr's design, make it seem more professional and classy without changing its logo.
We are interested in simple designs without using sophisticated techniques (if possible just using css) and, most important not needing too much memory (greek internet connections are not very fast, are server is quite slow as well).
The changes should not be too radical so that the customers recognize the website.


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Add vehicles to compare. You can compare up to 3 vehicles at a time.
Tax, title, license and dealer fees (unless itemized above) are extra. Not available with special finance or lease offers.All pricing and details are believed to be accurate, but we do not warrant or guarantee such accuracy. The prices shown above, may vary from region to region, as will incentives, and are subject to change. Vehicle information is based off standard equipment and may vary from vehicle to vehicle. Call or email for complete vehicle specific information. Tax, title, license (unless itemized above) are extra. Not available with special finance, lease and some other offers.
Used Chrysler Sebring Cars for sale near Cincinnati
Welcome to Mike Castrucci Chevrolet where you're sure to find the exact Used Chrysler Sebring car, truck or SUV you've been looking for. When considering the many Chevy dealers in Milford for your next used vehicle for sale or lease, one dealership stands apart from the rest, Mike Castrucci Chevrolet. We have an extensive inventory of used cars for you to choose from. Whether you're interested in the rugged Chevrolet Silverado or the popular Chevy Malibu, we're confident you'll find the right vehicle to meet your needs, budget and lifestyle. Once you've found the perfect Used Chrysler Sebring vehicle, don't hesitate to give us call and come on in for a test drive. We're just a short drive from Batavia or Mason. So choose the Chevrolet dealership that puts its customers first: Mike Castrucci Chevrolet.
Customer Reviews (1889Reviews)
Everything was as expected
Everything was as expected
Michael K. INDEPENDENCE
Professional, fast and no-nonsense sales...
Professional, fast and no-nonsense sales team. I was in and out with my new car in less than an hour with the price I wanted. Hands down, the best car...
Anthony B. BEAVERCREEK
I had my oil changed
I had my oil changed
Sherry B. BETHEL
Always extremely happy with the work I...
Always extremely happy with the work I have done at this dealership!
Mike F. MILFORD
Called one day and got an appointment...
Called one day and got an appointment for service on the next day. Jim Castrucci has been taking care of our cars for years. Thanks Jim.
Russell L. LOVELAND
Ed Dumont was an exceptional person to...
Ed Dumont was an exceptional person to help us in our car needs! He listened to exactly what we needed and did everything in his power to make sure ou...
Jaclyn S. BATAVIA
The Greatest Service Experience,I Ran 6...
The Greatest Service Experience,I Ran 6 different Dealerships. Jim Was A Rare Pro,Doing One Great JOB!
Donald M. BATAVIA
I'm happy to have a dealer I trust
I'm happy to have a dealer I trust
Kristine M. CINCINNATI
Charles K. was great, he was really...
Charles K. was great, he was really helpful and kind. I will definitely return to purchase another vehicle through him.
Alexandria B. GOSHEN
always there for me!
always there for me!
Sim W. GOSHEN


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Click to learn more about how Healthpac's medical billing software increases efficiency and eliminates Healthpac revenue leakage!
Click to learn more about Healthpac's comprehensive reporting software that allows you to put your practice's most important data in easy-to-read format!
Click to hear what our clients have to say about their Healthpac experience!
Healthpac's medical billing software is flexible enough to be the right choice for large multi-location medical practices and small medical billing companies. Our easy-to-use medical billing software is designed to deliver more revenue to the bottom line by eliminating wasted time.
"The thing I like most about Healthpac doesn't come from how we put in charges, payments or adjustments. It comes from the times that Healthpac has helped us get through the industry changes. Over the past 10 years, we've faced many transitions and what Healthpac has done for me as the administrator of our practice management system is they've given me less worry. Healthpac has been able to transition me through all of the medical industry changes without any interruption of our cash flow."
Lisa Powell
Integrated Physicians Management Services
Hartford, CT
"If you are looking for a billing platform that is built for productivity you cannot go wrong with Healthpac."
Jon Schuessler
Medical Office Support Services
Atlanta GA
"With Healthpac we've been able to grow but have less employees. We've had a lot of processes we've automated and Healthpac has always been readily available to help us through that process. Everything we do is integrated into Healthpac so our staff doesn't have to go into five different programs. Healthpac's software is extremely efficient and lets you manage your employees and their time very effectively."
Mona Cordova
PhyMed Healthcare Group
"HP is a great partner. We've appreciated their genuine approach to helping us solve our business problems. They're affordable and unlike other software companies, they are here to listen to great ideas and turn them into innovative products. We really appreciate the partnership with have with Healthpac."
Jo Ann Sting
Advance Radiology Services, P.C.
Grand Rapids, MI
"Our partnership with Healthpac is the first time I've been with a practice management vendor where I did not feel the need to change vendors even when we experienced very rapid growth. My staff love the software and they are incredibly productive. Healthpac is a true partner with their clients. They listen to our feedback. We get weekly software updates rather than annual software updates, and I've never considered leaving Healthpac even though we've experienced 600% growth over 10 years. I would buy Healthpac again tomorrow."
Ginger Ryder
Renton, WA
We're proud to be members of:


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This is the 1st year the fans get to Vote... Last year the judges did Dwight Howard dirty...
Who's Gonna Win?
Gerald Green
Minnesota Timberwolves
Dwight Howard
Orlando Magic
Rudy Gay
Memphis Grizzlies
Jamario Moon
Toronto Raptors
I Wanna See tony MONTAna in the Dunk Contest
2008 Slam Dunk Competition
Talk about any other sports here.
Moderators: Mr. Crackerz, JREED, Guybrush, 32
- Posts: 851
- Joined: Wed Jan 04, 2006 10:39 pm
Starting Lineup
I wanna see Moon win it...
- Posts: 2557
- Joined: Thu Mar 23, 2006 8:53 am
All Star
Well, Dwight took the dunk contest to a new level this year. Not only did he do as well as VC in 2000 and J-rich in 2003, but he was more creative than we've seen.


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Jury: Former Ohio sheriff's deputy guilty of raping 5-year-old girl while baby-sitting
MARION, Ohio – A former Ohio sheriff's deputy and correction officer has been convicted of raping a 5-year-old girl while he was baby-sitting.
State Attorney General Mike DeWine announced Thursday a Marion County jury found 28-year-old Randy N. Spencer guilty of four counts of rape. His office says Spencer raped the girl between June 2012 and April.
Defense attorney Rocky Ratliff says Spencer denies the charges. He says Spencer is disappointed with the jury's decision and will appeal his conviction. He says prosecutors had no physical evidence against Spencer, whose girlfriend runs a baby-sitting business.
The Columbus Dispatch reports Spencer baby-sat the girl and other children when his girlfriend wasn't available.
The Marion resident faces a maximum sentence of life in prison. He's scheduled to be sentenced Sept. 27.


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Cultural and Educational Rights in the Enlarged Europe
Yearbook of the Education Association for Education Law and Policy
by Jan De Groof,Gracienne Lauwers (editors)2005, 320 p.ISBN/ISSN: 9058501205Published by Wolf Legal PublishersEUR 40,00-
(download Table of Contents)
Religious Education in Public Schools: Study of Comparative Law
Yearbook of the Education Association for Education Law and Policy volume VI
by J. L. Martínez López-Muñiz;Jan De Groof,Gracienne Lauwers (editors)2005, 400 p.,ISBN: 1402038623Published by SpringerEUR 150,00-
by Jan De Groof ,Gracienne Lauwers (editors)November 2003, 228 pp.ISBN 1-4020-1545-3Published by Kluwer Academic PubEUR 95.00,-
by Jan De Groof ,Hilde Penneman ,Chantal De Smet (editors)2001Published by Kluwer Academic Pub
by Walter Berka,Jan De Groof,Hilde Penneman (editors)2000Published by Kluwer Academic Pub
by Piet Akkermans,Jan De Groof,Hilde Penneman (editors)1999Published by Kluwer Academic Pub
by Jan De Groof,Hilde Penneman (editors)1998Published by Kluwer Academic Pub
by Jan De Groof,Jan FiersPublished by Acco1996.
The Legal Status of Teachers in Europe
Subsidiarity and Education:Aspects of Comparative Educational Law
by Jan De Groof (ed.)Published by Acco1994.


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The easiest way to get people to eat their vegetables is to cover them in cheese. Here I sprinkle some Parmigiano-Reggiano on top of blanched asparagus and bake it for a few minutes to melt the cheese. A little bit of balsamic vinegar finishes off the dish. The best Italian balsamic vinegar is from Modena, where it is aged in barrels like wine for years. It's fantastic on asparagus, but very expensive. We use it in the restaurant (we keep it in the office and use an eyedropper), but if you're not ready to make the investment, you can vastly improve the taste of supermarket balsamic vinegar by cooking it down to a syrupy consistency, as I describe below. However, if you can, do try the real thing at least once. It is worth it.–Mark Strausman
LC Asparagus of All Sorts Note
This indulgent approach to eating your veggies cleverly calls for first blanching, and then roasting, the asparagus. Rather than being redundant, the cooking tactic levels the playing field for spears of all thicknesses, ensuring they come out of the oven perfectly cooked at the precise moment its mantle of cheese turns handsomely burnished. This spear-savvy trick is a godsend for entertaining, allowing you to nonchalantly slide the dish in the oven minutes before the meal, as if it were no effort at all. You're welcome.
Wine Note: Serve this dish as a spring appetizer with Sonoma-Cutrer Russian River Chardonnay, its perfect match.
Baked Asparagus with Parmigiano-Reggiano
- Quick Glance
- Serves 4 to 6
- 1/2 cup decent quality balsamic vinegar or just a few drops of truly top-notch balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
- 2 bunches (about 2 pounds) asparagus, tough ends snapped off
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, divided
- 1 cup (about 4 ounces) freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
- 1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175˚C).
- 2. If using ridiculously pricy, top-notch balsamic vinegar, skip this step. Otherwise, throw the windows open and turn on the exhaust fan. Then place the vinegar in a small saucepan and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat and simmer, swirling the pan occasionally, until the vinegar is reduced by half, anywhere from 7 to 15 minutes, depending on the size of the saucepan. Remove from the heat.
- 3. Bring a pot of water to boil. Add 1 tablespoon of the salt and the asparagus and blanch until barely tender, about 1 minute for spears of average thickness, more for thicker spears and less for skinnier ones. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking. Pat the asparagus dry with paper towels.
- 4. Place the asparagus in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet or, if necessary, two sheets. Sprinkle the spears with salt to taste, drizzle with 2 tablespoons of the oil, and turn to coat. Shower the asparagus with the Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese.
- 5. Bake until the spears are tender and the cheese is browned and almost bubbling (it won't actually melt), about 5 minutes.
- 6. Use a spatula to shimmy the asparagus from the baking sheet to a platter. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of the reduced balsamic vinegar or a few drops of the really top notch stuff and the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil. Serve immediately, with the remaining reduced balsamic vinegar on the side.
In Advance Advice
- You can blanch the asparagus and assemble the dish hours ahead of time, keeping it at room temperature until you slide it in the oven.
If you make this recipe, snap a photo and hashtag it #LeitesCulinaria. We'd love to see your creations on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.


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Today is National Bundt Day. November 15th was first designated as such 5 years ago by Nordic Ware, a U.S.-based kitchenware company best know for their Bundt ™ pan. For the past 3 years Mary, The Food Librarian, has celebrated by making 30 bundts in the 30 days leading up to National Bundt Day. It's an impressive feat and I am amazed by how many different bundt-shaped pans she owns. It's quite a collection!
She asked her readers to join the fun by making a bundt of our very own. I decided to booze it up and make a bourbon-soaked chocolate bundt cake using a recipe I found in the New York Times. The recipe calls for 1 cup (250 ml) of bourbon or any other whiskey. That seems like a lot of alcohol and you can definitely taste it, but I don't think it's too much. I'm not at all a drinker and I thought it was the perfect amount of bourbon to go with the dark chocolate cake.
And what makes bourbon even better? Luxardo cherries of course! I jazzed up the cake up by drizzling it with a Luxardo cherry glaze. This cake is not quite breakfast food. Some people at the office were still drunk at lunch time. I'm only slightly kidding. :)
Bourbon-Soaked Chocolate Bundt Cake
(Recipe from Melissa Clark as published in the NY Times)
1 cup (8 ounces/2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened, and more for buttering pan
2 cups all-purpose flour, and more for dusting pan
5 ounces unsweetened chocolate
1/4 cup instant espresso powder
2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
3/4 to 1 cup boiling water
1 cup bourbon (or rye or other whiskey), and more for sprinkling
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
2 cups granulated sugar
3 large eggs
1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
1 teaspoon baking soda
Confectioners' sugar (optional)
1. Grease and flour a 10-cup-capacity Bundt pan (or two 8- or 9-inch loaf pans). Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. In microwave oven or double boiler over simmering water, melt unsweetened chocolate. Let cool.
2. Put espresso and cocoa powders in a 2-cup (or larger) glass measuring cup. Add enough boiling water to come up to the 1 cup measuring line. Mix until both powders dissolve. Add whiskey and salt; let cool.
3. Using an electric mixer, beat 1 cup butter until fluffy. Add sugar and beat until well combined. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, beating well between each addition. Beat in the vanilla extract, baking soda and melted chocolate, scraping down sides of bowl with a rubber spatula.
4. On low speed, beat in a third of the whiskey mixture. When liquid is absorbed, beat in 1 cup flour. Repeat additions, ending with whiskey mixture. Scrape batter into prepared pan and smooth top. Bake until a cake tester inserted into center of cake comes out clean, about 1 hour 10 minutes for Bundt pan (loaf pans will take less time, start checking them after 55 minutes).
5. Transfer cake to a rack. Unmold after 15 minutes and sprinkle warm cake with more whiskey. Let cool before serving.
Optional: Dust cooled cake with confectioners' sugar. Or you can drizzle the cake with a glaze like I did.
I don't have exact measurements for the glaze. It was approximately one cup of confectioners' sugar and I added some of the syrup from the Luxardo cherries until I liked the consistency of the glaze. I also added a few drops of bourbon to the glaze too.


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Amazing WEEKLY FAVORITES photo submissions for our weekly photography challenge!! I so love looking through the submissions each week. Keep sending in your amazing work! This week we chose the submissions from Instagram! Check them out below!
There are several ways to be featured on The Snap Society! One way to be featured is to submit to our "How Far I've Come" segment on our blog. Go submit your inspirational photography journey here! Check out last week's "How Far I've Come"!
Show some love to your fellow Photographers by leaving a comment down below! All of our Weekly Favorites will be chosen from Instagram. We love seeing all your beautiful photos, so remember to #snapsocietydailyfav on Instagram for a chance to be featured daily!
Do you want to get connected to a great group of Photographers?! Head over to The Snap Society Community on Facebook and join an awesome community!


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A Premier Producer of Expositions
Townsquare Expos is a premier producer of expos across the United States including three business expos, a green trade show and a bridal show. Our shows are some of the largest in the country, offering attendees one-on-one interaction with experts, products and services with a personalized experience that keeps them coming back year after year. They also offer our exhibitors an unmatched opportunity to build their businesses by acquiring new clientele in a face-to-face environment. LEARN MORE