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Express. Home of the Daily and Sunday Express.
Ferguson admits to season regrets
Sir Alex Ferguson has admitted this will be a season tinged with regret for Manchester United, even if they go on to win the Premier League.
With a 15-point advantage over Monday's Old Trafford visitors Manchester City and only eight games of the campaign remaining, it seems only a matter of time before United are crowned champions for a record 20th time.
However, Monday's FA Cup defeat at Chelsea and the Champions League exit to Real Madrid has robbed United of a multi-silverware haul. "How do we analyse this season - is it one of regret or celebration?" he told United Review. "For me it is something of the proverbial curate's egg, part bad but with some great redeeming features."
Sir Alex added: "The biggest disappointment was failing to get past Chelsea in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup. Normally if we fall behind we can find another gear and get back on track, but on this occasion we didn't manage it.
"That goes down as a great regret in my book, especially with such a great prize there for the taking with a semi-final against Manchester City beckoning.
"Some might think that going out of the Champions League would have been my biggest regret, but there was a reason, one that was out of our control and has to be put down to experience."
Even if City win on Monday, United would still need to lose another four games, which seems unlikely given they have only dropped points on five occasions in their first 30 matches, a top flight record.
Anything other than a City win could see United wrap the whole thing up within 10 days, completing a task they set themselves as the Blues were about to lift the trophy themselves last May.
"What you learn about this club is that you have to try and win every competition," Nani told MUTV. "The Premier League is the most important competition and what happened last year made us very focused on this one.
"We have done a very good job to be in this position. It is difficult to forget the size of our lead but we know every game is difficult in the Premier League because every team has something to fight for. That is why we are so concentrated on the games. We will only relax when we know it is not possible for anyone to come back at us."


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Beef Tenderloin with Wild Mushroom Grits
From: The Beef Checkoff
Quick Facts
Servings: 6
Cook Time: 60 min.
The mixture of shitake, oyster and cremini mushrooms bring complex flavor to traditional steak dinner.
- 1 center-cut beef tenderloin roast (2 to 3 pounds)
- 3 Tbs fresh thyme, chopped
- 4 tsp pepper
- 2 Tbs butter
- 1 lb assorted wild mushrooms (oyster, cremini and shiitake), coarsely chopped
- salt and pepper
- cooked grits
- Heat oven to 425°F. Combine thyme and pepper; reserve 1 tablespoon for mushrooms. Press remaining seasoning mixture evenly onto all surfaces of beef roast.
- Place roast on rack in shallow roasting pan. Insert ovenproof meat thermometer so tip is centered in thickest part of beef, not resting in fat. Do not add water or cover. Roast in 425°F oven 35 to 40 minutes for medium rare; 45 to 50 minutes for medium doneness.
- Remove roast when meat thermometer registers 135°F for medium rare; 150°F for medium. Transfer roast to carving board; tent loosely with aluminum foil. Let stand 15 to 20 minutes. (Temperature will continue to rise about 10°F to reach 145°F for medium rare; 160°F for medium.)
- Meanwhile melt butter in large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add mushrooms and 1 tablespoon reserved seasoning; cook and stir about 7 minutes or until mushrooms are tender. Season with salt and pepper, as desired. Keep warm.
- Carve roast into slices. Serve over grits, as desired; top with mushrooms.
Nutrition Facts
Calories 362
Calories from Fat 127 (35%)
(22%)Total Fat 14g
(0%)Saturated Fat 0g
Polyunsaturated Fat 0g
Monounsaturated Fat 0g
(0%)Cholesterol 1mg
(3%)Sodium 77mg
(0%)Potassium 0mg
Total Carbohydrate 21g
(11%)Dietary Fiber 3g
Sugars 0g
Sugar Alcohols 0g
(74%)Protein 37g
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
Nutrition facts are calculated by a food expert using nutritional values provided by the USDA for common products used as recipe ingredients. Actual nutritional values may differ depending on the amounts or products used and can be affected by cooking methods.
Copyright © 2019 Healthnotes, Inc. All rights reserved. www.healthnotes.com
Read our healthy recipe definitions.
Learn more about Healthnotes, the company.
The information presented here is for informational purposes only and was created by a team of US–registered dietitians and food experts. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements, making dietary changes, or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires December 2019.

subset: commoncrawl


text: Sijun Forums :: View topic - gasmask - it doesn't work......... Log in to check your private messages Sijun Forums Forum Index >> Work in Progress View previous topic :: View next topic Author Topic : "gasmask - it doesn't work........." SolitairememberMember #Joined: 03 Nov 2000Posts: 429Location: Hamburg (Germany) Posted: Mon Jan 08, 2001 4:33 pm Well, I'm trying and trying and.... but that's a fucking dilema being lefthanded and forced to draw with a righthanded mouse (I can't use a lefthanded - I don't know why) ...no money for a wacom yet;maybe in in summer.... so what should I do to end this time consuming drawing from milimetre to milimetre...aaarg here's the pic I'm currently working on (gasmask thread) and it seems it'll be finished in times the first human colonists arrive on Alpha Centauri Back to top Scythejunior memberMember #Joined: 14 Nov 2000Posts: 32Location: Netherlands Posted: Mon Jan 08, 2001 4:53 pm Drawing with a mouse sucks man, i tried it until i got my wacom, but i couldnt get good lines. The only thing i can advise is: rob a old woman or just try to get used to the mouse (i know it's hard, i'm lefthanded too) Life's a bitch. Btw: You did all this with a mouse?! Wow.. it looks good you know ------------------ :: The Scythe of the 60082nd Order firstname.lastname@example.com Back to top EviLToYLeTmemberMember #Joined: 09 Aug 2000Posts: 1216Location: CA, USA Posted: Mon Jan 08, 2001 7:10 pm Looks really great. seriously though, get yourself a tablet. anyway, I really like the metal clasp on the suspenders. Looks great! Back to top SolitairememberMember #Joined: 03 Nov 2000Posts: 429Location: Hamburg (Germany) Posted: Tue Jan 09, 2001 3:26 am great you like it - although I just spotted some errors; but hell I want to finish that pic someday There must be a way to get rid of that problem without spending big money on a wacom (as I said - the time will come, but I have to wait some months) Back to top Display posts from previous: All Posts1 Day7 Days2 Weeks1 Month3 Months6 Months1 Year Oldest FirstNewest First Sijun Forums Forum Index -> Work in Progress All times are GMT - 8 Hours Page 1 of 1 Jump to: Select a forum Digital Art----------------Digital Art DiscussionWork in ProgressGallery/Finished Work Miscellaneous----------------Random MusingsArchive : Sep99 - Dec00 You cannot post new topics in this forumYou cannot reply to topics in this forumYou cannot edit your posts in this forumYou cannot delete your posts in this forumYou cannot vote in polls in this forum Powered by phpBB © 2005 phpBB Group


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The word Shacolla is a mix of the Japanese word "Shashin 写真" that means picture and "colla" the shortage of the word "collage". Shacolla is a double-side self-adhesive foam panel that can be used several times to attach new pictures. Due to the low adhesion of the self-adhesive glue Shacolla can be repositioned freely on the wall.
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Service Capability and Performance Certification
Wind River is proud to announce that we have achieved Service Capability and Performance (SCP) Support Standard recertification for delivering world-class customer support. The SCP program quantifies the effectiveness of high-tech support and establishes the highest service-quality benchmark based on a stringent set of performance standards for all IT services support centers and help desks.
The SCP Support Standard is designed to improve the quality and effectiveness of support, field service, and professional service operations. A consortium of leading technology companies along with Service Strategies Corporation created the internationally recognized standards, which define best practices, quantify performance levels, and establish a foundation to continuously improve business processes. Achieving certification under the standards requires comprehensive audits and annual recertification to confirm that companies continue to meet the requirements defined by the standards.
SCP Audit Process
Achieving certification under the SCP Support Standard requires comprehensive onsite audits to confirm that companies meet the requirements of more than 100 business elements essential to delivering top-quality service and support. SCP standards measure factors such as corporate commitment and strategy, customer satisfaction, performance metrics, research and development interface, and other strategic areas of the service and support operation. Certified companies must continue to demonstrate their commitment to excellence and high-performance standards through annual recertification audits.
Wind River's Commitment to Quality
SCP certification is the outcome of our commitment to delivering—and continuously improving—our top-quality customer support. This commitment is further demonstrated by our post-support customer satisfaction surveys, proactive status communication, advanced support request management tools, and ongoing quality-improvement program. By again meeting the stringent benchmarks of SCP certification, Wind River continues to demonstrate the consistent, best practices support that the device software industry requires.


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Your Moda Salon
- 50% off
- Only on the App
- Inner Sunset
- Hair Salons
She has three decades of hair know-how under her sequined beltand has a San Francisco fan base of life-long clients to prove it.She goes by Nuha, Nancy, and her salon was called Hair by Hanna before it changed to Your Moda Salon. She has three decades of hair know-how under her sequined belt and has a San Francisco fan base of life-long clients to prove it. Whether you want a new hairstyle or a sleeker version of your current look, Nancy has the skills to make your head suit look its best, and the personality to make you feel like you've just been chatting with an old friend.
You know how hairdressers are everyone's unofficial psychologists? Well Nancy takes that job perk (what's the opposite of perk?) seriously. "I love people! And I love getting the scoop!" she smiles. But she won't broadcast your business: clients are like family to her and she's all about building genuine relationships. The kind with a foundation in glossy hair. She offers the least expensive rates around for the Keratin Smoothing Complex treatment, the supreme de-frizzer that is actually healthy for your hair. So no matter which name you call her, you should just call her. Ask for Nancy.
Brazilian Blow out, $350
Haircut with conditioning and styling, $150
Keratin smoothing complex treatment, $400
All over color, $75
Color touch-up, $55
Monday – Saturday, 9am – 6pm


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Quick Links:
Pollution Prevention in Metal Finishing Shops
How can Metal Finishers reduce waste, become more efficient, and move toward sustainability?
Most metal plating, anodizing, and printed circuit board shops generate hazardous waste. Some of those wastes are dangerous and harmful to the environment if not handled properly. DTSC has compiled ways to reduce waste, and potentially reduce waste management costs. Business owners may also reduce toxic emissions from their operations.
Why Pollution Prevention?
The advantages are many. Free pollution prevention guidance is available here. Metal finishing shops will learn smart techniques to:
Companies that practice pollution prevention show their commitment to keeping their work place safe and their community healthy. They gain a competitive edge over other businesses that provide similar products and services.
How to get started
Do you need assistance?
If you have questions about pollution prevention in metal finishing shops, please contact a DTSC staff person, familiar with the industry:


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I'm not sure if you heard or not, but Navi has been gifted with a Darkmoon Rabbit Battle Pet.
Go ahead, read her post.
Actually, go ahead and Google "Darkmoon Rabbit" and see what you get. If you read enough of it, you'll come away with an idea on how hard it is to get one, and the level of admiration/affection her friend has for her.
A while back, Matty and I came up with an idea to gift Navi with a collage of Notes of Appreciation. In the midst of trying to contact all of the 60+ Blogs on her Blogroll, I was asked a question.
"Z, what's with all the Navi-love?"
My response was:
"I'm not really sure. I guess she is the common thread between me and Matty."
In her blog post, someone makes a statement on how "nice" a "friend" she has.
In which she responds, "I only HAVE nice friends :)"
While I don't doubt the veracity of that statement, I think there may be more of a reason.
Why does Navimie "seem" to get so many meaningful gifts?
Here is my answer:
Navi makes you feel like a Rock Star.
My first piece of evidence is the Navispams.
There is only one reason that all of these people have been Navispammed. Namely, that they are "worth" it. Navimie has decided that these folks are worth getting to know. Worth researching, tracking down,
stalking, blogged about, and shown for all the world to see at their very best.
Navimie gets nice things because she has gone out of her way, made it a mission, to show others as "being" special, worthy and wanted.
My second piece of evidence is her constant encouragement.
Not only does she read every boring USAF Update I write, but she constantly pours encouragement into it.
I'm not the only one she does this to.
My third piece of evidence is how she shows appreciation.
You see, thankfulness is systemic with her. It is part and parcel with who she is as a WoW Player/Community Blogger.
Her blog is full of "Navispams, Thank Yous, and Gratz(!) Posts."
And then, she even goes the extra mile with something like this:
You can also read where she did something similar for Erinys of Harpy's Nest Blog.
This is why Navimie gets nice things:
It is an outpouring of appreciation for the gift(s) she's already given us.
Now, who should we lavish some love upon next? I'm taking nominations!
Email me: email@example.com


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Microsoft has announced that the company has expanded its effort to cover 17 more countries with its Surface tablets. Redmond is attempting to get as many units sold to businesses through numerous authorised distributors previously unveiled in the US. With these distributors in place, bulk ordering can take place from education, government and business customers.
Countries added that can now purchase both Surface RT and Pro tablets through distributors include Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the U.K.
As well as offering Microsoft's extended warranty and accidental damage, resellers bring a variety of additional services to Surface products, including asset tagging, custom imaging, kitting, on-site service and support, device recycling and data protection. It'll also be a huge improvement for owners when Windows 8.1 for full and RT tablets is released.
Source: Surface Blog, via: Neowin


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A clean, contemporary workspace for go-getters.
Download / By Igor Ovsyannykov
Welcome to Fancycrave. Our travel photos are used by millions of bloggers, marketers, and designers all around the world. Our goal is to make the internet a more beautiful place and we believe we can achieve that by giving away our photos for free.


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Tracking depth progress
When I'm turning the inside of a bowl, at the point where I begin to check for depth, I leave a deliberate nub in the center as a reference point for the additional material I've removed. If I see a quarter inch nub, I know that I have only gone that far since I last used the thickness calipers. (There's something deceiving about looking into a vessel and figuring out if you are close to the bottom; there's a reason turners all use the "I made a funnel today" joke.)
Featured Turning Video
Turning a Half-Twist Bowl
by Brian Horais
In this featured video, Brian Horais shows us how to use multi-axis turning techniques to turn a bowl that has a twisted top and a round bottom. This is an amazing technique that he has developed and is now teaching others. Brian is also featured in More Woodturning Magazine's Meet the Turner profile this month (April 2019). If you're already a subscriber, you'll get to learn more about Brian. If you're not yet a subscriber, maybe now is the time (www.morewoodturningmagazine.com).
Making an Antique-style Baby Rattle
In this project, the late Fred Holder was inspired by a movie to replicate a baby rattle. It had an antique look and after turning, Fred coated it with a non-toxic walnut oil finish.
One of the best features of this tutorial is that Fred shows and explains how to turn captive rings. This technique works well here but can also be used on almost any type of spindle that you might be turning.
Featured Turning Article
MDF Rose Engine Construction Instructions
Jon Magill wrote this article for those people who have been initially intrigued with ornamental turning and want to give it a try but found the barriers to getting started too intimidating. It presents a very simple design for a rose engine lathe which is capable of doing high quality work, yet is easy to build in a home workshop
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"Red Mallee Triple" by Mike Stafford
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Square Mini Ergonomic Carbide Turning Tool
On Sale for only $49.99
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List price: $79.99
This Square Carbide Mini Turning Tool from Rockler features a replaceable and rotatable cutter that eliminates the hassle and downtime of sharpening. Simply rotate the carbide cutter for a fresh, sharp edge, and replace it once all available edges have grown dull. The solid carbide cutter also stays sharp for longer when compared with steel, giving you a much longer useful life. Shaft features a flattened back for stability when using the tool rest. The handles are made of solid ash encased with a thick, molded rubber end for an enhanced grip and reduced fatigue.
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Starter Pen Turning Kit
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This kit contains all the essential tooling you need to start turning custom pens. It includes three pen blank species (bloodwood, bubinga and olivewood), three gold-plated Slimline Twist Pen Hardware Kits, a 7mm mandrel with knurled nut and #2 Morse Taper, 7mm bushings, a 7mm Brad Point Drill Bit, a 1 oz. bottle of CA Glue, a Pen Mill Kit for truing up all mating surfaces and a storage case with 28 adjustable compartments. The Pen Mill includes four pilot shaft sizes for a wide range of pen types.
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Rockler Four-Piece Cheese Knife Turning Kit
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The cheese cutters are made from food-grade 304 stainless steel and attached to the handles which you turn. The kit includes 1/4-20 threaded inserts. The cheese cutters themselves are dishwasher safe; the handles are easily removed for this purpose.
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GVS Elipse P100 Half Mask Respirator with 2 Bonus Filters, Small/Medium
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These Elipse P100 Half-Mask Respirators from GVS are designed to protect against dust particles, metal fumes, mists, oil and water vapors, and even some micro-organisms. Each mask includes two low-profile filters, which permit a wide field of view, and won't interfere with safety glasses and sanding shields. The filters are easily interchangeable, and replacement filters are readily available.
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Uvex Bionic Face Shield with Clear Polycarbonate Visor and Anti-Fog/Hard Coat
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Shell offers built-in chin protection and extended top-of-head coverage. Highly adjustable headgear tilts visor nearer or farther from face depending on preference and application. Comfortable cell foam on back of headgear. Breathable, removable, washable headband. Comfortably worn with most goggles and respirators.
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Push stick with ergonomic handle has embedded magnet for easy storage on your saw. Ideal for table saw and router table use. Angled push blocks feature ultra-grippy Bench Cookie pad material. They are great for jointer and router table applications. Table featherboard assists in holding stock against the fence while sawing or routing and helps to reduce kickback. It fits standard 3/4" x 3/8" miter slots found on table saws and router tables, and features expandable miter track bars for maximum holding power.
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We have reported on this blog that the Communication for Governance and Accountability Program (CommGAP) and the World Bank Institute's Governance Practice (WBIGV) jointly organized a two-day workshop entitled "The Political Economy of Reform: Moving from Analysis to Action". Held in Washington, D.C. a few months ago, the workshop sought to explore the role that Political Economy Analysis (PEA) can play in supporting and informing real-world reform efforts. The event brought together more than fifty participants from various sectors: representatives of donor organizations, senior journalists, private firms active in development policy and practice, academics and applied researchers, and World Bank senior operational staff.
Please find access to the full report here, which highlights actionable lessons learned from the workshop discussions. Policy and practice implications are organized under five frontiers of PE analysis that World Bank Institute Vice President Sanjay Pradhan presented during his keynote address (please see video above). Elaborated on in the workshop report, summaries of the five frontiers are provided below. What follows was jointly drafted by WBIGV and CommGAP:
- Gaining a real-world sense of what is possible, and using PEA findings to expand the feasible space for reform: Operationally relevant PEA identifies potential entry points and possible political risks, is continuously updated to reflect shifting realities, and helps change agents adapt accordingly. As a result, PEA can shed light on the feasible space for reform and actively engage and support actors on the ground. From PEA, reform-minded actors on the ground (e.g., critical members of government, social entrepreneurs, civil society and academia) can gain a better sense of what reforms are feasible, what is needed to achieve these reforms, and how to expand the space for reforms. PEA can also offer concrete strategic entry points that actors can use to initiate the reform process.
- Knowledge-driven change: Dynamic PEA connects change agents and provides tools they can use to help form coalitions and advocate for and implement reforms. Some of these tools include: a) developing platforms that provide spaces to share similar experiences; b) specifying concrete incentives for supporters to join coalitions; c) identifying credible coalition partners and the right timing for coalition building; d) using an appropriate mix of information and communication technologies to highlight the costs and benefits of collective action and to solve information asymmetries. Maintaining a realistic vision of what coalitions can achieve is important to conserving their potential in supporting change. In this regard, collective action cannot be seen as sufficient or always positive.
- Challenging the knowledge production process: Successful and sustainable collective action to achieve reforms requires reorientation along three dimensions:
- PE Analysis for whom? The final beneficiary should be change agents on the ground, not donors. Accessibility of PEA (its findings and recommendations) between agents of change and the general audience depends on the sensitivity of the study.
- By whom? To maximize its effectiveness, PEA should be authored by those with the most operationally-relevant and contextual knowledge. An understanding of local institutions is essential to develop a comprehensive and action-oriented analysis. International organizations should play a role in commissioning PEA, providing feedback and facilitating the exchange of knowledge, including best practices, among the donor community and academic networks. This approach can unify research methodologies with dynamic understanding of the circumstances and opportunities of the country, creating a much more applicable design for political reform.
- How? Operationalization: Reformers need concrete tools to translate the findings of PEA into action on the ground. Examples discussed during the workshop include:
- Mapping of actors, incentives, stakes and institutions: a number of available frameworks within the donor community converge towards: a) including toolkits of conceptual mechanisms to answer questions with regard to the relevant stakeholders, their interests and incentives to join a coalition for reform, and approaches that seek to fill in existing gaps to allow for feasible strategies to take place.
- Consulting local elites on alternative reform scenarios: Mapping out reform scenarios and how local elites are likely to react (e.g., actively or tacitly support or oppose the reforms) to the various scenarios; this will help reform agents figure out how to move powerful actors from a position of opposition to a position of support.
- Political context updates: Reforms typically take place in contexts prone to rapid and often unforeseen changes. Given this context, the process of gathering actionable political context updates requires repeated interaction among change agents and key informants.
- Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E): Examples of M&E techniques discussed include: identifying entry points for PEA relevant to implementation during stakeholder meetings; injecting the political dimension into technical work; using technological innovations to monitor the implementation of reforms (e.g., call centers where citizens can promptly file claims and geo-mapping).
- Institutional recognition and mainstreaming: Mainstreaming of approaches that recognize the fact that politics matter -- especially within the operational portfolios of international donor institutions -- is long overdue. In contrast, the impact of corruption and conflict on development outcomes has already entered mainstream development discourse, and is accepted as such by policymakers. As part of a coherent communication strategy, high-level events, such as annual meetings of ministers, could serve as information platforms to advocate for the necessity of PE analyses, and help address disagreements and misunderstandings related to what operationally-relevant PE work actually entails.


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By now, you should be well aware of what's going on in the Philippines in the aftermath of Typhoon Yolanda / Haiyan. Long story short, it's pretty horrible. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Typhoon_Haiyan_(2013) If you are looking for friends or family that are from the US: The Office of Overseas Citizens Services (OCS) is: A division of the Bureau of Consular Affairs (CA) in the U.S. Department of State (DOS) Responsible for the welfare and whereabouts of American citizens traveling and living abroad Consists of three offices: Office of American Citizens Services (ACS) Office of Children's Issues (OCI) Office of Policy Review and Interagency Liaison (PRI) […]
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text: Robert Reich is chancellor's professor of public policy at the University of California, Berkeley. He has served in three national administrations, most recently as secretary of labor under President Bill Clinton. He has written 13 books, including "The Work of Nations," "Locked in the Cabinet," "Supercapitalism," and his most recent book, "Aftershock. "


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Because I Look Good: Man's Pregnant Ex Girlfriend Rams Her Car Into His Current Pregnant GF! (Madness)
"A pregnant woman is accused of intentionally running down another pregnant woman with a car during an argument in southwest Houston. The collision was so forceful it crushed the doorway of a house Ravenworth at Wembley and pinned 21-year-old Alise Stephon Kelley against the wall, nearly killing her. Kelley is four months pregnant.' - 13 News
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Tag Archives: animal welfare campaigns
The Daily Fetch
Adopt-a-Less-Adoptable-Pet Day: Did it really help pets?
7-year-old Izzy was adopted from Friends of Homeless Animals thanks to ALAP Day! On Aug. 12, Petfinder and shelters and rescue groups across the country celebrated Adopt-A-Less-Adoptable-Pet Day, a day we designated to give all those pets who are often overlooked a chance to shine. Here are just a few …


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If you enjoy music and would like to know more about what makes it work, this is the course for you. You'll gain a complete understanding of rhythm, melody, and harmony, and you'll be able to recognize pitches on the musical staff and on the keyboard.
Each lesson will build on previous lessons, while also introducing new musical concepts. Your course begins with an introduction to rhythm and the various aspects of rhythm; including beat, meter, note, and rest values.
You'll then learn about the role of melody in music, and you'll gain proficiency in identifying pitches by octave, building major scales, and understanding the role of keys in creating melodies.
You'll explore the keyboard in full detail, with an emphasis on the structure of major scale and the signatures of major keys. And you'll understand the many significant contributions early music theorists made to our understanding of music.
You'll also be able to build intervals, major scales, and chords. By the time you complete this comprehensive and full-featured course, you'll be able to read, write, and even play simple musical pieces on a keyboard.
Marianne Murawski earned her Ph.D. in Music Theory from the University of Maryland, her M.M (master of music) in Music Theory, and her B.A. in Music. Her dissertation, Theory through World Music, focused on developing an introductory music theory course that used world music examples. She has been teaching courses in music fundamentals, music appreciation, history of rock music, and world music at several colleges and universities. She is an active member of the College Music Society, giving presentations at Conferences including an International Conference in Vienna, Austria.
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The Mossy Falkland Islands
11 December 2015,
What do our museum scientists do out 'in the field'? One of our museum scientists, Ray Tangney, has just returned from the Falkland Islands. See what he got up to.
"There are 3 of us, myself, Matt von Konrat from the Field Museum of Natural History, Chicago, USA, and Juan Larrain from the Universidad Catolica de Guayaquil, Santiago, Chile; and we were in the Falklands as part of a Darwin Initiative funded project, recording and conserving the lower plants. This means we were searching for plants such as mosses and liverworts (small, low growing plants that do not produce flowers).
We spent most of the time in 'Camp' (the name for the hinterland beyond the capital, Stanley), visiting locations in a 4 wheel drive on East and West Falkland, and on Pebble Island to the north. We estimate we found 14 plants that had never been found growing on the Falkland Islands before; 8 mosses and 6 liverworts.
I gave a talk about the project to the Falklands Conservation AGM. We also ran a school activity session at Fox Bay School. The children collected and created their own herbarium specimens, making them accessible for scientists in the future. They looked at mosses under a microscope and observed details they would never usually have been able to see in the wild. Image 1 shows the children being asked by Juan whether the plant is a moss or a liverwort! It's a silver coloured moss we also have in Wales called, rather unsurprisingly, Silver-moss (scientific name, Bryum argenteum). In January, the Lower Plants Project Officer, Dafydd Crabtree, ran a similar activity session about lichens with the children. Have a look at some more photos from the Falklands Conservation Facebook page here.
We found a number of new records of mosses for the Islands during this trip. Image 2 shows a misty Mount Donald on West Falkland at about 600 metres above sea level. The moss Bucklandiella pachydictyon growing on rocks here was a brand new record for the Falklands. It wasn't all sunshine. The next day on Mount Adam we had rain, sleet, hail and snow, along with strong winds!
A characteristic feature of the Falklands are sea inlets. Streams that feed into these inlets are an important habitat for mosses and liverworts. One moss (Blindia torrentium) that only grows in the Falklands is commonly found on rocks in these streams.
Tiny plants such as mosses are such a big feature of the Falkland Isles landscape. School activity sessions, as well as talks, are crucial to increase local knowledge of, and interest in, the unique natural environment of these fragile, beautiful islands in the Southern Hemisphere."


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UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva insists he "has done everything there is to do" in mixed martial arts as he puts his UFC middleweight title on the line against Chris Weidman on Saturday.
The 38-year-old renowned Brazilian superstar - who has not lost a fight in more than seven years and remains undefeated in the UFC - says nothing will change regardless of the way the fight against Weidman goes this weekend.
"Whatever I should have already done in the sport I've done," Silva said at a recent media conference call. "Win or lose, I've already done everything there is to do and now it's just a matter of doing what I love to do."
Silva views his next challenge as not the opponent he is fighting - but from within.
"I don't really train to think about my opponent," he added. "I train to do what I do best and what I've been doing since I was a kid, which is fighting.
"I train to overcome myself. I train to satisfy myself, not to satisfy anyone else, so I'm not thinking about my opponent. I'm thinking more about myself and overcoming myself and getting better at what I do."
Opponent Weidman is only beginning to establish a legacy on the game but he is confident of defeating reigning champion Silva at the weekend.
"I will beat Anderson Silva on Saturday, and I'm going to be going for the finish," stated a confident Silva. "I honestly have a hard time visualising this fight going five rounds, to be honest with you — with all due respect."
Silva has not only avoided a stoppage loss during his UFC career; "The Spider" hasn't even been defeated in 16 fights under the Zuffa banner.
However, Silva is disinterested in Weidman's claims concentrating only on his own personal goals.
"Weidman's been wanting this fight for a while," Silva continued. "I'm sure that he's going to be very well prepared and he's going to be able to show on July 6 how bad he really wants this.
"For me, it's to go out there, and regardless of win or lose, I want to go out there and do my job and I want to return home to my kids in one piece."
Silva's legacy is set no matter the outcome at UFC 162 and will he will be fondly remembered within the sport.
"Everything extraordinary I could do in my career I believe I've done, and now it's a matter of clocking in and doing my job and keep on fighting and doing what I've always done," concluded Silva.
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Alejandro Armas died this morning. If not the main leader, certainly one of the most influential leaders of the Venezuelan opposition, and probably one of the most upright and decent politicians in Venezuela.
He started young in the communist party cells of his high school and all his life he was linked to the leftist sectors of Venezuela. Naturally when the left in Venezuela saw in Chavez the chance to effect the reforms that they had been hoping for all these years, he became one of the supporters and tireless workers of the movement that brought Hugo Chavez to power in 1998.
He did work in different positions within the campaign and the first two years of chavismo, becoming an Assemblyman in 2000 and the chairman of the finance committee. A committed leftist he had learned through the years that reform had to be paid for otherwise it risked abject failure. Soon through 2000 and 2001 one could sense that Alejandro Armas was having some difficulty to adapt to the spend free style of the new administration. Having worked as a bank director Armas certainly knew how to add and rest.
When late 2001 the "enabling law" finally published the 48 laws that initiated the political rift that have besotted Venezuela ever since, Alejandro Armas took upon himself to set up an evaluation committee to try to establish some dialogue between the two camps and review some delicate issues of the new laws. Issues that I would say myself unnecessary Chavez provocations to the Venezuelan business and middle class. Chavez, furious, condemned that initiative and Armas ended up in the hospital with an aggravation of his cardio vascular disease.
Came April 2002 and the final break up between the moderate sectors of chavismo and what was now El Supremo. Alejandro Armas with his mentor Miquelena and a few other folks created the Solidaridad movement that joined the opposition ranks.
Never strident, always composed, always to the point, always clear in his democratic and social commitment, Alejandro Armas quickly gained a considerably ascendancy among an opposition that was very weary of him at first. By late 2002 he had become a leader of the opposition, one of the participants of the team that undertook the lengthy negotiation process that eventually forced Chavez to accept that the opposition tried its hand at collecting 20% of the signatures of the electoral rolls.
After the signature of this agreement Armas was without contest one of the top 10 leaders of Venezuela, period. It is incontestable that his deep knowledge of the side that he used to belong to was of great help for the opposition as he knew what made tick the remaining chavistas. It is incontestable that his social conscience and his unwavering commitment to democracy helped the opposition edge out some of the extremisms that had found there a play ground. As a country we have an huge debt to the memory of Alejandro Armas, indefatigable defender of constant dialogue, and moral strength, as negotiation tools. The genuine expression of grief of his collaborators, rarely seen in politicians, and those of his negotiating team partners (from the opposition, chavismo is mute so far) tell us how appreciated he was by all, and how important he had become. I can say that, one year ago, having had the opportunity to shake his hand and express my admiration for his work will be one of my cherished memories.
But I cannot finish this eulogy of sorts without having a reflection on the nature of chavismo, on how this one has expelled one by one all of those that had moral integrity, human decency, unquestionable honesty, and democratic values. Chavismo is now an empty shell, with a single leader only interested in his political survival while his underlings use their very limited intellectual abilities to loot the country while their sycophancy leads them to all sorts of unspeakable acts to ingratiate themselves to the Great Leader. Alejandro Armas was one of the reasons why so many people hoped in 1999 that Chavez would bring positive changes to the country. Alejandro Armas was a real social democrat committed to the betterment of his country,a practical intellectual, a cultivated man, certainly not one of the pseudo leftist intellectuals that see in Chavez a way to boost their own mediocrity.
Alejandro Armas is the victim of the beast that he exposed once he appreciated its true nature. It is not farfetched to say that Alejandro Armas who used his weak health in a relentless effort to preserve democracy for us, is yet another of the victims of chavismo. As surely a Chavez victim as the dead of April 11, February 27 and so many other dates since a certain February 4, 1992.
There is no doubt in my mind.
|Only 16 days
until the Recall Election
on Hugo Chavez.
Do I want him out?


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Just Because You Can, It Doesn't Mean You Should
I am a follower of Jesus.
Like you, I am faced with choices, desires, options, and possibilities. Some options are obviously contrary to the heart of God, and so I know not to consider them as viable. But what about those other options? What about my desires, dreams, and hopes? Everyone has them, or had them at one time.
As a follower of Jesus, there are many paths that are considered acceptable by my church culture. If I want to pursue something, and it has a "Jesus element" to it, then I usually get approval by most people that I know. There are other activities that are considered good and acceptable by my popular culture, and are not obviously "wrong", and so once again I receive a nod of approval.
Following Jesus is completely contrary to the two scenarios that I have just described. Neither public approval nor my church culture approval is enough to validate a trajectory for my life. My own desires, predispositions, and tendencies are not to be the compass for my existence. Someone has said that, "the enemy of the best is the good". It is incredibly easy to be a few degrees off regarding what one ought to be doing with their life. A few degrees off doesn't seem like much when a pilot first takes off, but obviously, the further he flies, the more off course he gets. Such can be the outcome of a person's life. We can be well intentioned, but way off course. We can "land" in a place that is distant from where we should have landed.
To some I may sound idealistic. To others, legalistic and confined. I have considered those possibilities as well. I have wondered if I ought not allow myself to be more free, to follow the impulses and passions of my heart.
As I understand it, following Jesus is neither a matter of pragmatism, or logic. Pragmatism dictates that we ought to do the things that "works". Logic is the thing that seems obvious.
A Christian man might be a very talented athlete, with a great possibility of a professional career. Pragmatism and logic would dictate that that is the course he ought to pursue, but it may not necessarily be the path that God has chosen for him. Just because a man can follow a path and be successful at it doesn't mean that he should. Two examples of this come to mind: Jim Elliot, and Eric Liddell. Both men were incredibly gifted athletes, but both set aside their athletic pursuits to pursue a greater prize.
People undoubtedly called Elliot and Liddell foolish for choosing Christian service over athletic careers, but both men stayed their courses as they felt led by God, and their lives and deaths have become models of faith for the Christian Church. Pragmatism and logic would have dictated different paths for Elliot and Liddell. Their personal passion for sports, coupled with their athletic talents would have seemed to be evidence of an athletic career, but the Spirit of God had a greater plan.
Let me conclude with some scripture that points to what I am suggesting.
Philippians 3:12-14 Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. 13 Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, 14 I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
John 8:29 And He who sent Me is with Me. The Father has not left Me alone, for I always do those things that please Him.
Both Paul and Jesus could have been incredibly successful in the eyes of the world if they had chosen different paths. Paul would have been a shaper of culture, a great author, and a philosopher. Jesus could have changed the temporary course of history for Israel by driving out the Romans, and He would have been an amazing king.
Aren't we glad that neither of them chose the good instead of the best? Aren't we glad that they did not allow pragmatism and logic to dictate their actions?
Dear reader, if you are a Christ follower, don't miss the best because you choose the good. Don't allow pragmatism or logic to dictate you life path. Just because you can do something well, and because you have a passion for it doesn't mean that those pursuits should be the focus of your life. God may allow you to pursue some things as part time hobbies, but keep the main thing the main thing.


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Soc Trang, Viet Nam, 15 October 2013 - More than 200 delegates representing local communities, government agencies, academics, NGOs and media from Cambodia, Thailand and Viet Nam gathered together at the Second Annual Coastal Forum from 15-18 October in Soc Trang Province, Viet Nam, to share experiences, lessons learned and good practices for climate change adaptation in the coastal zone, highlighting nature-based solutions.
The event was organised by IUCN, the Vietnam Administration for Seas and Islands (VASI), German Development Cooperation (GIZ), the Sustainable Development Foundation (SDF) and Soc Trang Provincial Peoples' Committee. The Forum is an activity of the project "Building Resilience to Climate Change Impacts in Coastal Southeast Asia", funded by the European Union.
"The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment of Viet Nam collaborates closely with IUCN in this project. We realize the importance of this project, which is contributing to climate change adaptation of the communities in three countries", says Dr Vu Sy Tuan, Vice-Administrator of Vietnam of Seas and Islands, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment. "It is also a great platform to share information, lessons learned and policy advocacy".
After two years of implementation in eight coastal provinces of Thailand (Chanthaburi and Trat), Cambodia (Koh Kong and Kampot), and Viet Nam (Soc Trang, Can Gio, Kien Giang and Ben Tre) more than 30 pilot project activities, specifically tailored to the unique characteristics of each site have been designed and are being implemented to enhance the adaptive capacity of people and the ecosystems on which they depend to cope with the anticipated impacts of climate change and plan for disaster risk reduction.
"Soc Trang and other coastal provinces in Viet Nam have been facing many difficulties on applying new knowledge and experience and lack the funding to do so. Therefore, this Coastal Forum is a great opportunity for Soc Trang Province to discuss with international organizations, scientists, national and international management leaders to share knowledge and experience on climate change adaptation issues", says Mr Le Thanh Tri, Vice-Chair of Soc Trang Provincial People's Committee.
In Thailand, the initiatives include for instance, mangrove restoration and management, erosion management, coastal spatial planning, community rights on natural resources management, livelihood diversification, and awareness raising which involves the youth. A good example like less intensive shrimp farming which helps to conserve mangrove forest is a sustainable and ecologically friendly practice which can be implemented in other areas as well.
For Cambodia, while Koh Kong is home to one of the biggest mangrove forests in Southeast Asia, Kampot also embraces the largest seagrass bed in the region. These ecosystems greatly contribute to livelihoods and safety from extreme weather events of local people living in these areas. However, challenges like infrastructure development, sand mining, and hydropower development in the watershed areas are significant issues of concern to people's livelihood security and safety. In response the project is working together with provincial authorities in both provinces to develop appropriate spatial planning, including coastal zoning and management plans.
Recently, ten pilot projects in four selected provinces were launched in Viet Nam to build community resilience to climate change impacts. Together with Mangroves for the Future, approximately $350,000 is being invested into these projects. The scope of work includes mangrove reforestation, awareness raising, clean water and environmental sanitation, eco-tourism development for poor mangrove dependent communities, and changes to fishery, agriculture and aquaculture practices.
"These coastal communities in three neighbouring countries are facing similar climate-induced destinies. The reality is they all have to find ways to adapt to live in this changing climate", says Dr Robert Mather, Head of IUCN Southeast Asia. "While 'hard' engineering and infrastructure projects certainly have a role to play in reilience-building, these pilot projects demonstrate that development based on bottom-up planning and 'soft" solutions provided by natural ecosystems are instrumental in bringing about desired solutions for coastal communities in adapting to climate change".
About Building Resilience to Climate Change Impacts in Coastal Southeast Asia (BCR)
The project aims to strengthen the ability of local government and local people to plan for, and adapt to, future climate risks in eight coastal provinces between Ho Chi Minh City and Bangkok: Can Gio, Ben Tre, Soc Trang, and Kien Giang in Vietnam; Kampot and Koh Kong in Cambodia; and Trat and Chanthaburi in Thailand. Ben Tre and Soc Trang are located in the Mekong Delta, which is one of the areas of the world that is predicted to be most affected by sea level rise. With funding support from European Union, IUCN joins hand with MONRE's Viet Nam Administration of Sea's and Islands (VASI) and German Society for International Development Cooperation (GIZ),and Sustainable Development in Thailand. The project runs from January 2011 – December 2014.
For more information, please contact
- Dararat Weerapong, Senior Communications Officer, IUCN Southeast Asia Group
T: +66 895178543 E: [email protected]
- Nguyen Thuy Anh, Communications Officer, IUCN Viet Nam
T: +84 916451166, E: [email protected]
- Say Chenda, Communications Officer, IUCN Cambodia
T: +855(0)77 842 988, E: [email protected]


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Chiseled edges with a subtle gleam give this PowerShot SD790 IS Digital ELPH distinctive sculptural appeal. Just as attractive are its high-end specifications, including 10 megapixels of resolution plus Face Detection and Motion Detection Technology that delivers the ultimate in crisp, clear, amazingly detailed images. Prepare to be transfixed by the view from the camera's 3.0-inch PureColor LCD II screen. With rich, accurate color and superb clarity, the screen is easy to view at wide angles too - perfect for gathering a group around to see your images.


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A Life in Renesmee's Eyes
From the help of an excellent friend, i would like to present a great story! Please tell me if you would like more and Review! This is a daughter, father moment in the making! REVIEW!!!
Thia is my first fic so go easy on me tell me if u want more!
1. Being With Daddy
Rating 3.5/5 Word Count 576 Review this Chapter
It was any other day as Renesmee. I was having fun playing with Uncle Jazz and Uncle Emmy. They had felt like playing an exciting game of Cullen Chess, as I refer to it. My family has always been known to add about ten chess boards to the one board. I would always sit there an d watch because it is very confusing to play and I love watching my family play. Uncle Emmy doesn't like it because he thinks he will always lose to Uncle Jazz because of his strategies.
Mommy, Aunt Alice, and I had also gone to my big closet to purge any "unusable" clothes, as referred to my favorite Auntie. Aunt Ali actually wanted to go to the shopping mall after cleaning my closet. But by being my mother's child I gracefully declined. I liked shopping as much as my mother did truthfully, so that is not a lot. I prefer my Auntie picking them out because one she as great taste and two because she loves picking out my clothes.
Then after all that was done I went down to hangout with my Jacob in the kitchen. This now seemed to be his usual hangout place if you ask me. Once I got out my favorite Oreo cookies and I glass of milk we started talking. He said that I should come down to La Push because I hadn't been there in a while. This was true because I hadn't been there since Claire's birthday. I told him I ask my parents if I could come down. All little while later I finally noticed who I hadn't seen since the morning, my daddy.
Where are you daddy?
"I'm down at the piano room." He stated.So then I ran down the stairs and into the room. Once I saw him I noticed that he was very preoccupied in this piece of piano music.
What are you doing, daddy?
"I'm trying to decipher the music notes under the beautiful painting you made me, dear." He said sullenly.
I'm sorry I wanted to make something nice for you and make sure you saw it.
"I'm sorry" I said again annoyed that I messed up.
"It's ok sweetie it will just take a little longer to make out these notes and then we can go play something. Ok?" my daddy said happily.
Sure I guess but, I want to help you. Can I?
"Sure sweetie. You can help me by going to get me two new pieces of paper." He said with his nose deep in the pages.
"Ok no problem!" I said merrily. Right after that order I ran up stairs to my room to grab those to pieces on my bed that were still blank luckily.Then I ran back downstairs and heard my daddy playing a song.
As not to disturb him I thought instead of talking, What are playing? It sounds really pretty!
Once he was finished he said "It's called Renesmee's Melody"
I smiled at that and said "Yay, I have a song! Cool"
Then the idea struck me. I know what I want to do, daddy!
"What would that be missy?" he said smiling.
So then I ran up to him, got on his lap, and pressed me hand on his cold cheek. Then I showed him a picture of me playing the piano and not him.
My Daddy then said " Sure sweetie if you really want to try."
TO BE CONTINUED…….. if u like!
- Author
- Jenni_Cullen_96
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Moreland And Arbuckle On Mountain Stage
Moreland And Arbuckle On Mountain Stage
Watch The Interview From Backstage At Mountain Stage
Set List
- "The Brown Bomber"
- "Don't Wake Me"
- "Purgatory"
- "The Legend of John Henry"
Guitarist Aaron Moreland and vocalist/harmonica player Dustin Arbuckle met at an open mic in Wichita, Kan., in 2001, and have been playing together in various capacities ever since. The band brings a pared-down, lo-fi edge to elements of traditional Delta blues, rock, country and soul that will no doubt remind some listeners of The Black Keys and The White Stripes.
This is Moreland & Arbuckle's first appearance on Mountain Stage. Backed by only by drummer Kendall Newby, the trio plays a four-song set that draws from its 2011 album Just a Dream. For two songs, Moreland can be heard playing a handmade electric cigar-box guitar — a throwback to a tool commonly used by early-1900s bluesmen, who were too poor to afford the real thing.


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Sappho is a horror and science fiction poetry fanzine by Bill Watson and George Ebey.
Sappho was published in San Francisco, California, U.S.A. in the 1940s. It was a 8 1/2 by 11" mimeographed fanzine with an airbrushed colour cover. Four issues were released, with issue #2 appearing in August 1943 and issue #4 in 1944. Sappho was distributed through Vanguard Amateur Press Association. Six issues were released; a seventh issue was put together but never published.
Contributors included Shirley Chapper, Roderick Christian, Corinne Ellsworth, Olivia Freeman, James Russell Gray, Arthur Kennedy, Fywert Kings, Jacques Malraux, Marilyn Marshall, Sandra Michel, and Graph Waldeyer.
Artwork was by Jack Wiedenbeck.
Issue #4 included The Odes of Horace, Book III Ode IX translated by H. P. Lovecraft as "Theobald's Translation" (Theobald, or Lewis Theobald, was an often used pseudonym of Lovecraft's), and credited as "courtesy" R. H. Barlow (Leaves) and F. T. Laney (The Acolyte).
In 1944, George Ebey also published his own book of science fiction and fantasy poetry, called "Star Stung". Bill Watson also published the fanzine Diablerie.


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Latest and modern hijab fashion & Hijab styles for Muslim women, teenage girls and kids. Wedding hijabs trends 2013 for Arabian, Asian, European, and African.
We wish you a very and please visit us again!!! Thanks.
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Sidmouth Design offers the very best combination of design advice for the inside and outside of a home, overlaid with a wide selection of affordable yet high quality interiors products.
As a company with its roots in design, attention to detail is paramount. This commitment applies as much to the advice we give, as it does to the work of our builders or our seamstresses and we expect the same standards from our suppliers.
*Most importantly, we believe in producing a high quality finish within a reasonable budget.


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Floor Plan Details
2BR 2BA 878 | Inquire for Pricing
- 2 Beds
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- 878 Square Feet
Call us today to request a tour of this floor plan (479) 544-2747
Floor Plan square footage, layouts, and measurements listed on this page are an approximation for illustrative purposes only. Floor Plans are subject to vary between individual homes and should be viewed to determine the suitability for space requirements. Rental rates, deposits, availability, and specials are subject to change without notice. Rental rates and deposits may also fluctuate based on features, locations, lease terms, credit and rental history, income, and other qualifying standards. Occupancy guidelines will apply. Again, the information listed on this page is to be used as a point of reference and is not a binding agreement.
Apartment Amenities
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Fully-Equipped Kitchen
Dining Area
Ample Closet Space
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Bentonville, AR 72712
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The Living Room On Wheels: An Interview With Nissan
As you can see here, Nissan is advertising the Cube as a living room on wheels with an advertising campaign that highlights interior details that draw direct influence from home interior design, including "sofa-style" seating, shag rug accessories as an option, and mood lighting in 24 colors to bright interior accents.
The Interview:
Unplggd: When did boxy become cool? Certainly it's been done in different eras- the 80's come to mind, but when did it become the trend that it is today?
Bruce: The 80's definitely can coin the "boxy" era (square and hard lines)….but, today's expression is something like a "round – box" (friendlier and less aggressive). The 2nd generation Nissan Cube is a good example, along with the iPhone and many examples in modern architecture.
Unplggd: I am sure there are earlier examples of this but I remember what an uproar the first Mitsubishi Eclipse caused by having an offset "lump" on the hood back in the 90's; how is the asymmetry of the Nissan Cube being received and what do you see happening in the future in regards to asymmetry? (Also, is the asymmetry opposite in RHD {Right Hand Drive} countries?)
Bruce: It has a clear signature, with a memorable image. Functionally, it is perceived very well. Drivers understand there is great rear vision - where you need it. This motif is so powerful, it is applied very carefully, too much and it becomes a cartoon. Yes, the asymmetry will be reversed for RHD.
Unplggd: How do you see this car influencing future models? Let's say it does well, and frankly, how could it not... then how much and what type of DNA will be spread out to other models?
Bruce: The Cube is full of "wit" and makes a simple/clear statement. These elements are a couple of the elements that are found in all Nissan Designs – from the GTR (with a unique "kink" in the sail-panel) to the front aspect of the Murano.
Unplggd: When was the Cube conceived and how early on did the interior become more geared towards spending a lot of time inside?
Bruce: The most recent version of the Cube began about 2.5 years ago. The concept of a "room on wheels" was a key element from the beginning. The interior design is intended to be an oasis and a social space.
Unplggd: Following up on that; why is the interior the way it is? The ripples on the ceiling, the freeform stitching on the seats, the unusual cupholders, the rear seats... maybe talk a bit about what makes the interior special and how this fits in with your program.
Bruce: Most of the elements that you noted were deeply considered. Everything has meaning, the ripples can represent sound waves, or serine ripples in a pond. The whole design processed was turned upside-down. There was an attitude of "what-if?"…..
Unplggd: What do you see people doing in their cars in the next ten years?
Bruce: More and less activities…………more using their ears- listening to information, communication and entertainment, less things with their fingers (texting , controlling, manipulating), more relaxing, less eating and drinking, more calming, less road rage (changing lanes to get ½ a car ahead).
Unplggd: How can the Cube play a role in improving workflow or social interaction?
Bruce:The Cube provides a calming driving experience (great vision, comfortable and roomy, simple-clear controls), with the hope that when you reach your destination – you will be fresh to tackle work, or engage in great conversations.
Unplggd: Right right, multitasking=bad- must focus on the road... wouldn't want to encourage people to break the ) ...What kinds of electronics are being incorporated into the Cube that might not have been present in cars before?
Bruce: At this time – nothing out of the ordinary, due to the aggressive price point. Yes, you can still plug in your iPod/iPhone and place it on the recess on the IP, and access maps and information – using your NAVI.
Unplggd: How does the interior of the Cube inspire a casual vibe?
Bruce: Soft, friendly – rhythmic forms that set the "tone" of the interior. Flexible and convertible space to accommodate your activities.
Unplggd: In what way did small apartments or homes inspire the design of the Cube?
Bruce: Modern Living Room on Wheels – was the one of the key descriptors (for the design development). This was to be an extension of your modern life- for you and your friends – who are traveling with you.
Unplggd: Any hybrids/ high efficiency powerplants coming down the pike?
Bruce: As related to Cube, nothing beyond the standard 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine at his time.
Unplggd: Does this car share a platform with any other Nissans?
Bruce: Yes, Cube resides on Nissan's B-platform which is shared with a number of other Nissan's, including the Versa, March, Micra and Tiida to name a few.
Unplggd: How many different markets is this planned for and what is the order of rollout?
Bruce: Cube will roll out in many markets in addition to the U.S, including Canada, Japan and European Countries.
Unplggd: What would you like people to know about this car that they might not have heard elsewhere?
Bruce: In a frenetic world, driving the Cube might put the concept of "time" into a new perspective…….and a nice smile on your face.
Thanks very much Mr. Campbell!
Other Interviews:


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The curious, vulgar tale of Clarence "Blowfly" Reid and his music can be best understood through an interaction between him and Miami electronic producer Otto Von Schirach near the end of "The Weird World of Blowfly," a documentary celebrating the life of the bawdy performer.
"You were pretty disgusting," Von Schirach tells Reid after a Blowfly gig. "Why, thank you," responds the 72-year-old singer, who since 1969 has performed — in a sequined blue mask and faux superhero's outfit — dirty parody songs that would make Hugh Hefner blush.
Over the course of his 50-year career, Reid has written straight pop music but is best known for Blowfly titles such as "Porno Freak" and "Electric Banana." This documentary, directed by first-timer Jonathan Furmanski, follows Reid on 2008 tours of Europe and America as he and his increasingly desperate and unlikable manager attempt to revive what's left of the Blowfly brand.
But unlike the characters in the similarly structured "Anvil! The Story of Anvil," about a middling but charismatic heavy metal band, neither Reid nor his manager can carry this documentary for its duration. In fact, extended scenes of Reid eating pancakes in a hotel room, of the singer and his manager arguing about where to stash a pizza, of Blowfly and band getting booed and pelted with ice during a German festival performance, suggest a dearth of material.
What ends up on screen is less a story than a string of depressing, offensive or depressingly offensive scenes.


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Growth miracles: Are they things of the past?
Also available in: Français
Is the era of industrialization and manufacturing exports growth miracles – a period of rapid economic growth exceeding expectations, last seen in East Asian countries, most notably in China – over? If you listen to Harvard's Dani Rodrik, the answer seems to be: pretty much! Does that mean, Africa, the only continent which hasn't seen rapid export-led manufacturing growth, would not have many growth miracle stories?


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11:30 pm
Everyday Edisons "This Invention Really Sucks! (Your Carpet)" When inventor, Ken Joyner, brought in his carpet sucker to the casting call, we thought this idea is so good, someone else must have already thought of it! His outrageous prototype had us snickering, but when it actually worked, we were impressed! Our development team used dozens of experimental prototypes and spilled all types of liquids onto countless carpet samples. We were amazed at how well Ken's invention extracted a variety of liquids out of carpet: wine, fruit punch, beet juice, even the liquid generated by our pets. Once our Everyday Edisons Engineering Team perfected a new prototype, our Design and Creative Team got together, spilled some more wine and pondered how to make the product look like and work like something retailers and consumers believed would actually suck, but not suck. D


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Dead Space 3: Awakened Review
Announced ahead of Dead Space 3's launch, "Awakened" was hyped as being more terrifying and gruesome than anything players had seen to that point. Hyperbole aside, "Awakened" is a bit different than the rest of the core game. Normally a change of pace would be interesting, but that's just not the case this time around. "Awakened" isn't nearly as engaging or fun as Dead Space 3, and that isn't helped at all by how quickly it's over.
Warning: There will be spoilers for Dead Space 3 ahead.
The first installment of downloadable content for Dead Space 3 picks up immediately after the conclusion of the game. There are definitely plenty of questions brought up by the end credits of Dead Space 3, and almost none of them are answered by "Awakened." In fact, the downloadable content makes a point of how improbable it is that Isaac and Carver survived almost immediately, which tends to suck a bit of any possible momentum out of the narrative. If you have to tell your players, "Shh, don't worry about it," you might want to rethink the approach you're taking. We are already playing a game where the most insane crazy stuff happens, but for the most part, the explanations have been feasible within the world of Dead Space. Here everything is dismissed with a wave of the hand, and it's a bit insulting.
Making things more disappointing, the story elements that carry the rest of the 1-2 hour-long DLC are few and far between. Isaac and Carver must get a ship to escape the planet, and make it back to Earth. That's it. There are some Unitology cultists who are remnants left over from the forces you fought in Dead Space 3 that take things to a new level of crazy, but you'll learn little more about the world and markers during "Awakened." Of course, by the time you arrive at the conclusion, there's a host of new questions brought up that may or may not be answered by future content, but it's almost a bit of a let down to hinge the entire purpose of the content for yet another cliffhanger.
There aren't any new gameplay mechanics brought into the fold, though there are quite a few more hallucinations in the add-on. They're all pretty intense, and do a nice job breaking up the pace and locales that have been recycled from Dead Space 3's main game. The Stalker gets a tough new variant to battle, and the Pack return from Dead Space 2, but there is little else in the way of big new threats. The cult leader looks like he'd be a formidable opponent for Isaac, but is absolutely wasted in execution. New circuits, text logs, and weapon parts can be found scattered among the crumbling planet of Tau Volantis, but there's little incentive to hunt them all down outside of being a completionist.
Dead Space 3's "Awakened" add-on is a bit of a disappointment. There is a lot of treading water that culminates in another big tease. The DLC adds nothing new to the experience outside of its closing moments, and even takes the time to insult the players who have spent the past few years relishing in the rich, deep lore of the Dead Space universe. "Awakened" should have bolstered Dead Space 3 in a way that made the overall experience stronger, but instead, the downloadable content delivers a cheap excuse for another sequel.
This review is based on the Xbox 360 version of Dead Space 3: Awakened. A code was provided to us by the publisher.


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|Representative Apathetic Democracy
|Tek Level 5.5
|None listed
|Brittanian League
|Notable People
|Bob the Unbuilder
cloned Deadly SpaceMan
The T.L.A. (Three Letter Acronym) is a remnant of a major extragalactic civilization that arrived in the Galaxia Nehellenium after their original homeworlds were overrun by a mysteeeeeerious alien menace. By Koincidence, the system that they chose as their new home was situated on the border between the Scythian Empire and the Brittanian League, forcing them to immediately choose sides in the Immortal War. They sided with the Anti-Immortal Alliance, and as a result the Refuge system has been under constant siege by the Britannian fleet for almost an entire Galactik Revolution.
History (pre-Exodus)
The T.L.A. (Three Letter Acronym) were once a roving band of mercenaries in a distant galaxy. Inspired by the flourishing civilization around them, they decided to claim a few unowned planets for themselves and set up their own enlightened, democratic society, with (as was the custom there) a three-word name that reduced easily to an acronym. For a time their new nation was wildly successful, colonizing many planets and filling their skies with vast orbiting shipyards that churned out some of the best transports and warships in the galaxy. Their fortunes changed when the galaxy was attacked by a mysterious alien menace that swept through the once-mighty Galactic civilization, destroying, looting, and assimilating all who stood in their way. The T.L.A. converted their orbital shipyards into self-contained colony vessels and escaped the galaxy entirely, shortly before their home worlds, along with all who had elected to remain behind, were overrun.
History (modern)
The T.L.A. arrived in an unclaimed star system on the border between Scythian and Britannian space, and were immediately challenged by an Immortal battle group. The resulting battle involved multiple factions from both sides of the Immortal War, and ended with the Immortals and their allies driven from the T.L.A.'s new home. However, the Britannian League soon retaliated and invaded Refuge, driving the T.L.A. into a hidden network of underground caverns. Vastly outnumbered, the T.L.A. attempted to even the odds by raiding an archaeological dig site for Deadly SpaceMan teknology. They acquired a Gyro Pistol, a relatively insignificant artifakt by itself, but scans revealed traces of Deadly SpaceMan DNA on the weapon. They were able to sequence this DNA and clone a Deadly SpaceMan to lead their forces against Brittannia...
The T.L.A.'s government is a representative democracy with an extremely extensive system of checks and balances and zero voter participation. In practice, this means that politicians cannot get anything done and simply vote themselves back into office at the end of each term. Only a major crisis, such as the Peach incursion, can motivate the politicians to take action or the apathetic citizenry to vote. The presidential election is something of an exception, as citizens consider it to be a kind of competitive sport. Since G.R. 2008, the office of President has been held by Bob the Unbuilder, a former construction worker and part-time mercenary. Unable to exert much influence over the government, Bob spends his time leading the T.L.A. army into battle atop his custom-built hover killdozer.
The T.L.A. are master shipbuilders, due to their mastery of fusion technology and ultralight ABS construction material. However, as they arrived from a galaxy much less violent than their new home, their weapons technology lags behind that of many Brikwars factions; in particular, they lack the fine control of energy required to construct laser weaponry, relying primarily on projectiles and missiles. Their missiles are quite effective, however, due to their expertise in shipbuilding.


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Blood Mountain Wilderness
IntroductionThe United States Congress designated the Blood Mountain Wilderness (map) in 1991 and it now has a total of 7,742 acres. All of this wilderness is located in Georgia and is managed by the Forest Service.
DescriptionLegends tell of the gory battles waged between Creek and Cherokee Indians atop 4,458-foot Blood Mountain, but today the site is famous for being the highest point in this Wilderness. Scenically rugged mountain peaks, rocky outcroppings, waterfalls, and numerous streams, most of which lie within the Chestatee Wildlife Management Area, surround the mountain. The vegetation is primarily second-growth upland and cove hardwoods. Deer, ruffed grouse, wild turkeys, and squirrels live here, and there are also black bears and raccoons. The Desoto Falls Scenic Area, with its waterfalls, marks the eastern boundary. Just across U.S. 129 lies Raven Cliffs Wilderness. Small and big game bring in quite a few hunters. Hikers usually travel the Appalachian Trail (AT), which crosses the area along the crest of the Blue Ridge for 10.75 miles and eventually reaches a rock shelter on Blood Mountain. This trail, according to the USFS, is "the most heavily used portion of the AT in Georgia." Many old logging roads crisscross the area. The Duncan Ridge National Recreation Trail crosses part of the area. Hikers should be aware that encounters with black bears are common in the area. The use of bear proof food storage containers is highly recommended.
Planning to Visit the Blood Mountain Wilderness?
- Print a fact sheet
- General things to consider when visiting any wilderness
- Regulations
- Contact the Forest Service
- Other recommended websites
Leave No TraceHow to follow the seven standard Leave No Trace principles differs in different parts of the country (desert vs. Rocky Mountains). Click on any of the principles listed below to learn more about how they apply in the Blood Mountain Wilderness.
- Plan Ahead and Prepare
- Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
- Dispose of Waste Properly
- Leave What You Find
- Minimize Campfire Impacts
- Respect Wildlife
- Be Considerate of Other Visitors


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WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Next Generation Air Transportation System — known as NextGen — moved two steps closer to reality in late August when new programs became operational.
The FAA deployed a new system called Time-Based Flow Management (TBFM), a scheduling tool that meters aircraft through all phases of flight in order to deliver the correct number of aircraft to airspace sectors and down to the runway at the exact pace at which the aircraft can be accommodated.
The system has been installed at all 20 en route centers. It replaces Traffic Management Advisory (TMA).
Because it is time-based, TBFM enables controllers to manage aircraft in busy airspace and deliver a more consistent flow of traffic.
After training is completed, FAA expects the system to be the platform for NextGen operations. Later it will be used at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, Baltimore International Airport and Cleveland Hopkins International Airport.
Lockheed Martin produced the TBFM system. At all centers, air traffic controllers, technicians and installers worked closely to resolve technical issues.
The second step forward is Precision Departure Release Capability (PDRC), which was developed by the National Air and Space Administration (NASA) and then turned over to the FAA to further develop and implement in the en route centers.
PDRC was developed to ease problems caused when the uncertainty of departure times because of bad weather, heavy traffic, or other factors caused missed opportunities for delayed aircraft to efficiently merge into the flow of high-altitude traffic. PDRC's surface model component accurately predicts both departure times and departure runways. It also provides ascent trajectories from takeoff to the merge point in the high-altitude stream of traffic.
Transferring PDRC to FAA marks the third time in the past two years that the two agencies have collaborated on the development of technologies to improve the handling, safety and efficiency of air traffic.


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We've been through a lot of them, no? We've seen lots of Christmases and the stories that go with them on these pages over the years, and in just a few days, another one will be upon us. Happens every year just about this time and every year, I try to come up with something inspiring for you, something uplifting, one of those stories that makes you teary-eyed and reminds you of why we are here and what the real meaning of Christmas is.
I couldn't find any of those this year. Not one, nada, zip, niente, bupkis. But I did find some really sketchy Christmas stories about people who behaved badly this holiday season and need to sign up for the next "Christmas-Hanukkah/True-Meaning-Thereof" at their earliest possible convenience.
Company Christmas parties can be tricky. They usually start out fine, with people in festive attire being warm and friendly and smoochy and wishing everyone the merriest whatever. But every now and then, once the rum punch or the Stoli or the Cabernet, or maybe all three, kick in, people get warmer, less friendly and occasionally, just plain dumb.
According to CBS-2 Los Angeles, that's pretty much what happened at a company Christmas party this week in Montebello at the Quiet Cannon restaurant — a name that will prove to be ironic. Somewhere between the bacon-wrapped dates and the pfefferneuse, a heated discussion grew into an argument, which grew into an all-out brawl, with screaming and punching and furniture tossing, which caused a 911 call to be placed to the Montebello Police Department.
Not the first company Christmas party that ended badly and surely not the last, but what made this one interesting is that the "company" in this case was the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department and the guests who forgot their party manners were Los Angeles deputy sheriffs who work at the Men's Central Jail. Two deputies were treated for injuries at the restaurant — that's the Quiet Cannon restaurant. An unidentified source told CBS-2 that everyone at the party was intoxicated and the melee started when one of the deputies asked "...why it takes so long to escort inmates into the visitor's area."
If that's what started the brawl, I'm guessing that "intoxicated" is a figure of speech.
L.A. Sheriff's Department spokesperson Steve Whitemore told the Los Angeles Times that it is unclear if alcohol was involved, but "it was a Christmas party, one could assume there was." You know, Steve, I know you should never assume things, but when a bunch of men start shouting and swinging at each other and throwing furniture because one of them wanted to know why it takes so long to get an inmate to the visitor's area — I'm gonna go ahead and assume there was alcohol involved. I know the final report isn't in yet, but I'm willing to go out a limb on this one.
It's a long way from Montebello to Abu Dhabi, but that's where you can find a jaw-dropping example of culture gap. Stop by the sumptuous five-star Emirates Palace Hotel and you won't have any problem finding the 40-foot Christmas tree in its decadently upscale lobby. I'm not sure why a hotel in Abu Dhabi has a huge Christmas tree in its lobby, but the hotel claims it is the most expensive Christmas tree ever, costing more than $11 million. Wowski. I know live trees are pricey these days but I had no idea. Along with traditional ornaments and lights, the tree is decked out with hundreds of diamonds, pearls and other precious stones. Could you misunderstand the meaning of Christmas any worse than that? I don't see how.
Lets' see, what else? Oh, I know — bad Christmas movies. Every year someone does a "Worst Christmas Movies Ever" list, but the No. 1 pick is always the same, always — "Santa Claus Conquers the Martians" — a startlingly cheesy 1964 film that not only has become a cult classic, but is so bad that it ends up on a lot of worst movies of all time lists.
Story summary: Martian kids are nuts about the Earth's Santa Claus, who they have gotten to know on Martian TV. Why there are stories about Santa Claus on Martian TV is never explained. Martians are dispatched to Earth, where they kidnap two little kids to lead them to the North Pole so they can snatch Santa. Why Martians know how to travel millions miles through space to Earth but need two little kids to show them how to get to the North Pole is never explained. The Martians drag Santa and the kids back to Mars and the rest of the movie is about how the big chubby jolly guy and the kids try to get back home, which they do, just in time for Christmas — the end.
"Santa Claus Conquers the Martians" trivia: One of the Martian kids is a 10-year-old Pia Zadora. The case could be made that her career went downhill from there.
I think that's everything. A Christmas brawl in Montebello, Santa Claus and Pia Zadora on Mars. It's all connected. I just don't know how. Have a safe and excessively happy Christmas and may God bless us every one. I gotta go.
PETER BUFFA is a former Costa Mesa mayor. His column runs Sundays. He may be reached at firstname.lastname@example.com.


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WASHINGTON (AP) — Some Republicans now say they're willing to discuss the politically treacherous issue of gun control along with mental health issues and violent video games, while formerly pro-gun Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid says it's time to place gun control on the table in the wake of the Connecticut mass killings.
House Republicans discussed the gun issue at their regular closed-door meeting Tuesday and at least some were willing to consider gun control as part of a solution to the violence that ended the lives of 20 children and six teachers at Sandy Hook Elementary school.
Rep. Jack Kingston, R-Ga., a 10-term Republican, said after the meeting, "Put guns on the table, also put video games on the table, put mental health on the table."
But he added that nothing should be done immediately, saying, "There is a time for mourning and a time to sort it out. I look forward to sorting it out and getting past the grief stage."
Sen. Charles Grassley, R-Iowa, made his suggestion for a blue ribbon commission of "all stakeholders" Monday. Reid, D-Nev., said "a thoughtful debate about how to change laws" is coming soon. And National Rifle Association member Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., agreed it's time to begin an honest discussion about gun control, and said he wasn't afraid of the political consequences.
It's too early to say what could emerge next year in Congress, but the comments of Grassley, Reid and Manchin are significant. Grassley is senior Republican on the Senate Judiciary Committee, which probably would have the first crack at any gun control legislation. Reid sets the Senate schedule. And Manchin defied the NRA while the politically potent pro-gun group remained silent in the aftermath of Friday's massacre.
Grassley said Monday: "It certainly can't be a debate just about guns. There must also be a serious and thoughtful discussion on mental health issues" as well as a culture that "tends to be less civil now than it has been for a long period of time."
Meanwhile, the U.S. Conference of Mayors wrote the president and Congress calling for "stronger gun laws, a reversal of the culture of violence in this country, a commission to examine violence in the nation, and more adequate funding for the mental health system."
Specifically, the mayors asked for:
—A ban on assault weapons and other high-capacity magazines.
—Strengthening the national background check system.
—Strengthening the penalties for straw purchases of guns, in which legal buyers acquire weapons for other people.
The NRA has deep pockets and a scorecard to back lawmakers who support gun rights, but Manchin said Monday, "I'm not afraid to say, 'Let's talk about that.'" Manchin told reporters, "I'm not afraid of the political ramifications."
In an earlier statement Manchin said, "This awful massacre of our youngest children has changed us, and everything should be on the table." He added that the discussion should include mental health treatment, assault-style weapons, high-capacity magazines, video games, movies and a culture that seems to glorify violence.
Reid told the Senate, "In the coming days and weeks, we will engage in a meaningful conversation and thoughtful debate about how to change laws and culture that allow violence to grow." He added, "And every idea should be on the table as we discuss how best to do just that."
In July, after 12 people were murdered in a movie theater in Aurora, Colo., Reid said the Senate's schedule was too packed to have a debate on gun control.
After 32 people were massacred in 2007 at Virginia Tech, Reid cautioned against a "rush to judgment" about new gun laws.
In 1993, Reid voted against a 10-year ban on assault-style weapons, but ultimately in favor of an omnibus crime bill that included the ban. But in 2004 he voted against an extension of the assault weapons ban, and the law died.
In 2010, top NRA official Wayne LaPierre called Reid "a true champion" of gun rights.
Rory Cooper, spokesman for House Majority Leader Eric Cantor, R-Va., said Monday: "Right now is the moment for prayer and supporting the families of Newtown. There will be time to debate policy in the weeks ahead."
Other Republicans said mental health, not guns, was the problem, and generally stayed away from a debate on gun control.
Rep. Pete Sessions, R-Texas, said: "We recognize those very demented, awkward people commit those crimes. We need to do a better job treating and looking at and finding people who have these problems. That's the issue. We have millions and millions of guns. Guns aren't the problem; sick people are."
Rep. Virginia Foxx, R-N.C., said: "There are just evil people in the world. There's nothing you're going to do to prevent evil from occurring."