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Monday, April 8: Earnings Put Stocks in Focus
Alexandra Scaggs has details on several stocks to watch on Monday as earnings season kicks off. Photo: Getty Images.
This transcript has been automatically generated and may not be 100% accurate.
... the ... three stocks that you can be watching on we did myself that I know that one just quickly ... summarize what people should really be looking for sales that ... can be looking for ... just where were this with this results can increase expectations on ... him and me looking ... the results out of Europe and China have cramps because people are still vacant Senate hearing on ... those materials that no bank is out of work to be in focus ... they well knew well in the end of the BTP Myrna nonstarter for it ... and ... it's funny actually financials better bright spot if you're looking at expectations ... over the corner financials are the only area where analysts of actually raised their estimates on the coming in against kind of loan low results from last year so it should make for pretty easy comparison ... at financials can potentially be a standout in this earnings season ... with a laugh but often those of us do that yet as AMAT at the end of this week ... either coming in on Friday ... and and and is one of the battered ... one of the area's it's expects to be a bit better ... I think the thing the secretion that change the course everybody can check out more at ten thirty on the markets have ... been have a lot more on earnings season that kicks off and everything are going to need to now


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subset: commoncrawl


text:
In the Matter of
|ORDER INSTITUTING PUBLIC ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEEDINGS PURSUANT TO SECTION 15(b) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934, MAKING FINDINGS, AND IMPOSING REMEDIAL SANCTIONS
The Securities and Exchange Commission ("Commission") deems it appropriate and in the public interest that public administrative proceedings be, and hereby are, instituted pursuant to Section 15(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 ("Exchange Act") against Stanley B. Wasser ("Wasser" or "Respondent").
In anticipation of the institution of these proceedings, Respondent has submitted an Offer of Settlement ("Offer") which the Commission has determined to accept. Solely for the purpose of these proceedings and any other proceedings brought by or on behalf of the Commission, or to which the Commission is a party, and without admitting or denying the findings herein, except as to the Commission's jurisdiction over him and the subject matter of these proceedings, and the findings contained in Section III.3. below, which are admitted, Respondent consents to the entry of this Order Instituting Public Administrative Proceedings Pursuant to Section 15(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, Making Findings, and Imposing Remedial Sanctions ("Order"), as set forth below.
On the basis of this Order and Respondent's Offer, the Commission finds that:
1. Wasser is a resident of Plantation, Florida. From approximately January 1999 through at least March 2000, Wasser worked as an unregistered sales agent for Vector Medical Technologies, Inc. ("Vector") in connection with its securities offering.
2. On September 11, 2003, the Commission filed a complaint in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida captioned SEC v. Vector Medical Technologies, Inc., et al., Civil Action No. 03-80858-HURLEY (S.D. Fla.), alleging, among other things, violations of the securities registration, broker-dealer registration, and antifraud provisions of the federal securities laws by Respondent in connection with Vector's unregistered securities offering.
3. On August 23, 2004, a Final Judgment of Permanent Injunction and Other Relief ("Judgment") was entered against Wasser. The Judgment permanently enjoined Wasser from violating Sections 5(a), 5(c), and 17(a) of the Securities Act of 1933 and Sections 10(b) and 15(a)(1) of the Exchange Act, and Rule 10b-5 thereunder. Wasser consented to the entry of the Judgment without admitting or denying the allegations contained in the Commission's Complaint.
In view of the foregoing, the Commission deems it appropriate and in the public interest to impose the sanctions agreed to in Respondent Wasser's Offer:
Accordingly, it is hereby ORDERED:
Pursuant to Section 15(b)(6) of the Exchange Act that Respondent Wasser be, and hereby is, barred from association with any broker or dealer.
Any reapplication for association by the Respondent will be subject to the applicable laws and regulations governing the reentry process, and reentry may be conditioned upon a number of factors, including, but not limited to, the satisfaction of any or all of the following: (a) any disgorgement ordered against the Respondent, whether or not the Commission has fully or partially waived payment of such disgorgement; (b) any arbitration award related to the conduct that served as the basis for the Commission order; (c) any self-regulatory organization arbitration award to a customer, whether or not related to the conduct that served as the basis for the Commission order; and (d) any restitution order by a self-regulatory organization, whether or not related to the conduct that served as the basis for the Commission order.
For the Commission, by its Secretary, pursuant to delegated authority.
|Home Previous Page
Modified: 10/04/2004


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Creeeaak . . .
What's that sound?
That, dear Ellsworth, is the sound of this blog being turned on again. It's been a while, like, since June.
What are you doing?
Making a get-well card for Short Stuff. She's a pretty sick cat.
You're making a get-well card for Xenia? That's very nice, but I know you, Wincester. What's in it for you?
Nothing! Can't a cat make a get-well card now and then? Maybe when Short Stuff gets better, we'll be friends.
She has hated every breath you've drawn since you came here six years ago. And you rile her whenever you get a chance.
That's all in the past. Will you hand me the magenta crayon? And you don't know everything about me, Miss Ellie. I have another side.
You don't have any sides--you're completely round! Wait, it's the special cat food The Writer feeds Xenia now, isn't it? She is only fed real minced turkey or chicken--
--and those little tubs of Fancy Feast that cost over a dollar each! They smell so good when The Writer zips off the foil. Puuure white meat in a light savory gravy, yum! The Writer scoops it on a little blue plate and takes it to Short Stuff. And I run after The Writer and rub against her legs but she just ignores me.
And you think if you make a get-well card, Shortst--, I mean, Xenia will share some of her food? How low can you stoop?
You know what the saddest words in the world are?
Cheap kibble?
"Not yours."


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Baba Ghanouj (prounounced Baba Ghanoosh) is the food I'm discussing today for New Food Friday. Does it sound familiar to you? I think I may have heard it first on the Jerry Seinfeld sitcom.
I picked up a can when I bought the can of ZiYad Hummus and Tahini dip. They were both the same price, on sale for $2.29 each.
Ziyad makes this Baba Ghanouj which is an eggplant and Tahini dip. They fire roast the eggplant and add the following ingredients: tahini, salt, citric acid.
Preparation suggestion on the can: add lemon juice, garlic, and salt to taste. Drizzle olive oil on top.
Nutritional Facts:
The sodium level is high: 478mg so if you are watching your salt intake, you may only be able to have a small amount. I think we should all watch our salt intake so I may make my own version fresh in the future.
The Taste
The taste of this Baba Ghanouj is very smokey. It's like eating charred wood but a creamy version of charred wood. So, they're not kidding when they say they fire roast the eggplant! I liked it. There are chunks of eggplant in the dip which I enjoyed too. I did not add any lemon juice or garlic or salt because I didn't think it needed anything.You can see from the front cover of the can that the product is tan in color. The yellow part is olive oil. The red sprinkles in the center and around the dish are pomegranate seeds.
The Accompaniments
Baba Ghanouj is most often eaten with pita bread. It can also be eaten as a dip with raw vegetables. This could pair well with certain flavors of Triscuits which come in many varieties now, Rosemary and olive oil being my favorite. I like Baba Ghanouj with pretzels, the larger pretzels with less salt. This would also be a good spread on a wrap. I tried it on a bun with a turkey burger but instead of a barbeque taste, it brought out a more lemony flavor which I did not care for. That surprised me. In fact, the way I liked it best was without any accompaniment.
Here is a nice sized eggplant growing on a vine. Isn't it a beauty?
This is what sesame seeds look like (below) in case you've never seen them. The photo shows them enlarged. They are much smaller in reality. There are also black sesame seeds. Tahini can be made from either the white sesame or the black sesame seed. This Baba Ghanouj uses the white sesame seeds. The seeds are crushed to make a paste. You can find the seeds on the spice aisle of your grocery store. If you want the paste (the tahini), look in the ethnic aisle. It usually comes in a jar and is not cheap!
On the other hand, this canned version of Baba Ghanouj is very convenient to carry with you say, to a picnic because it has a pop-top and can be eaten cold or at room temperature. Once opened though any leftovers should be refrigerated. Another benefit of the canned version is that it can be easily stored on your pantry shelf to be used at a moment's notice. So, it's good in a pinch!


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County Home
Assessor Home
Parcel Information Search
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Assessment Information
Assessment Appeals
If you believe that the market value of your property is less than
the current assessment you should contact the Assessor's Office for a
review. A comparable sales analysis will be done on your property to
determine whether you qualify for the provisions of Proposition 8.
Proposition 8, which was passed by the voters in 1979, allows for a
temporary reduction in property tax assessments. The
proposition states that if the market value on January 1 of any
current year has fallen below the taxable value (as shown on your
property tax bill), the Assessor's Office will temporarily
lower the assessment to reflect current market conditions. The
Assessor's Office will then review these properties annually on January
1 of each year.
When the market value has increased, the assessed value will also be
increased (either incrementally or all at once depending on market
conditions.) Under no circumstances, however, can this increase in value
exceed the original assessed value, plus the annual inflation factor
required by Proposition 13.
What does Proposition 8 say?
Revenue and Taxation Code Section 51 requires the Assessor to
enroll the lower of either the property's factored base year
value (established under Proposition 13) or its market value as
of the lien date (January 1).
This reduction is temporary and the Assessor is
required to review the market value of the property each lien
date after the reduction until such time as the Prop 13
factored base year value is less than or equal to the market
When the factored base year value is again enrolled, the
property is no longer subject to the annual review, and will
receive indexing not to exceed 2% per year.
Do properties other than single-family residences
Yes, all real property qualifies. However, the land and
improvements are valued as a unit and cannot be considered
separately for the Prop 8 temporary reduction.
Once the Assessor lowers the value will it change?
The Assessor is required to review the temporary
Prop 8 value each lien date following the initial reduction. The
Prop 8 value can be further reduced or increased depending on
the property's market value as of the lien date, January 1 of
each year. Just as there is no limit on the amount of reduction,
there is no limit to the amount being restored up to the Prop 13
factored base year value.
If I have been granted a reduction for the current
year will I have to request another review next year?
No, once you have been granted a reduction pursuant to Prop 8
your next year's value will automatically be reviewed. A
Value Notice will be sent to you in July,
which will indicate our findings.
What will happen to my assessment if values start to
Your taxable value reduction to market value is
temporary and the Assessor is required to review the
market value of the property each lien date after the reduction,
until such time as the Prop 13 factored base year value is less
than or equal to the market value.
Unless there is a change in ownership or new construction, this
increase in value cannot exceed the original assessed value plus
the annual inflationary factor not to exceed 2% per year.
Important factors to remember when requesting a decline
review on your property:
If you think your property is assessed at a value that is higher than
the market value as of January 1, 2015, please submit a request in
writing for a Prop 8 review or call the Assessor's Office to request a
The Assessor will review the property assessment as of
January 1, 2015, for the 2015-2016 tax year.
Our appraisal staff will review your request and you will be notified
by mail of the results.
If you are not in agreement with the Assessor's decision, you have
the right to file an appeal with the Assessment Appeals Board. The
filing period is from July 2 through November 30,
inclusive. Assessment appeal applications are available from the Office
of the Clerk of the Board, Yuba
Assessor • 915 8th. St. Suite 101, Marysville, CA 95901 • (530)
749-7820 • Fax: (530) 749-7824
General Comments/Contact
©2009 County of Yuba, CA


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MOST IMPORTANT: Please, link me your projects with my job! And don't forget to rate after purchase
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1989 Dodge Power Ram W150Posted in Features on February 1, 2010
We admit it: we're suckers for old trucks-especially clean, old trucks that still get used. Garage queens are nice to look at, but nothing really impresses like some old truck still getting used in the dirt or sand. Well, Brandon Miller's old Dodge could go either way. Seeing it parked on the street, you'd think to yourself, "Garage queen. There is no way anything this clean spends time in the dirt." Well, we've seen firsthand that this truck gets run and used-just like it's supposed to. After all, what's the point of owning some bitchin' truck if you don't use it?
When Brandon picked up his ride 7 years ago, he had a plan. A lot of money and a lot of time later, and Brandon has ended up with what you see here. Just like any good project, he knows it that it will never be finished, but he's happy so far and we can only imagine what will happen to this super-clean '89 Dodge next (wasn't that a four-link we heard you talking about, Brandon?)
Brandon's advice: Never underestimate a Dodge. They are amazing trucks and run like hell!
|'89 Dodge Power Ram W150
|Brandon Miller, Visalia, CA
|Factory '89 Dodge half-ton
|318ci EFI V-8, modified heads, cam, K&N air filter, Accel Ignition, Optima Yellow Top, Flowmaster exhaust
|518 transmission, NP241HD T-case, Precision Offroad Dana 44 front w/ Warn Premium hubs, Chrysler 9.25 rear w/ Trac Lock differential, Trans Dapt diff covers, Genuine Gear 4.11:1 gears
|Tuff Country 6-inch front springs, Skyjacker Platinum 9000 shocks, custom shackles, 4-inch BDS lift blocks in rear, 9/16-inch U-bolts, Energy Suspension bumpstops
|Solid tie rod and factory draglink, Superlift steering block, Skyjacker steering stabilizer
|Factory front discs and rear drums
|33x15.50R15 Mickey Thompson Baja MTZs on 15X12 Weld Racing Scorpio Vs
|Bucket seats, door panels Miller-made out of 1/16-inch steel and wrapped in tweed,
|Grant steering wheel, Cobra 19DX IV CB with Wilson antenna, Mag Lite with mount, fire extinguisher, stereo system, train horn release valve w/ 200psi gauge
|Other Parts:
|Paint and body was done by Brandon Sisco of Sisco's Customs in Visalia, California, powdercoated Fabtech light bar, three KC Daylighters, everything underneath powder coated by Visalia Powder coating of Visalia California, A&L truck supply chrome bolt covers (helps keep rust out when in the dunes), Cen Cal Distributing onboard air system w/ 5-gallon nine-port air tank, 280C Viair compressor, United Pacific train horn with manual release valve mounted inside of cab


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I had grand plans of posting twice this week. While on vacation. Ha! It's now Thursday. And only by a Christmas miracle is this post live. I've been living it up responsibility-free for two weeks straight. Making these bracelets. And these cowls. Sitting by the fire with the A/C on (only in Texas). Sheer bliss. But it's going to be a rough adjustment back into real life next Monday. Pray for me.
Speaking of sheer bliss, have you seen this sweet treat? It's brought to you by my ever talented sister. A chocolate tart coated in a honey glaze and wrapped in a hazelnut graham cracker crust. And if you must, a dollop of freshly whipped cream. I must. A little slice of this is about as close to heaven as you can get. It's dark, rich, and not overly sweet. With a touch of masculinity. It's absolutely divine.
I'm still trying to convince my sister to go into business with me. She hasn't taken the bait yet. Yet. Living in different states doesn't help matters. But a girl can still dream. I see globs of baking sheets and cake pans in our future. Mini tarts, pies, and cakes. Chocolate croissants. Vintage modern decor. A name and logo just begging to be revealed. One day. But until then, I'll enjoy this sisterly collaboration.
- Crust
- 1 c. graham cracker, finely ground
- 3/4 c. whole hazelnuts
- 1/4 c. unsweetened cocoa powder
- 4 tbsp. confectioners sugar
- 5 tbsp. unsalted butter, melted
- Filling
- 1 1/4 c. heavy cream
- 9 oz. bittersweet chocolate (no more than 65% dark)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tbsp. vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp. salt
- Glaze
- 2 tbsp. heavy cream
- 2 oz. bittersweet chocolate
- 1 tbsp. honey
- 1 tbsp. warm water
- Garnish
- 1 c. heavy cream
- Make crust. Preheat oven to 400° and toast hazelnuts for 8 minutes. Lower the temperature to 350°. Place hazelnuts on a paper towel. Cover with another paper towel and roll to remove shells. Blend in food processor until fine. In a bowl, mix together hazelnuts, graham crackers, cocoa powder, and confectioners sugar with melted butter. Press in bottom of tart pan. Bake for 10 minutes.
- Make filling. Bring heavy cream to a boil and pour over chocolate. Let sit for 5 minutes and then stir mixture until incorporated. Whisk in 2 eggs, vanilla, and salt. Pour mixture into the tart pan and bake for 20 minutes. Allow to cool for 1 hour.
- Make glaze. Bring heavy cream to a boil and pour over chocolate. Let sit for 3 minutes and stir until incorporated. Add water and honey. Stir. Pour mixture over tart and rotate until the glaze has covered the entire tart.
- Make garnish. Whip heavy cream until just stiff. Garnish and serve at room temperature.
Recipe from Dulce Delight (how-to video included).


text:
Do some 3D Modelling
Presupuesto $10-30 USD
I have a picture of a pendant design that needs to be rendered in cad cam so that I can print a wax model with a 3-d printer. The picture has lines, words and numbers and other designs that need to stand up in relief from the background. Will be a continuing project with perhaps hundreds of individual project. Price to be quoted is per project.
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text:
Here are some ideas for everyone on your list.
Play House!
An iconic symbol of childhood, youngsters have played with dollhouses for centuries. This colourful yet sturdy Playmobil house, $179.99, will entertain little ones for hours with its never-ending possibilities in the land of make-believe. From a selection of wood and plastic dollhouses, starting from$49.99, at Castle Toys, 101,5718 1A St. S.W.,403-258-1100, castletoys.ca.
Brace Yourself with Charm
Create your own wearable story with SilveRado charm bracelets by hand-picking your own mixture of sterling-silver, Italian glass, pearls and gemstone beads and charms. Individual adult beads start at $30, SilveRado Kidz beads start at $17. And SilveRado beads are compatible with Pandora and other charm bracelets. At Suzie Q Beads, Buttons and Bijoux, 1401 9th Ave. S.E., 403-266-1202, suzieqbeads.com.
Animal Attraction
Get cosy and lounge in style with these flannel leopard-print pyjamas (styles also available in linen and cotton), from $95, and matching slippers (in sizes 5 to 12), from $55. Or come into the store to see the unisex Kashwere robes, one of "Oprah Oprah's Favourite Things," $165. From Melange for the Home, 940c 2nd Ave. N.W., 403-270-9687.
Friendly Faces
Put a smile on anyone's face--young or old--with this collection of adorably quirky plush animals from Deglingos Plush Animals. This charming trio of a wolf, a chicken and a rat, $ 44.98 for all three, comes from the Funky bunch, while the rattle-and-squeaker versions of the dog, lobster and rat, $15.98, are sure to delight the smaller set. From a selection at Sweet Cheeks Children's Boutique, 151,5005 Dalhousie Dr. N.W.,403-247-4749, sweetcheekschild.com.
Coat of Many Colours
Versatility is the key to building a wardrobe, whether it's for outfitting a man or a woman. Add a dash of chic to any man's clothing collection with this lightweight sports coat by Coppley, $295. The shirt-style, relaxed-fit, faux-suede jacket pairs easily with denim for a more dressed-down take, but can also be jazzed up for evening. Available in five colours at Thomas Jeffery Men's Wear, Scotia Centre, 403-265-2081, and Southcentre, 403-278-2445.
He'll Think He Scored
Put the puck between the pipes with these cufflinks, $95, available in the logo of most NHL teams. For the impartial spectator, the pairs featuring a sterling-silver hockey player, $195, and goalie mask, $85, are sophisticated winks to the good ol' hockey game. Available exclusively at Thomas Jeffery Men's Wear, Scotia Centre, 403-265-2081, and Southcentre, 403-278-2445.
Eye-Catching Crystals
This season is all about updating what's already in your closet. The eye-catching sparkle and shine of these necklaces--handmade by Joanna Bisley Designs with Swarovski crystals, sterling silver and Balinesebeads--fits that mandate to a T. Complete the look with a selection of matching bracelets and earrings. Necklaces, $163 each, from a selection at Joints, 1145 Kensington Cres. N.W., 403-270-0030. For design inquiries, e-mail Joanna Bisley at email@example.com.
A Night on the Town
This trio--a Trixie necklace by Kellie Sutton, $98; a silver clutch, $38; and ruffled gloves by Echo Design, $33adds a splash of style when it's time to hit the town this cocktail season. And since it's always better to give than to receive, keep these three in mind when it's time to surprise the accessories lover in your life. At The Gorgeous Store, 1005B 1st St. S.W., 403-269-1699, gorgeousstore.ca.
The Science of Caring for Skin
Looking for instant yet long-lasting results? The revolutionary mineral makeup in Sunforgettable, $63, offers protection from harsh elements, and the Line Tamer Skin Brightener, $60, smoothes and soothes while the Classic Corrector Kit, $65, and Pressed Mineral Compact, $65, are all about coverage. From a selection at Britannia Dermedics, 817A 49th Ave. S.W., 403-984-4313, britanniadermedics.com.
Pretty as a Picture
This absorbingly tactile canvas by Wendy Ibuki would be an amazing addition to any interior, with its scale and variety of media. In creating her work, the Calgary abstract artist uses watercolours, acrylic paint and oil pigments. "Happiness," $3,400. From a selection of original paintings at Domaine, 8, 7130 Fisher Rd. S.E., 403-301-2339, domainefurnishings.com.
Timeless Treasures
These handmade glass creations by Vancouver artist Robert Held, $285, and classic nickelplate pieces by Michael Aram--Africa candleholders, $235; Wisteria vase, $350--will certainly be appreciated by any lucky recipient. For a little hostess fun, the Decadent Diva high-heel cake server, $25, makes things sweeter. From a selection of gifts and accessories at B Gifted, 1607 90th Ave. S.W., 403-255-5939.
Heavy Metal
Although undeniably elegant, these handcrafted glass tables contain a whisper of whimsy. Earthy character comes together with sleek contemporary style in the Kismet Inny and Outty (the Kolkka collection starts at $1,500), adorned with gold-leaf spheres and leaf-trip ebony. From a selection at Domaine, 8, 7130 Fisher Rd. S.E., 403-301-2339, domainefurnishings.com.
Rocky Mountain High
Since the family that plays together, stays together, the Lake Louise Ski Card, $99, is a must-have. The card includes two free days anytime during the season and reduces your lift ticket to $50 on subsequent visits. (Youths 13-17 and seniors ski for $40.) Plus, skip lineups with a free direct-to-lift upgrade--woo-hoo!--and take advantage of bonus discounts on lift passes at other ski areas, lodging in Lake Louise and Banff, as well as food and retail. Ski Louise, 1-877-956-8473, skilouise.com.
A Luvvin' Spoonful... or Two
Give the gift of freedom from the dreaded phrase: "What's for dinner tonight?" Make a friend or loved one's life a little easier this holiday season with the gift of delicious and nutritious catered meals. Choose from a variety of "luv packages"--including elegant mamaluv gift card, meals, and gift bag--from as little as $59. Perfect for everyone on your list and for every occasion: new baby, get-well, sympathy, or, simply because. You pickyour budget, they pick their meals! Available throughout Alberta, B.C., Ontario and Quebec. Mamaluv, 1-888-662-6258, mamaluv.ca.
High Fashion Meets Function
These stunning conversation starters feature raw silk moulded sensuously over a metal frame. And the luxe look of the Perlina, $1,295, can be tailored to your space, as it can be used as a table lamp or as a pendant. From a selection at Domaine, 8, 7130 Fisher Rd. S.E., 403-301-2339, domainefurnishings.com.
Treat Yourself
True to its moniker, at Spa Europa things are done the European way. Each treatment is specifically designed for the client and for his or her skin needs--nothing is standard. Choose from a variety of facials--including the European Facial, $89, with no time limit-- massage treatments, hair removal, laser treatments and more. And Mondays are all about men. Spa Europa, 100E, 1029 17th Ave. S.W., 403-229-1578, spa-europa.com.
Light Up Your Life
Remove the shocking zap! that accompanies Alberta winters with these Himalayan salt lamps and candleholders, which neutralize static. As natural ionizers, the intriguing creations offer essential health benefits by purifying and improving the quality of the surrounding air. Candleholders start at $14; lamps are $22 for small, $30 for medium, and $40 for large, while the egg-shaped lamp is $46. From a selection at The Divine Mine, 222, 11566 24th St. S.E., 403-279-9555, divinemine.com.


text:
Hartlepool inflicted Rochdale's first home defeat of the season as they romped to a 3-1 victory at Spotland.
The visitors edged ahead on eight minutes when Steve Haslam's inswinging cross found Adam Boyd and he rose above Marcus Holness to send a looping header over David Lucas and into the net.
Mick Wadsworth's side were unable to hold on to that advantage for long as Rochdale hit back on 16 minutes.
A raking pass from Gary Jones picked out Jean-Louis Akpa Akpro and the Frenchman sent a first-time volley past Scott Flinders.
However, Dale's bad habit of starting poorly came back to haunt them again at the start of the second half as James Poole's cushioned left-footed volley from 20 yards restored Hartlepool's lead within two minutes the restart.
Jason Kennedy saw a close-range shot blocked and Joe Thompson headed straight at Scott Flinders from six yards as Dale looked for an equaliser, but it was game over for the hosts when Poole controlled Paul Murray's pass and clipped his second past Lucas on 86 minutes.
Copyright (c) PA Sport 2009, All Rights Reserved.


text: Home / Products / Outdoor Wall LED Larger View Rollover to Zoom Close Visualize Kichler lighting and Sherwin-Williams paint all in one tool. Today's homeowners have seemingly unlimited options when it comes to colors and finishes. With so many possibilities it can be daunting to find just the right match. Not any more. Match your lighting and your wall color with our intuitive visualization tools. Choose your Sherwin-Williams Color Family Color palette belongs to Sherwin-Williams, a registered trademark of the Sherwin-Williams Company. © 2013 Sherwin-Williams Company. All rights reserved. Other Kichler Products Products in the same collection 49226OZ49226OZLED49227OZ49227OZLED49228OZ49228OZLED49229OZ49229OZLED Franceasi CollectionOutdoor Wall LED 49229OZLED (Olde Bronze) bvseo_sdk, net_sdk, 18.104.22.168 CLOUD, getAggregateRating, 78ms REVIEWS, PRODUCT bvseo-msg: The resource to the URL or file is currently unavailable.; Product Description: The intricate details of the Olde Bronze panels on this LED wall lantern from the Franceasi family create delightful shadow patterns on adjoining wall surfaces and walkways. Width: 10, Height: 25, Extension: 12, Height from Center of Wall Opening: 8.75. 11.4W (60W incandescent equivalent). Title 24 and Dark Sky requirements. Rated for wet locations. Light source included. Available Finishes Shop, Buy or Order Locally Submit Lighting Showroom Landscape Lighting Distributor Electrical Distributor Available online at these fine retailers! Technical Information Weight:13.00 LBSDiffuser Description:LIGHT UMBER SEEDY GLASSSafety Rated:WetHCWO:8.75"Base Backplate:5.70 X 21.75CFL Bulb Type:HYBRID (30-52W)Dual Mount:NoPatent:US Patent PendingSocket Base:MediumNumber of Bulbs:1Lamp Type:A21Max Wattage/Range:150WCollection:Franceasi CollectionLight Source:LEDMax Watt:12.1WLamp Included:IntegratedColor Rendering Index:80Kelvin Temperature:3000KWidth:10.00"Height:25.00"Extension:12.25"Voltage:120VDelivered Lumens:400# of Bulbs/LED Modules:1Expected Life Span:40000 HoursTitle 24:YesFinish:Olde Bronze Related Documents:High Res Images 49229DownloadSpec SheetDownload bvseo_sdk, net_sdk, 220.127.116.11 CLOUD, getReviews, 15ms REVIEWS, PRODUCT bvseo-msg: The resource to the URL or file is currently unavailable.;


text:
What makes a successful socially driven marketing campaign? Is it the fact that you have a blog, a spokester, or videos on YouTube?
Anybody can do that, all it takes is a suitable Wordpress theme, a camera, and somebody to stand in front of it. What makes a successful campaign is what's contained within the structure that a blog, YouTube, and the myriad other web tools that exist offer to the campaign.
These things are merely a container, and if you aren't paying attention to what's inside the container your going to get a mouthful of something that doesn't quite taste like lemonade.
Its all about the little things, the things that create the tone, the atmosphere, and the voice you are aiming for.
As an example, take a look at Resource 1 Credit Union's MyLifeMyMoney minisite. There's been lots of talk about how it's a blatant rip-off of Currency Marketing's Young and Free product (recently launched by Resource 1's neighbor TDECU). First let me say kudos to R1 for doing something most credit unions would be terrified of. Copycatting aside, it is still a gutsy move for any credit union.
On the site, the first thing that caught my eye was a bright green box on an otherwise gray site. In this box is a welcome message. See if you can spot what is wrong with this message:
Welcome to the MyLifeMyMoney website! MyLifeMyMoney is the perfect package of financial tools and products for adults ages 18-34, aka Generation Y. Surf around, check it out, and see why MyLifeMyMoney is the perfect way to bank for your generation.
The problem with this message isn't grammar, length, or even the odd age range. The problem is the word "your".
This campaign is an effort to connect with the Gen-Y crowd. One of the important things to keep in mind when dealing with Gen-Y is that they look for something that is "Theirs" or "ours", something that isn't handed down from a gray-haired banker trying to get their cash.
The words "your generation" say to me "hey we're old, but we made this thing hoping you young whipper-snappers will open an account". To really engage a Gen-Y demographic with a campaign like this it needs to feel like "we made this for us, this is our site, our blog, our product."
Even if it happens subconsciously, this small piece of wording can undermine the entire effort, put potential Gen-Yers off, and portray an image contrary to what you're going for.
Its all about the small stuff, the tiny details, the words contained within the structure of a "web 2.0" marketing campaign.
So, to all you credit unions looking to start a Y&F style campaign, just because it's yellow, doesn't mean its lemonade.
P.S. Resource one, if you're reading this, please lose the autoplaying video that pops up every time I visit the MLMM site. It's not cool, its not helpful, its annoying. Thanks.


text:
|2010-09-19, 22:08
|Link #162
Random Translator
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: New Brunswick
The pride of the Bureau, the greatest/largest analog database of the interdimensional worlds. It stocks every piece (written information) of information from TSAB recognized (known?) worlds. As its name "endless/infinite" implies, the information it contains continuously grows each day.
Previously it was a disorganized place (place of chaotic disorder) until about ten years ago, the current head Librarian Yuuno Scrya was appointed. Since then new regulations on organizing books/publications and database specific programs were developed. Thus the enormous/overwhelming amount of data is slowly but surely over the long months and years becoming more organized.
Restrict Lock (Disc 1, track 20)
Teana's bind magic. A medium range with particular effects once fired, an extremely stable/strong capture (bind) magic.
It can take on many shapes/forms but Teana's usual/favourite spell takes the form a magic ring that binds limbs and body at the same time.
Last edited by Nagumo; 2010-09-20 at 15:22.
|2010-09-19, 22:31
|Link #163
Secret Society BLANKET
Graphic Designer
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: 3 times the passion of normal flamenco
|2010-09-20, 21:33
|Link #165
Random Translator
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: New Brunswick
Orussia – Embroiled in Civil War
An interdimensional world whose very "first contact" with another world, Midchilda, was generally peaceful. (alt translation: one of the first interdimensional worlds that Midchilda had contact with/Administrated) However even now, war continues to roil the world.
As an Administrated World it can ask for public/official aid/support but it rejects/refuses to accept any assistance, as a result the ability of the Administration to help is limited/restricted.
Orussia is one such world, the Southern countries continue to wage their endless (ie long lasting) war.
|2010-09-20, 23:22
|Link #166
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2008
It could very well meant that "administered" worlds just means "world that officialy knows about the TSAB", as they do seem able to not have any real influence from the TSAB beyond 'contact'.
|2010-10-23, 18:50
|Link #167
Random Translator
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: New Brunswick
Explosion (combustion) induced Fire (Disc 1, track 19)
An uncommon cause of fire, set off with explosive material (ingredients (trans note: medicine/drugs), explosive class).
Explosives spread the fire and raise temperatures quickly, moreover adds to the difficulty and danger when putting it out.
|2010-10-25, 17:31
|Link #168
Random Translator
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: New Brunswick
Comment: Man, can you imagine the pension that the TSAB officers must get if they work from their childhood up til old age? I can only imagine that's how Admiral Graham could live out his years in leisure on earth.
Remote/Frontier Nature Conservation Corps (Disk 1, Track 06)
One of the Administration's external/outside organizations, an organization that specializes/concentrates on defending/preserving and observing remote/frontier world wildlife (vegetation/plants, wild life (trans note: birds and wild animals)).
Formally speaking, Conservation Officers are considered/ treated as TSAB/Administration officers, thus the time spent at the Conservation Corps service/duty is regarded as [Administration service/duty].
Duties range from cooperating with civilian researchers and their research, as well as working to counter poachers, for this the young talented/brilliant knight Erio and the Dragon Summoner Mage Caro are particularly skilled/good at.
|2010-11-02, 21:23
|Link #169
Random Translator
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: New Brunswick
Seriously Subaru, you've got a nice job and all but the dictionary entry of your department was annoying to translate...
Disaster Relief/Prevention Department's Special Rescue Team (Disc 1, track 03)
Fires. Environmental disasters. Accidents. The Disaster Relief/Prevention Department mobilizes to them all. Their teams that specialize in emergency rescue is called the [Special Rescue Team].
A willingness to rush into extremely dangerous areas/situations, rapid/swift evacuations and high individual skill is required.
The [Disaster Relief/Prevention Department] was also once called the [Disaster Management/Command Department], however they changed it to give the Administration posting a [more friendly and modern name].
Disaster Management/Command members/officers are called Disaster Relief officers after the name change, and the ranks/hierarchy changed to more original Disaster Relief centric ranks as opposed to ground forces/army/military ranks.
|2010-11-02, 22:11
|Link #170
Random Translator
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: New Brunswick
I take it back... Teana's job was harder to translate...
Enforcer (CD 1 Track 02)
One of the positions within the TSAB, only attainable by those with the capabilities to pass the certification exam.
Qualified individuals are authorized to handle [command/oversee any and all parties involved any judicial/law enforcement matters to any unit they are assigned/attached to]. (Note: er, what? Does this mean Fate is the equivalent to a federal law enforcement type or state security SS/FBI/Stasi? Those intimidating black uniforms make sense then. For those who want to translate: [所属部隊における事件および法務案件の統括担当者].)
Enforcers who are clerical/office work oriented are assigned to their units/corps and generally oversee/are in charge of judicial affairs. More independent Enforcers who are especially skilled in pursuing/tracking/investigating tend to concentrate on following cases/incidents that require their full attention and abilities.
(Note: 内勤派の者は所属部隊の法務を全般的に担当し、独立派の者は自身が追跡を得意とする種別の事件を専任で指揮 ・担当する傾向がある。)
The position requires a highly diverse range of knowledge and skills. However since the JS incident, the Adminstration Bureau decided to expand its fight to eliminate internal corruption and raised the difficulty/bar of its already difficult exam further which lowered the pass rate, but Teana who long aspired to be an Enforcer safely passed the exam.
ON TO PAGE 17!!! (... starts crying)
|2010-11-02, 22:20
|Link #171
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2010
Nagumo, you rock. Thank you for working on these; I do have one question - is there any more info on Orussia besides what's already in this thread and what was mentioned by Runessa in your translations?
As far as the question of Fate goes, I got the feeling that the Enforcers were something like a mix of an FBI Special Agent and an Internal Affairs investigator, sort of like a JAG officer with wider powers.
|2010-11-02, 22:23
|Link #172
Random Translator
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: New Brunswick
I personally imagine its kinda like Somalia... Pretty messed up.
|2010-11-03, 05:55
|Link #175
Random Translator
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: New Brunswick
That does have a ring to it. I guess we'll be having the White Orussians Terror and stuff then...
|2010-11-03, 07:02
|Link #176
Labda Prakarsa Nirwikara
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Pekanbaru (UTC+07:00)
Age: 32
|2010-11-03, 20:56
|Link #177
Random Translator
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: New Brunswick
I am now completely utterly convinced that Ix fell in love with Subaru in SSX... Or at least had one mad crush on her.
Teana, you better hope she doesn't wake up.
Page 17
Ix (CD 2, track 21)
The location of where Ix now sleeps is within the Saint Church holy reliquary on the coast. (alt trans: In a church by the coast where they hold/maintain Saint Church relics)
A location with a beautiful wide sky/horizon, green hills and fields and a vista of the sea that Ix had desired, all in one place, where she can quietly rest in peace and safety until she awakens again.
The young Sankt Kaiser and others she had befriended, and that one girl/precious friend she 'loves' (daisuki = strong like) sometimes come to visit her there.
|2010-11-04, 18:19
|Link #178
Beta by Accident
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Maine
Age: 46
For example, we now know that Administered Worlds have a great deal of autonomy vis-a-vis the TSAB, if the TSAB is legally unable to come in and settle the civil war without Orussia's direct request to do so. So that suggests that the Bureau operates more as a confederation than as a strong-central-government analogue to the USA or the like. One presumes that the TSAB could come barging in to settle matters like Lost Logia on the loose without local control, but otherwise...
It also tells us that (since we know Orussia uses the things) the "mass weapons ban" does not mean that the TSAB simply obliterates them throughout their sphere of influence. Here's an Administered World where they exist, and the TSAB has no legal authority (despite the famous ban) to go in and eliminate them. Which suggests that the "mass weapons ban" applies only to movement of them in commerce from world to world, or only to certain worlds like Midchilda, or that it might be a matter of scale (handguns and tanks OK, start building nukes and we send in the mages?).
Interesting stuff, really...
|2010-11-04, 19:21
|Link #179
Random Translator
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: New Brunswick
My grandparents live in a fairly rural place, a number of households have hunting rifles. I mean, how the heck are the farmers of Japan supposed to cull the wild pigs in the mountains to prevent crop damage from them? Hunt them with frickin' bows and arrows? Wait an entire month or so for the wildlife rangers to do the cull for them and lose a couple of fields? The average farm is family owned and small, if they let the damage happen they're screwed.
Also in Nanoha, we have people running around with magic devices that can do incredible property damage, can kill people if you decide not to go stun and they don't seem to have to register them. (unless we're not seeing that particular side of bureaucracy)
Guns are a tool, as long as they are tracked, registered and are for a specified reason then I don't think the Japanese people would mind. People don't run around in that country with loads of weapons for the sheer hell of it or to build a collection like Americans.
|2010-11-04, 19:37
|Link #180
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2010
Well, even with the ban, Runessa got permission to carry a mass-based weapon. And pray tell, what about Subaru's Revolver Knuckle, or for that matter Strada itself? A rocket-powered lance is going to leave a lot more than bruising.
I imagine the ban primarily covers things like tanks and large-sized kinetic weapons, like what the Einherjar were using. Otherwise, depending on how far you wanted to take the concept, even the original Anchor Gun with its physical hook component could count.
As far as guns in Japan, I point to the popularity of airsoft - while it's true that there isn't the collection/self-defense/hunting population of the United States, there'd certainly be no small number of people who would at least be interested in the real thing were they easily available.
Still, I imagine the Bureau has a very strong preference for magic because of the significant limit of damage - remember that Nanoha got chewed out for trashing the place before Yuuno could set up that little dimensional sidestep, allowing her to fight all-out without involving others or the local environment. Very much reminds me of the kekkai from X/1999, and is probably related to a lot of Japanese mystic-mythology as well as being a fair cheat to allow MGs to go all-out.
Still, the political situation is interesting, and I wonder if the Bureau have somewhat of an Abh mentality. Control the space/dimensional sea between worlds, but let each world more or less do its own thing for self-government. Note that even Mid-Childa itself is allowing Belkan areas under control of the Church to exist on the planet; there's also the "Time/Space Administration" rather than "Planetary Federation" thing. Speculative again, but maybe there's a mention of it somewhere that could be interpreted that way? It certainly explains what a Bureau cruiser was doing in an unadministered world's space, not to mention what the original transport with the Jewel Seeds was doing in the area as well. They never did explain that further that I know of.
Anyway, I'll shut up, more translations!
|Thread Tools


text:
SOURCE: CRC Health Group
February 04, 2013 09:22 ET
SANTA FE, NM--(Marketwire - Feb 4, 2013) - Life Healing Center, a comprehensive behavioral health and addiction treatment facility located in Santa Fe, New Mexico, will soon introduce a first-of-its-kind residential care treatment program for partners of sex addicts, the "ALMA" program. The inaugural session of ALMA will run from March 10-22, 2013. The two-week ALMA program will be separate and distinct from Life Healing Center's existing 35-day sex addiction treatment program.
"We are very proud to announce this exclusive new program that addresses the underserved needs of partners of sex addicts," said Mary Young, Executive Director of Life Healing Center. "As a pioneer in the field of sex addiction treatment, we felt a special responsibility to introduce this very necessary aspect of treatment for the sake of the spouses and significant others of our clients and non-clients alike."
Developed by Life Healing Center Clinical Director, Dr. Kenneth M. Adams, Ph.D., CSAT (Certified Sex Addiction Therapist), ALMA is a therapeutic, residential program designed to begin or continue the healing process for spouses or partners of sex addicts. The program is especially helpful for those in acute distress or others who are burdened by longer-term chronic distress, says Dr. Adams. The program is facilitated in a "respectful, caring, and validating atmosphere," and completely separated from clients in Life Healing Center's sex addiction treatment program.
"Partners and spouses of sex addicts are traumatized by the discovery, deceit, denial, and disclosure of a secret sexual life that has violated the implicit or explicit trust in the partnership or marriage," said Dr. Adams. "In addition, they often have been 'gas-lighted' by being told that they were crazy, too jealous, and somehow responsible. Often times, the partners feel it is their fault. They are left confused, shamed, hurt, angry, self-critical, and anxious."
ALMA is designed specifically for spouses to 1) provide support and relief from emotional pain, 2) validate feelings and experiences as credible, 3) assist in reclaiming their reality, judgment and power, and 4) start a self-care plan with "non-negotiables" for any future involvement in an ongoing relationship.
ALMA is offered once per month on the serene healing grounds of Life Healing Center. By assuring that the program has the same participants for the entire two weeks, clients are able to bond to one another and are protected from being re-traumatized by new testimonials of betrayal. Additional supportive therapies such as yoga, psychodrama and art therapy are available to support the recovery and healing process.
Therapists involved in the ALMA program work closely with referring therapists before, during, and at discharge of the client's stay to assure that the healing process is integrated with outpatient work.
Dr. Adams will be discussing the program at the International Institute for Trauma and Addiction Professionals (IITAP) Symposium in Scottsdale on Friday, February 15th. To register for this portion of the Symposium, or for more information, contact Life Healing Center at (800) 949-7406.
This year, Life Healing Center is celebrating its 20th anniversary providing treatment of trauma and addictions. It launched the first gender-specific residential programming for sex, love and relationship addiction in 2007. Life Healing Center offers clients an individualized treatment experience to address issues such as trauma, PTSD, substance abuse, grief/bereavement, love/sex addiction, dissociative disorders and codependency. The Center's therapeutic model combines individual and group therapy and a 12-Step philosophy with holistic, mind-body-spirit elements such as fitness and meditation. The unique Life Healing Center experience can be attributed to its highly qualified staff, a specialized approach to wellness and recovery, and the serene natural environment of the foothills of New Mexico. For more information, visit www.life-healing.com.
Life Healing Center is a member of CRC Health Group, the most comprehensive network of specialized behavioral care services in the nation. CRC offers the largest array of personalized treatment options, allowing individuals, families and professionals to choose the most appropriate treatment setting for their behavioral, addiction, weight management and therapeutic education needs. CRC is committed to making its services widely and easily available while maintaining a passion for delivering advanced treatment. Since 1995, CRC programs have helped individuals and families reclaim and enrich their lives.
Christine Simmons / Betsy Roberts
LFPR (CRC Health Group)
949-502-6200 ext. 320 / firstname.lastname@example.com / firstname.lastname@example.com
Christine Simmons / Betsy Roberts
LFPR (CRC Health Group)
949-502-6200 ext. 320 / firstname.lastname@example.com / firstname.lastname@example.com
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text:
Coenraad Rood
Born: August 12, 1917
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Coenraad was born to a Jewish family in Amsterdam that traced its roots in the Netherlands back to the 17th century. After graduating from public school, Coenraad went on to train as a pastry maker at a trade school. But after completing his training at the age of 13, he decided for health reasons to change professions, and he began to study tailoring.
1933-39: I finished apprenticing as a tailor in 1937 when I was 20. Then I spent a year working as a nurse in a Jewish home for the permanently disabled. It was there that I met Bep, a nurse. She wanted me to go back to tailoring so that we could build a secure future together. In 1939 I opened a tailor shop in Amsterdam, and in September that year I began to work as a tailor for the military, which fulfilled my Dutch military service.
1940-44: The Germans invaded the Netherlands in May 1940. In 1942 I was deported and spent the next three years in 11 different German labor camps, where I saw all of my Dutch friends meet painful deaths. In the Annaberg camp a 16-year-old boy came to me. He had ragged slippers on his feet. He offered me his soup for some shoes. Since I had two pairs, I gave him one and told him to keep the soup. "Idiot," said another man. "The boy will be dead in a week and then somebody else will take your shoes."
Of the 81 members of his extended family deported by the Nazis, Coenraad was one of seven survivors. His wife Bep survived in hiding, and they were reunited after the war.


text:
German Election: Still Merkel's to Lose
Chancellor Angela Merkel continues to lead the polls but there are some scenarios in which her party could lose power. Harriet Torry assesses how the German election could alter the shape of the ruling government in Europe's largest economic power.
This transcript has been automatically generated and may not be 100% accurate.
... I ... the clue is the current on said anything in the job since two thousand and five ... and sixteen is from East Gemini and originally was that this is this too is now in data center right spot CP Christian Democrats is the isthe puzzle took a taxi Michael is extremely strong haven't even going into the campaign ... she's pulling way way ahead of a coming compresses and the rifle social Democrats ... say she has a nice and very strong but whether the proxy gone as enough support to fall as the government is the big question ... this is Bethany and the muscles election cities because of the simple fact he is very strong ... she is campaigning on a bit on that the message I he will keep things the same month the ... government that the ... Jolts mosque is stalling ... economy will be safe and sound if you just taken the egg and as have real message during incidents ... who wins the election again this is um like she said ... full costs any massive change to the years and prices all the way the Gemini on Sundays policy in years and crisis ... which is basically reform ... is ... what you can come she's nice reform in order to


text:
http://usnews.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2011/ ... ffing-dogs
Lawsuit: Shippers caused death of 14 bomb-sniffing dogs
By msnbc.com staff
A dog training company that provides canines to the military to detect hidden bombs claims that 14 of its animals died in a sealed truck container at a shipping facility in Houston because of negligence by shippers, the Houston Chronicle reported.
The dogs were awaiting air shipment from Houston to U.S., Canadian and NATO forces in Afghanistan in 2010, the Chronicle said.
The owners, Florida-based American K-9 Detection Services, leases dogs and handlers to the military, nonprofit organizations, law enforcement and other groups for a variety of functions had a contract to provide the dogs for checkpoint security, vehicle sweeps, and roving patrols, according to the publication Courthouse News Service.
These dogs -- German shepherds and Belgian Malinois -- were due to be shipped by air to Afghanistan on Dec. 21, 2010 after arriving at the Houston facility a day earlier, said the Chronicle.
But agents for the owners reportedly found the animals dead inside an unventilated box truck on Dec. 21, according to the lawsuit against Indian Creek Enterprises Inc. and Live Animal Transportation Services -- companies that were charged with handling and transporting the animals.
The agents found the dogs dead and found blood on the truck floor and in some crates and damage that suggested two animals had tried to escape the containers, according to the lawsuit filed in the 281st state District Court in Harris County, Tex.
American K-9 started training the animals in late 2010 under a contract with the U.S. government. The dogs – Tiny, Rex, Rocky, Crock, Dork, Harrie, Stress, Sigo, Jago, Kimbo, Rex, Kilo, Albert and Bak – were certified to be in good health by a veterinarian on Dec. 20, the Chronicle reported.
American K-9 is seeking $1.3 million in damages and $30,000 in legal fees after failing to settle the matter out of court, the report said.


text:
This is the first time Luke has allowed any of his work to appear on film, and we are sure it will prove to be a real treat for magic lovers. This DVD features material from 7 Deceptions and brand new developments of effects from 7 Deceptions as well as some unpublished material.
Do you own this product? Write a review.


text:
call2arms wrote:Yesssss. Looks just like the spot I had on my neck this summer. EEEEW.
Clotrimazole cream (OTC) killed mine.
BigDogBuford wrote:Minnie is a dirty, dirty girl.
pitbullmamaliz wrote:It does to me. I got it from some kittens when I was a kid.
call2arms wrote:I think I have IT on my foreheaaaad!!!!!!
I hate ringworm!
Users browsing this forum: No registered users


text:
Mitsubishi Motors buys Ford Philippine auto plant
TOKYO (AP) — Japanese automaker Mitsubishi Motors Corp. said Monday it is buying Ford's shuttered plant in the Philippines to grow in market where car ownership is on the rise.
Mitsubishi Motors said it was acquiring the plant in Laguna, south of Manila, from Ford Motor Co. to boost production and sales. Ford closed that plant in 2012. The Tokyo-based automaker did not give a price.
Mitsubishi controls more than a fifth of the Philippine market, where Japanese rival Toyota Motor Corp. has top market share. Various automakers have their eyes on the nation because car ownership is expected to grow.
The Philippine economy grew 7.2 percent last year, the second fastest in Asia after China.
Mitsubishi produces the Adventure minivan, L300 truck and Lancer sedan in the Philippines at a smaller plant it runs near Manila. The models it will produce at the new plant weren't disclosed.


text:
Canada will formally withdraw from the Kyoto Protocol on climate change, the minister of the environment has said.
Peter Kent said the protocol "does not represent a way forward for Canada" and the country would face crippling fines for failing to meet its targets.
The move, which is legal and was expected, makes it the first nation to pull out of the global treaty.
The protocol, initially adopted in Kyoto, Japan, in 1997, is aimed at fighting global warming.
"Kyoto, for Canada, is in the past, and as such we are invoking our legal right to withdraw from Kyoto," Mr Kent said in Toronto.
He said he would be formally advising the United Nations of his country's intention to pull out.
He said the cost of meeting Canada's obligations under Kyoto would cost $13.6bn (10.3bn euros; £8.7bn): "That's $1,600 from every Canadian family - that's the Kyoto cost to Canadians, that was the legacy of an incompetent liberal government".
He said that despite this cost, greenhouse emissions would continue to rise as two of the world's largest polluters - the US and China - had not signed the Kyoto agreement.
"We believe that a new agreement that will allow us to generate jobs and economic growth represents the way forward," he said.
Mr Kent's announcement came just hours after a last-minute deal on climate change was agreed in Durban.
"The Kyoto Protocol is a dated document, it is actually considered by many as an impediment to the move forward but there was good will demonstrated in Durban, the agreement that we ended up with provides the basis for an agreement by 2015."
He said that though the text of the Durban agreement "provides a loophole for China and India", it represents "the way forward".
Canada's previous Liberal government signed the accord but Prime Minister Stephen Harper's Conservative government never embraced it.
Canada declared four years ago that it did not intend to meet its existing Kyoto Protocol commitments and its annual emissions have risen by about once third since 1990.
"The right-of-center Conservative government of Prime Minister Stephen Harper, which has close ties to the energy sector, says Canada would be subject to penalties equivalent to C$14 billion ($13.6 billion) under the terms of the treaty for not cutting emissions by the required amount by 2012.
"It's a national disgrace. Prime Minister Harper just spat in the faces of people around the world for whom climate change is increasingly a life and death issue," said Graham Saul of Climate Action Network Canada.
The Conservatives took power in 2006 and quickly made clear they would not stick to Canada's Kyoto commitments on the grounds it would cripple the economy and the energy sector.
"Our government is abdicating its international responsibilities. It's like where the kid in school who knows he's going to fail the class, so he drops it before that happens," said Megan Leslie of the opposition New Democrats.
Canada is the largest supplier of oil and natural gas to the United States and is keen to boost output of crude from Alberta's oil sands, which requires large amounts of energy to extract.
Canada's former Liberal government signed up to Kyoto, which dictated a cut in emissions to 6 percent below 1990 levels by 2012. By 2009 emissions were 17 percent above the 1990 levels, in part because of the expanding tar sands development.
The announcement will do little to help Canada's international reputation. Green groups awarded the country their Fossil of the Year award for its performance in Durban.
It is understood he [Harper] is reluctant to damage Canada's booming oil sands sector. "
"Canada is using Alberta's dirty tar sands as an excuse to bully the European Union (EU) into watering down its climate change policies, leaving the Canada-EU Comprehensive Economic Trade Agreement (CETA) in serious doubt.
This brewing transatlantic dispute over the tar sands stems from the likelihood that the EU could officially block the sale of Alberta oil in Europe given its high carbon content.
The European Commission is reportedly "readying its defenses for a legal fight with Canada."
According to Reuters:
Last year, the EU appeared to be backing down on tar sands, but sources say negotiators for the 27-member bloc are becoming bolder as their scientific evidence becomes more robust.
"We are saying 'be careful', because Canada will not hesitate to take us to the WTO, so we have to have something rock-solid," said an EU official.
Briefing notes prepared for EU Climate Change Commissioner Connie Hedegaard discussing European climate change goals and the CETA attest to Canada's firm opposition to any European tar sands definition which negatively characterizes Alberta's so-called 'ethical oil':
"Canada has been lobbying the Commission and member states intensively to avoid a separate default value for fuel derived from tar sands."
Although Europe receives very little of Alberta's dirty oil at present, Greenpeace reports that exports are on the rise [pdf] (and particularly via US ports which may soon receive much more dirty oil from the Keystone XL project).
What worries European leaders is the mounting body of evidence which shows that tar sands oil has a carbon footprint somewhere between 23% [pdf] and 82% [pdf] higher than regular dirty European and US oil.
A deepening reliance on dirty energy sources also contradicts progressive EU policies, mainly: efforts to reduce carbon emissions by 20-30% below 1990 levels by 2020; and a new Fuel Quality Directive [pdf] which is being updated to require a reduction in the carbon content of transport fuels by 6% below 2010 levels by 2020. Additionally, recently released European Commission data shows that aggressive climate change objectives are achievable, 'cost effective' and will promote economic growth across Europe.
EU leaders like Climate Commissioner Connie Hedegaard and Britain's Climate Change Secretary Chris Huhne are speaking out for immediate and significant action to reduce global warming pollution.
There are many groups that oppose the CETA, and probably even more groups that oppose the tar sands. The fact that Canadian negotiators are prepared to cancel negotiations over the Alberta tar sands shows that dirty energy lobbying efforts are not effective and that strong climate change policies are winning out in Europe. With mounting evidence showing that the tar sands are not an ethical project and that drilling for this oil is extremely destructive to the environment and climate, European leaders should both feel emboldened to stand up to fossil fuel lobby threats and to increase their commitments towards stronger carbon reduction goals."


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Latvia [2] is situated in Northern Europe. One of the three Baltic states, Latvia is bordered by Estonia to the north, Lithuania to the south, Russia to the east, Belarus on the south east, and the Baltic Sea on the west. The most famous travel spot is the capital Riga, a World Heritage Site. It is however higly recommended to go to many other great places, both urban and rural, such as Liepaja with its unique former secret military town of Karosta and a magnificent beach. Kuldiga with Europe`s widest waterfall and Cesis with its medieval castle ruins are also interesting. Tourists can also enjoy the wild beauty of Latvia`s unspoilt sea coast, which is 500 km long and consists mainly of white, soft sandy beaches. Forests, which cover approximately a half of Latvia`s territory, offer many nature trails and nature parks.
Latvia is a famous ancient trading point. The famous 'route from the Vikings to the Greeks' mentioned in ancient chronicles stretched from Scandinavia through Latvian territory along the river Daugava to the Ancient Russia and Byzantine Empire.
Across the European continent, Latvia's coast was known as a place for obtaining amber. In the Middle Ages amber was more valuable than gold in many places. Latvian amber was known in places as far away as Ancient Greece and the Roman Empire.
At the 12th century, German traders arrived, bringing with them missionaries who attempted to convert the pagan Finno-Ugric and Baltic tribes to the Christian faith.
The Germans founded Rīga in 1201, establishing it as the largest and most powerful city on the eastern coast of the Baltic Sea.
After independence in 1918, Latvia achieved considerable results in social development, economy, industry and agriculture. It has always been a multicultural melting point, where foreigners and locals worked together and brought prosperity to the country.
On June 16, 1940, Vyacheslav Molotov presented the Latvian representative in Moscow with an ultimatum accusing Latvia of violations of that pact, and on June 17 Soviet forces occupied the country. Elections for a "People's Saeima" were held, and a puppet government headed by Augusts Kirhenšteins led Latvia into the USSR. The annexation was formalized on August 5, 1940.
During the time of the Iron Curtain, Latvia was a province of the Soviet Union, but the concentration of heavy industry was enormous. Contacts with the West were regulated. The Baltic region had the reputation of being the most urbanized and having the highest literacy rate in the Soviet Union.
Since regaining independence in 1991, economic and social development has been fast even for Latvians and neighbouring Europeans. Latvia has joined the European Union in 2004.
Because of a tribal past and divisions between occupying nations, there are regional differences between parts of Latvia which are interesting to explore.
The best time to travel to Latvia is from June to mid September, when it is warm and plenty of local food is available. January and February are the coldest months. October and November have autumn rains and daylight is short. Although you might not find plenty of 5 star hotels all around Latvia, you will find comfortable places to stay for a reasonable price.
Half of Latvia is covered with forests which are rich with wildlife. There are many lakes, especially if you go to Latgale region. There are deep river valleys with some sections having sand cliffs on their banks. Heavy industry halted a long time ago, so most places are ecologically clean.
The highest point in Latvia is Gaizinkalns [3], at 312m (1,023ft) above sea level, just west of the city of Madona.
There are some cultural and social differences between regions, for example, traditional dress is different from region to region. The Latgale region has its own unique culture and language - Latgalian.
Other destinations
Weekend break:
Get in
Latvia has joined the Schengen agreement, which means that you can enter on a European Union Schengen visa and there are no longer any ID/passport controls on the EU borders.
For those permitted for visa free entry
If you need a visa, getting one can be tricky. Visa costs are on the high side considering size of the country - 20LVL for single or 35LVL for multiple entries. Applications will take 7 days to process, or can take as long as 30 days if additional information is needed. To apply, submit to the Latvian embassy or consulate:
By plane
To 'Riga International Airport [11], you can arrive from various European (London, Frankfurt, Amsterdam, Barcelona, etc) cities, Middle East (Tel Aviv, Dubai), CIS (Moscow, Kiev, Minsk) as well as North America New York City.
Inexpensive national airline: Air Baltic [12]. There are also other low-cost carriers: Ryanair [13] and EasyJet [14].
There are bus (0.40 LVL) and taxi (<10 LVL) connections to city centre. Only one cab company operates from airport, so look for red taxis [15] on the ground floor near the parking lot. Journey times depend on traffic. Airport operates 24h hours. On departure hall help yourself with booklets about Riga.
If departing in morning, allow yourself plenty of time to proceed through passport control as it can get crowded.
By train
SJSC Latvian Railways [16], 7216664, 7233397.
By car
Non-residents can use their cars up to 3 months without registration. After 3 months the car must be registered.
If you have a driver's licence issued by another country of the European Union, you can use it continuosly. Residents of other countries have to obtain a Latvian licence after 6 months, however it involves only a theoretical exam, which can be taken in English, German, French and Russian.
By bus
By boat
Get around
By plane
Air Baltic flies from Riga to Liepaja International Airport [22]. It costs 18.60 lats from Riga to Liepaja and 10 lats from Liepaja to Riga. Sometimes there are huge discounts allowing to get from Liepaja to Riga for as cheep as 4 LVL. Liepaja has direct flights to Hamburg and Copenhagen, too.
Several small airports available across Latvia, two in Riga - Spilves airport and Rumbulas airport.
By car
International car rentals are represented in Latvia. There are many offices in Riga, including some at Riga Airport. Cheaper car rental offices are also available.
Drive with the headlights on all year round. Winter or all-season tyres are required for the winter period (December 1 to March 1). Many gas stations are self-service and operate 24/7. Gasoline with octane ratings of 95 and 98 is available, as well as diesel fuel.
You can browse the car rental companies list at the Riga International Airport website [23].
By bus
There are a vast network of bus connections around Latvia. Buy a bus ticket at the bus station or on bus when boarding. If you have luggage ask the bus driver to put it in the trunk. It depends on the bus company if they will charge extra. There are express bus connections to major towns, which can save time considerably.
On Fridays and Saturdays buses could be crowded in the outbound direction from Riga. Bus time tables are available at the Rigas Autoosta [24] site, and at [25].
By train
It can be useful to go by train if you need to get to such towns as Jurmala, Saulkrasti, Jelgava, Ogre, and Daugavpils. Check [29] for timetables.
Gulbene and Aluksne are connected by narrow gauge railway [30]. There are several tourist-oriented places along the route.
By bike
It is advised to cycle around Riga in the early morning when there is less traffic, although one should be careful when choosing this time due to reduced drivers attention. Expect heavy traffic from 5 PM to 8 PM. No left turn allowed from middle line. However, it is highly advised to choose by-ways and less densely populated roads due to hazardous traffic. It is vitally important to wear reflectors; reflective belts, bands and bright coloured clothing are advised, as well as having the bike equipped with strong front and rear lights. Generally, cycling is still not very safe in the country, especially during the dark hours. The only "real" bicycle path is existing from the old town of Riga to the Sea resort of Jurmala. But the country is fast developing local cycling routes. The international bicycle project BaltiCCycle [31] may provide you with a lot of information and help.
By thumb
Hitchhiking in Latvia is generally good. The roads around Riga present the largest obstacle, unless the city is your destination - there is no clean "by-pass" road, and a considerable amount of local traffic makes hitching very difficult. The easiest way to get around Riga is to find a "cross-country" lift at the border with Estonia or Lithuania. License plate numbers/countries of origin are your friends.
Latvian (Latviešu valoda) is the only official language and it belongs to the Eastern Baltic sub-group of the Baltic language group in the Indo-European language family. From the Baltic language group, only Latvian and Lithuanian remain. Latvian is not at all similar to Russian, since they belong to absolutely different language groups, so there is no bigger similarity between them as between English and Greek. Lithuanian is also very different, even belonging to the same language group as Latvian. It is as similar to Latvian as German to English, so the speakers of one can not understand the others, however, Lithuanian can be somewhat mutually intelligible for a Latvian speaker, but not vice versa. The language is spoken natively by about 60% of the 2.2 million residents of Latvia. All signs, street names and advertisements are in Latvian, which is written with same letters as English, but with some special characters. There is also a lot of native Russian language speakers from the Russian ethnic community and it is mostly understood in Latvia. English is also understood in urban centers, however there still might be problems 'connecting' with older people in English. Latvian youngsters almost all speak at least some basic English. German is another common foreign language being taught at school. French and Spanish are rather rare.
See also: Latvian phrasebook
There is a lot of possibilities to practice winter sports - snowboarding, cross country skiing, downhill skiing etc. Ramkalni [32], Baili [33], Zviedru Cepure [34]. Some of slopes are open till late night. Usually need car to access.
As rivers get more water from melting snow, kayaking down the river is one of the favorite past times for young people. It usually gets warmer after Easter.
Latvia has one of the longest sand beaches in Europe. In July and August the water is warm enough to swim comfortably. The sea has a very slow slope.
There are many interesting and old castles around Latvia. Association of Latvian Castles, Palaces and Manors [41] has links and photos on their website. Note that sometimes castles are reserved for private occasions.
It is popular to go for a stroll in the autumn to watch the different shades of colour, when the trees turn red and yellow. Popular places for such activities are Sigulda and Vidzemes Augstiene.
Speciality shops are open mostly from 8 AM to 6 PM on weekdays, till 4 PM on Saturdays, closed on Sundays. Groceries are open every day till 8 PM or longer. Most supermarkets are open till 11 PM every day. Convenience stores, such as Narvesen are mostly open 24/7.
ATMs are widely available throughout Latvia (including Riga International Airport), even in many small towns. Tax free [44] stores have their signs clearly displayed.
Banks will accept traveller's cheques with some fee as a percentage of the sum.
Before leaving Latvia, it is advisable to exchange Latvian lats back to your foreign currency, unless you want to keep them as a souvenir, which is not a bad idea, since Latvian Lats is one of worlds most beautiful designed money, especially the many different types of 1 Lat coins and also paper notes. Keeping Lats would also be a good reason to visit Latvia again. However, hurry up, since Euro will be introduced in a couple of years.
This is the best thing that could happen to a traveler in Latvia - the food. The World should learn about bread and milk products here. Latvia is very rich in this aspect. An average supermarket has by far bigger selection of most food products than those in the rest of Europe, where a "plastic" bread with date of expiry of 1 year is considered normal. Not in Latvia. Welcome to the country of real bread, milk products, ice cream, sweets (loose sweets, made by Laima) etc. In the open air markets of Riga, Liepaja and other cities and towns, the local fruits, vegetables and mushrooms are a great option, such as freshly picked wild strawberries or blueberries from the forests, or some big strawberries, apples, rhubarb pie and a crunch made of fresh stalks straight from the garden. This is, of course available mainly in summer and autumn season.
Latvian cuisine comes from the peasant culture, and is based on crops that grow in Latvia's maritime, temperate climate. Rye, wheat, oat, peas, beets, and potatoes are the staples; smoked bacon, sausage, and other pork products are favorites. Since Latvia is surrounded by the sea, smoked and raw fish is common. Lots of food are flavored with caraway seeds, especially cheese and bread. A cheese similar to smoked gouda, but more soft, is the cheapest and, arguably, tastiest variety. Latvian rye bread is heavy and flavourful, and goes well with hearty Latvian meals like pea soup, potatoes, and schnitzels. Restaurants in larger cities often offer stews in clay pots.
Latvian cuisine is typical of northern countries, especially close to Finland; it's high on butter, fat, and grains, low on spice except for caraway and black pepper. If you are from the Mediterranean, you might find it bland, but if you come from England or the Midwestern US, you're not likely to have trouble getting used to it.
A more exotic Latvian dish is a sweet soup made from rye bread (maizes zupa).
Some specific food in this area:
Other mentionable food and dishes:
Beer, being the most popular alcoholic beverage in Latvia, is excellent. Beers, such as Aldaris, Līvu, and Senču can be bought almost anywhere. A special 'live beer' like Užavas can be found in selected pubs and restaurants.
Don't forget to try the Riga Black Balsam (Rīgas Melnais Balzams). It's a strong (45%) infusion of various herbs, roots, and spices. It will cure your flu in no time. Add a few drops to flavour your tea, or a few spoons to lace your coffee, drink it neat or in various cocktails.
Wine is also grown in Latvia in small quantities. It is one of the most Northern places in the world where the wine can be successfully grown. Vineyards can be seen in Sabile [46] (in Latvian).
Some remarkable places to have a sip:
If you are in a mood to treat yourself and friends to a great fare this restaurant is the right place. With reasonable prices, the quality of the wonderfully inventive but simple European/Oriental food is amongst the best in Riga. Stunning wine list and prompt service come together to make this rather unsung Vecriga fixture one of Riga's top dining places.
Places serving Chinese, Indian, Italian, Japanese, Russian, Spanish, Swedish, Thai, Vietnamese, and Ukrainian cuisine are also available in Latvia.
It is common to tip 10% of the bill depending on the service you encountered. Make sure you check the receipt, as some establishments automatically include a 10% tip in the bill.
There are many hotels to choose from. Prices start from 20 LVL outside of Riga and from 40 LVL in Riga.
Network of youth hostels [51] is also developing. Dormitory rooms come around 10 lats, single, double rooms start from 20 lats and above.
Camping in parks is usually not allowed. As regards the stealth camping- most of rural land is private, but camping there is always possible; common sense is to ask for a permission of the owner, which in most cases will be easily granted. However, if there's no such chance, but you decide to camp there nevertheless and are later asked to move, you have to. Paying small money (1-2 lats) helps in most such cases. Overall, camping outdoors on privately owned land is widely understood, common and accepted, however staying in one place for more than two days, or really close to a home are not considered good manners.
Indicated free camp sites can be found in Latvia, especially in national parks, you can easily camp there. Commercial campgrounds as small businesses are becoming more and more widespread.
So called guest houses and country houses (some on farms) are arguably the best places to stay at in the countryside, and usually for much less money than hotels and better quality than hostels, due to very limited numbers of guests and more personal oriented and specialized service (usually run by families). These come with full ammenities and some follow the hotel star ratings. These also provide many recreational activities- from the Latvian popular ancient pirts sauna to horse rides etc. This is not only a good way to spend the night, but also an option to spend your holiday, however, usually, guest houses should be called up earlier than the day you plan to arrive, but this can vary depending on the place. Guest houses can be found fairly frequent throughout the country and are usually listed on tourist booklets, but you can visit [http:\\www.celotajs.lv] for more info.
Museums in Latvia [53] has list of museums in Latvia on their website.
Not impossible (especially if you are an EU citizen), but you have to find a company which will be willing to pay a 35 LVL fee per month, work permit up to 170 LVL (once) and an additional fee for checking your documents of education 47.20 LVL (once). Salary should not be less than 246 LVL per month.
Job advertisements in Latvian daily newspapers like Diena Tuesday or Saturday edition, some of those ads are in English, German, Russian or French.
Stay safe
It is generally safe to travel around on your own, although some petty crime exists. A thing to watch out for is bicycle theft, and it is advisable not to leave valuable things in your car. Mind the forest roads, collisions with wildlife animals can easily occur.
When visiting bars and restaurants in Riga, make sure you know the price before you order and follow your spending, so no cheating is possible.
The Police of Latvia [54] has a website with advice for travelers.
Emergency phone number: Fire/Police/Ambulance 112.
If bitten by a dog, wild animal or a snake, seek medical attention immediately. Snakes are not venomous in Latvia, except for the European Viper which is a possible death threat if no treatment is received within the next few hours after the bite. A dog or cat bite can carry the risk of rabies. Mosquitoes carry no disease and are only an annoyance in the summer months. A forest tick bite carries the risk of Lyme disease or encephalitis.
Stay healthy
There is no problem turning to any doctor or hospital to seek medical help, just by paying an outside patient fee. However, it can prove difficult to obtain medical assistance in many rural areas, as the service can be slow and unresponsive; therefore, it may be a good idea to bring your own first aid kit. There are virtually no air ambulance helicopters in the country, except for the army, so when exploring sparsely-inhabited, remote areas on your own, it's important to be well-prepared for emergency situations.
Few drugs are available without prescription; bring your own medicine if you require it.
Tap water should be boiled before drinking; purchasing bottled water is an alternative.
One should be cautious when mentioning Latvia in the context of the USSR to ethnic Latvians. Latvia became a USSR province after World War II, and praise of the Soviet (or Russian) regimes is unlikely to be understood or appreciated by Latvians, especially young ones.
It is very common to give up your seat for an elderly passenger on the public transport in Latvia. It is also considered polite to let women board a train or bus first.
There are many waste containers and trash cans on the sidewalks and near most stores. Littering is considered a very bad manner and may be fined.
Latvijas Pasts [55] is also reliable and a fast way to send letters and parcels (up to 10kg).
Most of the newer GSM mobile phones will work in Latvia. Pre-paid SIM cards are also available and can be easily bought in convenience stores or supermarkets. Most companies provide GPRS/3G/EDGE data transfer. Zelta Zivtina of TELE2 costs as small as LVL 1. Another option is a much more expensive pre-paid card, OKarte [56] with better GSM/GPRS/EDGE coverage in rural areas. Good alternative for cheap GPRS traffic and voice calls is a prepaid card BiFri. All of these come with English as well as Russian and of course Latvian guide book.
Internet spots are available in cafes, libraries and airports. Most hotels will provide free wireless access spots for laptops.
If you can't find free wireless spot, try Lattelecom WLAN. A wifi card is need to connect to Lattelecom WLAN [57]. A WLAN area can be found around any Statoil gas stations. Internet at no charge is also available in most public libraries, some have free wireless access points as well.
To call from a public phone you need a phone card- "telekarte". It costs 2,3 and 5 LVL. International calls are possible from every public phone.


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Politics and Law-Related News / Re: Health Care« on: April 17, 2011, 08:40:18 PM »
This is a huge topic and one that has seized the news.Thanks you for the post.
1. First, is it a right or privilege or something else? Some believe a right - like trial by jury. Some believe a privilege that we must earn - like a gold watch. The problem is that it costs more than a gold watch and is more necessary to survival than a jury trial. Sub-questions galore - smokers, obese, poor, elderly, exercise, nutrition...
2. Why does it cost so much? For crying out loud, in this day and age computers keep improving and costing less. Why not an MRI? It seems competition does not affect health care very much.
3. So if it continues to cost more, does it improve lifetimes or quality? Honestly, I don't know.
4. Health Insurance continues to cost more. I presume because Health Care continues to cost more.
Insurance has been around for thousands of years (shipping) - usually to protect investments against disaster or theft. The idea being that the insurer made a profit by selling insurance to many people in return for accepting the risk of disaster or theft. It made a profit if few disasters and thefts occurred. The insured benefited because if disaster or theft occurred, it recouped its loses from the insurer. It worked because the insurer knew the risk of disaster or theft and could then calculate how much to charge the insured in return for accepting the risk.
The problem with health insurance is that everybody wants it, but nobody wants to lose money selling it. In other words, it does not work for the sick - those who need health care. It'd be like an insurance company selling insurance to somebody for $100 knowing that the person is about to be robbed of $10,000.00.
I can think of two solutions:
A. Universal Health Care
B. No medical history information to health insurance companies with prices by age and location alone. Contract length could be determined by the market. Also, health insurance companies must provide insurance for all ages with only Medicare for those over ~65.


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From PostgreSQL wiki
Storing Binary files in the Database
Purpose: to cover the pluses and minuses of storing files in a database versus storing the path to the binary file and other meta data.
Reason: this topic has come up several times in the past on the PostgreSQL mailing lists. With new user asking, is it OK store pictures, word, spreadsheet, html, pdf, or etc. in the database. Of course like everything thing there is 2 prevailing schools of thought each method having pluses and minus detailed below.
Caveat: many people come to this page looking for PostgreSQL's equivalent of the MySLQ "BLOB*" data types. The equivalent in Postgres is BYTEA. For details on PostgreSQL's "binary large object" (which are quite different from MySQL BLOB's and provide random seeking, etc), see below.
Storing the large binary* file aka unstructured data streams in a database.
Postgres along with other databases offer similar basic structures.
- BLOB binary large object see Large Object Support
- Pluses
- limited 4TB (PostgreSQL 9.3+) per entry, & 4 Billion per database
- Can stream, and seek over entries ( can reduce memory requirements on DB server and client)
- no encoding or escaping required.
- Minuses
- must use different interface from what is normally used to access BLOBs.
- Need to track OID. Normally a separate table with additional meta data is used to describe what each OID is.
- (8.4 and <8.4) No access controls in database.
- Sometimes advised against (basically you only need them if your entry is so large you need/want to seek and read bits and pieces of it at a time).
- Pluses
- Storing binary data using bytea or text data types
- Pluses
- Storing and Accessing entry utilizes the same interface when accessing any other data type or record.
- No need to track OID of a "large object" you create
- Minus
- Pluses
- Pluses overall
- Security and access control is simplified
- version controlling is easier.
- Backups are easier no need to track external files
- Minus overall
- Performance hit storing files in database.
- Memory requirements higher, for Database
- Backups can take significantly longer
- Access to files to external applications is complicated. Normally a temporary file is copied to the client to access and modify the file then needs to be copied back.
Storing Meta data and symbolic link in the database to where a Binary file is located
- Pluses
- Performance accessing binary file skips DB access layer.
- Number of files limited only by file system
- Size limited by file system
- Minuses
- Need to develop an interface to keep track of externally attached files
- external files and database can get out of sync
- binary files missing entries in the database
- database having entries to external files that's been deleted or moved by users or other events out of control of the database.
- Security settings between file system and database are independent from each other. The application may need to may need multiple security logins to access all resources. This is dependent on security needs of the application, and methods used for access control. There are several methods to create a single log on infrastructure.
- Multi points of failure depending on complexity of the network.
When should files be stored in the database?
The common suggestion here is when the files have to be ACID.
Example: Photos taken during a Quality Inspection process:
A normal/ordinary record in a database would consist of a Inspector, time stamp of inspection, process used to inspect the part, was the part accepted or rejected, and the parts serial number. In this scenario photos are also taken showing the part inspected. The photos are a integral piece of the inspection record keeping process.
The photos being a critical piece making up the record/inspection report should not to be stored separately. Consider if the photos being stored on file sever are moved to new location as part of upgrade, the link to the record is bad if it was not updated. So now the inspection record by itself is worth less as it lost the piece it is describing and the photos are worthless without the record describing them. So the two pieces must stay together to have any value as a inspection report.
Storing the photos outside the database, there is no easy way to guarantee atomicity, consistency, isolation and durability of the photos. Storing the photos in the database is the only practical solution where the programmer can guarantee rules are followed in the future.
What is the best way to store the files in the Database?
There are two methods to choose from in PostgreSQL BLOB or bytea/text data types. The authors personal preference is using text data type to store files in the database as it simplifies getting to the file and eases encoding the file for storage.
The BLOB type requires using a different interface and adds some complexity in programming. Although it does support a far larger file. This added complexity the author tries to avoid.
The author dislikes the bytea data type as it can be very difficult to escape and then unescape depending on programming tools used. There is nothing wrong with the bytea data type but it can be more difficult to use. Yet this has been made easier in some programming languages such as PHP, which includes a escape and unescape bytea functions. Yet this is not a common tool available in other programming languages and as a general rule/suggestion the database should be designed to work with as many programming languages and or frameworks as makes sense.
Storing files in the text data type requires the files to be encoded in some character to binary representation. There are several to choose from. This is not an exhaustive list, just the commonly used encodings.
Base64 probably today is the most common encoding method for binary files thanks to email. Many programing languages, and frameworks support base64. So the author encodes the files in base64 when storing files in the database. Postgresql also has base64 encoding and decoding "encode() & decode()"
see section 9.4 String Function and Operators for more details
Biggest draw back using text data type and base64 encoding is it inflates the data by 33%. This adds a significant increase to storage requirements and overhead that bytea and BLOB do not suffer from. So keep in mind when designing a database what appears to be a simple decision now, can have big impacts down the road.
This 33% hit in overhead can have a significant impact. Consider the process time and IO hit on a 10 gig table with binary files. Postgresql is having to process an additional 3.3 gigs of more data because of the encoding method.
What Meta Data should be stored in a database?
here is a basic list what should be recorded in the database along side the binary file
- original file name
- data type
- this is needed to tell us what kinda of binary file is stored in the database
- the author suggest following the Internet Media Type it makes it easier to use the same information for a website or attaching to email.
- long description
- date added
When is it bad idea to store binary files in the database?
Very large files (100meg+), where performance is critical to the application. The database layer adds a lot of overhead and complexity that may not be required.


text:
Distribution data supplied by the Ocean Biogeographic Information System (OBIS). To interrogate UK data visit the NBN Atlas.
|Researched by
|Emily Wilson
|Refereed by
|(Leach, 1814)
|Other common names
- none -
Hayward, P., Nelson-Smith, T. & Shields, C. 1996. Collins pocket guide. Sea shore of Britain and northern Europe. London: HarperCollins.
Hayward, P.J. & Ryland, J.S. (ed.) 1995b. Handbook of the marine fauna of North-West Europe. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Howson, C.M. & Picton, B.E., 1997. The species directory of the marine fauna and flora of the British Isles and surrounding seas. Belfast: Ulster Museum. [Ulster Museum publication, no. 276.]
JNCC (Joint Nature Conservation Committee), 1999. Marine Environment Resource Mapping And Information Database (MERMAID): Marine Nature Conservation Review Survey Database. [on-line] http://www.jncc.gov.uk/mermaid
National Biodiversity Network (NBN) Atlas website. Available from: https://www.nbnatlas.org.
OBIS, 2019. Global map of species distribution using gridded data. Available from: Ocean Biogeographic Information System. www.iobis.org. Accessed: 2019-01-22
This review can be cited as:
Last Updated: 17/04/2008