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Like it or not, produce growers in California and elsewhere who plan to remain in business need to be prepared to invest swiftly in production and processing, and perhaps even new alliances, to claim seats at the table of supermarket globalization.
That was the main message from Tom Reardon, professor of agricultural economics at Michigan State University, in his talk in Fresno recently before the 22nd Annual Agribusiness Management Conference.
The "window of opportunity" to grasp a share of the "wildfire" proliferation of supermarket networks around the world could remain open for no more than three years, he said.
Those outlets want lowest-cost, year-round supplies of fruit and vegetables with quality standards dictated not by governments but by the retailers themselves.
While supermarkets in food retail make up three-quarters of the volume in the U.S. and Europe, in Latin America they grew from 15 percent in 1990 to 55 percent in 2000. Three of every 10 pesos spent by Mexicans on food go to Wal-Mart. In Central Europe, supermarkets held 25 percent of the volume in 1999 but 50 percent by 2003.
Reardon, a native Californian who holds a Ph.D. from the University of California, Berkeley, specializes in produce markets in South America and Asia.
Guatemalan example
He said ASUMPAL, a produce cooperative in Guatemala, is a prime example of how a role in the retail revolution was lost by some.
In 2001, the co-op, composed of 330 small- and medium-sized farmers, was faced with a critical decision about whether to continue production of roma tomatoes, their only crop for the past 15 years.
"By 2001, there was a glut of roma tomatoes and prices for their commodity product were plummeting. The growers looked for a new market among the 'winners' on the buying side. In the case of Guatemala, the answer was McDonald's, which had begun rapidly taking over the food service sector," he said.
A price 20 to 30 percent higher than that of the terminal market and much greater price stability were significant attractions in dealing with the fast-food giant.
The catch: McDonald's didn't want roma tomatoes. It wanted salad tomatoes, the same amount consistently every week, with its quality standards, including color, size, shape, allowable blemishes, pesticide residuals, and temperature at delivery.
To cut a deal, ASUMPAL members would have to install drip irrigation and redesign packing sheds and vehicles, costs of which would require substantial investment by each member, plus a tripling of co-op dues.
"Of the 330 members, the 30 medium-sized farmers chose to stay, and the remaining 300 small farmers left the group. A year later, only six of the medium-sized farmers remained after having bought up the land of the other small and medium operators. Those six growers made the necessary investment to succeed and are now working into value-added activities," he said.
Quick changes
The "knife edge of globalization," he continued, applies to a dramatic change in the market everywhere. "Tremendous amounts of attention to the change, as well as substantial investment, have to be made, all within a window of one to three years."
World-class suppliers are aggressively seizing the prize, but Reardon still sees opportunities for California producers to take a considerable share in the new market.
Yet producers can't afford to lose sight of the opportunities that masquerade as threats and challenges to making changes.
The broad, centralized procurement systems of Wal-Mart or other international supplies are what Reardon called "a hittable target, rather than trying to get your market with street-to-street fighting."
At the same time, participating is a challenge because sources include several regions and multiple seasons to sustain fresh, year-round availability.
And there is a quantum leap in competition, "as strong gladiators stride into the stadium," he said. It is driven by one billion people who are emerging as consumers and is curtailing stable "home markets" or "captive niches."
While U.S. standards may seem high, Reardon said, Chinese and Chilean producers are sprinting to meet certification in the safe-foods market with "top, equal-to-the-U.S. standards of hygiene and quality in processing plants."
So who is making the adjustment most successfully? Foreign countries once having cattle wading in streams flowing through farmland, he said, are making improvements to confine animals and eliminate disease contamination in the field.
"And top-flight roads and other infrastructure are going in at lightning speed" by governments in Chile, China, Mexico, New Zealand, Australia, and South Africa.
Distance conquered
"Long distance supply has been opened up by trade liberalization and improved technology in cooling and handling."
The key winners around the world, Reardon declared, "are people who are listening and asking what their buyers want. They are quickly adapting to changes as they create a diversity of products having year round availability at low cost."
One example of emerging massive outlets is XinCheng Foods in Shanghai.
Supermarkets in China, where half the retail food sales are in the 60 largest cities, expanded from 200 in 1992 to 6,000 in 2002. XinCheng Foods' fresh-cuts tonnage ballooned from 150 tons in 1997 to more than 2,000 tons, with high quality standards, presently.
Meanwhile, on the domestic scene Global Berry Farms in Florida formed a new operation from Michigan Blueberry Growers, Hortifrut in Chile, and Naturipe of California to meet expanded contracts for berries with Kroger Foods.


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Henderson, Las Vegas Reiseführer
Henderson Zusammenfassung
- Far from the crowds on the Strip
- Two beautiful, man-made lakes: Lake Las Vegas and Lake Mead
- Red Rock Canyon: unsurpassed hiking, biking, and climbing
- Winter skiing at Mount Charleston
- Extraterrestrial-spotting at Area 51 (as if Vegas didn't feel like outer space already)
- Over a dozen championship golf courses
- Often more affordable dining options than on the Strip
- Family-friendly: waitresses wear more clothing, streets free of porn-hawking, plenty of outdoor space
- Dry, warm-to-hot weather year-round
- No all-night party scene, as found on the Strip
- A 30- to 40-minute taxi ride (about $60) to the Strip from some hotels
- No public transportation, just metered taxis
- Some hotels located along major highways -- less pretty scenery
- Most resort casinos draw a local crowd, not lively tourists
- Fewer prestigious dining options in general than on the Strip
- Blistering summers; average highs in the 100s (Fahrenheit) during July and August
What It's Like
A suburb of Las Vegas, and the second largest city in Nevada, Henderson was, until recently, one of the fastest growing cities in America. But unlike the centralized grandiosity of the Las Vegas Strip, Henderson is a bit more spread out. Long empty stretches of highway spotted with the occasional strip mall divide one immaculate resort from another. For the most part, the resorts are destinations unto themselves.
Where To Stay
While there are a number of less-than-thrilling business hotels and extended-stay suites sprinkled throughout Henderson -- the Siena Suites, Homewood Suites, and Residence Inn by Marriott, just to name a few -- the biggest draw to this city is its luxury-level lodging at exceptionally low rates.
The relatively new M Resort & Casino, for example, contends with some of the most luxurious hotels on the Strip with its lively casino, adults-only pool scene, and top-notch bars and restaurants -- and yet it often costs much less than a better-known hotel like the Wynn.
But the more appealing reason to consider Henderson is for an entirely un-Vegas Experience. The subdued yet breathtaking Green Valley Ranch makes for an exceptional spa retreat (and it still has a casino, of course). To be completely cut off from the gambling, families might want to consider the Loews Lake Las Vegas or the more affordable nearby rental-condos at the MonteLago Village Resort.

subset: commoncrawl


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Spencer Fox and Lucas Young are two huge-cocked, and hard-bodied studs making out. After they clang their big "swords" together for a moment, Spencer quickly gets down on his knees to service Lucas's meat. Swallowing and gulping down every inch, Spencer strokes his dick as Lucas force-feeds him his.
Shoving his balls in Spencer's mouth, Lucas pulls them out and then pushes his uncut cock deep down Spencer's throat. Lucas grabs onto Spencer's head and pulls hard forcing every inch down his throat. Lucas sits back on a chair to work on Spencer's whopper, stroking away at his cock as he takes all of Spencer's manhood in his mouth and throat.
Tugging on Spencer's balls as he swallows his cock, Lucas urges Spencer to put a leg up on the back of the chair so he can fuck his mouth. Spencer's exposed hole is inviting, but Lucas goes to town on his cock and lets Spencer fuck his mouth hard. After pounding deep into Lucas's throat, Spencer gets so worked up that he jerks off and sprays a load into Lucas's mouth and Lucas squeezes out a load onto his stomach.


text: We Hear You: Letters from our readers November 28, 2012 11:17 AM Tweet TAGS: Marketing, Overseas December 18, 2014 By AgWeb.com Editors Email No More Government Payments! Great "Perspective" from John Phipps in "The Perfectly Good Storm" (September 2012). I remember quite a few years ago he wrote an article questioning why he received government payments. I agreed with him back then and his thoughts today are right on! I operate a vegetable and grain operation in Minnesota and am sick of all the grain operators who feel entitled to these welfare checks. I guess some have no shame. Who really is the government? Santa Claus possibly? Regards, Pete Van Erkel I just finished reading "Perspective" in the September Top Producer. I farm about 1,100 acres in South Dakota. I agree that the government supports in ag are ridiculous. Everyone wants government budgets to be balanced but nobody wants to help reduce the expense by receiving less. We have great grain prices, yet we still have direct payments. I hope [John] will keep speaking up with the common sense he has shown in this article. Sincerely, Denis Parsley Safety Net Support The North Dakota Grain Growers Association (NDGGA) strongly disagrees with John Phipps' "zero government support" for American ag (September 2012). In North Dakota and most other wheat and barley states, we farm in a high-risk environment and thus we use farm program support mechanisms to some extent almost every year in an effort to stabilize our farm economy. Farm programs have often worked well for their intended purposes and while there is always room for improvement, we do not believe that zero support is a wise policy, as it's essentially no policy at all when it gets replaced by the "profit follows risk" mantra that Phipps espouses. Will sympathetic landowners voluntarily reduce land rent? It's our view that rents would come down only after the farm economy is in a shambles, which is the likely outcome if the government abandons agriculture. Regardless, lower rents would provide only minor protections compared to the current safety net. NDGGA believes a farm safety net is in the nation's best interest, and not an "economic farce." NDGGA sincerely hopes that John Phipps will reconsider his anti-farm bill position. Brad Thykeson President, North Dakota Grain Growers Association Let us hear from you. We welcome your letters and opinions regarding articles in Top Producer. E-mail letters to email@example.com or call your opinion in to our reader comment line at (800) 292-3276. Letters or comments might be edited for clarity or space. You can read past Top Producer articles at www.TopProducer-Online.com. Click on the "Magazine" tab and select the issue you wish to review. Back to news


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For customers who make a purchase at our online store www.chinasamuraisword.com , we do collect information on which pages were viewed on our site. We are committed to protecting your privacy. We will only use the information that we collect about you lawfully. We collect information about you for 2 reasons: firstly, to process your order and second, to provide you with the best possible service. In our ongoing effort to offer you the most current - and best - shopping opportunities, we may contact you regarding Samurai Sword Shop products, services and events. If, for any reason, you would like to be taken off of our email list, please use the 'unsubscribe form' that can be found at the 'NEWS' page We will not e-mail you in the future unless you have given us your consent. We will give you the chance to refuse any marketing email from us or from another trader in the future. The type of information we will collect about you includes: your name address phone number email address credit/debit card details We will never collect sensitive information about you without your explicit consent.
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Unauthorized returns will be rejected without liability. Unless it is proven to be a manufacturer's defect, improperly used merchandise will not be accepted for refund or exchange. We will repair or replace manufacturer's defective merchandise at no charge. Videos and books can be only exchanged for the same title if defective from the manufacturer. All returns must be made within 2 weeks.
Please ensure that the package has adequate postage in order to avoid postal charges. We will repay the postage paid. We only accept returns that have not been used and remain in their original packaging. If they should arrive here damaged an insurance claim will need to be filed so please keep the receipt.
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You have the right to cancel your order at any time before the expiry period of 2 weeks beginning with the day after the day on witch you received the goods. However, if the goods were not in stock items or you ordered a backorder item, you cannot return them.
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12. EXCHANGES: If you need to return all/part of your order for size/item exchangeNo return goods will be accepted unless previously agreed with Warrior Supplies. Returns under complaint must indicate invoice number and the reference number.
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21. These terms supersede all previous business agreements.


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We care about our community and take everyone's safety seriously. Our Department of Campus Safety is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Safety officers patrol campus around the clock and offer safety escorts anywhere on campus or in the town of Grinnell.
We work closely with local police, fire, and medical services with ongoing drills, open communications, and regular contact to ensure emergencies can be handled quickly.
If there is an emergency, we'll let you know through Pioneer Alert, our emergency notification system, with text messages, voice messages, and emails, and provide more information when necessary through Facebook, Twitter, and our website.
And we don't just respond to emergencies; we work to prevent them as well. You can take part in ongoing sexual respect workshops, alcohol awareness training, wellness seminars, and other health and wellness activities throughout the year. We also offer medical preventative measures like flu shots and counseling services.


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Poquonnock Bridge Fire District approves new $4.6 million budget
Groton - A special meeting of the Poquonnock Bridge Fire District on Wednesday approved a $4.6 million budget for the current fiscal year, more than voters approved in May, but not enough to raise taxes further.
The budget was approved 28-2.
The district's board of directors needed permission to spend the additional money because it set the tax rate to collect $3.5 million but hadn't initially factored in all of the town and state funding it gets. The district also had $720,000 remaining from the previous year.
The board distributed a written summary to voters explaining the situation.
The summary said that if the district were held to its initial $3.5 million budget, it would run out of money by March. It also said trying to stretch the money until the end of the fiscal year would result "in the immediate layoff of most of the 31 employees and the Fire Department will lose ability to respond to emergencies."
The summary outlined - in plain and specific terms - changes that have already been made, including:
• Firefighters will no longer respond from 13 Fort Hill Road Station - one of the district's two fire stations - starting Nov. 1.
• Two vacant firefighter positions will not be filled.
• Increased staffing during storms will be cut back or eliminated; the fire department will no longer pump out basements after flooding.
• Fire prevention programs have been mostly eliminated, including programs in elementary schools and day cares.
• Lights on fire alarm boxes have been eliminated along with most firefighter training programs.
Board members voted not to allow public comment or any amendments that would raise additional money.
Town Councilor Deborah Peruzzotti, who owns a house and a condominium in the fire district, said she would have liked to hear discussion before voting.
"It just seems like there are a lot of behind-the-scenes decisions being made," she said.
She voted in favor of the additional spending. "The thing that scares the bejesus out of me is not having fire protection," she said.
Board member Ron Yuhas said the board decided not to allow public comment because the board had a lawyer at the meeting and was paying for his time. But board member Deb Monteiro said she was unaware that public comment wouldn't be allowed.
"I would never have agreed to that," she said.


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While the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 get what's shaping up to be a pretty spectacular Fall of Cybertron, Nintendo Wii, 3DS and DS players get this.
Now I am not saying this isn't an excellent Transformers Prime game. I've not played it, so for all I know it could be spectacular. It just looks like origami robots in disguise.
This wouldn't be a bad thing if Transformers Prime weren't such a pretty CGI cartoon series. It's so lovely I bought the entire first season on Blu-ray even though it was already available on Netflix. I am a dedicated fan.
So I hope that we dedicated fans eventually get a Transformers Prime game as dark and pretty as the series.
Until then, we've got this, coming later this year from Activision and developers Now Production (Wii, 3DS) and Altron Corporation (DS). Hooray.


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Senior forward Kenny McMillan was named Skyline Player of the Week on Monday, February 13th. He averaged 28.7 points, 15.0 rebounds and 6.3 steals in leading Farmingdale State to a 3-0 week. In two conference victories, he averaged 39.5 points and seven steals. McMillan, who has 13 double-doubles, opened the week with 17 rebounds against Staten Island. He then had 37 points and 14 rebounds against Stevens before closing the week with a career-high 42 points along with 14 rebounds against Mount Saint Vincent.
The Player and Rookie of the Week for all sports are announced by the Skyline Conference on Mondays. Reports are available to view on the Skyline website at www.skylineconference.org.


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Home / Texas Schools / Support for At-Risk Schools and Students / Dropout Prevention
Dropout prevention has been a priority for Texas going back to the 1980s. However, since 2003, Texas has been more proactive and aggressive in addressing issues related to dropout prevention, high school completion, and college and career readiness. These efforts have largely been the catalyst for Texas' increasing success. View a timeline of the related legislative history for the state.
TEA's Division of Research and Analysis released its latest report on completion and dropouts, Secondary School Completion and Dropouts in Texas Public Schools, 2012-13 (PDF), in August 2014. Findings from the report include:
Texas uses the National Governors Association (NGA) four-year, on-time graduation rate known as the NGA "Compact Rate," which emphasizes using actual student data over estimates. The NGA has produced three reports detailing the ongoing development and implementation of the "Compact Rate" (2010, 2009, 2005). This NGA policy brief on the "Compact Rate" draws from those reports and shows that Texas ranks 7th nationally among 26 states that were reported to use the "Compact Rate."
School districts and open-enrollment charter schools with high dropout rates, as identified by the commissioner, must submit a plan that identifies how they will use the compensatory education allotment and high school allotment for developing and implementing research-based strategies for dropout prevention. For more information about the plan, visit the District-Level Dropout Prevention Strategy Plans page.
Texas Education Agency focuses state and federal resources on
identifying and replicating proven strategies for dropout prevention and
recovery. The agency implements proven strategies through
its dropout prevention and recovery programs.
The following links provide additional information about Texas dropout policy and prevention efforts.


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How much would you be willing to give up to never have knee pain again?A lot, according to a new survey.
Continue Reading Below
Knee pain sufferers said they would be willing to give up dessert, coffee, sex and their cell phones to be rid of knee pain, according to the recent Wakefield/DJO Global survey, which found that more than 73% of respondents over 40 say they have experienced knee pain in the last year
With so many people valuing exercise and more kids in sports, the median age for onset of knee osteoarthritis (knee OA) has dropped to the mid-40s from the mid-50s in the last 10 to 15 years, says Brian Moore, director of sales and marketing for the Donjoy brand.
Moore says there is "twice as much opportunity for knee injury" but ignoring pain can lead to more health problems that carry hefty prices to treat, lost dollars because of work absenteeism and even lost productivity because of pain-interrupted sleep.
Still, the survey shows 58% of Americans over 40 have ignored knee pain because they didn't think it was a big deal.
OA, a degenerative disease, is a big deal, according to Dr. Neil Roth, an orthopedic surgeon specializing in sports medicine at New York's Lenox Hill Hospital.
And, the condition not only eats away at knees, but also at one's spirit, Moore says.
Thirty-seven percent (37%) of those surveyed say knee pain hinders them from doing the physical activities they enjoy like running or biking, 25% say it makes common household chores more difficult, 31% say it limits mobility and 16% say the pain makes them feel depressed.
According to the Arthritis Foundation, the first step when feeling pain is to visit a doctor. Insurance considerations require pain management protocols as a first line of defense. These include nonnarcotic pain medications, over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs, cortisone or synovial fluid injections, braces or alternate therapies like vitamin supplements, massage or acupuncture.
The objective is to stave of costly knee replacement surgery, a course that many people assume is the logical—but much feared—outcome to knee OA.
How to Prevent Expensive Surgery
A total knee replacement costs between $45,000 – $70,000. "It's a question of utilization," says Roth. Insurers require physicians to do everything they can to avoid surgery, and as a result, experts say, Medicare and private insurers are increasingly mandating that doctors prescribe conservative protocols.
The younger a patient is when undergoing knee replacement the more likely he or she is to have the artificial joint wear out and require replacement in 15-to-20 years—which will cause health care costs to skyrocket, according to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.
To exacerbate cost considerations, about 20% to 25% of patients do not benefit from the surgery, claims Dr. Richard Harris, assistant professor at University of Michigan's department of anesthesiology. In fact, he says many end up with more pain.
Scientific studies to predict which patients are good arthroplasty candidates are underway which could lead to cost decreases, according to Harris.
Surgery Not the Only Option
Roth says the conservative approach gives recreationally active, motivated people who don't want to slow down, the greatest benefit with the least invasiveness.
Regis Scafe, the 62-year-old head football coach at John Carroll University, says the knee problems he's had since the 1980s caught up with him in the last three years.
"My knees are literally bone-on-bone," Scafe says. "Despite a high pain threshold, I couldn't stand up straight at times and I was limping everywhere." But his job demands that he stay active, standing for up to three hours during practices and games. Upon recommendation from a Cleveland Clinic physician, he donned an OA Nano brace. "It's lighter than a soda can," he says, "and I can adjust the pressure on my knee—a real benefit on bad days."
Right now, says Schafe, "I'm not even thinking surgery."
Alternate therapies like acupuncture can also complement traditional care to ease OA pain. "The data from recent clinical trials is incredible," says Harris. "Acupuncture is safe with few, if any, side effects, and the analgesic effect lasts about a year."
Here are expert tips for knee pain suffers to stand up to pain:
Accept your pain. Regard pain as a signal for positive action, not an ordeal to be avoided.
Cover your bases. Have your doctor complete an initial work up starting with X-rays to inform therapy.
Respect your own chronological timeline. The timetable for successful response to therapy varies from patient to patient.
Stay active. The health of your knees depends on movement to keep joint tissue flexible, lubricated and replenished with nutrients that help healing. Plus, if surgery is ultimately required, rehab will be easier if you start strengthening muscles beforehand.
Avoid adverse effects. Check with your doctor or visit the Arthritis Foundation website before including over-the-counter medications or natural supplements into your treatment regimen.
Apply ice. Ice is the cheapest and safest treatment option for people suffering with arthritis, says Roth. Apply ice to painful area, especially before bedtime when inflammatory conditions worsen, potentially causing sleep interruption.


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So what happens if they get separated and somhow (although I think you would have to suck at getting your units killed) they made it back together but one of the squad mates died? Would that still be the same squad from the beginning or count as a new squad?IVhorseman wrote:obviously? they're still a squad. had they become seperate, they lose squad status, and thus no longer care about eachother (as much).
If it was still an old squad that could be exploitable for I could get 3 units killed then re-unite the squad. Then there would only be two left and once one gets picked off the other could start the mass genocide(well until he dies in an awesome way of course.)
Also on that note could the unit who gets the bonus get a One Time Only hero feat? Or would it depend on how awesome the implications of having one could be?
Like say the squad is on an enemy plane with the enemy still piloting it. All but one of the squad dies and the last unit gets a hero feat and knocks out the pilots. Then hijacks the plane and in his last stand drives it into a bunch of enemy ground units.
As opposed to-
Him just trying to take on one guy in a duel to the death after the fig killed his squad mates.


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- 1 cup Quinoa prepared as to package cooled about 3 cups
- 1 large red pepper chopped
- 1 cup frozen super sweet corn
- 1 15 oz. can black beans rinsed and drained
- 3 cloves crushed garlic
- 1/2 cup insnipped cilantro (or a little more, pack itthere)
- 1/4 cup lime juice I used the little plastic lime
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1½ tsp ground cumin
- pepper and sea salt to taste
- 3 medium tomatoes chopped - seeds juice and all
- Toss together all but the tomato. Chill.
- When ready to serve, toss in the tomatoes. They gave some added moisture as well as all their fresh tomato goodness.
- MIX UP YOUR FAVORITE FLAVORS! Try different seasonings, flavored oils, your favorite vegetables.
Terri's Notes
~ This recipe began as a healthy salad experiment with all but the Quinoa! Everything else was the same, except I only used a couple Tablespoons of both the Olive Oil and Lime Juice with the bean/veggie only mix. ~ Quinoa kicks this up to a whole new level of fill-you-up, great nutrition. ~ My friend Pam used chili-spiced beans, and basil instead of cilantro, added chopped chicken and served it hot.
Share this Recipe


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Choosing the Right Law School / Re: Current law students - post your reasoning!« on: June 17, 2008, 06:51:36 PM »
Very interesting....
Betsy, what factors do you think would have changed your mind if they had been different? More scholarship money at another school? Something more intangible? Any advice you can give to someone who's getting ready to go through that process?
Andrew, I'm a bit confused about the logical jump from going to only CA schools to Boston. What made you consider Boston so heavily and so suddenly? As above, any advice you can give to someone starting the application process?
To both of you, how important do you think your personal statements were to your successes?
If Duke had offered me more money, or Virginia let me in from the start and offered $$, it would have been harder. I love North Carolina, and Virginia is a top school, laid back, and VERY strong in my region. I would have been even more tempted by Columbia than I was by NYU. If any of the T14 had offered me the same scholly as Vandy (if the cost of living/tuition was reasonable), I probably wouldn't have been able to resist; although I like being near my family, it was far from my top consideration. To be honest, there's probably more that would have changed my mind, but now I'm so set on Vandy, I can't see the other side. Although I can say that it was all about my ideal debt:employment prospects ratio.
I think my personal statement was pretty good, if I do say so myself ; I worked on it for a while and got several personalized comments on it. I wrote about the cultural attitude in Moldova, its contagious nature, and how I had to get over myself and my version of the attitude and make the best of what I had. It had a little self-deprecation to it, but overall, it was positive. It would not have made a good impression if I hadn't given myself time to take a week or two of break between revisions; the original version was not very impressive.
Where are you thinking about applying?


text:
Before you ask: yes, Claudia is wearing a fucking tux. And, yes, it's pretty similar to the description of the outfit she wears to her first radio show. (Did I spoil that for you? Or did you figure it out from the really fucking obvious title?) I totally used to wear formal wear to my radio show. [Yes, I was a DJ in college. So, if you were listening to 92.1 WPTS-Pittsburgh between 1998 and 2001, you could have listened to me! Go back in time and tune in, dammit! I did a show called Radio Porn. And I went by the DJ name "The Tiffinatrix." I didn't make it up; it was one of my ridiculous college nicknames. I think I came up with the show name, though. The station on the cover actually looks kind of like the studio at PTS. Ah, memories.]
So, plot. Claudia's feeling sorry for herself, what with no best friend and no prospects on the boy front. So, she decides she needs a hobby. She rules out a few stupid ideas, then enters a contest to host a children's radio show on WSTO, Stoneybrook's radio station (I'm a little confused about the station actually...I think it's kind of a community station, but it's run like a commercial station. Probably doesn't matter too much, just me being picky. Wait, isn't that why you read this blog?) And she wins! She will run a show called "For Kids Only" with the second place winner, the aforementioned Ashley. So, they have a show. With kids on as guests and talent and such. Oh, at first, they don't really work well together, but they manage to get it together. (Not sure how.) And they sort of help keep the station afloat.
Subplot: Kristy is fucking annoying. Like, surpassing Karen levels of annoying. Yep. She's obsessed with getting on the show. So she auditions with a whole bunch of shitty skits and plays until she and the Arnold twins hit upon a decent idea: kid lit Jeopardy. Seriously wanted to kill her. In fucking painful ways. Over and over again. I'm never really a big Kristy fan, but my hate for her in this book knows no bounds.
The hits!
- Mmm, chipped beef with cream sauce. That recipe needs a euphemism. Like "colonial beef" or something less descriptive.
- Dawn asks "Who wants to watch you chew up murdered mammals?" Cause she's never eaten meat at all in this series. Ever. I keep waiting for her to break into "Meat is Murder." ["The flesh you so fancifully fry..." etc.]
- Logan and Mary Anne are making a mix tape together. I think they misunderstand. You're supposed to make a tape for that special someone. And they, in turn, will make one for you...But a couple making the mix for themselves? I'm not familiar with that, and I'm a bit obsessive about mixes.
- Gulp is right. "I was wearing a backward T-shirt, overalls I'd made by sewing together two halves cut from different pairs, and mismatched socks. It was my "deconstructionist" look. You know, like the art movement? Those paintings that show you the parts of objects rearranged in interesting ways? Well, that was the idea, anyway. Cool, huh?" No, Claudia. Not cool. Fucking ugly. Heh, Janine calls Claud's look "Frankenstein's jumpsuit."
- Computers hate Claudia. Yep.
- Claud changes clothes before her sitting job: "jeans and a button-down men's shirt over a stretch top." A stretch top? That's descriptive.
- Oh, yeah. Mal tells a bunch of stories about the Oogly Oogly Beast, a monster neat freak. Actually kind of clever, until Kristy steals and butchers it.
- Claudia claims not to be boy-crazy. My ass. She and Stacey (both of whom claim to have zero luck and only a passing interest in the males of the species) keep talking bullshit like that.
- Claudia's list of (mostly) ridiculous potential hobbies:
- Tuba
- tap dancing
- cooking
- Swiming
- dramma club
- She rules out cooking after she fucks up an omelet in the fucking microwave. Sweetie, that's not cooking. Not hobby-style cooking, anyway.
- Why does Claudia think she might want to join chorus or drama club? She's never had any desire to sing or act before...
- Since when does Jessi take "all kinds of dance lessons?"
- Wow, this book name drops the Saddle Club books.
- Claudia thinks that tofu tastes like "eating warm socks." Who marinated the tofu in warm socks? I'm looking at you, Sharon...
- LUV? Not again.
- At this point in the story arc, Claud and Stace have started saying hi to each other at school.
- Wooo! U 4 Me!!!! [Screaming like a fucking nutjob.]
- Okay, this "kids' show" is aimed at children of all ages, from little kids to like 14 and 15 year olds. Which seems like a rather broad audience. Just sayin'.
- Wow, even in Stoneybrook DJs are annoying.
- While writing her application essay, Claud consumes "a Milky Way, a box of Peppermint Patties, two Chunkies, and half a bag of Cape Cod potato chips." Holy shit. I got fatter just reading that. It's like she's a 15-year-old boy! Or Cartman. [BTW, Cape Cod's are the best fucking chips on the planet.] And how did she not get sick?
- "Here is my idea of a great host for a kids' show:" = worst intro ever. Where's the hook, Claud?
- Also, your essay is not terribly humorous.
- How the hell does Claud know what a Pulitzer is?
- How many kids really have radio experience? Especially kids between the ages of 10 and 14? And how many of them live in Stoneybrook. Cause I don't think the number is very big.
- "An old, moldy, good, and goldy...the Beatles..." The fuck?
- Woo! Route 95, my old (and hopefully future) stomping grounds.
- Claud suddenly thinks Janine's great, cause she's the only one of the Kishi fam who's happy for Claudia (at first, anyway).
- Charlie agrees to drive Claud to the radio station. Does this kid have anything better to do than to shuttle a bunch of 13-year-olds around?
- Kristy waltzes in with Claud and acts like it's her fucking show. Bossy doesn't even begin to describe the obnoxious here.
- Hee, Ashley's dressed all normal.
- An intern (who is apparently paid!!! Though it's only a pittance?) is assigned to help Claud and Ashley.
- Wow, they get a tech staff? I ran my own boards...
- Apparently, Ashely has changed, and she no longer thinks that art is the ONLY FUCKING THING WORTH DOING WITH ALL HER TIME. Or something.
- Ashley makes fun of Claud's spelling. Heh.
- Oh yeah, Kristy even tries to commandeer the planning session for the show. You know, the show that Claudia and Ashley are in charge of? The one that Kristy has nothing to do with? [I know I'm ending with prepositions, but fuck it. If Claud doesn't have to spell in a way that vaguely resembles what she's trying to convey, why should I have to follow my MLA closely?]
- Claud keeps using the SMS Express computer. Why doesn't she just use Janine's?
- One of the reasons for the contest was to fill up some air time without paying. Ashley's all sorts of offended that they're being "used." Whatever, chickie. You're getting good experience, you're only 13, and it's gonna be fun. Suck it up. You don't have student loans. Or any expenses, really. Hmm.
- Kristy's ideas for segments on the show are terrible, goody-goody shows. Like segments about fucking babysitting. Dumb bitch.
- Plus, unscripted lameass skits? Bad idea. You have to prepare a little more before an audition. And what makes you think you can come up with dialogue anyway? Just go play some softball.
- Also, music jokes ("some unknown key. Q maybe") only work if the character telling the jokes has anything to do with music. Ever.
- Yep, another mention of I Love Lucy. And a list of random talents from random kids.
- Even though Claud knows she'll be on the radio and no one will see her, she indeed wears a tux to her first show: "Anyway, I wore the coolest tuxedo I'd recently bought in a thrift shop, including a silky, piped shirt and a bright red velvet cummerbund. I removed the shoulder pads from the jacket [do tux jackets usually have shoulder pads?], which made it really slouchy (I love that look). Then I bought a pair of white socks with silver glitter [wait, what? She bought them when? When she got the tux? When she was getting dressed? So confused!]. I decided to wear a pair of red sneakers to match the cummerbund. I swept my hair up and fastened it with a rhinestone barrette in the shape of a musical note." Wow. I think she's destined for a future as a backup dancer at the Tonys circa 1982.
- To fill time, Claud waxes all wistful ON THE AIR about her ex-best friend. You remember Stacey?
- Mal's handwriting looks really different in this book.
- Reading about Kristy forcefully taking Mal's character is truly painful. And monstrously cringe worthy.
- Without his "small stipend" from WSTO, intern will have to drop out of college!!!!!
- They have an advice segment on "For Kids Only." It's a call-in show. And it's boring.
- Heh...the Arnold twins totally shoot down Kristy's ideas. "That's pretty stupid." Hee.
- I realize they have no budget, but they live close enough to New York that they shouldn't have to limit their children's author search to Connecticut.
- A band called the "Curious Quartet" made up children playing the banjo, the tin whistle, the Jew's harp and the washboard? Really? No, really?
- A parent makes a huge donation to the station as a thank you for the girls giving her kid good advice. And the station is saved! Wahoo!
- Oh, and Stacey and Claud talk about how they both hope they can be friends again. Ah, foreshadowing.
The end!
Again, no idea what's coming up...


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WASHINGTON - German veteran Tommy Haas reached his first final in Washington at the ATP/WTA hardcourt event on his seventh attempt with a 6-3, 7-5 defeat of top seed Mardy Fish.
"To finally reach the final on my seventh time here is crazy," said Haas, who did not commit an unforced error and lost only two points in serve in the first set. "Who would have thought to have done that at my age. It means a lot to me, to be in this final is a great feeling."
The 34-year-old Haas will be aiming for his 14th career ATP Tour title on Sunday. Haas is currently ranked 36th in the world after starting the season at 205th due to a string of injuries including hip and elbow surgeries in recent years.
Fourth seeded Haas, who was ranked as high as second on the ATP in 2002, will face second seed Alexandr Dolgopolov, who beat eighth seed Sam Querrey, 6-4, 6-4 in 74 minutes. Dolgopolov had eight aces and a break of serve per set.
Dolgopolov will try to win his second ATP title after ending Querrey's seven match win streak. In the women's final, Magdalena Rybarikova of Slovakia upset top seed Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova 6-1, 6-1 to win the third title of her career.
Pavlyuchenkova won her semi-final just 24 hours earlier despite suffering from a heat-related illness. Haas will be playing his third final in his last five events.
He dominated in the opening set but got some stiff resistance from Fish in the second. The American forced Haas to save a pair of break points in the second game of the set before the pair settled back into their battle on serve.
The German struck after saving a set point in the tenth game as he won a 19-point exchange to hold serve. Haas then took advantage with a break a game later in which Fish saved two break points with aces but double-faulted into a third, which Haas converted for 6-5.
Haas served it out a game later to end in 93 minutes with 21 winners and just seven unforced errors. "That doesn't happen very often - especially with my game," said the 16-year ATP veteran who is into his 24th final.
"I knew I had to come out aggressive," said Haas. "Mardy is a tough player who is playing some of his best tennis now. He's one of the best on the hardcourt and he's been playing unbelievable this week.
Fish was ten months removed from his last semi-final in Tokyo last October. He did not compete for the USA in the Olympics after going through an accelerated heartbeat scare in the spring.


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|We want you to be completely happy with your purchase, however because of the systems you CANNOT RETURN the items. But if you need to exchange the size, we can help you. You CAN EXCHANGE unused items if they are not the right size. Items must be returned in original packaging (BAGS or BOXES etc., with all ACCESSORIES included. *Tags should still be on garments.
*Received after 7 DAYS from purchase
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*If the page of the item's website say "this item cannot be returned or exchanged" or "返品不可"
*Without tags (DO NOT cut tags);
*Missing original bags or boxes, accessories or tags;
*Wrapped as a present (we cut tag when we rap as a present)
* Etched or otherwise personalized items (e.g. golf clubs)
*Any underwear cannot be returned or exchanged
*Damage boxes, i.e. invoice is stapled, taped or screwed in to the original boxes
Exchange Instructions
1. Please contact us within 7 days of receipt. You can e-mail us.
2. We will check our stock for your replacement item. (If your exchange item is no longer available, we will notify you and you need to pick another item.)
3. Please ship your exchange item to us and let us know the tracking number. The shipping fee is to be paid on delivery.
4. After we verify that your exchange item arrived, we will send your replacement item.
※You need to pay the shipping fee for us to ship the replacement item.
・If you paid by credit card: we will cancel all the charge at once then we will recharge the new payment including the double shipping fee; however, because of the system of the credit card company, the first payment will be returned on following month.
・If you paid by AliPay or UnionPay: we will cancel the first payment and re-send you the new payment link.
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1. Please contact us and let us know that you received a defective item or wrong item.
2. We will send the correct item immediately after we verify the defective item has been returned.
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3/11/2009 11:08am, #1
It's a Sad Day - Gracie University
I can't believe that Graice Jiu Jitsu is adopting McDojoism.
To honor the legacy of Grand Master Helio Gracie, we will make the complete Gracie Jiu-Jitsu curriculum available to students all over the world through the most powerful and comprehensive online learning system available.
For the first time ever, all the techniques required for promotion to black belt will be available online in the exact order and lesson format that you would experience in private lessons at the Gracie Academy. Through a revolutionary Video Evaluation Process, we will be able to monitor your progress, evaluate your skills, and award you with official belt promotions on your journey to Gracie Jiu-Jitsu mastery.
We will be with you every step of the way.
Ryron and Rener Gracie
Head Instructors - Gracie Academy
"We will be with you every step of the way"? Via video? Common, how are they going to provide quality instruction via video? While video can be a useful tool for instruction, it is no substitute for physical interaction between instructors and students.
3/11/2009 11:30am, #2
so what if it's only you doing the dvd?In summation your argument denotes a lack of intellectual honesty on your part. It is my contention that this matter would best be solved with fisticuffs. I believe I will be victorious in this regard.
3/11/2009 11:34am, #3
Artemis BJJ | Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in Bristol
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I was wondering when somebody would start a thread on here: I first saw it on Sherdog, but its across all the major BJJ forums now (e.g., EFN and NHBGear).
Via video? Common, how are they going to provide quality instruction via video?
Carlson Gracie Jr had an instructional series available at the time which offered certification in self-defence. It effectively sounds comparable to this new Gracie University course, using 1997 technology (i.e., tapes rather than a website). The advert included this statement:
Originally Posted by Carlson Gracie Jr
Originally Posted by Helio
Originally Posted by Gracie University
It does look very professional, and to step away from the more serious McDojo problems which will no doubt be explored in detail in this thread, I like the way in which there is a training partner database, so you can look for people to train with in your area. As I'm always interested in drilling outside of class, that's handy, but not much use for somebody who is a complete beginner. The Gracie Garage idea is also interesting, but again, not too useful unless there is somebody a great deal more experienced present (like the current example, which has a brown belt leading it):
Originally Posted by Gracie University
3/11/2009 11:41am, #4
3/11/2009 11:44am, #5
Well now we know BJJ > GJJ. At least they cleared that up.
3/11/2009 11:49am, #6
Artemis BJJ | Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in Bristol
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my review of Gracie Jiu Jitsu Advanced.
3/11/2009 11:52am, #7
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3/11/2009 12:05pm, #8
3/11/2009 12:24pm, #9
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There's a school of GJJ just down the road from me. I mistakenly assumed it would be the same as other BJJ schools.
The instructor then proceeded to lecture me at length as to how worthless sport jiu jitsu was, and that I would be rebuilding myself from the ground up, and that my sport jiu jitsu rank was worthless, and it would take many tests to see if I had mastered the self defense moves to advance, and also there's no sparring.
I wash my hands of you, GJJ.
Although having a black belt would be pretty sweet.
3/11/2009 12:31pm, #10
Is this a standard held by all Gracie Barra schools? There's a Gracie Barra nearby that I might check out and ask their opinion on this new development. Southern California is overflowing when it comes to quality BJJ instructors...so it wouldn't surprise me if the Gracie Barra near hear considered this a load of bullshit.Originally Posted by Exodus


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We are so happy you have decided to join us.
Bikram Yoga is a series of twenty-six Hatha Yoga postures and two breathing exercises designed to provide a challenging, invigorating, rejuvenating and effective yoga experience.
Conducted in a heated room, Bikram Yoga detoxifies the body through perspiration, and tones the muscles. Whatever your age, injury, or prior yoga experience (if any at all), this yoga will benefit your body and mind in ways you never imagined possible!
Come in to sweat, laugh, detox and learn about yourself and your body. in our 60 and 90 minute classes you will work your body inside-out, bones to skin, fingertips to toes and leave smiling, feeling lighter with a new found energy and calmness.


text:
Bananas, lots and lots of bananas. With prices so low, you'll go Bananas
At FireLily Events, organising the perfect wedding is our forte! Be it a helping hand on the day or 'the works' - from setting the date to cutting the cake, we deliver! We also organise Stag and Hen Parties!
Crocodile Events are specialists in organising the ultimate stag and hen weekends. Crocodile understands how much hard work and pressure the dubious honour of being chosen as best man/ chief bridesmaid can be. So, we go to every length to ensure that we take as much of stress and hassle as possible out of your hands.
Perth Racecourse is the ideal venue for a Hen or Stag Party with a difference. We have lots of exciting race days throughout the summer season providing a great opportunity to celebrate.
The Highlands of Scotland have become a Mecca for stag parties and hen parties looking for some fun and adventure. We work with quality local partners to provide you with a weekend that you will remember for the rest of your married life!
The Wynford hotel is a great place to stay if you are planning your Stag or Hen party in Cardiff. We will give you free entry into our nightclub that is open until 3.00am (last entry 1.30am) and if you still want to party you can do in our resident's bar that is open until we start breakfast!
We would be delighted to organise your stag party at Galgorm Resort & Spa. We can include activities such as clay pigeon shooting, fishing, archery, its-a-knockout and many more activities or a more sedate affair perhaps involving some Spa treatments followed by a fun wine tasting in our Wine Cellar.
Take the privacy of a living room, the empowerment of a VIP booth and you have The Wright Venue Cities. The jewel-in-the-crown of this entertainment venue, four suites have been designed to reflect the essence of the capitals of entertainment around the world – New York, Las Vegas, Miami and LA.
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The Hire Engine is a chauffeur driven fire engine available for you to hire for your next special event. The Hire Engine is an entertainment and transportation experience that will take your event to the next level.
Wouldn't it be awesome if you could spend the day with some of your closest friends, not have to worry about a thing, as you explore some of the top breweries, beer bars, and brew pubs in Vermont. Every tour includes 15+ beers, lunch, visits to 3-4 breweries, and round trip transportation. You Drink, We drive!
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At Soaring Eagle we treasure details and put our clients first. From complete menu offerings and stunning ceremony and reception locations to our first class service your big day will be spectacular from start to finish. Contact us today to start planning each and every special moment.


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March 01, 2012
October 28, 2012
Honolulu Academy of Arts
Exhibition Overview
Roughly coinciding with the Roman Empire, the Han dynasty (206 B.C.-A.D. 220) was a pivotal period in Chinese history that significantly shaped China's cultural identity. Like the ancient Egyptians, the Han-dynasty Chinese had complex beliefs concerning the afterlife. They referred to the tomb as a "subterranean palace" (digong), and filled it with items they believed the soul needed after death. The most striking of these are ceramic and wood sculptures of soldiers, maids, and other servants, including dogs to guard the tomb's entrance. The tomb walls were decorated with murals, or with designs on ceramic tiles envisioning the afterlife. The Academy is fortunate to have an entire set of tiles that would have served as a tomb archway, decorated with attendants, horses and other figures that preserve some sense of the lost tradition of painting during this early age.
Such objects capture aspects of Han life long buried by the dust of time, from painted designs on sculptures that preserve textile patterns and dress styles, to intricately cast bronze belt hooks and other personal adornments inlaid with gold and silver, to remarkable ceramic models of towers and other buildings that reveal the qualities of Chinese wood-frame architecture centuries before the earliest buildings that still survive.


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Wellcome Image of the Month: Men's Health
To coincide with 'Movember', this month's focus is on men's health. Behind the month-long moustache growing event is an important message: to raise awareness of men's health issues, especially prostate and testicular cancers.
Cancer develops when there are problems in the mechanisms that control our cells. Old cells in the body are continually being removed and replaced with freshly generated ones. Cells grow and divide in a regulated way, and have to pass through several 'checkpoints' which monitor each stage for problems. A loss of control in part or all of this process can result in uncontrolled cell growth and subsequent development of cancer in, for example, the prostate gland or testes.
Prostate cancer is one of the most common male cancers in the UK, usually affecting men over the age of 50. The risk of developing it strongly increases with age and with a family history of the disease. Testicular cancer has a much lower incidence rate, accounting for just over 1 per cent of all male cancers. In contrast to prostate cancer, testicular cancer usually affects men under the age of 50.
This month's image was taken by Professor David Becker from University College London's Centre for Cell and Molecular Dynamics. It was captured by confocal microscopy, an imaging technique which generates optical slices through the sample to eliminate out-of-focus light and increase contrast. At the centre of the image is a group of normal human sperm which are surrounded by sperm with a variety of head (coloured red) and tail (coloured green) abnormalities.
There is some evidence to suggest that low fertility may be a risk factor for developing certain types of prostate cancer, and can increase the likelihood of developing testicular cancer by up to three times.
Movember started in Melbourne, Australia in 2003 and has since spread to countries across the world. In addition to focusing on male cancers, an additional priority in Australia, New Zealand and Canada is mental health. In 2011, Movember raised £79.3 million worldwide.
Of course, our very own Henry Wellcome sported a moustache that many Movember participants today would surely be proud of!
Cancer Research UK – CancerStats
Jacobsen, R., et al. (2000). Risk of testicular cancer in men with abnormal semen characteristics: cohort study BMJ, 321 (7264), 789-792 DOI: 10.1136/bmj.321.7264.789
Walsh, T., et al. (2009). Increased Risk of Testicular Germ Cell Cancer Among Infertile Men Archives of Internal Medicine, 169 (4) DOI: 10.1001/archinternmed.2008.562
Walsh, T., et al. (2010). Increased risk of high-grade prostate cancer among infertile men Cancer DOI: 10.1002/cncr.25075
Further information
Image credits:
Dr David Becker, Wellcome Images (Abnormal human sperm)
Wellcome Library, London (Portrait of Henry S. Wellcome, 1890)
Wellcome Images is one of the world's richest and most unusual collections, with themes ranging from medical and social history to contemporary healthcare and biomedical science. All our images are available in digital form so please click the link above if you would like to use the picture that features in this post, or to quickly find related ones. Many are free to use non-commercially under the terms of a Creative Commons licence and full details of the specific licence for each image are provided.
5 Dec, 2012 7:56 am
Very clever picture composition but the sperm in the centre group are also clearly abnormal, contrary to the description above.


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Hey there,
I'm new to java and I need to write a string that i generated in my code to an output file. I'm currently writing the string to the standard output like so :
All the types e.g. 'Receiver' or 'out1' are of type string. Could anyone show me how to open a file for writing and then write this information to the file? Is there some sort of file writer equivalent for system.out.println()? Thanks very much


text: 3 Doors Down is an American rock band from Escatawpa, Mississippi, formed in 1996. Founded by Brad Arnold (vocals and drums), Matt Roberts (guitar), and Todd Harrell (bass). The band signed to Universal Records after the success of their song "Kryptonite". The band has since sold well over 16 million records worldwide since their debut album, The Better Life, which was released in 2000.


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what is the Protestant spiritual, theological, or soterieological explanation as to the seemingly mandatory status of financial giving and tithing in the Protestant churches?Why give? Who are they giving to? For what and what pretext and under whose authority? What is the purpose, sola scripture interpretations aside. I have always felt uncomfortable when the basket goes around, when the preachers mention financial giving in their sermons and even worse equate such tithing as being part of God's Grace and Blessings, like planting a seed.
It is commonly believed that God blesses an individual or a church which gives in this way, not (of course) because the blessing is in any way earned, for that would go entirely against the Protestant belief in sola gratia, but because it pleases him. As it is written, God loves a cheerful giver. The text which says bring all the tithes into the storehouse is immediately followed by a promise of overflowing blessing. Without checking, I believe it is in Malachi.There is no soteriological aspect to giving or tithing. It makes no contribution to whether or not a person is ultimately saved, though one's developing or sustained practice would be part of one's progress in sanctification and devotion.
But what of these mega churches ... and these televangelists who mention quite often money matters, tithing, and financial giving in blatant connection with being blessed by God etc etc,
and surely the people who support these ministries are not stupid or duped? What motivates these people to give so widely, blind faith?
what defines ... a legitimate church?
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Dark Helmet's Favorite Posts Of The Week 4: This Time, It's Personal
from the favs-favs-favs dept
First, you have to know we're going to begin with what I thought was the most entertaining piece all week, the follow up to On Press Inc.'s antics on Twitter and elsewhere. There is nothing more satisfying to me than seeing a bad actor get slapped down. While it would be nice to see Cushing's smackdown post result in some further discomfort for On Press in the form of actual publisher Knopf taking action to get their name removed from the situation, this post and the one that preceded it laid out the case and evidence beautifully. When something written can make you that angry, you know you've got a bit of blog gold on your hands.
Next, Mike detailed the smackdown of Lindsay Lohan's lawyers, who not only failed in their case against rapper Pitbull for mocking Lohan in a song, but also were sanctioned for plagiarizing their filing. This makes the list because any chance to see a pompous celebrity rebuked over attempts to control their name is a good day in my book, but also because I'm of the belief that of all the rights that our laws afford us, the right to free speech is amongst the most important. And I believe that free speech must include the right to offend. If you're not sure if you agree, I'd encourage you to see this public debate, featuring a personal hero of mine, Christopher Hitchens.
Next, I'll mention Glyn Moody's piece on the Indian government deciding to censor themselves as a method for avoiding criticism. This type of thing is important to note and spread whenever it happens, because it essentially negates any government's attempt at hiding the criticism they're looking to censor. Perhaps one day they'll learn.
And, finally, saving the best for last, we have...me.
The face of an angel. A mentally unstable, vulgar angel. So pretty much Satan, who is now also a lawyer employer.
It appears that I've officially taken on Techdirt's "fake war stuff" beat. To be honest, I love it. Nothing tickles me more than taking dictatorships and theocracies down a peg. To that end, I brought you the wonderful news that Iran made a jet all by themselves...but didn't trust it enough to get a picture of it actually flying for its press release. Instead, they photoshopped it over a stock photo of a famous geological landmark. Why? Because theocracies are stupid, that's why.
So with that, I'll leave you to your weekends. Until Monday, tip a few back for me. My fiance would rather you be the drunk than me.


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|Home >> Ask Olympus: My Camera is Unable to Secure Autofocus
After I attach a lens to the camera body, my camera seems unable to secure autofocus. This problem is intermittent but affects multiple lenses. Why is this happening?
If the problem occurs with every shot taken with every accessory lens, the camera may be broken. However, if the problem occurs sporadically – and chiefly only after attaching a lens – then it is possible the lens(es) may not have been attached properly.
Remove the lens from the camera and look at the silver mount. Nine gold-colored pins are arranged below the mirror in an arc. These pins must make firm contact with the gold-colored touch points on the back of the lens. This happens naturally when the lens is attached properly, but if the lens is not locked into place then one or more pins may not receive sufficient pressure to maintain contact during use.
To attach a lens to the camera body, align the lens attachment mark (red dot) on the camera mount with the alignment mark (raised red knob) on the side of the lens. Then insert the lens into the camera's body. Rotate the lens clockwise and listen for a click. The click is an audible indication that the lens lock pin has snapped into place on the back of the lens and has secured the lens in the proper position. The lens lock pin is the small silver pin on the lens mount in between the mirror and the lens release button.
Do not press or hold down the lens release button while attaching a lens to the mount. The lens release button forces the lens lock pin to retract into the camera so that the lens can be removed without breaking the pin. If the button is held down while attaching the lens, it may not align with the hole on the back of the lens after the button is released. This will result in a situation in which the lens is attached to the camera mount but is not locked into place. It is possible that this condition will prevent the lens from making and retaining a firm connection to the camera. This will inhibit autofocus and may increase the lag time between shots.
If the camera's autofocus had been accurate and now seems to be a little off with all lenses, there may be a piece of lint or an accumulation of dust on the autofocus sensor, which is located in the bottom of the mirror box in the camera body. Lint or dust resting on the sensor can confuse the autofocus system, resulting in less accurate autofocus and even autofocus hunting.
The sensor can be cleaned by blowing out the autofocus sensor well with a blower bulb. Do not use "canned air." The force of "canned air" can blow particles up into the viewfinder system, and if the can is shaken it may spit the fluid in the can into the camera and leave a residue that may require repair. Remove the lens and use the CLEANING MODE in the camera menu to raise the mirror to gain access to the autofocus sensor.
Archive - E-System:
- Advantages of digital lenses
- Transferring your photos to a CD
- Printing the date on your photos
- Best image sizes for emailing
- Lens connections and F-stop
- Indoor sports photos
- AF illuminator and camera flashes
- Camera locks up while shooting closeups
- Taking photos of the Northern Lights
- Shooting in cold weather
- Pixel Mapping
- Waterfall and Stream Effects
- Camera unable to secure autofocus
- Night sports photos
- Can I use a teleconverter with my kit lens?
- What is MY MODE?
- Saving Your Camera Settings
- What does the Fn button do?
- Tips for shooting holiday lights outdoors
- Tips about memory card usage
- The purpose of IMAGE ASPECT when shooting?
- Tips for digitizing 35mm color slides
- Double exposures and xD card questions
- Taking better indoor photos
- Shooting in RAW
- Battery charging guidelines
- E-System Compatibility
- Cleaning your mirror box
- Studio Lighting
- Tricks for manually focusing
- Focusing E-System cameras in low light
- P, A, S and M modes
- Keeping a zoom lens steady
- What lenses can I use with my DSLR?
- High Dynamic Range (HDR) Photography
- Post-processing color controls in OLYMPUS Master
- How do I use bracketing modes?
- Save a zoomed playback image
- How can CONTRAST, SHARPNESS and
SATURATION be applied creatively?
- Shooting indoors in the winter
- What does the GRADATION feature in the menu do?
- Using OM-System lenses and accessories


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The Diocese of Leeds has the largest church programme of choral music for young people in the United Kingdom. Our Choral Directors work with some 3500 children weekly (over 100 groups across 53 schools), returning to their bases to run our elite choirs; 6 boys' choirs, 6 girls' choirs, 5 mixed children's choirs, 2 youth choirs, 3 university choirs and an adult choir, all drawing their membership from our school sessions. more »
|<<First <Previous page 35 of 39 Next> Last>>
Thus far we have had our choirs win prizes at two local music festivals, in addition to Yorkshire Martyrs taking the coveted 'Yorkshire Schools Choir of the Year'
All the BYC schools performed extremely well: for most, it was their first ever visit to a musical festival and
As an update, St. Joseph's Bingley are
Yesterday saw the first in what is hoped will be a series of collaborations between the Leeds University Symphony More>>
35 of 39
To join the choirs and for all other
enquiries please contact:
Music Administrator
Leeds Cathedral
Great George Street
Leeds LS2 8BE
Tel: 0113 244 8634
Email: click here


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Seeing a baby hooked up to oxygen and feeding tubes is totally and completely gut-wrenching for any parent. And as I sat today and watched a news clip about a 4-month-old baby named Everlee who almost died after a bout with whooping cough, I couldn't help but feel my stomach sink a bit. Whooping cough is an "old disease" that we are suddenly hearing about again because more and more parents are refusing to vaccinate their kids. And that's just scary.
Poor little Everlee was just a few weeks shy of receiving her shot against the disease. But a child who was likely un-vaccinated at her 9-year-old sister's school happened to contract whooping cough before that, and the sister likely brought it home on her clothing because of how contagious the disease is, which is how doctors think Everlee probably caught it. And then she wound up in the intensive care unit fighting for her life.
Granted, I realize that there are extremely strong opinions and arguments for why babies shouldn't be immunized, and I'm not trying to discount those or be even remotely insensitive. However, when the health and well being of small children come into play, I just don't see how anyone could not want to protect them from a disease that really shouldn't be floating around anymore at all.
Back in November, someone in my extended family had their 9-year-old son come down with whooping cough, and the whole house wound up getting quarantined. There were several other kids at his school who got it as well -- so it was almost a mini-epidemic. I remember being scared for my son's safety in his own school and I sighed with relief at the fact that he's been vaccinated against whooping cough. Hopefully we won't have to worry about it going forward should it wind up in our town. But young babies who haven't yet had their shot are constantly at risk.
The decision of whether or not to vaccinate is a personal choice, and it's a very passionate debate that isn't going to disappear anytime soon. Unfortunately, however, neither are these kinds of diseases if people keep fighting the vaccines.
Do you think that the risks are higher with diseases like whooping cough, or with the vaccines?
Image via Zaldlmg/Flickr


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The writer of a letter to the editor ("Who is Metcalfe?" published July 9) egregiously misrepresents the mission and goals of the clean energy campaign Operation Free. As advocacy director for the organization, I appreciate the opportunity to correct the record.
Operation Free is a nonpartisan, nationwide coalition of veterans and national security experts who advocate for securing our nation with clean energy. Along with senior national security and military experts, members of Operation Free agree that oil dependence and climate change pose serious threats to our national security.
Since its founding in 2009, Operation Free has brought together more than 5,000 veterans who feel passionately about energy issues. We've provided them with a forum to discuss their service, share their stories and make the case that investments in clean energy improve our military's operational capabilities, help keep Americans safe at home, and make our troops more secure while they're carrying out the mission abroad.
When it comes to energy security and keeping our country safe, Operation Free advocates believe politics should not get in the way of progress. America's clean energy future is too important.


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Newspaper sues Armstrong who now faces jail time
But he said he felt it hard to sympathise with him despite the American's confession that he cheated by doping throughout his career.
Armstrong, who is being sued by Walsh's newspaper, the Sunday Times, for more than £1 million over a libel payment made to him in 2006, issued the apology during the second part of his interview with Oprah Winfrey on Friday.
However, while Walsh said he accepted the apology in comments on Twitter, he expressed concerns about Armstrong's sincerity.
"Watching part two of Armstrong interview, he admits to feeling shamed and humbled. But why is it so difficult to empathise with his situation?" Walsh wrote.
"Oprah pressured him, the apology was, I thought, hesitantly promised. I didn't ask for it, or expect it, but, yes, if its offered, I accept."
The Sunday Times had earlier in the week taken out an advertisement in the Chicago Tribune with 10 questions they wanted Winfrey to ask Armstrong.
The English newspaper picked the Chicago Tribune as it is in the city where Winfrey hosts her show on her OWN cable television network.
Aside from the Sunday Times lawsuit, there is also a potential threat to Armstrong's liberty, stemming from the fallen icon's role in the US Postal Service team, where he spent his most successful years in the saddle.
Having been paid by the government, the former team leader could face criminal charges for making fraudulent statements to his bosses.
He could also be accused of perjury over disclosures made under oath to a US federal jury in 2005.
If convicted, each false statement could lead to five years in jail.
Apologies accepted
Armstrong always maintained that he did not use banned substances during his stellar career, but the Sunday Times was one of the few publications to openly query his innocence.
The newspaper had to pay Armstrong £300 000 to settle a libel case after previously suggesting that he may have cheated.
The weekly paper is reportedly demanding the return of the original settlement payment, along with interest and legal costs.
Meanwhile, another of Armstrong's accusers says she is prepared to meet him now that he has come clean.
Emma O'Reilly worked as an assistant for US Postal during Armstrong's time in the team and was branded a "whore" by the Texan for contributing to a 2004 book that sought to expose his cheating.
In his interview with Winfrey, Armstrong admitted that O'Reilly's claims against him had all been correct and the Irishwoman said it was a weight off her shoulders.
"Lance responded to my accusations that he was a drug cheat by branding me a prostitute and an alcoholic," she told the Daily Mail.
"(In the interview), he said I was one of the people who had been 'run over' and that he owed me an apology, but more crucially he confirmed that my story about a back-dated prescription was true.
"There was this tightness in my chest that was suddenly released. I don't think I'd even realised, in all these years, that it was there. Only when it left me.
"He said he had reached out and tried to contact me. I want to speak to him but I'd rather do it face to face. I'd like to explain why I told my story in the first place." – Sapa-AFP.


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2009 News Archive
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Special Sailing Anarchy Interview: Audi Melges 20 Detroit NOOD Champion Eric Wynsma, And Fellow Competitor Chuck Holzman
As published by Sailing Anarchy: 2009 Audi Melges 20 Detroit NOOD Champion Eric Wynsma and fellow competitor Chuck Holzman divulge the details about their wildly fun, fast and successful weekend at the Bayview Yacht Club. "It's a totally different boat with a totally different feel," exclaims... Full Story.
December Melges 20 E-News Now Available
The 2008 December issue of the Melges 20 E-News has been issued. Check it out now! If you are signed up to receive it via email you should have already had the great opportunity to read and review, but if you haven't, be sure to Sign-up today! Full Story.
Rigged & Race Ready : The Melges 20 This Weekend In Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.
The Melges 20 is in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. this weekend at the Bahia Mar Yachting Center. Join Andy Burdick from Melges Performance Sailboats for a test drive of speed, simplicity and sophistocation with the Melges 20! Full Story.
Melges Performance Sailboats Partners with Asia Yacht Services to Debut Melges 20 in Hong Kong
Article by Sam Rogers - Continuing on the Melges 20 world tour, the latest stop for the new, exciting 20 foot sportboat was the city of Hong Kong where sailing is on the rise and the sailors are always hungry for the lastest in racing innovation. The Melges 20 was welcomed with great... Full Story.
Harry Melges Interview on the Recent European Launch Oof the New Melges 20 Sportboat
The new Melges 20 had its eagerly awaited European launch in Italy a few weeks ago and Melges Performance Sailboats CEO, Harry Melges was there to gauge the first hand reaction to the latest addition of an already outstanding family of products. We caught up with him to find out how it felt to... Full Story.
KO Sailing Debuts The Melges 20
KO Sailing President John Kolius ordered up a perfect day to debut the Melges 20 in the Houston area this past weekend. Sun, 80 degrees, moderate breeze – ideal. KO Sailing is an official dealer of the Melges 20 along with the other family of products Melges has to offer. Kolius and his... Full Story.
More Melges 20 Sightings Slated For Stonington, Conn. on 25 October And Texas on 8 November
The popularity of the Melges 20 is soaring. Check out the boat this weekend at Stonington, Conn. this weekend — 25 October. Stop by and meet up with Hans Melges for a test drive. Now is the time to check out this fantastic one design ride! From the Northeast, it will travel to the warm... Full Story.
The New Melges 20 is Set to Hit Australian Shores
As published by yachtandboat.com.au The past eighteen months has seen the phenomenal success of the Reichel/Pugh designed Melges 24 in Australia. This massive International One Design class is growing rapidly throughout the world. Australia is now part of the International circuit, has... Full Story.
The Melges 20: A First Look Times Two
Two-thirds of Sailing World's editorial staff take a ride on the new Melges 20 and find it to be a peppy, rewarding sportboat that shares some of the characteristics of its more famous siblings, but not all. (And that's a good thing) Sep 19, 2008By Dave Reed and Stuart Streuli, Sailing... Full Story.
Melges 20 Production Line Rockin' & Rollin' At McConaghy
Check out there very cool photos of the Melges 20 in full-on production at McConaghy Boats. This is proof that the Melges 20 will be a star on the one design boat scene. Have you ordered yours yet? Now is the time to sail fast and have fun on the Melges 20! View Melges 20 Production At McConaghy... Full Story.
Up and Running - The New Melges 20 a Big Hit at Annapolis Boat Show
Experts say that the Annapolis Boat Show is the 'big' boat show of the year. With all the ambivalent economic news, Melges Performance Sailboats wondered just how productive the show would really be. Would the turnout meet their expectations? What was certain was the extreme interest in the ... Full Story.
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You probably know I love owls. This was hanging in my last hotel room. I thought it was pretty cool.
And speaking of art, Flat Stanley and I abandoned some art at a couple of rest stops in Idaho and Oregon. I haven't heard if anybody picked them up yet. If you aren't familiar with this movement you can learn more here.
I love thinking about the Oregon Trail as I drive through this part of the country.
I crossed the Powder River, the Snake River and the Columbia River. Amazing to think about somebody doing that in a covered wagon.
I got up with the boys this morning and we went for our walk around town. The bee tree isn't blooming yet. (The lavender wasn't blooming at the Young Living farm either. I'm not doing this trip this early again. lol) We did find three yard sales so the boys were happy. I got some really cool plaques of Little Bo Peep and two sheep from the '50s. I'll try to get a photo later.
Alex asked today if we were going to do back-to-school shopping. Another reason to come later in the summer. I love back-to-school supplies.
We have a special surprise tomorrow. "Talk" to you all then.


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In 1979 I was listening to two-tone, punk-new wave, reggae, blues and vintage (and only vintage mind) soul. The last thing I wanted was some German bloke sampling weird Iranian music: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uTHTrPEVqjY
Two years later and my tastes hadn't changed much. What did I think of disco? You didn't even want to get me started on that: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oDx-S-hK4N0
My loss in both cases of course, I realise that now. But back then everything seemed a lot clearer cut. There was "our" music and then there was everything else. I'm not sure I've grown up much since then, but I'd like to think I have a bit. Certainly enough to appreciate those two contrasting classics.
Anyone else care to fess up to sounds they stuck their nose up at at the time and subsequently learned to love?


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As the Bank of Japan continues to expand quantitative easing, Wolfgang Koester warns that holders of U.S. equities will soon start feeling the effect of the weakening yen.
Continue Reading Below
Koester, FiREapps Chairman and CEO, warns that some companies in the United States aren't taking enough action to protect themselves against currency volatility -- and the consequences will be clear in this quarter's earnings.
"Some of these companies have actually come out and said we're hopeful that the yen doesn't weaken, said Koester, "Well, unfortunately, that wasn't true."
The Japanese Economy Minister, Akira Amari, insists the country isn't aiming to weaken the yen, but is only attempting to fight deflation. Still, in the past quarter the U.S. dollar strengthened from 78 cents per yen to 87 cents per yen.
"Companies that did business in Japan will be receiving 11% less in cash," said Koester. "When we're talking about an 11% change in value in the yen, in one quarter, this can be a significant number if not hedged."
According to Koester, investors should be wary of companies that do a significant amount of business in Japan. Several companies acknowledged the impact of a weakening yen in previous earnings reports and Koester predicts their profit margins were even more severely impacted by the dollar-yen relationship in the fourth quarter.
Koester calculates that Corning (NYSE:GLW), Harley Davidson (NYSE:HOG) and Ralph Lauren (NYSE:RL) will feel the worst effect of the declining yen, but the ripple effect will also reach companies like Biogen Idec (NASDAQ:BIIB) and Salesforce.com (NYSE:CRM).
McDonald's (NYSE:MCD) and Coach (NYSE:COH) both claimed currency volatility weighed on their results in the last quarter. In an earnings call, McDonald's CEO, Don Thompson, said currency translation accounted for a negative impact of one cent in fourth-quarter EPS, and full year EPS by 17 cents.
"McDonald's got significantly hit by this. It was pretty obvious," said Koester.
Coach opened five new stores in Japan during the last quarter and still saw a decrease in revenue from Japanese sales. "In Japan, we posted a 2% decrease in constant currency while sales in dollars were down 7% from prior year, reflecting the weaker yen," said Coach chairman and CEO, Lew Frankfort.
Koester points out that some companies are taking the necessary measures to protect shareholders from the dangers of a stronger dollar versus the yen. Yahoo "is well-prepared; they've done risk management properly for years. I know they've got other things they're thinking about and currency may not be the number one, but when it comes to financial risk management -- solid company."
To determine which companies will successfully hedge against currency woes, Koester looks for low numbers on foreign exchange gain or loss line in earnings releases. Koester ranks Pfizer (NYSE:PFE), Avnet (NYSE:AVT), Accenture (NYSE:ACN) and FLIR (NASDAQ:FLIR) as the companies most prepared to handle the yen's volatility.
"These are companies that over the past few years have not been affected by currency volatility in comparison to others in their sector" said Koester.
In the third quarter of 2012, Koester calculated S&P 500 companies lost $22.4 billion due to currency volatility. He says currencies could prove to be just as damaging in fourth quarter results. While the main fourth-quarter concern worldwide was the yen's value, Koester points out that this will likely change in the next quarter.
"The only difference is what currency is next. I'm going to be sitting here in three months and we're going to talk about maybe the yen, but maybe we're going to talk about Brazilian Real and what companies that will be impacted," said Koester.
Koester's Likely to be Negatively Impacted by Yen Weakness:
- McDonalds
- Coach
- Integris
- Columbia Sportswear
- Harley Davidson
- Corning
- Aflac
- Sigma Aldrich
- Philip Morris
- Equinix
- Mylan
- Ansys
- Salesforce.com
Koester's Best Prepared for a weaker Yen:
- Yahoo
- Pfizer
- Avnet
- Accenture