text:
Old habits die hard. At least that seems to be the case with the administration's latest efforts to restrict trade between U.S. farmers and food processors and Fidel Castro's regime in Cuba.
For most of its first term the administration has thrown up roadblocks to food shipments to Cuba even after Congress passed the Trade Sanctions Reform and Export Enhancement Act in December 2001. Making it more difficult for prospective sellers to travel to Cuba was just one.
The obstacles appeared to be aimed at solidifying the president's support among Cuban-American refugees for the 2004 elections. The tactic apparently worked since the president carried Florida handily.
The administration seems to be intent on continuing those efforts judging from reports that the Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control is considering new guidelines that would require U.S. exporters to receive payment before goods leave U.S. ports.
Sens. Max Baucus, D-Mont.; Larry Craig, R-Idaho; and Byron Dorgan, D-N.D., first brought the proposal to light in a letter protesting the rule change to Treasury Secretary John Snow. Baucus also threatened to put a hold on prospective Treasury Department nominees.
Since then, farm groups have weighed in on the issue, writing a letter to the president asking him to drop the proposal.
"There is no reason to change rules of payment that might reduce the market for the products produced by our members and exported to Cuba, including wheat, rice, corn, soybeans, chickens, pork, eggs, dairy products, apples and others," said Farm Bureau President Bob Stallman.
The letter notes that, since trade was re-established with Cuba in December 2001, Alimport, the Cuban food-buying agency, has been required to pay prior to goods being released in Cuba, not prior to shipment.
"We urge you not to make unnecessary and harmful changes to the implementation of the TRSA," the letter says. "Cuba has become our 22nd largest agricultural market, valued at almost $400 million per year. TRSA has been followed flawlessly for the past three years. Any changes made would threaten to shut down an important market for U.S. exporters of agricultural goods."
The letter also questions the extraordinary legal risks of Cuba paying for goods in advance of shipment and having those goods remain on U.S. soil. These Cuban goods would be subject to court-ordered seizures that could result from legal claims against Cuba.
The proposal comes amid reports that Cuba's government "is on its last legs," as a U.S. diplomat in Cuba said. The reports said that supporters of the regime, which will have been in power 46 years on New Year's Day, are preparing for the departure of Castro, 78.
Neither the president nor his brother, Florida Governor Jeb Bush, who has indicated he does not plan to run for the Senate or the presidency, will face Florida voters again. It's time for the administration to put the interests of U.S. farmers ahead of the impossible dreams of Cuban refugees in Miami.


text:
"To hell with this, I can't get it working Top Level," Jason said into his headset. He was sitting next to a blown out Starbucks; its windows spread across the ground and vines and other plants flowing into its main room. The other thing next to him was a container containing a VCT radio. He rubbed his eyes as the effects of not sleeping for weeks on end kicked in. "Top Level I need directions now." Five years after the end of everything and Earth was still not repaired. He was in the middle of a small town somewhere in Oregon with a SCAR assault rifle over one shoulder and a bag containing everything he owned over the other. Waiting for the reply he looked out at the buildings surrounding him; all of them were in pieces with masonry scattered across the street and vines plants growing through all of it. A bleep from his headset made him turn towards the dark alleyway to his left where to orange lights glowed dimly. He narrowed his eyes there was no one meant to be in his sector and the light had not been there a moment before. Standing up he pulled the SCAR from his shoulder and flicked the safety of. No point in not being able to fire if he had to he thought with a small smile. He waded into the alleyways darkness eyes flicking from side to side. Were the lights moving towards him he asked himself? It was way too late for him to be thinking about that as he was about to find out. Out from the gloom something launched grabbing Jason and throwing him backward. He depressed the trigger and bullet casings flew out from the side as he was smashed into the sidewalk. He cried out as he felt two ribs break. Taking a breath he brought up the gun and fired into…what? His cries were ended as two claws swung through the air and into his heart. A crunch of bones came from the alleyway and all was right again with the world with one less Jason.
Top Level Offices, Middle of Portland
"We lost another one sir," a man dressed like the other 50 in the room in black t-shirts, grey and black camouflage pants, and combat boots. They sat looking at computer screens typing a few letters in every so often but mainly just staring at maps and documents. The one man who was not dressed like the others, stood in the middle of the room nodding or talking to those who he asked questions or sent him data from their personal screens.
"Good, one less to worry about," he responded, no emotion in his voice or features. He looked around him daring them silently to argue with his statement. None did though a few gave him cold look, mainly the females he noted. One woman held his gaze a little longer than the others, her eyes cold with a hurricane brewing behind them he thought smiling slightly. She narrowed one eye then turned back to her computer giving him the finger as she turned. He shrugged; he didn't care what these techno-geeks thought of him only if they could do their jobs. Many of them hated him for ending the lives of almost twenty agents or soldiers that he had in his company's pay roll. He had no use for them and he could not let them back into what was left of modern society, so he sent them to the most hostile areas on the globe. Top Level was his and he was not ready to give up or be taken out by his own soldiers.
Top Level military base middle of Oregon February 4th, 2040
3 years later
The rifle bucked in her hands as she fired into the swirling gray fog that was sweeping towards the base. At 27 she was one of the younger members of the team but her rifle skills were remarkable and in Top Level she was one of the best shooters. Trained by the TL's finest, her body was thin but very fit. She could run faster than at least half the men on the team which she did not fail to bring up when she wanted an argument. Her face was pretty but her eyes conveyed the sense that you were always looking into the eyes of a trained killer which she was. Brown hair flowed over one eye and she brushed it away as she trained her custom built $100,000 sniper rifle on her next target. Shoulders dropped as she allowed her training to kick in and she relaxed, breathing slowly and steadily. Just barely she touched the trigger and the rifle kicked her in the shoulder again. Her bullet penetrated her target and killed it instantly. Bolt back forward then lock she thought as she reloaded. She was known as Kat, not the name that she had been born with but she didn't care. It was better than her first name she thought. Kat's full name was Katrina A. Carran but if anyone said it they normally ended up getting injured or taking a round to the chest, head, leg, arm she thought randomly. Around her the rest of her team brought their guns to bear on the surging wave of beasts. Hundreds of bullet casings flew through the air as her team let loose. Mortar rockets flew over their heads, and base defense guns came into play as targets came into their firing distance. The base stood like a fortress towering into the sky with its parapets covered in soldiers and artillery. Black smoke rose from smoking craters on the flat plain all around the base. Kat pulled the trigger twice more and dropped into cover as she loaded a new magazine into the KHS-10 sniper rifle receiver.
She looked over her barricade to see the beasts charging forward, mouths open with fangs glistening in the setting suns light. They looked like wolves in a sense but these would have to be wolves on steroids she thought as one jumped at her. Grabbing her Uzi she leveled it at the base and pressed the trigger. The beast cowered before her and then with swift determination it grabbed Uzi and tossed it away from her. Its eyes flashed orange and its mouth opened into what could be called a smile. It slammed her down onto the ground but as it came down for a bite she drew her combat knife and stabbed upward. Its eyes went blank and it fell to the ground. Kat pulled herself to her feet in time to see a mortar blow three of the beasts to kingdom come about 20 feet from her. It shook her and she rolled into a ditch where two soldiers lay. Looking closer she realized one was dead and the other was almost. For a killer she was sensitive to death which was a little strange but as the last breaths came from the boy, barely a man he held out his hand and she took as tears streamed down her face. Her world was crumbling around her and she could do nothing for this man or any of them. She knew him only by face but as she watched him die she felt she knew him as much as her team mates.
Her mind buzzing and still holding the dead man she looked about she was totally disoriented. Where was her team? She had been right next to them. Wiping her eyes she got up and trudged through the mud away from the bodies as the rain came down. The rifle shot as another beast charged forward dying two feet from her. Kat's face became emotionless as she waded through the bodies of comrades and soldiers she had known. It was so hard to keep her cool she thought, her hair plastering to her head from the rain. A man ran past her slipping and falling as a blade or a claw passed through his chest killing him instantly. She closed her eyes and fell to the ground covering her head. It was all too much, just too much she wanted to scream to the sky. One can only take so much and Kat had reached that limit and surpassed it. Her mind passed into darkness and she lay still in the dead and dying. Her camouflage body armor, and the TL insignia soon becoming lost in the blood and mud.
Next morning
The battle ended at 1 in the morning with artillery pushing the beasts back and away from the base. Outside of its walls lay hundreds of soldiers bodies some alive some not. Those who survived retired to their bunks to wait and sleep of the hell. "Jason awakened something you know Director and he died because of it, those beasts were the same that killed him, now what are we going to do?" asked the commander of what was left NATO.
The Director of TL looked back at the face on the screen, "He was of no use to us and we believed at the time it was just one not hundreds."
"You foolish bastard, that base is your last rabbit hole you can run to, and your other enemies will pull you out of it if they have to," the face replied.
The Director raised one eyebrow, "How can you talk when NATO is in pieces, its soldiers scrambling away from your enemy. I am in a better position than you when it comes to a defensive position." The man whose face was imposed on the screen cut the connection and turned to face his advisors and politicians. TL had always been a pain in the ass but it had had its uses. Now though, they needed to be destroyed and quickly he thought, as he told his staff what their new plan of attack was. As the orders made it to the pilots, 200 V-22 Osprey's lifted off from the airbase. Ramps closed while others remained open with gunners standing beside their machine turrets. Over 800 soldiers, mobilizing to finish of Top Level. After this day he would need to have a drink he thought to himself; maybe talk to some of his buddies in NATO's large force.
10,000 ft. above the ground over Oregon 1600 hours
"Actual calling Misfit, I repeat Actual calling Misfit, be advised you have 10 drones approaching at 300 knots, estimated time of arrival in 10 minutes." The voice came over the comms and the soldiers in the 13th Marine expeditionary unit sat up, tilting their heads as more information came in. The 13th MEU had already been decimated in this war going from almost 2,200 soldiers to 800 soldiers when an attack on a beachhead against their enemy had gone badly wrong. Those final 800 who had survived now sat in the Osprey's preparing to be ripped to shreds by those 10 drones flying right towards them. In the lead osprey two such soldiers looked at each other and nodded, donning their helmets and vests and grabbing their weapons from the racks above their heads. They pulled down their M4 carbines strapping them to their sides, all 20 marines getting up as the ramp opened. Goggles and respirator systems were put on and the marines grabbed straps hanging from the ceiling as the first gust of air shot into the cargo bay. "We have the green light, let's go and show these monkeys what we got!" yelled the jump officer from the side of the door. The first marine jumped as every other osprey unloaded its soldiers into the fires of war.
Bullets shredded the front of the osprey as the team of twenty jumped. Captain Harris looked over his shoulder as the ten drones flew through the squadron of ospreys guns blazing in the gradually darkening sky. Spreading his arms he dropped aiming himself towards the rest of his squad. He looked down and around at his marines, only 17 he thought looking back towards the V-22's. By now the turrets in the bodies of the Osprey's had come alive sending thousands of bullets into the drones that had desecrated the peace. Tracers lit up the dark sky as Osprey after Osprey opened fire shooting the drones out of mid-air, and sending their little robot brains to the ground. His Osprey on the other hand was on fire, pieces of its fuselage falling from it as his last two marines, jump master, and one pilot jumped. And explosion rocked him as the plane exploded sending shrapnel down to the ground missing him and his team by inches. He pulled his parachute as did all the other marines and their armor blended into the sky as they dropped into the landing area. As soon as he had landed Harris looked around him finding those who had jumped at the last second and checking if they were all right. Apart from a few shrapnel wounds they were all alive. He went over to the other squads of the 13th MEU noting one squad was missing. "Where's Misfit 10, they jumped didn't they," he asked Yin his second in command and a close friend.
"Sir, their V-22 was shot down. A missile right into the side of the troop compartment," Yin replied watching Harris's face. He noticed the hard look coming into Harris's eyes, and the clenching and unclenching hands. "I'm sorry sir, they didn't make it."
"Not your fault Yin, we made it with most of the unit at least," replied Harris. He turned from yin and went over to his command squad, "How we doing apart from losing Misfit 10?' He asked.
Harris's second answered, "We've lost five soldiers from Misfit 5, and Misfit 3, apart from that and Misfit 10 we still have enough soldiers for the mission sir."
"Good, then let's move," replied Harris. He went over to misfit one making sure they were ready for the fight ahead. "Men we got a three hour hike ahead but you should be prepared for small firefights now let's get moving." He looked into the eyes of each marine seeing a strong resolve and a want for revenge for Misfit 10. Good, he thought, they were ready as ever. As they made their way out of the forest the marines turned to salute the burning remains of Misfit 10's V-22 which was spread over about a mile of ground. Harris saluted as well and prayed for the marines that had been lost. Not only were they the first casualties this mission but he had lost friends as well. It was no point in checking for survivors, he could clearly see the pieces of the fuselage which was a burning hunk of metal, even the cockpit was destroyed. The marines turned away from the sight of the fire and they headed off with hard, cold eyes.
"Misfit 1 this is Actual, we have your trackers showing up on our screens, remember the enemy is not to be shown any mercy," Came a voice over Harris's headset.
"Don't worry sir, we're fighting for Misfit 10 now, we'll send those bastards back to hell," he replied and the headset went dead.
Top Level base 1800 hours
"He's sending a force to deal with us you know Director," said one of his assistants.
"Let his forces come, they don't have the balls to mess with us, or the strength for that matter," the Director answered smiling.
"Yes sir, but he has NATO at his disposal, sir," replied the assistant.
"We are ready for them, now go get me some coffee, and find where their marine unit is that our drones engaged," He said. His assistant jumped and then scurried of. NATO can't do shit to us the Director thought sitting down at his desk balancing his head on his hand as he stared at the video from the drones that had shot down one of the marines Osprey's. It was beautiful, the missile launching and streaking into the side of the Osprey. The explosion lit up the screen and the drone bucked as the energy wave from the missile hit it. Hitting pause the director looked more closely at the video again and noticed something different. He narrowed his eyes and made up seven silhouettes of marines jumping out of the Osprey before it exploded. Zooming on one of the silhouettes he made out the face and eyes one soldier. He cursed as he realized who it was. He got up and walked quickly out of the room cursing as he went. One of his assistants looked at the computer screen and saw the director albeit a bit younger than right now staring back at him.
13th MEU Codename: Misfit 1900 hours
Harris took his final step for the march and crouched as he looked at the impenetrable fortress ahead. "How the hell are we getting into that, it's a god dammed fortress," he whispered to Yin who was crouched next to him.
"TOW missiles could get us through the doors but sir what's that lying around the walls," Yin replied he voice suddenly catching in his throat. "Sir, those are…….bodies, hundreds of them," He started to shake then.
"Not all human either Yin," replied Harris.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
In order to support the University's Christ-centered, liberal arts academic program as well as the Library's dedication to providing access to recorded knowledge and information, the Archives and Special Collections Department's mission is to contribute to the preservation and transmission of culture by identifying, protecting, and making available materials of enduring value that document life on the University campus, in Clark County, and in the state of Arkansas.
Riley-Hickingbotham Library's Archives and Special Collections Department houses the institution's own historical materials as well as political papers of major political figures in Arkansas. In addition, Special Collections serves as the official repository for the archives of the Clark County Historical Association and the Arkansas Baptist State Convention. In conjunction with the latter, the university has gathered a number of collections covering Arkansas and Baptists, particularly southern Arkansas and Southern Baptists. Because of the county and local records included in the archives, Riley-Hickingbotham Library has become a regional center for genealogy and local history research.
Special Collections Policies


text:
Bird Crashes Into Face Of Unfortunate Kingda Ka Rider
A wayward bird crashes into the face of a Kingda Ka rider at Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson Township.
According to the Asbury Park Press, the male juvenile rider was on the roller coaster's return trip to the station near the track when the incident occurred early Thursday evening.
Park officials say he was treated at a hospital for minor face and neck injuries. However, they say the ride was immediately shut down and the State Department of Community Affairs was notified.


text:
|Safe Haskell
- class YesodAuth site => YesodReCAPTCHA site where
- recaptchaPublicKey :: HandlerT site IO Text
- recaptchaPrivateKey :: HandlerT site IO Text
- insecureRecaptchaBackdoor :: HandlerT site IO (Maybe Text)
- recaptchaAForm :: YesodReCAPTCHA site => AForm (HandlerT site IO) ()
- recaptchaMForm :: YesodReCAPTCHA site => MForm (HandlerT site IO) (FormResult (), [FieldView site])
- recaptchaOptions :: Yesod site => RecaptchaOptions -> WidgetT site IO ()
- data RecaptchaOptions = RecaptchaOptions {
class YesodAuth site => YesodReCAPTCHA site where Source
Class used by
yesod-recaptcha's fields. It should be
fairly easy to implement a barebones instance of this class
for you foundation data type:
instance YesodReCAPTCHA MyType where recaptchaPublicKey = return "[your public key]" recaptchaPrivateKey = return "[your private key]"
You may also write a more sophisticated instance. For
example, you may get these values from your
instead of hardcoding them. Or you may give different keys
depending on the request (maybe you're serving to two
different domains in the same application).
YesodAuth superclass is used only for the HTTP
request. Please fill a bug report if you think that this
YesodReCAPTCHA may be useful without
Minimum complete definition:
recaptchaPublicKey and
recaptchaPublicKey :: HandlerT site IO Text Source
Your reCAPTCHA public key.
recaptchaPrivateKey :: HandlerT site IO Text Source
Your reCAPTCHA private key.
insecureRecaptchaBackdoor :: HandlerT site IO (Maybe Text) Source
A backdoor to the reCAPTCHA mechanism. While doing automated tests you may need to fill a form that is protected by a CAPTCHA. The whole point of using a CAPTCHA is disallowing access to non-humans, which hopefully your test suite is.
In order to solve this problem, you may define
insecureRecaptchaBackdoor = return (Just "<secret CAPTCHA>")
Now, whenever someone fills
<secret CAPTCHA> as the
CAPTCHA, the
yesod-recaptcha library will not contact
reCAPTCHA's servers and instead will blindly accept the
secret CAPTCHA.
Note that this is a *huge* security hole in the wrong
hands. We do not recommend using this function on a
production environment without a good reason. If for
whatever reason you must use this function on a production
environment, please make use of its access to
in order to return
Just only when strictly necessary.
For example, you may return
Just only when the request
comes from
localhost and read its contents from a secret
file accessible only by SSH which is afterwards removed.
By default, this function returns
Nothing, which
completely disables the backdoor.
recaptchaAForm :: YesodReCAPTCHA site => AForm (HandlerT site IO) () Source
A reCAPTCHA field. This
AForm returns
() because
CAPTCHAs give no useful information besides having being typed
correctly or not. When the user does not type the CAPTCHA
correctly, this
AForm will automatically fail in the same
way as any other
yesod-form widget fails, so you may just
ignore the
() value.
recaptchaMForm :: YesodReCAPTCHA site => MForm (HandlerT site IO) (FormResult (), [FieldView site]) Source
Same as
recaptchaAForm, but instead of being an
AForm, it's an
recaptchaOptions :: Yesod site => RecaptchaOptions -> WidgetT site IO () Source
Define the given
RecaptchaOptions for all forms declared
after this widget. This widget may be used anywhere, on the
head or on the
Note that this is not required to use
recaptchaAForm or
data RecaptchaOptions Source
Options that may be given to reCAPTCHA. In order to use
them on your site, use
recaptchaOptions anywhere before the
form that contains the
Note that there's an instance for
Default, so you may use
|Eq RecaptchaOptions
|Ord RecaptchaOptions
|Show RecaptchaOptions
|Default RecaptchaOptions
Allows you to use
|Typeable * RecaptchaOptions


text:
Gwyneth Paltrow may be known for her helpful ways with her GOOP newsletter, but the actress says she's not always sugar and spice and everything nice.
"I can be mean," she told British Vogue, according to the UK's Telegraph. "I can cave in to gossip. I can ice people out and I can definitely harbor revenge. In fact, I'm having a situation right now with a friend where I'm feeling pretty angry. But revenge is corrosive and it doesn't make me feel good."
She added that giving in to her inner mean-girl leaves her with a hate hangover.
"I'll wake up in the morning and think, 'Ugh, I feel terrible', and suddenly realize, 'Ah, that's why. I'm holding on to so much hate,'" she said.
The star seemed a bit snappy when talking about her new business partner, fitness trainer Tracy Anderson, and Tracy's previous business relationship with Madonna.
"Yeah, it's good that she doesn't train Madonna any more. It was too much," Gwyneth said. "She keeps people waiting - it takes up your whole day."
Outside of acting, Gwyneth's own days have been taken up by her GOOP newsletter, which ranges from cooking to meditation to self-help.
"I have this whole other passion, which is home-making," the "Iron Man 2" star, who's married to Coldplay singer Chris Martin and has two children, Apple and Moses, told the mag. "I always have, since I was little. As silly as that sounds — it's not 1955, after all — it's really important to me, all that stuff, sitting round a table as a family."
Related Content from AccessHollywood.com:
VIEW THE PHOTOS: Hollywood's Hottest Moms & Their Loveable Little Ones
VIEW THE PHOTOS: Hollywood Blondes
PLAY IT NOW: 'Two Lovers' Premiere, New York
PLAY IT NOW: Gwyneth Paltrow On Being 'Iron Man's' Leading Lady
MORE ACCESS ON THESE TOPICS: Gwyneth Paltrow - Movies - Iron Man - Madonna - News


text:
Photos by: Chris Im Pants/belt by: Levi's Shoes by: Palladium
If the world was in a post apocalyptic end, this would probably be my outfit. I love how those shows nowadays, "Walking Dead" and other games like "Last of Us" have such cool rugged outfits. I know it's weird but I only look forward to a zombie apocalypse so I can wear really dirty rugged cool outfits. Anyways, I paired up with Levi's to bring forth this outfit for you guys. They gifted me with this pair of blue denim. So naturally I paired it with a grey shirt to dull down it color and added on this denim jacket to give it more of a personality.
Suitable for:
Airsofting. Zombie hunting. Hiking. Casual daily wear. Lunch dates. Going to concerts. Running away from cops (these pants are super flexible).
Not suitable for:
Dinner dates. Fancy parties. Taking a shower.


text:
Ranges from dry to sweet, but deeply aromatic in all styles
One of the wine world's love-it-or-hate-it wine grapes, Gewürztraminer (AKA Taminer Aromatico due to its signature perfume like aroma) is for many wine lovers the signature grape variety of Alsace. Its highly perfumed aromas of rose petal, smoked meat, lychee, grapefruit, and spices are immediate and captivating, although some examples lack refinement and seem a bit blowzy owing to low acidity and high alcohol. Gewürztraminer is as unlike the steelier, more aristocratic Riesling as a white grape can be. No other region of the world has been able to produce significant quantities of Gewürztraminer that even approach the decadent richness and exotic fruit qualities that the best producers in Alsace, France achieve. Still, other than late-harvest versions, Gewürztraminer is normally a dry wine in the Alsace wine region, despite smelling like a sweet wine. When it comes to food matching Gewürztraminer marries beautifully with rich, fatty dishes like pork and goose or ripe cheeses, as well as with the exotic spices of Moroccan, Indian, and Far Eastern cuisines.
Other locations where Gewurztraminer is often grown include Trentino Alto Adige, a winegrowing village of Tramin located in Northern Italy. It can also be found in the Hengst Grand Cru, which has a long standing reputation of being one of the best places to grow Gewurztraminer besides that of Alsace.
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text:
Forumwarz is the first "Massively Single-Player" online RPG completely built around Internet culture.
You are currently looking at Flamebate, our community forums. Players can discuss the game here, strategize, and role play as their characters.
You need to be logged in to post and to see the uncensored versions of these forums.
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Thanks for the recommendations guys. Some dope stuff up in here.
|Posted On: 01/02/2014 9:11PM
|View KING KING KING K...'s Profile | #


text:
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Experience sensation in stereo with the rechargeable Form 2 from Jimmyjane! This waterproof toy has
Goes Great With This
Experience sensation in stereo with the rechargeable Form 2 from Jimmyjane! This waterproof toy has two quiet vibrating "ears" that operate independently from each other, offering twice the intensity of other vibes and the possibility for perfect external positioning. You can even pinch the prongs together for a more fervent feel. The intuitive controls include five different intensity levels and four pulsing patterns. This tremendous travel vibe is good to go with the push of a lock button. Even if you forget the convenient charging base, you'll still have up to four hours of pleasurable play with the long-life lithium battery. Part of our Ecorotic® collection. Please refer to our Returns Policy for this item.
Form 2 Rechargeable Vibrator
Pink or Slate Silicone and Stainless Steel
3 1/4" long x 2" wide (8.3 cm long x 5.1 cm wide)
Volume: 2; Intensity: 3
Care and Cleaning
In need of an extra or replacement Jimmyjane charging cable or adapter base?
Check out our Jimmyjane adapters
Note: This item is not eligible for discounts or promotions.
As recommended in COSMOPOLITIAN Magazine
As seen on TV's The Doctors!
Body-safe -- Sex toys are made from many different materials, with varying amounts of information available about them, and many have not been tested for safety. We always choose better-quality items, and we give special attention to those we know to be safer.
Rechargeable -- Toys that can be recharged reduce the number of batteries that end up in landfill. We also encourage you to use rechargeable batteries if your favorite vibrator operates using disposables.
Learn about our Ecorotic® Rating Criteria.
Brand: Jimmyjane
Product Details
Texture: Smooth
Color: Pink or Black
Length: 3.5 inches
Diameter: 1.75 inches
Intensity: 4/5
Volume: 3/5
Warranty: 3 Year
- Rechargeable
- Waterproof
- Multi-speed
Reviews & RatingsRate and Review It
Customer Reviews
I had hoped the Form 2 would be similar to the Duet Flex by Crave, plus a stronger vibration, but the designs differ in some important ways. Firstly, the Form 2's double prongs are not nearly as flexible as the Duet's and are spaced much farther apart. Unless you have a fairly large clit, you might have trouble getting the Form 2 to hit the spot (though I found this became less of an issue as I got more aroused and thus enlarged). You can pinch the flanges together to get a better fit, but even then it feels as though there is not much margin for error- kind of like vibrating chopsticks inexpertly clasping at your clit. Additionally, while the vibration was strong, it was pretty high-pitched and buzzy. So, while this toy might work well for someone who likes a more aggressively pin-pointed vibration or who has a larger clit, others might find it misses the mark.
I've had this toy for about a month and the USB cable already broke. Seems like the quality is crappie for the price. I would not recommend this product. Also, the company Jimmy Jane will not respond to you for at least 3 days or up to 5 days. Horrible customer service! !
Responded By Good Vibes Customer Service - March 4, 2015
Good Vibes Response:
We're sorry to hear about your defective cable! This does not seem to be a common issue, however Good Vibrations does honor the 3-year warranty that comes with all Jimmyjane products. If you would like a replacement cable, please feel free to contact us at firstname.lastname@example.com and we'll get that started for you!
I like this guy a lot, but for the money I expected a smoother vibration than you get with this. I sometimes feel like I have it on the pulse mode when it's on the consistent-speed mode.
It's plenty strong and I like the double "ears". Overall good, but not as great as I'd have liked!
I have had MANY toys. I call this one my "Jimmy" based on the manufacturer. I have had more orgasms with Jimmy through the last three years than all the years prior. I like the long battery life, the ease of cleaning, the soft touch, but most of all-the perfect wavelength and frequency. My personal one night record is twenty-one. I sure was mellow and smiling the next day.
OMG...this little vibe is AMAZING! I just got it in the mail today and could not wait to get it on my clit! It is super powerful and made me cum quickly. I love the different intensities and vibrations. It charges quickly too. It feels best to put your clit between the two ears or rub the two ears in a circular motion on your clit. However you choose to use it, you will NOT be disappointed. Best thing since sliced bread!
This toy is strong, Really strong. I love my Hitachi Magic Wand so I figured this would be a step in the right direction; quieter, smaller, submersible!
It has the punch of strong vibrations that the Magic Wand has but it's more of a buzzy-busy vibration whereas the Magic Wand has "thuddy" vibrations. Apparently my clit loves the "thud" more than it needs the strength so the Form 2 wasn't right for me.
I purchased the Form 2 a few months back, and I will never, ever regret the investment! Quiet and powerful, and soooo cute, my mother has NO idea what it is even for! The dual motors work well, and the settings are strong and unique. I do find the controls a bit confusing when I am out of my head in the heat of the moment, but it's not a big problem, since this little gal always feels good, no matter what she's doing. I particularly love being penetrated and holding this little guy against my clit at the same time. Delightful, cute, powerful, and worth every penny.
This is a very well made toy IMHO. Very powerful and quiet. My wife had a Laya vibe and loved it. We were looking to upgrade to a finer instrument of pleasure. When we first got the Form 2 it was a bit too powerful and the controls seemed a bit confusing, so it remained unused in the drawer for a month or so. We then gave it another try and gained a better understanding of the controls, which are actually very straightforward. Now all the other toys are collecting dust!
This is the best little vibrator ever... Worth every penny.
I ordered the form 2 because I was looking for a small wireless vibrator that really packed a punch. OMG!!! I am in love with this little pink bunny.
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Words that end in enomorphae
Found 1 words that end in enomorphae. Browse our Scrabble Word Finder, Words With Friends cheat dictionary, and WordHub word solver to find words that end with enomorphae. Or use our Unscramble word solver to find your best possible play! Related: Words containing enomorphae
- Scrabble
- Words With Friends
- WordHub
- Crossword


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Police Make Arrest After Sword Attack in Lowell
Authorities say a stabbing victim had to be flown to a Boston hospital after Lowell police found him with a sword sticking out of his body.
Police say the adult victim is expected to survive, and is believed to be a relative of a 26-year-old they arrested after the early Saturday attack.
Police say Steven M. Langner, who lives in the Lowell home where the victim was found, faces multiple charges that include armed assault with intent to murder.
Authorities say they arrested Langner when he returned to the same location hours after the 1:30 a.m. stabbing.
Langner is scheduled for a Monday arraignment in Lowell District Court.
Police didn't identify the victim, but said he remains hospitalized.
[Associated Press]


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Become A Skype Breton tutor
Create Your Free Skype Breton tutor Account.
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If you are an experienced Breton tutor, then a free Gengo Tutors account can help you get more students. Just follow these simple steps and you can get started.
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Thats it. Enjoy.


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The results are in! Tea bloggers from all around, and our readership have weighed in through blog comments, emails, Facebook and Twitter to compile the following results for this year's Tea Blogger's Choice Awards presented by the Association of Tea Bloggers.
Tea Bloggers' Choice Awards Winners 2012
Unblended/Unflavored Black : Teavivre Yunnan Dian Hong Golden Tip
Blended/Flavored Black: Harney and Sons Earl Grey Supreme
Unblended/Unflavored Green: Den's Tea Gyokuro Kin
Blended/Flavored Green: Aiya Tea Matcha Infused Sencha
Unblended/Unflavored Oolong: Teavivre Jin Xuan Milk Oolong (One of my personal favorites)
Blended/Flavored Oolong: Naivetea Lychee Oolong (One of my personal favorites)
Unblended/Unflavored White: Rishi Silver Needle Premium
Blended/Flavored White: Art of Tea Coconut Creme White Tea
Unblended/Unflavored Puerh: Rishi Ancient Puerh Classic
Blended/Flavored Puerh: Stash Black Forest Cake Puerh (One of my personal favorites)
Herb Blend: David's Tea Chocolate Rocket
Single Herb: David's Tea Spearmint


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One of the Panthers priorities the last two years has been to fix a pass-rush that wasn't going to be the same after Julius Peppers left town.
While they don't have big names, they are getting big numbers.
Defensive ends Charles Johnson and Greg Hardy have more sacks (14.0) than any duo in the NFC, and the Panthers are suddenly applying the pressure they need.
The fact both are different kinds of rushers helps, as both Hardy and Johnson can line up inside on third downs, and they're more strength than speed on passing downs. Three of Hardy's 6.5 sacks have come when he lined up as a defensive tackle.
"When you look at Greg and Charles combined where they are in the league with their sack numbers, it's tough to find a better pair of defensive ends," Panthers defensive coordinator Sean McDermott said, via Jonathan Jones of the Charlotte Observer. "And you have the fact that Greg moves inside for us, and he's very unselfish with how he's taken that and very professional. And we appreciate that. There aren't a lot of ends that move inside and Greg, with his build and his mindset, has done a great job."
But their impact lies beyond simple production. The Panthers lost a leader when linebacker Jon Beason went on injured reserve, and coach Ron Rivera asked Johnson, his highest-paid player, to step up.
"His personality has been great in terms of taking a leadership role," Rivera said. "When Jon Beason was injured and we put him on IR, I asked Charles Johnson to take over as captain so he puts a C on his chest now.
"He's been carrying himself like one ever since."
Along with a suddenly stable middle of defensive tackles Dwan Edwards and Ron Edwards, and a young third-down rusher in Frank Alexander, the Panthers have talent up front they haven't had in years, and that's giving them a chance.


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Jennifer Nettles and 'Duets' Partner John Glosson Leave Judges Speechless Singing Celine Dion's 'My Heart Will Go On'
Contestants on Wednesday night's episode of 'Duets' were tasked with singing songs from the movies. John Glosson and Sugarland's Jennifer Nettles kicked off the show with a inspirational performance of Celine Dion's 'My Heart Will Go On' that left the other three judges speechless.
Glosson and Nettles have great chemistry, and it showed during rehearsal when the two were cutting up like lifelong friends. Their goal was to impress Robin Thicke — something Glosson struggled to do last week — and to make the song an original.
"We're not trying to recreate the movie here, we're trying to capture the emotional integrity of the song," Nettles said just before the performance began. The two singers began on opposite ends of the stage, with a full string section and a pianist playing from beneath the smokey veil at their backs. At times the violinist was a third vocalist, not that they needed it. Their two voices blended into one. Thicke said the performance was passionate.
"That song right there, it looked y'all have been singing together for 10 years," he said. The other coaches struggled to find unique ways to praise the Georgia native and since he went first he moved to the top of the scoreboard. It remains to be seen if he'll stay out of danger this week, to get to the live rounds next week.
Watch John Glosson and Jennifer Nettles Sing 'My Heart Will Go On'


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Knowledge base IPv6
Executive summary
The old version of the Internet (IPv4), which has been around since 1981, is finally full up. Thankfully there is a new version (IPv6) which has been around since 1995, and works along side the old. As a business you should be making sure you are IPv6 Ready, which basically means your computer systems and internet access can handle the new version and the old version of the Internet. It probably means upgrading your Internet router and firewall, but does not mean changing all your computers or wiring or anything too drastic. If your Internet Provider (ISP) is on the ball they will be able to help you, but if not then there are ISPs that can, and who will be more than happy to take over providing your services. What makes this slightly more work for a business user is that you probably have a firewall and it might not be IPv6 Ready. The FireBrick FB2900 is IPv6 Ready and makes switching on IPv6 on your network simple and safe. As the Internet grows using the new version (IPv6) you will gradually find more and more things don't work unless you upgrade and are IPv6 Ready.
There is a web site to check if you are IPv6 Ready, test-ipv6.com. Try it and see.
Andrews & Arnold Ltd have been recognised as world leaders in IPv6 by the IPv6 forum, providing IPv6 since 2002.
What do you mean the Internet is full up?
Since the dawn of the Internet we have been using version 4 of the Internet protocol (IPv4). Part of this protocol is the way that computers and other devices connected to the Internet are numbered or addressed. This numbering scheme seemed more than adequate back in 1981, providing over 3.5 billion addresses. Computers were expected to be something universities and banks had, and some larger businesses. Little did the designers know that just three decades later we would have 5 billion mobile phones even.
Back in 1995 the next generation of Internet Protocol was devised, version 6 (IPv6), and this comes with 340 trillion trillion trillion addresses. This time we have enough we are sure. Unfortunately there has been slow progress in getting people to make use of the new version because, well, there was no need!
This is the beginning of the end! Today, we need to use IPv6 because we really have finally run out of the old IPv4 addresses. The last large blocks of addresses allocated by the central authority IANA were given out to the regional registries in Feb 2011 with one of the 5 regional registries running out shortly after that. Now RIPE, the regional registry for Europe and so covering all UK ISPs has run out, so every ISP has to start their plans for managing how they will handle actually running out of IPv4 addresses. It won't stop existing computers working on IPv4, but means the Internet cannot grow using IPv4 - it has to use IPv6.
It is not just broadband lines that are an issue - the computers in the internet, the mail servers and web servers and so on - all need IP addresses. As ISPs run out we will start to see web sites that only work on IPv6. If you are not IPv6 Ready you will simply not be able to access them. This is already happening in countries like China, but can happen anywhere (see www.loopsofzen.co.uk).
What should I do?
Well, the good news is that your computers are almost certainly able to handle IPv6 now. Modern operating systems, whether windows, linux, or Mac, already handle IPv6 and it is already enabled. To allow your computers to make use of IPv6 you just need something on your network to tell them what to do. For a home user this will be a new broadband ADSL router. If you are a business you probably have a firewall which will do the job if it is IPv6 Ready.
You won't need new cabling or switches as these all work at Ethernet level and work fine with IPv6.
So, simply upgrading your firewall / router is probably all you need to do if you just have a simple office network. If you have multiple offices, and if you use firewalling rules to allow access between offices or from home workers, etc, you will need to make sure to take in to account the IPv6 addresses being used. They are longer than good old IPv4 addresses I'm afraid. The FireBrick FB2900 is an ideal firewall for any small/medium business to get you IPv6 Ready quickly and safely.
Ideally you will need an ISP that understands IPv6. If they don't then there are ways to connect you to the IPv6 Internet using tunnels, and the FireBrick can do this for you just as easily. We would recommend using an ISP that knows what they are doing and talking to them for advice on getting your business IPv6 Ready.
For businesses we have already seen advantages in setting up a network properly with IPv4, using real addresses. It avoids a lot of the problems associated with internet sharing systems like NAT. IPv6 does not need NAT as there are enough addresses, so it represents an opportunity for businesses to use the internet properly now, even if stuck behind NAT in the past. Don't see IPv6 as a problem, but as an opportunity.
Web servers
If you have a web site then it is a good idea to ask the provider if they are IPv6 Ready and confirm the site is working using IPv6 now. They may have already enabled IPv6, and some ISPs have done this many years ago. Having IPv6 shows that you are on the ball and ready for the new Internet now.
If your ISP or web site provider are not sure, then it may be worth them looking at some of the FireBrick FB6000 series routers and firewalls for their network. These are ISP grade boxes that support IPv6.
Myths and FAQ
- Is IPv4 using 4 digits and IPv6 using 6? Why can't we just use more digits on IPv4 like 999.999.999.999?
- There have been some really badly worded press articles of late, and they are causing all sorts of confusion. IPv4 is version 4 and IPv6 is version 6 (there was not a 5 as such). The address size of IPv4 is 32 bits and we just write it using decimal - 999.999.999.999 could not fit in 32 bits, so not an answer. IPv6 is 128 bits, and when you see it written down it is much longer and in hexadecimal. We could write IPv4 addresses in hex, but that would not make them more than 32 bits. How we write the address is not important.
- Don't some large companies have huge blocks that they are not using?
- You will hear many ways in which IPv4 addresses have been wasted. This is true to some extent, though not as simple as it sounds. Even if all of the wasted space was re-allocated it would not change the inevitability of IPv4 running out - just delay it perhaps a few months. There are likely to be some blocks given back over time, though this is less likely now we have actually run out as they now have a huge commercial value.
- Will I still be able to access existing web sites?
- Yes - you run IPv6 along side IPv4. Your computers, phones, etc, work out which version to use automatically for you. In fact, if there is a problem with one they will use the other automatically.
- Will IPv6 be less reliable?
- There is no real reason for IPv6 to be less reliable. There are parts of the internet, and internet providers, that are only just setting up things for IPv6 though. Most are very careful what they do to ensure you have no problems. Over time the old internet is going to get less usable and less reliable as all sorts of tricks are used to share old IPv4 addresses. Over time IPv6 becomes run of the mill for all involved. So any issues you see will be short lived and could affect you anyway whether you have IPv6 or not.
- What are A&A's plans?
- We have plans on how we will handle IPv4 running out. more


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In the weeks since becoming world champion of that puzzle with the numbers that's near the crossword in the paper (except in the NYTimes (except online)), I've realized that I am incredibly defensive about how much time I spend solving sudoku. Whenever a reporter asks (assuming my answer must be dozens of hours each week), I always explain, carefully, that I solve lots of different kinds of puzzles, from math and logic puzzles to cryptic crosswords, lateral thinking challenges to pure trivia. That I don't like being known as someone who solves a lot of sudoku may be a response I have to the way sudoku, at least as a commodity publishers have been using to generate profits, has none of the qualities of puzzles I'm proud to either write or solve. That computer generation of the puzzle makes it an essentially zero cost resource for most content-providers has turned it, in its most common form, into the "boxed wine" of puzzles. Bland, generic, mass-produced, not fit for expert consumption. Sure, it might be good for the first few times you get a buzz, but its not a lasting satisfaction.
The symptom of the disconnect between creator and purveyor is maybe best shown in the scanned image below. This came from a Puzzler publication which has now had a couple of framed pictures of sudoku used as advertisements.
Puzzler is a UK company that resells Nikoli puzzles in both the UK and the States. Nikoli, the Japanese innovator of the US puzzle that also renamed it Sudoku, often points out how their hand-made puzzles have unique qualities superior to computer-generated ones. They definitely are one source that hides solving themes in their puzzles, even their sudoku (a recent nikoli.com example is solvable exclusively as singles in 1 to 9 order - ie you look at the digit 1 and can place all 9 instances, then look at 2 and can place all 9 instances, and so on.) However, Puzzler, in trying to remarket the hand-crafted puzzle concept, missed something entirely in this photo. I somehow doubt the photographer or editor understood what can make a puzzle beautiful and worth framing when it seems they barely understand what a sudoku is.
I figured, therefore, that it might be time to collect some of the "close-to-classic" sudoku I've written recently to offer a counterpoint to the thesis that sudoku cannot have developed themes or be an interesting ground for puzzle construction. At the very least, this page will now serve as a great link to point anyone to who wants to see some of the sudoku I've written and understand my view on the possibility of puzzles in general.
The treat at the start of this entry was hand-constructed by me by testing a simple theme. The four offset rings with clear repetition of digits stand out upon first sight. Its not very hard and its symmetry actually strongly compromises its solving if you make use of it, but it certainly is visually impressive.
Computer-assisted puzzle generation itself is not an evil thing. The classic sudoku below (which is fairly hard) started with a theme I wanted to use with the two 1-9, left to right, arithmetic series. I then used some computer-assistance to determine where to place a couple extra givens to reach a valid puzzle. The extra numbers (in the center, and in the two corners) themselves were still chosen from this screening to maintain some extra reflective symmetry and I like the look of this puzzle a lot. It might not stand out as instantly as the first example, but looking at it thoroughly you discover some neat hidden sequences and symmetry. There are clear signs of a human hand at work in this puzzle's construction even if a computer helped in the finishing.
A themed classical puzzle can be as simple as using a relevant shape for the givens (perhaps at the expense of some symmetry). I was asked to write a puzzle for the Harvard Crimson's magazine Fifteen Minutes recently. I used their acronym, FM, and their implied favorite number, 15, as the theme to put together the following puzzle, again just by hand, but it took some time to resolve the bottom of the M to make a unique solution. A computer could have made the process faster, but I was not near one at the time. However, whether computer-assisted or not, the resulting puzzle presents a theme that you will rarely see in the "Jackson Pollock"-like scattering of digits of a truly randomly generated puzzle.
To further develop themes, one sometimes has to change the classic sudoku formula. One simple variation to use that's basically still a classic sudoku is from Conceptis Puzzles, which has "Even" and "Odd" sudoku where a couple cells are shaded, meaning that they can only contain even/odd numbers. I've never understood Conceptis's implementation, as they might shade as many as 4 cells (asymmetrically!), but fill one or two of them in with givens, so that they basically give you a classic sudoku that is non-unique without some shaded "even/odd" squares, but unique with them. It sometimes seems to me more a patchwork for a broken classic than a puzzle on its own right. (On other occasions, the layout of shaded cells is well-done and critical for the logical solution of the puzzle, but this is rarer than it should be.)
As often happens when a puzzle idea seems useless to me, I make counterexamples that satisfy me. In this case I generated a type I call "What An Odd Sudoku!" with two examples. In this variation, the shaded cells must form a graphical theme, and as the title somewhat implies, there is a restriction that only odd digits can go in the greyed cells. One of the examples has the theme of basic arithmetic (1+1=2), the other a theme I've visited before in sudoku form of Tic-Tac-Toe. Both are rich puzzles and the shading, while useful in an artistic sense, is also important in the logical sense while solving here as well. Both were carefully hand-set and I'm particularly proud of the nice work-ins I hid in the "basic arithmetic" one.
There are also rare themes that are impossible to imagine a computer generating on its own. The first puzzle I ever wrote, a geometric sudoku based upon US state shapes, is the clearest example I have in this category. It is very heavily constrained (I needed shapes that fit together, plus states with 9 overlapping letters in their postal abbreviations, plus a valid solution that needed only 18 givens in the appropriate places), but also a visual treat. Here I repost it, for the sake of this entry, as it is a great example of how a theme can be used in a puzzle to generate a piece of "art". As a geometric/jigsaw variant, the "3x3 boxes" are now different shapes except for Wyoming which was always pretty box-like. New York has a special Long Island cell that is separate from the rest of the state which explains its special shading - that and its my home state. The puzzle also uses letters instead of numbers, which might make it harder for some, but it is still fundamentally a sudoku puzzle.
I don't know that these examples will ever change the business model people use to sell the puzzle. I doubt I'll be approached to put together a book on "The Art of Sudoku" nor would I necessarily want to as it takes time to set beautiful classic puzzles and I'd rather develop other puzzle ideas with my limited time. But I do hope, when I point people to this article, and to these puzzles, that people can sense what I mean by the "art" of a puzzle and can understand how puzzle creators (and not computer programs) will always be a vital part of constructing great puzzles. Sudoku may not seem to be the rich thematic ground that a crossword can be, but I contend any puzzle can be constructed in interesting ways if done by a careful and talented hand.


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M&S Collection
Supima® Cotton & Lace High Leg KnickersT61/7480
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- Model Height: 5ft 10"/177cm
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- Added stretch, Centre bow feature
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- 46% polyamide, 43% cotton and 11% elastane,Gusset (of underwear) - 100% cotton,(exclusive of trimmings)
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You may return unused products within 35 days of purchase with a valid parcel summary document. Your items don't need to be in the original box or bag as long as they're securely packaged.
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Simply use our returns portal to print a returns label and returns note. You will then be able to return all or part of your order at your own cost through your preferred carrier. To create a returns label, visit our returns portal select this option and follow the instructions.
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* 20% off promotion applies at checkout: 20% off full price clothing, shoes and homeware. Offer commences 18/03/2019 at 12:00 am UK time and ends 25/03/2019 at 23:59 UK time at www.marksandspencer.com/* only. Promotion applies at checkout. Please check relevant delivery terms and conditions online. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other promotion, offer or discount code. Sale items are excluded. Offer does not apply to delivery charges. Any refunds will take into account the discount. M&S reserves the right to reject this offer with reasonable cause


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November 2, 2015
Natural Help for Separation Anxiety
Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)
Dog Training Philosophy
Dee Broton
- I train dogs using positive reinforcement training to modify unwanted behaviors. I step outside the traditional training box and use therapeutic-grade essential oils to assist in my behavior modification regime when it comes to dogs plagued with fear and anxiety as well as aggression. My philosophy is to heal the dog's mind, body and spirit, not just to rid the dog of unacceptable behaviors. I specialize in shelter dog rehab, reactive rover, and fearful fidos.


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How can mediation be strengthened by better understanding of how conflicts over natural resources drive or reinforce? Which policy instruments can efficiently support transparency as a way to address corruption and restoring public trust in post-conflict situations? The Permanent Missions of Finland and Belgium organised a panel discussion to examine these questions. 70 ambassadors, international experts and researchers met to discuss topical lessons from more than 60 countries in managing natural resources to support peacebuilding and conflict management.
In his opening statement, Ambassador Jarmo Viinanen of Finland noted that "linkages among natural resources, environment, and security are prominent features of Finnish foreign policy and we are proud to actively promote the use of mediation in conflict prevention and resolution." The meeting marked the formal launch of a series of six flagship books on the topic developed by the Environmental Law Institute, the United Nations Environment Programme, the University of Tokyo, and McGill University. The major output of a four-year research program, they include over 150 case studies and other analyses from more than 60 conflict-affected countries and territories.
Experience in managing land, minerals, water, and other resources after conflict highlights the importance of natural resources to peacebuilding as well as a range of innovative approaches. "Natural resources cut across the peacebuilding priorities identified by Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon," observed Carl Bruch of the Environmental Law Institute, "and we have learned much about approaches for managing natural resources to support peacebuilding." There are no simple solutions, though. Professor Jeffrey D. Sachs of Columbia University noted that "Mastering complexity is at the core of peacebuilding, and we must avoid oversimplifying both the issues and our responses."
Many of the emerging tools for managing natural resources in post-conflict countries emphasize transparency. These include, for example, the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, environmental impact assessment, and making concession contracts and wealth sharing provisions publicly available. Sierra Leone and other countries have made progress in promoting transparency in the governance of natural resources. Where countries have made progress, it is usually due to political will and leadership. For example, Haddijatou Jallow, the head of the Environment Protection Agency–Sierra Leone, reported that "political commitment at the highest level of government to transparency and good governance of natural resources was essential to the progress made by Sierra Leone."
The experts and ambassadors highlighted the importance of strengthening mediation initiatives by better understanding of how conflicts over natural resources drive, reinforce, or compound political, security, or socio-economic tensions and stress factors. Establishing local level dispute resolution capacity and effective mechanisms for resolving grievances over natural resource access and ownership were also identified as key needs. Noting that "local conflicts over natural resources can easily escalate into larger conflicts," Judy Cheng Hopkins, the UN Assistant Secretary-General for Peacebuilding Support, "consistent international action to effectively mediate disputes over natural resources can ensure that the benefits of resource extraction are shared more equitably." In many cases, however, she noted that there are difficulties in national leaders and international organizations in connecting with civil society and gaining their trust.
There was much interest in translating the learning from the books into action. Ambassador Jan Grauls of Belgium highlighted a proposal by Belgium, Gabon, and a Group of Friends on Natural Resources - including Finland - for a draft resolution on natural resource governance and transparency in the next session of the General Assembly. He also stressed the importance of the fact that hitherto autonomous topics such as mediation, peacebuilding, and transparency are now converging into a nexus of related and mutually reinforcing elements.
The event was organised by the Permanent Missions of Finland and Belgium to the United Nations in partnership with the Environmental Law Institute, the United Nations Environment Programme, the University of Tokyo and McGill University. The panel consisted of Jeffrey D. Sachs, Director, the Earth Institute and Special Advisor to the Secretary-General; Judy Cheng Hopkins, ASG for Peacebuilding Support; Haddijatou Jallow, Executive Chair, Environmental Protection Agency – Sierra Leone (EPA-SL); Carl Bruch, Senior Attorney, Environmental Law Institute (ELI); Ambassador Jarmo Viinanen, Permanent Representative of Finland and Ambassador Jan Grauls, Permanent Representative of Belgium. The panel was moderated by David Jensen, Head of Programme, Environmental Cooperation for Peacebuilding, UNEP. The event was held at the Permanent Mission of Finland to the United Nations on 24 April 2012.
More information on the project is available at www.environmentalpeacebuilding.org.
Updated 4/27/2012


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Whole IgG antibodies are isolated as intact molecules from antisera by immunoaffinity chromatography. They have an Fc portion and two antigen binding Fab portions joined together by disulfide bonds and therefore they are divalent. The average molecular weight is reported to be about 160 kDa. The whole IgG form of antibodies is suitable for the majority of immunodetection procedures and is the most cost effective.
Store freeze-dried powder at 2-8°C. When ready to use, rehydrate with indicated volume of d. water and centrifuge if not clear. Product is stable for about 6 weeks at 2-8°C as an undiluted liquid. Prepare working dilution fresh each day. For extended storage after rehydration, add an equal volume of glycerol (ACS grade or better) for a final concentration of 50%, and store at -20°C as a liquid. Note: after the addition of glycerol, the concentration of protein and buffer salts is one-half of the original. Alternatively, aliquot and freeze the product at -70°C or below in the absence of glycerol. Avoid repeated freezing and thawing.
Expiration date: one year from date of rehydration. However, the expiration date may be extended if the product is stored according to the recommendation and the test results are acceptable for its intended use.
1:500 - 1:5,000 for immunohisto/cytochemistry
1:5,000 - 1:100,000 for ELISA and Western blotting with chromogenic substrates
1:10,000 - 1:200,000 for Western blotting with ECL substrates
Dilution factors are presented in the form of a range because the optimal dilution is a function of many factors, such as antigen density, permeability, etc. The actual dilution used must be determined empirically.
Horseradish peroxidase (HRP) conjugates are prepared by a modified Nakane and Kawaoi procedure (J. Histochem. Cytochem. 1974. 22, 1084). Peroxidase conjugates are commonly used for immunohistochemistry, Western blotting, and ELISA. Affinity-purified anti-horseradish peroxidase and conjugates are available for detection of horseradish peroxidase antigen or for signal amplification of HRP-containing reagents. For immunostaining of mammalian cells, an advantage of using anti-horseradish peroxidase is reduced background, since the antibody does not recognize the endogenous peroxidase-like enzymes found in those cells.
This product is for IN VITRO RESEARCH USE ONLY. It is not a medical device and it is not intended for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes.


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A thick gel which will remain in contact around the stem, sealing the cut tissue and supplying hormones needed to promote root cell development and vitamins to promote new root tissue. Clonex® has a full spectrum of primary nutrients and trace elements to nourish the young roots plus anti-microbial agents to protect against fungal contamination.


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'Digi Youth take the stage
Students from remote Indigenous communities in Queensland are sharing their stories of life in the big city on stage.
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Students from schools across Brisbane have workshopped, written and produced an all Indigenous play exploring the issues, challenges and cultural differences that young Indigenous students face when boarding in Brisbane.
The brains and creative brawn behind the production, Digi Youth Theatre's Director Alethea Beetson, says the newly set up not-for-profit organisation 'Digi Youth Arts' is about empowering Indigenous young people through creative exploration and story-telling.
As a school teacher, Ms Beetson says she watches the young Indigenous kids struggle with some of the same issues when they come from remote areas to undertake their schooling in a big city.
"The story was scripted from workshops we had with 20 Indigenous youth living in Brisbane from community, it was created into a script and now it's being performed by many of those kids.
"There are some funny stories, some sad stories and hopefully some stories that are going to help educate the wider community about what the kids go through."
She says the play Glad Tomorrow focuses on three main themes, represented by three main characters.
"Ned, [who is] in grade 8 represents the home sickness they all inevitably feel; Jonty is a character in grade 11 represents the cultural yearning and being dislocated from culture; and then we have Emily who is more optimistic, but she shows the expectation on youth to use this education to go back and fix their communities."
Most of the students involved in the Digi Youth Theatre's first production moved to Brisbane from remote communities in Queensland including Charleville, Thursday Island, Palm Island, Aurukun, Mornington Island and Townsville.
Ms Beetson says a team of dedicated people are behind the production, and the newly established organisation Digi Youth Arts, to engage young Indigenous people to tell their stories, and challenge issues they face.
"Next we're looking at partnering with the Institue of Urban Indigenous Health to do a play with the youth forum in Logan tackling issues around risk taking," Ms Beetson says.
The boarding experience
16 year-old student and actor Taneale Lawton left her community in Charleville to chase opportunities in Brisbane four years ago.
"I always thought it would be a good opportunity to make new friends and to see if my dreams would come true," she says.
"It's very difficult to leave your family behind, but eventually you know it will lead somewhere good."
Taneale says, like all of the students involved, she relates to her character 'Emily' a lot.
"Being Indigenous is a double take of that [boarding] experience. [This play] gives a really good insight into how boarders live, especially being Indigenous."
Taneale says her family is making the trip to Brisbane to watch as she takes the stage.
"They're very excited; I'm a bit nervous, but they're 100 per cent behind me.
"My brother was also a boarder at Ipswich Grammar, so they've got the boys perspective [too]," Taneale says.
14 year-old Lonnie says it's hard to understand what young Indigenous kids face when they leave their community for school.
She has spent "most of her life" living in Brisbane aftermoving away from her family and community base in Cairns when she was in primary school.
"It's important to understand what Indigenous boarders have to do, and how hard it is to leave our communities in north Queensland or anywhere in Australia."
Her family will make the trip from Cairns to see Lonnie on stage for the first time.
While many of the students involved have been in Brisbane for more than a year, 14 year-old Sidney, says the experience is still very new.
"I'm from Townsville, this is my first time living in Brisbane - it's been two school terms...I haven't been homesick yet!"
Glad Tomorrow is playing for three nights only at Brisbane Powerhouse: June 13, 14 and 15.
Students involved in the production study at Brisbane Boys' College, St Margaret's Anglican Girls' School, Clayfield College and Aboriginal Centre for Performing Arts.
Listen to the students chat about their characters during a sneek peak rehearsal of the production Glad Tomorrow by clicking on the audio to the right.
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When they took a train trip along the West Coast a few years ago, Stephanie Mantello and her husband got off at Portland on a mission.
It was for coffee.
"We sprinted off the train with only a 45-minute stop to get a coffee at Stumptown," says the Sydney-based travel blogger. "It was well worth the potential of missing the train."
Like many travelers, Mantello loves to try local java in a new place. And no surprise, Portland, OR—home of famed roaster Stumptown—was yet again in the running this year for the top city for coffee among Travel + Leisure readers. In the America's Favorite Places survey, readers voted on the most magnetic features of major metro areas, from the quality of local coffee to the live-music scene.
Among the top-rated coffee cities, it's easy to explore the growing trend toward highly customized—and often very creative—cups of joe. In Nashville, you can take short classes to discern the differences between a cup made by a pour-over or AeroPress. In Providence, you can learn to appreciate the finer points of coffee milk, Rhode Island's official state drink. And in Atlanta, one of the most popular iced coffees blends espresso with another traditional local drink—Coca-Cola.
Such nuances in the coffee experience means that coffee lovers can savor their Slayer-brewed espresso the way wine lovers might sniff and swirl a Cabernet. Jeremy Applebaum, a real estate broker from Overland, KS, admits to being a purist when he samples coffee. "I find that if a black coffee is stellar—sans milk or sugar—then it's truly a great place for coffee." And, he adds, "you know it's a great cup of coffee when you think about it all day."
Find out where to get your fix in the best coffee cities across the country—and make your opinions heard by voting in the America's Favorite Places survey.


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Hostel Veronique
Hostel Veronique is an attractive apartment offering a range of private rooms plus luggage storage, internet access and bicycle hire. Linen is included. We are centrally located between Piazza del Duomo and Piazza della Signoria, and are within 5 minutes from the Santa Maria Novella Station, the Uffizi Gallery, the Duomo and the Museo dell'Academia. A bar and an internet café can be found next door.
Check-in: 11:00-17:00
Please inform us by telephone or email of any changes to your arrival time. Cancellations must be received at least 72 hours in advance, or a charge of one night's accommodation will apply.
Payment must be made in CASH only.
Availability & RatesTo view availability and prices please select dates and click 'Update Dates'
Hostel Facilities & Policies
- 24 Hour Security
- Adaptors
- Bicycle hire
- Bicycle parking
- Breakfast Not Included
- Cable TV
- Card Phones
- Elevator
- Telephone/Fax Facilities
- Free City Maps
- Free Internet Access
- Free WiFi
- Hair Dryers
- Hair Dryers For Hire
- Hot Showers
- Internet Access
- Late check-out
- Linen Included
- Luggage Storage
- No Curfew
- Non Smoking
- Postal Service
- Reading Light
- Reception (limited hours)
- Taxes not included
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Cancellation PolicyThis property has a 3 day cancellation policy. Failure to cancel within this time will result in a cancellation charge equal to the first night of your stay.
DirectionsShow MapHide Map
From the santa maria novella central train station take via panzani-cerretani that will lead you straight to the duomo. At the duomo take via roma pass the repubblica squear and then turn right into via porta rossa we are athe number 6 remeber in florence there are black-blue and red number you just fallow the ones in black-blue
Payment is only in cash total price upon
Arrival !!!! Tourist tax it is not included
Our cancellation policy is 72 hours for each night you reserved (for example, if you are reserved for the 20th of the month we require notification of cancellation or changes by the end of the 16th of the month). If you don't cancel by this range of time we charge the credit card.
Remember that for those who are a non-European Union citizen we accept only original passports in order to make the check-in.
Located Near
Near ,the Old Bridge,Uffizzi Gallery,Duomo,Piazza Republica,Famouse Via Tornabuoni with the most famouse boutiques.


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(CNN) -- Anita Davenport's curiosity about her family's past began with the photographs that surrounded her. She said she wanted to know the stories behind the images of her parents and uncles.
Anita Davenport's grandfather, Walter, was stationed in Battle Creek, Michigan, during World War I.
The stories she found -- and shared during several phone conversations from her home in Culver City, California -- parallel the African-American journey during the past century.
The search took her to 1894, when her grandfather, Walter, was born in Stone Mountain, Georgia.
Walter Davenport moved to Wedowee, Alabama. During World War I, Davenport was stationed at Fort Custer in Battle Creek, Michigan, Anita said.
Thousands of other African-Americans were also on the move, mainly to the Northeast and the Midwest, eager for opportunities related to the war and industrialization, according to Howard Dodson, a historian and the director of the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture.
Walter Davenport later returned to Alabama, married and had nine children, one of whom was Anita's father, Frank.
Walter was fond of Battle Creek and regaled his family with stories, Anita said. The stories must have been convincing. The eldest of his nine children, also named Walter, moved north to Battle Creek in 1951.
Frank Davenport, Anita's father, later joined his older brother in Michigan. Anita was born in Battle Creek.
Between 1940 and 1970, more than 5 million African-Americans left the South, migrating to cities like Boston, Massachusetts; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Chicago, Illinois; Detroit, Michigan, and New York.
"You have this incredible movement of black people across the width and breadth of this land and [they] establish themselves as a national presence, rather than a regional one [based] in the South," Dodson said. Interactive: Explore the African-American journey
That movement of African-Americans -- called "the Great Migration" -- had a clear and direct impact on the country.
"It made race a national issue," said Nicholas Lemann, author of "The Promised Land: The Great Black Migration and How It Changed America."
"You could say it was always a national issue and have a very powerful case ... but it was possible to say, 'It's a Southern issue,'" he said. "After the Great Migration, it was no longer possible."
African-American culture was interacting with other cultures across the whole of American society, Lemann said, "affecting everything from government policy and music to sports and everything in between."
The return South
Civil rights legislation passed during the 1960s helped set the stage for the next era of African-American migration: A return to the South.
Around 1970, many African-Americans began moving back to the South, historians and demographers say. The trend accelerated during the 1990s and this decade, according to William Frey, a demographer at the Brookings Institution, a Washington-based think-tank.
From 1965 through 1970, the South experienced a net migration loss -- the number of people who moved into the region compared to the number of people who moved out -- of more than 287,000 African-Americans.
Thirty years later, the numbers were nearly the opposite. From 1995 through 2000, the South saw a gain of nearly 350,000 African-Americans. iReport.com: Share your family's story
The statistics come from an analysis of census data conducted by Frey in 2004.
The numbers of African-Americans returning to the South are not as large as those seen during the Great Migration, but the trend has resonance because of the place the region occupies in black history and mythology.
The ascendance of the South's economy was a key factor behind the return migration, Frey said. "I think there's a push and a pull involved with the movement," he said.
"A lot of it had to do with the decline of heavy industry, which employed a lot of blacks and blue-collar whites, in a whole set of Rust Belt states," he said. Meanwhile, states like Georgia, Florida, Texas, and increasingly the Carolinas, Virginia and Tennessee were booming, Frey said.
Civil rights legislation and a more educated society made the South more tolerant and hospitable. The booming economy provided jobs and opportunity. But there is also an emotional element for many African-Americans when it comes to the region.
"I think a big part, aside from the economy, is the kind of historic roots that blacks have had there," Frey said.
"There is something culturally attractive about the South to the African-American population even though they spent many decades surviving brutal treatment during the Jim Crow period and a lot of the racial discrimination that occurred."
Dodson, the historian, said many people, especially retirees, made decisions to return out of a desire to connect with ancestral homes, churches and communities.
Anita's parents still live in Battle Creek, though they spend the winters in the South.
Her uncle, Walter Davenport, moved to Stone Mountain, the place of his father's birth, in 1998.
When asked for the reasons behind her uncle's move, Anita said it was a love of the land, the slower pace and something almost "mysterious."
"They wanted to get out of the South, but it still calls them," she said of her family's journey during the past few decades. There's "something about the land and it just calls them back like a song."
CNN's Christina Zdanowicz contributed to this report.
All About African-American Issues


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Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare Vid Shows Future Tech & Exoskeleton
It's clear from the title that Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare is all about high-tech weapons. While previous trailers for the game have given us a glimpse of the futuristic ordinance to which we'll have access, today's Future Tech & Exoskeleton trailer gives some solid details about the game's advanced weaponry.
Glen Schofield, GM and co-founder of Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare developer, Sledgehammer Games, described several of the game's high-tech toys, including the Mobile Barricade, a shield that syncs with soldiers, swinging around to defend them and opening up to allow them to shoot through it, and Threat Detection Grenades, which reveal the position of unseen enemy forces. Directed Energy Weapons will be a new weapon class in Advanced Warfare, and Schofield describes them as "powerful and fun." Hoverbikes and Hovertanks will also appear, traversing land and water with ease and speed.
Perhaps the most important piece of near-future tech in Advanced Warfare is the Exoskeleton. Soldiers will don powerful mechanical body frames that allow them to jump higher and run faster than any unaided human ever could. The Exoskelton also increase the user's strength, allowing them to hurl enemies and rip car doors off to use as shields. It will also feature special Exo-abilities, like the speed-boosting Overdrive and wall-climbing, which is shown in the video, but not mentioned by Schofield.
The video closes out with a pre-order deal that offers early adopters an exclusive Advanced Arsenal. No details were given, but a gold-colored Exoskeleton and pistol are shown. Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare is scheduled for a Nov. 4 release on Xbox 360, Xbox One, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4 and PC.


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by Tom Utescher
Good things – or should we say "gold" things -came in threes for area sculling programs last weekend, when two boats from Penn Charter and one from Springside Chestnut Hill Academy captured gold medals at the Scholastic Rowing Association of America (SRAA) national championships on Camden's Cooper River.
SCH senior Jen Sager, who made the switch from a highly-successful senior quad in 2011 to a senior single this spring, added to her 2012 medal collection by winning the gold at SRAA's by more than five seconds.
Kevin Kelly (stroke) and Spencer Grant (bow) won for the PC Quakers in the boys' junior double, and in the same category for the girls the victors were fellow 11th-graders Heidi Zisselman (stroke) and Maria Georgiou (bow). Penn Charter's modern-day rowing program was started only one year before these four juniors entered high school, and the Quakers had never even qualified a boat to race in the SRAA's until this season.
The lone entry for the SCH boys was senior Carl Delacato, competing in the senior single. As the regatta got underway on Friday he placed second in one of three heats, earning inclusion in the group of one dozen solo scullers (four from each heat) who advanced into the two semifinal races held at the start of competition on Saturday.
On Friday, Germantown Friends School junior Andrew Bair was in the same category – and in fact the same race – as the Blue Devils 12th grader. Bair also qualified, placing third in heat number two, and the following morning the two athletes found themselves on the course together once more.
Here, only the top three finishers in each race would continue on to the final round, and both missed the cut. Bair was fourth in five minutes, 40.26 seconds, three seconds out of third, while Delacato came in fifth in 5:47.85.
Because he's still an 11th-grader, Bair participated in the junior single category that was offered in most regattas earlier in the spring. He won all of these events, ending up with a gold medal at the Philadelphia City Championships on May 6. Starting with the prestigious Stotesbury Cup Regatta two weekends later, he stepped up to the senior single, passing the initial qualifier there and then winding up sixth in his semifinal.
"I didn't have an especially good race, but I thought it was a good learning experience," he explained.
One lesson he absorbed was that, "increasing my stroke-rate (strokes per minute) is important. I'm a pretty big guy (6'4"), so it can be hard to get that rating up. I also need to get stronger, obviously. A lot of these guys have faster 2k's (ergometer scores) than me, so I have to get that down, which is the plan over the summer."
Just before the male solo acts, SCH's Sager was on the river at 8:00 AM on Saturday for her semifinal. She had been 11 seconds faster than any of her rivals in the Friday heats.
After winning the City Championships at the beginning of May, Sager took home the silver medal from Stotesbury, where she lost by two seconds to Eliza Frank from Buffalo. She was looking forward to a rematch with the New Yorker, who was initially listed among the SRAA entries but then dropped out a few days before the regatta began.
Sager won her semifinal at Scholastic Nationals to reach the medal race, but her winning time here was only sixth-tenths of a second faster than the figure put up in another race by Alison Whitty of Ridley College in St. Catherine's Ontario. Whitty had raced at Stotesbury, where she was knocked out in a fast semifinal.
At the SRAA finals in the middle of the humid afternoon on Saturday, Sager won in 6:13.710, while Whitty became the silver medalist in 6:18.962. Mary Hamilton, a home-schooled rower from northern New Jersey, collected the bronze medal in 6:23.937.
Out of the competitors from CHASS and Penn Charter, the singles rowers had the toughest path to the finals, having to race twice to get to the medal round. Because of the small number of total entries, the semifinal stage was completely eliminated for the two doubles and a girls' junior quad from Penn Charter, and for a girls' senior quad from SCH.
Another boat raced by the girls from Springside Chestnut Hill, a lightweight quad, had no preliminary races at all, going straight into a Saturday afternoon final along with the other four light quad crews that attended the SRAA's.
This group of Lions (stroke to bow: Mozelle Rosenthal, Chelsea Richardson, Anna Rose Bedrosian, Mia Gold) bagged a bronze medal in 5:49.075, placing behind fellow medalists Conestoga High School (5:34.940) and Haddon Township (5:38.534) and ahead of Saratoga (N.Y.) High School (5:58.654) and Baldwin (6:15.915).
The SCH varsity quad (Alana Noble, Katie Blake, Emily Eisler, Anna Valciukas) came in third in its opening heat race on Friday, earning a spot in the finals the next day. There, all the boats wound up at least a few seconds apart, with Conestoga (5:24.172) beating Episcopal (5:28.476) for the gold medal, while SCH placed sixth (5:45.479).
PC's junior quad (Katie O'Malley, Celina McCall, Julia Mammone, Tara Malone) has just missed the cut-off for the finals at Stotesbury, but at SRAA's they got in with a third-place row in their heat on Friday.
Conestoga put up the faster time of the two heat winners, but the gold medalist from Stotesbury, New Jersey's Haddon Township High School, came through again to win the SRAA finals last weekend. Their time was 5:33.296 to Conestoga's 5:38.143, and Penn Charter crossed the line sixth in 5:50.954, about a second-and-a-half behind number five Maclay School of Tallahassee, Fla.
Clearly, PC's best chance to medal was with its two junior doubles. Back at the time of the program's humble beginnings in 2009, it would've been difficult for the Quakers to imagine themselves in this position.
"It's been a struggle and there have been plenty of growing pains," noted head coach Hanne Gradinger Duncan. "Back then the coaches were educating not only the students, but also the school administration, which knew nothing about rowing.
"At one point," she related, "they asked me if we really needed a [motor] launch. I said yes, I have to be out there with them and I can't swim alongside the boats. A football or basketball coach wouldn't be expected to coach his team from a couple hundred yards away. But the rewarding thing was that it wasn't long before I saw that my passion for the sport was carrying over to the kids."
A faculty member in the middle school art department at PC, she remembers teaching Georgiou, Grant, Kelly, and Zisselman when they were eighth-graders and Charter's crew program was just getting underway.
"They all were sort of searching for their sport for upper school," she recalled. "When they came out the next year, you could see the potential. Now all four of them are serious about rowing in college and they already have some colleges looking at them."
[Interestingly, Kelly lives close to Germantown Friends' Bair, but the two didn't meet until they went on a college visit to Harvard at the same time.]
Competing in the junior category last year as sophomores, the four Quakers were routinely racing against older rivals, but this spring they were ready to make their mark.
"Both boats have been in the top three of every race all season long," Duncan said. "They're not as big as many of the kids they go up against, but they've got a lot of heart. Because they're classmates, they have a kind of friendly battle with each other. They get off the water and it's 'we did this, how did you do.' "
The boys won the City Championships and were second at Stotesbury, while the girls were silver medalists at both regattas. The Stotesbury gold medalists in their respective categories were Canadian crews that weren't entered in the SRAA's, but the two PC duos knew there would be some serious sparring with New Jersey's Ridgewood High School, whose girls were first and whose boys were second at "Cities."
In the SRAA heat races each Charter tandem won its section. The girls had the fastest overall time ahead of Poughkeepsie High School, while the PC boys found that the Ballston Spa's winning time in the second heat was nine seconds faster than their own in the first race. These two New York boats had each placed fourth at Stotesbury.
For the finals, Duncan revealed, "Basically what we told them is that whoever wants it most will win. The girls went right out ahead, but the boys were way back at the first 500 and they walked through all five boats to take it right at the end. They like to come from behind, which can be a bit nerve-wracking for the rest of us."
The Charter boys indeed provided a hair-raising experience for their fans, edging Ballston for the gold, 5:06.164 to 5:07.010. The battle for the bronze was much closer still, with Ridgewood (5:09.996) claiming the last medal over fourth-place Conestoga (5:10.101). Roman Catholic was fifth in 5:16.833, ahead of New York's Friends Academy (5:19.863).
Well before the finish, the girls' final had evolved into a two-boat race for the gold, which was won by Georgiou and Zisselman (5:44.725) over the duo from Ridgewood (5:46.460). Poughkeepsie crossed in 5:55.117 to collect the bronze medal, and was followed by well-matched Hillsborough High (Tampa, Fla.) and Conestoga (timed in 6:07.371 and 6:07.656, respectively), and by Rye (N.Y.) High School (6:34.077).
Penn Charter mentor Duncan, who grew up in Kansas and rowed for the University of Colorado crew, is leaving the school to head all the way out west with her husband, who has accepted a job in Portland, Ore.
"It's a little bittersweet to leave a program that I started, but I'm going out on the perfect note," she reflected. "Penn Charter crew has really come of age, and the new coach will be able to hit the ground running."