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Royal Canin Maxi Breed Boxer (26) Formula (Archived)
Date of last review
Mon November 21, 2005
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Chicken meal, rice, brown rice, chicken fat (naturally preserved with mixed tocopherols, rosemary extract and citric acid), wheat gluten, corn, chicken, natural chicken flavor, dried egg powder, dried beet pulp, sodium silico aluminate, salmon oil, cellulose, pea fiber, soya oil, potassium chloride, calcium carbonate, potassium citrate, sodium tripolyphosphate, choline chloride, brewers yeast extract (Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation solubles), taurine*, L-carnitine, Vitamins [dl-alpha tocopherol (source of vitamin E), inositol, niacin, L-ascorbyl-2-polyphosphate (source of vitamin C*), d-calcium pantothenate, biotin, pyridoxine hydrochloride (vitamin B6), riboflavin (vitamin B2), thiamine mononitrate (vitamin B1), vitamin A acetate, folic acid, vitamin B12 supplement, vitamin D3 supplement], Trace Minerals [zinc proteinate, zinc oxide, ferrous sulfate, manganese proteinate, copper proteinate, copper sulfate, manganous oxide, sodium selenite, calcium iodate], glucosamine hydrochloride, chondroitin sulfate, green tea extract, L-tyrosine, marigold extract.
Guaranteed Analysis:
Crude Protein Minimum 26%
Crude Fat Minimum 20%
Moisture Maximum 11%
Crude Fiber Maximum 4.9%
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Registered: October 2005
Posts: 3953
Review Date:
Mon November 21, 2005
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First ingredient is a named meat product.
Insufficient meat product, fat high on the ingredient list is a bloat risk factor for large breed dogs, use of low quality grains and controversial fillers. Many common allergens in this food.
The first ingredient in this food is a named meat product. There is a further meat product at 7th on the ingredient list. However, it is chicken inclusive of its water content (about 80%) and once that is removed it is likely that this ingredient would be more accurately placed somewhat further down the ingredient list (ingredients are listed in order of weight).
Rice is the primary grain in the food. Occurring at 2nd and 3rd on the ingredient list, it is likely that this product in fact is the primary ingredient in the food.
It is a concern to see chicken fat as the fourth ingredient. Research at Purdue University has identified a fat in the top four ingredients of a dry dog food as a factor that increases the risk of bloat in large breed dogs. Smaller breeds are untested.
The use of wheat is a significant negative however: wheat is believed to be the number one cause of allergy problems in dog food. Wheat gluten is a waste product that we consider to be filler. It is likely to be similar to corn gluten for which the AAFCO definition is the dried residue from corn after the removal of the larger part of the starch and germ, and the separation of the bran by the process employed in the wet milling manufacture of corn starch or syrup, or by enzymatic treatment of the endosperm. In plain English, that which remains after all the nutritious bits have been removed.
Corn is another problematic grain. Corn is difficult for dogs to digest and thought to be the cause of a great many allergy and yeast infection problems.
We would prefer to see the use of whole eggs rather than dried egg powder in the food.
Beet pulp is another filler and a controversial ingredient it is a by-product, being dried residue from sugar beets which has been cleaned and extracted in the process of manufacturing sugar. It is a controversial ingredient in dog food, claimed by some manufacturers to be a good source of fibre, and derided by others as an ingredient added to slow down the transition of rancid animal fats and causing stress to kidney and liver in the process. We note that beet pulp is an ingredient that commonly causes problems for dogs, including allergies and ear infections, and prefer not to see it used in dog food especially so high on the ingredient list. There are less controversial products around if additional fibre is required.
Cellulose is filler. It is purified, mechanically disintegrated cellulose prepared by processing alpha cellulose obtained as a pulp from fibrous plant materials: otherwise known as sawdust.
We note the use of soya oil in the food. Soy is a poor quality source of protein in dog food, and a common cause of allergy problems. Some believe that it is the number 1 cause of food allergies in dogs (outstripping even wheat).
Note that this food uses citric acid as a preservative and should not be premoistened prior to feeding (a bloat risk factor in large breed dogs).
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Wannabe Hacks In The News
Wannabe Hacks is already beginning to achieve what we set out to do: generate conversation and debate about journalism and ways of getting into the industry.
People are heading to the site, many are commenting on our blogs and there has also been healthy discussion amongst our rapidly expanding Twitter following.
We hope that this engagement continues and that Wannabe Hacks becomes a valuable resource for those who – like us – are wannabe hacks. Here are some of the great (and cautionary!) words of our friends and allies.
[This section is continually updated]
Fleet Street Blues – READ HERE
"Well, that was quick. The excellent Wannabe Hacks blog is but two and a half months old, but when it comes to brand building, self-promotion and all the other things advised by the bloggers-turned-journalists at the City University seminar on Tuesday, they've not just talked the talk, they've walked the walk."
Redbrick Newspaper – READ HERE
"So should us wannabes admit defeat? Give up and go home? Not according to five University of Birmingham and Redbrick alumni. The creators of 'Wannabe Hacks', a journalistic blog detailing the efforts of five recent graduates, are all trying to break into the industry in different ways."
Birmingham Guild of Students – READ HERE
"Alumni from the University's newspaper Redbrick have come together to launch Wannabe Hacks, a collaborative blog tracking each of them in their attempts to launch a career in journalism."
Cherwell Newspaper – READ HERE
"The five young men at the heart of it are the equivalent of laboratory mice, undergoing intense testing in the hope of discovering an answer to a question as unfathomable as a cure for cancer: What is the best way of getting a job in the media?"
Fleet Street Blues – READ HERE
"Wannabe Hacks – fast becoming the essential resource for journalism students and others wanting to break into the industry – has just published its first podcast… The Intern, The Chancer and The Freelancer, all apparently veterans of the University of Birmingham's student paper Redbrick, share their tips on how to get started, tackling FOIs… and the importance of sleep. Well worth a listen below."
The New Statesman – READ HERE
"We are, in effect, guinea pigs in our own experiment. Which path will be most successful? Who will still be jobless this time next year? Questions we cannot answer now, but we can light the way for those that follow. We want to be the recognised resource for students and graduates looking to enter the world of journalism. Advice from the horses mouth so to speak, rather from those already established in the industry."
The Guardian – READ HERE
"Journalism may be stricken but it is far from death's door. And that gives us, as young journalists, the chance to be the catalyst for change.But how are talented wannabe journalists supposed to navigate the minefield of options before becoming a journalist? Such questions were part of our decision to start up a new website, Wannabe Hacks."
The Guardian – READ HERE
"Matthew Caines — another budding journo who writes on media blog Wannabe Hacks about his attempts to carve a writing career through freelancing — describes how he is able to make a living from working for Demand Studios, while continuing to pursue other writing opportunities."
Word Nerds – READ HERE
"How about mentioning us on your blog, one of their subsequent tweets invited their followers.
That's good – a bit of well-placed cheek is a vital ingredient for anyone in hackdom, I reckon.
But that's not really why they're getting a mention here."
Fleet Street Blues – READ HERE
"It's a neat setup – kind of like Reservoir Dogs, only with less shooting and more shorthand. They've been working hard to publicise the blog, and the early posts are certainly promising – the Freelancer explains what it's like to juggle several different assignments in a few short hours, while The Student picks up on some slack fact-checking by the BBC while he was on work experience at a local paper."
Journalism.co.uk – READ HERE
"Alongside working for Sartorial Male and taking on freelance work, [Matthew Caines] is one fifth of the team that run Wannabe Hacks, a blog that advises and helps aspiring journalsts."
Rosie Niven – READ HERE
"I was therefore interested to read about four recent graduates who are going to test drive some of these diverse career paths. Their blog Wannabe Hacks will document their attempts to break into the media industry. Like all good heist movies each character has a distinct role: the freelancer, the student, the detective and the intern."
Sarah Moore TV News – READ HERE
"In this new venture into the blogosphere, I came across a wonderful site by five guys who are all wannabe hacks. Check out https://wannabehacks.wordpress.com. To put it simply, they are five guys who are taking different paths to become journalists. They have a great post on whether it is best to take a postgraduate journalism course or an undergraduate degree."
Andy Dickinson – READ HERE
"Recently I came across an interesting new blog called Wannabe Hacks. (@wannabehacks) It's a group blog from five people all taking a different route in to journalism. It's an interesting idea and one worth watching."

subset: commoncrawl


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6:00 pm
PBS NewsHour NULL
7:00 pm
Nature "Animal Odd Couples" Nature investigates why some animals form special cross-species bonds and explores what these relationships suggest about the nature of animal emotions. Some of the relationships the film documents include: a goat guiding a blind horse; a doe visiting her Great Dane surrogate mother; and a juvenile gibbon choosing to live with a family of capuchins.G
8:00 pm
NOVA "Mystery of Easter Island" Rapa Nui, the bleak speck of rock in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, known as Easter Island, has been a place of mystery since Europeans first arrived in 1722. How did ancient islanders build and move nearly 900 giant statues weighing up to 86 tons each. A NOVA team uses a 15-ton replica statue to test out controversial recent claims on how the statues might have been moved.G
9:00 pm
NOVA scienceNOW "What Are Animals Thinking?" Host David Pogue meets - and competes - with a menagerie of smart critters that challenge preconceived notions about what makes "us" different from "them," expanding our understanding of how animals really think.G
10:00 pm
Hustle Just as the gang is about to close a deal, one of the marks is revealed to be an undercover police officer - creating a spot of bother for the team. To complicate things, MI6 arrives to question Mickey with a proposition for him that involves a security box and the National Bank of Syria.G
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Charlie Rose NULL


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JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (April 4, 2012) – ETSU senior Adam Sollazzo (Tampa, Fla.) has earned his share of honors during the past four seasons as a Buccaneer basketball player, but he was awarded with arguably his most prestigious recognition on Wednesday.
The Division I-AAA Athletics Directors Association released its 22 members of the 10th Annual DI-AAA ADA Scholar-Athlete Teams on Wednesday, and not only was Sollazzo selected to this group, but he received the highest number of votes on the squad. He was subsequently named the nation's men's scholar-athlete of the year.
"I give all the credit to my parents, because they have continually pushed me to excel both on the court and in the classroom," said Sollazzo, who has posted a 3.72 grade point average while studying business marketing at ETSU and will graduate with Magna Cum Laude honors later this spring. "They taught me that hard work pays off, so I would just like to say thank you to them."
Basketball players from all Division I-AAA ADA member institutions are eligible for these prestigious awards. There are a total of 99 schools represented in this group, including programs from conferences such as the Big East, Conference USA, Colonial, Atlantic Sun, Southern, Ohio Valley, and others.
"Adam has been a great representative for our basketball program for the last four years," said ETSU head coach Murry Bartow. "His is truly an outstanding scholar-athlete, and I am pleased he has been part of our ETSU program."
Each of the nominees was required to have a minimum grade point average of 3.20 (on a 4.00 scale) in undergraduate study and have been a starter or important reserve with legitimate athletics credentials. He/she must have reached junior athletics and academic standing at the nominated institution (true freshmen, red-shirt freshmen and ineligible athletics transfers are not eligible) and have completed at least three academic semesters/five quarters at the nominated institution. Nominated student-athletes must have participated in at least 50 percent of the team's games listed on the nomination form.
Sollazzo met all these requirements by leading the ETSU men's basketball team in scoring and assists during the 2011-12 season, posting strong academic accomplishments throughout his four years at ETSU, and consistently being involved in community service efforts and campus life.
"Adam is not only one of the best of the best at ETSU, but he's one of the best of the best in the nation," said ETSU President Dr. Brian Noland. "He is an example of the goals we strive to realize each and every day in the development of our students. He has consistently brought positive recognition to our institution, and we only expect that to continue as Adam progresses in his career and life."
ETSU Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Dave Mullins, a member of the Review Committee of Division I-AAA athletic directors who are charged with selecting the honorees, said it has been a pleasure watching Sollazzo hone his skills both on and off the floor.
"Adam is an example of why we do what we do in ETSU athletics," Mullins said. "We set out with each scholar-athlete in our program to develop their athletic skills, give them the tools to succeed academically, and give them the chance to serve their community and campus. Adam continuously took advantage of each of those three opportunities as a part of this program and it has served him well."
About Division I-AAA ADA: Now in its 11th year, the Division I-AAA Athletics Directors Association's mission is to enhance initiatives common to its Division I-AAA membership (the 99 Division I institutions that do not sponsor football), in particular, aspects related to their flagship basketball programs. For more information on the Division I-AAA ADA, please visit www.div1aaa-ada.com. The Division I-AAA ADA is administered by the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA), which is in its 47th year. For more information on NACDA and the 12 professional associations that fall under its umbrella, please visit www.nacda.com.


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Welcome to Hyperion Records, an independent British classical label devoted to presenting high-quality recordings of music of all styles and from all periods from the twelfth century to the twenty-first.
Hyperion offers both CDs, and downloads in a number of formats. The site is also available in several languages.
Please use the dropdown buttons to set your preferred options, or use the checkbox to accept the defaults.
from notes by Lewis Foreman © 2001
extrait des notes rédigées par Lewis Foreman © 2001
Français: Isabelle Battioni
aus dem Begleittext von Lewis Foreman © 2001
Deutsch: Anne Steeb/Bernd Müller


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Preckwinkle: Development efforts must be regional
Investing in education and infrastructure is the key to economic growth in Cook County, coupled with a focus on the region and not just Chicago, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle said Tuesday during a business luncheon in Palatine.
The event was attended by about 70 members of the Barrington Area, Hoffman Estates, Palatine Area, Rolling Meadows, Wheeling/Prospect Heights, Des Plaines and Hanover Park chambers of commerce and the Schaumburg Business Association.
Preckwinkle was introduced by Cook County Commissioner Gregg Goslin, who described her as "business, and I mean all business." He said she has helped create a respectful, collegial, productive relationship among board members and that together they are "reinventing" Cook County.
Preckwinkle said in recent years there have been some "good steps forward" in terms of economic development, but there are still plenty of improvements to be made.
"If we're going to be competitive in Cook County we have to figure out how we can use the resources ... and the assets that we have to our advantage," she said, specifically pointing to tax incentive programs that can help attract and retain businesses.
She said the county's tax incentives have created more than 2,200 jobs since she took office in late 2010.
Of the nearly 11 million people living in the Chicago region -- which Preckwinkle said includes southeast Wisconsin and northwest Indiana -- almost half live in Cook County. She said, however, the county needs to focus on the opportunities the entire region offers.
"We're at the core of the region," she said. "Our goal has to be to figure out how we can support economic development and growth in the region as a whole."
For example, she said, the county is determining how it can complement the work that the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce and World Business Chicago are doing, and then take leadership in areas where the two organizations leave a gap.
She added that while she doesn't discourage anyone from pursing higher education, the workforce also needs more people who specialize in businesses that are on the rise in the region.
"We need lots of people who have technical educations," she said. "We need welders, we need people who can do computer-assisted manufacturing and computer-assisted design."
Preckwinkle also touched on the state's pension crisis -- which she believes should be blamed on political leadership and not workers -- and partnerships the county hopes to make with facilities in the suburbs to provide health care to low-income patients.
She also noted accomplishments Cook County has made under her leadership, including the partial sales tax rollback, making the county workforce smaller and more efficient, and getting tax bills mailed out on time -- which she said will likely happen again this year.
Mindy Phillips, director of the Palatine Chamber of Commerce, said Preckwinkle's visit reminds suburban businesses that although they are outside of Chicago they still play a role in Cook County's economic development.
"It's important for them to hear from her," Phillips said, adding that she felt some of Preckwinkle's initiatives are in line with what many suburban businesses are looking for, such as tax relief and a specially trained workforce. "It's good to hear (the county is) working on some of the issues we hear about."
Cheri Sisson, executive director of the Hoffman Estates Chamber of Commerce, said she likes seeing Preckwinkle attend local events because suburban business owners can ask questions pertinent to their needs.
"I think that she's making it so they're more in touch, not so removed like they used to be," Sisson said. "She has more of a hands-on approach and I like that a lot."


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Welcome to Maryland Aquatic Nurseries (MAN).
We have a new phone number as of January 2012 - 410-692-4171.
We grow the plants we sell. This means excellent quality and competitive prices for you.
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Recently, we expanded our offering to include envionmental products and native aquatic plants for earthen and stormwater ponds. This includes on-site and remote consulting services. Don't be afraid to bring your problem inquiries to us. The first inquiry is free.
We hold a U.S. Patent on Floating Island Planters and Floating Wetlands.
We deliver via our own trucks and common carrier, as well as, UPS for smaller packages.
We're proud of our plants, products and pond supplies so we back them to the hilt.
Richard J. Schuck - Maryland Aquatic Nurseries (MAN)
Brian Schuck - Charleston Aquatic Nursery (CAN)
Stuart Schuck - Charleston Aquatic Nursery (CAN)
Fax: 410-692-2837
Email: firstname.lastname@example.com
Visit: 3427 N. Furnace, Jarrettsville, MD 21084


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Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories - PSP
Release Date:October 24, 2005
Viewing USA:Also on UK.
Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories on the PSP is set in Liberty City, last seen in Grand Theft Auto III. You play Toni Cipriani, a hotheaded member of the Leone crime family freshly returned to the city after four years spent lying low for killing a rival gang boss. Having slid down the crime ladder in his absence, Toni must claw his way back into the favour of Don Salvatore Leone by doing jobs for a variety of shady characters all over town, ranging from a seedy strip club owner to his own disapproving mother. The game retains the classic GTA third person perspective and simple control system, so even novices will be hurling themselves out of speeding cars and popping wheelies on motorbikes in no time. Combat is handled by a straightforward lock-on system, and there's a selection of firepower so comprehensive it would make Schwarzenegger blush.
Super Gamer Dude
Sony PSP
I have played a number of Grand Theft Auto games before and for the most part was never really that impressed with them. I have always preferred to play the console version over the handheld version since it all began. Don't get me wrong GTA has always been known to have a great storyline I was for the most part happy with this game. I am not stating that it doesn't have its number of problems, but in this review I shall briefly go through this game.
You simply play as Tony Cipriani who works for Salvator Leone. So now that you have returned the Leone family is going to take on a lot, from every angle. They are a crime family, and guess what you are their right hand man so you will be doing your fare share of crimes and such. YES! It does have a number of previous characters, but you really don't need to know who they are to make the game work for you. There weren't any what I felt noticeable characters, which we have grown to love over the years, such as Steve Scott the porno director, or that crazy hippy from San Andres.
If you just stick to the script and play the missions you will find that you will get about 15 solid hours of gameplay in the game. But, like most gamers you want to check out what else the game has to offer. In fact, the main game will only show a completion of forty percent of the game. There are all new pizza delivery, taxi services, ambulance, and of course my favorite vigilante missions. Along, with that there are one hundred packages to find throughout the city. I also noticed a wide variety of cars and bikes for you to take and run from the police.
For the most part the missions are one track. For instance, you will just steal a car and drive it to a certain point. You can't completely destroy the car either, or you will fail the mission. I also, found a number of missions where you have to take out fellow gang members, as well. Not saying that they are bad by any means, but it doesn't seem like they mix it up enough. You might find yourself falling into the same routine.
It almost looks and feels like you are playing Vice City on PS2 and there are tons of guns to choose from. For instance, when you start out you will face enemies with pistols and knives. As you progress through the game you will found that you will be fighting harder and harder characters with shotgun, and machine guns. There are ton of weapons to choose from but you can only carry one of each kind of weapon at once. You can change your outfits to, or should I say your entire outfit at once; like in SA.
The game does seem to be a bit easier than it was in previous versions. For instance, when you are being chased by cops they are not nearly as aggressive as they have been in the past. I like a challenge! In fact, they almost seem to have their territories where you can kind of predict who is going to be pursuing you. Maybe, it has something to do with the system it is on. Also, you will notice sometimes when you jump out of a car into another one that it will pause for a second or order to load the cars track.
The multiplayer mode is pretty fun. You can play a wide number of ways with friends online. It is kind of fun to play when you get tired of roaming the city and stealing cars and killing gang members. There are a couple ways to play online; death match, capture the flag, and king of the hill.
The music is a little on the crappy side. There are number of boy bands from the 90's. It doesn't really have the same feel as it did with Vice City (80's Music) or SA (rap music.). Maybe you like boy bands though. It does have a way to play your own music, but to be honest with you I haven't figured out how to do it yet. The voice overs are very nice and it does have a great storyline, no doubt.
I think this game is great though. It does have its flaws but you will get a lot of gameplay out of it. Not as good as some of the other previous releases that are on the console game, but beggars can't be choosy. It is a little bit easier than previous games, but I actually feel as if I am playing Vice City on the PS2 again, with a new storylines of course. I would recommend this game to any GTA fans!


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Kipnis, Tribe top M's
Cleveland, OH – Jason Kipnis hit a three-run homer in the bottom of the 10th inning to lift the Cleveland Indians over the Seattle Mariners, 6-3, in the opener of a four-game series.
Drew Stubbs worked a two-out walk, stole second and moved to third on Michael Bourn's infield single. Kipnis then smacked a Lucas Luetge (0-1) offering over the wall in right to give Cleveland its second straight win.
"I was looking offspeed. He threw me a slider," Kipnis said. "When he came back with the same pitch I knew I didn't want to roll over and pull up on it. I just got the bat in a good position and got it up in the air."
Stubbs hit a solo homer for the Indians, who got an RBI from Jason Giambi.
Cleveland starter Ubaldo Jimenez allowed two runs on seven hits while striking out nine over five-plus innings. Vinnie Pestano (1-0), who was activated from the 15-day disabled list prior to Friday's game, tossed a scoreless 10th to pick up the win.
Raul Ibanez went 3-for-5 with a two-run homer for the Mariners, who got a solo homer from Kendrys Morales.
Brandon Maurer got the start for Seattle and gave up three runs on five hits while striking out six over and walking four over six innings.
"I thought he made some great strides against the left-handers today," Mariners manager Eric Wedge said. "I thought he was impressive through that sixth inning."
The Indians scored a pair of runs in the second. Nick Swisher walked and Carlos Santana doubled off the wall in right to begin the frame. Giambi's sacrifice fly to right scored Swisher, with Santana moving to third on the play. A wild pitch allowed Santana to cross the plate.
Seattle, which stranded a runner on third in the third, got on the board in the fourth. Morales' homer landed in the second deck in right.
Stubbs' homer to right in the fifth gave Cleveland a 3-1 margin.
Ibanez responded with a two-run homer in the sixth to tie the game. Justin Smoak led off with a single, chasing Jimenez from the contest. Rich Hill came in from the bullpen and Ibanez greeted him with a blast over the wall in right.
The Mariners had a chance to take the lead in the eighth when Ibanez started things with a single. Kelly Shoppach's sacrifice bunt and Endy Chavez's groundout moved Ibanez to third. However, Bryan Shaw got Brendan Ryan to go down swinging.
Game Notes
Cleveland and Seattle split eight meetings in 2012 ... The Mariners selected the contract of pitcher Danny Farquhar from Triple-A Tacoma, optioned pitcher Hector Noesi to Tacoma and transferred pitcher Stephen Pryor to the 60-day disabled list ... Seattle went 0-for-7 with runners in scoring position and stranded 10.


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COSTA MESA — It all started in 1999, when friends Clay Peterson and Johnny McCray bought neighboring homes on East 20th Street.
While unpacking, Peterson came upon a wooden tennis racquet and they started to hit balls in Peterson's tennis court.
Then they had an idea.
"Why don't we have a tournament and have people dress up?" Peterson thought.
Peterson has a court, and McCray has a lush, garden-like backyard, so they decided to tear down the fence separating their properties for the one-day event and to celebrate their new-found hobby.
The Wood Racquet Classic was born. On Sunday, it will mark the 12th year of the tennis tournament at the McCray-Peterson estates.
No graphite allowed. Wooden racquets definitely change the nature of the game.
"We have a couple other pros that have entered the tournament," he said. "It's funny, having these pros that are used to a graphite racquet, and then you put a wood racquet in their hands ... the wood racquet kind of slows the game down and allows for longer rallies."
Originally, the event was an excuse for friends and locals to come together in vintage tennis attire. In 2005, Peterson's mother died of cancer and McCray's close family friend, Grant Baldwin, the former Wood Racquet Classic referee, died of the same disease. It was then the event took a new direction. The next year, they created the Wood Racquet Foundation, which donates proceeds to nonprofits fighting for cancer.
This year, the classic adds a new nonprofit as their benefactor — the John Wayne Cancer Foundation, which will receive 100% of the proceeds from the event.
For the last four years, Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian's Cancer Center has served as the benefactor; the tournament raised more than $30,000 for the center.
"It's not so much about the tennis; it's more social and about the charity," Peterson said. "But some of the tennis is serious when it comes down to the final rounds."
Even though the tennis isn't so serious, the event's attire is no laughing matter.
On the invitation guests are asked to arrive in "traditional tennis attire inspired by all-time favorites, such as Fred Perry, John McEnroe, Vitas Gerulaitis and Bjorn Borg.
"Social guests would please 'the society' by wearing outfits resembling a Wimbledon audience circa 1952."
Who knew tennis preppy could be so defined?
In fact, it's so well-defined that they award a best-dressed team and best-dressed spectator award.
Society, playfully put in quotes, brings up the fact that the backyard party has quickly turned into a high-profile social event.
Film director McG (Joseph McGinty Nichol), a Newport Beach native, is the defending champion. He will be hitting the courts with Balboa pro Kevin Forbes. McG directed "Terminator: Salvation" and was the executive producer of the "The O.C." Not only playing, McG will be lending a hand in the party as well. A Restaurant, owned by McG, will be donating food to the VIP section. T.K. Burgers, the legendary burger joint in Huntington Beach and Newport, will also cater.
Other Orange County guests include surfwear pioneer Bob Hurley, surf champ Rob Machado and tennis pro Mark Philippoussis. The Wood Racquet Foundation announced on Friday that Machado and Philippoussis will play head to head. Machado will have to watch out for his opponent's 142-mph serve.
Baumvision's new eyewear line, Leisure Society, is co-sponsoring the event. Baum is known as the makers of Penguin, Paul Frank and Modern Amusement sunglasses. Shaun Baum, a close friend of the organizers, is showcasing a sunglasses table where guests can rock a pair of shades for the day. Other sponsors include Rolls-Royce, which is auctioning off a chauffeured day in one of its cars.
Guests are asked to make a donation of $20 to enter. To rally with a wood racquet, players must donate $125. Visit http://www.woodracquetclassic.com for more information.


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Spring-driven constant pull machine
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New Tech Lets You Go Into Videogames: Sony/Microsoft in Beta Phase
This is it people, a new era of video games has started. The era of actually going into the video game, and being able to feel, touch, smell and hear, yes you read that right. Just about every company you can think of has started testing and we could see this technology as early as next year. I'll explore what its all about, what it means for you and how it will change everything. Keep Reading!
Now as revolutionary as the tech sounds, its not what you think. Pressing a button will not suck you into your tv like that one episode of South Park, but companies have started working on new technology where we could get the same level of immersion and in the coming years be able to feel, touch, see and smell whats going on in the video game world. Its absurd, its real and the possibilities are endless. Just imagine battling dragons in a huge world like Skyrim albeit feeling the dragons fire or being hit by a troll and being launched in the air by said massive troll wouldn't feel great, but it would be life changing. Games like Left 4 Dead or Silent Hill would make you really sweat profusely, make your heart race and actually fear the consequences of dying. The possibilities endless; not just the game industry would be changed completely but blatantly the sex industry as well as the film and medical industries. The technology behind it is already in development phase by an abundant number of companies and we could see audio and visual immersion as early as this year with the ability to use our senses in the next 25 years with graphics that could match or even surpass real life.
We have all seen failed attempts at Virtual Reality dating back to the 1920s with a first real attempt by Sony who released the Glasstron Headset in 1997. The technology just wasn't there at that time but now everyone is looking to change things and make use of it. Sony is going to be showing off a prototype head-mounted VR display at the Tokyo Game Show this year. Ironically it's called the HMZ Immersive Pleasure Device. You can watch a trailer thats only in Japanese[translation below]
"What level of immersion is it possible for people to achieve? Now, a new entertainment experiment explores that possibility: The HMZ Immersing Pleasure Device head-mounted display. Developed as an open experiment, this model has a head-tracking system and live camera. Tokyo Game Show 2012 limited model PROTOTYPE-SR. New 360-degree immersible entertainment sensation. The world of movies and the world of music can fly into the real world. Public experiments to be conducted on the 22nd and 23rd of September. We are now recruiting for the experience (deadline 13th September). You can witness the future of entertainment."
You may have also heard about the Oculus RIFT that's been on kick starter and has had official backing by some legends in the game industry like id's John Carmack who said Doom would be able to use it. It was described like this after a demo at QuakeCon2012….
"There really aren't many words to describe the way it felt other than natural. The worst part of the demo was when I was told I was getting pulled out of the game. Honestly it took me a second to realize I wasn't in the game anymore and remember how I was supposed to look and walk properly. This is up there as one of the greatest gaming experience in my lifetime."
He then goes on to say:
"Once that is done you can tell the depth perception of the game very easily; I noticed my gun in front of me and the walls and objects in the room, for a lack of a better term, all had their own planes of existence. We were using an XBOX 360 controller with the demo and so the controller functioned as normal with the exception of the aiming. While it is normally used by your thumb, this time you use your head to aim. The right thumbstick on the controller still serves the purpose to turn your body around and to raise/lower your weapon."
The most incredible part is John wanted to stress the fact that this is not consumer ready by any means. It is simply ready for developers to take a hold of it and start exploring the possibilities, if that's the result at this point then i am absolutely looking forward to the final version. The Oculus team is not playing games either their headset can be ordered with their Kickstarter already funded surpassing $2,437,430 million dollars. Easy to use developer kits and SDKs are also being included in higher models along with the HD Doom 3 BFG edition sporting some nerdy, drooling specs. The Dev kit is to have (Subject to be changed/Upgraded) Head tracking of "6 degrees of freedom (DOF) ultra low latency", a field of view at 110 degrees diagonal / 90 degrees horizontal, Resolution of 1280×800 (640×800 per eye), multiple inputs of DVI/HDMI and USB, only weighing .22 kilograms and working for both PC and Mobile devices. So with that in mind we could possibly see this work with the Vita! Assassins Creed simulator on the go anyone?
You didn't think the other big companies would sit out on this huge new multi-million or billion dollar field did you?
Of course not and Microsoft, one of the many companies developing new VR technology, is looking to one up Sony and the Oculus. We saw Microsoft's supposedly leaked xbox720 document that included a huge section on VR but wasn't descriptive. Now they've recently filed for a patent and its ambitious.
They plan to turn your entire living room into a Holodeck; the game world itself. A patent has been registered by Microsoft that appears to show a Kinect-enabled Xbox unit beaming images around a player onto the walls of his living room. The tech is also being designed to work with Microsoft's Kinect Glasses technology from the docs. That means you could be looking around your living room and seeing 3D holograms in your environment. It would blend in all of your furniture and objects in your room into the world. Furthermore, i could see space become a problem with this. Time will tell if this can work just as good as the Pleasure Device or Oculus RIFT.
Making the immersion into the video game even more real would be to incorporate the human sense as in you feeling, hearing, seeing and smelling whats going on around you. Many scientists believe its more than possible and there are many ways to go about it. Some new advancements have become the path to that already. Scientists and Billionaires have began the path to blending humans and technology together, along the lines of plugging your brain via USB into a computer and uploading your memories. Thats just the beginning, and if they are able to do this we could be immortal, when our body dies we could be plugged into a virtual world with other people (Just don't delete system32). Bio medical and Nanotechnologies are becoming more expansive. Ray Kurzweil, is one of the many and he says we could be at that stage in as little as 25 years. Ray has received nineteen honorary Doctorates and honors from three U.S. presidents. He has also written six books, four of which have been national best sellers. Watch this video where he describes what he thinks:
Either way im excited for the future and what it brings along, not sure if my body is ready for the amount of amazing it will bring.
Here's something fun: Don't think graphics can match real life like Ray said? Try and see if you can guess which of these photos are real or from video games.
Answer? They're both from Grand Theft Auto IV maxed with a realism mod!


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Bulk Product Import for OpenCart
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Author Notes: The use of the inexpensive cut , Pork Shoulder, helps qualify this meat stew as a 'Cheap Feast' for us. I am enamored of the flavorful effects of smoking foods. When I found a similar recipe to this in Rick Bayless's Authentic Mexican, I knew I had to do a major smoked version of it. I smoked most of the ingredients, made a smoked pork stock, added roasted buttercup squash,tweaked the seasonings, and voila. It is really a very simple traightforward dish if you have a smoker; otherwise, try an unsmoked version. When I make it, I use 8 lb of pork shoulder, which results in about 45 cups of chili.(It freezes very well!) For those making the larger quantity, I have included the larger amount of ingredients in parentheses. p.s. This is probably the only savory dish I make that requires no salt or pepper! —LE BEC FIN
Serves: 4 (or 16)
Brining and Smoking the Pork and Vegetables
2 (8)
pounds pork shoulder, bone-in
1/2 (3)
cups sugar
1/3 (2)
cups kosher salt
2 (8)
cups boiling water
3 1/3 ( 24) cups cold water
24-28 (96)ounces imported Italian whole plum tomatoes (Pastene are excellent), drained (reserve juices)
6 (36-42)ounces white onion,peeled and halved
1 ounce (1 head)garlic cloves, separated, peel on
Make Smoked Pork Stock(or use Beef Stock) and Assemble the Chili
bones from smoked pork shoulder
cold water to cover ,plus a few inches more
small carrot
1 (3)
stalk celery
small onion
pinch (1/2 teaspoon) thyme
1 (4)
bay leaf
a few (10) whole black peppercorns
1 (4)
pounds unpeeled, seeded buttercup squash, cut into 1-1 1/2' cubes
a few (6) cloves or allspice berries
24 -28 (96) ounces imported whole Italian plum tomatoes, drained and juices reserved, chopped
1-2 (8)Tablespoons bacon, pork or chorizo fat
1/2 (2)pounds Portuguese chorizo (not Mexican), sliced in 1/4 inch rounds that are then cut in half into crescents
1 Tablespoon (1/3 cup)pureed chipotles in adobo (if seeds, remove before pureeing with adobo sauce)
reserved tomato juices
Brining and Smoking the Pork and Vegetables
- Pour the sugar and salt into the boiling water and stir til dissolved. Add the cold water.In a heavy ziploc bag or a container that just fits the pork, submerge the pork in the brine and refrigerate for approximately 1 day.
- Remove the pork from the brine and place into a cold or preheated smoker. Using wood chips (I used hickory) and replacing them and replenishing the fuel as needed, smoke the pork for 2- 3 (5-6) hours at 250 degrees F. Let cool, cut into 1 "cubes.
- Double up 2 disposable aluminum sheet pans (11 x 17 ") or other aluminum pans; riddle them w/ holes made with a strong skewer*, and place tomatoes next to onions and garlic.Smoke next to the pork 1 ( 2-3) hours but remove garlic after 1 hour. Chop tomatoes( keep any juices) and onions. Remove skin from garlic, mince. * This is easiest to do over a cookie rack or grill grates, or over the smoker grates before it is lit.
Make Smoked Pork Stock(or use Beef Stock) and Assemble the Chili
- With the pork shoulder bones, make a stock with the pork through the peppercorns. Bring to boil, skim foam as it simmers 8 hours. Strain, cool, refrigerate til fat congeals on top. Remove fat and use stock. Or substitute beef stock.
- Cube (unpeeled) buttercup squash into 1" cubes. Toss w/ a little oil, roast at 450 degrees F til edges are browned and squash just pierces with a skewer.(Do not cook til soft or squash will be mushy in stew.)
- Meanwhile, over medium hot heat, sautee onion in hot pork fat or bacon fat til done but not browned, about 5 minutes. Add chorizo and sautee til fat is rendered, 5-8 minutes. Add smoked chopped onions and garlic and more fat if needed. Sautee a few minutes. Add oregano for a minute. Add tomatoes and chipotle and stir well to heat. Add stock (and reserved tomato juices if need more liquid.) Bring to boil, turn down to simmer for 30 minutes. Add squash and simmer 10 minutes. Adjust seasonings (likely more chipotle puree , tomato or oregano.)
- Top with cubed avocado and serve. Accompany with tortilla chips, tamales or cornbread. Stew flavor will improve after a day or more.
- This dish freezes very well.
- This recipe was entered in the contest for Your Best Spicy Recipe
- This recipe was entered in the contest for Your Best Cheap Feast
- This recipe was entered in the contest for Your Best Chili
More Great Recipes:
Stew|Mexican|Squash|Vegetable|Pork|Bacon|Sheet Pan


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The US Air Force's Band of Liberty, based at Hanscom, prepares to play its final notes
Budget cuts are forcing the military to break up musical groups like New England's Band of Liberty
Government budget cuts will probably be felt in many ways, from furlough days to travel delays, permanent or temporary.
For US Air Force Staff Sergeant Quincy Garner, a trumpet player with the
Band of Liberty
stationed at Hanscom Air Force Base, cuts ordered a year ago have a ringing sense of finality. On Tuesday night at Jordan Hall, the band makes its final concert appearance in Boston, and by May, the group will be broken up and its members reassigned to Air Force bands elsewhere in the United States.
Garner and his bandmates toured military bases in Afghanistan last year and have performed at hundreds of events annually, from Maine to Manhattan. In 2009, he played taps at Fenway Park to honor Edward M. Kennedy, the late senator. Performing for veterans' groups, as he has many times in his nine years with the band, has given Garner an appreciation for the emotional bond formed between audiences and the Liberty musicians.
Those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for their country "deserve full honors,'' Garner said this week, as he prepared for his band's final two concerts. The last one will be held Sunday
in Worcester.
"When we go someplace like northern Vermont, which doesn't necessarily have a big military presence, it's a way to tell vets, 'Thank you for your service.' ''
At the free concert at 7 p.m. Tuesday, accompanied by musicians from the New England Conservatory, the Liberty musicians will perform works by Shostakovich, Gershwin, Sousa, and John Williams, among others.
The concerts close the books on an ensemble that has been a New England fixture since 1978, performing at hundreds of events annually, and in a variety of configurations, from full concert band to rock and jazz ensembles. Holiday parades, family concerts, and veterans' gatherings have all been on the band's extensive travel itinerary.
Taking over Liberty's territorial responsibilities — the band covers the six New England states, plus New York and New Jersey — will be the USAF Heritage of America Band, based in Langley, Va., which currently covers a six-state region from Pennsylvania to South Carolina.
The realignment is not part of the current sequestration process cutting deeply into the Pentagon budget. Instead, it is the result of a servicewide initiative begun three years ago to trim military bands and their costs. Last March, Liberty was put on notice that it would be dissolved by the middle of 2013.
Several members have already been reassigned or retired, leaving a core group of 30 musicians, said Captain David Alpar, the group's commander and conductor.
"We've already had to curtail the kinds of performances we can mount,'' he said, noting the loss of his keyboardist and French horn player.
A dozen years ago, the band had a $600,000 annual budget covering travel and equipment expenses. Its current budget is just $35,000.
Nationwide, the Air Force is deactivating three of its 12 military bands, two of which are stationed overseas. Others are being downsized. In 2010, according to Pentagon figures, the federal government was paying an estimated $320 million to support 154 military bands, ranging from premier, audition-only units to less elite groups affiliated with National Guard and reserve units.
The yearlong notice has given Liberty "time to say good-bye properly,'' as Alpar puts it. The free concert at Worcester's Mechanics Hall at 3 p.m. Sunday will bring back many of the band's Liberty alumni for one final musical salute.
Efforts to reverse last year's order have so far proved fruitless. They include a letter- writing campaign to Massachusetts's congressmen and US senators and the creation of a Save The Band of Liberty website and Facebook page. Former senator John F. Kerry was the most responsive, campaign organizers said. But as Kerry's focus turned to leading the State Department, they began to lose even that slim hope.
"We're disappointed, because it affects the arts in Boston, and Boston is such an artistically prolific city,'' said Susan Hagen, who helped lead the campaign. A double bass player on tour with the Boston Pops, Hagen is married to Liberty clarinet player, Master Sergeant Kevin Connors.
Her personal connection notwithstanding, Hagen said she is worried that phasing out the band, one of the largest units still stationed at Hanscom, could signal the beginning of the end for the air base itself. "It's scary,'' she said. "If Hanscom shuts downs, that has an enormous impact on the local economy.''
New England Conservatory conductor William Drury, who once led the Air National Guard Band of the Northeast, said what is being lost is incalculable.
"The Air Force is not just about dropping bombs on people,'' Drury said. "Especially in smaller communities, at Fourth of July parades and holiday concerts,'' it doesn't matter if you're left or right politically, he said. "It makes you happy to see and hear them play.''
The Heritage band is unlikely to tour New England as far and wide as Liberty has, predicts Drury. For one thing, it will have far more territory to cover. For another, further budget cuts could well mean less travel, not more. And yet, he said, "the entire cost of military music programs is .008 percent of the defense budget, so you're not really saving a lot.''
The Band of Liberty moved from its former headquarters in Arizona to Pease Air Force Base in New Hampshire in 1978, relocating to Hanscom in 1991.
Members are mostly recruited through music schools. Seventy-five percent hold master's degrees, said Drury, and often cultivate close ties to institutions like the New England Conservatory.
Alpar, who's redeploying to Washington, D.C., is trying to keep this week's finale in perspective. "I love my job, and the band is incredibly important to me,'' he said. "But when you could be talking about cutting flying hours instead, you have to say, 'I understand.' ''


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On Friday, the much anticipated results of Mayor Nutter's Actual Value Initiative (AVI) were released, finally giving Philadelphians a more concrete idea of what to expect with their property taxes. Many of the hikes and cuts were accurately predicated and, as such, come as no surprise. But others may be downright baffling to some residents, in both good and bad ways.
According to an article published in the Philadelphia Inquirer, about "60 percent"will see their taxes increase based upon the expected 1.25 percent tax rate. If City Council establishes the Homestead Exemption or other relief programs, "80 percent" of Philadelphians could see their taxes increase.
Among the so-called "biggest winners" of AVI is Chestnut Hill. It's among the neighborhoods who may, surprisingly, see their taxes decrease.
In 2013, the median market value of property in Chestnut Hill is $138,700. In 2014, it is expected to jump to $337,100. The median tax bill in 2013 is around $4,302 and will drop to $4,190 in 2014. That 3 percent decrease is something that was unforeseen by many.
Another surprise may come to residents of West Mount Airy. The median market value will increase sharply from $87,100 in 2013 to $247,600 in 2014, and the median tax bill will increase about 14 percent, from $2,689 to $3,068. The same goes with East Mount Airy: the median market value will rise from $63,300 to $168,000, and the taxes are expected to increase 8 percent, from $1,939 to $2,099. Again, the numbers are still speculative, but at least they grant residents an idea of what to expect.
To find out more specific information concerning your property value and taxes, use the AVI calculator. You simply type in your address, hit search, and then adjust the tax rate on the right-hand side to 1.25 percent.
For additional information, visit www.phila.gov or check out the Inquirer's map for Tax Changes by Neighborhood.


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Friday, October 21, 2011
I'm One!
I can't believe it has been a whole year since I sat at my computer and wondered, "What the heck am I going to find to write about ... and more importantly, who the heck will read or even care what I have to say??"
Turns out somebody out there is reading. And for that, I say thanks! Thank you to all the Geneabloggers and my other readers for giving me a reason to keep blogging. I'm a full-blown addict now, but don't think that means you don't have to keep reading and commenting!
A special thank you goes out to DearMYRTLE. Without her expert tutelage (and one heckuva webinar), this blog never would have happened.
Without this blog, I would not have made a connection with Laura (It's All Relative) and created what is, hands down, the best Success Team ever. Without the Success Team, I would still be swimming around in a chaotic mess of disorganized research and an insurmountable to-do list.
So you see ... blogging will give you a reason for existing, win friends and influence people, and organize your life! Okay, maybe not ... but it sure is fun!
19 comments:
- Joan said...
Happy blogiversary! Keep 'em coming...
- October 21, 2011 at 9:12 AM
- Elizabeth O'Neal said...
Happy blogaversary, Jenny!
- October 21, 2011 at 9:34 AM
- Bill West said...
Happy Blogiversary!
- October 21, 2011 at 10:51 AM
- Carol said...
Happy blogiversary, it has been a very good year for you. Keep up the good work.
- October 21, 2011 at 11:12 AM
- Laura Aanenson said...
Happy blogiversary wishes to one of my FAVORITE bloggers! :o)
- October 21, 2011 at 11:14 AM
- Heather Rojo said...
Happy Blogoversary! I hope to see many more!
- October 21, 2011 at 11:16 AM
- Debi Austen said...
Happy blogiversary! On to blog toddlerhood :-)
- October 21, 2011 at 12:05 PM
- my Heritage Happens said...
Happy Blogiversary!
- October 21, 2011 at 12:57 PM
- Annette Kapple said...
Happy Blogiversary!
- October 21, 2011 at 12:58 PM
- Jenny Lanctot said...
Thanks everyone! Won't be able to shut me up now :)
- October 21, 2011 at 1:18 PM
- Amy Coffin, MLIS said...
Happy blogiversary to you!
- October 21, 2011 at 3:15 PM
- Maggie said...
Happy 1st blogiversary!
- October 21, 2011 at 4:00 PM
- Geniaus said...
Happy blogiversary, Jenny, I've enjoyed reading your posts and wish you another fruitful blogging year.
- October 21, 2011 at 6:27 PM
- Greta Koehl said...
Happy Blogoversary, and here's to all the wonderful partnerships among the genea-blogging community!
- October 21, 2011 at 7:18 PM
- Michelle Goodrum said...
Happy Blogiversary! Im glad you started your blog and look forward to year two.
- October 21, 2011 at 11:49 PM
- Shelley Bishop said...
Congrats on your blogiversary!
- October 22, 2011 at 9:10 AM
- Deb Ruth said...
Happy Blogiversary!
- October 22, 2011 at 7:46 PM
- Liz said...
Happy Blogiversary, Jenny! I so enjoy reading your posts. Looking forward to many more years of them!
- October 30, 2011 at 11:02 AM
- Julie Cahill Tarr said...
- November 4, 2011 at 3:04 PM


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Listen to today's episode of StarDate on the web the same day it airs in high-quality streaming audio without any extra ads or announcements. Choose a $8 one-month pass, or listen every day for a year for just $30.
You are here
More Venus and Gemini
Every day, weather forecasters launch flotillas of balloons to measure conditions in all layers of the atmosphere. It's a routine operation. In fact, about the biggest excitement comes when members of the public report the balloons as UFOs.
If anyone had been living on Venus 25 years ago today, a weather balloon really would have been an alien spacecraft. A Soviet probe deployed a balloon more than 30 miles above the planet's surface.
Vega 1 was a complicated mission. It consisted of a balloon; a lander to measure conditions on the surface of Venus; and a carrier that would drop off the other two, then go on to fly past Halley's Comet.
They arrived at Venus on June 11th, 1985.
The lander worked for about an hour before the extreme surface temperature and pressure snuffed it out.
The balloon inflated just as planned, and began drifting along in the middle layer of Venus's clouds. Winds of up to 150 miles an hour pushed it eastward about 6,000 miles -- more than a quarter of the way around the planet.
The balloon worked for two days before its batteries failed. By then, a second balloon -- part of the Vega 2 mission -- was ready to take over the job of measuring the weather on a distant world.
And you can see that distant world tonight. Venus -- the "evening star" -- is in the west at nightfall. It forms the left end of a lineup of three bright points of light. The other two are Pollux and Castor, the "twin" stars of Gemini.
Script by Damond Benningfield, Copyright 2010
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Congrats: RZA's Marriage Video From 2009!
The Wu Tang Clan's Robert Diggs (RZA) and Talani Rabb's Four Season Biltmore Wedding in Santa Barbara August 29th, 2009.
Please click the "Report" button below if the video on this page is not working properly.
Comments will only be displayed by verified emails. No Spamming or Racism.


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Message Board
Judith Williams Message Board
Talk about the novels, new and used books that Williams has written!
Author Williams's Book Reviews
The Summer Proposal
Julie Raffet has her life all planned out but when she is asked by Caleb Tarrington to tutor his son Will, who has just been thrust into his life by his ex, all those plans for the future change and new ones are made. Julie never saw herself as a beauty but Caleb sure does. Even though they both know she is there to tutor his son they find themselves wanting to spend more time with each other and finds ways for all of them to do things together yet s...


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GMC Sierra 2500HD
The GMC Sierra 1500 and Chevrolet Silverado share the same platform, but the GMC product is often positioned as a more upscale offering. Mechanically, the trucks are the same. There might be slight differences in curb weight and payload, but they share the same powertrain and chassis components. Versions of the Sierra seat up to six people. Competitors include the Ford F-150 and Ram 1500.
The GMC Sierra 2500HD comes in regular, extended and crew-cab forms. Standard (6-foot-6-inch) and long (8-foot) cargo beds are available on regular and extended cabs, while the crew cab gets a short (5-foot-9-inch) bed.
All configurations are available in two- or four-wheel drive. The Sierra comes in five trim levels: Work Truck, SL, SLE, SLT and Denali.
GMC Sierra 2500HD: Most V-8 models are rated to tow around 9,000 pounds, but some models get more than 10,000 pounds with an enhanced trailering package.
The heavy-duty versions of the Sierra give buyers significantly more towing capacity — up to 23,000 pounds — when properly equipped.
They also offer an optional 6.6-liter Duramax diesel engine.
The Sierra Hybrid is a half-ton pickup that achieves better overall fuel economy than a gas-powered GMC Sierra 2500HD, but it can still pull a 6,100-pound trailer. Available exclusively in the crew-cab body style, the Sierra Hybrid is expected to use one-quarter less gas than a regular Sierra.
Light-duty Sierras with the 5.3-liter and 6.2-liter V-8s and a six-speed automatic transmission and heavy-duty models with the 6.0-liter V-8 now have engine braking on grades without having to use the Tow/Haul mode. In addition, the GMC Sierra 2500HD model can have a 6.0-liter V-8 that runs on compressed natural gas or gasoline.
While GM is trying to differentiate the Silverado and Sierra, the common silhouette is hard to overcome, even with unique front fenders, grille, bumpers, headlamps, cargo box and taillamps. The upscale Denali trim features a unique chrome grille and wheels. Exterior features include:
- Wide rear-door openings on extended cab models to load passengers, cargo
- Range of 17-, 18- and 20-inch wheels
- Available EZ Lift tailgate
- Available power moonroof
The GMC Sierra 2500HD showcases two different interior designs. Lower-end trucks are more utility-minded, with large door handles that can be operated while wearing gloves.
The SLT offers upgraded materials and a different dash design. The Sierra's cab is spacious and well-organized. Leather seating is available on the SLE and standard on the SLT. The SLT also gets a Bose stereo and a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat. The Denali trim is the most luxurious of any GM pickup truck with upgraded trim and materials. Interior features include:
- Stadium-style rear seating
- Cruise control
- Available power-sliding rear window
- Available navigation system
- Available rear entertainment system
- Available integrated trailer-brake control
- Available leather-wrapped heated steering wheel
Under the Hood
The GMC Sierra 2500HD offers five available suspensions, including an off-road-oriented Z71 package and the NHT enhanced trailering package. The 5.3-liter V-8 features fuel-saving cylinder-deactivation technology. Mechanical features include:
- 195-horsepower, 4.3-liter V-6 with iron block and cylinder heads, cam-in-block, two valves per cylinder and 260 pounds-feet of torque
- 302-hp, 4.8-liter V-8 with iron block and aluminum cylinder heads, cam-in-block, two valves per cylinder and 305 pounds-feet of torque
- Flex-fuel 315-hp (gas) or 326-hp (E85), 5.3-liter V-8 with iron block and aluminum cylinder heads, cam-in-block, two valves per cylinder and 335 pounds-feet of torque (gas) or 348 pounds-feet of torque (E85)
- Flex-fuel 315-hp (gas) or 326-hp (E85), 5.3-liter V-8 with aluminum block and cylinder heads, cam-in-block, two valves per cylinder and 335 pounds-feet of torque (gas) or 348 pounds-feet of torque (E85)
- Flex-fuel 403-hp, 6.2-liter V-8 with aluminum block and cylinder heads, cam-in-block and two valves per cylinder that makes 417 pounds-feet of torque
- Four-speed or six-speed automatic transmission
The GMC Sierra 2500HD's standard electronic stability system includes rollover mitigation technology. GM says its seat belt pretensioners activate during rear impacts. Safety features include:
- Four-wheel antilock brakes
- Traction control
- Side curtain airbags
- Front-seat side-impact airbags
- Available OnStar alerts authorities after a crash
- Available rear parking sensors
- Available backup camera
GMC Sierra 2500HD and 3500HD
The heavy-duty Sierra is the towing and hauling workhorse, with the ability to tow up to 23,000 pounds with a fifth-wheel hitch. Maximum payload capacity is 7,215 pounds. The heavy-duty Sierra's suspension and structure were strengthened last year, enabling the stout capacities. With a conventional trailer hitch, towing capacity is 18,000 pounds.
The GMC Sierra 2500HD and 3500HD are available with a 6.0-liter gas or gas/CNG V-8 or a 6.6-liter Duramax diesel V-8 engine. A 36-gallon fuel tank is standard and gives trucks with the diesel engine a driving range of up to 680 miles, according to Chevrolet. An available smart exhaust brake provides greater control on downhill grades and reduced brake-pad wear.
The heavy-duty GMC Sierra 2500HD Denali includes heated and cooled front seats, a backup camera and a heated leather-wrapped steering wheel. A hard-drive-based navigation system with satellite radio and a USB port is available. Additional features include:
- Regular, extended or crew-cab body styles
- Standard or long bed
- Rear- or four-wheel drive
- Fully boxed high-strength-steel frame
- Available dealer-installed Wi-Fi system for mobile internet access
- Available high-idle switch
- Trailer-sway control and hill start assist
To order your new 2017 GMC Sierra 2500HD rival with a brand new 6.0L V8 FFV 6-speed Automatic 6.6 ft. Bed for only US$22,000.
GMC Sierra 2500HD in metalic
GMC Sierra 2500HD in red
GMC Sierra 2500HD in silver
GMC Sierra 2500HD in blue
GMC Sierra 2500HD in white
GMC Sierra 2500HD
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2012 GMC Sierra 2500HD
2015 GMC Sierra 2500HD
GMC Sierra 2500HD for Sale
2015 GMC Sierra 2500HD 4×4
Used GMC Sierra 2500HD Diesel


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Hillbilly Jim's theme song was Don't Go Messing With A Country Boy when he was wrestling; these days, perhaps Ramblin' Man would be far more appropriate. As the leader of the WWE Fan Axxess Tour for the fifth year, he's on the road for three months straight.
This weekend, Fan Axxess and Hillbilly Jim are just north of Toronto at the Vaughan Mills shopping centre, with scheduled signings by Santino Marella on Saturday and Maria on Sunday.
Taking a few minutes from his busy set-up and promotional schedule, Hillbilly Jim chatted with SLAM! Wrestling about life on the road ... again.
"It works out really fine. To be honest with you, I enjoy coming out and seeing folks the three months that I'm out for this tour," he said. "Then we wind up at WrestleMania, so I get to see the guys and have a lot of fun. We get to go to a lot of different cities and re-visit some of the old folks that I've seen over the years -- and the cities too. When you wrestle as long as I did in the old days, we were in all these cities, all across America, all across Canada. A lot of times, I haven't had the chance for years, for some of these places, to go back to. So that's why it's fun to me."
It's the fifth year for the tour, and each year it's gotten better, said Jim.
"I was there when we began it. It was a concept. I've been the guy that's been the host of it. For now, this is the fifth WrestleMania. We just kind of started up as an experimental thing to see how it went. It turned out real good," he said. "People started following it, and people kept getting to it. And every year, the WWE, to their credit, expanded it and grew it. It's gotten bigger and better, and I've just been happy to get out and do this."
As more sponsors got on board, the workload for Hillbilly Jim eased off. "They do it so much slicker -- so it's so much easier on me," Jim explained. "The first year or two was really hard because I had to do all these shows pretty much by myself. The WWE would always send out guys to do autographs and things, but it was pretty tough, because we were doing so many cities, we were in a lot of small markets, and there was a lot of traveling. But now it's gotten to where it easier. I really look forward to it. I'm looking forward to the Vaughan Mills experience over here, this Vaughan Mills Shopping Centre. It's going to be so much fun. It's just going to be a good two days, it really is."
"I pretty much stay on call, because I don't really like to settle myself into doing one thing in particular if I don't have to," he said. "The only other thing that I have is I have my international radio show on Sirius Satellite Radio. I've been doing that for about three years now. I enjoy doing that. That's a weekly show I do that comes on twice on the weekend, on Saturday and Sunday. I have to usually go to Nashville, Tennessee and record and tape it there. That's a lot of fun. The rest of the time, I'm pretty well open for other things that come up."
The ability to do what he wants the rest of the year is a well-earned treat for Hillbilly Jim, who is not a full-time employee of WWE any longer.
"I'm not a straight-up employee of WWE anymore. I went through that whole route after my wrestling days, being a part of WWE Home Video, and doing that. I had an office there for a brief time, doing video sales, during those days when there still were videos; now it's all DVD," he said. "I'm pretty much an independent contractor when I come out and do this."
EDITOR'S NOTE: We'll have more from Hillbilly Jim, including talk of his brief stint in Stampede Wrestling, in an upcoming interview.
Greg Oliver founded SLAM! Wrestling with John Powell way back in 1996, and has been writing about pro wrestling since 1985. His fourth book, Benoit: Wrestling with the Horror That Destroyed a Family and Crippled a Sport (with Steven Johnson, Heath McCoy and Irv Muchnick) has just hit shelves. Previous books include The Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame: The Heels (with Steven Johnson), The Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame: The Tag Teams (also with Johnson) and The Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame: The Canadians. Order them all from the SLAM! Wrestling Store. He can be emailed at email@example.com.