text:
If organic personal care supply chains were a notoriously overplayed '90s song, they would be Celine Dion's "My Heart Will Go On," sourcing organic ingredients from wherever they are, both near… and now far.
NSF International recently announced that its organic personal care standard, NSF/ANSI 305 Made with Organic Ingredients, will allow certified products to include ingredients certified under EU organic standards. This change has potential to clear up confusion about international beauty standards but also raises the issue of local vs. organic in the personal care world, a topic that has developed in the food industry for years.
In a press release, Jane Wilson, standards director of NSF International, said: "NSF/ANSI 305 opens up new growth opportunities for personal care companies whose products contain organic ingredients and speaks to the globalization of the cosmetic supply chain."
Globalization of the cosmetic supply chain particularly struck me, as I've noticed a movement toward localization of the cosmetic supply chain, companies increasingly working with nearby farmers and other suppliers to help ensure the purity of products.
Then again, if we're going to talk purity, the EU has arguably been way ahead of the U.S. with cosmetics regulations, and the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics acknowledged the need to work more closely with EU standards in its Compact for Safe Cosmetics—one of the requirements being companies must comply with the EU Cosmetics Directive. It also makes sense that NSF would want to work with Europe more closely on its organic standard, because it paired with European NaTrue on its in-progress natural standard.
The future of organic cosmetic standards
Still, I was curious whether NSF truly believes globalization is the future of cosmetic industry supply chains. And when I spoke with Wilson following NSF's announcement, she emphasized a different reason for this change. A committee of suppliers, consultants, manufacturers and consumer representatives made this decision primarily based on demand from European companies sourcing organic European ingredients and wanting to get the NSF certification—as opposed American companies broadening their supply chains. Wilson acknowledged that sourcing locally is often more sustainable and why many manufacturers going for the NSF/ANSI 305 continue to do this.
Regardless, this adjustment would technically allow American companies to source European organic ingredients. My take is that just like with sustainable food systems, we need to realize that local and organic are not synonymous. And because both local and organic are still relatively new in the cosmetics world, and consumers are still confused about labels, it's important to simplify for consumers. NSF's adjustment has potential to do this. Many European companies have been leading the way with sustainable and organic cosmetics, so it only makes sense that American consumers can now recognize that on store shelves—as opposed to trying to decipher another unfamiliar label.
As for my purchasing decisions, I guess I'm much like our friend from north of the border. As long as I know my cosmetics were made with safe and sustainable ingredients, my heart will go on regardless of their origin.


text:
myVermont.gov Account
Not Logged In
August 19, 2011
The Vermont Agency of Natural Resources today announced the release of five environmental permits to Green Mountain Power, Inc., for the construction and operation of a wind powered electric generating facility on Lowell Mountain in Lowell, Vermont. The project, known as Kingdom Community Wind (KCW), includes the installation of an access road and 21 wind turbines along the ridgeline, and the upgrade of a related transmission line.
The permits issued by the agency today include: two stormwater permits for construction of the access road and wind farm and the associated transmission line; a state stormwater operational permit for control of stormwater discharges from impervious surfaces constructed at the site; a state wetlands permit for work in wetlands, including required mitigation activities; and a water quality certification pursuant to Section 401 of the federal Clean Water Act issued in connection with the Section 404 permit issued for the project by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
The agency is protecting water quality through the issuance of all these permits by requiring that the applicant implement stormwater controls that will minimize the impacts on streams. Scientists from the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) stormwater section, wetlands section, rivers section, and biomonitoring section, and biologists from the Department of Fish and Wildlife have evaluated the impacts of the project and recommended changes to the project, and conditions in the 401 certification, to ensure that existing mountain hydrology is adequately protected. The agency has determined that the Vermont Water Quality Standards (VWQS) will be met, and overall mountain hydrology will be maintained.
In issuing these permits, the agency has included several findings and conditions that were not in the draft permits, in particular the draft 401. These findings and conditions were the result of the agency's review of public comments and its own internal review of the draft permit. Highlights of the findings and conditions that have been added or altered include:
• The agency has included a detailed description of the monitoring program it is requiring the applicant to initiate in the 401 Certification.
• The monitoring program includes seven streams and shall run for a minimum of five years.
• The 401 Certification sets forth a process that the agency will follow if monitoring shows deterioration in water quality. This process is consistent with monitoring conditions that the agency has applied to ski resorts in 401 certifications and Act 250 permits. The process will enable the agency to intervene early if water quality problems arise and provides additional assurance that the project will not result in a reduction in existing water quality.
• Several public comments asked the agency to utilize baseline data and impose detailed monitoring conditions on the applicant. Public comments indicate without baseline data the agency could not know if the project was having an adverse effect on water quality. In response to these comments, the agency has decided to use baseline biological data submitted by the applicant, which has been accepted following a thorough review by the agency to confirm the reliability of the data.
• The agency has added geomorphic (physical) water quality monitoring and temperature monitoring (which relates in particular to downstream impacts on fisheries), consistent with public comments.
The agency received numerous public comments on the permits, and in particular on the 401. The Responsiveness Summary for the 401 addresses these comments in depth. Some of the issues addressed in the Responsiveness Summary include:
• In response to the comment that the agency should treat the KCW project as stringently as we have addressed water quality impacts from ski areas, particularly with regard to monitoring and riparian buffer protection: The agency has issued 401s to ski areas in the past for intensive development of headwater areas based in the imposition of stormwater controls and monitoring programs to assure that water quality is not adversely affected. This is the exact same approach that the agency has taken in issuing the KCW water quality permits. The monitoring program imposed on GMP to protect high quality waters is more restrictive than any program required of any Vermont ski area to date.
• With regard to riparian buffers (vegetated areas adjacent to streams that protect water quality), consistent with the agency's approach with ski areas, the agency is requiring that riparian buffers be maintained except where stream crossings necessitate buffer encroachment, or ephemeral streams are proposed to be culverted. However, this project differs from ski area projects in that the opportunities are for riparian buffer protection rather than restoration. At ski areas, there have been decades of intensive development that provide opportunities for riparian buffer and other water quality restoration. In the case of the KCW project, while the same extensive restoration opportunities do not exist, the applicant has been required to improve conditions on existing logging roads so that the disturbed areas will be better able to handle stormwater generated by the project.
• In a response to comments about headwater streams, the agency notes that the design of the project protects headwater streams, including intermittent streams in order to minimize the hydrologic changes.
• In response to comments that the stormwater controls are not sufficient to protect water quality: The agency disagrees with comments that stormwater practices required by the permits will not work or that the agency has underestimated the volume of stormwater that will be generated by the project. The Responsiveness Summary provides a detailed explanation for why the agency disagrees with these comments based on its detailed technical analysis.
• In response to comments that the agency is allowing too much land to be disturbed at one time during construction, creating a high risk of discharges that will degrade waters: as explained in the Responsiveness Summary, the agency included conditions in the construction stormwater permits to minimize the area authorized for disturbance at one time, and has placed additional checks on the applicant, such as greater stabilization requirements and additional over sight beyond what the agency typically requires in construction permits.
For questions contact Jon Groveman at 802-249-7736. For supporting documents visit http://www.vtwaterquality.org/kingdomwind.htm or call 802-241-3600.
Source: Agency of Natural Resources
Last Updated at: August 19, 2011 15:29:58

subset: commoncrawl


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Drought has affected this year's tobacco crop
Tobacco has some tolerance for dry weather, but this year's plants are noticably smaller than last year's. The drought didn't kill the plants, but the pounds of tobacco harvested will be affected.
Though you can't see from this viewpoint, this field was being cut at the time I stopped to take this photo. Near the house, in the field of burley (light green) tobacco, a line of men with big knives was moving across the field, cutting the plants. Then the plants are hung on sticks and stood up in the field to wilt for a while before they are taken to the barns.
I've written a lot about tobacco farming in Christian County, and have posted quite a few photos. If you're interested, click the label, "tobacco."


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Today will bring increasing clouds, with a high near 42, according to the National Weather Service, with a rain, snow, and sleet mix falling for a time tonight and then turning to rain.
It looks more like a wet - rather than a white - Christmas day tomorrow.
Today will bring increasing clouds, with a high near 42, and a northwest wind 5 to 10 mph becoming light west in the afternoon, according to the National Weather Service.
A rain, snow, and sleet mix will fall for a time tonight and then turn to rain with a low around 31. The chance of precipitation is 80 percent with new snow and sleet accumulation of less than a half-inch possible.
Tomorrow, Christmas day, will bring rain, mostly before 10 a.m., with a high near 42. The chance of precipitation is 80 percent. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth-of-an-inch possible.
Tomorrow will be partly cloudy, with a low around 26, while Wednesday will be partly sunny, with a high near 38 with rain at night.
A stronger storm system will likely affect the region later Wednesday into Thursday. But it appears that this will be a milder system and feature more in the way of wet weather, especially Thursday. Rain is expected on the Cape and Islands.
For a more detailed or extended forecast visit the National Weather Service website.
For a live look at weather around the Cape visit Cape Cod Live Cams
Air Quality:
According to the State Department of Environmental Protection: "Low pollutant levels should continue with the NW flow."
For more detailed information go to Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection>Mass EPA website.


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Bold Stunts and Bad Taste Mark 2012's Best, Worst Ads
As marketers recognized social media's value in getting consumers talking about a brand, Madison Avenue went to great lengths—and heights—to pull off elaborate stunts that could generate online buzz.
Energy-drink maker Red Bull, sponsored a much-hyped sky-dive from space. Earlier in the year, 007 parachuted with a Queen Elizabeth double into the Summer Olympics' opening ceremony, helping jump-start buzz for the Bond film "Skyfall."
"If people aren't talking about your brand, then you don't exist," said Rob Schwartz, global creative president at Omnicom Group Inc.'s OMC 0.63% TBWA\Chiat\Day.
Still, the proliferation of exotic marketing stunts didn't translate into big increases in spending. The European crisis and political and economic uncertainty in the U.S. damped what was supposed to be a decent year for advertising. Chief marketing officers pushed ad agencies to do more with less, said ad agency executives.
Here are our choices for some of 2012's best and worst:
The Best
Out of This World
Client: Red Bull GmbH
Agency: In-house
Pitch: Red Bull sponsored Felix Baumgartner's sky-dive from space. The drink maker's logo was featured prominently as a world record was set for the highest parachute jump.
Feedback: Red Bull won't comment about its marketing effort, but Visible Measures Corp., which tracks online viewership, said footage and videos related to the event received 171 million views across the Web.
A Dollar and a Dream
Client: Dollarshaveclub.com
Agency: In-house
Pitch: A video showed the company's founder riding on a forklift, dancing with a man in a bear suit and poking fun at the $13 billion razorblade market.
Feedback: The video cost about $4,500 to create. After it ran on YouTube, Dollarshaveclub's website crashed because of an influx of traffic. The company said it gained 25,000 members within the first week of posting the video, although it won't disclose sales or revenue. The company recently announced an additional $10 million in funding led by Venrock.
Cultivating Customers
Client: Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc.
Agency:Creative Artists Agency's CAA Marketing
Pitch: An animated two-minute film showed a farmer switching to more environmentally friendly farming practices, eschewing the factory farm, as Willie Nelson crooned in the background. The ad, which ran during the Grammys, was the first national TV commercial for the fast-food chain.
Feedback: The ad hit a sweet spot with consumers, who are increasingly interested in the origins of their food. The video was viewed seven million times on YouTube, and CAA said that the buzz contributed to a 23% increase in revenue during the first half of 2012. People have dressed up in costumes that look like characters in the spot.
Making Chrysler's Day
Client:Chrysler Group LLC
Agency: Wieden + Kennedy
Pitch: A two-minute Super Bowl ad dubbed "It's Halftime in America" featured Clint Eastwood trying to rally the country.
Feedback: The spot received more than 12 million views on YouTube, generated 112,000 comments on social media and was nominated for an Emmy. The spot became fodder for late- night talk shows and spurred skits on "Saturday Night Live."
Stealing Thunder
Client: Samsung Electronics Co.
Agency: MDC Partners Inc.'s 72 & Sunny
Pitch: Samsung released its "The Next Big Thing is Already Here" ad just as the iPhone 5 was being introduced. The ad mocked Apple fanboys who are shown in the spot waiting in line to buy the new phone. One guy who is using his Galaxy S III while standing in the line reveals he was saving a spot for someone else, who at the end of the ad is identified as his parents.
Feedback: The ad has had more than 22 million views. Samsung said the ad generated 90% positive sentiment.
The worst
Sour Apple
Client: Apple Inc.
Agency: TBWA\Chiat\Day
Pitch: Several commercials featured a young male playing a staffer from the Apple "Genius Bar" who comes to the rescue of consumers lacking tech skills. In one spot, the man helps an airline passenger rushing to make an iMovie as an anniversary present before he lands.
Feedback: The ads fell short of Apple's usual ability to entertain the audience. BlueFin Labs, a firm that tracks consumer comments on social media, said comments about the ads were 3.4 times more negative than positive. The ads were eventually pulled because they weren't well-received and unlike other Apple ads oversold the company's services, according to a person familiar with the matter. Apple declined to comment.
Fuzzy Image
Client: Nokia Corp.
Pitch: To promote its Lumia 920 Windows phone and the device's PureView camera, the company created a promotional video that appeared on the Web to show that its camera was superior to competitors.
Feedback: The video wasn't actually shot with a Lumia, but rather with a hand-held video camera and lighting rig. The company apologized for misleading marketing. "While there was no intention to mislead, the failure to add a disclaimer to the video was obviously a mistake," the company said at the time.
Cheezy Stunt
Yum Brands
Pizza Hut
Agency: Zeno Group
Pitch: As part of a public-relations stunt the fast-food chain asked those attending the Town Hall presidential debate at Hofstra University to ask President Obama and Mitt Romney if they preferred sausage or pepperoni on their pizza. The prize for those willing to ask the tough question: pizza for life.
Feedback: While no one actually asked the question during the debate, media pundits bashed the stunt. During the "Colbert Report," Stephen Colbert said, "What could be more American than using our electoral process for product placement?" The company eventually moved the topping question to the Web and selected a random voter to win the lifetime pizza supply. "We pay closest attention to our fans, and they overwhelmingly had fun with the campaign," said a Pizza Hut spokesman. On the night of the debate, thousands of tweets mentioned it, with comments like, "I'm only watching this debate to see if someone asks the pepperoni or sausage question" or "I'm bored. Someone please ask the Pizza Hut question," according to the spokesman.
Anything but Smooth
Client: LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton SA's Belvedere Vodka
Agency: N/A
Pitch: The company posted an ad on Twitter and on its Facebook page that showed a grinning man grabbing a shocked-looking woman from behind. The headline: "Unlike some People, Belvedere Always Goes Down Smoothly."
Feedback: Many people complained the ad implied a rape scene. Charles Gibb, the president of Belvedere, apologized on Facebook: "I would like to personally apologize for the offensive post that recently appeared on our Facebook page. It should never have happened." The company also said it would make a donation to an anti-sexual-violence organization.
Making a Hash of It
Client: McDonald's Corp.
Agency: Interpublic Group 's Golin Harris
Pitch: The fast-food chain began a campaign on Twitter to promote the quality of its ingredients using promoted tweets, which carried hashtags such as #McDStories.
Feedback: Some consumers jumped in, but used the hashtag to air their complaints about the company. One person complained about getting food poisoning while another talked about losing 50 pounds after quitting work at a McDonald's. The fast-food chain quickly pulled down the campaign. "It was a minor issue," said Rick Wion, McDonald's director of social media. "Those weren't customers but just critics who weren't coming to our restaurant," he added. The program generated about 72,000 tweets in one day, of which about 2,000 were negative, Mr. Wion said.
Write to Suzanne Vranica at email@example.com


text:
having a Kung Fu Fight with string puppets, except
you don't have to worry about getting the strings tangled
up, and you don't have to have a kung fu fight.
control the characters on screen with the mouse – there are
no pre-scripted animations in the game – it's all up
to you – to walk, you have to literally pick up one foot,
then place it in front of the other.
tricky maybe, but it doesn't take long before you're spinning
through the air like a Russian gymnast.
means you get to create your own style, and can act out whatever
you feel like, and of course, if you really feel like it, you can
have a fight.
about Chi power.
a wide collection of single and multiplayer games,
either online or with multiple mice, Rag Doll Kung Fu provides players
with one of the most creative and unique game experiences delivered
in years.
Be a part of this exciting development in the world of indie gaming
- and challenge me to an online game of Rag Doll Kung Fu! - Mark
Doll Kung Fu is the first wholly independently developed game to
be distributed through Steam,
using custom physics and graphics technology to give you a really
fresh and unique games experience! It is not a 'Mod' and does not
use Valve's Source or any other existing game engine.
makes it easy for you to download and play rag doll on your pc compatible
computer. If you don't already have it, it's free to download from
valve software.


text: Seabreeze Partners' Doug Kass explains why his market call was wrong. It's a P/E-driven market, he says, with CNBC's Mandy Drury and the Futures Now Traders. What he didn't realize, he says, somewhat facetiously, is that the Fed's mandate had gone from employment and inflation to elevating the Dow Jones and the S&P 500.


text:
House Explodes On Live TV [VIDEO]
In some of the most insane video ever captured, a house exploded on live TV in Brentwood, New Hampshire yesterday.
It all began with a shoot out involving police when the house caught fire, then later exploded while a local news helicopter caught it on tape. Authorities say the incident started as a domestic dispute between a father and son. Sadly, Officer Steve Arkell lost his life after responding to the 911 call just after 4pm when he was shot. The alleged shooter, Michael Nolan, who's suspected fight with his elderly father started the situation, is also thought to be dead as a result of the house fire and explosion. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all involved.


text:
Marple Pothole Repair Contractors
Cunningham Contractors Ltd can provide a variety of different pothole repair services in Marple to both private landlord and public sector clients. Our fully qualified highly experienced workforce can carry out all types of tarmac and pothole repairs from one small pothole to large scale resurfacing projects. We offer 40 years experience in "fixing pot holes" and all of our work comes with a 10 year guarantee. We ensure we utilise the right material for the individual job and always quote at the best price.
Call us today on 0161 452 0474 to find out why we are the right company to choose for all of your pothole repair services in Marple
For a pothole repair call Marple 0161 452 0474
Highly Professional Pothole Surfacing Contractors Marple
With all Asphalt or Tarmac Pothole resurfacing projects it is vital to use the correct materials, poor surface preparation together with the wrong specified materials can be detrimental to the aesthetics & life span of your new surface costing you money, time and stress. By partnering with Cunningham Contractors LTD, you will alleviate these common issues with the assurance we offer the very best workmanship combined with the best quality materials.
- Adoptable Highways
- Pot Hole repairs
- Road Planing
- Retail Parks and Car Parking
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- Schools and playgrounds
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Call Marple - 0161 452 0474For a free quote for your Pothole Repair needs
Marple Emergency Pothole Repairs
We operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week throughout Marple and the UK making Cunningham Contractors - readily available source for emergency pothole & roadwork repairs.
Our work from start to finish is always carried out to the highest of quality. We own modern, specialist machinery and plant equipment that gives us a finished product that lasts. Our company offers emergency pothole repairs, patches and small trip hazards.
Marple & National Pothole Surfacing Contractors
Most of our pothole repair jobs are local or within the surrounding areas of Marple, however our pothole resurfacing repair work can take us far and wide as the leading pothole repair experts. In fact, with so many teams working across all of England and Wales, you will often find us in most towns filling road or car park pot holes. Much of our re-surfacing or pothole filling services are for:
- Factories and Industrial Estates
- Warehousing & Storage
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- Offices & Commercial Buildings
- Car Parks
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- Schools and local authorities
For a pothole repair quote call Marple 0161 452 0474 now!
Pothole Repair Contractors in Marple
Cunningham Contractors Ltd provide a variety of different pothole repair services in Marple to both private and public sector clients. We repair form one small pothole to large scale projects tarmac & concrete pothole repairs and resurfacing projects. Established in 1970 we are one of the longest service "pot holes fixers" across the UK and our fully qualified highly experienced workforce can carry out all pothole repairs. Our work comes with a 10 year guarantee, and we are all full insured.
For a pothole repair call Marple 0161 452 0474
WHY CHOOSE Cunningham Contractors & Surfacing to repair your Pothole?
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Marple Emergency Pothole Repairs Call 0161 452 0474
Find out more about how potholes are effect road users in the Marple Pothole Repairs - BBC News


text:
Tests: No poison in Chilean poet Neruda's remains
SANTIAGO, Chile (AP) — The four-decade mystery of whether Chilean Nobel Prize-winning poet Pablo Neruda was poisoned was seemingly cleared up on Friday, when forensic test results showed no chemical agents in his bones. But his family and driver were not satisfied and said they'll request more proof.
Neruda died under suspicious circumstances in the chaos that followed Chile's 1973 military coup. The official version is that the poet died of cancer. But Neruda's former driver has said for years that dictatorship agents injected poison into the poet's stomach while he was bedridden at the Santa Maria clinic in Santiago.
Neruda's body was exhumed in April to determine the cause of his death.
"No relevant chemical substances have been found that could be linked to Mr. Neruda's death," Patricio Bustos, the head of Chile's medical legal service, said as he read the test results of the seven-month investigation by the 15-member forensic team.
Bustos said experts found traces of medicine used to treat cancer in Neruda's remains but that there's no forensic evidence to prove that Neruda died from anything else other than a natural cause.
The highly-anticipated results by the team of Chilean and international experts didn't satisfy Neruda's family members and friends who said the poet's case remains unsolved.
"The Neruda case doesn't close today," said Chilean Communist Party lawyer Eduardo Contreras. "Today we're going to request more samples. They referred to chemical agents but there are no studies about biological agents. A very important chapter has closed and was done very seriously but this is not over."
Neruda was a larger-than-life figure with an enormous passion for women, food and wine. He also enjoyed the company of friends who often visited the poet at his homes decorated with collections of everything from ship's figureheads to giant sea shells. He won the Nobel Prize for literature in 1971 after a prolific career, and he's still best known worldwide for his love poems.
"Neruda died 40 years ago but his work is alive," said Hernan Loyola, 83, a Neruda expert who has been studying the works of the poet for 60 years.
"If I go to any library in the world I'll find the works of Neruda," Loyola said as he stepped out of the poet's home in Santiago. "He was our Shakespeare, our Cervantes. A writer who beyond his political convictions is simply a jewel."
Neruda was also a leftist politician and diplomat, and a close friend of socialist President Salvador Allende, who committed suicide rather than surrender to troops during the Sept. 11, 1973, bloody coup led by Gen. Augusto Pinochet.
Neruda, who was 69 at the time and suffered from prostate cancer, was traumatized by the coup and the persecution and killing of his friends. He planned to go into exile, where he would have been an influential voice against the dictatorship.
But a day before he planned to leave, he was taken by ambulance to the Santa Maria clinic, where he was being treated for cancer and other ailments.
Officially, Neruda died there on Sept. 23 of natural causes. But suspicions that the dictatorship had a hand in the death lingered long after Chile returned to a democracy in 1990.
"We're not satisfied with this but it's an objective result and there's still a ways to go," said Rodolfo Reyes, one of Neruda's nephews. "A deeper investigation is needed."
Follow Luis Andres Henao on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LuisAndresHenao


text:
NetWellness is a global, community service providing quality, unbiased health information from our partners. NetWellness is commercial-free and does not accept advertising.
Sunday, August 14, 2016
Pandemic Flu
Risk for Those Without a Spleen
Is there any reason to believe that this years H1N1 flu would pose additional risk for those without a spleen?
CDC`s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends a single dose of PPSV23 for all people 65 years and older and for persons 2 to 64 years of age with certain high-risk conditions. People in these groups are at increased risk of pneumococcal disease as well as serious complications from influenza. A single revaccination at least five years after initial vaccination is recommended for people 65 years and older who were first vaccinated before age 65 years as well as for people at highest risk, such as those who have no spleen, and those who have HIV infection, AIDS, or malignancy. Also, seasonal influenza and H1N1 vaccination is indicated for patients without a spleen.
Amy J Ray, MD
Assistant Professor of Medicine
School of Medicine
Case Western Reserve University


text:
Results 1 to 10 of 18
#1 Bushfires wipe out 330 square miles in NSWSonnabendGuest10-17-2013, 09:37 PM
LIVE UPDATES: One man has died and there are grave fears for many more as dozens of houses are lost and over 100 blazes continue to burn, 36 of them out of control, across NSW. Rural Fire Service Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons has fought back tears while describing the tireless work of his firefighters, many of whom have lost their own homes while defending the lives of strangers. Police confirmed the first fatality of the disaster this morning. A 63-year-old man died in the NSW Central Coast yesterday after he collapsed while defending his Lake Munmorah home. Two volunteer firefighters are being treated for injuries in hospital, NSW Premier Barry O'Farrell said.Fire Services Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons fought back tears describing the tireless work of his firefighters, many of whom have lost their own homes defending the lives of strangers.
"We have the best firefighters in the world. There's no doubt about it," he said.
Bushes fault!!
Be careful Sonna and I hope none of your friends or family are affected.Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil;
Who substitute darkness for light and light for darkness;
Who substitute bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter!
21 Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes
And clever in their own sight! Isaiah 5:20-21 NASB
SonnabendGuest10-17-2013, 10:39 PM
We are in suburban Sydney, we're fine. Two of my friends are in the fire zone, and they advise that the fires are moving away from them.
We will get this under control eventually. Lower temperatures and cooler weather fronts are moving in, which should help. We are hoping for rain...but the last thing we need is a lightning strike to start another one. Unlike a certain imbecile Mayor in a city I wont name, we Aussies have activated THE PLAN, we all know our jobs, we all know what to do and how to do it. We prepare for every contingency, and that planning is working fine.
We're on this.
SonnabendGuest10-17-2013, 10:56 PM
Thats our operations room
SYDNEY, Jan 13, 2013 (AFP) - As dozens of unpredictable bushfires break out in Australia's extreme heat, military-style operations are in full swing at a "nerve centre" that harnesses state-of-the-art technology allied to the power of social media.At the state operations room at the western Sydney headquarters of the RFS, fire officials sit alongside representatives from the police, the Department of Defence, utilities and state bodies to coordinate the fire response.Before them is a giant digital video wall, the largest in the southern hemisphere, displaying information about all fires burning in the state, including maps, number of firefighters at the front and weather forecasts. "This is the nerve centre for all the fires that are going on in New South Wales at the moment," media spokeswoman Brydie O'Connor told AFP.
All information -- including fire behaviour analysis, air resources, number of fire trucks available, streets and homes that might come under threat -- is plugged into an online system and is immediately available to all who need it.
The centre itself is disaster-proofed, with custom designs ensuring "if there is a major power outage or some sort of catastrophic event in NSW that electricity would still run in this building", O'Connor said.
This is how we plan, this is how we work, this is what years of planning and preparation have accomplished.
10-18-2013, 09:09 AMMay the FORCE be with you!
SonnabendGuest10-20-2013, 09:20 PM
Map of the fires here
Prime Minister Abbott joins the firefighting
EVERY resource NSW can muster - including possibly the military - is being sent to fight the Blue Mountains bushfires, as fears grow that a mega-fire could form. While there are 56 fires still active across the state on Monday - 12 uncontained - the focus is the large State Mine fire near Lithgow.Residents in the township of Bell were this morning again urged to evacuate ahead of temperatures in the mid-30s, low humidity and problematic winds around 25km/h. The great concern in the region west of Sydney is the chance of a mega-fire forming in worsening conditions on Wednesday.
Rural Fire Service commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons concedes it's a possibility."I don't think I've ever use the word mega-fire," he said."But the reality is that the modelling indicates that there's every likelihood that in the forecast weather conditions that these two fires, particularly up in the back end of the mountains, will merge at some point.'' The Lithgow fire could burn along the Bells Line of Road, threatening communities in Sydney's northwest from Kurrajong to Richmond. It may be that some communities "will be simply unsaveable", Mr Fitzsimmons said.
SonnabendGuest10-20-2013, 11:00 PMTriple M Sydney ✔ @TripleMSydneyPolice confirm 11 year old boy is helping detectives with their inquiries after Heatherbrae fire that burned out 5000 hectares #nswfires
- Join Date
- Jun 2008
- Posts
- 22,955
How far are these from you?
As someone who has been through two awful fires here in the last decade, I have deep sympathy. Also, what does it mean when an 11-year-old is helping the police with their inquiries? Do they think kids set off the blaze?
SonnabendGuest10-22-2013, 03:45 AM
I am a fair way away, in a city suburb. The fires are nowhere near me.
Also, what does it mean when an 11-year-old is helping the police with their inquiries? Do they think kids set off the blaze?
5pm: A 15-year-old boy has been arrested over the large bushfire that started in Heatherbrae last week. Hes currently at Raymond Terrace Police Station where he is expected to be charged.
3.10pm: The 11-year-old boy has been charged and has been refused bail.
1.11pm: An 11-year-old boy is expected to be charged with intentionally causing a fire and allowing it to spread after police linked him to the Heatherbrae bushfire today. Police are alleging the boy lit the fire at Heatherbrae on October 13, which engulfed more than 5000 hectares of land in Heatherbrae, Tomago, Williamtown, southern Raymond Terrace and Medowie.
They have also linked him to another fire at Raymond Terrace. Police arrested the suspect this morning and he is now being interviewed. This is the second arrest in less than 24 hours after a 14-year-old Rutherford boy was arrested yesterday for lighting a fire near Rutherford Tennis Club. The fire burnt 200 square metres of land around the club and spread to a fence and 20 trees.
SonnabendGuest10-22-2013, 03:48 AM
"Overnight, fire fighters deliberately merged the 44,000 hectare State Mine fire in Lithgow with a smaller 2,000 hectare blaze at Mt Victoria in a pre-emptive strike to prevent those two fronts from joining up with a 3,000 hectare fire in Springwood. By merging the State Mine and Mt Victoria fires, the RFS has capitalised on better weather conditions to create a single fireground they can easily predict, University of Newcastle lecturer Mr Martin Babakhan says.
"When there's erratic fire behaviour, that's going to be a disaster," he told AAP."But when fire behaviour is predictable, they understand how that fire works." In the absence of high winds or dry conditions, the fires can be more easily contained and back-burned once joined. Another major benefit is improved communications between the RFS headquarters and those at the front, he added. "The top level people guiding the firefighters at the frontline now know what's going on," he said. "They know how the fire's developing."
How Sydney looks at the moment
|« Previous Thread | Next Thread »


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Produktbeschreibung für Link-A-Light HRP Conjugation Kit
Product is tested for Labeling.
Produktdaten von Link-A-Light HRP Conjugation Kit
|Labeling Kits & Reagents
|5 mg
|5 labeling reactions
|Shipping to
|PDF datasheet
|Datenblatt ansehen
|OriGene Technologies GmbH
|Material safety datasheet
|MSDS for Link-A-Light HRP Conjugation Kit
|The Link-A-Light HRP conjugation kit allows conjugations to be set up in seconds, simply by adding a solution of the protein to be labeled to the lyophilised HRP mixture (Figure 1).
By circumventing the desalting or dialysis steps that commonly interrupt traditional protein conjugation procedures, Link-A-Light technology can be used to label small quantities of protein (see Principle).
|1. Before you add antibody to the Link-A-Light Mix, add 1 µl of Link-A-Light Modifier reagent for each 10 µl of Antibody to be labeled. Mix gently.
2. Remove the screw cap from the vial of Link-A-Light Mix and pipette the antibody sample (with added Link-A-Light Modifier) directly onto the lyophilised material. Resuspend gently by withdrawing and re-dispensing the liquid once or twice using a pipette.
3. Place the cap back on the vial and leave the vial standing for 3 hours at room temperature (20-25°C). Alternatively, and sometimes more conveniently, conjugations can be set up and left overnight, as the longer incubation time has no negative effect on the conjugate.
4. After incubating for 3 hours (or more), add 1 µl of Link-A-Light Quencher FD reagent for every 10 µl of antibody used. The conjugate can be used after 30 minutes.
|Storage of Conjugates: For any new conjugate, initial storage at 4°C is recommended. A preservative may be desirable for Long-term storage. Other storage conditions (e.g. Frozen at -70°C or stored at -20°C with 50% Glycerol) may also be satisfactory. The best conditions for any particular conjugate must be determined by experimentation.
Storage of Kit: The kit is shipped at ambient temperature in a tamper-evident polypropylene container. Store at -20°C upon receipt. Shelf life: one year from despatch.


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FirstService Residential
About FirstService Residential
Welcome to FirstService Residential, formerly Wentworth Property Management Corp.
For more than 25 years, our dedicated team of local professionals has worked hard to become the trusted partner of associations representing communities of every type and size.
Making a Difference. Every Day.
We owe our success to our people -- a unified team sharing a commitment to go above and beyond, every day, for the diverse communities we serve. We are local residents ourselves. Our roots and connections are within the communities we serve. We know each neighborhood's unique spirit, as well as how important it is to build strong relationships with our clients and associates -- after all, they are also our friends and neighbors.
To provide the best possible service, we've brought together the industry's most professional, experienced and service-focused associates, all committed to providing tailored property management services to meet each client's needs. We support our teams with differentiating tools and resources that help them deliver meaningful programs to reduce operating costs, enhance property values and create satisfying living environments for our residents and homeowners. FirstService Residential brings in-depth experience to communities of all sizes and types, including:
- Community Associations and HOAs
- Condominium Associations
- Low-, mid- and high-rises
- Active Adult (55+) Communities
- Lifestyle Communities
- Garden-style and townhome communities
- Rental Management
- Developer Communities
Industry-Leading Homeowner Association Management Services and Support
We support our Board members, homeowners and residents with proactive local management, dedicated service and the extensive resources of the industry leader, including:
- Advanced product expertise and innovative services, refined over decades of managing properties of all types and sizes
- Proprietary technology products that facilitate communication, streamline procedures and help Boards operate more efficiently
- Value-added products, like collective buying programs, that reduce clients' costs for everyday services
- Best-in-class training and educational programs for associates and Board members
- And most importantly, a commitment to deliver outstanding customer service at every opportunity
Industry-Leading Residential Property Management Services
At FirstService Residential, we manage properties... but that's just the beginning. Your property may very well be your largest investment, but it's also your home, filled with years of memories and personal attachments that are just as valuable. We understand this, so we work very hard to enhance your property values, improve the quality of your life and create a community you'll be proud to call home.
Professional Property Management with a Personal Touch
We are recognized for our specialized product expertise, proprietary technology, industry-leading training courses, cost-saving programs and many other value-added services. But we believe that our local touch and personalized service for the Board members, homeowners and residents we serve that truly sets us apart.
- Homeowners Association (100+ units)
- Condominium Association (100+ units)


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Englische Demo bzw. Trial-Version zum Box-Manager Universal Boxing Manager (Anleitung)
UBM is a new boxing game that will let you take the role of a boxing manager.
You'll be able to look for new talents, hire already famous boxers, and of course train them as you like.
From the starting menu, you can choose to start a new game, creating a custom manager, or have a quickstart into the game (the computer will auto-generate a random manager for you).
Of course if you want to have full control on what will happen in the game is better to create your manager by hand. The Manager Creation Screen does exactly that.


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Online Employment Application
Employment Application
Thank you for your interest in applying to work at Cedarville University. Please enter your CedarNet login name and password to begin a new application or continue your existing application. If you do not have a CedarNet account you may create an account.
If you prefer, you may print off a paper copy of the Employment Application [PDF].
Please complete and mail to:
University Human Resources
Cedarville University
251 North Main Street
Cedarville, OH 45314
In addition to submitting the online application or completing the paper copy of the application, please provide:
- A current resume or CV
- A completed response to the doctrinal questionnaire
- Unofficial copies of all higher education transcripts (if applying for a faculty position)


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To add or change your team name, please email firstname.lastname@example.com or call the KCBS office at 1-800-963-5227.
KCBS Team Bios
BERGIE BBQYear Started: 2011
Team Bio:
Other members: Wife Jackie Bergstrom, Uncle Kevin Seaman, Aunt Becky We attended Cancer Sucks Chicago cooking class and highly recommend it, we met alot of new friends! We competed in Fair Oaks Farms in Indiana and were in the top 75% without any DQ or DALs so that was a success for our team. We then competed in Central Braggin Rights in Arthur IL, and finally took a walk!!!! 10th place pork, thanks goes out to my mom and dad for helping. Our next event will be Morton BBQ Throwdown July 25th and 26th, we placed 11th over all last year and looking to better that one!!! See you there.
Hometown: Champaign
State/Province: IL
Country: US
Most wins in a year: 0
Biggest Wins: 11th place over all at Morton 2013! 4th place chicken and 9th place ribs
Sponsors: theQjoint


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Personal Trainers in Las Vegas, NV
LV East Sport - View club info
2605 South Eastern Ave
Las Vegas, NV 89169
Browse the profiles below to learn more about our Personal Trainers in Las Vegas, NV. Once you've found your trainer, you can purchase personal training sessions online. We'll do our best to match you up with the personal trainer that you choose but availability may vary.*
Not ready to choose a trainer? Purchase a Personal Training package and choose a trainer in club.


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Blackhawks reassign Bickell
The Blackhawks have reassigned winger Bryan Bickell to Rockford of the American Hockey League.
Bickell had a team-high five hits in 6 minutes 46 seconds of action during the Hawks' 3-2 loss to the Detroit Red Wings on Thursday night.Bickell's departure likely signals the return of center Dave Bolland, who missed the Wings game with a sore back.
The Hawks will practice today at the United Center as they prepare to take on the Colorado Avalanche on Saturday night in the team's North American home opener. After Thursday's loss, the Hawks' record stands at 1-1-1.


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NH attorneys general often go on to great heightsBy MARK HAYWARD
New Hampshire Union Leader
March 19. 2013 9:13PM
Outgoing Attorney General Michael Delaney will soon enter a career path that has proved successful for his predecessors.
Former attorneys general include a U.S. Supreme Court justice (David Souter), a federal appeals court judge (Jeff Howard), a governor (Stephen Merrill), U.S. senators (Warren Rudman and Kelly Ayotte), and a law firm founder/political kingpin (Tom Rath).
"To a certain extent, it's what you choose it to be. It's a pretty good stepping stone," said Lawrence A. Vogelman, president of the New Hampshire Bar Association. He said Delaney is well-respected in the legal profession, smart and is well-liked by lawyers in his office.
"We're kind of a small firm and not looking for anyone," he said about the six-person Manchester firm that he shares with David Nixon, "but we might make room for him."
Meanwhile, Democratic Party Chairman Raymond Buckley said Delaney would stack up well against any Republican, and he imagined a 2016 Senate race involving two former attorneys general - Ayotte and Delaney.
"I had for years thought he'd make an excellent mayor of Manchester, or (an office) above that," Buckley said. "He's always said he's not interested, but we'll see."
Delaney said Tuesday he has "no current interest" to run for higher office. And he said he would not discuss other career options until he left the Attorney General's Office.
Delaney moved to New Hampshire in 1994 and worked in a Manchester law firm before joining the Attorney General's Office as a homicide prosecutor. He rose through the ranks to head the homicide unit and served as deputy attorney general under then-Attorney General Kelly Ayotte.
He left the office to become legal counsel to then-Gov. John Lynch. Lynch appointed him attorney general in 2009.


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How to convert MXF to MP4 on Mac with Mac MXF to MP4 Converter?
How to convert MXF to MP4 on Mac with Mac MXF to MP4 Converter?
If you want to enjoy MXF files on Mac with your portable equipment such as iPad, iPod, iPhone, etc, you must convert MXF to MP4 on Mac firstly. Most of us know that MXF has been designed to address a number of problems with non-professional formats, but Few of Mac users know how to convert MXF to MP4 on Mac. Is there any easy way to solve the problem?
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Step 1: Add mxf video files
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Choose the file, click "Profile" drop-down button to choose the format you need, here we choose .mp4 format.
Step 3: Convert
When you get ready to convert the added mxf videos on Mac, Click the "Convert" button to start conversion


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CHICAGO – Maybe you've heard this story before. Or dreamt it.
Man cleans out old lottery tickets from cookie jar, and instead of throwing them away takes them to the 7-Eleven to check them out. And finds one of them is worth millions.
It gets better for Ricardo Cerezo of Geneva, Ill. He says his family was facing eviction and he'll use the winnings — $4.85 million — to pay off the home.
"It couldn't have happened at a better time," Cerezo, a management consultant, told reporters. "I just thought, this is how God works."
Cerezo said his wife was cleaning out the kitchen and mentioned the lottery tickets that had accumulated over the past month in a glass cookie jar.
"It was either take them, get them checked, or she was going to trash them that night," he said.
Cerezo said he took the tickets to a 7-Eleven in Aurora, Ill., and scanned them. The first eight or nine tickets weren't winners.
"The following one was $3, so I was excited. I get to pay for my Pepsi. And then the last one said file a claim," he said, which meant it was worth at least $600.
Cerezo went online and found that the numbers matched the Feb. 2 Lotto drawing.
"As each number kept matching, the smile kept going higher and higher. And when I realized we had all six numbers, it was that shocking moment of, 'Whoa, can this really be?' " he said in a news conference Wednesday. "Fast forward to the next day, Monday: Called in sick from work, went down into Chicago. It's one of feeling where it's OK if they fire me."
After he waited about half an hour, Cerezo said lottery officials brought him into a room and said his ticket was worth $4.85 million.
Just three months earlier, Cerezo appeared at a foreclosure hearing where a judge gave him a few more months to find a new home before they would be evicted.
"That was on Feb. 12, so we were sitting on $4 million at that time in this jar," he said. "We will have our home paid off."
Cerezo said February holds special significance for him and his family because his daughter Savannah was born in that month. She died from a sudden illness last year at 14.
Another View: President Trump's plan to cut drug costs is likely to be a bust
Letter to the editor: Mavodones is there for Portland schools
Letter to the editor: Walter has what it takes for House District 32
Letter to the editor: Kessler will work hard for House District 32
Letter to the editor: Thibodeau's record in District 2 is a good one


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ATF's Fast and Furious scandal
A federal operation dubbed Fast and Furious allowed weapons from the U.S. to pass into the hands of suspected gun smugglers so the arms could be traced to the higher echelons of Mexican drug cartels. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, which ran the operation, has lost track of hundreds of firearms, many of which have been linked to crimes, including the fatal shooting of Border Patrol Agent Brian Terry in December 2010.
Two convicted of killing Border Patrol agent; incident exposed Fast and Furious operation
A jury has found two men guilty of murder in the killing of a U.S. Border Patrol agent whose death exposed the botched federal operation known as Fast and Furious. The jury found Jesus Leonel Sanchez-Meza and Ivan Soto-Barraza guilty of all counts. Jurors had begun deliberations Wednesday afternoon,...
ATF's 'Fast and Furious' paper trail
Garland, Texas, shooter bought gun in 2010 during Fast and Furious
Five years before he was shot to death in the failed terrorist attack in Garland, Texas, Nadir Soofi walked into a suburban Phoenix gun shop to buy a 9-millimeter pistol. At the time, Lone Wolf Trading Co. was known among gun smugglers for selling illegal firearms. And with Soofi's history of misdemeanor...
30-year sentence in killing of Border Patrol Agent Brian Terry
TUCSON -- A federal judge sentenced a Mexican man to 30 years in prison Monday for the 2010 killing of Border Patrol Agent Brian A. Terry, a slaying that led to the unraveling of the failed federal gun-tracking operation known as Fast and Furious. Manuel Osorio-Arellanes, who pleaded guilty to...
Fast and Furious gun dealer released from prison
WASHINGTON — The firearms dealer caught up in the Justice Department's Fast and Furious scandal has won an early release from prison after a federal judge ruled that prosecutors overcharged him in alleging he sold high-powered weapons to smugglers working for a violent drug cartel in Mexico. Ian...
Seventh man indicted in slaying of Border Patrol Agent Brian Terry
A Mexican man accused of assembling the crew of drug robbers who killed a U.S. Border Patrol agent in a 2010 shootout in Arizona was indicted this week, the seventh person to be charged in the case. Rosario Rafael Burboa-Alvarez, 30, faces federal charges of first-degree murder, second-degree murder,...
Mexican national to be sentenced for killing border agent Brian Terry
TUCSON -- A federal judge could sentence a Mexican national Monday to up to 30 years to life in prison for the 2010 killing of Border Patrol agent Brian A. Terry just south of Tucson, a slaying that led to the unraveling of the failed federal gun-tracking operation known as Fast and Furious. Manuel...
'Fast and Furious' defendant gets prison for buying guns
Atty. Gen. Holder accuses critics of politicizing 'Fast and Furious' case
Atty. Gen. Eric H. Holder Jr., under fire for his Justice Department's Operation Fast and Furious, accused his Republican congressional critics of politicizing the failed gun-tracking program and warned that many of the more than 2,000 lost firearms will continue to show up on the southwest border...
Holder's 'Fast and Furious' testimony draws rebuke from victim's kin
The family of a slain border agent is blasting Atty. Gen. Eric H. Holder Jr. for his repeated claims of ignorance about the tactics used in the botched "Fast and Furious" gun-trafficking sting. "If this is true and he did not know, then he should have known," the family of Brian Terry, an agent...


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Friday, January 10, 2014 - Felix and Milan - Screen Test - FULL CONTACT
Felix and Milan - Screen Test - FULL CONTACT
The gorgeous Milan Neoral agreed to try out with another guy, so we set up a Screentest for him with the very studly Felix Ryha. Things start off with Felix doing a brief interview with Milan and then leaning over to kiss him. As they sit on the bed, in just their underwear Felix kisses Milan and feels his hot chest. He licks on Milan's nipples as well and returns to kissing him. Milan responds by rubbing Felix. Then, under direction from Felix, Milan lays on his back. Felix straddles him and kisses him some more. Then Felix starts feeling Milan's groin, his hand sliding inside the underwear. He helps Milan off with the underwear and begins to suck on his cock. It is soon good and hard from Felix's hot mouth, with the balls getting good and tight. Felix then kisses Milan again, wanking on his hard cock. Felix removes his underwear, showing that he is hard too. As he is being sucked Milan grabs Felix's cocka nd wanks on it. Milan then pulls his legs up in the air and Felix gently fingers his hole as he sucks him. When his hole is nicely opened by that finger Milan gets on his knees, with Felix behind him. Felix slides his rock hard cock into Milan's tight ass and fucks him nice and deep. Milan takes that cock so well. HIs first time being fucked is going so well. Felix sits on the bed and has Milan take a ride on his cock. Milan's ass slides up and down on Felix's throbbing cock, his own dick staying solidly hard. Moving to missionary position Milan wanks himself as Felix fucks his ass some more. He wanks that cock as his hole is full of Felix's dick and soon shoots a big, creamy load of cum. Felix continues to fuck that hot ass until he is ready to cum too and pulls out. Wanking hard and fast he quickly shoots his cum too, all over Milan's hot body. What a great screentest which finishes with a final kiss.
... more about Felix and Milan - Screen Test - FULL CONTACT further in this newsletter
Our Coming Soon Set Preview
Milan Hornik is in for a Czech Up from Dr Tibor Rysavy and Sister Jiri Tucek. As he stands, answerings Tibor's questions Milan's ass is admired by Jiri. Milan sits on the examination chair and removes his tee-shirt. Tibor then begins his examination, using his stethoscope to check the chest. Milan is then told to drop his jeans, and is embarrassed to admit he has no underwear. But that won't stop the exam. He gets naked and sits down again. Tibor then uses the thermometer, in Milan's piss slit, to take his temperature. The result appears not to be conclusive so they try the thermometer in his ass as well. Then Tibor and Jiri undertake a more thorough examination of Milan's cock and balls. Jiri leads the way and leans over to suck on Milan's cock. But he quickly stands and drops his own pants, showing that he is rock hard. Milan takes hold of Jiri's hard cock as he own gets sucked again. Tibor kisses and nibbles Milan's neck and then, naked to the waist, starts sucking on Milan's big, hard cock. Jiri moves up and pushes his cock into Milan's mouth, for sucking. Tibor is hard too and rubs his big dick over Milan's hairy leg, before going back down on his cock. Jiri moves round and takes Tibor's big cock in his mouth. He sucks that fat cock as Tibor continues sucking Milan. Then attention turns to Milan's hot, hairy hole. With his legs up that hole is available for Jiri to loosen with his fingers. As his hole gets the finger Milan's cock gets more sucking from Tibor. But Jiri knows what Tibor really likes. Bending him over Jiri shoves his big dick deep in that hot ass. As he gets fucked Tibor sucks on Milan's throbbing cock. Milan likes the action and soon wants to plow Tibor's hot ass, so they move around and he does just that. Tibor sucks Jiri as Milan works that hot ass. Then Jiri sits and lets Tibor slide his ass over that big cock. Tibor rides Jiri's cock hard and fast. Then he sits on the chair and has Milan and Jiri wank over him. Jiri is soon shoting his cum all overTibor's big chest. The wanking continues and very soon Tibor cums as well to end a very good scene.
You can watch my Vlog for this Newsletter by clicking above or by going over to the Blog :
Mr. President has announced today that he would appoint the Leader of the Social Democratic party as Prime Minister a week from today. He also said he had objections to several cabinet nominees but expects a new government to be fully in place by the end of the month. It appears the controversy will end with a whimper rather than a bang. The German press expects that Mr. President will do everything in his power to undermine the new government. Only time will tell.
Meanwhile, we're still experiencing unseasonably warm weather in Prague. No significant snow anywhere in the country.
Meanwhile down to work:
We have a great newsletter today, starting with Milan Neoral in a wonderful screentest, with Felix Ryha. Then we have Jan Tonka's erotic video and Roman Madlec in a very good session stills.
Our castees today are also very good indeed. They are Petr Kracel, Alaryk Nikl and Mark Kalo. With them all looking so good it makes my choice today rather difficult. But in the end I have decided that Mark Kalo just edges it.
MESSAGE ABOUT LINKS TO THE OLD WH WEBSITE - WILLIAMHIGGINS.com ARCHIVES:
Please be aware that the link www.williamhiggins.com takes you to this brand new website now. If you bookmarked our old website in the past and you want to keep the bookmark as a shortest way to access the old WH website you need to change the link in the bookmark to:
You do not need to remember this link, you can conveniently get to the old WH Website - WilliamHiggins.com Archives anytime you need through the "WH 2001-2010" in the top menu of the new WilliamHiggins.com website.
Today's Weather in Prague
We have launched our all new Kink only site with no solos. It's not for the feint hearted. Do take a look (if you dare):
At present, Members of CzechGuysNextDoor will be able to access the new site with their user information. If you have problems, write firstname.lastname@example.com
Latest Sets At Our NEW STR8HELL.com Website
Open Set "Roman Madlec - SPANKING"
Open Set "Niklas Serdberg - CFNM"
Members of CzechGuysnextDoor.com - to log in the member's section of the new STR8HELL website use your present username and password, if you forgot your password or encounter a log in problem please feel free to contact us at: firstname.lastname@example.com
Non-members - you are welcome to browse our complete content - each regular set contains free video preview and free photos, if you decide not to become a member of our website you can also buy sets separately (we huge, well organized and easy to search library of models - there is always few models you may like) you can pay only for what you really want see ;-). You are always welcome to come back.
All members of www.CzechGuysNextDoor.com get a free access to STR8HELL.com till the end of November 2011!
Please use your present CzechGuysNextDoor username and password to log into the members area.
We have terminated updates to CzechGuysNextDoor.com website. CzechGuysNextDoor.com website will stay online, but now only as an archive of all CzechGuysNextdoor.com sets. Anyone who wants to access CzechGuysNextDoor.com Archives needs to have a STR8HELL.com membership. STR8HELL.com will continue with most of the czechguysnextdoor.com projects. Anyone who joins STR8HELL.com will gain access to two websites STR8HELL.com and CzechGuyNextDoor.com Archives which contain 2500+ sets. STR8HELL.com has exactly same features and controls as NEW WilliamHiggins.com website.
Direct access to CzechGuysNextDoor.com website is now through the link: archive.czechguysnextdoor.com or through "Archive Sets 2004-2011" links on the new STR8HELL website.
Thank you for your loyalty to CzechGuysNextDoor.com website,
William Higgins
BurnDVD.tv Website Latest Updates
Starting today you can download our videos in Full HD quality 1920x1080px!
Please remember that most of the videos available on BurnDVD are easily able to be downloaded with a single link, but some of the very large files, such as the newsletter DVDs have to be split into three separate links, as detailed below.
The videos with very large file sizes are now split into more than one part, using a program called HJSplit. If you wish to buy one of these larger videos to Burn to DVD, you will receive a link for file and then it is a simple process to join the downloaded files together to make the .iso file for Burning to DVD.
You can see all the available videos at www.burndvd.tv
Before downloading any videos to burn to DVD I advise you to read the BURNDVD Manual, which explains how you can burn the file to DVD. The file is an ISO file which contains all the required DVD files. The process for burning to DVD is fully explained.
The BurnDVD manual is easy to follow, with a step by step guide. Burning a DVD is easy to do, though it is helpful if you have previously burned DVDs or CDs.
The manual can be viewed here: BURNDVD Manual
Anyone who has any problems understanding the manual, or burning their download to DVD, or indeed any questions about this service please email firstname.lastname@example.com . Geoff will be happy to assist you.
You can view all the available downloads at www.burndvd.tv, by clicking the on the categories. A direct link to the latest files available will be published in each newsletter.
Our Latest Sets at www.BurnDVD.tv
Today we have Milan Neoral's Screentest, with Felix Ryha and Jan Tonka, Roman Madlec – Backstage Video and CFNM – Niklas Serdberg.
The direct link to "SCREEN TEST - Felix and Milan"
The direct link to "Jan Tonka"
The direct link to "Roman Madlec - BS"
The direct link to "CFNM - Niklas Serdberg"
Special Offer for William Higgins Newsletter Readers
William Higgins Newsletter readers are able to obtain a discount on the price of BURNDVD downloads by using the coupons that we will be publishing in each Members Newsletter. The coupon published in each newsletter will be valid for a period of 7 days.
Copy today's coupon code here: 264bd97
Our Partners:
PLEASE PROCEED TO THE NEXT PAGE FOR THE LATEST WilliamHiggins.com UPDATES


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Looking for a way to give back to Performing Life International, and support the work we do? We've partnered with Goodshop to help you save while you shop! Goodshop finds you the best deals on the internet — coupons from all your favorite stores like Best Buy promo codes for those new phones, dvds or […]
Last night, the Performing Life grown-ups were at Parlana, Cochabamba's language exchange night, selling bracelets and CDs made by the children. We also held a raffle for some rather excellent cheese! Fun was had. Balls were juggled. And a TV crew interviewed Adalid about our work, so stay tuned for that next week. Thanks to […]
My name is Marye Dijkstra and I am from The Netherlands. From an early age I have always had a natural instinct to help other people, especially children, but above all: whole family systems. Offering disadvantaged families in less fortunate situations the opportunities to further their aspirations, goals and expectations of life. I believe it is a challenge to make people stronger and teach them to discover their own strengths and talents to change their own present and future.
Unfortunately I couldn't volunteer forever, so I returned to The Netherlands to work two years with young adults who suffered from mental disabilities and conduct problems, but still with the plan to live in Bolivia in the future again. Then, at the end of last year, I was really happy to discover that Performing Life had a vacancy. I read a lot about the organization and I was directly feeling morally connected to their mission and goals. I love that Performing Life has a fun and cheerful method to achieve a serious purpose. I think it is exactly the right method to reach children, their families and communities. The organization has different, complementary, programs to achieve a better future for people who really need it. So, I am really lucky to be able to say that since mid-February I am working as the new National director. I am here just for two weeks right now and I already feel comfortable and really welcome in the Performing life team!
Cristian Maire , 12, joined Performing Life (PL) in April 2012. He lives with his stepfather, mother, and older brother; he doesn't know his father, who abandoned the family before Cristian was born. His family lives in one room in the Montenegro region, about 20 km west of Cochabamba. Because Cristian's family has only one bed, he sleeps on the floor. Cristian's stepfather is often verbally abusive, and worse, sometimes beats him.
Marc Jacobs Snapshot Floral Brocade Bag Beige Multi Gold x3JNYfjp
What is jitter?
It's the undesired deviation of a periodic signalfrom the ideal timing…
OK then…
So, even though the above definition is correct, it doesn't really let you know why jitter is bad for a digital audio signal, how jitter actually degrades the signal or what the aural effects of jitter are. Let's take a closer look at jitter in order to answer these questions.
First, it's helpful to understand a bit about word clock. Here's a graphical representation of a word clock signal:
A word clock signal acts like a conductor, providing a timing signal to all the parts of a digital audio system so that each process may be triggered at a precise moment. If you think of your digital audio system as an intricate mechanical device, the word clock is analogous to the teeth of the gears that make various parts of the device move together. Think of Charlie Chaplin in "Modern Times":
Here's another way to think about how a digital audio system works. Start with an analog waveform:
Now, in order to digitize this waveform (i.e describe it using numbers), let's overlay a piece of graph paper:
Using the graph, we can describe the waveform with letters and numbers:
At A the wave is 8;
at B the wave is 11 ;
at C the wave is 14 ,
at D the wave is 15 , and so on.
We could store these numbers and use them to recreate the waveform later. Please don't bust our chops about the obvious inaccuracy between the red waveform and the blue points, it's an analogy, people.
So, to forge on with the analogy, imagine that the letters are samples and the numbers are bit levels. Now we're recording digital audio. It might look like this:
At sample 1, digital level is 0111;
at sample 2, digital level is 1011; and so on.
Notice our word clock signal at the top of the graph. It's the signal that triggers each sample in a digital audio system.
Once we've recorded our waveform as numbers, we can "re-plot" the points and re-draw the waveform to get back our original signal. We've just recorded and played back a digital audio signal.
The process of converting our waveform to numbers is called analog to digital conversion – here's what it might look like:
The process of converting the numbers back into a waveform is called digital to analog conversion – here's a movie of that process.
Now, throughout this whole process we've assumed that the vertical lines on our graph paper are evenly spaced. Imagine that we got some faulty graph paper where the vertical lines weren't evenly spaced and we attempted to re-draw our waveform using the numbers we previously recorded. Clearly the resultant waveform would not be like the original:
Look at the top of our graph, that's what a jittery word clock looks like. Notice that the distance between the transitions is uneven – this is jitter.
Though we've greatly exaggerated the amount of jitter in this graphic, it does show how a jittery word clock causes samples to be triggered at uneven intervals – this unevenness introduces distorsion into the waveform we're trying to record and reproduce.
For another take on jitter, let's think again about Charlie Chaplin and "Modern Times". A film functions in a similar manner to digital audio, in that a film camera doesn't record every instant of a scene, but rather "samples" a scene by taking a series of still pictures at a fast enough rate to fool the eye into thinking it sees fluid movement. As you can imagine, the regularity of the exposure (and subsequent projection) of film frames is crucial to maintaining the illusion of fluid movement. Back in the days of Chaplin, early film cameras weren't so even – frame jitter made the movement seem jerky and unnatural.
If jitter gets into our D-to-A stage, it degrades the playback. The original digital recording is intact, and we just need to remove the jitter or get a better D-to-A converter to resolve the issue. Going back to our film analogy, if our projector is uneven, our film is probably fine, we just need a better projector.
On the other hand, if jitter gets into the A-to-D stage, those errors are "baked into" the digital data – there's no recovering the original waveform. If you've shot your film with a hand cranked film camera, there's no way you're getting that jerky motion out of the film. This is why getting the A-to-D stage of a digital recording system right is so crucial.
So, what does digital audio affected by jitter sound like? To answer this question, imagine a recording of an orchestra made with a perfectly placed stereo pair of mics. If you listen to the analog output of the mic pres, ideally you'll have a precise and wide image of the orchestra. If you closed your eyes, you could point to the triangle player, there, behind the second violins.
Smaller amounts of jitter start to cloud the precision of the stereo image – you can't pinpoint sources as clearly. As greater amounts of jitter degrade the system, the stereo image starts to shrink – your orchestra isn't so wide. With increasing jitter, changes in timbre occur that accentuate ugly harmonics.
To avoid jitter, use a finely engineered clock source as found in all of Apogee's interfaces. If you're using multiple digital devices, use a Master clock like Apogee's Big Ben and make word clock connections using our Wide Eye cable.
Finally, be aware that frequency drift, often mentioned when discussing digital audio clock, isn't jitter… see here!
© 2018 Apogee KnowledgeBase
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Most gradeschool children are enjoying their summer off, but some young Oregonians already have September on their minds. You see, they are on the waiting list of the Children's Scholarship Fund-Portland and eagerly hope to attend the school of their choice next fall.
In the last ten years, almost 650 lower-income Oregon children have received a quot;hand upquot; in their education through the Children's Scholarship Fund-Portland .
Families of greater financial means may already have quot;school choice.quot; They can move to a neighborhood with a public school they like, or they can pay for private or parochial school tuition.
But those options are often out of reach for lower-income families. Despite their willingness to sacrifice to give their children the best education they can, lower-income parents still may find their children trapped in schools that do not meet their kids' needs. The demand for choice in education is growing. Parents want the best for their children, and private programs like the Children's Scholarship Fund-Portland are proud to help them achieve it.
As for that waiting list? If you would like to make a dream come true this summer for a low-income Oregon child who is eager to learn and to succeed in school, visit Cascade Policy Institute on the web at
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and click on the Children's Scholarship Fund-Portland.
Kathryn Hickok is Publications Director, Director of the Children's Scholarship Fund-Portland, and Development Coordinator at Cascade Policy Institute, Oregon's free market public policy research center.
Cascade's mission is to develop and promote public policy alternatives that foster individual liberty, personal responsibility, and economic opportunity.More About us
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Dear Democratic Socialists Who Think You're Having a Moment: It's Me, a Libertarian, Who's Been Through This. #defendliberty #promoteopportunity … See More See Less


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BEIRUT, Lebanon, March 23 (UPI) -- Lebanese President Michel Sleiman accepted the resignation of Prime Minister Najib Mikati Saturday, who said his decision was a personal one.
Mikati's decision came after Hezbollah members of the Cabinet balked at creating a body to supervise the June parliamentary elections, The (Beirut) Daily Star reported.
The Hezbollah group also rejected Mikati's proposal to extend the term of the internal security chief.
The prime minister said he did not consult anyone before deciding to step down, saying his decision "was a personal one."
At a news conference after meeting with Sleiman, Mikati said he hoped his resignation would "be an impetus for leaders to shoulder their responsibilities," the BBC reported.
He urged political parties to unite to "bring Lebanon out of the unknown."
Mikati formed the 30-member Cabinet in June 2011, after Hezbollah and its allies brought down the unity Cabinet of Saad Hariri.


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College Football:: Granite Staters out to prove somethingBy ROGER BROWN
New Hampshire Union Leader
August 16. 2017 12:28AM
DURHAM --- There are currently two New Hampshire residents penciled in as starters on the University of New Hampshire's offensive line. That number could grow to three at some point, perhaps even before UNH's opens its season Aug. 31 against Maine.
Bedford's Will McInerny is a projected starter at one of the tackle spots, Amherst's Jake Kennedy is at the top of the depth chart at center and Derry resident Noah Robison is among those competing to earn a starting job as well.
Robison, who played at Pinkerton Academy, had to sit out last season per NCAA rules after he transferred to UNH from Coastal Carolina. Although he's a junior academically, Robison has three years of athletic eligibility remaining.
"Right now he's battling for a starting position on the offensive line," UNH coach Sean McDonnell said. "Here's a kid who came back to the state of New Hampshire and weighed 250 pounds soaking wet. He came into this camp around 280 pounds. His strength total has gone up. He's athletic. He had to sit out a year after transferring from Coastal and now he's got a chance to play two or three years here."
Robison, who is 6 feet 6 inches tall, said one semester at Coastal Carolina was all he needed to know it wasn't the place for him.
"When I got down there I never felt like I really fit in," Robison said. "The team ideals and stuff … I just wasn't buying in. I just didn't think I was with the right crowd. Here it's totally different.
"I had a few people questioning if I had made the right decision when I was talking about transferring, but I definitely think it was the right decision. I clicked with the team very quick. I think if anything it helped me with the transition because I got that extra year to learn the offense, get comfortable with my teammates, get comfortable with the coaches and really buy into the program. It is something that wasn't great in my career, but I think it helped me in the long run in terms of getting adjusted to everything."
McDonnell said the offensive line was the team's No. 1 issue entering preseason camp. McInerny and tackle Dayne Herron are the returning starters on that unit. Kennedy, a senior, is the team's only other offensive lineman with significant playing experience.
"We're young, and we're young in some positions where we have to grow up in a hurry — and it starts with the offensive line" McDonnell said. "(Jack) Carroll, (Matt) Mascia, (Matt) Matulis, Robison ... those are guys who have to grow up and we'll find out how ready they are on that Thursday night game against Maine.
"I like that they had a great summer in the weight room. The numbers have shown that they've improved strength-wise. Now what do they do taking it to the field?"
Robison had shoulder surgery that prevented him from playing in his sophomore season at Pinkerton, but he was a starter in his junior and senior seasons. The Astros won the Division I championship in his senior year.
Although his 6-foot-6-inch frame suggests he might be best suited to play tackle, he could also move inside.
"Right now I'm at right tackle, but I've moved around a lot since I've been here," Robison explained. "Worst-case scenario I could step in and play some guard. I'm with the twos right now, but you never know what could happen. I'm out here trying to prove every day that I can play in that starting spot."


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We Need An E-Reader For Car Guys
I love the idea of reducing the number of devices I own. The thing I carry in my pocket already takes pictures, plays games, gives me alarms and reminders, browses the web, and even makes phone calls, sometimes. But there's just some things I do that need their own stuff. Working on my cars is one of them.


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[Information provided by: LSU Athletics]
LSU is making its 16th appearance in the College World Series and its first since the Tigers won the 2009 national championship. The Tigers are ranked No. 1 by Collegiate Baseball, by USA Today, by Perfect Game and by the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association.
The 2013 Tigers have tied the LSU and SEC record for most wins in season with 57. LSU also established school marks for most regular-season victories (48) and for most regular-season SEC wins (23).
LSU coach Paul Mainieri, who has directed LSU to the CWS three times during his seven-season tenure, said the Tigers
LSU has the highest all-time NCAA Tournament winning percentage (132-49, .729), and the Tigers are appearing in the NCAA Tournament for the 26th time. LSU has an 83-19 mark in regional games, a 14-10 record in super regional games and a 35-20 mark in the College World Series.
The Tigers have won 20 regional titles, six super regional titles and six College World Series championships (1991, 1993, 1996, 1997, 2000, 2009).
Sophomore right-hander Aaron Nola (12-0), a 2013 first-team all-American and the SEC Pitcher of the Year, will start Sunday's game on the mound for LSU. UCLA coach John Savage, who has guided the Bruins to the CWS three times in four seasons, will counter with junior right-hander Adam Plutko (8-3), a three-time All-Pac 12 selection.
LSU coach Paul Mainieri said the Tigers have enjoyed a tremendous season and are eager to start play in the CWS. LSU enters the CWS No. 3 in the nation in team ERA with a 2.41 mark, and the Tigers are No. 5 in the nation in fielding percentage (.980).
"We're just really proud of the season we've had thus far; our kids have played remarkable all year," Mainieri said. "I feel like we have a pretty balanced team, and consequently each day has been a different type of game. Sometimes it's been high scoring, sometimes low scoring. But our pitching and defense have been pretty consistent, so generally speaking we've been in most of the ball games and found a way to win most of them, fortunately.
"The great thing about our team this year is it's just one of those teams that the chemistry is so outstanding. I don't know if the chemistry comes because of our winning or the winning is because of our chemistry, but it's been a great group of kids to work with. I'm so thrilled for our seniors that they had an opportunity to get here before their careers ended."
Mainieri said Savage has established a superb program at UCLA with an emphasis on pitching and defense.
"I know John from his days at Southern Cal as a pitching coach, then he started the program back up at UC Irvine and what he's done at UCLA has been absolutely remarkable," Mainieri said. "Their pitching has been the hallmark of the program at UCLA."
The Bruins have a 2.69 team ERA while allowing opponents to hit just .226 against them.
LSU is led at the plate by shortstop Alex Bregman, the National Freshman Player of the Year. Bregman is hitting .380 with 18 doubles, seven triples, six homers and 52 RBI. He has 104 base hits, which ranks No. 2 in the nation.
LSU senior first baseman Mason Katz, a first-team all-American, is batting .366 with 14 doubles, two triples, 15 homers and 68 RBI, while senior leftfielder Raph Rhymes is hitting .343 with 15 doubles, one triple, four homers and 46 RBI.
The Tigers are batting .308 as a team with 46 homers and 54 stolen bases in 80 attempts.
The Bruins enter Sunday's game with a .251 team batting average, and UCLA has recorded 19 homers with 66 stolen bases in 108 attempts.
The Bruins are led at the plate by sophomore infielder Kevin Kramer, who is hitting .279 with 11 doubles, two triples, three homers and 40 RBI. Sophomore outfielder Eric Filia is batting .278 with 13 doubles, one triple, one homer and 25 RBI, and junior infielder Pat Valaika is batting .257 with 13 doubles, three triples and team highs of five homers and 44 RBI.
LSU leads UCLA, 3-1, in an all-time series that began in 1988, when the Tigers defeated the Bruins, 7-1, in the Louisiana Superdome. LSU swept two games from UCLA in the 2000 NCAA Baton Rouge Super Regional by scores of 8-2 and 14-8. The teams' most recent meeting came in the 2010 NCAA Los Angeles Regional, where the Bruins posted a 6-2 win over the Tigers in the second round.


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COLUMBIA, S.C. — The LSU men struggled in the first half but coasted in the second of Thursday's game at South Carolina. The only constant in both periods was the stellar play of forward Johnny O'Bryant.
The 6-foot-9 sophomore set a career high in scoring (30 points) for the second straight game as the Tigers cruised to their fourth straight Southeastern Conference victory, a 64-46 win at Colonial Life Arena.
O'Bryant made all seven second-half shots and finished 13-for-19 against an overmatched Gamecocks front line.
"Coach (Johnny Jones) has talked to me all year about being patient, making the right move and going to toward the rim strong," O'Bryant said. "That's what I tried to do tonight. I've done a better job of practicing harder. You practice like you play. I had to battle early in the season with injuries, and I was back and forth getting in and out of shape. I think I've done a great job of just playing hard."
"Johnny did an excellent job," Jones said. "What he has done for us the last few weeks and few games has allowed us to be patient and look for him inside."
LSU (14-8, 5-6 SEC) continued its recovery from an 0-4 start in conference play and moved into a three-way tie for eighth place. The blowout was a welcome respite from what LSU had been experiencing. Seven of the Tigers' first 10 SEC games were decided by five points or fewer.
O'Bryant, who set his previous career high with 22 points in Saturday's loss at Alabama, reached double figures in scoring and rebounding (10) for the 10th time this season and the seventh time in the past eight games. He had nine points and six rebounds when the Tigers lost to South Carolina 82-73 in overtime Jan. 16 in Baton Rouge.
The Tigers turned the ball over on their first three possessions Thursday, missed their first three shots and got little offensive production from anyone other than O'Bryant for much of the first half. He scored 10 of the Tigers' first 14 points.
Fortunately for the Tigers, South Carolina (12-12, 2-9) was abysmal offensively in both halves — posting identical 9-for-32 shooting numbers.
The Gamecocks missed their first seven shots before Damien Leonard broke a scoreless tie on a 3-pointer with 16:10 remaining.
LSU took the lead to stay at 19-18 on a 3-pointer by Charles Carmouche with 6:20 left as part of a 7-0 run.
The Tigers had a 26-24 halftime lead despite shooting just 35.5 percent and committing 10 turnovers.
The second half was a different story — for the Tigers, at least.
"I thought we came out really focused and really determined in the second half," Jones said. "We made some offensive plays. I thought it was one of our best defensive efforts we've played all year long."
LSU hit 53.6 percent of its shots in the second half. Back-to-back 3-pointers by Andre Stringer pushed the lead to 52-35 with 8:20 remaining; he finished with 12 points. The Tigers outrebounded South Carolina 49-34.
"I've never been more embarrassed than am I to call myself a basketball coach today," said Gamecocks coach Frank Martin, whose team has lost five straight.
"And I coached junior high, meaning I dealt with 14-year-olds. With the exception of Bruce Ellington, we've got 12 candidates for one of those zombie movies.
"The desire to play is not there. I've always taken pride to get guys to do what I ask me to do. That's not happening right now. I shouldn't coach basketball again if this is how my team is going to look."
Lakeem Jackson scored 10 points to lead South Carolina.


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For a country that is not mechanized, the buffalo plays an extremely important role in farming. They perform work similar to that which was done by horses in the late 19th and early 20th century in the western world.
Preparation and ploughing of most fields is done by one or more buffalo fastened to a wooden yoke. A man stands on a single bladed scraper pulled by the buffalo to prepare the land. Then a single bladed plough is pulled in the same way before planting of the young rice shoots is done by hand. Harvesting of crops (mostly rice) is also done by hand with a sicle.
Over my many visits to Vietnam, I have never seen a tractor being used in a field. The only tractors I have seen are what look like old modified small lawn & garden tractors with their back end removed and hitched to a trailer. You will also sometimes see simple threshing machines ... essentially a very small thresher about 2 metres long with a steering wheel and small exposed engine at the front, chugging down country roads. They are typically hired by local farmers needing the services of a fellow with this machine at harvest time. If you come across one going down a country road, they sound like an old Model T.
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