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U.S. agencies: July is hottest month in recorded history
The records kept falling as July 2016 set new benchmarks for heat.
NASA said Aug. 16 that last month was not only the hottest July in recorded history, but also the hottest month known since temperature record-keeping began in 1880.
"It wasn't by the widest of margins, but July 2016 was the warmest month since modern record keeping began in 1880," Dr. Gavin Schmidt, director of the agency's Goddard Institute for Space Studies, said. "It appears almost a certainty that 2016 also will be the warmest year on record."
This July's mean temperature was 0.1 degrees warmer than the previous July record holders that occurred in 2015, 2011, and 2009, according to NASA's study.
The National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration confirmed July's status as the heat pacesetter for all months on Aug. 17.
NOAA said that July 2016 was 1.57 degrees Fahrenheit warmer than the average 20th century July and 0.11 degrees Fahrenheit above the previous record-holding month of July 2015.
That continued a decades-long trend for the month of the year that is the peak of summer in the northern hemisphere.
"July 2016 marks the 40th consecutive July with temperatures at least nominally above the 20th century average," NOAA's National Centers for Environmental Information said in a summary of the July temperature data. "July 1976 was the last time July global land and ocean temperatures were below average."
The trend is not limited to every year's July.
A new record for the warmest month of its kind has been set in each of the past ten months, according to NASA, dating back to October 2015.
NOAA pegged the hot streak at 15 record-setting months in a row.
The disparity is the result of differing methodologies used by the two agencies.
For the year of 2016 through the end of July, NOAA found that mean worldwide temperatures were 1.85 degrees Fahrenheit above the 20th century average.
The next-hottest January-July period came in 2014, when the average was 0.34 degrees F below this year's measurement.
Both agencies use meteorological stations around the world to obtain air temperature data and ship- and buoy-based instruments to measure sea surface temperature. Antarctic research stations are also used to gather the data that underlies their monthly global temperature analysis reports.
Spacecraft in solar orbit regains contact with Earth
A probe launched by NASA in 2006 has resumed communication with the agency after nearly 23 months of silence.
The STEREO-B spacecraft, which orbits the sun, lost contact with Earth on Oct. 1, 2014.
The Deep Space Network reestablished the link with STEREO-B at 6:21 pm EDT on Sunday.
The long interruption in communication with the spacecraft was most likely the result of a series of events that began with a test of its command loss timer. The device is a kind of automated switch that allows the spacecraft to recover after a hardware failure. It functions by re-setting the hardware if no commands are received for a certain period of time. In STEREO-B's case, that re-set time was three days.
NASA explained a likely scenario for the communications failure at a website posted shortly after the loss of contact event and still available here. An animated film that provides one possible model for the probe's communication failure is also available.
STEREO-B's navigation system probably failed because it was unable to detect guide stars. This caused the probe's high gain antenna to be pointed away from Earth, which meant that it could not receive a signal. The breakdown in the star tracking system was likely the result of a failed laser.
"Basically, we made a mistake in not accounting for one of those individual lasers failing," Dr. Joseph Gurman, the STEREO project scientist at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, said. "The data still looked good coming out of the unit as a whole even though one laser was bad. That got us into a situation where the spacecraft was getting bad navigational information."
STEREO-B remains in an uncontrolled spin, a problem for which there is not currently enough power available to correct. The spacecraft obtains energy by means of solar arrays that extend out from its main section.
Gurman explained that NASA scientists are not sure how much power the probe's batteries can produce or whether they can be fully re-charged.
"We don't know if the batteries are damaged," he said. "We know they can take some charge."
Whether the spacecraft's instrumentation is still functional is also unknown.
"I would say that we know nothing about the state of the instruments at this point," Gurman said.
NASA will proceed cautiously to investigate the STEREO-B probe's status. What Gurman and his colleagues want to avoid is any command that would return STEREO-B to an uncontrolled spin.
"We have an inertial problem that is giving bad information to the control system on the spacecraft," he said. "We have to proceed in a step-by-step method."
The first step will be to figure out the extent to which the probe has, to put it metaphorically, any gas in its tank.
"We have to heat up the probably frozen fuel in the fuel tank," Gurman explained. "We can proceed from there to use the thrusters to right our attitude by using the autonomy software."
Gurman is optimistic, though, about the prospects for obtaining more data about the sun from STEREO-B. NASA's prior experience with another spacecraft that experienced a communication failure – the Solar and Heliospheric Observatory – indicates that instruments can survive with little or no damage, even in the cold of space, for quite some time.
"On SOHO, there were 12 principal investigator experiments," Gurman said. "Only one mechanism in one telescope was damaged in such a way that we really couldn't use the instrument. There was one instrument that suffered some degradation. That's about it. We're cautiously optimistic that we'll be able to regain most of the scientific capability, if not all, that we had before."
In any case, the STEREO mission formally ended eight years ago, so any data obtained from STEREO-B is beyond what was expected at the time of launch.
"Anything we get is gravy, to say the least," Gurman said.
The probe's twin, STEREO-A, also revolves around our closest star.
STEREO is an acronym that shortens the twin probes' formal name – Solar Terrestrial Relations Observatories.


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|Peppi, the Pug with syringomyelia
Heather called and reserved a fawn pup. A little while later, the breeder called to say the pup had been PTS because of hydrocephalus and offered Heather a black male as an alternative. Heather agreed and, a little while later, handed over £970 and took the pup home.
When Peppi was 12 months old, he had a fit. Six months later, another one. A check didn't reveal much and Heather was told to wait-see. Some dogs have a fit or two but never go on to develop full-blown epilepsy. And, indeed, that's what happened in Peppi's case. But by March this year, Heather knew her beloved Pug was in trouble. "He wasn't eating or drinking and I could tell he was in pain."
Peppi was referred to Pearl Vets in Shrewsbury where he had an MRI. The diagnosis? Syringomyelia.
Although the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is the poster pup for syringomyelia, it has been reported in several small breeds, including Pugs (of all the breeds that cannot afford yet another health problem to add to its litany of issues).
Heather did the right thing - she called the breeder, Michelle Jones of Precious Pugs. Ms Jones was clearly a little alarmed, revealing that she had kept two others from the litter to breed from. Heather expressed concern about this - after which the conversation got a little frosty. Heather claims it ended with Ms Jones threatened to sue Heather if she started bad-mouthing her breeding.
Heather is very upset about her little dog's suffering. Peppi has been on steroids now since March and although it has helped his condition, he has blown up like a balloon. She called everyone, including the Kennel Club, to complain. And finally she contacted me.
Now note that I am not blaming Ms Jones for the fact that one of the Pugs she has bred has syringomeylia. As I said, it's present in a lot of small breeds and it's perfectly possible that Peppi is the first dog of her breeding that has been diagnosed with SM.
And of course I think anyone that buys a Pug is pretty much nuts. If it isn't syringomyelia, it will be brachycephalic airway syndrome, or hemivertebrae or pigmentary keratitis or luxating patellas or....
But I do object to breeders threatening to sue pet owners for going public with their dogs' health problems - and unfortunately, it happens too often. For the record, it's a meaningless threat. Truth is a very good defence in any defamation/libel case.
So here, for the record, is Peppi's pedigree in the hope that it might join up some dots.
Lots of champions in here - and a lot of inbreeding. The Kennel Club's Mate Select reveals that Peppi (Kenine Ebony King) has a co-efficient of inbreeding of 21% - against the breed average of 6%. Peppi's parents are half-siblings and there are many repeat names throughout this five-generation pedigree.
|Click to enlarge

subset: commoncrawl


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Guest Post: Maria's VBAC
For those of you keeping up with Maria's story on the When Your Water Breaks Before Labor Begins post, Maria has had her VBAC! She is a native Spanish speaker but was kind enough to translate her birth story so that I could read it and she gave me permission to repost her story here. She said maybe her story could help another woman. Her story hit home with me on a few levels since I just had my own VBAC four weeks ago but also because some of the thoughts and feelings and situations she had in her labor are the same as ones that I had down to having to transfer to the hospital postpartum.
Thank you for sharing your story Maria. I am very proud of you! Congrats on your VBAC and your baby! HERE is the link to her story. I'm also reposting it below.
My Baby Boy! Born By VBAC
Mariposa has a brother
This second pregnancy wasnt a surprise. After the painful experience of a c-section, I try to heal my mind and my body, wait two years to give me a second chance. I Leave nothing to the chance. If the minimum time between pregnancies had to be a year, I wait two.
When I was pregnant I was convinced that in no way I could return with the same doctor. So even before I began an exhaustive search of the doctors or clinics that supported a vaginal birth after cesarean.
On the blogs, I realized that even though some doctors seemed pro VBAC, actually end their policies betrayed and ended in Elective c-section. So I had to be very careful. I found several references to a Dr. Regina C, who attended in a clinic, but the deliveries took them within a hospital, with everything needed to help a natural birth. She also had a team of midwives who came to know well before delivery.
I made an appointment. Knowing my history told me that my c-section had been totally unnecessary and that this induction was doomed to failure because of the way it was done. Do not weigh myself. She ask me if I wanted an ultrasound, still without impositions. I left there completely optimistic.
Afther three months of pregnancy, we had to change our country for work purposes. Now in addition to seeking a home and school, had to find a doctor and a hospital. The first two months I went in looking for a house, my daughter adjust and adapt to change. moving home, close accounts, open other, etc.
I was 7 months pregnant and just going to have my first consultation with social security. The private part was saturated for my dates. The doctor who could assist me perhaps these days would be holidays. I realized I want to have my baby in the private wing meant fewer possibilities for a natural birth by clipping services.
Social security was not bad. They took the blood and urine tests were in the same query. Never made me an ecographie. In England they make just one or two. And I was already late for that. You do not see doctors, midwives comes and touch your belly and know the baby's position, size, if the liquid is fine, etc.
At first the spelling I have no echo was little security, but then I realized that you must thrust your body until you have real reason to think that things go wrong.
So I spent a very peaceful pregnancy. Walking a lot. Very busy with my new life. Without fear of anything. Trusting in my body.
In the public hospital they put me in contact with two midwives in charge of VBAC, vaginal birth after cesarean. I love meeting and talking with them, gave me confidence by saying that it was possible, which would let me get to 42 weeks, or a day before, did not have to be lying when I was in labor. That could take a shower. And wouldnt put time limits, but be very careful with the baby's heart monitor my pulse etc. .. When asked if they were there they said only if the birth was Tuesday.
Finally I had an appointment with the obstetrician, but midwives canceled it because it was thought that if he would want to schedule a cesarean, so I saw it through week 39. Talk to him and see how everything was an imposition made me realize that everything was shaping up for a new caesarean. Luckily from the 36th week my husband and I had a visit to the birth center.Somewhere between home and hospital.
I did not want to give birth at home, I looked much risk, but the birth center was literally in the corner of a hospital. From the first visit one of the midwives was very interested in my case asking me questions, they said they had 80% of VBAC. I knew my chances in the hospital were 40%!
A week later, after much thought, talk with two doulas that I contact via the Internet, we make the decision to try delivering in the birth center. So we started to have consultations with them about twice a week to make sure to meet as many of them. (they were 6 in my team)
During the 39 weeks I began to feel more flow than normal, and I thought it was broken or cracked the bag. The options were to do a test that increased the chances of an infection in case if it were broken or wait. The hospital would not let me and I would expect nothing touches.So I decided to do nothing and wait for nature to take its course.
Not expected to give birth before 42 weeks. 40 week walk a lot. I had a lot of energy. But after the damage of c-section that, I did not really believe being able to get birth alone and in my head I was thinking about the options I had if I would have 42 weeks and not put me in labor.
I heard so many stories. Women who have never broken bag and contractions. Women who start labor but never expand enough. In order that my head was full of negative stories. Attempts impossible.
I read a lot. I wanted to convince my body that was possible. I could not understand that in God's creation could be so imperfect. I had to let nature take its course. No inductions. I had to relax, I knew the adrenaline in my body could not let act natural oxytocin.
Week 40 +3. On Friday morning I went to get my daughter to the park, I sat in the sand to play with it. we went to the house of some friends. I went to make last minute purchases. When we got home noticed a little blood. I thought it was a bad sign, but to call the midwives told me it was the mucus plug. After two hours the contractions started. every 5 min lasting 1 min. Still it was a good pattern was not very intense so we hope to see what happened and try to sleep.At 4 am the contractions became less continuous. 1 every 10 min. So all morning. On Saturday night were more intense but every 7 min. Domingo. The contractions were up but they were more continuous. It was difficult to walk and talk at the same time. At 4pm try going to the park for a walk but it was impossible. We returned home. Contractions every 5 minutes with duration of 1 min. We call the birth center and 6pm and we were there.
We left our things. We were alone. I got into the tub immediately, with relaxing music and candles. The contractions had a good case. After it became difficult to carry them, all I could do was walk.
3 am, I thought it became increasingly more frequent, but the midwife looked at me and told me that they had no specific pattern. 6:00 a.m. and could no longer walk, I had strange feelings in my body was exhausted. I was beginning to give up. It seemed that there was extensive enough yet, (I had made no touch) but the pain was impossible to endure the fatigue I had.
I thought about the power of the mind. I thought my mind was able to do everything I wanted.The only thing left was trying to rest and find strength. I asked her to make me a "tacto" for what to expect, but the midwife who was with me that night told me to wait for the nex midwife who was to be with me the full next day.
Spend the whole morning in bed, having contractions every 5 or 4 min, very painful, which made me get all my body, I had to shake hands with my husband too hard to endure a little longer.
My mom was really worried, the contractions were very strong. The midwife kept saying they were not really a case to make a touch if I had spent the morning in bed was difficult to progress.
She said that the option still available was caesarean section, in the hospital inductions are not allowed to who have had c above. So we decided to wait a little longer and see what happens.
At 3 pm we ask her to do a tacto. She said that the bag is intact. She looks at me and tells me I have 8cm and can feel the baby's head. I suddenly comes an energy, I do not know where. I get up, take a shower. I go out and get into the tub (birth pool) request music, candles.Contractions are becoming increasingly strong. Very intense. I try to breathe and relax. I feel the need to expel something, and had that feeling since Saturday.
During the entire time they are checking my pulse and heart of the baby and going well.
She says to bid when you feel you need it. I try, not works, is a feeling that I had not felt before. I think in all women who undergo a cesarean innecesarea, and put even more strength to try. Water breaks and water is clean. But attempts nothing happens. Suddenly I feel the baby's head. that gives me the strength to keep trying I keep seeing even impossible.Suddenly comes the head and the body is triggered by itself. The midwife takes it in his hands and passes it to me immediately, I put on my chest. I feel a joy indescriptible. I kiss him. He was born when he wanted., I cry.. I could not believe my God. We did it!
Postpartum Experience
After the baby was born he was put to my breast. The cord stop beating, and we left the tub. The placenta has not come out. I slept with my baby at the breast and a contraction come the midwife came pull the cord and the placenta.
The midwife was concerned that had not yet gone to the bathroom so she asked me to get up and when I did I began to feel dizzy, and when we got to the bathroom try to sit down and only heard a popping sound. I passed out. I was injected to stop the bleeding. I get to the ambulance. We went to the hospital. They saw my platelets. Apparently I lost fourth is blood in the body. Do not let me leave until the next day at night with a promise not to move in the next two weeks.
Apparently was the result of fatigue from many days of contractions, combined with oxytocin put me not to expel the placenta, which prevents bleeding. Nothing that I knew so far.
Now I'm in my room, my skin is green. I have to eat well and take a million of pills. But Im not depressed, I'm happy. Afraid of what might have happened. But now I can separate the two experiences. The happiness of having my son as I dreamed in not going to be remove for anyone.
The postpartum shock either. I think what happened makes the two births of my children fairer.It would have been hard to tell always the tragedy of my c-section and the happiness of my VBAC. Both experiences have taught me a lot. The most important thing is: I have my two loves with me and they are fine. With the two and the two I have learned.
My butterfly is the nicest girl in the world, God has given me in my children a great blessing with which I can only be grateful for them and for the oportunity to be here to enjoy them.
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24 Mar Board of Directors – Timothy R. Smith, M.D., R.Ph., F.A.C.P.
Mercy Health Research is the research institute of Mercy Medical Group, a large not-for-profit Primary Care Organization in St. Louis, Missouri. Dr. Timothy R. Smith brings a background in Pharmacology and Internal Medicine to his role as Medical Director of the center, which includes the Ryan Headache Center. Dr. Smith has more recently (2010) been named Vice President of Research for the Sisters of Mercy Healthy System, the eighth largest private health care system in the country. Originally from Mississippi, Dr. Smith received his undergraduate degree from the University of Mississippi School of Pharmacy in 1983. After 2 years of work in a community pharmacy, he went back to "Ole Miss" and received his Doctor of Medicine degree in 1989. Dr. Smith completed a residency in Internal Medicine at St. John's Mercy Medical Center, St. Louis, in 1992 and received his Board Certification that same year. He also holds a Certificate of Added Qualification in Headache Management, is credentialed in Pain Management, and is certified as a Clinical Research Investigator by the Association of Clinical Research Professionals.
After being in the practice of Internal Medicine with Mercy Medical Group of five years, Dr. Smith began to pursue his interest in headache research and education. He was involved in Mercy's addition of the Ryan Headache Center and has been the Medical Director of the clinic since 1997. Also, prior to being promoted to Vice President of Research, Smith fulfilled administrative duties as Director of Clinical Research for Mercy Health Research, from 1997 to 2010. His academic appointments include Clinical Instructor of Medicine at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, Clinical Instructor of Pharmacy Practice for St. Louis College of Pharmacy in St. Louis, and Clinical Affiliate Faculty for the Southern Illinois University School of Pharmacy in Edwardsville, IL.
Dr. Smith has been the principal investigator for over 200 clinical trials and original research projects in headache and chronic pain. He has a special interest in patient and physician education issues that relate to treatment of headache in Primary Care. An advisor to research organizations, educational foundations, and pharmaceutical corporations, Dr. Smith is a frequent lecturer on headache topics on a national level. In June 2000, he received the prestigious Kaplan Award from the American Headache Society. This award is given each year to the author of the best original research abstract on Chronic Headache. The National Headache Foundation selected Dr. Smith for the NHF Lectureship Award in February, 2001. Also, in April, 2001, Dr. Smith received the Migraine Innovators Award at the 1st Annual Migraine innovators Meeting in Venice, Italy, for his scientific poster, "Influence of Primary Practice Characteristics on Migraine Diagnosis". June 2001, saw Dr. Smith advanced to Fellow status of the American Headache Society, that organization's highest honor. In 2002, Dr. Smith was the co-recipient of the Kaplan award from the American Headache Society, making him a two-time winner of that award. Furthermore, Smith was elected Fellow of the American College of Physicians in 2004. Dr. Smith was awarded an unrestricted research grant to study the implementation of an education-based disease management program for migraine in primary care, in 2005.
Dr. Smith is a member of the American Headache Society, the National Headache Foundation, the American Council for Headache Education, the American College of Physicians, the International Headache Society, the American Academy of Pain Management, the Association of Clinical Research Professionals, and the Missouri State Medical Association. He is a past recipient of the Virginia Stancil Tolbert Award, the F.A. Hunt Award, and the Physicians Recognition Award. He lives in St. Louis County, Missouri with his wife and four children.


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Forget what you think you thought about Crocs, OK? I know they've had a bit of bad rep, people calling them ugly and what not. And seriously, I couldn't quite blame them even though I have a pair myself. They are comfy, though not exactly…cute. But I can get them wet and my feet don't stink after wearing them. I like wearing them to the pool and in the yard and out and about to get errands done. They are shoes, simple enough.
But little by little Crocs has added to their shoe line with some uber fabulous styles that have people saying, "Those are Crocs?" And yes, yes they are. All the same fun, functional, comfy things about Crocs packaged in haute couture.
Crocs was one of our amazing sponsors for the BlissDom conference. Each swag bag contained a gift certificate from Crocs redeemable for one pair of shoes up to a $50 value! Seriously! Such a generous gift. Plus, I won an additional certificate at the conference during a giveaway. Two pairs of free shoes!
And choices were almost overwhelming but I did finally settle on these:
and these:
and I'm seriously considering splurging on these to wear with my dress for Emily's wedding:
Yes, those are all Crocs! Comfort and style, works for me!
Many thanks to the fine folks at Crocs, not only for the free shoes but for making shoes that are fun to wear!
The tree hugger philanthropist in me also really appreciates Crocs' commitment not only to the environment (did you know can send your Crocs back to them to be recycled?) but to helping others as well. SolesUnited takes used Crocs, recycles them into more pairs of shoes and donates them to people around the world who need shoes. I really like seeing companies that keep the big picture of our life and world in mind. So don't throw your Crocs away when they're worn out, find a participating retailer near you with a recycle center for Crocs!
You know what else? Crocs has a blog! It's full of stories about people and their Crocs, how, where and why the wear them. I really like this post from Denise of the best selling book Eat, Pray Love. She talks about her kids and Crocs. It reminded me that Crocs have had a big impact on my kids' lives as well.
So many reasons that I heart Crocs!


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Vinyl Siding Sales in Takoma park, MD
Find the best local Vinyl Siding Sales Service Pros in Takoma Park, MD. Get fast responses from on demand pros in your area.
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Some web sites worth a look. more>>
The Vintage Aero and Sale pages have been updated, including some apprentice made jackets at bargain prices! Good variety of sizes, and some very well made jackets at a fraction of the price of standard Aero jackets.
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Noble Lady / Adventuress Shirt - all options
A historically accurate style shirt. It can be worn full length with a dress, or shirt length with a more formal Bodice/Vest and overskirt. It features a box pleat cuff and collar ruffle (pleated by hand). Considered upper-class. Full cut sleeves show a high level of wealth. This shirt is elegant enough for court wear or High Tea. The "v" at the neckline is cut lower to allow cleavage to show, but can be made shorter by Special Request. Great for Renaissance, Elizabethan, Scottish/Celtic or Steampunk events.


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Modesto Facility Features
At StorQuest Self Storage in Modesto, we're more show than tell, especially when it comes to our features.
We offer gate access seven days a week and office hours Monday through Friday 8:00am to 6:00pm, and 8:00am to 5:00pm on Saturday and Sunday. Our office is a great place to load up on boxes, locks, and packing supplies. Don't have time to visit our office to pay your rent? Not to worry, we offer online bill pay for your convenience.
What else should you know about StorQuest Self Storage? Our facility is monitored by a 24-hour digital surveillance system and features electronic gate access. You can also count on our property to be well-lit and well-maintained at all times.
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Search & Read
ShiningWorld Reader
Another Satisfied Customer
Mark: Dear James and Sundari, I was contemplating and enjoying the statement by Krishna in the Bhagavad Gita: "By my maya, I delude all beings." I understood it as, "By my maya, I appear to delude all beings." I amended it to read, "By my maya, I appear to delude myself."!!!!! Changes things somewhat!!! The joke's on me, awareness!!!
James: Yes, the joke is awareness and the joke's on awareness. There is only awareness appearing as a kind of sad joke called jiva.
Mark: I realised that at the beginning of the search the emphasis was on breaking the identification with the body by recognising the awareness I am. Initially, I thought I was reflected awareness. This gave freedom from the reflection, the individual.
As I progressed, the emphasis in the search changed, thanks to your guidance, into an enquiry into the real (satya) and the apparent (mithya). I had to see life as an appearance, as an "as though." This was challenging and took serious enquiry to grasp. It reversed what I took as real and destroyed the belief in duality as reality, even though the process occurred within the ambit of "awareness." Understanding maya, the "projection," helped establish me solidly as pure awareness and made it possible to see and accept the projection of duality as it is. Yes, it is true: "Stand in awareness, as awareness" is a beautiful and crisp summation of Vedanta.
James: A good summation, Mark. I remember your struggles with satya and mithya well. I recall getting quite fed up with them at one point.
Mark: The image that came to mind of the relationship between the real (satya) and the apparent (mithya) is that of a parent with a child on a leash: the parent is pure awareness and the child on the leash is the apparent person. The child can get up to any activity, even a temper tantrum, but it is not separate from the parent.
James: Yes, the parent is free, the child is bound.
Mark: But helpful as the image is to distinguish between pure awareness and the apparent person, it is still insufficient and incomplete as a metaphor. When considering reality, the child is only an appearance, not a solid reality. The projected (by maya) person only appears to be real (mithya) but is not really real (satya). Only pure, non-experiencing awareness, me, is real (satyam). End of story. Full stop.
James: Another metaphor is the person (self) and his or her shadow (reflected self). In any case, the point of it all is contained in the next four words. You finally understood the essence of Vedanta as encapsulated in Shankara's famous statement, "Brahma satyam, jagan mithya. Jivo brahmaiva na parah." Awareness is the reality, the truth, the world is apparently real. The individual (jiva) and awareness (brahma) are not different.
Mark: Now, to enjoy life.
~ Much love, Mark
James: It couldn't have happened to a better person, Mark. You worked hard for thirty years on this and now the code has been cracked. Good on you.


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Tess Masters, a.k.a. The Blender Girl, wears several hats – actor, corporate strategy advisor, and healthy food expert. Her entrepreneurial success is not really born out of a natural ability. Rather it is a testament to blending – blending her personal story with careful, methodical research, intuition, and building the right relationships at the right time.
In this interview, Tess shares:
- How being different is where the magic and the money happens.
- How you must invest heavily – in yourself, your belief, and your commitment – if you want success to materialize.
- How there is no such thing as luck: "Luck is where preparation meets opportunity".
- How she built her megabrand – the three super-smart things (that required guts and hard work) she did with her online presence to get her noticed and put her in demand in her field.
- How patience paid off.
- How she went down to $67 in her bank account, and cashed in her entire life savings, how it might not have paid off – but it did!
- Her top mindset tip and her top tactical tip we can ALL learn from to raise our level of success and fulfillment.
Tess's Resources:
Kitchen Aid Blenders
The Blender Girl book
The Blender Girl App
Where you can find Tess:
firstname.lastname@example.com (Tess says she will happily answer your email!)
Thanks for listening!


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Shots Fired Arrest
August 26, 2014 HPD personnel were dispatched to the area of Wethersfield Avenue and Barker Street with complaints of shots fired. The dispatcher taking the call also reported hearing shots fired over the 911 call. Upon arrival a victim was located and stated that he was shot at two times by a party known to him. The victim identified the house the suspect ran into on Barker Street and after establishing a perimeter, the suspect was taken into custody without incident. A consented search of the suspect's residence was conducted which yielded a large quantity of packed marijuana, a small amount of crack cocaine, and packing materials.
Suspect Arrested: Teekaram Persaud
Address: 21 Barker Street, 1st Floor, Hartford
Charges: Criminal Attempt assault in the first degree, Possession of pistol w/o permit, unlawful discharge, risk of injury, possession of narcotics, possession of narcotics with intent to sell and possession with intent to sell within 1500 feet of a school.


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1. Chicken – 250gm.
2. Potato – 250 gm.
4. Onion – 1 finely chopped.
5. Ginger paste – 1 tsp.
6. Garlic paste- 1 tsp.
7. Green chillies – 2 nos.
9. Coriander leaves.
10. Garam masala- ½ tsp
11. Chilly powder- ½ tsp
12. Turmeric powder- ¼ tsp
13. Black pepper powder - ½ tsp.
14. Coriander powder- 1 tsp
15. Lime juice – 1 tsp.
16. Vermicelli – ½ cup.
17. Egg – 1.
18. Salt.
19. Oil.
Method of Preparation:
Cook the chicken with turmeric powder and salt. Once cooked grind it into a paste.
Make small balls with the mixture & roll into desired shapes.
Spread the broken vermicelli on a plate and beat an egg.
Dip the chicken cutlets first in beaten eggs and then coat it generously with vermicelli.
Fry till the both sides becomes golden brown.
Saute onion till it becomes soft.Add chopped ginger, green chillies..
Add salt, pepper powder,coriander powder & garam masala powder. Stir for 5 minutes.
On the other side boil the potatoes and mash it very well.
Add minced chicken and saute for 5 min. Allow the mixture to cool.
Once it is cooled add mashed potatoes & mix well.
Spread the broken vermicelli on a plate and beat an egg.
Fry till the both sides becomes golden brown.


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Dear Gossips,
I don't miss Nathan. At all. It's been 5 episodes now of Misfits Season 3 and, well, I can barely remember him. There are two reasons for this: Howard Overman's awesome skill, obviously, and also, Nathan had run his course. I'm telling you, he was a one-dimensional character. Click here for my initial thoughts on his departure. At the time I argued that it would all work out. Not only has it worked out, I think Misfits is actually BETTER for it.
You know what else is great about Misfits? Nothing I've just written will spoil the show for you if you're not already watching. So whyyyyyyyyyy aren't you watching? Start on YouTube. Do it over the holidays when your annoying relatives are in the other room being annoying. I promise you won't be able to stop.
Due to pre-holiday distraction last month I missed the memo that the New York Film Critics Circle wants to blow its load sooner than the NBR this year and will be voting on and then announcing its 2011 award winners today. But it was actually supposed to be yesterday. They pushed it back a day because they had to screen, oh, a little movie called The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo.
So can Rooney Mara live up to all that hype?
Everyone's been leaving a spot for her in the Best Actress nomination category just in case she's a revelation even though they haven't seen it yet. We'll have a better idea later on.
The Weekly LiveBlog has been pushed back to tomorrow as I'm flying to Calgary today.
Yours in gossip,
Intro for November 29, 2011
Dear Gossips,


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What is the big deal with Sub Zero and their two compressors? Why does it matter?
In two words, food preservation. While other manufacturers have now moved to dual refrigeration, Sub Zero was the pioneer and continues to be at the forefront of innovation in this realm. Ever notice how your milk always freezes on the top shelf or how the lettuce always freezes in the produce drawer?
Appliance Boy will explain why.
Before I launch into the mechanics behind why this happens I want to take a quick side step and explain the "Codfish Ice Cream Photo". This is another great reason to keep the refrigeration systems in your freezer and fresh food (refrigerator) compartment separated. As the air in some refrigeration systems is transferred from one compartment to the other it takes odors and inevitably other particles with it, thus the fish in your refrigerator can contaminate the ice cream in your freezer. Of course, my vegetarian wife doesn't want chicken pot pie flavored lettuce. That sounds like a dream to me, but I digress.
Most refrigerators only make cold air in the freezer compartment and then transfer it to the refrigerator compartment via a damper. The dry frozen air from the freezer doesn't need to be in contact with your fresh lettuce, apples, or your milk; they need moist, chilled air. It harms them and causes them to go bad faster. As we move towards healthier lives and more conscious eating we are all finding that this healthy eating can be costly (to our wallets not our bodies). Fresh fruits and veggies are expensive and having to replace them every couple days can get pricey.
Everyone is familiar with the expression "one bad apple ruins the entire bunch". Well it is actually true. When fruits and vegetables decay they release ethylene gas. As this gas is released from the decaying vegetables, it comes into contact with other produce and it actually accelerates the decaying process of those items. Some manufacturers (namely Sub Zero) have addressed this with an internal air filter which reduces the ethylene in the compartment.
In a quite unscientific test that we conducted several years ago we placed several types of produce in various Built-In Refrigerators in our showroom. We then compared the levels of decay and edibility (is that even a word?!?!) over the course of several weeks. The units with dual refrigeration systems and an internal air filter actually kept the food preserved for more than 25% longer.
Another major factor in food preservation is where you store certain foods inside your refrigerator. Did you realize your refrigerator is set up to have different temperature zones? That is another topic entirely however and we will save that for another week.


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Donald Savage Headquarters, Washington, DC (Phone: 202/358-1547)
August 15, 2000
Martha Heil Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, CA (Phone: 818/354-0850)
It has the little engine that could, and the pint- sized power plant on board NASA's Deep Space 1 probe has been doing it longer and more efficiently than anything ever launched. The spacecraft, designed to test new technologies, has run its unique propulsion system for more than 200 days (4800 hours).
"The ion propulsion engine on Deep Space 1 has now accumulated more operating time in space than any other propulsion system in the history of the space program," said John Brophy, manager of the NASA Solar Electric Propulsion Technology Applications Readiness project, at the agency's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in Pasadena, CA.
Unlike the fireworks of most chemical rockets using solid or liquid fuels, the ion drive emits only an eerie blue glow as ionized (electrically charged) atoms of xenon are pushed out of the engine. Xenon is the same gas found in photo flash tubes and many lighthouse bulbs.
The almost imperceptible thrust from the system is equivalent to the pressure exerted by a sheet of paper held in the palm of your hand. The ion engine is very slow to pick up speed, but over the long haul it can deliver 10 times as much thrust per pound of fuel as more traditional rockets.
Previous ion propulsion systems, like those found on some communications satellites, were not used as the main engines, but only to keep the satellites on track. Deep Space 1 is the first spacecraft to use this important technology as its primary means of propulsion. The NASA
Space Electric Rocket Test 2, launched into Earth orbit in 1970, had the previous record for ion propulsion, thrusting for about 161 days.
"The importance of ion propulsion is its great efficiency," says Dr. Marc Rayman, project manager for Deep Space 1. "It uses very little propellant, and that means it weighs less so it can use a less expensive launch vehicle and ultimately go much faster than other spacecraft."
The ion particles travel out at about 68,000 miles per hour. However, Deep Space 1 doesn't move that fast in the other direction, because it's much heavier than the ion particles. By the end of the mission, the ion engine will have changed the spacecraft's speed by about 6,800 mph (over 11,000 kph).
"This opens the solar system to many future exciting missions which otherwise would have been unaffordable or even impossible," added Dr. Rayman.
The technology is so efficient that it only consumes about 3.5 ounces (100 g) of xenon per day, taking about four days to expend just one pound (0.4 kg).
The only other system that has operated longer is a ground- based replica of the spacecraft's engine. The ongoing extended-life test, being done in a vacuum test chamber at JPL, has run its ion propulsion system for almost 500 days (12,000 hours) and is scheduled to complete nearly 625 days (15,000 hours) by the end of the year.
The Deep Space 1 ion engine could have a total operating time of more than 583 days (14,000 hours) by the end of its mission in the fall of 2001.
With its primary mission to serve as a technology demonstrator - testing ion propulsion and 11 other advanced technologies - successfully completed in September 1999, Deep Space 1 is now headed for a rendezvous with Comet Borrelly. NASA extended the mission, taking advantage of the ion propulsion and other systems to target a risky, but exciting, encounter with the comet in September 2001.
But early in this bonus mission Deep Space 1 suffered a serious setback with the loss of its star tracker navigation system. Rather than abandon the project, NASA engineers managed a deep-space rescue. They sent new software, on-the-fly, turning an onboard camera into a navigation instrument - all while Deep Space 1 was 200 million miles from Earth.
Deep Space 1 was launched in October 1998 as part of NASA's New Millennium Program, which is managed by JPL for NASA's Office of Space Science, Washington, DC. The California Institute of Technology in Pasadena manages JPL for NASA.
EDITOR'S NOTE: More information can be found on the Deep Space 1 Home Page at:


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Transwest – Used Trailers
At Transwest Truck Trailer RV all of our used trailers go through an intense checkup.
We first check all safety items such as lights and brakes. Then we go through all other essentials including bearings, latches, catches, wiring, doors, floors, tires, wheels, and all living quarters components. That's not all, there is still more to check!
We actually check the wheel alignment on ALL USED HORSE TRAILERS.
Yes, its a fact, we check and correct the alignment on all our used trailers. The results are very beneficial. The trailers pull better and you will get better fuel mileage. Best of all, the tires last longer and blowouts are significantly reduced. As a matter of fact, blowouts are almost completely eliminated but we can't stop customers from overloading or getting flat tires from road debris.
These checks let our customers leave with confidence and start their travels trouble free. Ask around and see who else offers this kind of reconditioning on their used trailers. I bet you won't find one!


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I'm in lovely Budapest right now with work (Mindcamp). Every year Mindcamp does a company conference (sort of) with the employees. Last year was Toscana, this year Budapest. The idea with the week, aside from building a stronger common culture, is to have a week where we can spend time working on ideas that can be (but don't have to be) related to work. We create a few tracks, and then group up. This was actually how the startup I'm working on/for, Konstrukt, was created. An idea child from a conference week a few years ago.
The tracks this year are:
R – Wiko's track
Using R to work with real estate data.
Qlik in healthcare – Rasmus track
Look into how we can add more value to healthcare with our specialist knowledge in healthcare & Qlik
Qlik extensions – Tomas track
The title describes it all 🙂
Security and web applications 101 – OWASP top ten– My track
Walk through the OWASP top ten while we have fun with the WebGoat application. Then analyze how each applies to the startup product my team is working on and add some more depth.
And that brings us to the question(s) of the day. What is OWASP and the WebGoat project?
WebGoat is an OWASP project, and OWASP is a not-for-profit charitable project. OWASP stands for Open Web Application Security Project. The online community is concerned with web application security and provides all kind of resources to educate developers and non-developers on the topic. One of the ways they've gone ahead and done that is by creating a project called WebGoat. WebGoat is a web application that is rather insecure, and that is on purpose. With the web application follows a nice collection of various lessons that guides the developer/user to hack the application at different layer level. Here is are some examples, using the classic SQL injection. It's quite basic, and although considered a noob error it still is a common problem according to OWASP. Her is a grappy query showing it in action using the WebGoat.Net app. Base64'ing a password is something I really hope nobody is doing… The WebGoat.Net project isn't maintained anymore AFAIK and there were a few problems so I'm putting together a similar web application to share on GitHub later.
2 Responses to "(Not so) Stupid Question 290-291: What is OWASP, and what is the WebGoat project?"
OWASP = Open Web Application Security Project (missing 'Security')
WebGoat is an OWASP project, and OWASP is a not-for-profit charitable project. OWASP stands for Open Web Application Project.


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Good Thursday, folks. Milder winds are slowly kicking in out there, and this will blow a serious surge of spring into our part of the world. Mild weather will turn downright warm as we head into next week.
Highs on Thursday will be in the upper 40s to near 50, with partly sunny skies. Gusty winds might be the only weather complaint of the day.
Friday looks like a flat-out awesome weather day, with sunshine and highs in the low 60s:
The only drawback to the forecast comes later Saturday, with some scattered showers developing. This happens as a weak upper-level system passes through:
Highs Saturday will be in the 60- to 65-degree range and should really take off by Sunday. As skies become sunny, highs range from 65 to 70 in most areas.
Highs in the low to middle 70s then sweep in early next week:
There could be a shower or thunderstorm entering the picture by the middle of the week, and that might knock the temps down a few degrees. That could mean highs drop into the "chilly" upper 60s for a day.
No sweat; the 70s move back in later in the week ahead of a potent storm system:
It's not too crazy to think about this pattern throwing an 80-degree reading somewhere across Kentucky.
The aforementioned storm will then move our way next weekend, wiping out our spring fling:
Winter is not dead. I keep trying to make this point, but it's easy for people to get caught up in just how warm it has been of late. I get that. But, this isn't a pattern that typically makes a seamless transition into "true" spring.
Have a great day and take care.


text:
AN Oxfordshire team beat have won the 2019 Better Club Games, an Olympic-style competition for older people.
South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse claimed their third title after competing in six events, including walking football, short tennis and pickleball.
The event was run by the UK's largest public leisure provider Better, the consumer facing brand of charitable social enterprise GLL.
The event aimed to encourage older people to become more active and to highlight the social and physical benefits that sporting activities can offer to individuals of all ages.
West Oxfordshire finished in fourth place, despite a victory in the swimming for the fourth year running.READ AGAIN: Oxford United boss Karl Robinson aiming for less transfer talk this summer
Megan Horwood, Community Sports Manager, said: "It was a great day that was enjoyed by all and I'm delighted for Team South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse to win the title for the third-year running is remarkable and a real bonus for our community."
Councillor Helen Pighills, Cabinet Member for Community Services at Vale of White Horse District Council, added: "These games are a terrific way to highlight the importance of keeping active for people of all ages and we are delighted that our team won for the third time."


text:
Last week while I had the macro lens on the camera, a few native flowers and bees found their way into the viewfinder, along with a honeybee enjoying some white clover.
Hope you enjoy the images that resulted! They aren't 100% perfect, but there are different things visible on each that we all enjoyed seeing. One of these days, the ducks and chickens will be featured, as I have time between clients, too.
If you'd like more honeybee pictures, I've got another posts here, and I'm sure there will be more to come! Thanks for stopping by!


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Conjured by o~ SeMeN SPeRmS ~o on March 17, 2015
File under Music, SeMeN SPeRmS Approved, SeMeN SPeRmS BLArRrG
Conjured by o~ SeMeN SPeRmS ~o on March 17, 2015
Albino Aligator
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Conjured by o~ SeMeN SPeRmS ~o on July 24, 2014
Albino Unicorn Gorilla
File under SeMeN SPeRmS BLArRrG
Conjured by o~ SeMeN SPeRmS ~o on February 8, 2013
File under Cult Movies, Culture, Horror, Influences, SeMeN SPeRmS Approved, SeMeN SPeRmS BLArRrG
Conjured by o~ SeMeN SPeRmS ~o on December 13, 2011
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Conjured by o~ SeMeN SPeRmS ~o on December 12, 2011
Albino Nazi Fashion
File under Fashion, SeMeN SPeRmS BLArRrG
Conjured by o~ SeMeN SPeRmS ~o on November 26, 2011
Albino Blow-Out
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Conjured by o~ SeMeN SPeRmS ~o on October 3, 2011
Meet Patrick Brooks.
The 21-year-old Californian was arrested today for burglary, forgery, and receiving stolen property. Not to mention violating parole from a prior case.
Collared by the Redding Police Department, Brooks is being held without bail in the Shasta County lockup. Where that forehead greeting will no doubt endear him to fellow inmates.
A Monterey Park assemblyman is accusing a Westwood food delivery service of denigrating Asians by using the name Ching Chong Ling Long Gourmet Take-out.
The Pasadena Star-News reports the name is a reference to a racist rant posted to YouTube by former UCLA student Alexandra Wallace.
In the video, Wallace said "ching chong ling long" in her imitation of how Asians sound.
On its website, the takeout service calls itself "C2L2 Gourmet delivery" and says the best way to combat intolerance is through positive cultural experiences and humor.
When Danielle Steinmann's daughter got an email saying she'd been chosen for a 2-day photo shoot with Teen Vogue magazine, she was excited for the 17 year old.
"At first I was like go for it!" said Steinmann.
Then she read the e-mails her daughter received after posting a profile on a modeling website.
"They just wanted her specific size, hair color and whatnot," said Steinmann.
But they also wanted a lot of personal information including her phone number, street address, and date of birth.
"That's when this whole thing with payment started," said Steinmann.
The email stated the girl would receive a check she should cash. They asked her to keep $500 and wire the remaining amount to a supervisor in Ohio.
When the check arrived, it was for $2900 from an insurance company in Utah.
An Austrian atheist has won the right to be shown on his driving-licence photo wearing a pasta strainer as "religious headgear".
Niko Alm first applied for the licence three years ago after reading that headgear was allowed in official pictures only for confessional reasons.
Mr Alm said the sieve was a requirement of his religion, pastafarianism.
Black men are half as likely to die at any given time if they're in prison than if they aren't, suggests a new study of North Carolina inmates.
The black prisoners seemed to be especially protected against alcohol- and drug-related deaths, as well as lethal accidents and certain chronic diseases.
But that pattern didn't hold for white men, who on the whole were slightly more likely to die in prison than outside, according to findings published in Annals of Epidemiology.
On June 7, 2011, Earth-orbiting satellites detected a flash of X-rays coming from the western edge of the solar disk. Registering only "M" (for medium) on the Richter scale of solar flares, the blast at first appeared to be a run-of-the-mill eruption–that is, until researchers looked at the movies.
"We'd never seen anything like it," says Alex Young, a solar physicist at the Goddard Space Flight Center. "Half of the sun appeared to be blowing itself to bits."
"In terms of raw power, this really was just a medium-sized eruption," says Young, "but it had a uniquely dramatic appearance caused by all the inky-dark material. We don't usually see that."
Solar physicist Angelos Vourlidas of the Naval Research Lab in Washington DC calls it a case of "dark fireworks."
Starting July 16, McDain's, a Pittsburgh-area restaurant, will ban children under the age of 6 from its dining area. Restaurant owner Mike Vuick said the policy came in response to complaints he'd received from older customers about kids causing a ruckus. In an email to his clientele, Vuick wrote, "We feel that McDain's is a not a place for young children … and many, many times they have disturbed other customers."
A few weeks ago, Malaysia Airlines announced that it would ban infants from flying in the first-class cabin because other passengers had complained about squalling babies. And last February it was rumored that Virgin Atlantic and British Airways had been pressured to consider child-free zones and even child-free planes to appease business travelers who, according to a travel survey, listed unruly children as their No. 1 travel-related complaint.
Headphones on, everyone. The moaning mouth 'bot is back, this time to sing you a Japanese nursery rhyme. (Freaking you out is a side effect, not the main goal.) Hideyuki Sawada of Kagawa University in Japan brought the mouthbot to Robotech 2011 to demonstrate its new powers. You can watch it below singing "Kagome Kagome," a children's song.
The robot, which first started freaking us out last spring, is designed to help hearing-impaired people improve their speech. It's the most mechanically accurate robot mouth ever, with an air pump to simulate lungs, artificial vocal chords, a resonance tube, a nasal cavity, and a microphone attached to a sound analyzer. It listens to itself and uses a learning algorithm to better mimic the sounds of human speech.
"Being an ex-terrorist myself is to understand the mindset of a terrorist," Shoebat told CNN's "Anderson Cooper 360."
But CNN reporters in the United States, Israel and the Palestinian territories found no evidence that would support that biography. Neither Shoebat nor his business partner provided any proof of Shoebat's involvement in terrorism, despite repeated requests.
A Colorado teen is recovering from serious burns he suffered when the fireworks he was attempting to mix in a coffee grinder exploded.
Police say the incident happened Monday when 19-year-old Sean Michael Ogden of Durango was trying to break down fireworks he had purchased so he could turn them into larger fireworks. The blast shook the house of a fire inspector who lives about a quarter-mile away.
Fire marshal Tom Kaufman told The Durango Herald that the friction from the electric grinder could have ignited the mixture.
Thai authorities have arrested an Iranian man who allegedly tried to smuggle more than 50 million baht ($1.6 million) worth of crystal methamphetamine into the country disguised as handicraft art.
The Customs Department said 28-year-old Safi Zadeh Hossein was carrying two plaque-shaped sculptures when he was arrested Tuesday on arrival at Suvarnabhumi International Airport from Damascus, Syria.
Customs officials demonstrated to reporters Wednesday how the sculptures were pressed and molded from the illegal stimulant.
Troy Moross of Madison Heights was already dead of a blow to the head when someone removed his genitalia in a "precise surgical fashion," a medical examiner testified Monday in the first-degree murder trial of Robert Nowak.
Nowak, 51, is accused of killing 26-year-old Moross in February 2001 and leaving his body in a parking lot in Madison Heights.
Investigators linked Nowak to Moross in 2010, after Nowak was arrested in California on a theft charge and his DNA matched that taken from Moross' body.
But Nowak's defense attorney, Lawrence Kaluzny, said Moross likely was a victim of a bizarre sexual cult operating in a home in Rochester, where men were mutilated and tortured in the basement of the home.
Mexican soldiers discovered the biggest marijuana plantation ever found in the country in a remote desert surrounded by cactuses, a top army officer said on Thursday.
Soldiers patrolling the area found 300 acres of marijuana plants being tended by dozens of men this week, said General Alfonso Duarte.
He said the crop, which was found in the state of Baja California, about 200 miles/320 km south of San Diego, California, would have yielded about 120 tonnes and was worth about $160 million.
"This is the biggest marijuana plantation we have found in the country," Duarte said.
The Department of Homeland Security plans to spend more than $300 million over the next four years on radiation-detection equipment that has not been fully tested and may not work, according to a budget request and an unreleased report by the Government Accountability Office.
The department's plan is the latest in a series of efforts involving the troubled Advanced Spectroscopic Portal machine, which was touted by the George W. Bush administration as an advanced way to prevent the importation of radioactive materials that could be used in a nuclear or dirty bomb.
He said: 'I thought it was worthless.
'I didn't it know it was valuable. That's why I painted over it. I really am sorry if people are upset.'
He is now exploring ways of recovering the painting and has enlisted the help of Richard Pelter the director and head conservator of the International Fine Art Conservation Studios.
Mr Pelter has previously carried out major restoration work on buildings including Kensington Palace and Westminster Cathedral and now he is doing his best to restore the popular gorilla image.
The sea area polluted in an oil spill in China's Bohai Bay was five times as large as Beijing previously announced. A probe conducted by the Chinese State Oceanic Administration found that some 4,240 sq.km of water, or seven times the size of Seoul, were polluted by oil leaks from the Peng Lai 19-3 oilfield in Bohai Bay, the daily Xin Jing Bao reported Wednesday.
Beijing admitted the oil spill for the first time on July 5, a month after two oil leaks occurred at China's largest marine oilfield on June 4 and 17, saying only 840 sq.km were polluted. But the water quality of a 3,400 sq.km area nearby dropped from Grade 1 to Grade 3.
Fox News host Eric Bolling pulled a Rudy Giuliani on Wednesday, asserting that there were no terrorist attacks on "American soil" during President Bush's term in office.
Giuliani famously made a similar assertion in early 2010, saying, "we had no domestic attacks under Bush." Of course, the 9/11 attacks happened under Bush.
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text:
Nourishing a neighbourhood: the DTES Neighbourhood House
The Downtown Eastside (DTES) Neighbourhood House has become a second home to Sabrina, her husband and her three children.
When she and her family moved to Vancouver from Alberta they were in a bad place. Sabrina was struggling with her health due to diabetes and it was difficult to feed herself and her children healthy meals. But then she was introduced to the DTES Neighbourhood House and their nutritious whole food meal program and her health began to turn around.
"Having a real meal made from real ingredients and not processed sugars has really helped me bring my weight down and combat it," said Sabrina. "It's helped bring me out of depression and anxiety because of the respect and care they give us."
The DTES Neighbourhood House feeds 200 people twice every week plus 450 people monthly with their mobile smoothie program. Having proper kitchen appliances that can keep up with the demand of their community is vital to their program and Central City Foundation helped fund the purchase of a new commercial stove and freezers.
The Neighbourhood House opens their doors to people in the community who want to participate in preparing food for the community meals and also host learn-to-cook programs for children, teaching them the value of preparing nutritious meals.
"We exclusively offer meals that embrace the whole food philosophy and foods that probably couldn't be found elsewhere in the Downtown Eastside for free," said Benita Ho, DTES Neighbourhood House Board Member.
Central City Foundation has partnered with the DTES Neighbourhood House for over a decade, providing funding for an air conditioner, storage and furnishings for children, furnishings, security and building renovation upgrades, and funding equipment for the mobile smoothie program. Funding the new kitchen equipment is part of our mission to help individuals and families live vibrant, healthy lives.
"Central City Foundation has been great partners to us over the years," said Ho. "They funded our big item appliances, which has profoundly changed how we do our service."
For Sabrina, the DTES Neighbourhood House has helped change her life and improve her health immensely. It's also given her an opportunity to come out of isolation and find community.
"It is a closer knit community than I would have thought from the stories I've heard," said Sabrina. "I've met great people and it's nice to be able to say hi to people in the neighbourhood."


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Risk Control
Prevention is better than cure
We believe that managing risk and delivering quality service go hand in hand, and we understand just how disruptive each and every claim is to our policyholders' businesses, especially in competitive markets where lost custom can be hard to win back.
Surveys, risk assessments, training and advice
Our risk surveys and assessments are a distinguishing feature of the service we provide, delivering tangible benefits to policyholders – whether it's risk improvements, protecting not just the insured items, but the business as a whole, or risk assessments, identifying weak spots in procedures and helping to prevent reputational damage. And, of course, effective loss prevention keeps renewal premiums down.
Whilst traditional underwriting surveys of storage premises are the core activity of our risk control team, we compliment our service with training and advice on a variety of topics, tailored to the individual needs of brokers or policyholders, such as:
- Supply chain risk analysis from supplier to customer
- Supply chain contingency planning
- Overland route risk assessments
- Driver security awareness training
- Vehicle anti-hijack procedures
- Warehouse fire and security measures
- Winter loss prevention
- Flood response planning
- Emergency response procedures
- Advice on yard security
- Building security into service contracts
- Advice on the use and selection of driver agencies
- Bespoke packaging surveys
- Loading and/or unloading surveys
- Identification and selection of third party warehousing
- Incorporation of terms and conditions into contracts
- Identifying trends and root causes of losses
- Advice on plant and site security
- Advice on data security
- Advice on contingency planning
- Accumulative risk analysis
- Advice on health and safety management
- Advice on countermeasures against further losses
We compliment all of this with training and advice on a variety of topics, tailored to the individual needs of brokers or policy holders.
For more information on related topics, contact our risk control team or your local NMU office, here.


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Lithium ion and NiMH rechargeable batteries
Lithium-ion 18650 battery, cr123a battery and NiMH batteries and more.
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I was quite ready to show off some of my fighting skills, and I told my friend that. So, she offered me to play Pixel Gun 3D on her phone. That's how I was introduced to this game, but never got enough of it. So, finally, I decided to download this game in my phone, and I am quite happy to make this decision. Now, whenever I get some free time, I make it a point to dedicate it to the game only. Day and night, you will always find me associated with this game. It is clear to state that I am truly stuck with this game, and cannot think of anything else right now.
The best thing that I like about this game is that, you have the right to customize a character with the help of some unique skins. Whether I tried playing this game on PC or on laptop, the result was always brilliant. Due to this latest skin maker addition, I am able to make my player, stand out in the crowd. Not just playing with my local friends, but I get the opportunity to play with some of the global standard players, around here. It shows that I have loads of opportunities over here when it comes to Pixel Gun 3D.
Well, I would like to mention another interesting feature of the game, and that is, the chat option! I never thought that it could happen like that. How can you possibly choose to talk with the players, just when you are in the middle of the battlefield? Well, previously it was impossible, but now, with the latest Pixel Gun 3D Coin Hack, you will not face this challenge anymore. Even when I am playing in the Multiplayer mode, still I have this option of chatting with almost eight players, at the same time! Isn't it cool?
When I am playing from my desktop, I can just relate Whatsapp, Viber and more, with my desktop and start talking with other players. It seems all very easy and cool, and I like it! Moreover, I have the right to invite eight players in a complete match. So, I can now play with 8 different players, at the same time! And they are all real players. So, that's what makes the challenge even more crucial and exciting. If you want to take my advice, go and play with as many players as you can. That will make the game interesting and exciting, from the start till finish.
I would like to share another thing with my new players. Do your research and study well. You have to go through the game, in a step by step manner, if you really want to win it big. For that, go through the online videos, which will offer detailed information about the game. Still, if you are not happy with the result, visit my reviews. That will surely help you out! I can even help you with little bit of information on pixel gun 3d coins, which is hard for you to miss.
Like this pixel gun 3d game there is another one very popular simcity buildit game is now a days become a huge attraction. You may also playing this game too, so i also found one working the sims mobile hack from http://thesimsmobile.adamlaxaltforag.com/ for you so that you can play this game more easily and another one mobile game called mobile strike is a strategy war game alsomaking its feet wet so i decided some mobile strike cheats may help you playing this one too.
Kick The Buddy – Know More About In-Game Funds
The games are provided by different types of companies. All companies are developing games by following different types of ideas. The development of Kick The Buddy is done is a different way. It is beneficial in getting relaxation by eliminating the stress. For more the players are able to use different types of weapons or objects.
All types of weapons can be unlocked or used by considering the way of in-game funds. Kick The Buddy Hack No Survey are highly beneficial in getting proper details related to the funds. The game is including two types of funds –
Both funds can help you in performing different types of activities. In case you want to get complete details related to these funds then consider upcoming paragraphs.
Gold is playing the role of premium currency in the game. The collection of gold is easy as the collection of bucks. There are numerous things are tagged with the amount of gold. For unlocking or accessing these things you need to take help from premium currency only.
Bucks are the main funds. The number of items is more those tagged with the price of bucks. With the help of bucks, you can enjoy different types of source for attacking the buddy. The players are able to gather bucks from different types of activities.
Spend funds carefully
The players are required to spend funds carefully. Some players do not think for the availability of funds in the future. These types of players are spending funds regularly and they do not think that it is beneficial or not. You do not make this particular mistake. You should think before making a decision regarding its consequences. Proper use of funds is beneficial in avoiding chances of lack of funds situation.
Best way for currency collection
Most of the players are searching for the perfect way which can help them in gathering funds. The game is including numerous related features or ways. In the Kick The Buddy review, you can get information or more details related to these ways. If you want to earn funds on the regular basis then you need to put lots of efforts. With it, the game also has for earning funds. For these funds, the players do not need to put any type of efforts.
Getting Unlimited Robux For Roblox
Reporting Rule Violations In Roblox Is Easy
When you find that any player is violating the rule of Roblox conducts and rules, then you can easily report it to the game developers with the help of the in-built feature. This is another useful feature which will enable you to play the game without any interruption. As it is the gem has so many useful features that you will seldom require the roblox robux generation for tips and suggestions, but that is all about the gameplay. As a responsible game developer, the security and safety of children is also well looked into as the game is specifically or children below thirteen years of age.
Report Abuse Button
With one simple click at the Report Abuse Button, you arrive at the gateway of making a complaint about a player whom you found to be breaking rules of the game.
·This button is available throughout the game and at the Report Tab which you will find in every game menu.
·If you put the user name of such a troublesome player in the Comment box in the Report abuse your complaint will be received even if the player is logged off.
·Remember to report the private message or the chat and content that is violated and not only the profile of the player to make the job of the moderators easy.
Privacy Permissions And Blocking
You can also ask for privacy and block any user to get in touch with you, chatting or otherwise, in game or even via the website.
·You can sue the block user option for this which will remove the ability of the player to contact you at all.
·Visit the profile of the player and click on the three dots of the upper corner which contains the user name.
·Click on the blocking option when the drop down menu appears after that and the player will be debarred from contacting you in the future.
In-Game Abuse Report
If you want to report any in-game abuse click on the menu button on the upper left side of the screen which look like three dots stacked together.
·When you get the drop down menu, you have to tap at the Report tab which is at the top of the menu.
·Select the player from the pull down menu and select the appropriate type of action from the further pull down menu.
·Add any additional details in the short description box and then finalize it by clicking Submit.
Play The Game Better
Now that the player that was disturbing you has been blocked, in-game and also in the website, you can fully concentrate on the game and play it better. Gather the roblox free robux as much as you can from the features, activities and challenges that appear throughout the game to purchase accessories and proceed with the game. You have all the chance to showcase your building skill and the power of your imagination and also publish the place you have created. With such useful features, no wonder, the game is so popular among the aspiring builders. This is the reason people are loving to get v bucks instantly using these legit methods.
You should give it a try if you are also a fan of this game. Have fun gaming.
Things You Need To Know About Free PSN codes
There are lots of methods to play the game like Smartphone, PlayStation, Xbox, and Computer but nothing is better than PlayStation. It is the only device which is able to run high graphic UHD games with ease. PS4 is the latest device which was released a few years ago and this device is connected to the internet where it can access PlayStation network. Now, the benefit of this network is that there are millions of games which you can play but you have to pay for them. The minimum price for a well-rated game is above than 20$. Well, if you are willing to buy it without spending money then Free PSN Codes will be helpful. These codes are offered by PlayStation network developer for those who don't have the credit card but if you get a working code then this will be awesome, Right?
Considering Free PSN Code Generator
There are lots of methods to get codes in free but generated one is the best option and the reason is they are new. In order to use a generator, you have to visit the official website of it. There are many things which you need to consider like, is it a real generator, is it require downloading of any tool and much more. The thing which you need to make sure is that it must be working online because the tools which require downloading mostly have issues with their software. They can cause harm to your device and unfortunately, they are also capable of stealing your data from the device. Always consider Free PSN Card Generator to avail unlimited codes.
What Is Need Of Free PSN Codes?
The games provided in play station network is awesome and a user needs to pay for it. There are lots of teen and kids who play games on this console and they don't have the credit card for payment because they are underage. This is the reason that free PSN codes become famous and now the most trending thing. Everyone can avail free codes with the help of a device to perform a test. Now, these codes will help you to reach on next level of becoming the best player.
How To Get Free PSN Codes From Trusted Source?
This process is very easy but the user needs to use a Smartphone or PC to get started. First of all, open the website of free PSN codes and check out the instruction given there. When you are done with reading information then you can see that there are three cards given there with different values. Now, Choose a card from 25$, 50$ and 100$ and if there is more option then you can also get them. After clicking on a card value, this will take you to a different page where you have to complete a survey test. Yes, this tool is actually a survey tool which will ask you a couple of questions to answer them to reveal the 12 digits unique code and now, you won't have to worry that how to get free PSN codes from a trusted website.


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1947 Plymouth
Special Deluxe
- Stock
- Engine Size
- Transmission
- Automatic
- Miles
- 29,452 (Unknown)
- Location
- Atlanta
or give us a call at (678) 279-1609
The post-war Plymouths had a smooth, slick look that lends itself quite well to customizing, and this 1947 Plymouth Special Deluxe 2-door sedan offers modern performance from a great-running small block V8 plus a unique look that's a lot more interesting than the usual Fords and Chevys you always see at shows.
The bright red paint is sure to get you noticed, and once everyone spots this car, they'll be digging the cool black graphics that were expertly laid down on top. Neatly framing the cool Plymouth's curves, it gives the car a more updated vibe that'll look good for years to come. A lot of the trim was shaved, but quite a bit remains, so it retains its Plymouth identity and has great functionality, starting with real door handles instead of problematic door solenoids. The finish is nicely done and while it's showing its age a bit, a professional buff would really wake it back up and give you a high-quality look for not a lot of cash. The original grille is there in spirit, with stainless stripes highlighting the pointed nose, and without bumpers, it takes on a very sleek, clean look. In back there are traditional pinstripes, a frenched license plate frame, and a pair of '39 Ford teardrop taillights, which are always the right choice on a vintage rod of any kind.
The two-tone black and red theme continues inside, where the original seats have been covered in fresh seat covers that work well with the exterior paint. The upholstery is in great shape showing only minor wear and the pleated door panels are a great hot rod look that's been popular for decades. The interesting woodgrained window surrounds and dashboard are similar to what many automakers used in the '40s, and the gauges appear to be original and fully functional, joined by a modern temperature gauge under the dash. There's an AM/FM/CD stereo neatly installed under the dash so the original chrome-laden center stack can still be the star of the show inside. The back seat offers plenty of stretch-out room for passengers, making this a very practical rod that still looks great. There's also a fairly sizeable trunk under that fastback profile, which is fully upholstered and includes a custom enclosure for the battery.
For motivation, this Mopar turns to good old Chevy power, in this case a 350 cubic inch V8. It's a neat fit in the Plymouth's engine bay and with things like a new 4-barrel carburetor, fresh dual exhaust, and a high-rise intake manifold, it's a very strong runner. A few chrome pieces dress things up a bit and the bright red paint extends under the hood onto things like the power brake booster. This car also offers power steering so it's easy to drive and the new dual exhaust system sounds aggressive enough without getting tiresome on the highway. A TH350 3-speed automatic transmission spins what might be the car's original rear end, so it's plenty peppy around town. The underside isn't detailed for show, but you already know this car was built to drive, not to ride around in a trailer. It has just the right stance and sits on a set of polished wheels and 235/60/15 Goodyear radials all around.
Dare to be a little different with this clean little Plymouth. Great looks, lots of performance, and a few unique touches will make it stand out anywhere. Call today!
- Seatbelts
- Power Steering
- Power Brakes
- Vinyl Interior
- Tilt Wheel
- CD Player
- AM/FM Radio
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The Newspaper Plunge Slows
By: Ryan Chittum | Columbia Journaism Review
The newspaper industry found an extra $6 billion in its couch cushions last year.
That's not new revenue, unfortunately—just newly measured revenue. But it does help give us a better picture of the overall state of the industry via the latest Newspaper Association of America's numbers.


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Any business that seeks a larger audience in order to increase its sales and profit margins must incorporate online video marketing in its list of marketing strategies. Learning the basics of online video marketing for businesses is not hard. It also comes with a lot of benefits in terms of exposure, search engine optimization and creating a market authority in your business niche.
Why Use Online Video Marketing?
Whether you are a small start up or a big and established business, online video marketing can help you in a number of ways. Below are some of the benefits of this online marketing method.
1. It helps you stay current
Making videos keeps you on your toes in relation to what is happening around you. Currently, the hottest marketing trend is the use of videos to pitch your products, demonstrate them in use, or even communicate a user testimonial. So, regardless of whether you have a huge presence in other social media platforms like twitter and facebook, you also need to get yourself some presence in video sharing platforms in order to remain relevant.
2. It's where people are
Over the years, people have evolved from primitive communication methods, to the written word, and now to online videos. The technological developments that have availed online video streaming to just about every household, like the smart phones and tablets, has shifted focus from emails and other online marketing methods to online video.
3. Helps you get discovered
Due to the large numbers of people regularly interacting with online videos, the chances of your business being discovered through video platforms are greatly increased. This means more business for you and more profits.
4. Helps sell products
The videos that you make greatly help you to presell and warm your business up to your customers. For instance, if you make a video explaining the benefits of a given product, a lot of people are likely to buy it because they can see a live demonstration of a solution to their problem.
5. Appeals to most people
Unlike the written word, or any other form of marketing for that matter, most people get attracted to watching videos. Again, a video engages all the human senses thus becoming a better vehicle to send your products message through.
Choosing a video style
Making a video is more fun as opposed to planning it. A lot of people, therefore, leap before they look, by skipping the planning part. This makes their resultant videos unappealing. This is very dangerous if you are to use the video as your marketing tool.


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Six Things Your Google Local Page Absolutely Must Have
One of the fastest ways to build your online reputation and see your business grow is with the use of a local page on Google. This provides local customers with all the information that they need before coming in for a visit or contacting you with any questions. Google lists that page at or near the top of the search results too. While this page will be separate from your home page and any social media accounts that you run, but you may need help knowing exactly what to include on that page.
Your local page should absolutely include the address of your business. This is especially important if you have a corporate office in one location and a retail shop in another or when you have multiple shops in the same area. You'll want to include a map, which you can add from Google, to help customers more easily find your location. Adding directions is also important for companies located in out of the way or hard to find locations. You can include directions to your location from different starting points and include local landmarks that visitors might pass.
Customer Reviews
You might worry about giving customers the chance to leave reviews on your page because you wonder about what some might say, especially after having a negative experience online or in person. Adding this option to a local page though can show prospective customers how they felt about working with you and encourage them to try you out. Google will put those reviews in an order from the most recent to the oldest ones posted and will let customers view reviews based on star rating or other factors. Those looking at your page can also see the average star rating of all reviews received.
Social Media Links
When working with a company like Bluehat Marketing, you might hear about the benefits of using social media. Sites like Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and even Pinterest make it easy for you to connect with your customers. You can use these sites to run contests, tell customers about upcoming sales and promotions and even show off photos of new products. As you work on your local page, make sure that you include links to all your social media accounts. Customers can use those accounts to get in touch with you and share experiences with others.
Hours of Operation
Not including the hours of operation is a major mistake that some business owners make. If you ever went out to eat after a long day and arrived to find your favorite restaurant closed, you know how frustrating that experience was. Some customers will feel so annoyed when they arrive past closing that they never come back. Those searching the web for information may decide to visit a different business because they do not know when your business is open. Your page should include your hours of operation every day of the week, any days that you are closed and any special hours you have around the holidays or other dates.
Adding photos to your local page is an easy way to give customers an idea of what they can expect when visiting your business in person. If you own a retail shop like a clothing store, comic book store or even convenience store, add photos of the outside of your building as well as photos taken inside your store. Use those photos to show some of the displays that you have in place as well as the products on your shelves.
Contact Information


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A report from GasBuddy.com, on Monday, August 17, noted that gas prices in Grand Rapids had risen 52 cents a gallon in the last week. The average price in Grand Rapids on Sunday, August 16, was $2.97 a gallon. Cedar Springs was only a penny lower. This compares with the national average that increased 8.5 cents per gallon in the last week to $2.68/g.
By Wednesday, August 17, Cedar Springs had dropped back to $2.86, while the greater Grand Rapids area averaged $2.895.
Including the change in gas prices in Grand Rapids during the past week, Sunday was 45.0 cents per gallon lower than the same day one year ago and 36.5 cents per gallon higher than a month ago. The national average decreased 9.0 cents per gallon during the last month and stands 77.5 cents per gallon lower than the same day one year ago.
"Obviously, the story about fuel prices last week was all about a massive spike in gasoline prices throughout the Midwest," said Patrick DeHaan, GasBuddy senior petroleum analyst. "Prices have risen in Great Lakes states at paces rivaling and exceeding prior records, which I would pin on an unexpected emergency shutdown of a unit at BP's Whiting, Indiana refinery. In addition, there have been other scheduled outages in the Midwest that may be leading to gasoline demand outpacing supply in the region, essentially causing panic on gasoline markets," DeHaan said. "Hikes have been witnessed across many states, though the epicenter of gargantuan hikes was centered in Michigan, Indiana and Illinois, where prices raced up by over 50 cents a gallon in mere days. Also seeing spikes over 25 cents: Ohio, Wisconsin and Kentucky, while Minnesota, Oklahoma, Missouri, Kansas and Iowa saw prices jump over 10 cents a gallon," DeHaan noted. "At this point, it does appear that most of the price shocks are behind us, though if there are any curve balls that hit the market, all bets are off. Outside the Great Lakes, most regions are seeing gasoline prices decline. Leading decliners are New Jersey and Oregon, with Washington coming in third," DeHaan said.
Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette issued a warning to gas stations last Friday against any attempt to take advantage of consumers by price gouging or price fixing.
In addition to this warning, the Attorney General has also issued a letter to BP, the owner of the Whiting, Ind. facility experiencing an outage, as well as other major petroleum companies outlining a need for transparency in the case of an outage or other unexpected event.
"As Labor Day weekend approaches, the effects of an outage at a major Indiana petroleum refinery, combined with additional factors, means Michigan families are seeing an increase in the price at the pump. These circumstances do not constitute a free pass for gas stations to gouge consumers," said Schuette. "We will not tolerate any unscrupulous behavior that violates Michigan law when it comes to gouging and price fixing."
Every day, year round, Schuette's Consumer Protection team monitors the balance of wholesale and retail petroleum prices and profit margins in regions around Michigan. Additionally, the Department receives and reviews consumer complaints and inquiries about individual stations. The Department investigates any time there is evidence that state law has been violated for gouging or price fixing.
Under the Michigan Consumer Protection Act, a retailer may not charge a price that is "grossly in excess of the price at which similar property or services are sold." Anti-trust laws also prohibit gas stations from entering into agreements to arbitrarily fix prices in unison.
For example, Schuette secured convictions for gasoline price-fixing by five Michigan station owners in 2012. The Department has also entered into "compliance-agreements" with stations requiring them to submit to monitoring after they spiked prices well above the state-wide norm on a particular day or after a weather event.
Schuette remains committed to fighting higher gasoline prices in court when the price increases violate the law. If consumers become aware of direct evidence concerning a conspiracy between companies, or have verifiable evidence of a retailer charging a price "grossly in excess of the price at which similar property or services are sold," they are encouraged to contact the Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division at 1-877-765-8388 or file an online complaint at www.michigan.gov/ag.


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Part III of "Danica Mania, NASCAR-style" debuts this weekend at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, where Danica Patrick is scheduled for her third consecutive Nationwide Series start on Saturday afternoon. If the trend holds, the limited-schedule NASCAR racer will get far more than her fair share of attention.
Patrick, driving the JR Motorsports No. 7 Chevrolet, handled herself well in her recent 10-day grind at Daytona International Speedway and again last weekend at Auto Club Speedway near Fontana, Calif. She will inevitably be the center of attention again when Nationwide drivers practice from 2 to 2:50 p.m. Eastern, and from 4:40 to 7 p.m. on Friday, qualify at noon on Saturday, then run the 200-lap Sam's Town 300 at 4:30 p.m. on Saturday.
The 52-driver entry list includes nine full-time Sprint Cup drivers: defending race and series champion Kyle Busch, former series champs Greg Biffle, Kevin Harvick, Brian Vickers, Joe Nemechek and Carl Edwards; and Paul Menard, Denny Hamlin, and Brad Keselowski.
Las Vegas will be Patrick's last NASCAR start until June 26 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. After this weekend, she'll spend the spring and most of the summer with Andretti Racing in the Indy Racing League. She'll switch to a combined Nationwide/IRL schedule in the summer, then run seven more Nationwide Series races in the fall, after the IRL season.
THREE TOO MANY: Forty-six Sprint Cup teams have entered this weekend's Shelby American 427 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Teams will practice from 3 to 4:30 p.m. on Friday and qualify at 6:40 p.m. Teams will practice again on Saturday from 1:40 to 2:20 p.m., with the final session from 2:45 to 3:50 p.m.
Eleven "go or go home" drivers will qualify among themselves after the top 35 in owner points qualify. Those 11 trying for eight spots are Dave Blaney, Aric Almirola, Max Papis, Johnny Sauter, Mike Bliss, rookie candidate Terry Cook, Scott Speed, Joe Nemechek, Casey Mears, former champion Bobby Labonte (who has a champion's provisional to use if needed) and Michael McDowell.
LESS FOR FONTANA:It didn't take long for NASCAR watchers and bloggers to question how much longer Auto Club Speedway at Fontana, Calif., will keep getting two Sprint Cup dates. By most estimates--NASCAR and its tracks don't issue official figures--last weekend's Auto Club 500 drew barely 50,000 fans to the 92,000-seat main grandstand.
Granted, NASCAR and International Speedway Corp. love the massive Southern California market. They covet the region's media exposure, its proximity to Hollywood and its mainstream entertainment outlets. Many team owners tout the market as a major attraction when trolling for sponsors. And there's always that shallow pool of marginal "celebrities" willing to come out and serve as grand marshal or honorary starter or to sing the National Anthem.
But there's ongoing speculation that NASCAR might dump its spring California date to create a second date in Kansas. Officials have repeatedly said that Kansas Speedway will get a second date once a "destination casino" opens at the track. And since NASCAR and the ISC don't want to simply add a 37th race, the second Kansas date must come from somewhere.
With crowds consistently down at Auto Club Speedway, regardless of the reason, it seems fair to wonder how much longer the track will keep a 500-mile race in February.