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Rick Ungar, Contributor
I write from the left on politics and policy.
The day after President Obama put his name to his landmark health care legislation, another health care bill was signed into existence—one meant to tell the President of the United States, in no uncertain terms, that the great State of Virginia had no intention of going along with his Affordable Care Act.
Entitled "The Virginia Health Care Freedom Act", the law was short, sweet and designed to "preserve the choice of all Virginians from having to pay for health care they don't need, want, or can't afford."
That is, of course, unless we're talking about abortion, in which case the government of the State of Virginia sees no problem with telling women what medical procedures they need and have to pay for—like it or not.
Yesterday, Virginia Governor Robert McDonnell signed yet another healthcare law into existence, this one requiring that any woman in Virginia seeking an abortion first undergo an ultrasound scan.
This law not only would appear to violate the intent behind the state's 2010 affront to the Affordable Care Act—in furtherance of the belief that government had no place in the physician-patient relationship where patients make the calls on what they choose to pay for—even more disturbing is the fact that then new law violates an even higher authority under the circumstances, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG).
According to the ACOG, ultrasonography in pregnancy should be performed only when there is a valid medical indication. In 2009, the organization specifically stated, The use of either two-dimensional or three-dimensional ultrasonography only to view the fetus, obtain a picture of the fetus, or determine the fetal sex without a medical indication is inappropriate and contrary to responsible medical practice.
OK, but what do a bunch of OB/GYNs know?
If the State of Virginia believes it necessary to view the fetus and take a picture of the fetus—all for whatever purposes the legislators and Governor of Virginia have deemed appropriate in their infinite medical wisdom—who cares that a leading organization of medical experts on this subject have deemed it to be contrary to responsible medical practice?
Indeed, the statute's stated purpose for mandating the ultrasound scan is to "document the measurements that have been taken to determine the gestational age of the fetus."—a reason most certainly not within the medical guidelines put forth by the ACOG for performing this test.
But then, the ACOG also said, "The ultimate judgment regarding the propriety of any specific procedure or course of action must be made by the physician or medical physicist in light of all the circumstances presented."
This VA law is pretty stupid and it's clearly meant to humanize the process in hopes of getting more women to continue their pregnancies. What I find interesting though is the logical inconsistency on both sides. If this is acceptable, mandating ultrasounds, then mandating contraceptions should be acceptable. Yet, in our uber-politicized world, generically one party believes A is good but B is bad and the other the inverse. I wish we would just get gov't out of the business of mandating stuff to begin with. You want to get an abortion, great – do it and pay for it yourself. You want to use birth control, great – do it and pay for it yourself. I'm growing more and more frustrated with both parties coming up with an ever-growing list of things that me, as a taxpayer, has to fund for other people.
Marc, your comment makes no sense in light of the fact that neither abortions or the procedure outlined in the article are paid for by the government. Nobody's trying to get 'you' to pay for them. The government of VA has mandated anyone contemplating an abortion PAY FOR an ultrasound.
Marc — the reason why you want insurance to cover the Pill is because it's cheaper than the cost of carrying a pregnancy to term. Unwanted pregnancies are VERY expensive, whether you have the baby or not.
So, religious objections aside, it makes economic sense to have insurance cover the cost of the Pill (or other contraception). The only reason religions are against the Pill is because they consider the very act of sexual intercourse to be a sin. That's why they are against both abortion AND contraception.
Non sequitur, larrysteve. You're presuming that people won't pay for the pill unless insurance pays for it. And you're presuming that the "free" availability of a thing will translate into its best use. But that runs against the grain of numerous studies proving the contrary.
Insurance should cover catastrophic costs and spread the shock around. If people like you had your way it'd cover breath mints on the grounds that halitosis is a medical condition.
rasqual — your metaphor only works if halitosis were a $20,000 medical procedure and the Pill only cost $2 a month. You must not have health insurance, because if you did, you would know that they routinely cover PREVENTATIVE medications.
A more accurate example would be a pill like Lipitor, which helps people manage their heart attack risk. Gee, do you suppose insurance plans would cover a preventative medication like this? (yes, they do)
Fair point – I learned last night that the VA law imposes the cost on the woman. Although, given the Obamacare situation, it will likely be required that insurance companies pay for them, so in effect, through either tax subsidies or higher insurance premiums, I'm going to be paying for the procedures.
Rasqual is right – your argument assumes that making something free will increase user compliance, which is a big leap of faith and I would suggest far from true. As many people have shown recently, in I believe 41 states women can buy generic pills at Walmart or Target for around $9/mo – I understand some women need special treatments, but again, I don't think it needs to be required that insurance provides it for free. I use a daily nose spray, it costs me $10/mo with good insurance. I don't need, but it helps me; however, I don't think the gov't should mandate I get it for free. Pelosi made the claim that 98% of catholic women use contraception, and yet somehow over all these years, they've been able to pay for it themselves.
After the public out-cry and protests, (due to this law originally trying to mandate a vaginal ultrasound prior to an abortion) these Republicans changed their approach and opted for the over-the-stomach ultrasound…which is less invasive for the woman but still poses health risks.
But here's the real kicker – they claim this is necessary to determine the age of the fetus.
I have news for them – the stomach ultrasound cannot detect the age…only the vaginal probe can determine this and the cost for either unnecessary procedure is also a heavy burden to the expecting mother.
This makes no sense at all !!
I heard on the radio today that there are 1100 changes to Women's Health Care since these radical Republican Gov's have taken control of different states.
The Ed Shultz Show is doing a piece on this tonight.
I hope women are listening…I know my wife and daughter-in-law's are.
"Sooner or later, there will be a problem to result from these state ordered ultrasound tests-either to mother or to a surviving child. When that happens, I suspect I will get my answer."
…and by then, it will probably be too late for the unfortunate vict…er, mother and her child.
What happens when health insurance will pay for the abortion but refuses to pay for the ultrasound? Who gets to pay for all these tests? The state?
FETUS IS NOT A BABY (GOOGLE THE HUMAN DEVELOPMENT CHART), but a parasite because the classification of the biological relationship that is based on the behavior one organism (fetus) and how it relates to the woman's body:
as a zygote, it invaded the woman's uterus using its TROPHOBLAST cells, hijacked her immune system by using NEUROKININ B and HCG— so her body doesn't kill it, steals her nutrients to survive, and causes her harm or potential death.
wikipedia org/wiki/Trophoblast
"The placenta ,It secretes Neurokinin B containing phosphocholine molecules. used by parasitic nematodes to avoid detection by the immune system of their host.[2]"
wikipedia org/wiki/Immune_tolerance_in_pregnancy
" Due to its highly-negative charge, hCG may repel the immune cells of the mother, protecting the fetus during the first trimester.
wikipedia org/wiki/Human_chorionic_gonadotropin
" It is also possible for a symbiotic relationship to exist between two organisms of the same species."
answers com/topic/symbiosis — Gale's Science of Everyday Things.
"an animal or plant that lives in or on another (the host) from which it obtains nourishment. The host does not benefit from the association and is often harmed by it"
thefreedictionary com/parasite
pregnancy CAUSES HARM: thelizlibrary org/liz/004 htm
thedailybeast com/newsweek/blogs/the-human-condition/2010/06/25/does-the-fetus-feel-pain-uk-report-says-no
abcnews go com/Health/fetus-feels-pain-37-weeks-study/story?id=14472566# T1E3IHpSnpU
galerouth blogspot com/
Does anyone remember the so-called "sexual revolution" which occurred in the 1960′s and 70′s? The basic thrust of this movement was that the act of sexual intercourse was normal, decent, and even enjoyable. It's hard to fathom, today, that this was a revolutionary idea a mere 40 years ago, but the idea that sex is not a sinful, dirty activity, is new.
Religious groups opposed the sexual revolution then, and they oppose it now. Their claim is that the act of consensual sex between adults is a sinful activity. On that basis, they oppose BOTH contraception AND abortion. They have no factual basis for this belief. It's simply a continuation of 2 thousand years of religious thought — maybe, because it was the easiest way to prevent unwanted pregnancies in the millenia before the Pill was invented. It made sense then, but not now. It's time for religions to update their position on sexual activity between consenting adults. Consenting aduts have already done so.
Wow, Rick, some sloppy commentary. You cite Aetna's secondary sourcing; why not go straight to the ACOG document THEY cite? If you did that, you wouldn't have written this — at least, not honestly or while sober:
"Indeed, the statute's stated purpose for mandating the ultrasound scan is to 'document the measurements that have been taken to determine the gestational age of the fetus.'—a reason most certainly not within the medical guidelines put forth by the ACOG for performing this test."
That's because ACOG explicitly states that determining the gestational age is a definite sound reason for doing an ultrasound.
In other words, your "certainly" claim is ridiculously false.
Would you care to issue a correction, or is this an issue of political advocacy for you, to hell with being factual?
Please cite which content in the report specifies that gestational age (an indicated use) should only be determined by ultrasound "when there is a problem."
Your piece still cites the "souvenir photo" clause of the report, which is clearly intended by ACOG to discourage medical offices from using ultrasound casually to provide parents with "boutique services." You cite it as if this clause is related, in some way, to use of ultrasound for determining gestational age for sound medical purposes. It's not. it's dishonest. And I think you know that.
And you still hold to this whopper:
"Indeed, the statute's stated purpose for mandating the ultrasound scan is to 'document the measurements that have been taken to determine the gestational age of the fetus.'—a reason most certainly not within the medical guidelines put forth by the ACOG for performing this test."
Obviously false, making a mockery of your "certainly".
Was this carelessness or dishonesty?
In other words, you can't back up your claim that ultrasound is indicated for determining gestational age only when "there is a problem." Specifically, you cited the ACOG doc as authority on that, but you can't actually quote anything from the document to that effect. That's because there's nothing in the document that substantiates your claim, Rick.
The "boutique" paragraph is not unique to this particular document. It's language has been around for a long time. In its various incarnations it uniformly documents the medical community's low regard for use of ultrasonography for parents wanting only to peer at their child, obtain souvenir imagery, or determine the sex of their infant. The documentary trail quite prudently asserts that such casual use of ultrasonography is inappropriate and irresponsible.
"The American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM) advocates the responsible use of diagnostic ultrasound. The AIUM strongly discourages the non-medical purposes (eg, solely to create "keepsake" photographs or videos) for psychosocial or entertainment purposes. The use of either two-dimensional (2D) or three-dimensional (3D) ultrasound to only view the fetus, obtain a picture of the fetus or determine the fetal gender without a medical indication is inappropriate and contrary to responsible medical practice." http://goo.gl/FKBgT
A casual search quickly identified several such mainstream medical (and FDA) sources — and as with this one, they cite ACOG and other medical documents. They all cite each other.
Rick, I don't have to hold a point of view contrary to yours to see the obvious intention in this section of the ACOG document you're citing. All I need to do is read it and understand it. The section briefly dispatches unprofessional uses of ultrasound. That you mock simple literary skills ("reading") with snark about mind-reading ACOG — it's childish.
But you imagine that citing medical disrespect for boutique use of ultrasound is "most certainly" a refutation of its use for determining gestational age.
Why would you do that? It's as non sequitur as can be.
The boutique language is in a section that illustrates typical medical caution: "Although there is no reliable evidence of physical harm to human fetuses from diagnostic ultrasound imaging . . . [please don't use it to flatter consumerish conceits]". Isn't it ironic that you're citing a section that impugns boutique use of ultrasound by way of being overly cautious about fetal safety? Exquisite, really, Rick. ;-)
You are a cunning fellow, though.
"In your first line, you suggest that the ACOG report never says that ultrasound should only be used when there is a medical (I think the key word is 'medical') situation requires the same."
Wow, you're getting desperate. I realize it's cliche to claim that about an interlocutor, but sometimes it's really true. When challenged to find what you actually claimed the ACOG document included, you ACTUALLY EDITED your first reply to me above (clumsily, at that), and now you're recasting my call for you to substantiate your claim as a straw man my remarks "suggest."
Smart and sophomoric at once. But dishonest.
You ask me to read the statute — as if someone who reminds you of the value of citing primary sources needs a reminder from you to read the document that's the whole theme of this conversation — as if doing so will help me see that you write no "whopper."
That's a really sideways non sequitur. Do I seriously have to merely repeat myself, and encourage you to read not only primary sources but your own remarks?
"Indeed, the statute's stated purpose for mandating the ultrasound scan is to 'document the measurements that have been taken to determine the gestational age of the fetus.'—a reason most certainly not within the medical guidelines put forth by the ACOG for performing this test."
And yet, Rick, you now know something you apparently didn't before writing your ill-advised piece — that determining the gestational age of the fetus is indeed a legitimate reason for ultrasound within the medical guidelines of ACOG.
Seriously, I don't know why you'd doubling down on stupid here. You're not stupid. Don't act like it.
Just FYI Rick, Rasqual can be found to be one of Jill Stanek's more outspoken defenders. So yes, it is political advocacy in his/her case.
"But you imagine that citing medical disrespect for boutique use of ultrasound is "most certainly" a refutation of its use for determining gestational age."
Your problem, Rasqual, is that you think the Virginia Republicans are passing SB484 because they've brilliantly understood that determining gestational age of the fetus is of vital importance (even though it is not done in all cases of early abortion) and because it's sound medical practice and its for women's safety, when everybody knows this is SO not the case. Republicans do not have a track record of caring about anyone's safety, the safety of women, children, or the planet.
Asking for an ultrasound so you can ooh and aah at your fetus is not even remotely dissimilar than legislators asking it to be done so women will change their minds. It's an irresponsible use of sonography and an irresponsible bill. And that's exactly why SB484 was passed and now the only thing you can do is lie about that being the motivation here.
Really, Jane? Can you cite a single occasion where I've ever "defended" Jill Stanek?
Even once?
I honestly don't understand what some of you people are doing when you talk, or type, or try to say things.
But since Rick and are both advocating, the question is who's being honest. Rick is clearly not being honest, since he's citing ACOG concern about boutique services as authority that the law's use of untrasonography for determining gestational age is contraindicated. The ACOG document flatly contradicts him on this.
In other words, there are honest advocates and then there are dishonest ones.
But we must be loyal to the tribe regardless, right Jane?
Rick: The statute doesn't say a thing about shaming — whoops, "mother," Rick? Bad gaffe.
You were talking about the statute, Rick, and you claimed that ACOG's language about boutique photos meant that imaging for determining gestational age was wrong. You hadn't read the document enough to see that determining gestational age was an indication for ultrasonography. That this is the case is evident in your clumsy edit of your first reply to me once you realize you couldn't make that stick.
It has nothing to do with the level of citations, Rick. It has everything to do with your dishonest use of a source you didn't even parse before applying it foolishly to the topic you presumed to opine on.
What's funnier: non-hospital people blathering about hospital matters.
Looking forward to "retiring" the biggest FAILURE — OweBama.
"Rick: The statute doesn't say a thing about shaming"
Apparently you didn't pay attention to the Republican debates about it in Virginia when some of the legislators were caught talking about abortion as "lifestyle convenience" and how one was overheard saying that as long as women had consented to sex, what was the big deal about shoving an ultrasound wand inside of them? Apparently consenting to sex makes women property of the state of Virginia. But their motivation is one of medical ethics and safety, not an utter contempt for women. What planet do you live on???
In your utter dishonesty and desire to hand ultimate power over to state Republicans, and using the red herring that "sonography can be used to determine gestational age" as a vehicle to do so, you don't have a choice but to ignore the fact that sonography to determine gestational age before an abortion is not always done and is not always required in every case. Only seven states have bills like this.
In your haste to defer to the medical knowledge of representatives of the Republican party, you've completely dismissed the medical standards of the ACOG, statements from the NEJM, the voices of real doctors opposing this draconian measure, and don't seem to have a problem at all with idiot politicians regulating to the smallest degree what doctors should and should not do for their patients despite the fact that none of these people in the legislature have MD after their names. Holy $#!t!!
In your haste to attack abortion by any means necessary, you have to take this extremist tack, which is a losing proposition that will be proven in November and when this bill sees it's first court challenge.
"and you claimed that ACOG's language about boutique photos meant that imaging for determining gestational age was wrong. "
Maybe you should cite the ACOG on whether or not "
putting aspirin between the knees" is sound medical practice? Since this is apparently a legitimate opinion amongst Republican lawmakers who are also medical experts and whose motivations include respect and caring for women and their safety?
"Call me crazy, but isn't the point I am making? That performing an ultrasound to shame the mother rather than to diagnose a medical condition is not what these organizations recommend?"
Hey Rick, you certainly are crazy! The bill clearly states that it exists to fulfill the purposes of "informed consent" which is clearly a violation of the ACOG and just about every insurance carrier's coverage. Ultrasound is supposed to be a tool for doctors, not legislators, it is for diagnostic purposes not to "educate" (read: persuade) women. Of course, that Republicans passed this bill with a mandate, by threat of a $2500 fine, that doctors must hand women pamphlets on adoption even if they present wanting an abortion isn't also a clear window into the fact that this bill has everything to do with manipulating women to choose differently. Such a respect for the medical profession, to go around levying fines to doctors for not handing out adoption literature. As if doctors don't have enough roadblocks to sound practice.
Thank you for your article.
The beauty of this whole thing is that it will have absolutely no effect regarding it's intended purpose. Basically, it is ineffective behavior on a grand scale. Recently, I listened to a woman defend the bill and she never mentioned that they were trying to rub the pregnant mother's nose in the "face" of the fetus, believing that some how, once the person saw the fetus, they would change their mind about an abortion, which is what this thing is all about and defenders used to preach openly, but no more. Sick! Is the only word to describe this. Now, they apply a different reasoning, that the ultrasound is the "gold standard" of good medical practice, which this article completely blows out of the water. Given all the obvious contradictions, wanting and not wanting regulations, wanting and not wanting smaller government, the modern day Republican is a total hypocrite in the truest sense of the word, but as this effort and the recent flap concerning Planned Parent Hood/Koman Foundation reveal that, more than just being a hypocrite, they are liars, too, trying to get their way using deception. In this arena, and the political arena at large, some where along the line, Republicans decided it was OK to lie outright, and if they just did it consistently, it would make it so. Republicans were not always this way. What happened to them? Is it that they "got religion?" Or is it that "religion got" them? Good question. Whatever, the current crowd of Republican Presidential candidates are a cast of misfits, mittfits, crackpots and wackos, but they've all got religion up the kazoo and are wearing it on their sleeve. Defining contraception as an issue of Religious Freedom is the icing on the cake, when clearly all these things belong in the realm of women's health.
"which this article completely blows out of the water" — um, no. Rick is being weirdly dishonest about this. Read on in the comments.
It would seem that you are the case in point. First of all, pregnancy is not a medical condition. What we got going here is a gestational age study, which is all very interesting and everything but some what irrelevant. Please get to the point.


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Home > Recipes > Appetizers > User Submitted > Cheese Chutney Dip
Cheese Chutney DipUser Submitted Recipe
" Appetizer Spread to be served with Club Crackers"
10 ounces blueberry preserves
1 tablespoon garam masala
8 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, grated, at room temperature
3 tablespoons sherry
2 teaspoons curry powder
1/4 cup Green Onion (tops only), finely chopped
1. Combine blueberry preserves with garam masala and refrigerate.
2. Combine cheeses, curry powder and sherry. Place in pie pan lined with plastic wrap. Refrigerate until 1 hour before serving.
3. Remove cheese from pie plate and place on serving platter.
4. Spread approximately 1/2 cup of blueberry preserve mixture over cheese mixture and top with green onions. Remaining preserve mixture can be saved for later use.
Nutritional Information
no nutrition information available
Per Serving
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NORMAN — Thursday President Barack Obama signed the Lake Thunderbird Efficient Use Act of 2012 into law. The bill will allow the Central Oklahoma Master Conservancy District to purchase outside water to augment Lake Thunderbird during drought conditions. The bill was authored by Rep. Tom Cole, R-Moore, and carried in the senate by Sen. Jim Inhofe, R-Tulsa.
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Tuesday, July 19th, 2011... A day that will live in infamy and folklore alike for ages to come. And why? Another edition of the Raw Charge open thread and link dump!
The Bolts have added the services of Ottawa Senators RW Ryan Shannon, and Steve Yzerman is comfortable with the roster he now has.
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Erik Kain, Contributor
I write about video games: the industry and the culture.
Skylanders Giants is a marvelous blend of toys and video games. A look at the latest game from developer Toys For Bob.
I'm pretty sure if I'd been an eight-year-old when the Skylanders games came out, I'd be in toy and video game heaven.
As an ostensibly grown up person (who just happens to play with video games and action figures for a living) I can't help but see the series from a second angle: Skylanders is perhaps the most brilliant and innovative way to sell locked on-disc content ever contrived.
We'll take a look at Skylanders Giants from both these angles, as a game and toy line that's beautifully crafted and as a business model that's made publisher Activision and developer Toys For Bob (a subsidiary of Activision) a not insignificant pile of money.
Skylanders Giants is the sequel to the mega-hit Skylanders: Spyro's Adventure.
The primary addition to the sequel is the line-up of Giants – bigger, tougher toy-heroes straight out of Skyland myth.
The real genius of the Skylanders games is how they blend the fun of toys and video games into one experience.
The Toys
The concept is simple and ingenious.
You plug in your Portal to your console and place a figure onto the portal to bring that toy into the game where they come to life on the screen as a playable character.
(The game is available on Xbox 360, PS3, PC, Wii, 3DS and very soon the Wii U – I've played it on the Xbox 360 and PS3, but I imagine the Wii U will be the definitive version.)
See Also: The Best Skylanders Giants Toys
Some of the figures light up once they land on the Portal. These special light-series Skylanders are new to the sequel, along with the giants and a number of other figures (see the full list below.)
It's a simple but remarkable idea and judging by my own kids' reactions it's basically magic.
My kids are too young for the game still, but give them a couple years and these games are almost certainly going to be a huge hit. For one thing, the toys themselves are fantastic. Kids too young to play the video game will still love the action figures.
Reviewing the game component of Skylanders Giants covers only half the game. The toys are just as integral to the experience.
Designed by I-Wei Huang and his design team, each toy is created with an enormous attention to detail.
Here's an interview with Huang on the process of drawing, modeling, and then 3D-printing each toy – often many times until they get it just right.
The figurines themselves feel solid and hefty.
These aren't cheap toys by any means, and they not only look good, they handle well.
They're dense and detailed and sturdy enough to withstand a great deal of handling.
As a parent, I'm all too familiar with the cheapness of many toys these days. This is not something one needs to worry about with the Skylanders Giants line.
Utilizing an RFID chip in the toy itself, the figurines portal their way into your game. More importantly, your toy will "remember" your game, storing the save data itself inside its own individual chip.
So if you go to a friend's house with your toy, your game's save data will come with you (this technology will be built into the Wii U's tablet controller.)
More remarkably, the toys will do this across platforms so if you play your game on the Wii but you want to take it along with you on your 3DS, your toy will allow you to do that without losing your progress. Stop by your friend's house where he has the PC version, and you can log right in.
The Game
The game itself is basically a loot-hunt platformer – a cross between Diablo with its endless search for better items and leveling up and the LEGO games.
Skylanders Giants packs quite a lot of game and replay value into the disc as well, given the sheer number of characters – each with varying powers and upgrades and abilities – that you can play as.
Each character belongs to an elemental sub-group. So you have Air Skylanders and Earth Skylanders and so on and so forth for at total of eight categories.
See Also: Why The Wii U Version of Skylanders Giants Is the Best
Certain areas are only open to specific types of Skylanders, and other areas give special boosts if you play with the right figurine.
At almost any point in the game you can switch out your toy, choosing the right one for the right situation.
Different difficulty levels (including a Nightmare mode for players who have beaten the game) make it appropriate for all skill levels – though if you're an experienced gamer none of these modes will be too difficult.
There's also co-op play (only two player) and battle mode, making this a great game for parents to play with their kids or for kids to play with one another.
A number of mini-games and challenges as well as an arena mode where you can earn special rewards and power ups for your characters fleshes out the campaign.
Leveling your Skylander includes gaining experience and gaining power but is complimented by a system of purchasable upgrades (using in-game gold) that can vastly increase your toys' powers.
Of course, each toy will gain experience and find loot based on how much you play with them, meaning your favorite character could easily become far more powerful than the ones gathering dust.
It's all very simple and straightforward, actually.
Whatever RPG elements are present have been designed to be accessible for kids. But it all still manages to be deep and progressive enough to remain fun.
Still, the game is best suited for kids and for parents who can play alongside them. Adults on their own will likely drift toward bloodier, grittier and more "mature" games.
For my part, I found myself wishing two very simple but fundamental things were different about the gameplay.
First, I want to be able to jump.
This is something I want to be able to do in basically every game I play, and is almost always a detraction when it's not possible.
I include in this list all sorts of games where jumping isn't really necessary (like Diablo for instance) or where it's sort-of built in but still very limited (Dark Souls) but it's absolutely crazy not to include jumping in what is essentially a platformer.
Not being able to jump drives me crazy – not just because jumping is fun but because I cannot for the life of me understand why it would be left out. I felt the same when I first loaded up Guild Wars 1.
Second, I want to be able to run. Or at least move faster.
Again, this is a complaint that I have with lots and lots of games (most recently Guild Wars 2 and its lumbering pace) and which I apply with equal fervor to Skylanders Giants.
I want to feel nimble and quick and be able to run and leap in a game like this. I want it to feel more like Ratchet and Clank. I don't mind if my giant is slow, but make the smaller characters speedy.
Maybe this is a sign of my impatience or my attention deficit issues, but quite frankly faster is more fun in this type of game. There's no reason not to speed things up.
Other than that, the gameplay itself is simple and fun. It's nothing spectacular, mind you, but again: the game is only half the experience.
Collect Each One!
Fans of the first game can purchase the Portal Owner's Pack for $59.99 which includes the game and Tree Rex, the starter Giant.
For newcomers, the Starter Pack is $74.99 and comes with two regular Skylanders and Tree Rex as well as a Portal.
All your old toys from Skylanders: Spyro's Adventure will work in the sequel, and can be leveled up past the level 10 cap up to 15.
Unfortunately, not all of the new powers are available to the old toys.
The above-pictured Starter Pack comes with three toys, each belonging do a different category (Undead, Life, and Air) but it's only a short jaunt through the game before you come to the first walled garden.
If you only have these first three toys, you'll soon run up against areas only other toys can access. If you're me, this means you take a mental note about locked on-disc content.
If you're a nine-year-old you go running to Mom and Dad begging for the $15 toy that will unlock this portion of the game.
Now, this is a double-edged sword.
Locked on-disc content in a normal game is just greedy, but in Skylanders it's the entire point of the game. It's integral both to the game itself and the lucrative business model.
Still, it means that parents may end up shelling out enormous piles of cash looking for these toys which, given the demand, may end up running into some scarcity issues especially around the holidays.
On the flip side, as I've noted previously, the toys themselves are really great. Smart shoppers will not be cowed by demanding children, rather they'll find these toys a simple way to do birthday and Christmas shopping.
Nevertheless, when I first encountered an area I couldn't access I was irked. I don't like paywalls in my video games, even if I get a toy for unlocking them. I can barely play half the games on my iPhone due to the many free-to-play restrictions I encounter there, and I'm no happier about it in Skylanders.
I also don't like the in-game advertising for new characters. Almost out the gates you find a gem which offers you the chance to preview another character.
How to fix this while maintaining the unique spirit of the game?
There's no easy answer, quite frankly.
You can't very well include eight toys with the Starter Pack.
Meanwhile, decreasing the number of elements would decrease the scope of the game and cutting the cost of the toys would almost certainly mean downgrading their quality.
Because the toys are the only way you can play the game, including other characters in the game that could access these locked off areas without having the toys would basically break the game entirely.
Removing all character-specific areas is an option, and only including areas that give boosts to certain character-types, but even this could risk upsetting the balance.
Basically, Skylanders Giants is a unique animal in the gaming world.
It and its predecessor are essentially the only games on the market that only work by locking content.
But rather than just lock it for the sake of making money, they lock it away behind a paywall of really terrific toys that have, granted, turned into buckets of cash for Activision.
Parents may be the only losers here, but really it's not that great of a loss to see your kids having fun with toys and games. This is the stuff of imagination: a game that doesn't end when the console is turned off.
That's a good thing, even if it is a bit on the pricey side.
Like I said, if I were a kid when the Skylanders games came out, I'd be in heaven. I'd want more video games to do this sort of thing.
P.S. GeekDad's Andy Robertson has a really terrific review of the game including lots of video interviews with the developers. It's definitely worth checking out.
He's also included this handy list detailing all the new figures for Skylanders Giants.
As you can see, it's an extensive (and expensive!) list:
New larger Skylanders Giants figures.
Skylanders from the first game, reposed with light-up components.
New light-up regular-sized Skylanders for Skylanders Giants that weren't in the first game.
New regular-sized Skylanders for Skylanders Giants that weren't in the first game.
Figures from the first game that are return in a new pose, as series 2 figures.
The ultimate bad thing about video games, but great for toys and marketing.
I haven't played Skylanders before, but my nephews are really into them. I too would have loved this as a kid (Imagine If G.I.Joe A Real American Hero would have done this or even pokemon) I think next up is most likely a cartoon or animated series about skylanders.
I am kind of disappointed to hear that not even Spyro can go through all the areas? I would think that at least one of the characters could go through all the areas. Would that would possibly fix the paywall issues? You would still have the want to play as other skylanders as well as requiring them for multiplayer (i am assuming you can't both play as the same skylander? so both players couldn't be sypro) but still making the game beatable without paywalls.
Can you not even finish the game without paying at least an extra $120 bucks? ($15 bucks for each type of the 8 elemental skylander)
Sounds like a lot of fun to play Co Op with the kids.
How much do you need to shell out to be able to play the game Co Op and have fun?
70$ for the game and 79$ for some characters to be able to play?
Or can you play with just the game disc?
Just as a note, the game is currently NOT available on PC.
Ok I have a Crazy Question, my 8 year old son purchased the skylanderers giants game just after Christmas, he played it for two days for many hours and he has completed the game, is he just suppose to start a level one and use different figures to create a new experience or are we missing something?
Now those are his words and all I know is I just can't see that he could possibly be done.
Sorry I know its crazy but I have looked all over the internet for an answer or for how many levels or how it looks when its completed….
when he was complete it showed the skylanders names the directors names, the artists names. Flynn says "I can take you anywhere" but he dosnt, he says are you proud you saved skyland?
Hey, Jessica,
I'm not sure if you're asking the same question I was looking for an answer for recently… but just in case you are…
Do you mean that once completed, Flynn promises to let you replay all the levels, but doesn't DO anything (just keeps talking, never actually takes you back to the levels as he seems like he's offering to)?
I found this and was hugely confused by it. It seems to be poorly-written dialogue… in fact, you press START to access the chapter menu and then can replay all levels to try to unlock closed areas, collect all the extras and gain more stars on each.
It's just a bit confusingly designed, and Flynn's dialogue doesn't help with this.
Hope that's of some use!
what characters can you play on the giants portal if any?..i have all the characters from skylanders ,can i use my original skylanders on the giants portal?


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Since it's opening in May of 2008, Swirlz Candy & Party Emporium has been responsible for creating smiles and feelings of nostalgia initially in Fallbrook, California, and now throughout North San Diego County from our new location in Escondido, by providing top quality candy, bottled sodas, and retro toys to the community. Swirlz is committed to making the lives of our friends, guests and business associates sweeter.
With the launch of this web site, we hope to extend the sharing of sweet feelings and smiles to all of you who come to visit, because every smile begins with Swirlz.
Please browse through the Categories on the left. All of our candies are guaranteed fresh and are the perfect gift whenever you want to make a special someone smile. We are sure you will enjoy finding the candies you love at the Swirlz Candy store.
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"Yah-But" - Sermon Videos
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Posted By vbsexpress 2013-02-05T01:44:19
Jeremiah 1:4-10
Jeremiah 1:4-10
Pastor Bruce Meier
February 3, 2013
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DERRY — This is the 24th annual year for the town's Derryfest celebration, joining together businesses, organizations and community groups for a day of fun, food and town spirit.
The theme for this year's festival is "Come See What's New." The day-long celebration is set for Sept. 21 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at MacGregor Park.
There will be crafts, booths, community information and entertainment on the park stage.
Some returning favorites this year include a live animal show featuring Wildlife Encounters. A giant tortoise will be roaming around the park to greet Derryfest visitors.
Derry's own Red Star Twirlers will also take the stage, as well as the Bel Airs Doo Wop group.
On the night before Derryfest, Derry Village Rotary hosts its annual spaghetti supper at Pinkerton Academy's senior cafe from 5 to 7 p.m. The "Greater Derry's Got Talent" top 10 contestants will perform at the Derry Opera House, also the night before, with the top three winners earning an opportunity to sing the next day at Derryfest.
Tickets for the Sept. 20 talent show are $8 for adults and $6 for students. The show begins at 7 p.m. Audience members will receive a vote ticket to vote for their favorite performers.
On Derryfest morning, St. Luke's United Methodist Church, 63 East Broadway, hosts the annual Derryfest breakfast from 7 to 10:30 a.m. The menu includes pancakes, eggs, bacon, sausage, muffins, coffee and juice. A free-will donation will be accepted.
Shuttle buses will run on Derryfest day from various parking locations around town. Visit derryfest.org for information.
Derryfest entertainment schedule
10 a.m.: Opening ceremonies
10:15 a.m.: Bel Airs Doo Wop music
11 a.m.: Red Star Twirlers
11:55: Miss Greater Derry Outstanding Teen Caroline Carter sings
Noon: MIA/POW ceremony at the park monument area
12:15 p.m.: Dance Progressions
12:30 p.m.: "Greater Derry's Got Talent" top winners perform
1 p.m.: Bob Riordan Wonder Productions magic show
1:45 p.m.: LA Dance presentation
2 p.m.: Wildlife Encounters show
2:45 p.m.: NH Academie of Dance show
3: 15 p.m.: Stagecraft, East Derry School of Music
4 p.m.: Souled Out Show Band


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Availability: Econo Lodge Inn & Suites Spencer
Please enter your travel dates.
Spencer hotel with a complimentary breakfast
Situated near the airport, in Spencer, this hotel is close to Riverview Park, Clay County Fairgrounds, and Spencer Municipal Golf Course. Local attractions also include Spencer Golf and Country Club.
Hotel Features
In addition to complimentary wireless Internet access, Econo Lodge Inn & Suites Spencer provides a business center, RV/bus/truck parking, and a picnic area.
Room Amenities
Televisions come with cable channels. Guestrooms also feature complimentary wireless Internet access, refrigerators, and air conditioning.Information missing or incorrect? Tell us!
Econo Lodge Inn & Suites Spencer Amenities
- General
High-speed wireless Internet access is complimentary. A business center is on site. A complimentary breakfast is offered. This Spencer hotel also offers a picnic area, complimentary newspapers in the lobby, and RV/bus/truck parking.
- Total number of rooms - 34
- Business center
- Complimentary newspapers in lobby
- Free breakfast
- Free Wi-Fi
- Picnic area
- RV, bus, truck parking
- Internet
Available in all rooms: Free Wi-Fi
Available in some public areas: Free Wi-Fi
- Parking
RV, bus, truck parking
- Room Amenities
- Air conditioning
- Refrigerator
- Microwave (on request)
- Iron/ironing board (on request)
- Cable TV service
- Free Wi-Fi
- Dining
Guests are offered a complimentary continental breakfast.
- Recreation
The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.
- Golfing nearby
- Hiking/biking trails nearby
Econo Lodge Inn & Suites Spencer Policies & Fees
- Check-in
Check-in time starts at 3 PM
- Check-out
Check-out time is 11 AM
- Pets
Pets allowed, Maximum number of pets per room 2, Pet maximum weight in kg is 80
- General
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on hotel policy.
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card or cash deposit are required at check-in for incidental charges.
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges. Special requests cannot be guaranteed.
- Fees
- The following fees and deposits are charged by the property at time of service, check-in, or check-out.
The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.
- Pet fee: USD 10.00 per night


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There is new evidence that coronary artery disease can be passed genetically from fathers to their sons.
Researchers say the Y-chromosome, found only in males, plays a role in the inheritance of the heart condition.
Coronary artery disease occurs when blood vessels narrow and not enough oxygen can reach the heart.


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WASHINGTON (MarketWatch) - A bevy of Wall Street firms slashed their forecasts for fourth-quarter growth on Friday after a fresh report showed that consumer spending fell 0.2% in October. Consumer spending accounts for as much as 70% of the U.S. economy and is the leading source of growth. Barclays Capital trimmed its fourth-quarter target to 1.8% from 2.2%. CIBC World Markets chopped its estimate to 1.2% from 1.8%. And RBC Capital Markets dropped its forecast for growth to 0.2% from 1%. Other firms that reduced their estimates include Morgan Stanley, Goldman Sachs and Macroeconomic Advisers. The MarketWatch consensus forecast of economists estimates GDP will grow 1.1%, down from a prior estimate 1.5%.
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When I think prints on a designer handbag, the first designer that comes to mind is Emilio Pucci. Of course other parties enjoy throwing their interpretation of luxe prints on their accessories as well, such as Prada has done in their Spring/Summer '10 collection.
If it wasn't for the signature triangular logo found hidden within the prints, I would have never guessed these pieces were in fact by Prada.
The Saffiano Print bag pictured to the left consists of tulip prints throughout its leather body. I actually took a couple of seconds to analyze the tulip outlines and came to a conclusion that Prada could have done better job on the artistic detailing. Think Prada's Fairy bags a couple of seasons back; I'd say those feminine detailing were indeed much nicer. The Foulard Print is the one I'm a bit 'iffy' towards.
I like the use of bright prints and complicated pattering on a silk background, but at the same time, it's a bit busy and doesn't appeal to my likings.
Note both pieces are referred to as roll bags as they both arrive in the cylindrical style you either like or aren't too fond of. The neutral Saffiano version retails for $1,550 while its silk cousin runs for $1,195.
View the rest of the collection by shopping through: Saks Fifth Avenue
The Chat: prada prints!


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city, Punjab province, east-central Pakistan. In 1869 it became the headquarters of the tahsil (subdivision) of Okara, supplanting Gugera as headquarters. A flourishing industrial and commercial trade centre, Okara is situated on the Sahiwal-Lahore road and railway 24 miles (39 km) northeast of Sahiwal. There are several textile, hosiery, carpet, and grain mills located there. Okara is also the site of a national military dairy farm and Livestock Research Centre and has a government college affiliated with the University of Punjab. Because of industrial growth, Okara has developed into a modern city with paved roads, small gardens, and an up-to-date drainage system. Pop. (1998 prelim.) 200,901.
Learn more about Okara with a free trial on Britannica.com.
Dictionary.com presents 366 FAQs, incorporating some of the frequently asked questions from the past with newer queries.


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---- — SARANAC LAKE — Michael P. Lamora II, 41, of Saranac Lake was arrested for criminal mischief third degree, a felony, for allegedly damaging a woman's vehicle, according to Saranac Lake Village Police. Lamora was arraigned in Saranac Lake Village Court and was released under the supervision of the Franklin County Probation Department. He will reappear in Village Court at a later date to answer the charge. An order of protection was issued against Lamora.
— By Staff Writer Felicia Krieg and Contributing Writers Shawn Ryan and Chris Fasolino


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11 Most-Needed Items on the YWCA Downtown's June Wish List
Published 6/22/2011 at 10:22 a.m. 0 comments
1. Used cellphones for victims of domestic violence
Chevrolet Fireball to Run Through Knoxville
Published 6/15/2011 at 9:36 a.m. 0 comments
This week Knoxville was announced as a 2011 Chevrolet Fireball Run Adventurally destination. This means the run, aka the Race to Recover America's Missing Children, will arrive in Knoxville on Wednesday, Sept. 28, departing the day after, with the public ...
Knoxvillians Better Read Than Portlandians?
Published 6/8/2011 at 11:02 a.m. 1 comment
We personally will take Knoxville over Portland, Ore. any day, because we enjoy this thing called sunshine. Well, it turns out that Knoxville doesn't just top Portland in the number of sunny days per year. We are also a better-read ...
Ed Bailey = Adult Baseball in Knoxville
Published 6/1/2011 at 11:25 a.m. 0 comments
The city officially named its adult baseball league for late City Councilman Ed Bailey on May 31. Bailey, who died in 2007, was an outstanding catcher who played major league baseball for 14 seasons.
End of the Free Ride for Seniors?
Published 5/25/2011 at 9:34 a.m. 0 comments
A press release from Knoxville Area Transit highlights yet another of the programs marked for a big whack in Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett's proposed budget.
Connected Tennessee Study Shows Business Benefits of Broadband
Published 5/18/2011 at 10:56 a.m. 0 comments
A new report by public-private partnership Connected Tennessee shows a business with a broadband connection is likely to generate more revenue and jobs.
Sororities Say, "It Takes a Village"
Published 5/11/2011 at 12:09 p.m. 0 comments
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville's sororities broke ground May 1 on Sorority Village on Morgan Hill, which upon completion will have sorority houses for 13 of the school's 17 sororities.
6,000 calls for Knoxville's 311
Published 5/4/2011 at 11:12 a.m. 0 comments
For only the second time in its almost six-year history, the City's 311 Call Center crossed the 6,000 call mark in a single week.
Going, Going, Gone—Villa Collina for $0-$21 Million
Published 4/27/2011 at 10:39 a.m. 0 comments
A "without reserve" auction means "Villa Collina" at 5628 Lyons View Pike will sell to the highest bidder May 26, regardless of price. A few of the most intriguing numbers on the home and its auction.
UT Ranked #8 Party School by Playboy
Published 4/20/2011 at 10:22 a.m. 2 comments
University of Tennessee has landed at #8 on Playboy's list of Top Party Schools in its May issue.
Tennessee's Rankings in the United States Peace Index
Published 4/13/2011 at 12:37 p.m. 0 comments
Only Louisiana ranked lower than Tennessee in the first-ever United States Peace Index, created by the international think tank Institute for Economics and Peace based on statistics indicating "absence of violence." Here are some of the numbers that landed us ...
Dollywood: Barnstorming at 81 Feet
Published 4/6/2011 at 10:21 a.m. 0 comments
Dollywood's newest ride for 2011 pays tribute to the daring aerialists and pilots of the 1920s who used to do crazy stunts above the Sevier County fields where Dolly Parton's father and grandfather worked crops. Here are the numbers on ...
UT Grad Schools Ascend to Top 10
Published 3/30/2011 at 10:05 a.m. 0 comments
Three graduate programs—business, engineering, and law—ranked in U.S. News and World Report's Top 10 among public universities for 2012, and two of them ranked in the Top 10 overall as well.
More Knox County Kids Have NEAT Eating Habits
Published 3/23/2011 at 10:16 a.m. 0 comments
While its reach is not very extensive, Knox County Health Department's after-school program targeting youth who are at high risk for developing unhealthy lifestyles and eating behaviors did make some strides this past year.
Silence! It's 'Flesh and the Devil' at the Tennessee Theatre
Published 3/9/2011 at 10:46 a.m. 0 comments
The Tennessee Theatre is helping revive the 1920s silent movie golden era by showing some of director Clarence Brown's best accompanied by the Mighty Wurlitzer.
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Man charged in £250,000 burglary probe (From Daily Echo)
When news happens, text SDE and your photos or videos to 80360. Or contact us by email and phone.
Man charged in £250,000 burglary probe
4:53pm Thursday 17th January 2013 in News
A man has been charged following an investigation into a series of burglaries in which £250,000 worth of property was stolen.
Samuel Cullen, 27, Tatwin Crescent, Southampton, was charged with conspiracy to commit burglary between May and August 2012.
He was bailed to appear at Southampton magistrates on February 18.
It follows police warrants yesterday in Southampton, Ringwood and Dorset.
Four other Southampton men arrested as a result, 31, 29, 26 and 22, were bailed until dates in February pending further enquiries.
As part of the investigation, detectives also today charged Angelina Haigh, 38, Southampton Road, Ringwood, with handling stolen goods.
She was bailed to appear at Southampton Magistrates Court on February 1.
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YORK — McNeely, Cotter to wed
Mary Catherine McNeely of York and Benjamin Lee Cotter of Charlotte are to be married Dec. 14, 2013, at the Church of the Good Shepherd in York.
The future bride, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Harper McNeely of York, attended York Technical College. She is employed with Conxit Technology Group in Charlotte, as the help-desk manager.
The future groom, son of Mr. and Mrs. Paul Michael Cotter of Laguna Beach, Calif., attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Queens University in Charlotte. He is employed with Conxit Technology Group in Charlotte as the lead implementation support specialist.


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Authorities have arrested the man they believe to be responsible for a pair of August bank robberies in Collegeville and Conshohocken, in which he wore Philadelphia sports team hats to conceal his face from security cameras.
According to an affidavit of probable cause, Conshohocken Police arrested Gregory Van Diepen, 30, of the 1000 block of Colwell Lane, Conshohocken, last Wednesday after they say he re-entered the same PNC Bank that he had and fled after being identified by employees.
Police say that as they were responding to the bank, they passed a vehicle and driver matching the description put out over radio, which also matched a description of the suspect from the prior robberies. Police pulled the vehicle over and took Van Diepen into custody without incident.
The arrest followed an investigation that involved both the Conshohocken and Collegeville Police Departments, along with the FBI. Conshohocken Police were searching for a 5-foot-8 white male who robbed the PNC Bank at 317 Fayette St. on Aug. 14 while wearing a Phillies t-shirt and ball cap. Police say the suspect entered the bank just before closing time and passed a note to the teller that said the suspect "had a loaded gun [and]…nothing to lose" and demanded money. He then fled in an unknown direction with approximately $2,400.
That caught the attention of Collegeville Police, who contacted Conshohocken PD after they matched photos of the PNC suspect to the in Collegeville on Aug. 6. In that robbery, police say the suspect was wearing a Philadelphia Flyers cap and handed a similar note to the teller. The suspect in both crimes was described as a 5-foot-8 white male in his late 20s.
On the day of Van Diepen's arrest, the manager at PNC called police when he recognized the same individual standing in line at the bank, wearing a red Philadelphia 76ers shirt and baseball cap. After the manager twice called out to the individual to remove his cap, bank employees say he fled the bank and drove away in a champagne-colored sedan. Police arrested him a short time later on North Lane in Plymouth Township.
In an ensuing investigation, police say multiple employees of the PNC Bank positively identified Van Diepen, and also identified similarities between the notes passed at both robberies. Police executed a search warrant of Van Diepen's apartment, in which they confiscated bank statements, photographs, a blue notebook containing handwritten notes, and a red Phillies baseball cap similar to the one worn in the PNC Bank robbery.
In addition, police say Van Diepen had been living with family members in both the Conshohocken apartment and at a residence in Collegeville. A family member identified the handwriting on the notes used in the robberies as being Van Diepen's, and told police he had been struggling with an addiction to pain medication, the affidavit said.
Van Diepen now faces multiple counts of robbery with threat of bodily harm, theft by unlawful taking, receiving stolen property, terroristic threats, and related charges. He was arraigned before district justice Deborah Lukens on Monday, Aug. 27 and placed into county jail. Bail was set at $150,000. Van Diepen is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on Sep. 5 at 10:30 a.m.


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East Penn Manufacturing makes thousands of different sizes and types of lead-acid batteries, battery accessories, and wire & cable products for virtually any application. Since 1946, we have developed an enviable reputation for world-class quality products made in our state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities.
These facilities include our modern U. S. EPA permitted lead smelter and refinery and recycling center where we recycle virtually 100% of every used lead-acid battery returned to us. Thank you for visiting our site. Please contact us with any questions.
Unigy HR5500ETUnigy HR5500ET batteries have front access terminals for easy maintenance and increased safety. Designed specifically for UPS service, they utilize Absorbed Glass Mat technology for superior high rate, short-term discharges delivering critical power when needed.
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Keal Closet
(65) Harmony Collection door and molding style
About this custom design...
Their own personal design:The
Keal's designed this closet to their room dimensions and
added features to meet their storage needs.
Selected Cabinets
Click on image for details
The Custom Shoppe | 300 Air Park Drive |
Watertown, WI 53094 | 1.920.262.9700 | Toll Free: 1.866.623.3234
Copyright 2009, The Custom Shoppe. All rights


text:
Account Manager
WCYB-NBC/WEMT-FOX/CW triopoly owned by Bonten Media - the #1 sales team in the Tri-Cities in beautiful East Tennessee is looking to add a customer-focused performer in our multimedia world of television, internet and mobile.
The candidate we hire will have a winning attitude, will be a developer of new business and will help develop creative solutions that maintains and grows our client base.
This person will also be able to understand relationships and communicate internally and externally across the organization.
Candidate must be able to adapt to new technology, handle campaign reporting, exhibit strong writing and verbal communication skills, be an organized planner and be goal-oriented.
Knowledge of agency structure and ratings negotiations is a plus. College degree with minimum two years related experience, preferably in media sales, required.
If interested please send cover letter, resume and references to email@example.com, or:
AcctMgr, HR Dept
101 Lee Street
Bristol, VA 24201
WCYB-TV is an Equal Opportunity Employer.


text:
Has the Novell Deal Hampered openSUSE?
Whether it was the uncertainty of openSUSE's future or in spite of it, there seems to have been a fire lit under openSUSE lately. On several fronts, the
often once controversial project has kicked into high gear.
On the Web side of development support openFATE, a feature tracking system, has seen a major update. The interface was recently revamped for easier navigation and the back-end was souped-up for faster operation. New, done, and rejected features are easier to find, vote for, and comment on. Statistics are compiled together for a quick glance. Users can sign up and participate. All together, it's a nice step giving a more transparent process for users and a powerful tool for planners and developers.
Soon after the reworked openFATE was announced, a rolling release option was introduced by Greg Kroah-Hartman, a kernel developer employed by Novell. This was something he'd been wanting to do for a while, and he said the time was right to start it now. Work will start soon on the 11.3 branch and users with 11.3 or new 11.4 installs should be able to start rolling on the openSUSE river pretty soon, should they choose to do so. This will be accomplished through a separate repository, so users can still enjoy the traditional periodic install or upgrade with important and security fixes as usual if they wish.
The openSUSE Board elections were announced on December 1. The openSUSE board consists of five members to oversee the project. The board helps resolve conflicts, communicate with Novell, facilitate communication with the community, and assist with the decision making processes. There are two seats to fill and only one can be a Novell employee. The election is taking place from January 12 to January 26. Results will be announced January 26. Only openSUSE members are eligible to vote, but becoming a member isn't difficult. To become a member you will have to have contributed to openSUSE in some manner. All this is just another way one can be involved in the direction of openSUSE.
Perhaps a little less sexy for regular users is the upcoming Marketing Collaboration Days. Running from December 6 through December 21 the marketing team will focus on possible ways to promote openSUSE around the world. On December 6 they will work on the materials for the openSUSE Ambassadors. This includes materials for convention booths and presentations, talking points, and skill development. General marketing materials and availability will be reviewed on December 13. Then on December 21 the discussion will focus more on traditional press release packages and publicizing on social media.
The crowning jewel of the all the recent news was the release of the latest 11.4 developmental milestone. This release includes the much touted Galbraith Latency patch that is believed to increase desktop performance. They are also including the latest desktop environments: KDE 4.6 beta 1 and GNOME 2.32.2. GNOME 3.0 won't be released in time for 11.4. OpenOffice.org has been removed in favor of LibreOffice. Midori Web browser, Rosegarden music composer/editor, and Gnash Flash viewer have been added. Final release is planned for March 2011.
So, add all this up and you'll see that openSUSE isn't going away - far from it. The Novell deal hasn't hampered their fun. They are moving forward full steam ahead.
Susan Linton is a Linux writer and the owner of tuxmachines.org.
Suse: Never again...
I am a solution provider for my clients. I was using Suse before they decided to shook hands with the devil. I will never ever propose / install / use OpenSuse or any derivative again unless Novell resign this stupid agreement...
Suse: Never again...
I am a solution provider for my clients. I was using Suse before they decided to shook hands with the devil. I will never ever propose / install / use OpenSuse or any derivative again unless Novell resign this stupid agreement...
OpenSuSE Upgrades
I've gotten upgrades and updates since 1993 from SuSE then OpenSuSE. For some reason my servers have quit getting upgrades and updates from OpenSuSE since Microsoft took over. Hmmmm....Anyone got any idea if the site has changed URL's?
good post
interesting post, i like it!
p.s. i am a fan of True Blood DVD Boxset
interesting post
interesting post
The 'controversial' project?
I take issue with you on the statement in the second sentence about 'the often controversial project'.
Novell may have had a controversial agreement with Microsoft, but the openSUSE project itself has never been in any way controversial. It has just produced good software for anyone interested in using it.
The fire is our own
You're generally correct in your article except for the opening statement.
Many of the things you've highlighted have been in the works long before a sale by novell was even hinted. That these initiatives are beginning to see the light of day is more a reflection of the ongoing commitment by our community than a a motivation to take charge in light of the recent sale.
We have always said, and we'll continue to say, that openSUSE Project is a community-driven project and Novell has done well in the past few years handing over many of the reins to make community-driven also community-managed. And I'm proud to see the works of so many people come to fruition.
The Collaboration Days started this week and it was a great success with a good number of people coming out and getting their hands dirty working on various items. All with one goal, getting stuff out of the way so we can continue to move forth with the momentum we've been experiencing for the last two years.
And that's not all. We've had some good bug days lately and we have an OBS Collaboration Day coming up as well.
Your closing is the most accurate statement of all. We're still around and we're not going anywhere! :-)
Bryen M Yunashko
openSUSE Board Member
Linux has become a key foundation for supporting today's rapidly growing IT environments. Linux is being used to deploy business applications and databases, trading on its reputation as a low-cost operating environment. For many IT organizations, Linux is a mainstay for deploying Web servers and has evolved from handling basic file, print, and utility workloads to running mission-critical applications and databases, physically, virtually, and in the cloud. As Linux grows in importance in terms of value to the business, managing Linux environments to high standards of service quality — availability, security, and performance — becomes an essential requirement for business success.
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text:
Modern BCAA + Watermelon535.5 Grams Powder Item #: U6-1029 / 1870005
- Sale Price: $29.99
- List Price: $47.75
- Regular Price: $32.99Save: $17.76 (37%)
- Earn 30 Healthy Awards points when you buy this item. What's this?
USP Labs LLC Modern BCAA + Watermelon ( ) 535.5 Grams Powder (30 servings)
Product Label
30 Workouts
15 Grams/50% More Amino Acids Per Serving
Ultra Micronized
8:1:1 BCAA with Critical Exercise Amino Acids
The Better BCAA - Patented L-Alanyl-L-Glutamine with Electrolytes
Mix 1 serving (2 level scoops) in 20 ounces of water and shake vigorously for 30 seconds. Sip throughout workout or athletic event. An additional serving may be taken immediately after training or any time additional aminos are needed. Using less than 10 ounces of water per scoop and/or very cold water can hinder solubility and cause foaming. Due to high amino acid content some initial foaming may occur, which should subside over a few minutes time with light shaking. Shake container before each use to disperse ingredients that may have settled.
This product is only intended to be consumed by healthy adults 18 years of age or older. Pregnant or nursing women should not use this product. Discontinue use and immediately consult your health care professional if you experience any adverse reaction to this product. Do not exceed recommended serving. Do not use if safety seal is broken or missing. Keep out of reach of children.
Does Not Contain:
Zero Artificial Colors, Calories, Sugar.
Modern BCAA + Watermelon Supplement Facts
Other Ingredients:
Citric Acid, Natural Flavors, Sucralose.
Modern BCAA + Watermelon Reviews
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®by PowerReviews
Best Uses
- Was this a gift?:
- No (4)
Reviewed by 5 customers
Sort by
- Affordable
- Great taste
- Mixes well
Best Uses
This product is great. The watermelon flavor is so good you can barley tell that it is a supplement. At first when you mix it with water it starts bubbling. This will go away with in a minute. After it goes away it just looks like water and is fully dissolved.
Best Uses
Tastes great! No granules. Mixes great.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Best Uses
I drink it with water during my workout. I've only tried the watermelon, but the watermelon is delicious. BCAA's are tough to measure feeling or results from, so I can't say for sure the results from Modern BCAAs.
The only negative is that it doesn't absorb well. It takes time and a lot of shaking especially with ice or cold water.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
- clean
- Electrolytes
- Watermelon Taste
- works
- Raspberry Taste Yuck
Best Uses
- Before Am Workout
- Preduring Morning Wo
I use this first thing in the morning to wake up my metabolism before working out (before breakfast). Taking 1 spoon before the workout, and 1 during the workout it works very well. I'm also a "salty sweater" (you can see salt rings on my clothes after they dry up post workout) and the added electrolytes have fixed any problems with cramps or spasms at the end of workout.
One thing to note however: stay away from the Blue Raspberry flavor! I'm pretty tolerant to supplement tastes, but that one was even past my high threshold. The watermelon taste just fine though.
The product can be hard to mix (especially in cold water), so I make a glass before going to bed, and just drop some ice cubes in it when I'm ready to go in the morning.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Best Uses
I used a couple different branch chains and this one has been the best by far! I use it always pre-workout and sometimes after depending on my schedule. It really has helped me improve just about everything. The best part-- each scoop is tiny so you don't need that much to be effective and I've never felt like it has weighed me down like other branch chains I've used before.
- Was this a gift?:
- No


text:
July 31, 2014
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
NEW YORK (AP) -- Holiday shoppers have been in the mood to spend big.
MasterCard Advisors' SpendingPulse, which monitors all transactions including cash, says total consumer spending excluding autos, rose 5.5 percent to $584.3 billion from Nov. 5 through Dec. 24. That compared with the same 50-day period a year ago.
It's the biggest increase since 2007, when revenue rose 4.9 percent. Total sales surpassed 2007 holiday spending, which reached $566.34 billion.
The data show clothing sales rose 11.2 percent. Also, jewelry and luxury goods showed strong single-digit gains compared with a year ago.
Analysts say shoppers looked for big bargains and when possible handed over cash.
(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
Have information or an opinion about this story? Click here to contact the newsroom.
Copyright WRDW-TV News 12. All rights reserved. This material may not be republished without express written permission.


text:
Western Illinois University: Macomb Campus
Audience Menu
Web Tools and Search Bar
Top Navigation
Social Networking
WIU Home > Social Networking > Get Connected
Get Connected at Western Illinois University
Supporting and using several online social apps help our students, family, friends, & professors communicate and prepare for their academic success, You can stay updated with the latest WIU news & information about campus events and activities via Facebook, learn more about our students, programs, and faculty via WIU videos on YouTube, and enjoy photos of campus & students on Flickr - just some of the ways to stay connected!
Featured YouTube Video - What Will Your #SuccessStory Be? Joe Decker, WIU Alumnus
Joe Decker, World's Fittest Man and WIU alum, is featured in this 30-second commercial spot produced by University Relations and University Television. View this video and more on the Western Illinois University YouTube channel.


text:
After rescheduling a few times for weather, Steve Auer and his son Nicholas took Bella and Holly to their new home in Wisconsin. Lauren Finney of Nashville arranged for the transport and her mom had fostered the two pups for quite some time. Steve and Nicholas transported the two pups to Nancy Johnson of Wisconsin Cocker Rescue, who has placed them in a forever home.
See attached for the view from 10,000 feet. Not sure who is taking care of who.


text:
|I love to sew for my son. He is 3 and although he is becoming a little picky with what he likes and what he doesn't like, he is overly kind in his compliments when you make something he likes. I have found the best way to please a picky boy is to let him design his clothes.
Since I was so in love with the scribble shirt and since it was inspired by my sons scribbles, I thought I would allow him to design the scribble for his shirt.
|He decided on a monster... Which if you knew this kid you would expect that.
|To make the shirt I started with an old shirt of mine actually, it was a v-neck, which I thought would be a little different for him then the typical crew neck. I cut the shirt and sleeves down to his size the same way I did HERE. Only I did cut the shoulder lower down so the v-neck wouldn't be to deep for a boy.
Then sew the front and back bodice pieces together at the shoulders.
|Then pin in the sleeves and sew them in place.
|Then sew along the dotted lines sewing the sides and sleeves together.
|Then I cut the hem off the bottom of the old shirt and I resized it and sewed it to the bottom of the shirt. This keeps is from rolling up and I like the "rough" raw edge look for a boys shirt.
|Next I had my son "draw" a picture for his shirt. He drew a picture on a piece of paper and when I asked him what it was he said it was a monster. It was kind of hard to tell that it was a monster, but I followed his design and pinned the bias tape to the shirt and sewed it in place just as I did for the Scribble Shirt.
|Lastly to help make his monster come to life I added felt cut out as teeth, eyes and a collar, all per request of my son.
|His art has never looked better. While I miss the look of it hanging all over my fridge I love seeing him wear it around proudly instead.
|Mr. Serious showing off his new tee, until I asked him to model a little...
|Then I got all kinds of goofy looks from the boy.
gotta love this kid!


text:
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Houston, TX- Do you have a dog that just lays around the house or maybe looks at you like you're crazy when you try to play catch? Maybe they just need some inspiration! Great Day Houston's, Courtney Perna, shows us some dog athletes that are ready to put their best paw forward.
Learn more on the Dock Dogs.


text:
The Norman Transcript
· First Baptist Church, 211 W. Comanche St.: The Lord's Supper will be held in the sanctuary from 5-7 p.m.
· St. Michael's Episcopal Church, 1600 W. Imhoff Road: 6 p.m., children's washing of the feet; 8 p.m., foot washing and Eucharist; 9 p.m., all night prayer vigil.
· Trinity Lutheran Church, 603 Classen Blvd., Communion at 7:30 p.m.
· Memorial Presbyterian Church, 601 24th Ave. SW: 7 p.m., the Lord's Supper and readings from the passion according to Luke.
· NorthHaven Church, 4600 36th Ave. NW: 6:30 p.m. Childcare will be provided
— Transcript Staff
For local news and more, subscribe to The Norman Transcript Smart Edition, or our print edition.


text:
How is your produce intake?
The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend that at least one half of your plate should contain fruits and vegetables but for many Americans this desirable balance is still a goal and not a reality. Three recent studies might push you to achieve the goal a bit sooner.
The first study appeared in the journal Neurology and it looked at the lycopene content of tomatoes related to reduction of stroke risk in men. Lycopene is an antioxidant that works in the body to counter act free radicals which contribute to aging and disease risk.
Lycopene is found in reddish colored fruits and vegetables like watermelon, grapefruit and guava but the content in tomatoes, especially cooked tomatoes, is higher. The study of more than 1000 men, ages 42 to 61, found that men with the highest blood levels of lycopene had a 55 percent lower risk of suffering a stroke than those with the lowest lycopene levels.
Lycopene is absorbed better when it is consumed cooked, and with some fat, so a bit of olive oil on pasta and tomato sauce or tomatoes stir-fried in olive oil would be good options.
The second study was a small scale study presented at a recent American Heart Association meeting. The study looked at the impact of low-calorie cranberry juice on blood pressure. Half of the 56 subjects in the study were given eight ounces of low-calorie cranberry juice twice a day for eight weeks; the other half consumed a placebo beverage. At the end of the study the group who drank the low-calorie cranberry juice had blood pressures which showed a greater drop than subjects who did not receive the cranberry juice.*
And the third study, published in the Journal of Functional Foods, found that eating one apple a day can lower LDL or bad cholesterol levels by as much as 40 percent. The four week study of 51 people consisted of three different samples; one group ate an apple a day, one consumed capsules that contained apple polyphenols (an antioxidant) and the third group took a placebo capsule. While the group consuming the apple polyphenol capsules also saw a drop in the LDL those who ate the apples had the largest reduction in their levels.
Adding an apple, cooking with tomatoes and drinking low-calorie cranberry juice are relatively simple steps that might help you reap larger health benefits.
*Editor's Note: Diekman provides nutrition consultation to Ocean Spray but had no connection to this study.


text:
MANKATO — A 22-year-old North Mankato woman was arrested after she allegedly used a cab driver's cellphone to falsely report she had been kidnapped.
Virginia Denise Homesly was arrested at her home at about 10:06 p.m. Sunday, a Mankato Department of Public Safety report said. She was in a cab when she took the driver's cellphone and made a call where she claimed she had been kidnapped, the report said.
Homesly also allegedly told the driver she had a gun and asked him to stop near the intersection of Highway 14 and North Victory Drive. Once the cab driver stopped, Homesly got out and left in a vehicle that she flagged down. The initial police report does not say how police identified her.


text:
I resisted Twitter for ages – the reason was two-fold. Firstly because I have too many distractions as it is; secondly and mainly because I didn't really understand it. It is too easy to go with the lazy interpretation of much old media, which dismisses Twitter as 'just a place where Stephen Fry tells you what he's having for breakfast' and all that stuff. Of course, Twitter does indeed serve that role for those who want it but it does a lot more than that, much of which is potentially very useful for Information Professionals.
Why write the 68 billionth blog post about Twitter? Because it was my ignorance of what Twitter could actually be used for that prevented me from joining from so long, so here is a very brief 8-slide presentation about why Twitter works for me. (I've resolved never to make a PowerPoint using the default slides again, it's just too ugly. Style-wise, this is an homage to the likes of Helene Blowers and Bobbi Newmanwho perform the frankly sorcery-like trick of making PPts pretty…)
I should thank those other Info Pros who badgered me into joining (Woodsiegirl was definitely the ring-leader…) – ultimately the sheer utility of the medium overwhelmed me and I caved in. Part of the reason it works so well for us in the Library & Information sector is because so many of us embrace these kinds of social media – there is massive population of library related people on Twitter. Perhaps this is because it suits our interests so much – I was struck by a comment on Woodsiegirl's recent blog post about Twitter, where she debated the merits of separate accounts for work and personal. Annie (is that Annie_me from Twitter?) said in favour of just having the one account:
Chances are, if you've chosen to be an information professional, it's because you enjoy the work and are interested in the wider professional context. 'Work' becomes 'personal', because you're not just interested in things because it's your job to follow them.
That's a very good point, and one I'd not heard articulated before. Of course Information Professionals like all this stuff! It's part of why we like our jobs, and further support for the idea I was getting at a couple of posts ago, that we do what we already love, and that's why we love what we do.
I'm no Twitter expert but while I'm on the subject, here's some things I've decided about it:
- If you don't have a Bio, then I'm not going to follow you (unless your last few tweets are AMAZING!) – just put something up so we know who you are, even if it's just a job title and what country you're in
- I am very weary of information overload – I really don't know how people cope when they follow thousands of others in Twitter (even if they do use lists..). I try and be as ruthless as possible and follow as few people as I can, rather than go for a reciprocal, follow everyone so they follow me back type of approach. It works for me.
- Has there ever really been anything, in the history of mankind, where you don't get more out if you put more in? Twitter is like everything else – if you give of yourself you get more back. Being part of the community is great. Don't be afraid about showing a little of your personality either. (Assuming you have a nice personality)
- As Joeyanne said in the presentation that got me into social media in the first place – you have to go where the conversation is. If at some point a lot of Information Professionals abandon ship and head for another micro-blogging platform, I'll be there, sheep-like, in their number.
- thewikiman
oh any by the way
The event that myself and WoodsieGirl are speaking at (a presentation on Marketing the Information Profession: Escaping the Echo Chamber which, to be quite honest with you, is looking awesome) is actually open to non Yorkshire & Humberside people. Originally I thought it was just for those from this region but in fact those from further afield can attend (although priority will be given to Yorkshire folk if it gets over-full). So, come on down! Especially students – there's no better feeling than earning some of your Information Management Masters fees back than by attending an event for free as a student, even though you're in full-time employment… Details of the event are elsewhere on the blog.
oh and by the way II
This post has been in my drafts folder for a while – since I wrote that the train strike has been announced, so I'll let you off if you can't come after all…