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Monthly CalendarsApril 2014
Private Guided Photography Workshops & Tours
Join professional photographer, biologist and natural historian Robb Hirsch on a private customized photography expedition. A variety of trips can be planned based on the goals and abilities of the participants. These can include hikes to shoot from a particular place or can be dynamic to best utilize the present conditions. Group size is limited (to no more than 3) to provide the most meaningful experience and maximize learning potential. Trips are suited for moderate to advanced amateurs who want to improve their photography skills and shoot in some of the most beautiful and lesser known locations in and outside of Yosemite.
To learn more about Robb Hirsch and view some of his amazing photography, click here.
Two general types of trips are offered, though each can be modified:
Full Day Photo Workshop
Meet with Robb in the morning for a short orientation to determine clients' experience and interest in order to customize the trip to suit their goals; equipment choices and options will be discussed as well as potential photography locations.
Following the meeting, depart for a full day photographing the chosen destinations. In the field, learn many of the techniques to produce quality nature photographs. Discover how changing the aperture, shutter speed or one's position affects an image and how to best utilize these variables to create a more compelling photograph. Learn how to control depth of field to either isolate the subject or put it in the context of its surroundings. The itinerary is flexible to take advantage of opportunities based on the current conditions.
Sufficient time will be given to scout locations and practice field techniques before shooting into the afternoon and through sunset, before returning to Evergreen Lodge for dinner.
Half Day Photo Shoot
This trip is designed for those with more limited time or budget who want to maximize their photography potential in Yosemite and the surrounding area expeditiously. Time in the field will be spent learning and practicing proper techniques and covering tips for identifying beautiful compositions.
Meet early afternoon and discuss clients' goals and potential locations to shoot. Depart leaving enough time to stop and photograph interesting locations en route to primary destination. This trip is adjustable, so if the client feels conditions at one of these spots along the way would be preferable to photograph, this can be accommodated. Photograph through late afternoon light and sunset before returning to Evergreen Lodge.
Example Trip Location
High Country Photography: explore and photograph Yosemite's high country, including Tuolumne Meadows, Olmstead Point and Tenaya Lake. Find new, compelling compositions of the Cathedral Range, Mt. Dana and Mt. Gibbs, or photograph yellow-bellied marmots with beautiful background scenery. This is an outstanding area to shoot with dramatic landscape and few crowds. It is easily accessible by car and short to moderate hikes.
Skills to be learned:
Click here for a detailed trip outline.
Our photo tours have limited capacity and should be reserved in advance. Please call our Recreation Department at (209) 379-2606 x140, email us, or send a Recreation Request.
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Zack's Kernel News
Zack's Kernel News
Chronicler Zack Brown reports on the latest news, views, dilemmas, and developments within the Linux kernel community.
Recently, the kernel.org servers were cracked by attackers who were able to gain root-level access. The attackers then inserted trojan horses into the source releases for certain Linux kernel release candidates (-rc releases). This attack caused a lot of work for the kernel. org system administrators and resulted in a number of discussion threads on the linux-kernel mailing list, considering ways to avoid similar security compromises in the future.
In one thread, Junio C Hamano, the Git maintainer, asked the kernel folks if there were any special Git features they wanted, that might increase the security of a Git archive that involved many contributors (e.g., the Linux kernel). He suggested providing the ability to cryptographically sign all pushes, as well as having Git produce more output on certain types of failure modes. Linus Torvalds replied, saying he liked the idea of increased verbosity; but, about cryptographic signatures, he said:
"I realize that cryptographic signatures sound very important right now, but in the end, *real* trust comes from people, not from signatures. Realistically, I checked a few signatures this time around due to the kernel.org issues, but at the same time, the thing that made me trust most of it was just looking at commits and the email messages. The unconscious and non-cryptographic 'signature' of a person acting like you expect a person to act."
"Technical measures can be subverted, and I think we should also think about the social side. Every time somebody mentions a signature,I want to also mention 'human readability', because I think that matters as much, if not more."
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Tag Cloud
Mozilla Labs Shuts Down
Mozilla's product think tank sinks silently into history.
Internet Giants Launch Collaboration to Improve Open Source
TODO group will focus on open source tools in large-scale environments.
Fedora Announces New Partition Manager App
New tool will look like GParted but support a wider range of storage technologies.
Mozilla Releases a New Firefox
New public key pinning feature will help prevent man-in-the-middle attacks.
Tool Predicts Which Websites Will be Compromised
Carnegie Mellon researchers say 3 million pages could fall down the phishing hole in the next year.
SSH Key Management Guidelines
The US government rolls new best-practice rules for protecting SSH.
Knoppix 7.4 Released
Klaus Knopper announces the latest version of his iconic Live Linux system.
PHP Attack Puts WordPress and Drupal at Risk
All websites that use these popular CMS tools could be vulnerable to denial of service attacks if users don't install the updates.
Heartbleed Bleeds On
According to a report, many potential victims of the Heartbleed attack have patched their systems, but few have cleaned up the crime scene to protect themselves from the effects of a previous intrusion.
Drone Brain Goes Open Source
DARPA and NICTA release the code for the ultra-secure microkernel system used in aerial drones.

subset: commoncrawl


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A proposal sponsored by George Runner to protect California's disabled veterans cleared the Assembly this week with unanimous, bipartisan support, and now awaits action by Governor Jerry Brown.
The 2014 year is proving to be one 'winning' year for Danessa Menge. The Oakdale Junior High English teacher was featured in The Leader pages on Aug. 13 as one of 70-plus selectees for a recent SMART summit, a once described 'dream' experience for an educator.
After putting finishing touches on a fire contract to have the Stanislaus Consolidated Fire Protection District assume fire service for the City of Oakdale and transfer its existing fire personnel to become employees of the district, the Oakdale City Council voted 5-0 Monday night to approve the handover, which is expected to become effective Sept. 1.
Oakdale Irrigation District directors moved a step closer Tuesday morning to raising agricultural water rates for the first time in three decades. Next, it will be up to the district's 2,900 customers to vote on whether they agree to pay significantly more for their water.
Just a couple more weeks remain for the city's Farmers' Market, offered each Wednesday night in the downtown area.
Average retail gasoline prices in Modesto have fallen 1.7 cents per gallon in the past week, averaging $3.75/g Sunday, according to GasBuddy's daily survey of 201 gas outlets in Modesto. This compares with the national average that has fallen 2.0 cents per gallon in the last week to $3.45/g, according to gasoline price website GasBuddy.com.
Due to good to moderate air quality expected next week throughout the Valley, local air officials are asking Valley residents to conduct a "Practice Air Alert" by making and implementing plans to reduce their driving Monday, Aug. 18 through Friday, Aug. 22.
The Stanislaus County Board of Supervisors and Sheriff Adam Christianson along with other State and Local Officials in Stanislaus County are going to break ground for the historic $113 million public safety center expansion and the public is invited to attend.
An early morning multi-alarm fire in Riverbank has caused extensive damage to a couple of businesses along the main corridor through town.
A gang member wanted in connection with a July 14 shooting in Oakdale was arrested by the Stanislaus County Sheriff's Department on Tuesday, Aug. 5. Authorities say he is also suspected in the hit-and-run death of Oakdale resident Blake Barry, 20, in Waterford from December of last year.
Stanislaus County Sheriff's Detectives are investigating the homicide of a 59-year-old man who was found dead in the front yard of a house in the 3700 block of Texas Avenue in Riverbank on Tuesday night, Aug. 5.
New and future young drivers are invited to an upcoming free driver safety education class offered by the Merced Area California Highway Patrol's Start Smart Program.
The inaugural California Invasive Species Action Week is scheduled Aug. 2 through Aug. 10. The goal of Action Week is to promote public awareness of invasive species issues and to encourage public participation in the fight against California's invasive species and their impacts on our natural resources.
Midway lights, great food bites, and daily concert nights were just some of the many highlights as the Stanislaus County Fair celebrated its 103rd year.
A Landscape and Lighting Maintenance District (LLMD) agenda item on fee increases that prompted lengthy discussion at the previous meeting, and eventually delayed the vote until questions could be answered, was approved at a relatively brief Monday, July 21 Oakdale City Council meeting.
Residents of Oakdale will be voting for mayor and to fill two City Council seats during the November 2014 election. Since the filing period to run for office opened on July 14, only three individuals announced their intentions to run for elected office.
Despite airport items on recent agendas, the Oakdale mayor and city council members claim they were not advised of an April complaint letter from the Federal Aviation Administration and the city's May 5 response letter. Some of the agenda items approved by the council even included a quarterly street sweeping contract and $16,000 lighting upgrade to bring the airport up to standards addressed in the complaint.
Oakdale City Clerk Kathy Teixeira's office advised the 'Yes on Measure Y Committee' that no arguments in opposition were filed with her office by the July 17 deadline. In addition, no rebuttals to the argument for the measure were filed by the July 29 deadline.
Despite airport items on recent agendas, the Oakdale Mayor and City Council claim they were not advised of an April complaint letter from the Federal Aviation Administration and the city's May 5 response letter. Some of the agenda items approved by the council even included a quarterly street sweeping contract and $16,000 lighting upgrade to bring the airport up to standards addressed in the complaint.
The Federal Aviation Administration San Francisco Airports District Office has informed the City of Oakdale it has received complaints that the Laughlin Road airport may be violating portions of its grants assurances sections as it applies to the condition and operation of the facility.
The Burchell Hill neighborhood and park will serve as the primary Oakdale city location for this year's 31st Annual National Night Out Against Crime on Tuesday, Aug. 5. The event is scheduled from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
A new face with new enthusiasm and drive will be taking over as administrator for the Oakdale Travel and Visitors Bureau (OTVB) after the departure of Ramona Howard who left the organization to pursue other career interests.


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Flights Bodrum – Book low-cost flights to Bodrum hassle-free online
airberlin offers affordable flights to Bodrum, the popular holiday destination in south-west Turkey.
The idyllic holiday paradise with its brilliant white beaches, warm air and sea temperatures and the crystal-clear sea will make you want to relax and enjoy your holiday. Even in our cold winter months the climate here is still pleasant with many hours of sunshine to brighten the day. The surroundings' beautiful landscape are made for lengthy excursions. You can hire a car or a motorbike, or if you are more active, go on foot or by bike.
A boot trip to the near-by Greek island of Kos is particularly popular with holidaymakers to Bodrum. A day at sea is a special kind of adventure.
Fly to Bodrum and be a smart traveller with airberlin
You can also find a suitable hotel in Bodrum here on the website directly with our partner binoli. If you can be flexible with your dates, we also recommend that you take a look at our special offers where we have lucrative offers that combine flight and hotel from time to time. If you want to remain mobile during your stay, we are also happy to arrange low-cost car hire for you.
Whatever you require for your trip, a low-cost flight to Bodrum with airberlin is a perfect starting point for a successful holiday at this beautiful Turkey holiday destination.


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LOUISVILLE, KY (WAVE) - A homeless man allegedly pretended to be a doctor and used the hospital as a place to live.
Norton security officers told police Patrick Campbell was dressed in scrubs, a lab coat and a surgical mask while on a "highly case sensitive" computer at the time he was caught.
Police said an actual doctor had logged Campbell on the computer thinking he was a colleague.
A Norton hospital spokesperson said no patient information was on the computer.
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The Issue | Statements & Speeches | News | Events | Feature Stories |
CSW57 | Videos | Take action
Violence against women and girls is one of the most widespread violations of human rights. In some countries, up to 7 in 10 women will be beaten, raped, abused or mutilated in their lifetimes. To raise awareness and trigger action to end this global phenomenon, International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women (25 November), and the ensuing 16 Days of Activism against Gender Violence are commemorated every year around the world.
Ending violence against women is one of UN Women's priority areas. UN Women also coordinates the UN Secretary-General's UNiTE to End Violence against Women campaign and supports widespread social mobilization through its Say NO – UNiTE to End Violence against Women platform. In addition, UN Women manages the UN Trust Fund to End Violence against Women which commemorates its 16th anniversary in 2012.
Last year for 25 November, UN Women Executive Director Michelle Bachelet unveiled a 16-Step Policy Agenda. This year, UN Women launches "COMMIT" – a new global initiative which calls on leaders worldwide to fulfill their promise and take a stand to end violence against women and girls. It will showcase concrete national commitments to ending the scourge of such violence.
Ending violence against women will be the main theme of the forthcoming 57th Session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women, to take place from 4-15 March 2013 in New York. The international gathering where countries report on their country's progress on women's rights and gender equality will focus on prevention and multisectoral responses to violence against women and girls.
On 28 November, UNiTE hosted an invitation-only event in New York to mark the anniversary of the International Day to End Violence against Women. To watch archived webcast click here ».
Archived webcast
A Promise is A Promise"A Promise is A Promise" is the official video of the United Nations Secretary-General's Campaign UNiTE to End Violence against Women. It is being launched today, 28 November 2012, during the UN's official commemoration of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, which was celebrated around the world on Sunday, 25 November.
Message by Michelle Bachelet for International Day to End Violence against Women
UN Women Executive Director Michelle Bachelet calls on all heads of state and government to make new commitments and take strong national action to protect women and girls. The world community has already come a long along way with national laws, international treaties, and widespread and growing awareness on ending violence against women. But it is not enough. Government promises must be translated into concrete actions, such as providing new safe houses, free hotline services, and free legal and medical aid to survivors. The time for complacency has run out. Together, it is possible to stop the violence against women against women and girls.
South Africa – From Victim to Victor
In South Africa – a country often referred to as the murder and rape capital of the world – one group of women are especially at risk. Despite some of the most progressive laws in the world to protect them, lesbians are increasingly the targets of a particularly heinous crime: "curative" or "corrective" rape—which perpetrators believe will change their sexual orientation. We travel to South Africa to meet several young survivors, who are speaking out to confront sexual violence and discrimination.
Cambodia: Reclaiming lives after acid attacks
Acid attacks are a widespread human rights violation most often perpetrated against women. Yet many survivors do not have access to adequate legal, medical and psychological support. With support from the UN Trust Fund to End Violence against Women, Acid Survivors Trust International (ASTI) responds to the needs of women and girls affected by acid attacks and implements measures to prevent attacks from happening in the first place and to bring perpetrators to justice. The project serves 2,000 women and their communities in Cambodia, Nepal, and Uganda. (Producer: UN Women; Date of Release: November 2011)
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Packed with vitamin C, flavonoid, potassium and calcium, lemons are used world over! So, today's natural wonders is all about this little yellow fruit that is loved by everyone!
Children are affected with psychiatric illnesses but are not so apparent because they do not talk about it or bring it to the attention of their family.
Continuing our discussion on childhood psychiatric disorders, we will learn more about elimination disorders, tic disorders and disruptive behaviour disorders in this article.
- Top 10 tips for winter health
Winters and sickness have been, for long, closely associated. Keep our top 10 tips handy to boost your immunity and keep those winter blues at bay!
- Recipe – Healthy Sewai Idli With Green Chutney
Not in mood of your regular idli? We are here with a healthy alternative, learn how to make vermicelli (sewai) idli with green chutney.
- Natural Wonders – Cabbage
Today in natural wonders, we'll tell you about cabbage, the ubiquitous, humble and inexpensive vegetable that is packed with nutrition and rich in vitamins!
The nasal septum is the vertical tissue which divides the nose into two halves. This septum is made up of cartilage in front and bone at the back. The blood supply of the septum comes from the inner lining of the nose called mucus membrane. If this limited supply is cut off, the tissue dies and a hole is created. If the septum has a hole in it, it is referred to as a nasal septum perforation.
Craving that magazine look for your skin to impress the love of your life this Valentine's Day? Can't find the right choice from the array of beauty products in your store? Read on for some amazingly simple home remedies for both men and women.
Got an overwhelming workload for the week? Can't handle your work and kids together? Stressed out from the day's chores and activities? Try these simple yet effective stress busters that boost your mood almost instantly and get you energetic.
British designers of Bradford College of United Kingdom and designers of International Institute of Fashion Technology showcased their unique sportswea... More British designers of Bradford College of United Kingdom and designers of International Institute of Fashion Technology showcased their unique sportswear collection in a fashion extravaganza in New Delhi on October 8. The project is aimed to integrate fashion with the ongoing sports event of Commonwealth Games (CWG).
Date 12-10-10, Duration 1:44, Views 738
- Venezuela's Alyz Henrich wins Miss Earth 2013
Miss Venezuela Alyz Henrich is crowned Miss Earth 2013; Miss India Sobhita Dhulipala fails to make it to top 16
- Tricks to throw memorable yet money-saving marriage
If spending too much of moolah on your wedding worries you, try some smart money-saving tips
- Brad Pitt goes green, bans soap
Actor Brad Pitt is so concerned about the environment that he has reportedly stopped using soap because of the toxins used in it
- Now, skydive from 10,000 feet in Maharashtra's Baramati
It's known for its grapes and dairy products. Now, Baramati in Maharashtra has acquired another distinction, being the place from where one can skydive from a light aircraft from a height of 4,000-10,000 feet


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The Tie That Binds
On a sweltering, humid August morning, I wat-ched as my wife, Carol, and oldest daughter, Martha Grace, walked down the trail though the woods, past the ancient spring that supplies our water, across the branch, up the hill, past the old tobacco barn and onto the school yard.
It was Martha Grace's first day of kindergarten. It was also the first day of school for Carol and me as parents. Days like that are filled with emotions and invariably keep your thoughts lingering somewhere between the memories of the past and promises of the future. Martha Grace is the sixth generation of our family to take the same trail through the woods to Sandhills Farm Life School. So, for us, the past is always present as we look to the future.
When Tommy Horton asked me to write an article for the My Turn column, admittedly my first reaction was "Why?" My occupation is now that of an Extension tobacco specialist at North Carolina State University. After working most of my adult life in cotton, I am now working with that glorious golden leaf. Tommy can be persuasive though, so the question turned from "Why?" to "What can I say that is relevant?"
There is little that I can offer of relevance for this year's cotton crop. So, maybe it's worth discussing what gives us a connection to the land and the crops that have been so important to the South.
Cotton and tobacco are steeped in tradition. As much or more than any other crops, cotton and tobacco are entwined in the history of the South and our country. From the earliest days, both cotton and tobacco served as not only the cash crop but also the currency itself. An agrarian culture built up around both crops. New technology in the production of cotton and tobacco resulted in migrations that not only shaped the rural areas of the South but the country as a whole.
I consider myself to have been privileged to have worked with both cotton and tobacco for many reasons. For North Carolina, they have historically been the most dependable sources of row crop income. Relative stability in tobacco acres since the buyout of the federal program in 2004 and a recent resurgence in cotton acres and prices have continued this tradition. Both crops are vitally important to the economy of North Carolina and will continue to be.
Over the last couple of years, as our family has moved from Louisiana to North Carolina, and my career has taken me from the cotton world to the tobacco world, I have observed that there is something about the two crops that undoubtedly ties people to the land. Countless times when working with farmers I have heard them describe themselves as "cotton farmers" or "tobacco farmers." Other crops are always in the mix, but there is something about cotton and tobacco to which we hold fast.
Perhaps it's the tradition. Maybe it's the way those two crops have put food on the table for generations. It could be as simple as the beauty of a snow white cotton field or familiar sweet smell of cured golden leaf when it comes out of the curing barn. You never get either one out of your blood.
Whatever the reason, it ties us to the land, gives us a sense of place and binds us together in Southern agriculture. It's these connections that give our farmers resiliency in the face of adversity and a drive to move the industry forward.
The challenges of cotton and tobacco will never go away. As sure as the domestic textile industry will never fully return, the demonization of tobacco will never go away. But, we get up each morning and meet the challenges because we are tied to the land, the crops, the culture and the way of life. For me, I look forward to being a part of it all, carrying on in the future, with an eye to the past and those who have walked the trail before.
– Sandy Stewart
Raleigh, N.C.
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Women's adidas Boyfriend Live-In Capris
The Women's adidas Boyfriend Live In Capri Pants have the same great comfort as your boyfriend's sweats that you always borrow, except they are made for you and not for him.
It's got that comfortable, baggy style that you've always enjoyed, but also has climalite� fabric so that sweat doesn't stick on skin. Other than that, they've got a drawcord on their elastic waist for an a not-too-loose fit so they're not falling off of your hips and also have size zip pockets for you to tuck away loose items.
After these capri pants, you'll never go back to your boy's. He'll never admit it, but he is glad to have his old dirty sweats back.
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I had lunch with Los Angeles Unified School District Supt. David Brewer earlier this year at a restaurant near downtown Los Angeles and almost choked. Not on the food, but the prices.
I wasn't that hungry, fortunately, so I had the Chinese chicken salad, which cost an eye-popping $28.95. Brewer wasn't famished either, so he just had an appetizer, the crab cakes, and those ran $16.95.
The L.A. Times picked up the tab, but Brewer had chosen the restaurant and he seemed to know his way around there, so I started wondering if his tastes always run so high-end. To find out, I called the school district and requested all of his expense reports dating back to his hiring in 2006.
When the documents arrived, much of the information had been blacked out. Why? Because several high-level officials use the same credit card account, I was told, and I hadn't asked for their expenses; only Brewer's.
But there wasn't much listed for Brewer, other than airfare and hotels, so I asked if perhaps his restaurant tabs had been blacked out as well?
No, I was told by the district's lawyer. He pays for meals and other things from an expense account that was written into his contract. He just gets that money and doesn't have to account for it.
How much?
Forty-five grand, I was told.
Not bad at all. I could see myself developing a Pacific Dining Car habit with that kind of pocket money.
He also gets a $3,000 monthly housing allowance, the district lawyer added. All of which sits on top of his $300,000-a-year salary.
Just a month before that lunch, I had been to a meeting at my daughter's public school, where parents were asked to donate $500 per child or we'd lose three instructional aides. No telling what will be asked of us now that bigger cuts are looming.
Meanwhile, as the L.A. Unified school board seems ready to finally admit its blockheaded blunder in hiring a Navy man with no education experience to run the nation's second-largest school district, Brewer is fighting to keep his job. And he's still collecting -- in expense account payments alone -- the equivalent of one year's pay for a starting teacher.
Friday morning I had breakfast at a more reasonably priced restaurant, the Original Pantry Cafe, with Ben Austin, a current school board candidate and former deputy to ex-Mayor Richard Riordan. Austin, who now works as a consultant for the Green Dot charter schools, said he'd give the heave-ho to the admiral if he had a vote, but the problems are bigger than Brewer.
They're tinkering with a bureaucracy that needs to be blown up, Austin said.
"These are revolutionary times and they're going with pilot programs."
The only way to look at the job, Austin said, whether you're an administrator or board member, a teacher or union official, is to point to the nearest school and ask yourself:
"Would I send my own daughter there?"
LAUSD flounders as superintendent rakes it in
David Brewer makes a lot of money for a man with no education credentials, and navigating the school district is still a parent's nightmare.
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NEAR SHELTON, Wash.— Mother Nature decided to get in the Christmas spirit delivering several inches of snow in Thurston, Mason and Grays Harbor counties Christmas morning.
"It's the best Christmas present we could have gotten," said Sharon Schirman, who grew up in Shelton.
When asked if she could remember another white Christmas, Schirman said, "In 35 years, I don't remember [one]."
Schirman was grateful she had the day off work and did not have to drive in the snow.
Pastor Ron Sandrick, from Elma, rolled his van down a hill on the side of Highway 101 near Shelton Tuesday morning.
"Little too much slipperiness and not enough room," said Sandrick, who had planned spending his Christmas at church and counseling inmates at the Pierce County Jail.
Sandrick was not injured in the wreck but was disappointed the weather-related incident changed his holiday plans.
"I'm just sad I cannot see the men in prison I wanted to see and that's not going to happen," said Sandrick.
A number of drivers lost control on Highway 101 between Olympia and Shelton Tuesday morning.
By the afternoon warmer temperatures melted the snow off the highway.


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Next, you'll be asked to connect with Twitter. Rest assured, we will never send a tweet from your account
without your permission.
We will send you an email with an invite soon.
I favorited a @YouTube video AC/DC High Voltage [Full Album]
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|Holiday Inn Loveland Pass hotels are provided below. Search for cheap and discount Holiday Inn hotel prices in Loveland Pass, CO for your upcoming meeting or individual travels. We list the best Holiday Inn Loveland Pass properties so you can review the Loveland Pass Holiday Inn hotel list below to find the perfect place.
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Interacting selectively and non-covalently with ATP, adenosine 5'-triphosphate, a universally important coenzyme and enzyme regulator.
Catalysis of the reactions: ATP + protein serine = ADP + protein serine phosphate, and ATP + protein threonine = ADP + protein threonine phosphate.
The series of molecular signals initiated by binding of a Wnt protein to a frizzled family receptor on the surface of the target cell and ending with a change in cell state.


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The Office Geek is most likely involved in technology at your company, so you should keep him or her on your good side. While conversation may be challenging with the Office Geek, he can save you when your system breaks or you lose an important file. We've gathered together fun toys that make great gifts for the Office Geek. Give him or her an office toy this year as a thank you. Then just smile and nod when he explains the benefits of Windows 7 over Windows XP Pro.
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Retro Squares Spring Chair 3 3
Only OK Very disappointed to discover that the arms are not metal - but some sort of wood product and the paint chipped off within days of putting it by the pool. Comfortable enough, but not the quality I expected. March 19, 2013
Terrible product Difficult to build..powder coating chipped...tolerances are nonexistent. Connecter bar had to be filed with metal file to fit pieces together. Attractive if you don't get too close and fairly comfortable. June 3, 2012
spring chair, memories of summers in the 50's Well made, comfortable, nice easy motion. June 25, 2012
1-3 of 3
Product:43676-Retro Squares Spring Chair


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Blue Rhino® Oil Rubbed Bronze Outdoor Firebowl
Item # WX2-129663
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This item is shipped directly from the factory. To see the expected shipping date, please add to your Shopping Cart. Sorry, no express shipping available. We are unable to ship factory direct items to Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico or APO or FPO addresses.
This item cannot ship to Canada.
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Blue Rhino® Oil - Rubbed Bronze Outdoor Firebowl with Ceramic Tile... brings beautiful and warm ambient flames to your backyard gatherings!
The decorative design offers more than just great looks! The open-sided diamond shape patterns improves airflow, giving you more heat and more light. Late summer, early fall... turn off the tube and gather your friends and family around the fire.
The crackle of the wood, the dancing flames and swirling smoke... nothing is more relaxing and peaceful. And it's so low-maintenance and fun to use, the hardest part of owning it will be keeping enough wood on hand!A backyard beauty:
- Gorgeous oil-rubbed bronze with open diamond design
- Spark screen lid includes hook and is easy to lift
- Measures 40" in diameter, 25" high
- Weighs 52 lbs.
Get yours ONLINE now!
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Boeing stands by beleaguered Dreamliner
Regulators around the world order the airliner grounded over safety concerns. Carriers are getting nervous.
"We will be taking every necessary step in the coming days to assure our customers and the traveling public of the 787's safety and to return the airplanes to service," said CEO James McNerney in a statement. "Boeing deeply regrets the impact that recent events have had on the operating schedules of our customers and the inconvenience to them and their passengers."
Boeing will need to do more than apologize. As the Associated Press notes, Poland's state-owned LOT Airlines plans to seek compensation from Chicago's Boeing for grounding its two Dreamliners and will only take delivery of the three other 787s that had been scheduled for March if the technical issues have been resolved. LOT is hardly the only airline that feels this way.
"I suspect many carriers are getting a bit nervous, particularly if they're expecting an early-production aircraft," writes Richard Aboulafia, of the Teal Group, an aviation consultancy, in an email to MSN.
The Federal Aviation Administration, which has been conducting a review of the 787, ordered the entire fleet grounded Wednesday amid worries about the safety of its advanced lithium ion batteries that have caught fire. This is a step that regulators haven't undertaken in four decades. Officials in Europe, Japan and India followed the FAA's lead.
Shares of Boeing, which have barely budged over the past year, are trading down in pre-market trading. The stakes for Boeing in the Dreamliner drama couldn't be higher.
"The company has outlined ambitious plans to double its production rate to 10 planes a month by the end of 2013," according to the New York Times. "It is also starting to build a stretch version and considering an even larger one after that."
Airlines had been keen on the 787 because Boeing had argued that the state-of-the-art aircraft could fly passengers further and cheaper because of increased fuel efficiency. Many Wall Street analysts seem to think that Boeing will be able to resolve the never-ending glitches around the 787. The average 52-week price target on the stock is $88.58, about 19% higher than where it currently trades.
Whether investors' faith in Boeing will be rewarded remains to be seen. Another question centers around CEO McNerney. Boeing boosted his 2011 pay by 34% to $18.4 million, in part because the company delivered the 787 after a delay of almost four years. It will be interesting to see if the company tries to claw back this bonus.
--Jonathan Berr does not own shares of the listed stocks. Follow him on Twitter @jdberr.
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[BRIEFING.COM] The stock market finished an upbeat week on a mixed note. The S&P 500 shed less than a point, ending the week higher by 1.3%, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average (+0.1%) cemented a 1.7% advance for the week. High-beta names underperformed, which weighed on the Nasdaq Composite (-0.3%) and the Russell 2000 (-1.3%).
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from a volunteer… "Working with the homeless never felt like a choice to me. My grandfather taught me through his actions which flowed with a deep penetrating love that all human beings were our brothers, sisters, mothers, and fathers. I learned as a child that we are all struggling through this life together most of us doing the best we can. It is our responsibility to care for those who cannot find the strength or resources until they are able to carry themselves again. My grandfather passed away when I was nine, but his prayers have remained with me."
976 Embarcadero Del Mar
Isla Vista, CA 93117


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Not since the Hoover Dam was completed in 1936 has such a federal case been made about water.
Chicago Heights has filed a federal lawsuit to stop Hammond from turning off the faucet that supplies Chicago Heights with Lake Michigan water via the Hammond pumping facility.
Chicago Heights' beef, simply put, is that Hammond wants too much money for its water as the current 30-year contract ends in November.
This could have effects that range far beyond the Heights, which takes some of the water it gets from Hammond and sells it to surrounding communities.
For the record, Calumet City inked a new contract with Hammond in late June. For that same amount Hammond is now asking Chicago Heights to pony up.
Calumet City is not doing this because it wants to make Hammond wealthy at its own expense by paying exorbitant fees for water.
Hammond is not doing this to gouge either of its neighboring Illinois communities. They need to make adjustments and improvements so they can keep the water flowing.
"There's plenty of opportunity in Illinois to sell water," said Hammond Mayor Tom McDermott Jr. "If Chicago Heights doesn't want to buy our water, we'll find someone else to take up the capacity."
McDermott's holding the aces in this hand: There are far more buyers than there are suppliers.
Given the time frame and the aging infrastructure of the facility, does it really seem unreasonable for Hammond to raise the price per 1,000 gallons of water from its current level of less than $1 to $2.20?
Particularly given that next-door Chicago just upped its rate to $2.51 per 1,000 gallons, increasing next year to $2.89.
This is purified tap water, stuff a lot of scientists say is just as healthy for you as the bottled stuff you buy off the shelf at your supermarket.
Yeah, try getting that for $2.20 for 1,000 gallons, or $2.89 for that matter. Get back to me on your success, OK?
"It would be a public health catastrophe," said Chicago Heights corporation counsel TJ Somer.
Although the contract expires next month, McDermott is giving Chicago Heights until March before it turns the tap off.
"Unjust and unreasonable," says the Chicago Heights filing in federal court.
I am not a lawyer, but I do drink water.
And my guess is that the Heights is going to have a hard time making the case based on what Hammond's chief competitor — Chicago — is charging.
And the fact that the supply is limited to those few communities that actually pump, purify and sell their own lake water.
Chicago Heights has until March to come up with an alternative plan.
Right now, it might want to get a price on the supermarket water.
The opinions are solely those of the writer. He can be reached at firstname.lastname@example.com or (219) 933-4170.


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Even though most of the civilized world has stopped playing Draw Something by now, there was a moment where everyone was drawing. Even if you sucked at drawing. This video shows 15 different types of Draw Something players, which one are you? [YouTube, Thanks Jhon!]
What Kind of Draw Something Player Are You?
Pending approval Casey Chan


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- New York, NY
- United States
This conversation is closed.
The debate about Graham Hancock's talk
Please use this space to comment on the debate around Graham Hancock's TEDx talk, as described here:
Closing Statement from TED
Thanks to all who participated in this conversation on TED's decision to move Graham Hancock's talk from YouTube to TED.com. It was scheduled as a 2-week conversation, and has now closed. But the archive will remain visible here.
We'd like to respond here to some of the questions raised in the course of the discussion.
Some asked whether this was "censorship." Now, it's pretty clear that it isn't censorship, since the talk itself is literally a click away on this very site, and easily findable on Google. But it raises an interesting question about curation. Should TED play *any* curatorial role in the content it allows its TEDx organizers to promote? We believe we should. And once you accept a role for curatorial limits, you have to accept there will be times when disputes arise.
A number of questions were raised about TED's science board: How it works and why the member list isn't public. Our science board has 5 members -- all working scientists or distinguished science journalists. When we encounter a scientific talk that raises questions, they advise us on their position. I and my team here at TED make the final decisions. We keep the names of the science board private. This is a common practice for science review boards in the academic world, which preserves the objectivity of the recommendations and also protects the participants from retribution or harassment.
Finally, let me say that TED is 100% committed to open enquiry, including challenges to orthodox thinking. But we're also firm believers in appropriate skepticism, or critical thinking. Those two instincts will sometimes conflict, as they did in this case. That's why we invited this debate. The process hasn't been perfect. But it has been undertaken in passionate pursuit of these core values.
The talk, and this conversation, will remain here, and all are invited to make their own reasoned judgement.
Thanks for listening.
Chris Anderson, TED Curator
Showing single comment thread. View the full conversation.
Apr 1 2013: "A truth's initial commotion is directly proportional to how deeply the lie was believed. It wasn't the world being round that agitated people, but that the world wasn't flat. When a well-packaged web of lies has been sold gradually to the masses over generations, the truth will seem utterly preposterous and its speaker a raving lunatic."
"The ideal tyranny is that which is ignorantly self-administered by its victims. The most perfect slaves are, therefore, those which blissfully and unawaredly enslave themselves."
Dresden James"
Apr 1 2013: This is a good point, Adrian. However, one of my main concerns with Hancock's presentation is that one of its basic premises is a red herring. I am skeptical that the criminalization of psychedelics is the result of a "war on consciousness" and that identifying it as such and waging a counterattack will ever be successful. There is simply too much evidence to suggest that the "war on consciousness" is a myth. People are not prevented from dreaming or from expressing the contents of their dreams. Musicians and artists who have exceptionally active imaginations are not thrown in prison. Religious mystics are not arrested. The reasons people are locked up is not because of anything happening in their consciousness, but because they are breaking laws or are perceived as being dangerous to themselves and others. There are millions of legal ways to alter consciousness, from eating sugar (as Hancock suggests in his talk) to reading enlightening books and watching TED talks. Until "consciousness" is more clearly defined, I think any claims of a "war on consciousness" will be ineffective and even ludicrous.
A better strategy would be to undertake a serious, detailed, responsible inquiry into the actual reasons why cannabis, mushrooms, ayahuasca, and other Schedule 1 substances were criminalized in the first place. I could be wrong, but I think a careful study will reveal that fear, racism, ethnocentrism, and other social, economic, and political factors were more significant. I think a prudish "war on sex", a sexist "war on women," and the circumstances of protests against the U.S. war on Vietnam will prove to be more significant than any "war on consciousness." The paths to decriminalization will be similar to those used for legalization of the Native American Church's use of peyote, of medical marijuana, and the emancipation of women, blacks, and LGBT individuals. They will be based on effective arguments that the initial legislation was unjust and unconstitutional.
Apr 2 2013: You seem to imagine Hancock is saying that there is a war on ALL of consciousness. Quite the contrary. He is saying that certain states are acceptable while others are criminalized without justification. So you can cite any number of examples of states of consciousness that are currently accepted, and you will have done nothing to address Hancock's concern about the particular states of consciousness which are criminalized.
You also seem to be treating the idea of a war on consciousness as some distinct thing which can be peeled apart form the war on drugs. You even go so far as to suggest a causal relation between the two (albeit one you suggest does not exist). It's not like that at all. They are one and the same thing. The "war on consciousness" is just a description of the state of affairs that is the war on drugs. You might not think it is the best description possible, but there is no question that the description accurately captures one aspect of the situation. You know this though, and this is why you play the disingenuous "lack of a definition" card against Hancock at this point. It's disingenuous because everything else you write shows us you understand the definition perfectly well. And, fwiw, pretending to not understand what someone is saying (ie, asking for definitions), while at the same time disagreeing (I mean, how can you disagree if you don't know what the words mean) is the oldest (bad) philosophical trick in the book.
Apr 2 2013: You see John, here's the level you've been reduced to. So desperate are you to argue against Hancock's talk that you are now seriously telling us you can't see a connection between drugs and consciousness. So blurred is this line, in your book, that nothing can be built on such dodgy foundations. Well, John, tell it to the UN:
The United Nations Convention Against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances of 1988
That's narcotic and psychotropic. See what the point might be yet?
Apr 2 2013: I haven't said I don't see a connection. I also see a connection between food and consciousness. Is there a war on food? Hancock says in his TEDx talk that sugar and tea produce altered states of consciousness. Is there a war on sugar and tea? What, exactly, are the states of consciousness that are imperiled? Oh, I forgot. You're unable to define what consciousness is. Sorry.
Apr 2 2013: And see, here again, as with the dictionary: my point is written into the very wording of the law in question, while your point is based on some woolly Hoopesian historical analysis. I'm not saying, Hancock is not saying, this is the only possible description imaginable. We are simply saying it is a reasonable description given the effects of the substances and the one effect mentioned in the wording of the law banning them. If you don't get how that makes the war on (certain aspects of) consciousness a legitimate description then that is your problem.
Apr 2 2013: "The reasons people are locked up is not because of anything happening in their consciousness, but because they are breaking laws or are perceived as being dangerous to themselves and others."
Can you honestly say there is no correlation?
"I could be wrong, but I think a careful study will reveal that fear, racism, ethnocentrism, and other social, economic, and political factors were more significant."
It makes sense to reduce consciousness to these things from within a materialist framework.
"The paths to decriminalization will be similar to those used for... the emancipation of women, blacks, and LGBT individuals. They will be based on effective arguments that the initial legislation was unjust and unconstitutional."
I'm inclined to agree with what you wrote here.
Apr 2 2013: The states of consciousness that are imperiled are the one's brought on by ingestion of the banned substances. The ones that are almost impossible for normal people to attain without said banned substances. The ones people have been taking the substances in question for millennia to specifically attain. These are the states Hancock is referring to.
Apr 2 2013: I'm skeptical of the "millennia" part (remember, I'm an archaeologist), but I understand what you mean. (I'm not sure that Hancock could define them, however.) The problem is that there probably need to be some reasonable controls over who and how and when and under what circumstances they can be used. Do you have any suggestions for what those might be?
Apr 2 2013: "The problem is that there probably need to be some reasonable controls over who and how and when and under what circumstances they can be used."
I'm not sure I can get on board with this. You inevitably run up against the problem of enforcement, and we're back at square one. The hunch I'm entertaining currently is that these experiences self-regulate in irrational, unpredictable ways.
Apr 2 2013: Love your reply, John. Currently consciousness seems to be one of those Primary Indefinables, the 'Well, I can't prove it but I know it when I see it,' sort of things. Does it enter into a vessel when the brain reaches a certain level of receptivity or complexity, then returns to the great ocean when the host dies? Or is it a product of the brain itself, never more to be when the brain dies? What does this say about computers and the coming so-called Singularity? Is everything conscious, the Earth, the sun, the stars? Is anything conscious? Does consciousness even exist? Every one of these points has been argued for and against for thousands of years.
Apr 2 2013: I had nominated Jayne's definition earlier.
"Jaynes defines "consciousness" more narrowly than most philosophers. Jaynes' definition of consciousness is synonymous with what philosophers call "meta-consciousness" or "meta-awareness" i.e. awareness of awareness, thoughts about thinking, desires about desires, beliefs about beliefs."
See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Julian_Jaynes
EDIT: It doesn't really give an answer to how one's 'state of consciousness' can be modulated though. My guess is that consciousness cannot be defined from within a materialist context. Something like idealism, however, should have less difficulty. I find idealism to be more parsimonious than materialism, but as of right now I'm in the minority. I've reason to believe that this is liable to change, though, as more people, particularly reputable 'experts', gain fluency in the subtle distinctions and implications specific to each.
Apr 2 2013: Thank you, Noah. Are you speaking of of Julian Jaynes? I can't say I agree with Jaynes definition, but then I have yet to agree fully with any definition, though some of the more metaphorical and poetic attempts - generally from our Eastern traditions - come close. I'm with you on the general impossibility of any valid, scientifically verifiable definition even being possible from a materialistic context. God and the devil are both in the details, as they say.
Showing single comment thread. View the full conversation.


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Today's Front Pages Analysis
A watershed moment for Florida's 'River of Grass'
News of a historic land deal in Florida took up prime real estate on front pages across the Sunshine State today.
In the deal, U.S. Sugar Corp. will sell 300 square miles in the Everglades to the state for $1.75 billion. "It's part of effort to clean up, restore Everglades, as sugar business hurt by low-priced imports," The Ledger of Lakeland said.
The Tampa Tribune noted that the Everglades is a subtropical wilderness and home to birds, reptiles, fish and mammals. It has been under attack by development and pollution. The News-Press of Fort Myers labeled its package "Clean and Green" and said: "Pending sale would help park's healing." The News-Press provided an online gallery of aerial photos of the land and a video about the impact of the deal.
The Palm Beach Post called the move the "largest conservation land deal in Florida's history," bulleted the benefits and the obstacles and printed a color-coded map of south Florida that also was posted online.
In a striking visual, the South Florida Sun-Sentinel of Fort Lauderdale pictured the "River of Grass," as the Everglades is known. Its headline: "It will cost us a river of cash, but the governor says it's worth it." From the state capital, the Tallahassee Democrat reported: "Land buy requires no new money." The Miami Herald pictured Gov. Charlie Crist and the president of U.S. Sugar, who announced the deal.
The St. Petersburg Times told the story behind the story: "Crist offered buyout as U.S. Sugar hit wall," adding: "He saw a way to aid Everglades as company tried to survive a crackdown on its pollution." The Times also considered what will happen when the U.S.'s largest sugarcane grower goes out of business in six years: "Sugar would stay plentiful, pricey." The Sarasota Herald-Tribune looked at Clewiston along Lake Okeechobee. The community of 7,000 -- "America's sweetest town" -- will be impacted by U.S. Sugar's closure. "Where sugar is king, future looks bleak," the Herald-Tribune
The newly redesigned Orlando Sentinel gave a different twist to the story. Picturing the governor on an earlier Everglades tour with John McCain, the Sentinel said, "For Crist, a sweet deal, too," adding: "Will the Everglades purchase help the governor snag the VP slot?"
Kate Kennedy is front pages editor at the Newseum.


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The official beginning of The Last Chapter was uncomfortable, unseemly, and undeniably perfect.
The official beginning of The Last Chapter was uncomfortable, unseemly, and undeniably perfect.
Earlier in the week, the Lakers increased their training camp roster to 19 players, one short of the maximum.
Kobe Bryant is turning 36 Saturday, which means his career may or may not be flickering like a birthday candle.
The NBA schedule released Wednesday had something of a reunion tour feel to it for the Lakers and Clippers, each team playing familiar opponents on marquee dates.
The rookie arrived at Lakers training camp with something to prove.
The touch of irony was there for all to see.
Byron Scott's first news conference as Lakers coach was so much like a class reunion it was natural for the guests of honor to call each other by their old nicknames.
The fiercest of winds is upon them, swirling in every direction, dust and debris everywhere, their once-strong aura shaking at its cracked foundation.
Player; Position; Age; Yrs. in league when season begins; Salary;
These off-seasons just keep getting rougher.
The Lakers are getting closer to hiring their third head coach since Phil Jackson left their sidelines in 2011, engaging in negotiations with Byron Scott, according to a person familiar with the situation.
Kobe Bryant hasn't said much publicly since the Lakers failed to get Carmelo Anthony. Or keep Pau Gasol.
I was amused at the Lakers' pitch to various free agents to join them. Reminded me of an 80-year-old man trying to convince a supermodel he used to be something in the day.
The amnesty market turned out a lot better for the Lakers than the free-agent market.
There are murmurs, nothing serious, because it's only July and this is the NBA's summer league, not the last 30 games of the regular season.
The Lakers officially waved goodbye to two free agents Saturday — one they hoped to get, the other they hoped to keep.
The chaos and turbulence of the free-agency season turned the Lakers into the employers of Jeremy Lin and, yes, a certain type of insanity.
How confusing has this whole free-agency thing become?
The free-agent winds are again blowing away from the Lakers, another dry summer apparently on the way.
Day No. 8 came and went without a commitment from Carmelo Anthony.
Waiting for Carmelo Anthony, Day 7…
Patience doesn't come easy for the Lakers.
The Lakers made their pitch to Carmelo Anthony on Thursday afternoon with a flash of Hollywood, an appeal to the future, and hope that a connection was made.
The earthquake rocked the Lakers on the morning of Nov. 25, 2013, their economic future rattled by a $48.5-million contract extension given to an aging and injured player who neither required it nor demanded it.
The Lakers are envisioning a future with Carmelo Anthony and Pau Gasol together in their frontcourt, hoping to make it a reality with step one Thursday.
The Lakers think they have a substantially better chance of landing high-profile scorer Carmelo Anthony than two-time champion LeBron James, The Times has learned.
The Lakers were active on the phones Monday night, lobbing calls to representatives of LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony when free agency began at 9:01 p.m. Pacific time.


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Gaithersburg, MDUSA
Hometown: Montgomery County
September 29, 2009
No introduction yet
Hey, George. Welcome to Socrates Cafe Rockville. We hope to meet you on April 27.
Bienvenido George. Como para romper el hielo cuentanos un poco sobre tu idea de negocio y/o necesidades.
Hello George, welcome to the group. Please feel free to join us at the Nova Labs open house tomorrow night. Cheers, Justin
Hello George,
Welcome to the group. Hope to see up at some events.
Que tal amigo? Hace mucho tiempo que no hablamos. Mi Portanhol esta um poco debil, pero me gusta ententar.
Let me know what you've been up to.
I have missed seeing you,
Thanks for Joining George, we are planning a meeting this Thursday. Hope you can come!
Hey neighbor! It seems we have a few friends in common, wondering what else . . . .
Meetup members, Log in
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text:
CNN's latest poll shows presumptive GOP nominee Mitt Romney in a statistical dead heat with President Barack Obama.
And in what could be worse news for Obama, who is pushing a campaign based on the economy, the poll also shows Americans split evenly over who could best handle the nation's financial ills.
Romney's strength against the incumbent President is surprising a lot of people, including right-wing Wisconsin Republican Rep. Paul Ryan.
"That's pretty amazing," Ryan said on "Fox and Friends." "Being tied at this stage, given what President Obama is doing and what Romney is up against as a challenger is pretty impressive."
Ryan has endorsed Romney, a move that doesn't sit all that well with his Tea Party base.
7 Responses to "Shock and awe? Obama and Romney tied in latest CNN poll"
How many people did they poll to make this decision? No one called to ask me, and I have 3 phone lines. A true, accurate poll should be conducting using as many active voters as possible, to get the true opinion of the people, not just the same few hundred over and over again. I heard it said once or twice, that if there had been polls in ancient Israel, Jesus would probably have gotten discouraged and gone back to carpentry.
Its over for Barry. The D's cannot win in a dead heat, Fla. showed that. The GOP will do whatever it takes in a close election.
glenn. If what you say is true,what is wrong with the minority voters? Will the women accept going back to the days of being in the kitchen, pregnant and barefoot? I tried that style of life and did not like it. It still exists…..I took some gold jewelry into a well-known jewelry store in my new neighborhood with instructions on how to repair them. A week later I discovered the man did the repair using solder instead of gold and I realized he never heard a word I requested.
Even when I have my teeth cleaned and a quick fix on a chipped tooth, I have to be extremely detailed because if the dentist is a man, he has no concept of the best way to fix the chip. This double standard is exactly why the women are finally standing up wanting the same standards in our repairs no matter if it is a car repair or a human body problem.
So much of the anger found with the women voters has been demonstrated by the folks in this new election. When a women discovers she is carrying an unwanted fetus the usual action is for the man to walk away leaving the women to carry the full brunt of responsibility for the next 18 years. My own grandmother lived through this assigned minority status and made certain to send me to an all girl's school where we were recognized as what we could accomplish during our years in academics. No way in hell would I allow my husband to set the standards for the two girls. His father was a Baptist Minister and the distaste for women showed until the day he died. He had 5 wives who could not stand the man.
I had hoped that Obama would be the leader who stood up to the insulting standards of the GOP but where is he? I have never voted for a Democrat and knew that I would never again vote for a Republican. Where am I suppose to go in November?
The Republican candidates will spend their time making fun of women and laughing all the way to the winner's circle when women will be put in their place under President Romney. My question is not who I should vote for but where the hell will I live?
I lived in Arizona for 10 years and saw first hand how Americans despise people of color. Gays and women are tied for second place and I could not take it a moment longer. I came back to California even before I sold the home in Arizona.
Has America thrown out all concepts of equality? You sound very smug in your statement of GOP standards.
This entire statement of political power rests on right over left rather than right over wrong. All this has happened a thousand times before but with a voter base that has never read the history books of our past, we will make a joke of our elections.
I want Obama to run for the benefit of the American People not to win some half-assed argument against a dumb arse named Romney who happens to be my third cousin and has been dumb as dirt his entire life.
He doesn't even have an agenda of his own and will run on the tails of Bush 43. He has accepted the agenda from the New Testament and will head back to the same agenda of the Pilgrims who burned their women alive at the stake for being sluts.
I want President Obama to win because then he won't have to spend the next four years trying to be re-elected, and might be able to get something done.
If Governor Romney wins, he'll spend the next four years trying to be re-elected, and won't get anything done.
Jon. What a remarkable solution! I like it…
We still have more than a dozen lifetimes in political calendaring. That is, life begins, matures and ends in weekly cycles in politics, and there's lots of stumbling room for both sides.
Sandy, I agree with what you've said. If we do the whole religious wrong thing, women are toast. Men will also be toast, but in different ways.
We have gone from 'you've come a long way baby' to 'you want to put me in what convent???' Or whatever suffices for what used to be the refuge of women in societies where pulpit and political podium are fused at the hip.
Then again, if the Oval Office shifts and Romney wins, his warmongering advisers could have us doing whatever bidding they want, and we might well be dropping bombs on a nation that hasn't so much as threatened us, or performed an aggressive act of war against another nation in over 200 years.
I used to be a proponent of the maxim, 'don't vote, it only encourages them.' These days, with so much at stake for our country, our posterity, our blood, treasure and future, I can no longer encourage anyone to close their eyes and ignore the dysfunctional dynamos bidding a few billion$ here and there to get an office that pays well less than a $ingle million. Of course, the power part of that job is pricele$$.
That said, four more years might give Obama a chance to do something, which would be great if he'd stop stripping rights, liberties and end the misuse of the Espionage Act against folk that just want us to act within laws, conventions and treaties as we are required to do.
Mitt should do us a favor and get Paul Ryan onboard. With Paul out of the halls of Congress we should be able to pass a budget without the ritual gridlock. And with a working budget we might even be able to convince S&P to give back our AAA rating.
Moreover, with Paul on the ticket the Tea Party should have no qualms about a Romney presidency. Neither would the hardcore conservatives who like Paul abhor Keynesian Economics — the very kind that Europe is now embracing for its salvation.
But this still leaves the Independents. No fear, Paul would get them off the fence as well — with easy fixes such as privatizing Medicare, or raising the age to 67.
Our problems aren't difficult after all. It's only President Obama who makes them seem that way.
Isn't that right Mitt?
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- paco lopez
- Alacant
- Spain
Work on my own, Free Lance Author
This conversation is closed.
Do you think you have done something in your life to improve this world? If so. Could you explain?
Many people complain that this world (or life) is hostile. But...Have we examined our own behavior? Actually, do we contribute to make a better world?
Closing Statement from paco lopez
Once listened the whole contributions. I would say that we all, indeed are doing something for getting a better world, conciously or unconsciously, working in it or passively. I think it is very important to have the attitude or, say, the right fuel. But... How do you get the fuel? I would say: by appreciating the whole what you have: your health, your livelihood, your family, your job, even small details like that you have water to wash up or light in your home; many people in war or refugee camps not even have that. So I think:
If I see a beggar I will try to help.
If I see a sick person I will try to comfort.
If I see a sad person I will try to encourage.
If I see a war I will try to stop it.
I do not wanna make this post larger, so. I want to thank again ( I do not regret to say that there is the word most used for me in this conversation) Thanks TED, Thanks to all of you pen mates to attend and participate in this conversation. And especially Thanks God for inspiring me to be in this place, in this moment and with this post.
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Feb 1 2014: Hello Paco, in response to your question I cannot be the judge of whether I have done something in my life to improve this world. However what I can say is that I strive each and every day to be positive, to treat others with respect and compassion, to listen to the concerns and aspirations of others, to not judge others, to help others to become the best they can possibly be. If my actions create for others something good in their life then I would suggest that I have done something to improve someone's life. I find that there are too many people in this world who are out for themselves and trying to make a name for themselves to move up the corporate ladder that they don't think about how their actions affect others. Thank you for this opportunity have a wonderful day.
Feb 1 2014: Lillian,
Consider that you are bound to judge while free to choose how to do it.
Whether you judge that you cannot be the judge of (x) or can be and happen to be and choose how to be makes a difference in the judgements you make. To be or not to be isn't the question that one ought to consider, the key resides in determining how to be and acting accordingly... I find that just about everyone wants to be happy, full filed, realized, valued, cherished... many seem to still need to learn how to accomplish these things.
to improve this world. one can say/think/act in a way that strives each and every moment to be positive, to treat others with respect and compassion as they ought to be, to listen to the concerns and aspirations of others, to judge accordingly to what be best to do, to help others to become the best they can possibly be. If my actions serve others to create something good in their life great if they choose to do something else well at least I know my intention was benevolent and well-meaning... I would suggest that when one does something to improve one's life or another's life one has done something to improve the whole universe and a bit more.
Feb 1 2014: Hi Lillian and Very Welcome. First of all I wanna tell you have a pretty name and very musical in its pronunciation. Now I wanna tell you too that if a were a judge or I could give a rating I would give you a very high rate, you seem to be the class of person constructive and positive spreading good energy around you and such people are what make good triumph over evil., of course I understand you are doing a lot for a better world and I wish you all the successes. I am very glad for your contribution
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Cabinet Pulls
Cabinet Pulls
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Hafele: Handle: Aluminum: Silver Anodized: M4: Center To Center 460mmSKU# : haf-112.83.910MSRP$39.10Discount Price$31.28
Hafele: Handle: Aluminum: Stainless Steel Color: M4: ctc 460mmSKU# : haf-112.83.010MSRP$46.08Discount Price$36.86
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A Culinary Adventure, From Gardens and Markets to Restaurants and Home Kitchens
Apr 18, 2013
01:27 PMLocal Flavor
Delicious Lao and Thai Food from Luang Prabang
For an indecisive person like myself, food carts offer an ideal dining experience. They cater not only to my structure-driven personality, serving a limited variety of dishes daily, but also to my flavor-obsessed tastebuds, preparing everything from ethnic fare, to vegan food, smoothies, barbeque and crepes.
Madison's food cart scene continues to grow, and offers an incredible array of options. Once confined to Library Mall, food carts gather on side streets along State Street and around the Capitol Square. But of all the places to enjoy a delicious meal in our fair city, I still love grabbing a bite on Library Mall, soaking up the sun (anyone remember what that is?) and people watching. On a recent spring day I stopped at Luang Prabang, a Lao/Thai food cart that is relatively new to the scene.
Craving something I haven't tried, I ordered Moak Pa, traditional Lao steamed catfish served with sticky rice. There are two components of that dish that alone would make me hesitate to order it—dill and catfish. But together they work. Incredibly well. The fish, onion and spices are mixed together and steamed in a banana leaf, then served with sticky rice, steamed fresh vegetables dressed with a slightly spicy tomato sauce and a side of a smoky hot chili paste that offered just the right amount of spice and flavor to complement the fish.
Tuy Anongdeth, owner and head chef of Luang Prabang, also makes fresh smoothies, juices and light snacks in her adjacent food cart, Fresh Cool Drinks; her sister staffs Luang Prabang. Tuy has lived in Madison for 13 years, and opened the smoothie cart a few years ago. If you are in the mood for light lunch fare, you can't go wrong at Fresh Cool Drinks. Though the smoothies are to die for, featuring a gazillion fruit combinations, I also recommend the avocado spring roll, a combo of avocado, rice noodles, fresh vegetables, herbs and a tasty sauce. Though the reasonable price of $2.50 might suggest you need two, you don't. They are enormous.
Library Mall's mobile meals offer a diversity of Asian cuisine—Kakilima serves Indonesian fare, Hibachi Hut sells various stir fried dishes, Tea Garden vends bubble tea and hot dishes such as chicken curry, and Umami's hot buns need no further explanation (their vegan tofu buns are new!).
Though Luang Prabang calls Library Mall home, you can find Tuy vending her juices and spring rolls around the Capitol square on Saturdays, and at the Northside farmer's market on Sundays. Sunday brunch bonus—her husband also cooks up a hot breakfast, including pancakes, eggs, bacon and more!
To see all that Madison has to offer, check out Isthmus a la Carts, Madison's annual food cart fest! Friday, May 10, 4–8 p.m., at Olin Park. isthmusalacarts.com


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Leather and Lipstick
There's something inherently Givenchy about black leather, and Riccardo Tisci's Fall 2012 collection only further hammered that point home. For fans of the brand who coveted, and even managed to get their hands on, Tisci's influential knee-high boots with the heel-covering sheaths from that season, the material will be forever linked to the French house. Somewhat easier to procure, however, were the black lambskin-encased bullets of Givenchy Le Rouge the brand launched earlier this month, boasting twelve shades of semimatte-finish lipstick that defines, plumps, and hydrates mouths as it delivers a single coat of highly pigmented color. Instant collector's items, they're as fun to pull out of your bag as they are to put on. For summer, Givenchy is introducing two limited-edition shades of the popular pout perfectors in—wait for it—white leather cases. Le Rouge Croisière is available in #309 Fuchsia, a mid-tone lavender, and #310 Coral, a poppy melon, and as anyone who has worn white leather before knows, each tube will take a bit of a beating if carelessly thrown into the abyss of a well-traveled bag. All the more reason to save them for outfits that require a pristine clutch.
Photo: Courtesy of Givenchy


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Ring toss with a twist! It's all the timeless fun of the classic game, plus the excitement of music and motion. And since kids can rearrange the five twirling posts, it's never the same game twice. With two speeds to keep kids challenged. Great coordination game! Requires 3 AA batteries (sold separately). For ages 3 and up. Colors may vary.For more information, click here.
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Junior Wood Rocking Horse with Seat Cushion
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Honey Comb Roll 'N Play Inflatable Ball
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Bobcat Company is a leading provider of compact equipment for global construction, rental, landscaping, agriculture, grounds maintenance, government, utility, industrial and mining markets. We strive to empower our customers to do their jobs more efficiently and effectively. We're North Dakota's largest manufacturer, with the most extensive compact equipment distribution network in the world.
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Many of the 200-plus people who joined Rihanna for her 777 promotional tour last year vented frustrations about seeing so-so performances night after night, snoozing uncomfortably aboard a cramped plane and getting almost no face-to-face time with Rih. But the experience doesn't look all that bad in a just-released teaser for Rihanna's upcoming FOX documentary special Rihanna 777 .
The 17-second clip announcing the May 6 premiere of the special begins with a beautiful view as seen from the window of a 777 jet that whisked Rihanna and her large entourage around the globe. There's a brief clip showing cheering fans who raise their hands to catch whirling pieces of brightly colored confetti during a 777 tour concert. Then there's a few quick shots of Rihanna -- boarding a flight, then later looking sultry on the night of a performance.
"MONDAY MAY 6... AN EXCLUSIVE WORLD PREMIERE... ONE WOMAN... TAKES ON THE WORLD," the teaser announces, before closing with a snippet from Rihanna's Unapologetic song "Right Now."
Rihanna 777 is set to air at 8 p.m. ET/PT.
Copyright 2013 ABC News Radio


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Definition of Sierra Leone in English:
Sierra LeoneSyllabification: Si·er·ra Le·one
Pronunciation: /sēˌerə lēˈōn /
An area of British influence from the late 18th century, the district around Freetown on the coast became a colony in 1807, serving as a center for operations against slave traders. The large inland territory was not declared a protectorate until 1896. Sierra Leone achieved independence within the Commonwealth of Nations in 1961 but was suspended from the organization in 1997 following military coups in 1992 and 1997. National elections were held in 2002, and UN peacekeepers withdrew in 2004, but the situation remained unstable
Sierra Leonean
- More example sentences
- This documentary trailer about a Sierra Leonean group, The Refugee All Stars, is a powerful piece of film.
- Regardless of family religion, a Sierra Leonean infant is presented to the community one week after birth in a ceremony called Pull-na-door (put out the door).
- Another cameraman, Gugulakhe Radebe, is from South Africa and the fourth is Sorious Samoura, a Sierra Leonean filmmaker.
Pronunciation: /lēˈōnēən/adjective & noun
Definition of Sierra Leone in:
- The British & World English dictionary
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PULLMAN, Wash. -- Former Washington State wide-receiver Marquess Wilson announced he is no longer a Cougar football player.
The record-breaking wide receiver released the following statement to his hometown newspaper, the Visalia Times Delta on Saturday.
"Dear Cougar Nation:
It is with a heavy heart that I announce my decision to forgo playing football for Washington State University. I realize the school is saying that I am suspended for violating team policies and may return next week, but this is a lie. This is an attempt by the athletic department to cover up what is really happening in that locker room.
It is been a privilege to be a Cougar, to perform on your field and wear the Crimson and Gray. I would like to thank Washington State University for giving me the opportunity to do what I love most, to play football and receive a quality education for the past three years. I'm grateful to the athletic department for the coaching, care and encouragement I have received prior to this season.
This was going to be our year. My teammates and I were aspiring to be the winning team you deserve. Unfortunately for all, the new coaching staff has destroyed that endeavor. I believe coaches have a chance to mold players, to shape men, to create greatness. However, the new regime of coaches has preferred to belittle, intimidate and humiliate us. This approach has obviously not been successful, and has put a dark shadow on this program.
My teammates and I have endured this treatment all season long. It is not "tough love". It is abuse. This abuse cannot be allowed to continue. I feel it is my duty to stand up and shed light on this situation by sacrificing my drams, my education and my pride. I resign from this team. I am deeply sorry to those I am letting down. I am not a quitter. I was raised by my family, and many previous coaches to exhibit dedication and embrace sacrifice, but there comes a time when one has to draw a line in the sand.
Lastly, I thank my fellow teammates, those who also have left the program this year, and those we are leaving behind. I hope our departure will bring awareness to the physical, emotional and verbal abuse being allowed in the locker room and on the field. I pray for healing and recovery for all those who have been hurt by this treatment
Marquess Wilson"
Washington State coach Mike Leach suspended Wilson on Monday for violating team rules.
Wilson reportedly walked out of a conditioning session Sunday night following a loss to Utah.
WSU Athletic Director Bill Moos released a statement Saturday night in response to Wilson's:
"It is unfortunate that Marquess has chosen not to go through the weekend and have the subsequent visit with me as we had discussed last Tuesday. I was hopeful to provide additional guidance if he was willing to meet the standards that have been set by Mike Leach and his staff in their effort to establish a competitive football program at Washington State. Unfortunately, during times of coaching transitions, departures are not uncommon.
"We have procedures in place that were developed to monitor student-athlete welfare in all of our sports programs. We will continue to follow those procedures and modify them if needed.
"I believe I join many Cougars in wishing Marquess well in his future endeavors. WSU athletics plans no future statement at this time."


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Natural Sweet Drops Travel Size 3ml
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Our LC-Natural Sweet Drops is an all natural sweetener - no artificial sweeteners! Made with natural Luo Han Guo Monk Fruit extract and natural stevia extract, and free of alcohol sugar, these drops are great for all your sweetening needs, without bitterness or after taste. Diabetic friendly, low car and sugar free. Convenient 3ml (.1oz) size is concentrated, 4 drops is equal to 1 teaspoon of sugar sweetness. Our dropper bottles have a special "no clog" nozzle so you can keep the sucralose-free drops flowing.
LC-Natural Sweet Drops from LC Foods is an all natural sweetener (artificial sweetener free) made with natural Luo Han Guo Monk Fruit extract and natural stevia extract. Free of alcohol sguar, diabetic friendly, low carb & sugar free. 4 drops = 1 tsp of sugar sweetener.


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Toll Free: 877-379-8258
Therm-Omega-Tech, Inc. is headquartered in Warminster, Pennsylvania. We welcome you to our website. As a world leader in the design and manufacture of self-actuating temperature control valves for more than 30 years. We serve a multitude of industries and, as a result, our valves create solutions for a wide gamut of applications. Therm-Omega-Tech, Inc. has been the standard for the rail industry for over 30 years protecting billions of dollars of equipment every year.
We look forward to assisting you with your temperature control challenges. Please call us at 877-379-8258.


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Statistically, over 3,000,000,000 consumers worldwide possess and use credit cards, which make them an ever increasingly popular method of payment around the world. The average person owns three credit cards. For several consumer activities and purchases, credit cards have become the preferred method of payment. For almost all business conducted over the internet, a credit card is the required form of payment. Based on these statistics alone, accepting credit card payments and including the best payment card processing are vital to the success of your business. Your business needs payment card processing services.
Now that you realize the necessity of accepting credit cards as a method of payment, it is time to review and research payment card processing companies to determine, which is the best payment card processing solution for you and your business. With the increase in popularity of online shopping and advancements in technology, payment card processing services are plentiful and readily available. Making sure you find the right credit card processing provider will go a long way towards increasing your business's revenues over the long term.
Checks and Cash
It seems, as if paying by check has become obsolete. Paying with cash or currency may never go away, but it is beginning to take a back seat to paying by credit card. Consumers prefer to pay with credit card, especially when buying online, because paying by credit card affords them certain protections. Customers are ready to buy your products and services with their credit card. It goes without saying that if you are not onboard with accepting credit cards and payment card processing that your business will be left behind.
Credit Card Transaction Basics
1. A customer uses a credit card to pay for a purchase.
2. The customer initiates the payment process by either swiping their card through a credit card swipe machine (also known as a POS or point of sale terminal). For ecommerce businesses the customer will manually enter their credit card number into the online payment card processing terminal.
3. The payment and the card are verified and authorized.
4. The funds are transferred from the customer's account to your business's account.
5. The transaction is completed.
Your Business Needs Payment Card Processing
It is absolutely necessary to the long term success of your business that you accept credit card payments. In order to accept credit card payments, you will need a payment card processing company. If you must have a payment card processing company on your side, then you might as well use the best payment card processing company for you and your business. There are outstanding credit card processing service providers available, and there are some that either do not deliver, or are not well suited to your business model. Look for companies that offer competitive processing rates, no hidden fees, customizable payment card processing services, and additional bonus features.
Payment Card Processing Defined
Payment card processing by definition is the transaction of electronically verifying, authorizing, and moving payment from the customer's account to the business's account. There are several credit card options available; however, four major credit cards exist. The top three are Visa (with over 260,000,000 owners), MasterCard (with over 175,000,000 users), and American Express (with approximately 50,000,000 users in the USA alone).
The Benefits of Accepting Credit Card Payments
Cash payment is the most common form of payment with its own set of benefits. Credit card payments have their own set of benefits as well. Accepting credit card payments helps establish your business's credibility, because you have obviously earned the trust of a payment card processing company. Customers want to pay by credit card, and some will only exclusively pay by credit card. Not only do you establish trust with your customers, but you also are allowing them to pay using their preferred method of payment. A customer that can pay using their preferred method of payment is a customer, who is more likely to pay.
The Nuts and Bolts of Payment Card Processing
The two main parts of credit card processing fees are authorization and settlement. When the bank approves the payment and transaction that is taking place, then the bank is authorizing the transaction. Most banks require the customer to provide their credit card number, card expiration date, and card security number, in order to authorize the transaction. The actual processing of the payment is the settlement. If the payment is authorized, then the payment is electronically transferred from the customer's account to your business's account. If the payment is not authorized, then the settlement will not happen, and payment is declined.
Payment Card Processing Hardware and Software
Payment card processing technology continues to advance, and the equipment, hardware, and software required to process a credit card payment has become smaller, faster, and more readily available than ever before. Here is a list of the most common types of payment card processing services and machines in wide use today.
• Dual Communication Terminals
This is one of the simplest plug-and-play payment card processing terminals available. It only requires a phone or internet connection and processes quickly.
• Wireless Terminals
These processing terminals are very popular, because you can take them with you wherever you go. They do not require any cables, but they do require a wireless phone or internet connection.
• Cell Phone Apps
The advancement in smart phones has brought on a number of payment card processing apps and devices. You can even get a miniature swipe terminal that attaches to your smart phone, so you can swipe cards and type in card numbers using the smart phone app.
• Online Virtual Terminals
This is the online version of a credit card swipe machine. A business owner has access to a secure terminal form that allows him/her to enter the customer's relevant payment and credit card information into an online form and process the payment.
Accepting credit cards is a necessity in today's business world. In order to accept credit card payments, you need the services of a payment card processing company and credit card processing terminal. Look for payment card processing solution that includes low transaction rates, custom options, and the type of processing terminals that suit your business's needs.


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You're leaving Wedding Paper Divas to see the Deal of the Day at our parent site, Tiny Prints.
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"We ordered a sample with the blue trees and red writing. We liked it, but decided to order our invites with the brown writing. It looks so much better that way! We are having a winter wedding, so we thought the blue tree looks like it was covered in ice and the brown is more natural looking than the red writing."
"I loved this design as soon as I saw it. But it took me a while to decide since they didn't have samples to mail. I chose different fonts for my invitations, and decided to purchase them. They are perfect! Exactly what the name says. The delivery was made before the dates they had sent me on the confirmation, which was a great surprise since I couldn't wait to see them! They came in a pretty box and it was a very protected packaging! I am extremely proud to give these to my guests!"
"We were looking for a lavender as the primary color for our invitation and when we saw this one with the green accents (our secondary color), we instictavely knew it would be the right one for us! We were thrilled when we saw the sample and ordered them that day. The paper has a wonderful texture and weight. The ink color is not quite as lavender in person as it looks on the computer, but is still a very pretty color. AND we got the invitations over a week early...great service! Thank you for making this part of our wedding so easy."
"The paper quality is very good and the printing is excellent. Shipping is very fast even in Italy and the staff of Wedding Paper Divas is really nice and helpful. I would recommend anyone to purchase on this website! My vote is EXCELLENT, I love Wedding Paper Divas."
"The quality of products and service was outstanding. I wish they would have provided few extra envelopes for just in case."