text:
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Two Tortugas - Karl Strauss Brewing Company
Displayed for educational use only; do not reuse.
Ratings: 43 | Reviews: 16 | Show All Ratings:
4.43/5 rDev +25.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
Appearance: Dark brown with ruby/garnet hues
Smell: warming alcohol in the nose, toffee, dark fruits, moderate phenols
Taste: toffee, mild alcohol, toffee, copious amounts of dark fruit, again moderate phenols, belgian candy sugar
Mouthfeel: for an 11% beer, the alcohol is masked extremely well. very sweet, but now cloying
Overall: a great beer. with a little age on this one I can see the intensity rounding out.
Serving type: bottle
01-13-2012 16:54:52 | More by crvcac
4.33/5 rDev +23%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
A - Cloudy dark red-brown with a finger of frothy tan-khaki head. Fades fairly quickly.
S - Dark caramel malts, date, plum, and other dark fruits, Belgian yeast, clove, spices, candi sugar, brown sugar, hint of vanilla, and some booze.
T - Sweet dark caramel malts, date, raisin, plum, and other dark fruits, Belgian yeast, clove and other spices, candi and residual sugars, some booze.
M - Full bodied, moderate carbonation. Smooth with a sweet and warming finish.
D - Excellent Quad. Really nice balance and smoothness.
Serving type: bottle
02-20-2013 05:02:08 | More by ngeunit1
North Carolina
4.28/5 rDev +21.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4
Appearance: Pours a burnt caramel color with a meringue of a head that fades a bit too quickly though it does leave a smattering of lace around the tulip
Smell: Rum-soaked cherry, caramel and pecans
Taste: Caramel and pecans, up front, followed by the rum-soaked cherry flavors bulding into a peppery, yeasty crescendo by mid-palate; after the swallow, the candi sugar moves the brew into a sweeter realm, while the alcohol adds a warm sensation in the finish
Mouthfeel: Full bodied with low to moderate carbonation
Overall: Quite a surprise at how well Karl Strauss tackled a difficult style to brew; while the mouthfeel needs some work, the flavor profile is spot on
Thanks, jodan, for the opportunity
Serving type: bottle
12-24-2011 02:55:31 | More by brentk56
4.05/5 rDev +15.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4
Clear reddish brown colored beer with a small tan colored head.
Smell is sweet and fruity with a big brown sugar and figs aroma. Gingerbread and frosting scents, yes it smells sweet. Ethanol fumes carry the scent of butter rum candy. Quite a pleasant aroma.
Starts out sweet with a buttered rum flavor. Brown sugar and tobacco flavors with a bock like bitterness. Little bit of ethanol burn. Finally a little toffee candy.
Mouthfeel is good.
Overall a tasty beer but on the sweet side.
Serving type: bottle
11-30-2011 04:26:15 | More by Zorro
4.03/5 rDev +14.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4
Re-rated on July 18, 2012 to 3.5-4.0-4.0-4.5-4.0 from the original Oct. 15, 2011 version of 4.0-3.5-5.0-5.0-4.5.
Poured from a draft into a tulip at Karl Strauss in downtown San Diego, Calif. Maybe a ½-inch of head. Color appeared to be dark red on the top, but closer to black when looking at it straight on from the sides. Light lacing on the top. Light film on the sides.
Smelled of caramel malts. Also butter, roasty hops and some dark fruits.
Complex flavors that roll of the tongue beautifully. There was a floral/fruity front with a enjoyable smooth finish.
Full body. Average carbonation. Smooth rules the day.
I really liked this beer. The taste is obviously much better than the smell. It just feels so good on the tongue.
Serving type: on-tap
10-15-2011 09:05:51 | More by BucannonXC5
4.03/5 rDev +14.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Appearance: Rich Mahogany in color, pours 1 inch of creme colored head that fades slowly. Lots of lacing.
Smell: Caramel, toffee, raisins, dark fruit, candi sugar, malty, spices, estery.
Taste: Toffee, raisins, dark fruit, spices, candi sugar, malty. Boozy as it warms.
Mouthfeel: full bodied, moderate carbonation, smooth, crisp, boozy as it warms.
Overall: A very tasty beer. Rich, complex flavors. The high ABV is well hidden. Drinkability is fairly high.
Serving type: bottle
12-07-2011 00:55:31 | More by phichifiji00
3.98/5 rDev +13.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
On tap at Karl Strauss.
A: Dark brownish red with a fleeting beige head. Nice color.
S: Toffee is rich and esters are pronounced, reminiscent of plum, date, and prune. Phenolics are peppery and I get a touch of booze in the nose. Caramel accompanies bread and faint toasted notes.
T: Sweet toffee accompanies fig, date, prune, and plum. There's a mild pepper-like spiciness with a soft alcohol profile. Breadiness is pronounced and there's a light bitterness.
M: Upper medium body with matching carbonation. The mouthfeel is sticky and smooth.
Overall: A well done Belgian Strong Dark.
Serving type: on-tap
12-23-2011 23:45:54 | More by HopHead84
3.68/5 rDev +4.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5
Bottle version seems to have a nice carbonation and lacing. Tastes like a fruity liqueur, like the orange Licor de Naranjas they put in margaritas. So sweet at first taste, but the many flavors stretch out with some bitterness underneath. Sharp taste also gives it some balance.
Boozy aroma with hot cherry flavor, golden raisins, and loads of toffee. A pleasant sip though not my favorite example of the style. Still, well made and clean flavors of malt and more malt.
Serving type: bottle
12-03-2011 05:25:14 | More by mactrail
3.65/5 rDev +3.7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5
A: Pours a slightly hazy chestnut color with a very thin sand colored head.
S: Spicy with some banana, fruitcake, cinnamon and some gingerbread. Hints of booze soaked cherry as well.
T: Rich and malty with a spicy backbone. Freshly baked bread. hints of dark fruit and candi sugar and just a trace of alcohol. A touch of hop resin, banana and plum on the finish. Not bad, but the flavors just don't pop in this. I was expecting more.
Serving type: bottle
01-06-2012 23:33:16 | More by notchucknorris
3.61/5 rDev +2.6%
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.75
Poured from a bomber into a tulip glass.
A: Hazy, medium amber color with a peripheral ring of loose parchment-tinted bubbles. No lacing remains on the glass.
S: Crystal malt is syrupy, with some minor savory complexity that suggests a conjunction of Belgian aromatic malt and something more roasted. Malt qualities exceed the tame abbey yeast qualities, although traces of esters are transmitted. No alcohol is detected.
T: Begins off-dry, with mild and slightly husky crystal malt that suggests rustic rye bread. Stone fruit is reserved. The remaining flavor profile is defined by its overall softness; no tasted acidity during the transition to the middle coupled with a gradual tapering-off of malt-derived intensity makes for a pleasant experience that lacks intensity. Some stale herbaceous hops bitterness adds to authenticity in the finish. No alcohol is detected.
M: Thin to medium viscosity, supple and slightly syrupy on the palate, with low carbonation.
D/O: This high gravity seasonal contribution from Karl Strauss was hailed as a particularly enjoyable quadrupel when it was released over two years ago. Presently it would find itself in good company amongst most high-end American versions, with enough balance to establish it as a traditional take on the style.
Serving type: bottle
02-17-2014 20:51:28 | More by beagle75
3.58/5 rDev +1.7%
look: 3 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
Pours a semi-clear dark amber with a 1 inch foamy tan head that fades to an oily film on the top of the beer. Small dots of lace slowly slide down the sides of the glass on the drink down. Smell is of malt, brown sugar/caramel/toffee, banana, candied fruit, and alcohol. Taste is of toasted malt, banana, booze-soaked cherries/dark fruits, caramel/toffee, and alcohol. There is a mild alcohol burn in the throat after each sip. This beer has a medium body with a light carbonation and smooth mouthfeel. Overall, this is a pretty good beer but the taste is just not as good as the smell. Not bad though.
Serving type: bottle
01-14-2012 06:11:53 | More by UCLABrewN84
3.05/5 rDev -13.4%
look: 2 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3
Poured into a 12oz wine glass, chilled. paired with sweetened dates.
a- dark amber, considerately mild effervescence, khaki lacing.
s- a bit astringent, phenol. fruity and roasted aromas are there as well.
t- residual sugar causes sweetness on the front palette. bitterness and bitterness is negligible.
m- medium bodied, creamy, warming. dry finish.
o- simple ode to the Belgium style of a quadruple ale.
Not what I was expecting, for sure. I could tell from the lack of head the translucence that it wasn't going to as complex as something made by Brasserie de Rochefort or St. Bernardus. It reminded me of a flat soda at one point. Perhaps aging would improve the quality, but it seems like it was too focused on flavor. This is the first, out of 3, style from Karl Strauss that miss.
Serving type: bottle
01-21-2012 11:57:32 | More by StoicBeast
2.9/5 rDev -17.6%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3
On Tap
Karl Strauss Brewing Company
Carlsbad, CA
Dark plum color with ruby edges. Very thin khaki colored head and zero lacing left down the glass--no cling whatsoever.
At first, the aroma is decent enough: plum, raisins, dark breads, and a bit of black pepper. As the beer warms, however, the strong, hot, and stinging alcohol content overpowers much of anything else.
The taste follows a similar journey as the aroma: initially, the beer is decent with the dark fruits, caramel malt, mild bitterness, and a touch of spice pushing through. Though, at any temperature but very, very cold, the beer becomes an unbalanced, alcoholic mess.
The mouthfeel is thin and oily--not particularly appropriate for the style.
This was nothing more than a slightly better than average quad. Significant warming does this beer no favors.
Serving type: on-tap
10-15-2011 15:34:17 | More by ehammond1
2.73/5 rDev -22.4%
look: 3.5 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 2 | overall: 2.5
Pours a clear, purplish-amber color with very little white head. Scent is dark fruits with some spices as well. Heavy caramel malt. Taste is initially delicious dark fruits with a strange berry syrup flavor...like the kind you would put on a snow cone. Very sweet candied sugar flavors with caramel malt and booze. Mouthfeel is thin and syrupy. Not the greatest. Drinkability is fair, as this beer becomes more and more syrupy and boozy as it warms. Overall, the dark fruit flavors are nice, but that's about all this beer has going for it. I also don't see it aging well.
Serving type: bottle
11-28-2011 07:55:52 | More by DovaliHops
2.4/5 rDev -31.8%
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 2 | feel: 1.5 | overall: 2.5
I usually love karl strauss but man was i disappointed in this beer.
A: Pours a dark amber with a light tan head that quickly dissipates within seconds.
S: A good whiff of this boy is nothing but rich deep caramel notes. Hops seem to be completely eliminated from this beer.
T: Man i drank a a small glass or two from the bomber that i bought and all i tasted was this deep molasses like character that seemed like to much residual sugar. Completely destroyed any remaining taste buds (in a bad way).
M: Overall it was just way to sugary on the tongue. Could have been better if it was a drier beer.
O: I was really bummed on this beer as i usually buy karl strauss frequently. I was also hoping to age this beer later after my initial tasting. Does not represent the quadruple category very well in my opinion. Overall really way to sweet to enjoy
Serving type: bottle
12-20-2011 02:08:40 | More by PatrickSwayze
1.98/5 rDev -43.8%
look: 4 | smell: 2 | taste: 1.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 2
On tap at The Regal Beagle in San Diego 12/29/11.
A ruddy brown color, a bit murky, red wine burgundy with wispy head. Little to no head present at the end of the glass. Mild nuttiness, candied sugar, and caramel covered fresh baked bread aromas. Sweet brown sugar, and thick caramel flavors with an alcohol burn lingering. Middling mouthfeel tending towards thick. Dry finish.
This has so much candied sugar present that I wonder if a confectioner engineered this brew. I'm not a big fan of candied sugar unless it's used sparingly or equally with another strong, but opposite flavor. That was not the case with this beer. I think of a Quad as a very complex dark Belgian. I was proved wrong once with Deschutes' The Stoic, which wasn't dark. This beer just reinforced my belief that a Quad must be, above all else, complex.
Serving type: on-tap
12-31-2011 06:13:27 | More by Philousa
Two Tortugas from Karl Strauss Brewing Company
81 out of 100 based on 43 ratings.


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jamiebk wrote:Shapley wrote:I'm trying to convince the wife we need to make a trip to SoCal. I'd like to see the Nixon Birthplace Museum (assuming it hasn't burnt down by then) and the Ronaldus Maximus Temple,....errr,.... library and museum.
So far, I haven't won her over. I may have to throw in some kind of entertainment more to her liking.
Does she like ribs? Perhaps you should wait until it is about 10 degrees at home when the lure of SoCal may increase.
Nah. Then she starts thinking Caribbean. It's closer, and non-flammable....

subset: commoncrawl


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101-Year-Old Woman Evicted in Foreclosure
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Hummingbird - decorated wood boomerang
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Note: Colors and Patterns may vary
The Hummingbird decorated wood boomerang is a well made boomerang with a aboriginal boomerang design. It is made with beautiful australian laminated wood and has a interesting pattern inlay design. The Hummingbird boomerang has long range flights with high spin accuracy.
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View 13 poems by Tony Fitzpatrick.
Poetry Magazine
Struggling to Stay Above Water
A portfolio of visual work responding to Hurricane Katrina by artist and poet Tony Fitzpatrick.
View 13 poems by Tony Fitzpatrick.
On February 2, 2009 at 5:49am Kevin Simmonds wrote:
I'm a New Orleans native and it seems
clear that I'll have to go to a bookstore
and look at the printed work. If I were
to judge the work based on its web
presentation, I'd judge harshly. Us New
Orleans natives get tired of people
amplifying (via the loudspeakers of
artwork and journalism) the "holy"
dead of the city. It's the living who
make New Orleans what it is and, it
seems to me, these images resemble
imperialist, fetishist nostalgia on the
covers of old sheet music. Spend some
time with those living musicians and
artisans of every color and you'll
probably have more color than the
black of the notes on the margins. Still
on the margins.
On February 2, 2009 at 2:13pm Tony Fitzpatrick wrote:
Kevin -- I spend about half of my time in New Orleans . I believe it is the most necessary city in America. I also believe that your most valuable resource are the people of New Orleans -- the pieces represented here are a small segment of the work of my New Orleans book.
On February 6, 2009 at 2:58pm Diana Manister wrote:
This work is among the most fresh and imaginative I've seen on the web. Thanks for making it available!
On March 4, 2009 at 12:15pm Michael Martin wrote:
My family is from New Orleans; partially grew up there. Come from a family of artists also. The reason I say this is to mention I am not approaching the work with somewhat 'blind eyes'. The very mention of Katrina and New Orleans stirs my heart. So I am very invested in the work even before I see it.
Tony your work inspired me to draw again after 10 years away from the pen and pencil. It is gorgeous work. Hallucinatory, seen through a haze of humidity. Notes playing.
Poetryfoundation.org welcomes comments that foster dialogue and cultivate an open community on the site. Comments on articles must be approved by the site moderators before they appear on the site. By submitting a comment, you give the Poetry Foundation the right to publish it. Please note: We require comments to include a name and e-mail address. Read more about our privacy policy.
This prose originally appeared in the February 2009 issue of Poetry magazine


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WASHINGTON, DC, Jul 24, 2006 (MARKET WIRE via COMTEX News Network) -- Software developers and system administrators from around the world
gather this week for the Fourth Annual Blackboard Building Blocks
Developers Conference at the Washington Marriott. Blackboard Inc.
(NASDAQ: BBBB) hosts the conference each year to support an open
community of developers and the creation of Blackboard Building
Blocks(TM), innovative tools and software that extend Blackboard's
e-Learning platform. This is the first year Blackboard is hosting an
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workshop will be delivered by the Blackboard Open Source Developers
Group, a community of developers dedicated to creation and use of
open source Blackboard Building Blocks.
Millions of people around the world use The Blackboard Academic
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resources at any time and from any location. Blackboard Building
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and other third-party applications which extend the Blackboard(R)
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are free of charge or available as open source.
Blackboard President and CEO Michael Chasen will deliver the
conference keynote, "e-Learning 2.0," at 9 am on Tuesday, July 25th.
This presentation will be followed by two days of sessions from
clients and Blackboard developers, engineers and executives about all
aspects of Blackboard Building Blocks technology. Examples include
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"With more than 1,000 client and commercial members, the Blackboard
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e-Learning platform," said Michael Chasen, president and CEO of
Blackboard. "The Blackboard Building Blocks community and program
demonstrates our commitment to work with open-source and third party
technologies. This means clients can customize their e-Learning
programs with confidence that the mission critical core of their
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On-site registration for the conference is still open. For more
About Blackboard
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text:
Blue Berry Eyebright: Claims without Evidence
I stumbled across a full page advertisement in the August 2010 Toronto Life, with this headline:
I tried Blue Berry Eyebright and improved my eyesight!"
The rest of the ad is a testimonial from "Earle" who suffers from macular degeneration. Reading the ad, it's clear Blue Berry Eyebright is a supplement specifically at people worried about their vision, and macular degeneration.
What is Macular Degeneration?
I've blogged in detail about age-related macular degeneration (AMD) before. The macula is a small area in the center of the retina of the eye that provides us with the highest resolution of vision, making activities like driving and reading possible. In some, the macula degenerate. Complete vision loss is infrequent: You can lose the central vision, but peripheral vision is usually maintained. AMD is the leading cause of adult blindness and severe visual impairment in industrialized countries. Despite its prevalence, little is known about the cause. Age is the single biggest risk factor. Other factors that may be important include smoking history, female gender, Caucasian race, high blood pressure, obesity, and diet. There are few treatment options for AMD, and no known cure.
There is scientific evidence to show that antioxidants plus zinc modestly slow the progression of AMD in those that already with the disease. They don't reverse it, however. And importantly, patients with no AMD, or early AMD, don't seem to benefit from supplements. . Lutein is another supplement that has been studied for the prevention of AMD – but the evidence for lutein supplements is not strong. The current advice for those without AMD is to ensure lutein is a part of your regular diet. But if you don't have AMD, there's no evidence to suggest you should take any special supplements. So let's take a science-based look at Blue Berry Eyebright.
The Claims
The ad for Blue Berry Eyebright makes the following statement about AMD:
AMD can be helped! Today we know from scientific studies, that flavonoid rich extracts of berries and of Marigold (Lutein) offer significant benefits in the prevention and even treatment of AMD.
This is bold statement, give the actual scientific evidence on AMD. But the ad goes further…it implies your vision can actually improve:
"In June 2006 my eyesight on the right eye was 20/30+. In April 2007, my vision had slipped to 20/60+, a dramatic deterioration. Shortly after I started taking the prescribed dosage of Blue Berry Eyebright, on a daily basis (and I am still taking it). When I met for my eye exam, my vision in my right eye had improve to 20/25+, which was much better.."
What's being described here is a test of visual acuity, and implies Blue Berry Eyebright can actually improve your vision, reversing AMD.
Here are the ingredients, as per the Canadian website:
Blueberry Fruit Extract 400 mg, 5:1 equal to 2000 mg dry berries: "Known from Second World War when the fighter pilots were eating blueberries before their raids to better their night sight. Blueberries are rich in flavonoids, which are good for the small blood vessels and will decrease the build up of toxins. Phyto-ingredients from blueberries are also said to have a beneficial influence on the enzymatic processes in the eye."
The Science: The science of vision has progressed since the Second World War. There's no published evidence that blueberries have any meaningful effects on vision. Blueberry fruit has fibre, and vitamin C. It also contains chemical compounds such as ellagitannins, flavonols (quercetin and kaempferol), catechins, phenolic acids,and resveratrol. There's also some beta-carotene, chlorogenic acid, glutathione, and alpha-tocopherol (vitamin E. There are over 25 individual anthocyanidins (antioxidants), in blueberries, but whether they're absorbed is questionable. There is no information available to show that any of these compounds are in the "extract" formula this product uses.
Eyebright Parts Extract 200 mg, 5:1 equal to 1000 mg dry herb: "According to old folk medicine the plant eyebright was good for the mucous membranes of the eye. Many elderly people have problems with dry eyes and eyebright can help to get a better balance in the mucous membranes and avoid irritation of the eyes."
The Science: We need more than "old folk medicine" to support a scientific claim. There's no published evidence that eyebright, a herb, (Euphrasia rostkoviana) has any of these effects. When used orally or directly in the eye, eyebright has been associated with adverse effects that include headache, increased eye pressure, itching, swelling of eyelid margins, dim vision, photophobia and more. However, it is approved as a food flavouring product in Europe.
Grape Seed Extract 40 mg, 25:1 equal to 1000 mg dry seeds: "Strong flavonoids that just like blueberries will decrease the build up of toxins from the cells. They are also a strong anti-oxidant, which will counteract the damaging effects of free radicals – especially in watery environments like the eye."
The Science: There's no published evidence to demonstrate that grape seeds (Vitis vinifera) have any of these effects. "Decrease the build up of toxins" is a meaningless phrase. Grape seeds contain the antioxidants proanthocyanidins, but there's no published information to suggest they have any meaningful effects on vision.
Marigold Parts Extract 50 mg, (10 mg Lutein): "Found in marigold flowers, spinach and other green leafy vegetables. According to clinical studies you should take at least 6 mg of Lutein per day. This is done most easily by taking a supplement."
The Science: There's no published evidence that marigold has any therapeutic effects for vision. Lutein supplements under 10mg/day are generally considered safe. There's some evidence that lutein can improve some symptoms of established macular degeration, but it doesn't seem to affect the progression of of the disease. While there is some data that suggest that people with diets high in lutien are at lower risk of AMD, it is not clear that lutein supplements provide the same benefit.
I looked further at New Nordic's own "research" on the product. None of the citations provide evidence that the product offers any meaningful benefits. One of the citations is incomplete, and a few look completely irrelevant.
What does Health Canada say?
Blue Berry Eyebright is approved by Health Canada's Natural Health Products Directorate (search product 80016466 here) with the approved Recommended Use:
Used in Herbal Medicine to help slow the progression of disorders of the eye, such as diabetic and hypertensive retinopathy and macular degeneration.
Given there's no published evidence to demonstrate that the ingredients, either alone or in combination, have any effectiveness against these conditions, the Recommended Use is not an science-based statement. Another disappointment from the Natural Health Products Directorate, which continues to illustrate that "safe and effective" is a largely meaningless term.
Curiously, Health Canada's approval data gives a different ingredient list than the manufacturer's own website. According to Health Canada, Blue Berry Eyebright only contains Vaccinium myrtillus (bilberry). Unfortunately, there's no credible evidence to demonstrate that bilberry has any effect on macular degeneration.
The best approach to preventing AMD, in the absence of disease, is to quit smoking, eat a healthy diet rich in sources of lutein (green leafy vegetables), and get your eyes checked regularly. If you have AMD, antioxidant vitamins may be appropriate – ask your physician. Despite Health Canada's endorsement, there's no persuasive evidence that Blue Berry Eyebright will have any meaningful effects on preventing or treating macular degeneration, or improving your vision overall. Blue Berry Eyebright has no place in the science-based pharmacy.
Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database [Internet]. Stockton (CA):Therapeutic Research Faculty; c1995-2010 [cited 2010 September 11]. (Subscription required to view.)
Filed under: articles | 3 Comments
Tags: blue berry eyebright, eyebright, grape seed, macular degeneration, marigold, new nordic, review
3 Responses to "Blue Berry Eyebright: Claims without Evidence"
I agree totally with your conclusion.
I just came across this blueberry eyebright ad in "Prevention" magazine. I came online to write similar points. Thank you for your critique of the ad!
This particular ad that I saw actually doesn't mention macular degeneration. Which is actually worse because it's implying that it cures EVERYTHING then! Mr. Earle form Vancouver BC in the ad claims that his visual acuvities significantly improved from 20/60+ to 20/25+…in 2 years?
It doesn't specify whether it's uncorrected or best corrected visual acuities. It doesn't mention why Mr.Earle's vision was deteriorating so drastically (from 20/30 to 20/60) in one year in the first place. It doesn't say one eye or both eyes.
It's implying this is a magic formula that improves eyesight regardless of the cause of vision decrease! Such an amazing supplement that it cures everything and recovers any previously lost vision.
When it sounds too good to be true, most likely it is. Don't be fooled, folks. It's just an ad. It's about $$$$.
For best ocular health, get routine dilated eye exams, don't smoke, eat a healthy balanced diet, wear sunglasses, and follow the recommendations of your eye doctor.
Very good follow up on this product……….it did sound "too good to be true".


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Church Women United will host this year's World Day of Prayer service at noon March 1 at the First Baptist Church in Elkins. Women from all churches in Randolph County and the surrounding areas are invited to join in a celebration that is shared by more than 170 countries around the world.
A luncheon will precede the program and meeting. Those attending are asked to bring a salad or sandwiches to share.
"I was a stranger and you welcomed me" is the program theme developed by Church Women United in France for this year's service. Jesus' identification with "the least of these" from Matthew 25 and the customs of hospitality found in Leviticus help Christians focus on issues of welcoming strangers and on issues of immigration. They also remember their own feelings of being on the outside and the blessings of being welcomed.
World Day of Prayer is a worldwide movement of Christian women of many traditions who come together to observe a common day of prayer each year on the first Friday in March.
On a local level, members of Church Women United and congregations from more than 15 local churches help provide the food for Holy Week luncheons following the ecumenical service at noon. Final planning for the luncheons will be part of the March 1 meeting and service. The group's members invite and would welcome new members.


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Montana Spartan Sprint
SPARTAN SPRINT: Dominate in the SPARTAN SPRINT and win entry into a SUPER SPARTAN
Registration Fees
|Price Valid Through
|Saturday Individual
|November 10th (Early Bird)
|December 10th
|January 10th
|February 10th
|March 10th
|April 10th
|April 24th
|May 8th (Online Registration Closes)
Military and First responders receive a $30 discount during registration.
**participants will be required to pass a validation procedure via our partners at GovX.
Students receive a $10 discount during registration
**participants will be required to show valid student identification at check-in or must pay the full day of race registration fee
- Elite heats will be an additional $30
- Team Discounts (see below)
Registrations are final. No refunds. No changing start waves.
Important Race DocumentsDownloadable PDF's **Check Back Often, We Do Update These***
Location Information Averill's Flathead Lake Lodge
Averill's Flathead Lake Lodge
150 Flathead Lodge Road
Bigfork, MT 59911
*Located near Kalispell, Montana, the Gateway to Glacier National Park.
Race Day InformationWhat You Need To Know
When: May 11th 2013
Distance: Around 4 miles. Fastest time = 35 minutes.
Start Times: Starting at 8am, waves of 200 athletes will be released every 15 minutes across 5 groups (Elite, Confirmed, Morning, Afternoon, Late Afternoon). YOUR exact start time in the group you registered for will be posted here a few days prior to event date. Want to know more details? Read our FAQ.
Aid Stations: TBD
All Racers Receive:
- - Finishers Medal
- T-Shirt
- Free Beer ticket for anyone 21 and over
- Free Mud
- A chance to do things you would never choose to do on your own
- Bragging Rights
Parking: $10 per car, cash only. Please
feel free to use our Facebook wall to set up carpooling!
Spectators: Want a front row seat to all the Spartan action? Spectator tickets are available for $20 online (click the yellow register button above like you're registering for the race, and you choose the spectator option), or purchase them onsite for $25 (please bring cash). As a Spartan Race spectator, you'll receive $5 Spartan bucks redeemable at the merchandise tent, entry to the rocking festival area, a festival grounds map, access to some of the obstacles on course, not to mention the epic Gladiator pit and finish line. Enjoy the music and watch your friends and loved ones slip and slide through the Spartan course in the relative safety and comfort of the Spartan Race festival grounds! You can also test your fitness in our festival challenges including the Pull-Up Challenge, Slosh Pipe Challenge, Kaiser Challenge and Traverse Wall Challenge. Beware, the next ticket you'll want to buy might have you standing on the Spartan starting line!
Interested in FREE parking and a FREE race entry (for you or anyone else)? Volunteer!
See our FAQ section for more information.
Challenge Your FriendsBuild a Team!
Strength comes in numbers! Become
part of a team to help yourself and others get through the event,
save money, and support our troops.
How does it work?Create a team or join a team! The more people on a team, the more money everyone will get back in their pocket! Each team member will receive a discount, refunded to the method of payment used, a few days prior to race day. The discount escalates as the team size increases, so get more friends to join your team and everyone saves more money!
How many people are needed to make a team?Teams are unlimited with a minimum of four people! Team members are timed individually and are not required to cross the finish line together.
Which team takes home the prizes?The fastest 4 times of the team will be used to calculate the team's finishing time. Prizes will be awarded to the team who finishes on top! Interested? Learn more here...
Race Packet Pick-Up Friday, May 10th, 2013 5:30pm – 7:30pm
Sportsman & Ski Haus
Kalispell, MT
Free Food, Live Music
Spartan Kids RaceSpartan Racing For Kids
Varsity Spartan | 1 mile
Spartan Race is not only limited to adult fun! Bring the kids ages 4-13 who can participate in their very own Jr. Spartan race. They will enjoy the thrill of the run, a variety of scaled down obstacles and their own mini festival area filled with games and children's challenges! Our mission is to inspire children to develop a love for fitness at an early age.
The course is about a 1⁄2 mile filled with junior obstacles for Jr. Spartans and 1 mile for Varsity Spartans. Each child will receive a T-shirt and Finisher's Medal with 100% of the Jr. Spartan Adventure proceeds benefiting the Kids Fit Foundation.
As a leader in the movement to help children learn life-long health and fitness habits, the Kids Fit Foundation strives to raise awareness and develop programs that educate, empower and inspire kids to become and stay fit.
Spartan Kids' heats go off between 12pm and 1pm.
Pre-Register: $25 / Day of Registration: $30
*Kids Registration and check-in closes at noon so please be early.
To register, click the REGISTER button
on the top right of this page.
AccommodationsSpartan Lodging
Discover Kalispel to choose from a number of great hotels. Make
sure to mention the Spartan Race when booking your room for discounted
Race Results & PhotosWhere Do I Get Them?
You can go right here for
results and photos. To see photos, search for your name or bib #, click on your name and you will see a "Race Photos" tab.


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Hey. Me again.
So, contract on my last job ended two weeks ago; still haven't found a new gig. Still hopeful, but it's getting a bit stressful.
Mostly I'm bummed I'm not playing Skyrim right now. Which is stupid because I've got lots of other things to do, like finish painting three canvases before Christmas.
For now this keeps me pumped.
So, what else has been going on? Hillary's computer died just after my new one got put together, so we just ordered basically the same parts again for her. I've got to RMA the PSU before we can get it running though. She's not happy with being stuck on her netbook for everything, and stealing mine to do dailies.
Aaaaaaaaaaaaand that's enough for now, I guess. Maybe more within a month? Let's not get out hopes up.


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Free Violence Prevention Course
Each year, more than 54,000 people lose their lives to violence. In addition to the tremendous physical and emotional toll, violence has substantial medical, lost productivity, and other costs. In 2000, these totaled more than $70 billion in the United States. The figure grows when we add criminal justice system costs, social services, and other expenses.
As Dr. Howard Spivak, director of CDC's Division of Violence Prevention, says, "Violence isn't something that just happens that you can't do anything about. It can be prevented."
One way CDC is helping the nation prevent violence is a free on-line course that's available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It's called Principles of Prevention. For more information, visit http://vetoviolence.cdc.gov/pop/.
The course—which offers continuing education credits—teaches key concepts of primary prevention, the public health approach, and the social-ecological model. Participants complete interactive exercises to learn to help prevent five types of violence:
- Child abuse and neglect
- Intimate partner violence
- Sexual violence
- Suicide
- Youth violence
Principles of Prevention is designed for those working to stop violence from ever happening. It helps professionals move from the problem to the solution.
This course teaches the fundamentals of effective violence prevention methods and incorporates the growing body of research on what works.
The Principles of Prevention course includes:
- Interviews with leading experts in the field
- Dynamic graphics
- Interactive exercises
- Compelling storytelling that makes the case for violence prevention
CDC Committed to Preventing Violence
CDC is committed to preventing violence and the injuries and deaths that result from it. Our Division of Violence Prevention works to:
- Monitor injuries caused by violence
- Research what puts people at risk or protects them from violence
- Create violence prevention programs
- Help states and local communities plan, start, and evaluate prevention programs
- Research what works in adopting and sharing prevention strategies
More Information
CDC works 24/7 saving lives and protecting people from health threats to have a more secure nation. A US federal agency, CDC helps make the healthy choice the easy choice by putting science and prevention into action. CDC works to help people live longer, healthier and more productive lives.
Get email updates
To receive email updates about this page, enter your email address:
Contact Us:
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
1600 Clifton Rd
Atlanta, GA 30333
- Contact CDC-INFO


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Frequently asked questions
I. If you do not have a log-in or a password, please register. Registration provides you with access to three months' worth of articles. (Please note, though, that registered users gain access to articles published in the newspaper only a week after publication.)
II. If you have a subscription to the newspaper, but no website account yet, just enter the email address linked to your subscription in the log-in field and hit log-in, leaving the password field blank. Your log-in and password will be sent to you by email automatically. (You can always change that password to a more personal and memorable one in the 'My EV' section.)
III. If you have forgotten your password, just type in your e-mail address and click on the Log In button. A new password will be sent to you by e-mail. (The e-mail will also contain a reminder of your log-in.)


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Similar Free Crochet Patterns: Snowman Patterns | Winter Crochet Patterns | Christmas Patterns | Christmas Ornaments | Holiday Patterns
Swirling snowflakes provide us with inspiration galore. It's amazing that each one is a unique, one-of-a-kind masterpiece. Crochet is an ideal medium for capturing the dazzling beauty of a snowflake; think of crocheted snowflakes as a fascinating exploration in fiber and symmetry.
Beginner-Friendly Crochet Snowflake Trivet
This simple crocheted trivet is shaped like a retro-style mod snowflake. The three-dimensional effect is created using metal bottle caps, which are covered with crocheted circle shapes. It's a fun, earth-friendly crochet project that allows you to upcycle materials which would otherwise be tossed in the trash. Best of all, it's simple enough for beginners to crochet.
Easy Crochet Snowflake Pattern
Amy Solovay
This is an easy pattern that utilizes basic crochet stitches.
Easy Winter Snowflake Applique
This snowflake is easy to crochet; it features basic stitches and simple shaping.
Snowflake Potholders
A snowflake applique adds a lacy touch, plus a bit of dimension, to this two-toned potholder.
- Get the free potholder pattern and the free chart for crocheting this design
- See a larger picture of the snowflake motif
- See a larger picture of the potholder
- Get the free pattern for the snowflake applique
Beaded Crochet Snowflake - Free Pattern
Here's a pretty beaded snowflake with a multitude of possible uses. I used mine to decorate the cover of a winter-themed mini scrapbook album. I am sure you can think of plenty of other creative uses as well.
If the winter holidays tend to sneak up on you, this is one of those projects you'll want to make a note of. It's a lightweight crochet project you can make ahead of time, even during the summer months.
Snowflake Cloche Hat Pattern
The crocheted snowflake catches your eye when you attach it to this cloche hat; but you can remove the snowflake, which is great because that would allow you to wear the hat well into spring and fall.
- Get the classic snowflake pattern
- Get the cloche hat pattern
Five-Point Snowflake Applique
This imaginative snowflake pattern is by Erica Jackofsky.
Shimmering Lace Snowflake Pattern
Designer: Cheri Mancini
Where to Get the Free Crochet Pattern: It's posted at Cheri's crochet website, and linked above.
Materials Used to Crochet the Snowflake: Size 10 crochet thread; the designer used a shimmery thread -- Royale thread in the White/Pearl color. Crochet hook: size 7.
About This Pattern: When crocheted using the designer's suggested materials, this snowflake measures about four inches. This is an intricate, delicate looking snowflake that is simply beautiful. Blocking and stiffening are required to achieve the results pictured on Cheri's website.
Crochet Lace Snowflake
Designer: Cheri Mancini
Where to Get the Free Crochet Pattern: It's posted at Cheri's crochet website, and linked above.
Materials Used to Crochet the Snowflake: Size 10 crochet thread; the sample snowflake was crocheted using white/pearl Royale thread. Crochet hook: size 7.
About This Snowflake: It's gorgeous!
Crochet Snowflake Garland
Crochet Skill Level: Intermediate
Where to Get the Free Crochet Pattern: It's posted at the Coats and Clark website, and linked above.
Materials Used to Crochet the Snowflake: Red Heart Super Saver yarn and a size F/5 crochet hook
About This Pattern: If you crochet this design exactly like the project sample, you'll have a garland that can be used as a Christmas decoration. However, you could crochet only the first snowflake if you'd rather have a single snowflake instead of an entire garland.
Designer: Mary Jane Protus


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Ready for another night on the graveyard shift! Creepy Costume includes long black robe, skeleton mask with attached shroud, tattered black overcoat and skeleton-hand gloves.
Polyester. Hand wash cold. Line dry. Imported. Shoes, lantern and chain prop not included.
Order yours ONLINE today!
Please Note: 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 Puerto Rico or APO or FPO addresses.
Adult Grave Ghoul Plus-sized Costume
You qualify for a free gift. It will be added to your cart automatically.
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IN THEATERS APRIL 25THRated: R
Directed by: Nick Cassavetes
Written by: Melissa Stack
Featuring: Cameron Diaz, Leslie Mann and Kate Upton
Plot: After discovering her boyfriend is married, Carly soon meets the wife he's been cheating on. And when yet another affair is discovered, all three women team up to plot mutual revenge on the three-timing SOB.
Want more help finding passes to a screening?
Check out the Screening Exchange Forums in the Cinemit Community now!
Upcoming Cinemit Screenings
- Various Cities
Wednesday, April 9th
Gofobo - Various Admit 2s
[Up For Grabs]: Click here!


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By TOOLS OF THE TRADE Editors
DeWalt A Lithium Ion Inspection Camera Kit (DCT410S1) is part of the new 12 Volt MAX cordless platform. This tool can be used to take videos and still photos within otherwise inaccessible spaces, such as inside walls, pipes, ductwork, and machinery. Images can be recorded to a MicroSD memory card. The camera has a cordless and removable 3.5-inch LCD screen for convenient viewing away from the camera unit. Its lens is mounted to a waterproof 3-foot flexible cable with hook and magnet tips that allow it to be used as a retrieval tool; optional extension lengths may be added as needed. Price: $299. 800-433-9258. www.dewalt.com.
Cordless Tools
Currently available only in Europe, the Quadrive PDC 18/4 spins and hammers twice as...
Measuring and Layout Tools
A portable saw with a wheeled stand and 32 1/2 inches of rip capacity.
Launch Time
This portable winch can pull or hoist up to 1,000 pounds.
Milwaukee expands measurement tool line with the addition of the 2280-20 and 2282-20...
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2014 Hanley Wood Media, Inc. All rights reserved.


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Black Rabbit - Part elevenNearly a month had passed and not many visits were made really.It was early December now and Shiloh had been at the library daily. Going there in the early morning and leaving in the late evening; studying had become a crucial thing for him ever since his auntie had come home for November and left a few days before now. She's always been so stern and concrete when it came to the boy's schooling and education. It took about fifteen minutes to get at least halfway home from the now closed library, which was cozy and an old white building, at least in daylight. Now, it would have looked more like a ghost house.Shiloh said goodbye to the librarian before he left, his caution sign messenger bag shouldered and his mittens pulled over his dainty little fingers as he began walking home, hesitantly. It was soon too dark for him to see the ground anymore, and he could feel little droplets of water sprinkling down onto him. But he didn't take too much heed to it, just water.Casey, of course, w
Black Rabbit - Part sevenThe late October breeze shifted leaves across the sidewalks and roadways, which were usually empty. But tonight, they were filled with children in colorful costumes and teenagers looking to make some trouble. It was Halloween. And every dressed up child that Casey passed made him regret where he was driving even more. Shiloh had somehow pulled him into going trick or treating today, which was nearly impossible for someone to do. The raven absolutely hated trick or treating and hadn't done it since he was around the age of ten. But, Casey just couldn't say no to Shiloh. Maybe it was his baby blue eyes, staring into whatever goodness was left in his soul. Or perhaps it was the simple fact that Casey was growing very fond of the boy. Their agreement was that they he would go trick or treating with Shiloh just as long as he didn't wear a costume.But as Casey pulled up to the quaint second story house on the hill, he couldn't help have a hunch that he would actually be in a costume sometim
Black Rabbit - Part eightThe morning light filtered through the soft baby blue curtains and cast a warm light across the cozy bedroom and onto the bed that usually just had one pink topped boy curled up innit. But this morning, a snake bitten rabbit held him close as they both slept ever so soundly. Unlike every other time that Casey woke up with a boy in the same bed, this was a pure, sweet kind of cuddle. As they lay there sleeping, Shiloh had his face pressed into Casey's chest, and the raven's face was submerged in Shiloh's soft, candy hair. Eventually, the taller of the two slowly came to. He looked up to the window, and then back down to what he had just brought his face up from. When he saw it was Shiloh though, his emerald eyes widened slowly and in one swift movement, he rolled out of the bed."No... no no no no no. Fuck... why did I..." he whispered, slowly crawling away from the bed.Of course, the whore thought he had sex with Shiloh the previous night, but didn't notice that he was still dressed i
Black Rabbit - Part tenAfter a little while of talking with the angsty and peculiar teenager, Annie just shrugged it off and let him be. She could tell that he was nervous around her, though she'd keep a close eye on them anyways; she was like a bear watching over her baby. In this case, Shiloh was her baby.Shiloh was still hanging onto Casey's waist like a koala, face nuzzled into his shirt. He was still out like a light.Casey immediately calmed down once Annie walked off. His heart was racing and his palms were sweating badly. It was a wonder the sound of his heart didn't wake Shiloh up. This was far from the first time Casey ran into parents though, and definitely not the most awkward. Once, when he was trying to escape from a house after a night of fun, he was forced to sit and have a cup of coffee by his partner's dad while they went on and on about the "beauty of mars". He just pulled Shiloh a little closer after she left and tried to calm down. The boy probably wasn't going to wake up for a while, a
Black Rabbit - Part six"But... You said you loved me..." I whimper. He just looks at me with careless eyes; the same eyes that used to show me compassion and instill the greatest joy in me. The eyes that had just wandered across my naked virgin skin last night and took in every detail. He shrugs with the shoulders my arms used to perch on when we hugged."Listen kid, I just wanted to bang you." He scoffs, almost in a laugh. I couldn't believe that it was the same voice that comforted me softly, saying it wouldn't hurt as he stole my innocence away from me.I feel the tears come on, but everything else in me is numb. There is a lump in my throat, and I can't speak. It doesn't matter though, since I have no words to say. Without another word, he just walks away. It can't be though. I want to reach out and grab his shirt, maybe pull him back into my world."No!" I suddenly yelp. And he turns back. That moment right there was the last time I remember even seeing him. His blonde hair falling ever so perfectly in
Black Rabbit - Part four"Out! Everyone out!" Casey yelled from the top of the stairs. He was absolutely pissed at himself. This whole thing was a stupid idea. Not only did he jeopardize his best and only friendship, but Shiloh's house was absolutely trashed. Of course, no one could really hear him over the music, so the teen had to use force. He roughly pushed people out of the way of the stereo, and abruptly turned it off. "I SAID EVERYONE FUCKING OUT. NOW." he screamed.With grunts and complaints, most of the teenagers left, but Casey then had to go upstairs and chase some kids out of bedrooms and bathrooms. Once the house was completely empty except for Shiloh and himself, Casey let himself fall on the couch. He was riddled with regret and guilt, and the dark thoughts began to creep back into his mind. He wanted to die for what he did to Shiloh, even though he had done much worse before. "I can't believe I did that to Shiloh. MY Shiloh." Casey muttered to himself, rubbing his eyes. But it took him a second
Black Rabbit - Part fiveThe school courtyard only had about a dozen other students. Just mucking about; talking about their general idiotic things that went right over Shiloh's head as he wandered over to one of the few trees and sat in the grass beneath it. Blades of grass folding awkwardly and brushing against his puffy checkered pants. He hadn't seen his friend much today and it was already lunch hour. The boy never really realized just how lonely school was till today since they'd normally spent nearly all of their time together. Though there were some times that Casey would go off without saying why or where
Shiloh never really questioned it though.It's not like Casey had no friends before him anyways.. But Shi had just grown soattached to him and couldn't fight the often sense of jealousy that'd developed towards said friends.Leaves rustled above him due to a light but chilled breeze that swept along the school's roof. The thing that caught a nearby pair of hazel eyes was Shiloh's hair. T
Black Rabbit - Part nineLater that night, Casey had left Shiloh's house, saying he had to go home. But sure enough, his car pulled up into the boy's driveway the next morning to give the pinky a ride to school. The whole way there though, he couldn't help thinking about that sweet morning they spent together and the kiss they shared at the park. The scenes just replayed in his head over and over again, and every time, his stomach felt fluttery. As he sat there in Shiloh's driveway, waiting for him to come out, he just let his head fall back on the headrest of his seat and smiled warmly. Even though the chill of autumn slowly crept into the car and through his thin sweater, those memories just made him feel oh so warm.The pinky soon came out of his house and ran up to the car; his thick pink hair bouncing with his steps as he got in and sat beside Casey in the passenger's seat."Hi Casey~ How're you?" Shi asked with his lips curled into a sweet smile as he buckled himself in and pulled his hands into his bunn
Black Rabbit - fourteenThe thing he remembered most about her was her long blonde locks of hair that draped down her back and sat propped upon her shoulders. The way it caught the rays of sunrise, glowing with an almost pink hue against the morning lights and long shadows. He could remember how much his father loved her hair and nearly cried when she had cut it to her shoulders, it used to be longer at one point- but those memories were fuzzy now. The recollection of his father twisting the ringlets of gold in his fingers as he held her in an embrace, whispering little sweet nothings into her ear before he'd go off to work and leave her with the baby. He could also remember her eyes vividly; he could never let those gems slip from his memory for they were also his eyes- light blues with a dark blue splotch circling the iris. They were like staring into a swirling pool of sky coloured acrylic paints; The way that they lit up once meeting her sweet little butterscotch haired baby who gree
Misfortunate March BerryIn spite of his adrenaline fuelled sprint, the boy soon found himself in the claws of his predator. His once calm stroll through the park had backfired entirely on him. Moments meant to be spent reflecting on his newly developed self-loathing and pity. Instead, he found himself hurtling towards the ground with fear scorched in his hot, streaming eyes. He stopped short before wet blades of grass, his assailant's rough hand grabbing at the collar of his jacket and yanking him upright."Monster," the considerably broader and more aggressive man spat into the poor boy's face. Defensively, the prey lifted his hands up to his face; just in time to see the glint of metal from the leather man's glove. Eyes widening, he tore away from his grasp, the fibres in his sweater stretching and tearing as he made yet another attempt to flee. However, leather snatched him up by the arm effortlessly and expertly. He twisted the skinny boy's arm behind his back and held
Bottle BayIt's a funny thing when you first meet the person you're destined to be with forever; and this was no exception to the then new school student, Bernard. Though what he should have been expecting when he first met said person, he did not know. Truthfully, he just wanted to lock himself away in the library and indulge in texts of alien lands and futuristic utopia. However, what the colourful boy ended up with was something completely different.That first day of school, little Bernie was hoping to be making friends with people. A trade he had very little success in at previous houses of education. He strived to find common interest, goals, and dreams with others. A small group he could be a significant part of: the funny one; the smart one; the glue that held them together. Heck, he was ready to be the stupid one that they spoke fun about constantly. He just did NOT want to be the one taking the blame for a near acid-to-the-face-attack in science, but he'd been bullied into it; and
LovelessWhen people say they love each otherDo they really mean they do?Or just to keep each other satisfiedBut never tell the truth?Loving isn't possible'I love you' is a lieBecause why would you love me?You don't even have to tryWhen people say they love meThey don't meant they doIt's just to keep me satisfiedThey never tell the truth
It's Late - twoSmall, curious whispers led to action as running footsteps could be heard off in the distance, getting further and further away, while the disturbance of leaves crumbling and a bush being disturbed by violent movement increased; a fairly tall, hoodied man flung himself with a clenched fist at the assaultee's head, hitting him square in the temple as he spat the words "Get the fuck off'a him!" in a devilish and fury filled voice.Still lying on the ground in a teary and minor bloody mess remained Abel, sobbing and shaking even after the pissed off drunk had been knocked off of him by his rescuer. Whoever it was had clearly strong considering that he'd taken out the alcohol ridden bastard with one blow. He dared to open an eye, just enough to get a glimpse of the taller man. Sure, he looked equally as shady, but atleast he wasn't staking him too. Speaking of staking, now that he was no longer being molested, or pinned down, he may as well take the split second of time to inspect the now
first dateCome on Kid, you can do this. You're the son of Lord Death! There is nothing you can't do. You can do this. You can totally do this!! I sighed and looked at myself in the mirror. Other than my obviously asymmetrical hair I looked pretty good. But still . . . "I can't do this.""Quit being a pansy. Haven't you faced scarier things then this?" Liz's words weren't reassuring. Over the years we have faced many kishin together, but nothing could come close to the terror I was facing now."Don't be so hard on him sis." Patty, Liz's twin sister, said peeking out from under the blankets on my bed. "Facing a kishin like Crona has to be pretty hard. Espically if he's by himself." She paused and hid under them again. "Which reminds me. Kid, why did you agree to this one-on-one fight?""They aren't fighting Patty. Kid is taking Crona to see a mov
Soul Maka: ResonanceWhen she had first partnered up with Soul, she didnt think either of them had any clue what was in store.Just another pair of weapon and meister, training to battle your normal run of the mill kishin eggs like hundreds of other Death City residents.It was a pretty professional relationship. as professional as two stubborn teens could get, at least. Neither had shown any romantic interest in eachother for a long time, even while living together.She had agreed to train him to be a Death Scythe, thinking of him purely as JUST a weapon, and he had probably thought of her as JUST a meister that would get him to the top.It was a mutual relationship.Of course it wasn't as cold and boring as it seemed. Obviously living together had gradually brought them closer, by their 80th soul (BEFORE the Blair incident) they could comfortably call eachother close friends, often spending time together despite their constant bickering.She thinks it was right around when Soul had protected her from Ste
My Scars Prove You Wrong (original song)Scars on the surface, on my skinLook at the wounds to know, where i've beenThrowing me against, my own wallsBut I've learned to fly, when i fallAnd I know my scars are only on the surfaceAnd I know that I, I, I am not worthlessNo matter how they break me, i'm unbreakableNo matter how they hurt me, i'm invincibleYou know a heartKeeps on bleedingWhen it breaks it goes on beatingI, I'll keep on keeping on'Cause my scars prove you, wrong.
Fish Legs - 3It had been a complete hassle to get a room in a decent inn that night, though somehow the devious captain had his ways much to his oceanic companion's oblivious nature; Rupert didn't even catch the innkeeper's shocked expression at point blank range, let alone anything else. Then again, he was still trying to get accustomed to walking on his own two feet let alone anything else. He sat on the small but cozy bed and looked about the room, idly kicking his legs."There's so many interesting things here," he hummed merrily, "it's so lively, heh"The high statured captain pulled his gaze from the shabby old window with a view of the horizon; the silver orb leaving surreal brush strokes of light on the ribbed waves. A dazed look cloaked the captain's shadowed face, his hat only providing light on his lips as a smug little grin pulled at his lips. "Very lively indeed, I'm glad to see that you're so merry~"The little blue merboy grinned himself and giggled. "Of course I am!" he beamed happi
Black Rabbit - Part twelveA pale light poured into the dark apartment from a kitchen window, and covered the angsty resident. Casey sat in the grungy kitchen, looking at the rust covered refrigeration and inhaling death from his third cigarette of the morning. The air in the small space was a little bit foggy from this method of stress relief, but there was no way Casey was going to open a window. Since he barely made enough money from being a whore and stealing from his now four boyfriends to pay rent, he never turned the heat on and always wore several layers of clothing. He was barely ever home anyway, so it didn't matter. This was simply a place to keep his belongings in and bring the occasional client home.Cigarette number three was soon diminished to the butt and once it was, the whore rubbed it on the bottom of his plain sage green ceramic ash tray. It was a housewarming gift from boyfriend #2; probably purchased at a garage sale for a dollar. The ash tray honestly looked like something you'd see in the
And here you have
the number one
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ack: Close-ups (this
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TORONTO - Those between ages 18-64 who have no prescription drug insurance can call (740) 537-2210 for assistance. A team of volunteers will help clients apply for low-cost or no-cost medications. The free program has been providing assistance since 2002 at the Riverview United Methodist Church, 105 N. River Ave. Assistance is provided on the first Thursday of each month from 10 a.m. to noon. The entrance to the church is handicap accessible.
Those age 65 or older and who have no prescription insurance are eligible for the program.
This is not a distribution center for medications, but a volunteer-based program that assists in filling out paperwork and sending in necessary applications to drug manufacturers. Once approved, clients begin receiving medications directly from companies in six to eight weeks.


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Beauty and the Bees
Beauty & the Bees Tasmania produce 100% chemical-free, luxuriously rich Leatherwood honey products that really work, handmade - ethically - in a small business - by women just like you.
Beauty & the Bees use only premium quality Australian ingredients found among the healthy gourmet foods you eat and drink. Ingredients like our island's unique raw, unpasteurised Leatherwood honey, certified organic olive oil, certified organic/biodynamic Tasmanian herbs.
Only the highest quality honey, nut, plant and herb oils-all at effective concentrations.
The products are especially soothing and healing for those whose skin has been sensitised and damaged by years of exposure to chemical skincare products.
The Beauty & the Bees difference
- No fake scents
- No skin-peeling synthetics
- No drying, skin ageing petrochemicals
- No polluting plastics
- No false claims or promises
- No lies...
Just 100% chemical-free, luxuriously rich products that really work, handmade - ethically - in a small business - by women just like you.
Click "Visit Website" to shop online.
Contact: 1800 688 563
User reviewsUser Reviews - see how Kidspot parents share their recommendations
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BEST PRODUCTS EVER!!!By Tara on 11/10/2013 11:30:45 PM
I've been using Beauty & the Bees since I luckily stumbled across it in 2001 on our honeymoon to Tassie. I've always been a sufferer of very dry and sensitive skin and so was awestruck with how amazingly effective these products were on both my face and body. Absolutely love everything in the range. I have had it sent to me all over Australia over the past 12 yrs. Friends (...) Read more
Botty Butter is AWESOME!!By LarissaLewis74 on 25/07/2013 12:09:23 PM
I was given a sample tin of botty butter as a gift on the birth of my first baby. I will never cease to be amazed at the natural healing power of this product. It cured the worse blistered and bleeding nappy rash virtually overnight, and am now using it on my second baby too. But we have now also used it to cure cradle cap, dry skin, soothe other rashes on the entire fa (...) Read more
Beauty from TassieBy Jodie on 16/07/2013 5:22:05 PM
I was introduced to Beauty and the Bees during a visit to Salamanca markets at Easter and I will never turn back. I bought the shampoo bar and apple cider rinse as my daughter had really bad chlorine in her hair, the shine and strength it bought back was amazing so I started using this myself. I have since changed all our shower and bath products and about 1 month go my sk (...) Read more
Beauty & the Bees is THE BOMB!By claire.e.thomson on 15/07/2013 2:48:26 PM
I have been using these products now for 8 years. I used to chop and change constantly because a) I get bored quickly and b) I could never find something that really nourished and nurtured my dry skin. Then I found Beauty and the Bees. I just cannot get bored with the most amazingly smelling and lusciously beautiful products. I mean, how could you? My favourite are the (...) Read more
Healed my 2 month old son's eczemaBy jackie.ng on 15/07/2013 2:11:36 PM
My 2 month old has sensitive skin and he had an allergic reaction to numerous brands of products. We ordered the baby products sampler pack and all of the products have worked well with my son's skin. The herb and honey cream in particular soothes his eczema and calms his skin. I live in Hong Kong and I'm willing to pay the extra shipping costs for this product!
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My dad recommended this for my husband who had flaky scalp and was using anti dandruff shampoo which made his hair smell like a toxic waste dump! We have been using beer soap for probably 3 years now and his hair and scalp are so healthy and no more flaky scalp. So thanks to Beauty and the Bees wonderful Beer Soap.
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I use the Goats Milk Shampoo and Cider Vinegar rinse on my grand daughter's hair (4YO), her hair is long to her waist and this product leaves hair shiny, smooth, chemical free and best of all tangle free, no tears when brushing the hair. Thank you Beauty and the Bees
FABULOUS PRODUCT !By tracaleen on 17/05/2011 11:50:50 AM
Natural, Australian Made, very gentle. This product is so nice to use!


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Please enter your travel dates.
Standard Double Room, 2 Double Beds
Standard Room, 1 King Bed
Deluxe Room, 1 King Bed
Deluxe Double Room, 2 Double Beds
Convenient to airport and Allstate Arena
Complimentary shuttle
This hotel is 4 blocks from Allstate Arena (DePaul Blue Demons; Chicago Wolves) and 2 miles from O'Hare Airport; complimentary 24-hour shuttle service is provided.
Free breakfast
Two restaurants, complimentary wireless Internet access, coffee and tea are available in the lobby. Complimentary continental breakfast is available daily.
Complimentary Wi-Fi
Each of the 142 guestrooms includes complimentary wireless Internet access, a desk with a rolling chair, and refrigerators and microwaves on request.Information missing or incorrect? Tell us!
Hotel Amenities
- General
This Best Western is four blocks from Allstate Arena and one mile from O'Hare International Airport.
The hotel provides complimentary 24-hour shuttle service to the airport and the airport train station. A scheduled shuttle within a two-mile radius, including Target, is also available.
A 24-hour fitness center is on site. Guests also have discounted access to a nearby fitness center, one block away. A shop selling drinks, snacks, and microwave meals is available. Wireless Internet access is complimentary throughout the hotel; complimentary coffee and tea are provided in the lobby. Complimentary contintental breakfast is served daily.
Self parking is complimentary during guests' stay; extended parking (surcharge) is also available from the hotel.
- Offsite parking reservations required
- Complimentary newspapers in lobby
- Use of nearby fitness center (discount)
- Fitness facilities
- Room service (limited hours)
- Free parking
- Self parking
- Audiovisual equipment
- Business services
- Total number of rooms - 142
- Safe-deposit box at front desk
- Express check-in
- 24-hour front desk
- Express check-out
- Multilingual staff
- ATM/banking
- Laundry facilities
- Dry cleaning/laundry service
- Coffee/tea in lobby
- Microwave in lobby
- Air-conditioned public areas
- Elevator/lift
- Number of floors - 3
- Bar/lounge
- Airport transportation (complimentary)
- Grocery/convenience store
- Shopping on site
- Snack bar/deli
- One meeting/conference room
- Luggage storage
- Free breakfast
- Free Wi-Fi
- Free guest parking during stay
- Number of restaurants - 3
- Television in lobby
- Internet
Available in some public areas: Free Wi-Fi
- Parking
Free parking, Free guest parking during stay, Self parking, Offsite parking reservations required
- Room Amenities
- Premium TV channels
- Pay movies
- Video-game console
- Climate control
- Complimentary weekday newspaper
- Blackout drapes/curtains
- Air conditioning
- Free local calls
- Coffee/tea maker
- Complimentary toiletries
- Hair dryer
- Shower/tub combination
- Cable TV service
- Desk
- Iron/ironing board
- Daily housekeeping
- Rollaway/extra beds available
- Cribs/infant beds available
- Complimentary newspaper
- In-room safe
- Dining
Pine Grove Restaurant - Casual American fare for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Open early morning to late evening.
Shoeless Joe's Sports Bar & Grille - Sports bar with big-screen TVs. Offers a lunch, dinner, and late-night menu. Open daily.
The Marketplace - Minimart. Snacks and frozen foods. Open 24 hours.
- Recreation
The hotel has a 24-hour fitness room with five exercise machines, including treadmills and stationary bicycles. Mats, TV, and water are also available.
Guests receive discounted access to a fitness center two blocks away. Lake Park (in Des Plaines) is two miles away. The park has a golf course, jogging, and paddle boats. In the winter the lake is open for ice-skating and ice hockey.
The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or near the hotel; fees may apply.
- Golfing nearby
- Golf - driving range nearby
- Rowing or canoeing nearby
- Sailing nearby
- Swimming nearby
- Racquetball/squash nearby
- Tennis nearby
- Running track/path nearby
- Basketball nearby
- Aerobics nearby
- Volleyball nearby
- Yoga classes/instruction nearby
- Hiking/biking trails nearby
- Playground nearby
Policies & Fees
- Check-in
Minimum check-in age is 21
Check-in time starts at 3 PM
- Check-out
Check-out time is noon
- Payment types
Accepted at this hotel: Diners Club, Discover, MasterCard, Visa, American Express
- General
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on hotel policy.
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card or cash deposit are required at check-in for incidental charges.
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges. Special requests cannot be guaranteed.
- Fees
- The following fees and deposits are charged by the property at time of service, check-in, or check-out.
The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.
- Late check-out fee: USD 25.00
- Rollaway bed fee: USD 10.00 per night
- Additional Details
Children 12 years old and younger stay free when occupying the parent or guardian's room, using existing bedding.
Awards & Affiliations
- Details
- A Green / Sustainable Property - Third Party CertifiedThis property participates in Green Key Eco-Rating Program, a third-party certification program that has been independently certified. Third-party certification measures the property's impact on one or more of the following: environment, community, cultural-heritage, the local economy. An objective assessment of a company's sustainable tourism practices has been performed at this property by an auditor who is independent of the third-party certification program.


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Indicative Rate* $35.00 to $35.00 One Way
Airlink Express provides a premium service airport transfer between the Gold Coast Airport and all hotels and motels and private addresses on the Gold Coast. Airlink Express also provides transfers between Gold Coast locations and Brisbane Airport and Byron Bay.
Airlink Express provides direct transfers to your destination. They have a modern fleet of Toyota Hi-Ace 13 passenger commuter mini-buses.... more
Airlink Express is a family friendly company and provides free of charge child restraints such as car seats and booster seats. All transfers are subject to availability. Advance bookings are strongly recommended. A minimum of 24 hours' notice is appreciated. Airlink Express also offers transfers to Theme Parks.... less
Child restraints such as car seats and booster seats provided free of charge. Advance booking required for this service.
Pets Allowed:
Yes. Pet packs and guide dogs. Advance booking required for this service.
General Comments
Airlink Express mini buses are all clearly identifiable with their logos and phone number. Their drivers are all qualified with an appropriate Driver Authority from Queensland Transport. Airlink Express is a registered transport operator with Queensland Transport.
Hotel Pick-up
At the airport guests are met and greeted by a uniformed Airlink Express driver displaying a personal name board. Guests are met at hotel reception areas for airport-bound journeys.
Tariff Text
Please contact operator to confirm rates, and for rates to all other areas of the Gold Coast.
Airlink Express provides a premium service airport transfer between the Gold Coast Airport and all hotels and motels and private addresses on the Gold Coast.
Transport Service Departs From
Transport Service Travels To
|Adult One Way
* Please note: These rates are indicative based on the minimum and maximum available costs of listed products and services. To obtain a firm price from the provider, please use the contact the operator. All prices are quoted in Australian dollars.